Quince Clash (8 page)

Grace pulled out her cell phone. “I'm so sorry. Let me call my assistant and maybe we can —”

“I told you to get her out of here!” Her father struggled with Chuy and Santiago. Mr. Garza was a big man, and it looked like he would get free when all of a sudden he cried out in pain. His eyes grew big while his face went pale. Leonardo clutched his right arm and collapsed to the floor, bringing Santiago and Chuy down with him.

“Mom!” Fabi cried, running over to her father. “Mom! Dad isn't moving!” She turned around and saw her mother standing frozen in place, stiff like Grandpa Frank's starched pants. No one moved. “Alexis! Call 911. Call 911 right now.”

“Help!” Santiago cried. “Tío weighs a ton. He's squishing my leg.”

Chuy and Fabi helped Santiago free himself from under Leonardo.

“Is he dead?” Abuelita Alpha asked, pulling out her rosary.

Fabi's mother had regained her composure and snapped, “Don't you dare say that! He's not dead.” She rushed over to Leonardo's side and began to cry. Alexis put her arm around her mother and said comforting words.

“Pues,
he's not moving.
Se puede morir del coraje
,” Fabi's grandmother Alpha explained.

Grace sprang to Fabi's side. “The ambulance is on the way. I'm so sorry. I feel responsible. This is not what I intended. Fabi, you have to believe me. I just thought they could relax and enjoy the day. I'm sorry.” Tears started to well up in her eyes. “I didn't think. I didn't —”

Fabi wanted to comfort her. She wanted to tell her that it was all right, that her father would be okay. But her dad was on the floor. He'd had some kind of attack. It was not all right!

The ambulance showed up and rushed Leonardo Garza to a hospital in McAllen. The family piled into cars to follow the blinking lights of the emergency mobile.
This was not
supposed to happen
, Fabi thought, sitting in the back of her grandma Trini's car.

No one uttered a word on the drive. Grandma Trini didn't even turn on the radio. Fabi watched the darkening sky. She was numb. Her sister was sniveling next to her. There was the clicking of rosary beads rubbing together as Abuelita Alpha mumbled prayers in the front seat. For once, Grandma Trini didn't complain and prayed alongside her silently.

A chill set into Fabi's bones. She couldn't shake the feeling that this was all her fault.

L
eonardo was okay. He'd experienced a minor heart attack, but was recovering nicely. The doctors wanted to keep him for a few days to make sure his vital signs went back to normal. Fabi's father had ignored his doctor's past advice, and now it was catching up with him. The doctor prescribed a change in diet, daily exercise, and no stress. By the end of the week, Leonardo was finally home. Fabi promised herself that she would do everything in her power to make her dad's recovery as peaceful as possible.

Chuy took over head-cook responsibilities. Fabi assisted between school, practice, and her other quince duties. She knew that she had to explain the truth to Grace. But there were always new things that had to be ordered, cleaned, or thrown out at the restaurant, which just couldn't wait. It wasn't until Grace approached her about Melodee's quinceañera that she realized that now it might be too late.

“Do you think she would mind if we tagged along with you today?” Grace asked, sitting across the table from Fabi on Fabi's fifteen-minute break.

Today was Melodee's quinceañera! With everything going on, Fabi had totally forgotten about it.
Great
, she thought, as she smiled at Grace from across the table. “Sure, I don't think she'll mind.”

“Wonderful,” Grace said as she scribbled some notes down on a pad. “We just want to get some shots of other quinceañeras for a promo piece.” She reached out for Fabi's hand. “How is your dad feeling?”

“He's much better. He started getting around with this walker Abuelita Alpha lent him. He complains a lot. That's always a good sign.”

Grace smiled. “I feel so bad about the whole thing, you know? It wasn't our intention —”

“I know,” Fabi said, looking down at the plastic red tabletop. There was a dried salsa stain on the edge of the table. Fabi pulled a wet rag from her apron pocket and started to rub at the stain. It was time to come clean, she resolved. She had to tell Grace, now, before anything worse happened. “There's something I need to tell you,” Fabi began.

“I know what you're going to say,” Grace cut in.

Grace gave Fabi a small smile. “None of this is your fault. I don't want you to blame yourself. You should see the video footage we have of your dad.” Grace wiped away a tear with the back of her hand. “He's really very proud of you. This day means a lot to him. He never believed that he could provide for you and your sister the way you deserved. This party means so much to him.”

Fabi felt her heart stretch in a hundred directions. It was exhausting just to think of everyone who was now affected by this party. This was no longer about winning some stupid bet. Fabi's quinceañera had become the culmination, the dream, of every person she had ever known — a dream built with the past generations' blood, sweat, and hope. It was a dream for a better tomorrow. A quinceañera's dream. But this dream was quickly becoming Fabi's cross to bear.

“So I'll pick you up around four?” Grace asked.

“Yeah, sure,” Fabi said, without enthusiasm.

 

Grace left and Fabi reached for her phone and dialed Georgia Rae's number. How could she forget Melodee's quinceañera? What was she going to wear? She glanced at her watch. It was already two o'clock. No, this was not happening!

