Quince Clash (7 page)

“Mija.”
Grandma Trini grabbed Fabi's hand. “You saw the show. They want drama. That's how TV works. We just gave them what they wanted. They get their show. We get our quinceañera. Everyone is happy.”

“But what happens when I don't die?” Fabi demanded. “Huh? Tell me that! What happens when they find out that it was all a lie?” She looked at her sister's and grandmother's blank faces. Fabi couldn't do this. She stood up. The letter stared up at her from the table. She felt sick just looking at it. Fabi crumbled the letter in her hands and stormed out of the restaurant.

 

Fabi waited until she'd walked down two blocks to let out a scream. She didn't care what people in the street thought. Right now, she was so upset at her sister and Grandma Trini that she wanted to rip out someone's hair. Her whole family had a knack for stirring up trouble. Fabi had to get away.

She turned onto one of the residential roads. Small houses with colorful wildflowers lined the block; bright sunflowers and tall bluebonnets adorned the metal gates. She breathed in the perfume of all the flowers, and a tear jerked from her eye. This had to be the worst nightmare of her entire life. Fabi watched a squirrel run up the trunk of a Mexican olive tree. She wished she could scurry up after it and hide forever in the trees. Her feet kept moving. How could she go back? How could she face Grace Cooper and everyone at school? What would she tell
Daniel
?

Fabi stormed into the park at the end of the street. Kids were playing in the playground. A group of men had gathered in the field to play baseball. Fabi found a bench that overlooked the field and sat down. She couldn't believe how low her grandmother and sister could go! Tears flowed freely down her cheeks. She thought about all the kids on TV commercials with shaved heads who were really dying. It wasn't something to joke about. Fabi covered her face with her hands. What was she going to do?

Just then a baseball came toward her. She picked it up. One of the guys who'd been playing came over to retrieve it.

“Fabi,” he said, surprised.

She wiped her nose and looked up at Daniel.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

The concern on his face made her crumble. She couldn't hold back as tears sprang from her eyes. Daniel gently took the ball from her and passed it off to his friends, who continued the game without him. Then Daniel put his arms around her. Fabi was too frazzled by all the events to object and surrendered into the embrace.

When he released her, they sat down on the bench. Fabi didn't know what to say. She felt like an idiot, breaking down in front of Daniel like that.

“Hey,” Daniel finally said, nudging her shoulder. “My mom always says that talking about your problems makes you feel better.”

Fabi nodded, looking down at the crumpled paper still in her hand. She was just going to tell Daniel about the letter. But she found herself telling him everything. She started at the beginning, with her original plan to go to NYC with Georgia Rae. But when Alexis broke cur-few a few weeks before, their dad had held Fabi responsible and forbade her to go anywhere. Then there was Melodee and the bet. Finally, she revealed the truth about
Quince Dreams
and how her sister and grandmother lied to get her on the show. When Fabi finished, she actually felt a lot better. He was right. It did feel better to tell someone.

Daniel stared out at the field, soaking in all the information. He didn't say a word. His silence made Fabi nervous. Did he think she was a creep? “Wow,” he finally said. “So you lied to get on that show, huh?”

Fabi nodded. “Do you think I'm an evil person?”

“You? No way. I don't think any of this is your fault. It's just … sometimes people do things that they think are right at the time because … because it's what they think they want.”

“I know, I know,” Fabi sighed, the weight of the situation barreling down on her. “I know Alexis and Grandma Trini didn't mean to hurt me. In their own way, they thought they were helping me. My mom and dad could never afford a fancy quinceañera. The restaurant is just barely making it, and if they didn't work so hard every day, we could lose everything. This whole situation is just … hard.”

“Maybe if you explained it to the TV people, they'd understand.”

“I doubt it.” Fabi shook her head. “You should have seen Grace's face when she gave me the legal documents to sign. They think I'm dying from some terminal illness. They want a tear-jerking soap opera. They're not interested in my story. I'm just some girl from a small town, a loser.”

Daniel reached out for Fabi's hand and squeezed it. The tender gesture took Fabi's breath away. His touch was warm and full of support. She'd never met anyone like him before.

“You're not a loser,” he said with conviction. “And I don't ever want to hear you call yourself that.
I'm
the loser.”

