𝐈𝐕𝐘 𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐃 || 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐤

☰40- A BIG SPECIAL PARTY

(January 2016)

   Quinn was right, although Tony and I had argued a few times over the break, we got along on Christmas Eve, the day we were celebrating Christmas just like I had done with my mom and grandparents. We didn't do much that morning but cook the food. I made tamales and pozole, just like how my grandmother taught me and Pepper helped. I also made a chocoflan for dessert.
   We ate and Quinn suggested we play Loteria which was fun, the night was the best night I've had in such a long time. At twelve we opened presents and drank hot chocolate, which lasted a good hour. I went to bed extremely happy that night.

   On Christmas morning we went to the Compound and I wasn't allowed to ask about the ECHO situation, so I tried to bite my tongue for most of the morning. It was still fun because we brought leftover food and everyone seemed to enjoy it, making me feel like I did a good job spreading my culture but then that brought up the Quince.
   They asked about all the information and soon Pepper, Quinn, and Nat were trying to plan it. I tried to tell them it was too late because there would only be two weeks to actually have a venue, photographer, and pictures. But because Tony had money and well being the way he was, he had it covered. I was shocked to see Steve and Rhodey actually wanted to help too. So the planning began.

   I managed to sneak out that day while everyone was busy. I meant up with Theo and Jade, telling them everything that had happened and we exchanged gifts before I had to go back to the compound.

   Pepper and Quinn were doing most of the planning when we got home and doing research while I was helping Tony in the lab with his suit moderations. The rest of the holiday break was spent looking at dresses, picking out a color pallet and theme, going to photoshoots, deciding on a menu, and finally looking at a venue.
   Since I didn't have any friends aside from Jade and Theo, I was fine with hiring dancers but I did ask Jade and Theo to be in my court and they agreed. Sending the invites was also pretty tough but Tony made me invite my whole grade and others. I also invited people I knew growing up, friends and neighbors when I was younger and those that I still spoke to every now and then.
I also invited my mother's friends, glad that they are Mexican as well.

   When I started going back to school, Quinn would come in the car with me and I knew Tony was monitoring me. I was surprised to see that Demitri wasn't there and I hadn't been attacked within the two weeks we had been back.

   "You know, these guys are professionals. We've only had three weeks to practice, 20 days, 50 hours and 30 minutes." Theo complained as we were at our final practice. "Then tomorrow we have to dance for 1,000 people, half of them we go to school with."

   "He's right." Jade says from next to me.

   "Al centro!" Theo danced me to the center and then they all had to pick me up. "Theo, mas arriba. You are the head. Ponte listo!"

   "How much higher?" He asks and they put me down.

   I smiled at Theo who rolled his eyes and danced me to the next chambelan. When we finished practicing everyone went home, I was staying back with Quinn as they were setting everything up.

   "Love it?"

   "It's perfect." I smile and hug her. "Thank you."

   "I knew you'd love it." She tells me and hugs me back. "Okay, I know you hate getting gifts but I got you something and since today is your official birthday I think it's an appropriate time to give it to you."

   She pulled out a small box. "I know it will mean a lot to you."

   I opened the small box and saw a gold necklace with a snake key charm. "It's beautiful."