Rex

"I'm not there yet!"
 This page contains ***major spoilers*** for the series. If you're not caught up, stay back! Av's not gonna be too thrilled if you react to spoilers prematurely...

## Rex

### Name

Rexalia "Rex" Granold (formerly Rexalia Burton Vunquist)

### Nickname(s)

Principal Rex (by students; formerly)
T-Rex (by students)
Mom/Mother (by Daniela)

### Family

Raphael (husband; formerly)
Daniela (daughter)

"*Dani... I'm so sorry. I should be the one apologizing - because I'm a horrible mother to you. It's hard having to raise one child alone, but trying to keep you in line... I* failed*. I should have done more to stop you, and I shouldn't have disowned you. Now I see that you're being really honest with me and that you're not lying - I have faith in you to put things right. Take this as my apology.*"
—Rex to Daniela, *Aftermath*

**Rexalia "Rex" Granold** (formerly **Rexalia Burton Vunquist**) is a recurring character in *The Adventures of Evie and Mya*. She is the ex-wife of Raphael and the mother of Daniela who was the former principal of Pineshadow Middle School.

## Appearance

Rex is very tall. She has pale skin, blue eyes, and long, fluffy light brown hair.

Rex wears a blue blouse with a red skirt and gray boots. During her tenure as principal, she wore a white overcoat over her blouse.

## History

### Season 1

#### *Meeting Winter*

"*QUIT trying to attack* my students*! Daniela, you're* not only *wasting my time, but causing innocent humans a great amount of* agony*. Sometimes, I just can't **believe you** choose to be like this...*"
—Rex scolding Daniela

Evie and Mya note that they can warn Principal Rex of Daniela's actions if they play smart. When Daniela prepares to bludgeon Mya, Evie screams for Rex, which promptly summons her, and she screams Daniela's name furiously. She attempts to justify herself, but the principal refuses to hear it and slams her against the wall, ignoring the bully's request that she gets off her and declaring that she isn't going to interact with the girls any longer. Daniela retorts that she doesn't play by her rules, giving her both middle fingers and baring her teeth. Rex, becoming more irate, spits that she will quit this behavior immediately, pulling one of her middle fingers back so hard that the knuckle cracks. Evie sadly notes that their relationship is so broken because of Daniela's wild antics. Finally, Daniela hisses in defeat, and Rex orders her to stop attacking her students, unable to believe she even chooses to be like this. As she is hauled into the office, Daniela promises the three girls that things between them aren't over.

#### *Daze Runners*

"*I WILL NOT HEAR IT!" [...] "*You *are a* **disgrace** *and a* **filthy double-crosser** *for pulling something as nasty as this. You* **lied to me** *and shamed* **two** *of my best students. Evie and Mya are* **innocent***. You are* dishonoring *the influence PMS strives to* have*!*"
—Rex snapping at Daniela for her deception and manipulation

As Evie and Mya approach the stairs, someone calls for them, and to their shock, they see Principal Rex headed their way. Fear flashes in their eyes, with the two believing they're in trouble, but Rex encourages them to not be so horrified and invites them into her office. Evie reminds her that they have to get to class, and smiling, the principal assures her that all has already been accounted for. Baffled and anxious, the girls follow Rex into her office, where Mya questions why they're here. Rex, scooting up to her and Evie in her chair, reveals that it's their Office Aide shift, and appalled, Evie chastises herself for forgetting. It is noted that the Office Aide position is sacred and is very heard to earn due to Rex's strict, no-tolerance for trouble figure, often earning her the name of the "T-Rex." Rex continues, stating that their shift was moved up to accomodate personal circumstances, and nodding, they set their backpacks down. The principal assigns them to deliver papers to the school nurse, Amy, splitting a stack of sixteen papers between them, and they head out. Unbeknownst to the girls, Daniela has seen them and is furious that Rex stole her Office Aide position from her and gave it to the girls, promising revenge and to prove her worth to Rex, whom she also reveals to be her mother. Once Evie and Mya return, Rex assigns them to help Coach Samoski polish the gym for the women's basketball game that night.

After completing said task, the two are on their way back when they run into Daniela, who claims that they're "Rex's pretty little office girls," and she violently torments the two. However, they escape when Evie throws her aside, making her collide with a male student. Humiliated, she mutters that Rex is an imbecile for giving Evie and Mya all the spotlight, shocking the boy, who inquires if she is actually the principal's daughter, much to her ire. She notes that she hates her familial connection to Rex, an embarrassing detail tying her to someone she dislikes. The boy then asks her questions regarding their relationship, but fed up, Daniela snaps at him and stalks off. Meanwhile, Evie and Mya make it back to the office, refusing to tell the principal about Daniela, and throughout the day, Rex gives them more tasks. They soon run into Daniela again, but proceed to humiliate her for a second time and escape. Snapping, Daniela swears that she'll put an end to them today, and noticing the closet, she formulates a new plan - removing the girls from the picture by locking them away. Under a more innocent guise, she walks into the office and approaches Rex, who raises an eyebrow and demands what she wants. She asks for the library key, wanting to unlock the doors for Book Fair later, but she states that Evie and Mya will do it later and that she's too busy tormenting others to even care about her Office Aide position. Stifling her frustration, she employs her inner con artist and lies to Rex that she doesn't want to hurt others anymore, filled up with too much guilt - and she wants to turn over a new leaf by helping the girls.Rex, stunned by what she's just heard, inquires if this is true, and Daniela nods, apologizing for screwing everything up and wanting to take a small step towards redemption.

The principal hands her the library key, relieved that she's willing to atone, and with the first part of her plan completed, Daniela heads out into the hall nonchalantly and pretends to unlock the doors. Around that time, Evie and Mya return without seeing her and receive their final task from Rex: retrieving art supplies for Mr. Alann from a storage closet, as he is sick and on leave. The girls find no problem with it, and the principal informs them of the supplies' location - a closet adjacent to the stairs, and they head out. This enables Daniela to lock them into the closet, and she warns the two that she'll be Rex's sole Office Aide. Evie, panicking, blurts out to Mya that they should have told the principal about the bully's attacks on them earlier, and Mya questions how they're going to escape. Evie attempts to knock down the door, but her efforts are vain, and knowing the nearest keys are in Rex's office, she breaks down. In the office, Daniela lounges in a chair, and Rex asks if everything has been handled, noting that it took her a while. She lies that she got into a conversation with the librarian on Book Fair, to which she questions if she's excited, and she expresses her intention to buy a few books. Rex offers money, and she happily agrees to give her ten dollars. For around ten to fifteen minutes, they engage in idle conversations, with Daniela smiling in satisfaction. Soon, classes head down to the library for Book Fair, and while Daniela is pleased that Rex hasn't brought up Evie and Mya, her bubble is popped when she suddenly inquires about their whereabouts. Daniela, irritated, lies that she hasn't seen them for hours, feigning concern. The principal believes they're good kids and wouldn't cause mischief, and she agrees that they wouldn't. Rex then returns to her computer, and internally laughing, Daniela thinks Evie and Mya are begging to go home - but she's the only Office Aide now.

During Evie's breakdown in the closet, she admits to Mya that she fears Daniela will twist the truth to Rex, and although her friend is certain she won't believe her lies, Evie wails that Rex could still take Daniela's side and tarnish their reputation. However, Mya soothes her and convinces her otherwise, and with help from the male student, Henry, Evie and Mya escape the closet, deliver the art supplies, and rush back to the office. Rex angrily demands where they were, and Mya snaps that they got locked in a closet, to which she asks how. Evie admits that the reason why is right there, pointing to Daniela and saying that she followed them around all day and tormented them - and she wanted to get rid of them by locking them inside the closet. Daniela protests that she was in the office, but Mya retorts that she wasn't, reminding her of the places they encountered her and showed them her face when she trapped them, proving that she is guilty. She pleads that she doesn't know a thing she's saying, but Mya adds that because of her violent nature, she hurt Evie, and if it weren't for a good samaritan, their parents would have been furious. Rex defends her, pointing out her alibi of being in the office, and although she begs that she wasn't the culprit, Evie irritably responds that Daniela is deceptive, knowing how to lie and bend to get what she wants - she's too clever for her own good. Daniela accuses her of attempting to antagonize her, and having had enough, Rex scolds Evie and Mya for their remarks directed at her daughter, coldly stating that they are undeserving of their positions.

The girls are horrified, and as Evie digs her nails into Mya, Rex strips them of their Office Aide titles and bars them from coming into the office unless they are summoned. Due to her mother being distracted, Daniela is triumphant, declaring that the limelight is on her and that her mission is complete. She attempts to walk away, but Evie catches her smug demeanor and halts her chances of escaping, demanding that Rex prove her daughter is innocent by checking her drawer for the key. Rex refuses since she and Mya "lied" to her, claiming Daniela put the key back, which she herself backs up. Growling, Evie raises her hackles and demands she opens the drawer for a second time, and Rex furiously retorts that she's making unnecessary drama. Mya, huffing, shoves her out of the way and yanks the drawer open, revealing that the library key is missing and that Daniela never returned it. Rex, alarmed, wonders how this is possible; she saw her daughter put the key back, and panicking, Daniela knows she has to run. However, Evie and Mya already know what she's going to do and take action, with Mya blocking the door and Evie pinning the bully to the wall. She roughly asks that she tell her where the key went, to which Rex pleads with her to let Daniela go, but she falls on deaf ears. Evie repeats herself, and Daniela insists she doesn't know and that she's making a mistake confronting her. Her assailant doesn't back down, telling her to come clean, and closing her eyes, Daniela is unable to comprehend how severely her plan imploded, knowing she's scraping the bottom of the barrel to keep her deception afloat.

