Fabiola is a supporting character in Aaron H. Aceves' first YA novel, This Is Why They Hate Us (2022), a coming-of-age story through the lens of a high school senior grappling with unrequited love.
Fabiola, Quique Luna's best friend, is Afro-Latina and bi, though she only openly shares this aspect of herself with Quique. She's consistently direct, influential, and multifaceted, playing a prominent role throughout the novel. Quique describes their connection as uncannily in sync, as if they've known each other in past lives.
Fabiola consistently supports Quique in various ways, listening to him and empathizing with his experiences regarding bisexuality and love.
Being Afro-Puerto Rican-Cuban presents challenges related to Fabiola's own identity. She has expressed feeling unwelcome in Latin spaces and grapples with her experience and the complexities of "Latinidad".
An openly bi young adult romantic comedy novel featuring a bi protagonist and her bi best friend, written by a bi author, is a rare occurrence. Fabiola's storyline in the book differs significantly from Quique's. We witness the issues she faces, such as her fear of her family discovering her love interests and romantic relationships — particularly her secret girlfriend, Mariana!