Fabi was shocked. She released his hand. What was he talking about? Daniel was the coolest guy she'd ever met — and the cutest, too. “What are you talking about?”

Daniel took a deep breath and continued to stare at the field. He was about to tell her something, but then changed his mind. “It's nothing. Forget about it.”

Fabi stared at him. What was he about to say? Her mind started to race. Daniel turned to her and smiled.

“It's nothing,” he repeated, trying to assure her. “I think you need to explain things to the show. Hey, maybe they'll do the show anyway. They're already here and they've spent all that money for the hall and the invitations. That woman still has to do a show, right?”

“Well, I guess that's all I can do,” Fabi said, trying to sound more confident than she felt. She took a deep breath. The air was sweet. Fabi smiled at Daniel. No more lies. It was time to tell the truth and accept the consequences.

F
abi tried to talk to Grace several times throughout that next week. But Grace was in McAllen a lot, setting up logistics and the celebrity assistants. The fashion designer was very demanding of Fabi's time. She was a humorless perfectionist, changing Fabi's dress designs more times than the wind changed directions.

When the dance instructor called for the first practice session, Fabi welcomed the break. She missed her old life, missed serving her grandpa Frank and listening to his stories about the war, missed the smell of her dad's cooking and all the gossip that spun from her
abuelita
Alpha's lips. But the party was only a week away, and Fabi half hoped that maybe the longer she waited, the more likely Grace would let her have the party — despite the lie.

They were supposed to meet the dance instructor in the Dos Rios High gymnasium after school. The principal was more than happy to let them use the space for free. Alexis, Grandma Trini, and Fabi arrived early. When Georgia Rae walked through the door, it was like a breath of fresh air. It felt like years since they'd hung out. Fabi had tried to tell Georgia Rae about the lie and her mixed feelings about going along with rehearsals on the phone, but Georgia Rae was too excited to share Fabi's concern. A chance to be on national TV was an opportunity that only came once in a lifetime, she cheered.

“I'm here,” Georgia Rae exclaimed, walking into the gymnasium with a brand-new hair-style. She'd blow-dried her hair super straight and added red highlights. “You like?” she asked, striking a pose in her new 'do.

“Ay, mija,”
Grandma Trini admired. “You look so fancy, just like a real pop singer on the TV.”

Fabi had to agree Georgia Rae looked good. Fabi wondered if maybe it was time for her to get a new look, too.

They all turned when they heard boisterous laughter coming from the hallway. Fabi held her breath as Santiago and Daniel walked in with an older man with salt-and-pepper hair and a short goatee. The man, holding a fancy boom box, had to be the choreographer, she thought. But who were the three girls trailing behind them? Then she recognized Violet, Noelia, and Mona.
What are they doing here?
Her body stiffened. Fabi hadn't invited them to be in her quince; she technically didn't invite anyone, but now she felt her ears burn. Would they be upset?

Noelia smiled and called, “Hey, Fabi, we found them wandering the halls.”

“Yeah,” added Violet. “We were just telling Mr. Cardoza about the dance we made up for the talent show last fall.”

“Did you know that he taught J. Lo how to dance?” Mona said in disbelief.

“I hope you don't mind —” Noelia looked a tad embarrassed.

“But we want to watch,” finished Violet.

Mr. Cardoza — clearly that was the goateed choreographer guy — looked at the girls as if they'd just said the craziest thing in the world. “Watch?” He shook his head dramatically. “Three fine dancers like yourselves can't watch. Not in my practice. You ladies will practice with us. You” — he pointed to Noelia — “will be Fabi's understudy.”

Fabi was confused. They only had three guys.

Mr. Cardoza looked at Fabi and said, “I read your story. If you're not up to dancing, one of these girls can fill in for you. Now, kids, gather around me.” He motioned for everyone to come over. The three girls screamed excitedly as they joined the group. Mr. Cardoza noticed Grandma Trini and nodded. “Ma'am,” he said to her, “with all due respect, my dancing style is very rigorous. I am a demanding instructor. I don't accept excuses or Bengay breaks. My technique is not for the innocent. It has been called
raunchy
by some and
vulgar
by others. How do you think J. Lo got that butt?” No one answered. “My question for you is, do you think you can keep up?”

Grandma Trini kicked one leg up in the air and dropped down into a split.
“Mijo,”
she said from the floor. “If I can dance with the devil and live to tell about it, I can do your dirty dance.”

