Rapunzel: (worriedly) Guys, I think I'm in trouble. Mother Gothel is really mad at me.
Jake: (supportively) Don't worry, Rapunzel. We'll support you no matter what.
Ryan: (agreeing) Yeah, we're not going toas let Mother Gothel control your life.
Gina: (encouragingly) You're almost 18, Rapunzel. It's time to start making your own decisions.
Rapunzel: (smiling) Thanks, guys. You're the best.
* * * *
(The next day at school, the school principal, Mr. Jenkins, walks up to Rapunzel and co.)
Mr. Jenkins: (smiling) Rapunzel, I hear you're having some trouble with your mother.
Rapunzel: (hesitantly) Yeah...she's being really controlling.
Mr. Jenkins: (supportively) Well, I want you to know that we're here to support you. You have the right to make your own decisions.
Rapunzel: (gratefully) Thanks, Mr. Jenkins.
Mr. Jenkins: (smiling) Now, let's get back to the formal. Who are you planning on taking?
Rapunzel: (laughing) Well...I'm still deciding between Jake and Ryan.
Mr. Jenkins: (teasingly) Ah...well, you can't go wrong with either of those young men.
(Rapunzel laughs, feeling more at ease)
Rapunzel: (laughing) Thanks, Mr. Jenkins. I'll try to make a decision soon.
Jake: (smiling) I'm hoping she'll choose me.
Ryan: (grinning) I'm pretty sure she'll choose me.
Gina: (teasingly) Oh, this is getting good.
Mr. Jenkins: (laughing) Well, I'll let you all get back to your planning. Just remember, Rapunzel, the most important thing is to have fun.
(Mr. Jenkins walks away, leaving the group to continue their planning)
Rapunzel: (excitedly) Okay, so we have the formal, the after-party, and now we just need to figure out who's taking me.
Jake: (romantically) I think I'd be the perfect date.
Ryan: (confidently) I'm the better choice.
Rapunzel: (laughing) Okay, okay. Let me think.
(Just then, Rapunzel's phone rings)
Rapunzel: (answering) Hello?
(Mother Gothel's voice is on the other end)
Mother Gothel: (angrily) Rapunzel, I don't know what you're thinking, but you're going to do what I say.
Rapunzel: (defiantly) No, Mother Gothel. I'm going to make my own decisions.
(Rapunzel hangs up the phone, feeling empowered)
Rapunzel: (determined) I'm done letting Mother Gothel control my life.
Jake: (supportively) We're all here for you, Rapunzel.
Ryan: (agreeing) Yeah, you don't have to deal with her alone.
Gina: (encouragingly) You're strong, Rapunzel. You can handle whatever she throws at you.
Rapunzel: (smiling) Thanks, guys. That means a lot to me.
(Just then, the bell rings, signaling the end of lunch)
Rapunzel: (excitedly) Okay, let's get to class! And then...formal planning!
(The group heads off to class, excited for the formal and the freedom that comes with it)
(Meanwhile, Mother Gothel is watching from afar, a sinister look in her eye)
Mother Gothel: (to herself) Rapunzel thinks she's so smart, but I'll show her who's in control.
Mother Gothel: (to herself) I'll make sure Rapunzel doesn't go to that formal. And I'll make sure she never sees those boys again.
(Meanwhile, Rapunzel and her friends are in class, trying to focus on the lesson)
Rapunzel: (whispering to Gina) I'm so nervous about the formal. What if Mother Gothel finds out?
Gina: (reassuringly) Don't worry, Rapunzel. We'll make sure you're safe.
(Just then, the teacher, Mrs. Thompson, hands out a permission slip for the formal)
Mrs. Thompson: (smiling) Okay, class. If you're planning on going to the formal, please have your parents sign this permission slip.
Rapunzel: (nervously) Oh no...I don't know if Mother Gothel will sign it.
Gina: (encouragingly) Don't worry, Rapunzel. We'll figure something out.
Do you think Mother Gothel would sign the permission slip?