Realizing her only choice is running, she shoves Evie away, pushes Mya away from the door, and runs out into the hallway with the girls pursuing hastily. She runs so fast that she doesn't see Henry waiting outside, and taking advantage, he trips her, causing her to skid on the ground. While she is down, Henry plucks the key and shows it to Rex, asking if she is looking for this. Gasping, Rex finally realizes that Evie and Mya were being truthful to her from the start - Daniela was manipulating her and had never reformed at all - she lied to her. Incensed, she bellows her name, and the noise is so loud that Evie and Mya think the entire second level of the school has heard her. Daniela, petrified, is about to protest, but her mother cuts her off and snaps that she won't hear it; she's a disgrace and double-crosser for pulling something so nasty, and she shamed her star students and ruined the influence PMS wants to have. She pleads that she only did what she did because she took away her position and replaced her with Evie and Mya, then proceeded to never say a word to her. She stripped her of a position she's worked to earn for years and let the girls shine. Evie and Mya react with shock, and Mya somewhat pities Daniela on her situation, but notes that she'll never change her ways. Growing more furious, Daniela accuses Rex of not caring for her by taking away something she prided herself on, but sick of her behavior, the principal slaps her violently, showing the girls how broken their relationship is. Rex hisses that she needs to knock it off, and should she speak another word, she'll lose her position of Office Aide permamently. Daniela, horrified gives in to her mother, and as the bell rings, she is hauled out of the school.

#### *Ex-Girlfriend*

Evie recalls Winter fleeing after Daniela was apprehended by Rex near the office.

#### *Dancing in the Dark*

Evie notes that she and Mya have consulted Rex in their free time over the Snowblind bullying.

#### *She's Plotting Something*

"*I always try to make Daniela reform, but each time I yell at her or physically scold her, she doesn't obey. I've accepted that she probably won't change in the near future. That aside, I have* no regrets *when it comes to being Winter's ally. When there's peril, I* will *take a bullet to the head to let that girl live another day. She is the reason why I am still here serving as PMS' principal.*"
—Rex on her broken relationship with Daniela and being Winter's ally

Evie, out of the corner of her eye, observes Rex pacing worriedly in the office, her workspace a mess. Mya, squinting, asks if it looks like the principal is losing it, and she replies that she must've since before they arrived, assuming that something isn't right. Putting a hand on her shoulder, Mya agrees, but states that they shouldn't make assumptions and points out that Rex could be having a stressful morning. Surprised at how she took the words right out of her mouth, Evie nods and accepts the point. In English, when prompted on where Daniela is, Mrs. Ikenna says that Rex hasn't sent her an absence note, and the girls wonder if the principal is hiding something. Later, in seventh period, Coach Samoski tells Mya to forward any concerns she has over Winter to Rex. The next period, Mr. Naecher comments that Daniela is the principal's rabid daughter and that he hasn't seen her at all - Evie and Mya would have to speak to Rex about where she is. After leaving school, the girls note that Rex is too in disarray to approach, and Evie further notes that if they tried to hunt for Daniela, they'd face her furious mother and get entangled in Burton Vunquist family business. After discovering evidence that Winter was kidnapped in her cabin, Mya remembers Rex's foul mood from earlier, but insists to Evie that they must speak with her. Evie disagrees, reminding her friend that Rex was in no frame of mind to talk earlier, but she protests that it was only the morning and that she might be bothered over Winter. Mya goes on, recalling how Rex nearly snapped Daniela's finger in half the one morning they walked to school with Winter, but she points out that she's usually like that against her.

Undeterred by Evie's doubt, she says that Rex seemed so protective that day towards Winter, not them, and shocked, Evie realizes what she is claiming: Rex has relations with Winter. Mya admits that it is difficult to consider, but if there's even the slighest chance that Rex is familiar with Winter, they have to take it; Evie praises her for such a thought and adds that her extensive knowledge of Daniela will point them in the right direction. When Daniela approaches the cabin, Evie recalls Rex always having eyes on her, and Mya tells her that they need to consult Rex, deeming her the only one who can help them save Winter from Daniela. Evie finally agrees to speak with the principal the next day, taking up her hands and walking home with her, knowing that they must speak to Rex in order to save Winter. The next day, when the bell signaling the end of eighth period rings, Evie and Mya run into the office and shout for Rex. This summons the principal, who calls that she's here, and her exhausted appearance makes Mya ponder if she has gotten any sleep. Evie informs ehr that they need to discuss a crisis with her, but she is uncertain since it's the end of the day, asking to talk another time. Frantically shooting away Bluelund, Mya tells Rex that Winter has gone missing, with Evie adding that they know Daniela is behind her disappearance. Mortified, Rex loses her color and gasps, staring at the girls in disbelief. Evie prods her, and returning to reality, she invites her and Mya to a private office room, where they sit down and face her. She questions if what she heard really is true, and the girls nod. This greatly horrifies Rex, and in denial, she accidentally confesses that Winter is remarkable and someone she worked to protect disappeared because of her daughter. She blushes and stares at her feet shamefully, moping that she can explain and feeling guilty that she lied about the girls' best friend despite being usually so transparent with them.

Her eyes narrowing, Evie asks her to clarify her relations to Winter to assist their case, hoping that she is willing to help. Rex sighs, further confessing that she has worked with Winter since the day she ran away from home. Mya prompts her for more of the story, and reluctantly, Rex explains that when Winter ran away, she disappeared. After Daniela told her of the breakup, she led numerous search parties to find her, each ending up being a failure after a month. Although Winter was never located, Rex never believed that she died, considering her a tomboy with a strong heart, though eventually, she gave up searching - an eleven-year old would never survive on her own for long. Evie questions if she actually believed Winter died, to which she states that after a while, she had to convince herself of that even with her hope that she was still alive. One day, she was going to beckon one of her eight teachers out of their classroom when she noticed Winter alive and well with a new hairstyle. She had no clue as to how she survived, but she was very thin and pale. Rex's eyes cloud over with pain, and Evie and Mya fill with sympathy for her, figuring that as the mother of Winter's ex-girlfriend, she went through a very rough period. Continuing her story, Rex says that she pulled Winter into the office for questioning, but she was very unwlling to speak, her ice-blue eyes secretive. Mya inquires as to how she got Winter to talk since she's a tough nut to crack, and mumbling, Rex reveals that she gave her food and water and repeatedly promised to tell no soul of what she was going through, not even anyone at the school, desiring nothing but to be there with her. This persuaded Winter enough, and she admitted to running away and finding a cabin in the Piney Woods to live in. She describes her as sounding weak and terrified, and upon seeing the scar on her wrist from her father cutting her, Rex was enraged.

She recalls how thin and starved Winter was, and in that moment, she realized what she had to do and made a life-changing choice. Before she can elaborate more, Evie gently asks if she sees Winter like another daughter, sympathizing with her over doing what any good person would have done, and she nods. She affirms that Winter was a second daughter to her and that she took her under her wing, vowing to find a way to care for her. She accepted her help, enabling her to survive as of today. Mya questions if she had a secret relationship with Winter, which she confirms, mentioning that a friend of hers stocks up her cabin. The younger girl then presses her over why Winter's secrets haven't been discovered, and Rex reveals that she forged documents for police, lying that Winter was living with relatives and remembering how foster care deeply upset her - she may have lied, but she did it because she loves her like a daughter and didn't want her torn away from her. Evie reminds her that lying to authorities is a crime, but she calms her down, apologizing and stating that she lied to protect Winter's life. She doesn't press further, instead asking if the woman she and Winter saw together was her friend, and Rex comments that their efforts helped to make Winter's life normal - though she is still struggling and they do speak time to time in secret. Before she can say more, Mya abruptly interjects and remarks that the reason they speak privately is because she doesn't want Daniela finding out she chose Winter over her. Rex, aghast, slams her hands on her desk and stutters, causing the girls to exchange a glance with each other. Mya repeats herself, questioning if she chose Winter over Daniela, and defeated, Rex admits to it. However, she does state that Daniela wasn't turning evil then, and besides, Winter was in a dangerous situation and needed her help. On where she stands now, she asserts that her attempts to reform Daniela only keep failing and she's accepted that she probably won't get her daughter back.

Daniela aside, she doesn't regret being Winter's ally and vows to take a bullet to the head to protect her - she is still the reason why she is principal of PMS. Evie and Mya stare at her blankly, processing what she has told them and not thrilled by her lies. Rex apologizes, murmuring that she shouldn't have hid the truth and told them the second they became Winter's friends, but Evie assures her that they would have done the same things she did. Returning to the main issue, she reminds her that Winter and Daniela are both missing and that she is the only person who can help them find the girls. Rex, relieved, apologizes for her earlier behavior and offers her assistance. Evie asks her if she's seen Winter at all recently, but she replies in the negative and adds that her disappearance is part of the reason she is so agitated. Mya chimes that Daniela is missing too, which is also part of the reason, and in disbelief, Rex verifies that she quietly vanished. Evie prompts her on how long, to which she responds that she's been very quiet, but she has found no traces of her in the house or anywhere. Evie notes that she has to be covering her tracks, for they saw her in the Piney Woods, much to Rex's horror, and standing up, Mya reveals that she approached Winter's cabin and their belief that she might be stalking Winter. Rex exclaims that she wasn't supposed to find out about the cabin, and further horrifying her, Mya declares that she caused Winter to disappear - Daniela kidnapped her. Rex, sickened, stammers that Daniela should have never been able to do this, panicking over Winter, but Evie calms her down. Now settled, she urges the two to get home, but Mya tells her that they're going to search for Winter.