The choreographer burst into a cheerful laugh. “Yes! That was exactly what I wanted to hear. Okay, now let's start with a warm-up. You guys like to Zumba?”

“Wait!” Fabi interrupted. “We're not all here. We're missing one person.” She looked at Georgia Rae and Alexis. “Milo's not here!”

Georgia Rae shrugged.

Mr. Cardoza clapped his hands for attention. “I will let you interrupt once, because you are the quinceañera. But that's it. My time is valuable. I won't wait for no one. Not even for you, my sweet. Like I said, one of these girls will fill in for whoever can't keep up.”

“But they're girls,” Fabi said flatly.

Mr. Cardoza raised up two fingers in a threatening manner. “Now, where was I?” He turned on his boom box. Reggaeton dance beats blasted out of the speakers. “All right, everybody. I want you to stick your booty out like
this
and shake them hips!”

 

The next day, Fabi's thighs screamed in pain when she tried to get out of bed. Thankfully, it was Saturday and she didn't have to go to work until the afternoon. Her whole body ached from the rigorous dance workout. Every muscle cried out for relief. She smiled to herself, staring up at the ceiling, remembering how Grandma Trini put everyone to shame with her serpentine stomach rolls. Her smile faded when she thought about Milo. He hadn't shown up at all. She racked her brain, trying to think if she'd somehow insulted him by mistake. Nothing came to mind. Was he mad about Daniel being her
chambelán
? Sure, he'd offered at the beginning. But he was just being nice, just trying to help her out. He couldn't possibly be upset about that!

Fabi took two quick breaths, willed herself past the pain, and got up. This would not be easy, she thought, grabbing muscle-relieving cream from her nightstand —
ouch!

She borrowed Santiago's truck and drove to the trailer park where Milo lived. Milo's house was the last one down the first row. There were fake flowers planted in front. He said his mom preferred the synthetic ones because they were the only flowers that didn't die on her. Fabi walked around back and knocked on his bedroom window. Milo poked his head out from behind a dark curtain. He had his headphones on. She motioned for him to come out.

Fabi licked her lips nervously. On the ride over she'd tried to think of what to say. But the truck kept stalling on her when she tried to shift too quickly, so she hadn't come up with anything good.

Milo opened the front door. Fabi couldn't help but peek inside. She'd never been invited into his house. He always made excuses about it being messy. This time, Fabi saw a woman passed out on the couch. She was missing a green sandal and there was a bottle of Jack Daniel's on the floor. Quickly, Fabi looked away, hoping Milo hadn't noticed her prying. “Hey,” he said softly, closing the door behind him.

“Hey,” Fabi said back.

“What's up?”

She shrugged. “Not much. We missed you yesterday at the quinceañera practice. You didn't call or anything.”

Milo said nothing. He glanced back at the house, then stared off over Fabi's shoulder.

Fabi wondered about Milo's family. He never talked about them. “Do you want to walk?” she asked.

Milo nodded. They hopped through the hole in the chain-link fence that led to an open field. It was private property, but no one ever came around there. For a while, the only sounds were the crunching of their feet on the dried grass. The deeper they went, the more the desert landscape opened up to them. A slight breeze tossed Fabi's hair, providing a welcome break from the stifling heat. She watched a bird soar high up above. It was so peaceful here, she thought.

“I don't think I can be in the quinceañera,” Milo said softly, breaking the silence.

“What? Are you crazy?” Fabi stared at him in shock. She had not expected this. “But … this party is partly your fault. You can't back out. I know you helped Grandma Trini and Alexis write that letter.”

Milo sucked in his teeth. “You found out that you're dying. I knew it was a bad idea. I told them not to put that in,” he said, looking sincere. “But I was outvoted, two to one. Your sister can be pretty pushy once she gets her heart set on something.”

“You could have told me.”

“I wanted to, but then you got chosen and … I didn't get a chance.”

Fabi understood. She'd been trying to talk to Grace, but something always came up. Time was slipping away. Fabi had to tell her before it got too late. Fabi thought about Milo's mom passed out on the couch. “Is everything okay? I mean, at home with your mom?”

Milo looked sideways at her as they walked. “You saw that?”

She nodded.

