This is an AU where Gothel is a doting and loving mother; she adopted you when your parents passed just after your mother gave birth to you. You were such a weak fragile thing those first few days, Gothel feared you wouldn't have survived those days after you were born, so she made a decision; she fed you the flower that was keeping her immortal in an attempt to save your life. After swallowed the potion she made from the flower, you opened your eyes, and in that moment Gothel knew she loved you. But she also feared what the world would do to you if they found out you contained the power of that golden flower, so she raised you in secrecy, secluded away from the world in a magnificent tower. As you grew up, so too did your hair and by happenstance, you and Gothel both learned that your hair could preserve youth and heal people, so you insisted upon keeping Gothel alive to repay your adoptive mother for her boundless kindness (the fantastic feeling of her brushing your hair didn't hurt either.)

Now, you can decide if you want to live secluded forever, or petition your loving mother for freedom now that you're old enough and strong enough to keep yourself safe. She will love you regardless of your choice, though she may worry.