Thankfully, her friend picked up on the second ring. “Georgia Rae,” Fabi cried, touching her head. When was the last time she'd washed her hair? she wondered. And now she didn't have enough time! Her heart began to race. “What are you doing? Whatever it is — stop! We have an emergency. It's Melodee's quinceañera. Yes! Today. I know. I'm freaking out. I need you here, now.”

When Fabi hung up, she noticed Grandma Trini and Alexis standing next to her. When had they appeared?

“We heard,” Alexis said in a serious tone.

“We are here for you,
mija
,” Grandma Trini assured, placing her hand on Fabi's arm. “
Esa
fashion lady left a bunch of dresses at my house that she'd made and no like. Let's go and try them on. I can hem anything not finished. That way we all look pretty for the party.”

“We?”

Alexis rolled her eyes. “Well, yeah, of course we're going to go with you. We won't let you go alone. Let me call Santiago and Chuy.”

“No, wait!” Fabi grabbed her by the arm. “I only got one invitation. And now I'm bringing five guests.” She raised her hand for emphasis. “Three's plenty. Besides, someone has to run the restaurant while we're out.”

“Don't you worry about the restaurant,” Grandpa Frank called out from the counter. Her grandfather turned his veterans' cap backward and shot her a wink. “C'mon, boys,” he said, gesturing to his buddies sitting along the counter. “It'll be just like old times in the barracks.”

Fabi smiled with pride at her grandfather and the senior brigade. The old men started to tease one another as they familiarized themselves with the kitchen. It felt good to have their support.

“And I'll make some of my famous chili,” Abuelita Alpha exclaimed, heading into the kitchen. It seemed like everyone wanted to help. Fabi wished she could stay and hang out with them. But the clock was ticking and she had to start getting ready for the first part of the quinceañera showdown.

 

Grandma Trini, Alexis, Georgia Rae, and Fabi arrived at Melodee's quinceañera after four. They looked more like a gang than guests. All four of them chose the same reject
dama
dress. Alexis thought it was a good idea. It would show their unity, but Fabi knew that it was really because it was the best one in the lot. The designer called the color “burnt fuchsia.” She swore it was up-and-coming. The dress hung off one shoulder and had a cute bubble hem skirt that ended above the knee. Fabi wasn't crazy about the big rose on the shoulder, but there was no time to remove it. Fabi met Grace and the cameraman at the door of the McAllen Convention Center.

The convention center was a colossal exposition space where the hottest singers and shows performed. Fabi had come once with Georgia Rae to see
The Lion King
. She couldn't help but feel a little excited to be there again. The majestic building made everything feel so much more special.

Melodee's party was already in full swing. There was valet parking with a real red carpet, and a mariachi group was playing as the guests arrived. Fabi smiled shyly at Grace.

Grace noticed and squeezed Fabi's hand. “Don't worry. Yours will be better.”

They followed the crowd into the convention center and toward the ballroom. Georgia Rae came up behind Fabi and pinched her.

“Hey, notice anything?”

Fabi glanced around at the other guests. Everyone was dressed in suits and cute dresses. “No, what?” Fabi whispered back.

“Everyone is wearing black and white.

” Fabi looked again and noticed that Georgia Rae was right. Georgia Rae asked to see the invitation.

“Damn it,” Georgia Rae cursed under her breath. “Look, it says here it's a Black-and-White Affair. That's the theme.”

“No way,” Fabi said under her breath. She had hoped to go unnoticed at the party.

“Too late now.” Alexis shrugged. “I don't care. So we stand out.”

As they got closer to the ballroom, Fabi's hands started to tremble. She couldn't calm them or her heartbeat down. “Let's just check it out and leave. I don't want to stick around.”

Grandma Trini, who had been unusually quiet up until now, cleared her throat loudly.
“Al mal tiempo buena cara.”

Georgia Rae looked at her blankly.

Grandma Trini smiled brightly. “We must show a good face even if we really dislike the situation.” The girls nodded, with smiles as big as Texas. “Fabi, you will bring over this gift,” Trini said, removing a beautifully wrapped box from her purse.

“Gift? Grandma, we didn't get her a gift.”

“I know,” Trini said, “I just wrapped this ceramic pink elephant your grandma Alpha gave me last Christmas.” She made a face.

Fabi laughed, taking the package. At that moment, she had a burst of love for the crazy old lady with too much perfume.

Grandma Trini motioned with her fingers when she talked. “Then we go over and congratulate the quinceañera and her family, eat some food, and leave. In that order.” The girls nodded. “And if we're going to stand out,” she added, turning toward the entrance of the ballroom, “we hold our heads up high and walk with style.”

Georgia Rae, Alexis, and Fabi laughed as they watched Grandma Trini step into the hall like she owned the place. They nodded to one another and strutted into Melodee Stanton's quinceañera like they were Dos Rios royalty.