“She'll be all right. I think she got fired last night from her job at the HEB grocery store. Don't worry. She'll be fine by tomorrow,” he said in a matter-of-fact tone.

His nonchalant attitude made Fabi feel more like a stranger than a friend. She couldn't understand the distance that was swelling up between them. They'd gone from sharing their deepest feelings to awkward silence in a matter of days. She also realized that there was more to Milo than she thought. She cared about him and didn't want to lose his friendship.

“Did I do something to make you mad?” she asked.

“It's nothing,” he said, but Milo's voice was tight.

“It's just that we were super close.”

“Fabi.”

“You used to come to the restaurant after school and now you won't even talk to me. If I did something, tell me.”

Milo shook his head. He grabbed a rusty beer can and threw it. It didn't go very far.

“Milo,” Fabi tried again, softer.

“I don't want to talk about it, okay? I just need some time to myself, that's all.”

“Time to yourself?” She was starting to grow annoyed by his attitude. “I thought we were friends. Friends talk to each other, right?” She found herself getting really mad. “Is this about Daniel?” When Milo said nothing, Fabi continued. “Daniel's cool. You'd like him. I swear, if you'd just come to the rehearsal, you'd see.”

“You don't even know that boy,” Milo said, looking at her out of the corner of his eye. “Where does he come from? Who are his friends? You know nothing about him. He just appeared, and now you're making him your
chambelán
.” Milo took a long breath. “I was there for you when no else was. I was your friend when Dex tried to push you around, remember that? You've changed. Now that you're going to be on TV, you're like Ms. Popularity. How do you know that he's not just using you? I saw him at the mall talking to Melodee.”

Fabi jerked back. Why was he saying these things? “That's his job!” she stammered. “He works at the pizzeria. He has to be nice to everyone.”

Milo shook his head. “I don't like him, and there's nothing you can say that'll change that.”

“You're just jealous,” Fabi said, feeling frustrated and annoyed. Why was Milo acting like this?

“Jealous?” Milo started to laugh.

Fabi looked straight at him, trying to read his expression. How could he laugh? How could he be so mean? The mocking look on his face made her blood boil. “You know what?” she said angrily. “Forget it. You're right. I don't need you. I don't even know why I bother.” She turned away. “If you're going to act like this, then I'd rather you didn't come to my quinceañera at all.

” Fabi walked back to the truck. A part of her hoped that Milo would call her back, apologize, grab her, anything. He didn't. She slowed her pace. He wasn't going to call her back. Fabi didn't want to leave things like this, but what else could she do?

 

For the next few days, Fabi forced herself not to think about Milo. There were many more pressing things at the moment. She thought about Daniel's advice.

Maybe Grace will understand. She may even let me have the quinceañera
, she hoped, pushing open the front door of her family's restaurant. Just when Fabi didn't think things could get any worse, they did. As she walked in, she stepped into the middle of an ugly argument between none other than her father and Grace Cooper.

“You get that
sinvergüenza
out of my restaurant right now!” he cried, waving a skillet in the air threateningly. Chuy and Santiago were holding Leonardo at bay in the kitchen. Fabi had never seen her father so upset before. She turned to her mother, who held her arm across Grace like a protective shield. Grandma Trini and Alexis were trying to reassure Grace that everything was all right and not to worry.

“I'm so sorry, Mr. Garza,” Grace said pleadingly. “My assistant was supposed to tell you. I didn't mean —”

“Didn't mean … I'm sorry … Is that why you went behind my back and paid that fool BJ to cater my daughter's quinceañera?”

Fabi jumped back. Not BJ Lujan — of the restaurant Los Granos de Mama! They used recycled old lard in their food; everyone knew that!

Grace lowered her head in defeat. BJ Lujan had been trying for years to steal Garza's recipe for chili con carne. Everyone knew that it was the best. He'd even gone to great lengths to trick them, by planting a serving girl to spy for him.

Fabi looked at Grace, praying that what her dad said wasn't true.

“Pues,
then I am not going,” her father stated, sweating profusely.

“Please, Leonardo,” her mother protested. “You don't know what you're saying. This is Fabi's quinceañera. It's going to be on TV. Every —”

“I don't care,” her father said, pressing his hand to his chest. “I have my
orgullo
and no one will take that from me. I will not be disrespected at my daughter's quinceañera.
¡Saca a esa vieja!
I don't want to look at her.”