When she questions how, Mya asks her of places Daniela goes to, and she mentions a storage hut near the outdoor trails huts that she frequently visits - she could possibly be holding Winter there. With their next lead, Evie and Mya thank Rex for her help, and she gives them her number, encouraging them to call as soon as they find Winter and Daniela. The two dash off in the direction of the outdoor trails huts immediately, knowing that they can't waste any time getting to Winter and Daniela. They are quick to find the building Rex described, also finding Winter trapped inside, and Mya tells Evie that they should inform Rex. However, before they can, Daniela knocks them out and holds them prisoner, planning to have them and Winter killed. After the girls free themselves, Mya states that they need to inform Rex that Winter is safe, to which the latter inquires if they know of her relationship with the principal, and Mya remarks that it's a long story. When Evie and Mya are both winded by Daniela, Evie is left in despair, but Mya reminds her that they still have Rex. Relieved, she texts her and informs her that Winter and Daniela have been found, in addition to mentioning the fight unfolding in front of them. During her confrontation with Winter, Daniela accuses her of stealing Rex, her mother, from her. Following her first attempt at killing Winter backfiring due to Mya intervening, Daniela is about to try again when Rex furiously screams her name. Yelping, Daniela hides her knife and retreats, allowing Winter to fall to the ground in relief. She demands how she figured this out, but Rex furiously demands what she is doing in tandem, thrusting her into one of the poles and getting so close to her that she can feel her breath on her cheeks.

Daniela squeals in terror, and the girls rise to their feet, watching the two. She questions how she figured everything out, and Rex hisses that her students have been onto her since the day she disappeared - it was with Evie's help that she found her committing felonies in the hideout. Gasping, Daniela realizes that Evie ratted her out, and sneaking a glance at her, she notices she is holding her phone in her hand. Suddenly, Rex strikes her across the cheek, gripping her chin and roaring that she is insane and a disgrace, toxic to her core, and nothing but evil - she'll never get her old daughter back. Daniela begs her to stop, imaginary wounds opening on her skin, but Rex refutes her and growls that she miffed her education and snuck off for two days to plan her kidnapping escapade. She broke the law, kidnapped Winter, and nearly got away with murder, deeming her vile and disgusting. Daniela retorts that she doesn't care for her, adding that Winter stole her and she's engaging in covering up her secrets, but her words strike a nerve in her mother, who tightens her grip on her throat until the flesh nearly turns purple. Fed up, she bellows at her, demanding she take Winter's name out of her mouth, letting go of her throat but keeping her pinned with her overwhelming presence. She describes her attempts to hurt and kill Winter as unforgivable, vowing to deal with her accordingly and hauling her away, momentarily glancing at the girls and nodding at them in approval. Later, Winter admits that she mostly survives off stuff Rex's friend buys her.

#### *The Party*

"*Fine. Go to the party. You win.*"
—Rex surrendering to Daniela and allowing her to go to the party

It is noted that Rex takes pride in PMS' pep rallies, and that a few days after Daniela's attempt at killing Winter, she has been confined to the office, pulled out of her classes to do mounds of paperwork as punishment, all under careful supervision by Rex. After finding seating in the gym for the pep rally, Evie notices Daniela sitting beside Rex a few levels higher on the bleachers, an unhappy scowl on her face. The principal holds her arm tightly, emphasizing how severe her punishment is. Daniela hisses, and Evie imagines every part of her standing on end, but she cuts herself off when the bully flashes her wrist, revealing another scar atop of the previous scar Winter inflicted on her. Momentarily, she worries that Rex cut her daughter, but she dismisses the concern as far-fetched and concludes that Daniela cut her own wrist, citing that she is a masochist. When Winter tries to sleep on Mya's shoulder, her friend shoves her off and reminds her that Rex is nearby, to which she protests that she likes her, but Mya points out that she doesn't want others to find out she and Rex have relations. Shortly after, Mr. Ackers announces that, after discussion with Rex and the higher-ups, the school will hold a party. Daniela doesn't react to the news, and her mother only continues to grip her arm. Upon the conclusion of the pep rally, Daniela is dragged out by Rex, but she doesn't care about the pain and notes that her mother is unaware of just how intelligent and cunning she is.

The next day, Winter tells the girls that Rex is naming the party attendees at lunch. Sure enough, midway through lunch, Rex arrives at her lectern and silences the cafeteria, announcing that the party attendee list has been finalized and that she requires everyone's quiet and cooperation. Nearby, Daniela glares at her with an immense amount of hatred, silently demanding that she name her as a partygoer. Rex then taps her microphone and begins listing the names, mentioning a few notable students such as Henry, Aiden, and the Rafiq sisters, Evelin and Sarah, all while Daniela continues boring into her, demanding her entrance. However, to her ire, she lists the final attendees as Evie, Mya, and Winter, and the students cheer for them. Furious, Daniela stares at her mother with even more hatred. Later that day, Evie, Mya, and Winter are walking out of school when Evie and Mya suddenly hear a commotion in the office; Winter fails to hear it and walks away without them. A bad feeling communicates that something is wrong, and sure enough, this is confirmed seconds later when Rex demands what the hell someone is doing. Gasping, they peer through the window and find Daniela furiously confronting her mother, papers all over the floor, and they figure that Daniela threw them in a fit of rage. Snarling, she orders Rex to let her into the party this instant, causing the girls to gasp again, horrified that she is fighting the principal. Mya frantically states that she's trying to get into the party, but Evie silences her, needing to hear the argument.

Daniela snaps at her mother to answer her, calling her a coward, to which Rex screams at her not to call her that, though her anger has no effect on her. Refusing to back down, Daniela affirms that she's going to the party and isn't going to be stopped, but Rex hisses that she has every right to stop her, gripping her arm to prevent herself from hitting her. She bitterly adds that she heard her when she punished her - she's doing two full months of school work for breaking her promise to never skip - and for her own good, she's staying out of her classes, where she can't be the menace she is around everyone. Evie and Mya, sickened, note that this is their worst fight, let alone a messy war, and they hold each other's hand. Daniela, doubting her mother's ability to stop her, spits that she's pathetic, her resentment growing. Infuriated, Rex screeches that she will obey her when she tells her to, hitting her on the face, but the blow doesn't even feel like anything to the bully. She taunts that she's not ashamed over "abusing" her daughter, exclaiming that she loves to fight a losing battle with her. Mya is aghast by the statement, and incredulous, Evie responds that while Rex can be brutal, she's doing what she can to keep Daniela under control. Both girls hope that she can counter her gaslighting, and baring her teeth at Daniela, the principal grabs her throat and roars that she isn't abusing her. She's instead abusing herself hurting others and her ex just because she believes in lies, denouncing her as no more than a demon and monster. Without warning, Daniela screams, breaks free of her grasp, and slams her fist down hard on her desk, making her back up and gasp for air. She sneers that she's a coward for not being able to control her, declaring that she can get anything she wants, including an invite to the party - or she can make someone else's life fall apart for her.

Evie cries that Rex can't break, but her words mean nothing, as the principal only begs that she won't let her destroy something else she loves. Snorting, she tells her to stop acting entitled, demanding if she has no shame in excluding her, reminding her that she is her only parent and repays their relationship by tossing it aside. Rex protests that it isn't like that, but Daniela says that she meant it when she replaced her Office Aide position with Evie and Mya and tried to kill her for wanting revenge against a person who humiliated her. Now, she restricts her freedom just to protect herself. She attempts to counter, but her daughter stops her, revealing that she knows every secret she kept from her - she has never cared for her, which she denies. Evie believes she's lying, recalling that she is a great manipulator, but fearing that Rex is going to break apart. She and Mya realize what's going to happen, and Daniela hisses, claiming that her mother never did anything for her when she fought her worst nightmares, deeming her wicked and cruel for not only that, but for choosing Winter over her. Evie and Mya are mortified by the revelation and huddle together, now aware that Daniela has always known of Rex's relationship with Winter - which she can now use to shatter her. She growls that Rex always loved Winter more than her and gave her a home when, to her, is nothing more than a sinner who left her for dead. Declaring that her mother made it clear who she's loyal to, Daniela watches as she sinks to her knees and trembles in pain, giving her strength to do the impossible. Yanking the phone on the desk off its stand, Daniela glares at her mother with violent eyes and threatens to inform the whole school that she's corrupt and lied to police to protect Winter. Evie and Mya shriek, knowing she won't stop attacking and that she will kill Winter if she gets to go to the party. The girls are rendered speechless, only staring at each other with shock.