 

Electronica pop dance music shook the walls of the ballroom. Fabi stood by the chocolate fondue fountain, her mouth open in awe. The huge open space looked elegant, with rich red carpeting on the floor and an amazing lighting system that shot designs of colors on three of the walls. On the fourth wall, overlooking the eight-foot quince party's table, was a photo-montage of Melodee.

“Ooh, look,” Fabi's grandmother cried, and pointed to the ceiling. Dangling up above was a dazzling chandelier made out of crystals in the shape of a butterfly with its wings spread out.

There had to be at least two hundred people there, Fabi thought, looking around the room. The tables were decorated with tall, curly willow-branch centerpieces that sparkled with little white flowers and candles. Each place setting had a personalized name card. There were two cake tables and a mountain of gifts piled up in between. Guests were talking adamantly with one another, hanging out at the bar, or mingling on the dance floor.

Fabi really, really wanted to leave.

There was a harsh scratching sound from the speaker and everyone stopped talking. Melodee came through a side door. Her quince party streamed in behind her. Everyone started to clap. She was wearing a strapless chiffon and satin black-and-white evening gown with a lacy beaded top. An elegant tiara was placed on top of her loose blonde curls. There was a glass of champagne in Melodee's hand. Fabi wondered if she was drunk.

Melodee grabbed the mic. “Is this stupid thing on?” she said to the sound guy. He gave her the thumbs-up. Melodee smiled as she stared across the dance floor. Her gaze stopped at Fabi. “Well, it's time for the fun to begin. I see that all the guests have arrived.”

Fabi groaned to herself. She had a terrible feeling about this. There she was, standing out like a red stoplight. Georgia Rae and Alexis reached for her hands at the same time for support. Fabi was grateful to have them there.

“First things first,” Melodee continued in her annoying, singsong voice. “I'd love to thank my dear mother and father for paying for this fabulous party.” The guests clapped politely. “I want to thank Fabiola Garza for having the courage to come to my party and bring the TV camera. I promise you a good show,” she said to the cameraman. “I also wanted to give Fabi a small token of my appreciation, because honestly I don't think I would have had as much fun organizing this day without a good reason.”

One of Melodee's
damas
brought a wrapped gift over to Fabi. The guests cheered again for Melodee as she blew Fabi an air-kiss. The crowd approved and clapped even louder.

Fabi pulled off the black ribbon and opened the box. Inside, there was a brand-new electric razor — the kind you'd use to shave your head. This was horrible. Melodee smiled devilishly from across the room. A guy behind Fabi started to laugh.

“Oh, and let me not forget one last person.” There was movement behind Melodee. Someone was moving forward. “I would like to thank my handsome, sweet, hopelessly devoted new boyfriend for being here today. You made my victory possible. Thank you, my love. Daniel Cruz.”

Fabi's breath caught in her throat. Did she hear right? But yes — she watched in horror as Daniel appeared at Melodee's side. Daniel!

Fabi's whole world shattered. It felt like a dozen fishing hooks pierced and pulled sharply at her chest, tearing apart her heart.

“Hey,” Georgia Rae asked, “isn't that
your chambelán
?”

It took Fabi a couple of seconds to react. Fat tears started to stream down her cheeks. This was the worst humiliation in the world. The crowd turned to look at Fabi's reaction as if this was a big joke that everyone was in on but her.

Onstage, Daniel stared down at his shoes. Melodee didn't seem to notice or care. She turned to him and gave him a long kiss on the lips.

“Ah yes, my boyfriend,” Melodee slurred, as she put one arm around him, “who is so hopelessly devoted to me that he would do anything to make me happy. Isn't that right?” she asked him. Daniel smiled back in confirmation.

“You!” Fabi cried. A flood of angry words came to her mind. A woman grunted loudly in disapproval next to her, jerking Fabi back from her fury. Then she noticed the looks of disbelief and frowns aimed right at her — as if she'd done something wrong!

Melodee smiled as she swung her head back to Fabi. “Is that camera rolling?”

Grace nodded that it was. She had to get Grace out of there, Fabi thought, but everything was happening too quickly.

Melodee continued without missing a beat. “Please excuse Miss Fabiola Garza. It's not her fault she has no manners. How 'bout we have some music while the waiters bring out the food?” The guests returned to their celebratory mood, ignoring Fabi's outburst.

Fabi turned to Georgia Rae. But she didn't know what to say. She was numb with disbelief. Then Melodee started walking toward Fabi. She was dragging Daniel by the hand behind her. Fabi's breath caught.
What is she going to do now?

Melodee smirked as she passed Fabi, Grandma Trini, Alexis, and Georgia Rae in their matching outfits. She finally stopped in front of Grace and the camera. Fabi's heart was beating wildly. Daniel was standing right behind Melodee, totally ignoring Fabi three feet away. Melodee smiled at the camera and said, “I think it's ironic that your show is called
Quince Dreams
. It's ironic because that's all it really is, for Fatty. A dream. Your quince plans … all a dream.” Melodee sighed deeply, and glanced at Fabi. “I told you not to mess with me.”