The Real American Idol

A Big Surprise

After school, Mirabela and her cousins rode home on their scooters.

"Those are great decorations for the party, Mira," Dulce smiled. "A purple outline for the heart-shaped flags is a great way to represent the Purple Hearts earned by the many Veterans who have been injured or killed while serving the country."

"Well, since it's a Veteran's Day Quince, I figured my party should also be about our Veterans," Mirabela smiled.

"That's very nice of you," Variel smiled. "I'm certain Nancy would make her Sweet 16 all about her."

"Knowing how much of a spoiled entitled princess she is, it wouldn't surprise me although I don't think December 1st has a special holiday," Dulce said.

"The only special holiday on that specific date would be Nancy's birthday," Mirabela scoffed. Then she and her cousins shared a laugh.

Soon enough, the girls made it to their Casita.

"Hola, chicas, did you have a good day at school?" Sofia asked.

"Muy bien, Mamá," Dulce and Variel chorused.

"Bien—gracias, Tía Sofia," Mirabela said.

"Oh, Mirabela, look what came for you in the mail today," Jesus beamed, handing his youngest granddaughter a blue envelope.

Mirabela observed the envelope carefully—it was blue with white stars, and she turned it over to see the return address. "Oh, it's from Papi," she beamed. She opened the envelope and pulled out a beautifully decorated card that stated Feliz Quinceañera on the front.

"Wow, that's a beautiful card," Dulce gaped.

Mirabela opened the card and read the message inside out loud:

Querida Mirabela,

¿Cómo estás? I hope you're looking forward to your Quinceañera. By the way, I want to tell you that I'm psychic, and I just had an amazing prediction: you're looking forward to a very special surprise during your Quince, and this Thanksgiving and Christmas will be just as special because things are sure to be different after your birthday. I look forward to knowing if you like it. Give our family a hug and a kiss for me. I miss you all.

Con mucho amor,

Papi

"Oh, a big surprise," Sofia smiled knowingly. Apparently, she Jesus, Dulce, Variel, Pablo, and Sara knew what surprise Pedro had for Mirabela.

"If this is Papi's idea of cheering me up since he can't be at my Quince, he did a great job," Mirabela smiled.

"Pedro has always been a joker," Jesus recalled.

That night, Mirabela was showing Sara and Pablo the card she'd received, and they were both amused.

"Ay, that Pedro," Sara chuckled. "He sure knows how to put a smile on our faces."

"I just don't see how he never runs out of silly things to say," Pablo smiled. "Anyone would think he never goes through a slump."

Suddenly, Mirabela's cell phone rang. "Hello?" she answered.

"Hola, mi princesa," Pedro's voice rang through happily.

"Hola, Papi," Mirabela beamed. "How are you?"

"Great, and you?" Pedro asked.

"Muy bien," Mirabela smiled. "I just received your card, and I love it. Muchas gracias."