Rex snarls that she can't do such crazy things, but her determined daughter hovers her finger over the intercom button, causing her to wince. Daniela complains that she's just like Evie and Mya, underestimating the power she has - she trapped the girls and stalked Winter successfully, for she's too careless to bother with her. She needs to make her choice, whether that's letting her into the party or getting herself thrown in jail for fabricating information and lying to the school. Rex refuses, retorting that she isn't going to let her walk in, not when she decided she loved the idea of murdering Winter. Evie pleads with her to do something, knowing that Daniela will destroy the school if she wins. Snarling, Daniela commands Rex to try her, calling her ugly, and she pleads with her not to do this. She shuffles closer to her, fearing that someone is listening, and she begs that no soul can learn of what she's done for Winter. Laughing, Daniela shakes her head, promising that she can send her into retirement and reciting her ultimatum: if she concedes, no one gets hurt, but if she doesn't, she'll prove to the school that she wanted her to suffer. Her finger lurches toward the intercom button, and shrieking, Evie and Mya dread that it's too late. Rex, her pupils thin, watches Daniela's finger move and thinks about the damage she'll cause once it's landed on the button. Imagining Winter being thrown in foster care helplessly, she finally cracks, stares at Daniela, and lets her go to the party. Evie and Mya are horrified by her decision, but quickly understand that it was out of desperation to save Winter - though at the cost of letting Daniela go the party, where she'll have a perfect chance to kill her ex. They rush out, fearing that if they don't act, Daniela will win.

As they walk in the direction of the Piney Woods with Winter, the girls are unable to tell her that Daniela is going to the party, wary of how she will react to the stunning news. Eventually, they inform her of Daniela's fight with Rex and her fighting her way into the party, but to their terror, Winter doesn't believe them, insisting that Rex will always keep her safe and that Daniela is done for. After a few minutes of back and forth arguing over Rex and Daniela, Winter snaps, insulted by her friends' suggestions that the principal won't save her from her ex and that Daniela will murder her at the party, and she runs off. Three days later, Evie notes that Winter still believes Rex will protect her and that she is flawless. When Evie and Mya accost Cecilia and Jamal at the party and ask where Daniela is, Cecilia says that Rex told them she wouldn't be here, but they are horrified to learn that she blackmailed her way in.

#### *Winter Storm Arising*

"*T-Thank you, Winterlyn... for stopping [Daniela].*"
—Rex thanking Winter

Daniela roars that because of Winter, she fell into the dark and battled horrific inner demons; she was brutalized and lied to, deserted by everyone around her, and she is the reason why her own mother rejected her. Evie and Mya, along with their friends, recoil in shock, knowing very well that Daniela will use the truth she has to destroy Winter and uncover each of her secrets, including one of her deepest ones: her connection to Rex, the school principal and Daniela's mother. Rex, petrified, runs into the cafeteria and begs for Daniela to stop, but she refuses to listen to her and gives the middle finger, making her sit down in shame. The crowd is shocked at how easily she bent to her will. Winter feels thousands of eyes prying into her soul, demanding answers she can't give, and brimming with guilt, she realizes that Evie and Mya were right to warn her about Daniela ambushing her at the party and that Rex wasn't able to save her, accepting that she played herself. She casts her blue eyes onto a just-as-guilty Rex on the second floor, and the principal stares back at her. Daniela saunters up to her and reveals the truth about her parents: while her mother is dead, her father rejected her and slit her wrist for being a so-called sinner, leaving her a fool with no family. Rex begs for her daughter to cease this, but Daniela doesn't listen, keen on finishing her business with Winter. Irritated by the crowd's silence and desiring their attention, she proceeds to drop another bombshell - the worst thing about Winter, someone she finds to be scum and a mournful crier, is that she would have had her mother, Rex, if not for her - revealing her private relationship with Winter to the whole crowd. Everyone gasps loudly, and adding more salt to the wound, Daniela mockingly gasps and inquires if she let the cat out of the bag by saying too much.

Evie and Mya shriek, and Evelin, horrified, is barely able to process Rex's link to both Daniela and Winter. Evie admits that they know everything, to which Sarah presumes that Rex has been working with Winter, and Mya confirms it sadly. Back on the first floor, Winter mumbles to her ex that it's not worth it, and the crowd's gaze rakes Rex, shredding into her. They now see that she engaged in a cover-up to conceal Winter's lies from the whole school at the severe price of putting dissonance between herself and her real daughter, Daniela - treating Winter like her own child and neglecting her biological child. Frightened and esteemless, she pleads that it isn't true and that Daniela doesn't know what she's talking about, but the partygoers aren't swayed and share disheartening statements. After one states that both Rex and Winter are "harbingers of scandal," Daniela agrees, pacing around jubiliantly and basking in the limelight given to her. She remarks that Rex has been a great principal, but it's a shame she harbored Winter in her "crack shack" when she has no blood relation to her. Her claims may come off as uncanny, but this river runs deeper than they thought. Winter stumbles toward her, trying to prevent her from saying more than she already has, but Daniela dodges her and reveals that Rex also lied to police that her ex was in safe hands with relatives, describing it as "crappy" and "hideous nonsense" before quipping that she bets her mother enjoyed treating Winter like an actual daughter. This effectively confirms that she has been giving her special treatment. Rex begs that she doesn't know what she's saying, and echoing her, Winter pleads that things weren't like that. However, Daniela snorts that she's playing dumb downplaying the situation like she always does, asserting that she's heard her speak with Rex and heard how her mother gave Winter everything that she wanted when she's not related to her.

Rex, humiliated and weakened, falls to the floor and sobs. Winter, noticing every second of her fall, is heartbroken, her story forced out with lies interwoven into it, and the crowd's eyes bore into her soul. She feels alone, lacking the morality she used as her crutch. Daniela, centering her aggression on her former flame again, shakes her by the shirt collar and spits that she's a vile demon who manipulates her strings so much that she wakes up every day feeling toyed with. Before she can interject, she adds that she caused Rex to abuse and neglect her by coming into her life, blaming her for her world burning and deeming her the one responsible for "killing" her. Winter protests that Rex has always cared for her, but Daniela doesn't take that for an answer and retorts that her patchwork isn't going to stop her from excavating the truth, accusing her of stealing her mother from her. As Daniela prepares to kill Winter, Rex stares open-mouthed at the girls. Later, following Daniela's defeat, Rex shouts for Evie, Mya, and Winter on the second floor of the cafeteria. Winter meets the principal's proud eyes, and eagerly, she runs up to the second floor and tightly hugs her. She murmurs her name, sitting down, and Winter asks if she'll be okay after this. Her eyes fogging over, Rex admits that she doesn't know what her future will be, apologizing for failing her, but she assures her that the past is in the past - no one can fault her for wanting to keep her safe from Daniela.

The principal nods with her answer, holding her hand and thanking her for stopping Daniela, and Winter blushes at the gesture. She notes that since she's now going to jail, it'll be a lot for her to think about. A few nights later, Winter notes that Rex had granted her a special waiver that allowed her permission to carry her pocket knife on school grounds, dubbing her case interesting enough, though she had to sign a non-disclosure agreement and promise to never show the knife at any point. As for Rex, Daniela's attempt to kill both Winter and Evie as well as many other factors made her resign as principal, but in exchange for immunity and no prison time, she testified, along with Evie, Mya, and Winter, on Daniela, adding to her criminal case - which would land her in prison without a doubt.

### Season 2

#### *The New Principal*

Mya tells Evie that their new principal is being revealed tomorrow, hoping they'll follow in Rex's footsteps. They recall the fair and LGBTQ+ accepting Rex, and while it seemed like she got everything under control, she was never able to stop her destructive daughter, Daniela, from creating mayhem. Upon her arrest, Rex stepped down, and was now gone for good.

### Season 3

#### *Rising Tensions*

"*What in the name of god's green earth??? Dani, do you know who they are?*"
—Rex on Harlow and Ivanna

As Winter walks to Daniela's place, she worries if she or Rex are home. Just when she thinks no one is going to answer her at the door, Rex appears, greeting her warmly and patting her on the head. Winter says that she needs Daniela, and Rex calls her to the doorway. At once, Daniela appears, and Winter tells her that they're meeting at Pinelake Park to discuss important news, baffling her mother. When she mentions Harlow and Ivanna, Rex is confused and asks who they are. Daniela promises to explain later, adding she won't be gone long, and Rex nods, shutting the door.

#### *The Dinner Party*

"*Dani, words cannot describe how proud I am of you right now." [...] "You should have* never *gone through this - no woman should. Harlow is a* monster *that I hope to see* dead *for what he has done. But you had the strength to be honest with me, and that's what I love - sexual assault is never easy to reveal. You're going to be okay, and you're going to stay away from that mansion from now on, I promise.*"
—Rex proud of Daniela for telling her of her ordeal

Rex calls for Daniela from the living room, and she dashes up to her mother, asking what's going on. Using a letter opener, she splits a letter addressed to her daughter, which invites her over to Hollowleaf Mansion for dinner. Daniela is shocked, instantly refusing and not wanting to eat around Harlow. Raising an eyebrow, Rex questions why, and Daniela remembers that she had chosen not to tell her about Harlow's advances on her, having feared she wouldn't believe her. Taking back what she said, Daniela agrees to go, wondering if she has anything fancy to dress in. Rex tells her that she's in luck, as she has her old high school blazer, which should be a perfect fit on her. The night of the dinner party, Rex watches Daniela get ready, commenting that she looks perfect. Kissing her on the chin, she says that it's time to join the other girls. Later, Daniela struggles to walk inside her house, recalling what Harlow did to her. Rex worriedly asks if she's alright, noting that she's been silent since the car ride. Sniffing, Daniela knows that she has to tell her mother about Harlow's predatory behavior around her now, not being able to keep it in anymore. She tries to say something, but can't, and Rex hugs her, urging her to breathe and that everything's alright.

Daniela wails that it's not alright, and nodding, Rex takes her to the sofa. She asks if she's comfortable sharing what happened, and Daniela goes on through tears. Upon learning that Harlow attacked her, Rex is horrified. Daniela begins to fear her mother won't believe her, and Rex assures her that she's okay, promising that she can tell her anything she wants to. She stammers that Harlow tried to kiss her on her neck, crying into her mother's blouse, and while Rex still doesn't know what's going on, she does know that Daniela has been deeply hurt. She helps her off, assuring her that she's alright and tucking down her blazer near her waistline. Suddenly, Daniela flinches away, and Rex apologizes, questioning if she hurt her. Daniela denies this, stammering that she's been hiding the truth because she fears she won't believe it, and Rex encourages her to go on. Finally, Daniela confesses that Harlow sexually assaulted her, and Rex looks at her fondly, impressed. She praises her for having the strength to reveal this, wishing death on Harlow for what he has done to her daughter. She promises that she won't go to Hollowleaf Mansion again, placing Daniela's head in her lap, stroking her hair gently. Five minutes later, Daniela is asleep, and Rex tucks her in on the sofa. She heads into her room, placing one of her plushies in her arms. With a more serious look on her face, she heads into the kitchen, and reports Daniela's assault to the police.

#### *The Divide Between Us*

Daniela's inner demon names Rex as one of her many victims.

#### *Rise to Power*

"*Look, honey. I really don't like you doing this... It's not right, with you being so young and being so willing to sacrifice so much for this... But you're an amazing friend. And such a changed person from the being you were in the past. Thinking about this... I absolutely won't stop you from what you want to achieve.*"
—Rex to Daniela

A day after Evie announces the girls' mission, Rex makes salad in her kitchen, agreeing with Daniela that she shouldn't have gone with them. She states that while the girls are brave, her daughter has no need to be around Harlow again. However, Daniela becomes overwhelmed with regret over leaving Amira to do her mission without her, and changing her mind, she affirms that she has to go back to Hollowleaf Mansion. Rex, appalled and decently horrified, leaves a knife in the bell pepper she was chopping, and staring at her daughter, she calls her crazy for wanting to return to Hollowleaf. She adds that she can't go back around Harlow, who sexually assaulted her in the first place, but Daniela defy's her mother's expectations, retorting that she needs to do this so Amira doesn't have to risk her life by herself. Rex is about to fight back with a response of her own, but Daniela silences her, replying that she is aware that being around Harlow is dangerous. However, she can't abandon those she loves, no matter the cost; she's brave to the point where she's reckless and can't curl up safe when Pineshadow needs her.

Rex puts a hand over her open mouth, betraying how dumbfounded she is by her facial expression and twitching right hand. She recalls Daniela's near-traumatic experience at the hands of Harlow, which made her want to stick a switchblade in his throat. Instead of wanting to play it safe, Daniela now wants to put her life on the line for all of her friends. Finally willing herself to speak, Rex asks Daniela if she is sure that she wants to go through with this, as she's just so worried about her and doesn't want her to get harmed again. Daniela confirms this, and taking her hands, Rex admits that she doesn't like this mission. She's young and perfectly willing to sacrifice her life, but is an amazing friend regardless and a changed person - so she won't stop her from going to Hollowleaf Mansion. With her eyes gleaming, Daniela thanks Rex, saying that she's the best mother ever and will prove she isn't evil with time and courage, the latter trait she already has from her mother. Rex sheds tears of joy, noting how far her daughter has come, and she then wishes her luck. Later, after the successful mission at Hollowleaf Mansion, Dahlia tells Daniela that Rex will have so much pride in her for risking her life just to protect Amira.

#### *Disappearance*

"*You* **WHAT***?!" [...] "Daniela! You have to to stop being so selfless and putting yourself in trouble! You... You got captured by Ivanna, and she threatened to bring harm onto* both *you and Amira. I absolutely **can't** let you do this again with what's at stake! Think about that* beast *Harlow!*"
—Rex upon learning that Daniela is putting herself in danger again

Rex greets Daniela after she returns home from the Heartley house, asking if Nita and Patrick have been found, but she responds in the negative and mentions that Evie and Amira are searching for evidence while someone goes to Hollowleaf Mansion to inform Mya that her parents are missing. Rex is optimistic that it's Winter, believing that she'll make Mya listen to her, but much to her shock, she learns that Daniela volunteered herself. Horrified, she puts her laptop down and begs her to stop being so selfless, reminding her that she and Amira got tormented by Ivanna, unwilling to let her throw herself into danger again. However, Daniela is adamant and retorts that she will always place herself in a firing line for those she loves, in addition to proving herself to Pineshadow and rescuing Mya. Her mother is taken aback by her words, fearing for her safety and her possibly dying, but Rex sees her name as something else - a hero's name. Relenting, she agrees to take Daniela to Hollowleaf Mansion later, and Daniela then adds that she has an old tactic she can use to make Mya cooperative.

Rex inquires as to what it is, and when her daughter mentions intimidation, she feels frostbitten and numb. Rex murmurs that bullying her again is cruel, but Daniela responds that it's different this time - she wants to intimidate Mya through style. She questions if she means by her appearance and personality, and she reminds her of her short rock phase where she listened to heavy music and changed her appearance to be more edgy. After two months, the phase was dead. Daniela admits that she wants to be a full-blown rockstar since Mya hasn't seen that side of her yet, and maybe that way she can break through to her. Rex finally becomes in on the idea, growing a mischievous side, she hears Daniela's ideas on what she wants. Thirty minutes later, Rex has now bought Daniela a complete outfit, commenting that she looks stunning in it, noting that Mya should fear her. Daniela gruffly states that she better, as if she can get to her now, there can be no war. Pulling her into a hug and brushing her cheek and telling her that it's time to go. Fifteen minutes later, she drops Daniela off near Hollowleaf Mansion and wishes her luck, encouraging her to rock Mya's world, which she promises to do.

#### *Ultimatum*

"*You've always impressed me as a student when in school, Evie. Having the drive to take command, your vast intelligence, setting others straight, and fighting with the strength of a badass. I couldn't be more proud of you than I already am...*"
—Rex admitting that she's proud of Evie

After Opal opens the door to her house, Rex bowls her into the wall, frantic and frightened, and she asks what has gotten her so scared in the first place. Panicking, she reveals that Daniela is missing, to which Evie admits that the Parkers must have her hostage. Rex falls to her knees, wailing that Harlow and Ivanna are going to screw Daniela up, and joining her side, Opal urges her to calm down. She understands that losing a daughter is heart-wrenching, worrying for Daniela as well, but she needs to settle down and relax. She then goes off into the kitchen to make her some tea. Rex sits on the sofa, and Amira tells her that she and Daniela are good friends. Rex says that they have a great dynamic and is surprised to learn that Amira is perfectly willing to go back to Hollowleaf Mansion to rescue her friend. Winter affirms that she'll join her, and clearing her throat, Rex states that they don't need to do this, wondering what will happen if they go out. Evie responds that they'll keep fighting, joining her friends and wishing them luck. Winter asks Rex if she can take them to the mansion, and she agrees to, also offering to take Evie later on, which she agrees to. The next night, Rex drops off Evie, promising to wait as long as she needs for her. Pulling her into a hug, she tells her that she's proud of her for her leadership drive and vast intelligence, and blushing, Evie jokes that she's acting like a second mother to her. Rex adds that Daniela's taught her a lot, then sends Evie off.

#### *Warbringer*

"*You, Dani, are the most* perfect *daughter ever." [...] "Honestly, I thought you were done for when prison happened. But you showed me your second nature. Your beautifully complex heart and mind. You saved Mya and the lives of so many more, and you* proved *to Pineshadow that you were worthy of redemption. I'm just... I'm just so proud.*"
—Rex proud of Daniela

Following the battle, Amira inquires as to how they'll even get home, and brightening, Evie reveals that Rex is still waiting for her, shocking Daniela. She recalls that she would wait as long as possible for her, remembering where she's parked, and with that settled, Daniela urges the girls on. One week later, Mya wakes up in a new place, air drifting down on her from a ceiling fan. Shocked and confused, she looks around, and a familiar voice greets her. Mya, noticing Daniela smiling at her, asks if this is where she lives, which she confirms; Mya explores the room and observes that her friend is back in her regular clothing. Not being able to reply, she tries to remember what happened after the battle with Harlow and Ivanna, not knowing how long she has been in the Burton Vunquist house or how much time has passed. Her mind floods with questions, such as some about Evie and her parents, but she is then surprised by Rex, who sits down next to her on the sofa. She reveals that it's been one week following the battle, and since then, Mya has stayed with them. Recalling the fight, Mya blurts out that Daniela killed Ivanna, and sheepish, Daniela says that she's aware of that. Rex doesn't complain, proud of her daughter for taking out a criminal, and the two share a wink. Sighing, Rex tells Mya that she took her and the other girls to the emergency room and paid all of their medical bills - Mya had to get two blood transfusions for the severity of her wounds, and Rex wonders how she fought if she lost that much blood. Aghast, she realizes that she never fully thought of how bad her injuries were, too bent on making sure the Parkers were dead that she hadn't felt anything. Pointing at Daniela, she names her as the reason she wasn't a coward and chose to fight, and Rex smiles, delighted by the news.

Continuing her status update, she mentions that Evie's sprained her ankle and Winter and Amira were injured, but all have been treated and will be fine - in fact, they're staying here, just like Mya is. Excited, Mya asks to see Evie, but Rex urges her not to, as she is sleeping. Her understanding allows her to go on, and Rex states that it only felt right to keep the girls with her and Daniela, believing she's everyone's mother these days. Mya agrees that she is, reaching down to tuck her shirt in, but to her shock, she discovers that her shirt has changed to a light blue, squishy fabric. She frantically questions what happened to her old shirt, and Rex admits it unfortunately got ruined, cut off by doctors so they could examine her. Daniela urges her mother to avoid any more details, and apologizing, she says that while this shirt (which used to be Daniela's) won't be as famous as Mya's old shirt, it still looks cute on her. Looking at the shirt, Mya finds that it is a beautiful shade of sky-blue and has a rainbow on it. Recalling Daniela mentioning that she was every color of the rainbow, she happily accepts the shirt, pondering how she can thank them enough. Patting her head, Rex reassures her that she won't ever have to repay anything, kissing her on the forehead in a gesture of affection, the young girl swelling in delight. In her bedroom, Daniela admits that her room walls were dark blue, her rockstar stuff was everywhere, and her pillows were a freaky shade of red. Shuddering, Mya comments that it sounds frightening. Daniela notes that Rex redid everything when she went to prison, and she couldn't be more thankful - as now, she can share her bedroom with someone just like Mya.

The next morning, Mya and the girls eat delicious Belgian waffles made for them by Rex, and upon seeing syrup on Amira's face, Mya calls her an adorable idiot. Suddenly, someone knocks on the door, and Rex shuffles over to the foyer to open it, immediately gasping in amazement. The Goldens are stunned by the sight, and Mya blinks, doing a double take to make sure that what she's looking at is real - the figures approaching her are Nita and Patrick Heartley. Upon seeing them happily reunite, Rex sobs, saying that she loves happy endings. Daniela, mildly annoyed, tells her not to let sappy movies get to her. That afternoon, the rest of the girls return home. Rex praises Daniela for being the perfect daughter - she thought there was no hope for her, but she showed her second nature and saved Mya, proving to Pineshadow that she was worthy of her redemption. Blushing, Daniela thanks her, and Rex adds that she'll love her more once she reads this - a letter addressed to her from Mayor Elbert Moneet. The mayor expresses how proud of he is of her story and how far she's come, even promising to enact a law in her honor, Daniela's Law, that will strictly impose sanctions on any man or woman like Harlow. He encourages her to keep shining, adding that she has a bright, promising future. Crying in happiness, Daniela hugs her mother, squealing that Pineshadow adores her. Rex then reveals that she has fan mail, much to her excitement, and she bounces up and down.

### *Winter's Tales*

#### *Soulmates*

"*Hi, Winter! Welcome to me and Dani's place! It's wonderful to have you over.*"
—Rex meeting Winter in-person for the first time

Winter and her new ally, Daniela, discuss how their parents bought them oversized shirts. Winter also mentions that Daniela's mother told her she could end up at Harvard due to her acute intelligence. Winter's father meets Daniela's mother, Rex, finding her name odd due to its similarities to the dinosaur. She observes that Rex also doesn't resemble Daniela, though she doesn't bother with her friend's personal life and remains respectful. Rex also spoils Daniela and trusts her immensely. Soon, Winter's father, Edwin, meets Rex, and Winter notes her lack of resemblance to Daniela, though she doesn't get in her friend's personal business. Besides that, Rex is a very doting mother who trusts her daughter with being an independent young woman. On Winter's first visit to Daniela's place, Rex greets her, saying that it's wonderful to have her over. Her voice beams with a liking of Winter, and she enters, shocked to find the house spacious and quaint. She quips to Daniela that she has the dream life, and she reveals that her mother is busy being principal of their future middle school and has to deal with shenanigans, such as drills, and Rex confirms this. Upon visiting Winter's place, Daniela asks Edwin to spare some garden yields for her mother. During one of their eating contests, Daniela dares Winter to dab in front of Rex if she loses, which she finds outlandish.

Another time, under the duvet belonging to Winter's father, Daniela admits that she used to give lollipops to children behind Rex's back when she worked as a nurse. For the summer season, Rex takes the girls to Häagen-Dazs and lets them play with water balloons in her yard. Later, Daniela reveals to Winter that her father left and divorced her mother before her birth, therefore making her only parent Rex. On a June day, Rex takes the girls to the pool. When Daniela invites Winter to an immersive art experience, Looking Glass, Edwin tells her that Rex is picking her up, and she notes that she is awesome. Rex soon picks Winter up and takes her and Daniela to Looking Glass twenty minutes later, murmuring that they struggled to attend the art experience prior due to the lack of parking. She ushers them throughout the experience. Upon hearing Winter comment about the Piney Woods, Daniela notes that she's been in there with her mother, soon mentioning that she and Rex sit in a clearing to dwell on the past and present. Winter knows their parents are unaware of their foray into the woods. Not long afterward, Rex calls Edwin to let him know that Daniela is coming over for another sleepover.

#### *Betrayal of Blood*

"*Welcome, students of PMS! For those of you in your seventh and eighth grade years, me and my staff fondly welcome you back with open arms. As for the sixth graders, we know the transition between elementary to middle can be challenging, but don't get your tongues in a twist! We'll make sure you're accomodated appropriately and settled in these first few weeks. Our teachers are looking forward to teaching you intelligent pupils!*"
—Rex welcoming students to the school year at PMS

Daniela and Winter get into hijinks that ruffle their parents' feathers. With Winter's permission, Daniela reveals their relationship to Rex, who gives them her blessing and buys a cake for the two in celebration, believing Winter to be everything. On the other hand, Winter absolutely refuses to tell her father that she and Daniela are dating, firm in her belief that he is still bound to Judaism even with his change and efforts to become a better parent. She feels bad for not having their relationship being fully open, remembering Daniela's excitement when Rex accepted them. In the fall, the girls play in leafpiles, supervised by their parents. Rex becomes Edwin's friend and is shown to greatly admire Winter. After watching *Joshua and the Promised Land* with Daniela, Winter begs her to watch more bootlegs without their parents around. During summer, Rex gives the girls water and tea for their trips into the Piney Woods. Later, in August, the girls start middle school for the first time, and Winter remembers some aspects Rex mentioned, as she is the principal. Outside, the students wait for Rex, who emerges from the glass doors donning her attire for the year. She welcomes the seventh and eighth graders back and sympathizes with the six graders over the transition, aiming to make sure is everyone is welcomed and excited.

She introduces herself, noting that this is redundant to returning students, and Daniela playfully growls that she's also known as the "T-Rex." Rex explains that she's about to let every student in to grab their schedules, instructing those who need further instruction to speak to the school's counselors or staff. Winter takes in this information, knowing that Daniela has this down already - her mother gave her tours of the school when she was younger. Rex, officially welcoming the students to the school year, opens the doors, and the students flood inside. After the first school day ends, Winter mentions that she ignored Rex's warning to not get confused, but when she survives the first week, she believes middle school is not as bad as Daniela and her mother suggested. The second week passes by with more instructions given by Rex and her staff members. When Long Lunch debuts, Winter notes that Rex sometimes comes on stage to give announcements, made difficult by the chatter of students. Upon closing up loose ends with Winter, Daniela helps her mother prepare for a business meeting. After Daniela gets glasses and is disappointed, Winter encourages her to speak with her mother, but she protests that Rex believed every word the eye doctor said. She worries about getting bullied, but Winter points out that she can tell her or Rex if that happens. In November, Daniela is promoted to Office Aide by her mother, which Winter believes was biased due to Rex being her girlfriend's mother.

#### *Only in a Waking Dream*

"*Winter, I* promise*, promise with* all of my damn heart*, that this conversation will* stay *in this room between* us*. I will not tell* **any soul** *at PMS of what has been going on. I will* **not** *tell anyone about your personal situation, and I will* not *fault you for having to shirk some rules to protect yourself. You will* not *be punished under* **any means in any book** *for this.*"
—Rex's promise to Winter

Winter evades the attention of Rex and Daniela at school, though her facade does not last forever. One afternoon, Rex comes into Mr. Naecher's room to ask him to check something, only to freeze in shock upon noticing Winter alive. She beckons her down to the office, and from there, expresses her shock that she is alive instead of dead. She offers her something to eat and additional assistance, but not trusting her, Winter growls and refuses any attempt she makes at helping her. Rex continually counters that she doesn't want her to die and wants to help her, not put her in police or foster care custody, but Winter doesn't back down from her ground, believing she isn't to be trusted and will only betray her like everyone else has. However, Rex eventually breaks into her by swearing to always help her and to never do anything egregious to her, promising to get her what she needs. Seeing that she is being genuine and honest, as well as willing to come to her level, Winter finally accepts her into her life and grows to appreciate her. With the help of her friend, her life is plentiful, and her cabin becomes more decorated and stocked. She also gets much healthier and stronger.

#### *Talking of the Axes*

"*Winter,* under no circumstance *is this your fault. You did* what you had to *to survive, and how could* anyone *fault you for that? Daniela is* **wrong** *-* she *made the move that led to you choosing to break up. You had* every right *to call that shot. She shouldn't have outed you without your consent. You ran away because you were* traumatized*! If you stayed with your father, he would have **murdered you**!*"
—Rex stressing to Winter that it's not her fault she and Daniela broke up

When Winter is bullied by Daniela and sent into heavy bouts of paranoia and hallucinations, she seeks out Rex's help. Rex is mortified to learn that her daughter has been harassing her, reacting with intense fury, but she soothes Winter to the best of her ability and promises that Daniela will be dealt with. She discusses their past relationship and how she hates her change in behavior, and when Winter believes that the breakup is her fault, she assures her that it was out of control. Seeing that she has been distressed, she urges her to blow off steam. Winter takes her words to heart and eventually lets herself go in what she nicknames the "Talking of the Axes."

#### *The Foxes and the Hounds*

Winter reflects on Rex's relationship with her twice, fearing she could let her down but firmly deciding against that sentiment, knowing the principal will always have her back.

#### *Snowblind*

"*I believe you, Winter. This behavior is* repulsive*, and at PMS, it will be not be* condoned in any situation*. While I cannot punish Lars or his friends straightaway without catching them in the act, I* will *have more vigilance and review tapes to determine which students need* appropriate punishment*. You will not fight this battle by yourself. I'm here for you if you ever need to vent, okay?*"
—Rex supporting Winter amidst the Snowblind bullying

Winter maintains her relations with Rex at the start of the seventh grade year, though the principal becomes increasingly disturbed by Daniela and requires peaceful time away from others on most days. For a Halloween cosplay day, she dresses as Dwight from *The Office*. When Winter starts to get bullied with the Snowblind name, she fears telling Rex, but accidentally runs into her upon being taunted. Knowing something is immediately wrong, she pulls her aside and learns of the horror being spread by PMS. She vows to stop it and punish those responsible, including the instigator, Lars. However, what Rex does is not enough to deter Lars, the school, and soon Daniela, from bullying Winter and making her spiral into a deep depression.

#### *Dance of a Thousand Eyes*

"*I'm sure, Winter. Evie and Mya aren't like my daughter. They don't hold grudges, they hold* faith*. Value. Patience. You name it. There is* no divide *between you and the girls if you have the bravery needed to clear the ravine and land on the other side. You'll live to never regret connecting to them, I promise.*"
—Rex urging Winter to reach out to Evie and Mya again

When Winter speaks to Rex and reveals her experience with Evie and Mya, the principal strongly urges her to speak to her friends, revealing how fond she is of them and describing their personal traits. She also advises Winter to switch her periods to be closer to them, which she does. Later, Rex continues to punish Daniela for her bullying.

#### *Return of Snowlight*

"*Winter... there's something I've wanted to confess to you for a few months now. Something I've personally held off on. Truth be told, I didn't want to* offend *you, and I wanted to say it in a space where Daniela wouldn't call shots in...*"
—Rex about to tell Winter that she sees her like a daughter

Rex stops Daniela from killing Winter and drags her out of her hideout. Soon, she informs Winter that Daniela has been punished with intensive paperwork and a lack of class time, urging her to enjoy the rest of the year happy; she soon invites Evie, Mya, and Winter to the upcoming school party. While Winter is excited at first, she dims upon learning from Evie and Mya that Daniela blackmailed Rex into letting her in. Caught between believing the only adult she trusts and the two friends she also trusts for life, Winter ends up siding with Rex and ignoring Evie and Mya for days. On the party night, Rex nervously greets Winter, who heads into the atmosphere. When Daniela ambushes Winter and ends the party, Rex is powerless as her daughter reveals her personal relationship with Winter and how she broke the school rules and laws to help her. This leads to Rex breaking down in shame and everyone thinking that there is a scandal at PMS. Later, upon Daniela's defeat, Rex calls Winter up to her, and the two share a touching reunion, with Rex praising Winter for stopping Daniela - and Winter knowing she has to comprehend her daughter inevitably facing prison. Rex also reveals to Winter that she will always be like a daughter to her. Not long after, Rex resigns from her position as principal and testifies against Daniela in preparation for her trial.

### *Two-Sided*

#### *The Broken Pieces*

"*Oh, Daniela. You did what you thought was best. It wasn't the best thing, but I know you had good intentions. As for Winter, if she doesn't return in a few days, we'll send out search parties. I'll see if I can get her father arrested. And for you, I'll keep you safe, I promise.*"
—Rex comforting Daniela

Daniela mentions that her mother loves her very deeply, despite being rough-edged in some places. When she talks about Winter's failure to come out to her father, Daniela recalls being accepted by Rex, and questions why her girlfriend is holding back. After running home following Winter breaking up with her, Rex worriedly asks what happened, seeing her daughter upset. Daniela instead snaps at her to leave her alone, running into her room and sobbing uncontrollably. Rex eventually comes in, picking Daniela up and gently stroking her, asking what happened. She finally explains, and Rex says that while her actions weren't the best, she'll try to find Winter and get her homophobic father arrested. However, those promises do not come true, only leaving Daniela feeling empty and hopeless. After Coach Samoski refuses to listen to her complaints, Daniela asks her mother to do something, explaining everything in detail.

While Rex partially agrees with what Coach Samoski said, she states that she'll talk to him. She also adds that she can't promise the bullies will get better after detention, and she should try to ignore them more often. Her words become a reality, and Daniela is only bullied more heavily, leading to her having panic attacks after school. During one attack, she collapses onto the ground while speaking to Rex, who quickly picks her up and reassures her that the bullies aren't going to do anything bad to her. When confronting a voice in her head, Daniela snaps after it calls her "mama's little softie," headbutting the bathroom mirror and collapsing onto the floor. Finding her motionless on the ground with blood dripping from her head, Rex screams and rushes her to the doctor.

#### *Good Girl Gone Bad*

"*Yes, you can, by not being some rude bully! Daniela, I honestly have* no idea *what has gotten into you these past two weeks. You've been treating students so poorly that it's like you aren't even close to your old self! I don't want to have to send you to a different school!*"
—Rex scolding Daniela

The day after her enigma, Daniela gets into her mother's car, ready for mayhem. As her bully phase begins, Daniela notes that Rex isn't aware of what she is doing yet, though she soon sees her daughter's true colors after she acts aggressive toward a sixth grader. She drags Daniela into her office, angrily ordering her to sit down and chastising her for being a bully, threatening to send her to another school if she doesn't stop. Daniela scoffs at that concept, rudely telling Rex to stick her own job while she does hers. Her mother, shocked, demands for that remark to be taken back, but she only adds fuel to the fire by screaming that Rex is a slacker to her staff. Furious, Rex snaps at her to leave, and Daniela obliges, albeit giving the middle finger as she does so. This makes her mother glare at her icily, only giving Daniela more happiness that she's getting the attention she wants. Daniela soon becomes known as the wild child that even her own mother cannot control. One week after the office incident, Mrs. Limon threatens to have Rex expell Daniela, but she doesn't listen and continues acting rebellious and condescending. She describes a feeling in her heart, that of pain, pinning its source on another girl and not Rex.

The latter continiously atttempts to punish Daniela, though it only makes her more determined to be a bully and to get the pain she wants from people. Later, Rex accidentally hits Daniela on the nose, and her daughter begins to like the sensation left behind by the pain. Behind Rex's back, she becomes addicted to masochism, and frequently inflicts pain on herself to get pleasure. However, her mother soon catches her, though is oblivious to what is actually happening, believing Daniela's skin marks are just from her itching. She gives her lotion, reminding her to share it, and leaves her bedroom. Using her back to block the door, Daniela disregards her mother and begins to bite herself again. Shortly after that day, Evie tells Daniela that her mother is watching her, much to her ire and embarrassment. Rex drags her into her office, reprimanding her for bullying Evie's best friend, Mya, though Daniela ignores her. She notes that she is still giving the middle finger, and that she is now loathed by everyone, including her own mother.

#### *I Kick It*

"*I cannot believe you would* lie *to me like that!" [...] "You're not supposed to do that. Better be lucky Henry stopped you from murder!*"
—Rex scolding Daniela

Rex continually tries to punish Daniela, but to no avail. She warns her that she's going down a dark path, though she doesn't care, shoving Rex out of the way and heading to her room. Later, Daniela knows Rex can't stop her from ruining Christmas for everyone, sneaking out of her house without her knowing. After she is humiliated singing Christmas carols, Daniela asks her mother why she didn't stop this, and Rex retorts that it was coming for her. Snapping, she whips out a glass shard and points it at Rex, who panics and insists that she cares for her. Daniela praises her for being submissive, warning her to stay out of her way, and she notes that her own pain is better than dominance over her own mother. When Daniela continues to bully Mya, Rex drags her into her office, punishing her by ordering her to file paperwork. Upon finding out that her mother is using Evie and Mya for errands, Daniela decides to hurt them, but her first attempt backfires when Evie reveals she is the principal's daughter to Henry. Daniela soon lies to Rex that she is unlocking the library doors; this is exposed when Henry catches her with the keys, and furious, Rex drags her daughter out of the school building. She remarks that she's lucky Henry stopped her, though she soon quiets when Daniela threatens to kick her in the stomach for talking.

#### *It's Murder*

"*I thought my daughter was going to grow up to be wonderful. But clearly she's not. You're ruining my reputation, you've ruined yours, and you're making everyone in Pineshadow* hate *you! That feeling should be* horrible *to you!*"
—Rex trying to reason with Daniela

Rex phone calls Daniela as she attempts to follow Winter, ordering her to come home and do her chores before she goes out. Ignoring her, she expresses her disgust that her mother is calling, abruptly hanging up on her. After finding out where Winter lives, Daniela sneaks out at night to confront her, as her mother is noted to be asleep and drooling heavily on the couch. As she confronts Winter, she tells her that she got in trouble with her mother, trying to shift the blame onto her. Later, Rex is too busy writing documents on her computer to see Daniela sneaking out in order to deal with Winter. When the latter is nearly murdered by Daniela, Rex arrives, having been called by Evie. She drags her away to her car, driving her home, and angrily scolds her for what she tried doing. She calls her a demon and threatens to confine her to the house for life, but Daniela ignores her, thinking that she can't properly punish her. Rex snaps that she can, mentioning how their reputations are ruined thanks to her, and trying to make her see reality.

Daniela admits that she enjoys the attention, causing Rex to snarl that she's grounded for disobeying her. She then tries to walk away, but Rex drags her back, ordering her to stay and apologize. Seeing only one dangerous way to escape her mother, Daniela uses a steak knife in her hand to cut herself on the wrist, taking in the pleasure and deeply scaring Rex. She backtracks on her punishment and tells her to leave her alone, warning her to not go against her word. The day of the party, Rex announces that Daniela is going, later wishing her well as she enters the school cafeteria. While she attacks Winter, Daniela thinks about how Rex is probably startled by her actions in the crowd, but she doesn't care. As she is arrested, Rex's gaze is noted to be boring into her daughter, in addition to that of Henry's.

#### *Behind the Bars*

Daniela notes that Rex hates her, and that because of her stupidity, she has lost her family.

#### *Aftermath*

"*How should I know? You were devious and manipulative, so you're probably just manipulating me now!*"
—Suspicious Rex

Daniela calls her mother from the prison phone, and Rex is unhappy to answer, having to deal with friends over. She gets upset upon hearing that she is being released in one week, not wanting a crazy and murderous daughter, rejecting her completely and abruptly hanging up. When Daniela is released, Rex picks her up, and ignores her hugging her. They drive home in silence, and hours later, she wakes her daughter up at sunset for dinner. Two weeks later, Daniela tells Rex that she's going to the park, but Rex refuses to let her go, thinking she's going to do something disturbing. Startled by the remark, she promises that she isn't like that anymore, but her mother doesn't listen, suspicious. This causes Daniela to snap, and she says that she's aware that she is uncomfortable around her, but just wants a chance so she can explain herself.

Rex apologizes upon seeing her honesty, letting her explain, and she is given a small container. Reading the label, she is shocked, discovering that Daniela has bipolar disorder. She confirms this, admitting that she didn't want to tell her out of fear she would be rejected for being mentally ill, wishing that Rex would accept her. The latter apologizes for being a horrible mother, regretting not doing enough to help her, and wanting her to make amends. This allows for Daniela make amends with her, needing her mother to stay into her life, and Rex allow her to go to the park. Later, as she opens up to Amira and Winter, Daniela mentions that her mother seems to understand her more, yet she doesn't believe she fully trusts her.

#### *A New Start*

"*Of course. And that's because I trust you with all my heart. You've put your past behind you, and you've moved forward as a better person. Never let anyone drag you down, my little sunshine of a daughter.*"
—Rex encouraging Daniela

Rex is surprised to see that Daniela has cleaned the house and made breakfast, remarking that it's serious dedication. Hearing that her daughter is interested in animals, she encourages her to work at The Haven, knowing everyone will love her and admitting that she's proud of her. Her words turn out to be true, and Daniela is passionate with her position. Upon meeting Rexy, Daniela reveals that her mother is named Rexalia, much to her amusement. Later, needing to make amends with Evie and Mya, she informs her mother that she is heading out.

### *Little Miss Perfect*

Evie recalls humiliating Daniela in front of her mother once in order to stop her from bullying Mya. Later, Mrs. Ikenna threatens to send Daniela to Rex if she keeps laughing at a tired Evie.

### Specials

#### *Daniela Wrecks Christmas*

"*For* **GOOD REASON***!" [...] "You are the* Grinch*! You act so much like a* Grinch*, believing you* **own** *this place. You are a* **CHILD***. A nasty, malevolent,* vindictive *child! You are* not *as innocent as you claim to be, and you are* **NOT** *some stupid* **GOD***! Daniela, you are to cease this behavior **NOW**. Keep insulting me. Keep* whining*. Keep testing me. You **will** be locked out from the outside world. You* **will** *lose your last freedoms. I* **swear with every advance I'll do to stop your measures***! Do you* **understand me***?*"
—Rex refusing to be daunted by Daniela's malevolence

Evie and Mya hope that Rex is in a good enough mood to dismiss early for the holidays; they prove to be right, and she allows the school to dismiss ahead of schedule. Later, Rex is making Christmas cookies when Daniela, furious that she has no presents, accosts her. Annoyed, Rex reveals that due to her violent and entitled behavior, she will be receiving no presents - she is also barred from eating any of the cookies, which weren't even made for her in the first place. Daniela retorts that she goes by her own rules, eating one of the cookies, much to her mother's ire. They fight, and each repeatedly admonish each other for their own actions, and when Rex orders Daniela to apologize, she refuses. This makes her snap, and she commands her to get out where she can't see her.

This punishment catches Daniela off-guard momentarily, but taking it, she throws on a coat and heads out. In the weather, she curses out Evie and Mya and her mother, and her final nerve breaking, she vows to ruin the Christmas of her enemies, similar to how the Grinch once stole Christmas long ago. Upon encounting Amira, Daniela complains about what her mother did to her, which helps her win the troubled girl on her side. After Daniela and Amira break into the Ly house, Opal threatens to call Daniela's mother. When Amira is interrogated over the Christmas mayhem, she mentions what Daniela said about Rex, which Evie and Mya confirm as lies. Later, Daniela is annoyed when Mya impersonates her mother, and when Amira reveals that she's been told about Rex, Daniela shrieks at all three girls, knowing her mother will be furious. She is then apprehended by Mya's parents, and reluctantly, agrees to be taken back to her mother. Rex angrily scolds her when she is returned home, and later that night, supervises her in the mall choir, waving to Evie, Mya, and Amira.

## Personality and Traits

During her time as principal of Pineshadow Middle School, Rex is shown to be imposing and strict, and is even described by Daniela to be rough around the edges. However, she is very considerate of other students and actually cares for everyone, even if she is sometimes misguided and doesn't correctly grasp the full context of a situation. This is primarily showcased in *Daze Runners* when she refuses to listen to Evie and Mya's accusations that Daniela locked them in a closet. She is also shown to be stubborn and occasionally dull when down and not emotionally well. As a mother to Daniela, Rex is shown to deeply care and love her, giving her advice that she thinks is right (as seen in *The Broken Pieces*). However, Rex often lets her indecision, friction, and bad parental judgment allow Daniela to get away with what she wants, only leading to her going down a dark, deadly path throughout Season 1. While she seems like she is a strict mother that has control over her daughter, in reality, she is not tough enough and doesn't fully address Daniela's issues, only making her actions become worse.

## Family

**Former Husband:**

Raphael (Status Unknown)
**Daughter:**

Daniela (Living)
## Trivia

* Rex is voiced by Nora Dunn.
* She is based off Leslie Bennett from *Euphoria*.
* Av has said that her full name is Rexalia. Unlike her daughter, her last name is Granold.
* She and Raphael divorced before Daniela's birth, and Daniela does not resemble her because she took predominantly after Raphael.
* The reason why she resigned from her position as principal was her heavy guilt and shame for failing to stop Daniela. She does not feel any guilt for lying to protect Winter.
	+ Av also says that Rex still hasn't forgiven herself for the events of *Winter Storm Arising* and constantly beats herself up behind the scenes.
* In early stages of the series, Rex was actually intended to be an antagonist who would take over the school and begin a tyrannical, homophobic rule. She would have also explicitly killed Winter's mother, kidnapped Winter, and turned her into a slave, tormenting the young girl often. She would have been eventually defeated.
	+ This entire story arc was later scrapped and Rex became a supporting character in Season 1. Her character traits were passed on to Shetani.
* Rex thought Daniela had attempted suicide when she bashed the mirror with her forehead, unaware that she was fighting a voice in her head.
* Rex did not intend to abuse Daniela at all, and Av says that she was too overaggressive with Daniela to properly counter against her actions, instead fueling the fire that burned in her heart.
* She sees Winter like a second daughter and would give everything to save her in one minute.