Illusions of the island *A LOST fanfic*

Chapter 52: Hayley's special day

"That's pretty! Mama how come I can't have a tiara too?"

Juliet looked at Cara in the mirror and fixed Hayley's curls under the tiara.

"In 6 years when you turn 15. Right now, it's for your sister's party. It's her birthday. You only turn 15 once. Dejar a su hermana sola. Leave her alone."

Cara pouted in front of the mirror and tried to stand on her tippy toes to touch the tiara. Hayley slapped at Cara's little hands.

"Don't touch it! You'll mess it up!"

Juliet frowned at Hayley and fixed her last curl.

"I know it's your birthday Hayley, but please be nice to your sister."

Hayley ducked her head and apologized.

"Lo siento mama. You said you had a couple of surprises for me. What are they?"

(I'm sorry mama.)

Juliet only shook her head and put her index finger to her lips.

"You'll see. You know this tiara belonged to your great grandmother. She kept it locked in a wooden chest before she came to the U.S. Then when I turned 15 she gave it to me. Now I'm passing it on to you. Be careful with it. It's very old. You look beautiful. Are you ready to go?"

Hayley nodded and looked at herself in front of the mirror.

"Yes. Let's go."

Cara trailed behind Hayley and her mother. In the hallway, James smiled as they came out.

"You look like a real princess."

Hayley turned a shade red.

"Daddy don't embarrass me."

James smirked and held his arm out. Hayley hooked her left arm under his and they walked down to the reception hall they'd rented out. When they entered the room, a DJ started playing music. He spoke over the music.

"Please give a warm welcome to the birthday girl Hayley Isabel Ford-Montero! Who would like to give the birthday girl the first dance? Jaime?"

Hayley's friend Jaime Rodriguez had turned into a handsome young man. He turned a few shades red and then appeared on the dance floor. Juliet sat in a folding chair and watched her oldest daughter twirl in her cream-colored dress. She got tears in her eyes as the song ended and the DJ stepped away from his turntables for a few minutes. Getting up from her chair, Juliet walked up to the microphone and spoke into it.

"Hayley I have a surprise for you."

Juliet pushed play on a DVD player hooked up to a projector. A video of an older man, presumably in his 70's appeared on the screen, a large smile on his face. She sat down in another folding chair and watched the video.

"Hayley, bienvenido al mundo. Mi niña hermosa. Eres especial. Yo soy tu abuelo. Tu madre es una mujer muy especial. Muy inteligente. Hermosa. Nunca he estado más orgullosa de ella. Quiero hacer una cosa para mí a medida que crece, siempre escucha lo que te dice tu madre. Ella le ama incondicionalmente. Igual lo hago. Siempre te amaré. Recuerde."

(Hayley, welcome to the world. My beautiful girl. You're special. I'm your great grandfather. Your mother is a very special woman. Intelligent. Beautiful. I've never been more proud of her. I want you to do one thing for me as you grow older, always listen to what your mother tells you. She loves you unconditionally. Just as I do. I will always love you. Remember that.)

The video cut out and the room stayed quiet. Hayley put a hand over her mouth and let some tears fall. Juliet went to her and pulled her to the side.

"Baby, your great grandfather made that video a week after you were born. He adored you. He passed away just as you were just learning how to crawl. That video is yours. He was saving it for you until today. Now no more tears. You have a party to enjoy! Your other surprise is we pulled some major strings to get Prince Royce to come and sing at your party."

Hayley pulled Juliet into a hug and then squealed.

"Thank-you mama. Thank-you!"

This day had turned out perfect and the night was still young. There was still food to be served and more dancing to be had. Juliet set a small plastic box on the main table, inside was a little tea set. Smiling, Juliet sat and listened as the song changed and Jack went out on the dance floor with Hayley. Taking James hand, Juliet pulled him out onto the dance floor.

"Come dance with me James."

James looked hesitant.

"You know I got two left feet blondie. Besides, I ain't so good at this kinda dancin'. You know that."

Juliet let out an infectious laugh.

"Salsa isn't that difficult. Now Tango is. Just follow my lead."

James shook his head and followed Juliet onto the dance floor.

"Ain't I supposed to lead you?"

Letting out another laugh, Juliet started dancing, directing James on the right path.

"I was four years-old when I learned how to dance like this. My grandfather taught me. Parties were always big affairs for my grandparents. I get it from my dad's side. My mom never saw the point in staying up half the night partying. I wore that same tiara. But I had a blue dress. I felt so tall with my cousins, only because they were tiny. I wanted to make today as special for Hayley as possible. Rachel and I, ours were magical. I felt they were at least. I had a blue dress and Rachel had a red one."

The couple kept dancing until the music stopped. Taking James by the hand back to the table, Juliet dug into her plate or Arroz Moro. A smiled planted on her face, she finished chewing and swallowing.

"You did good out there James. You pick things up fast. Two left feet? You're a natural!"

Cara came up to the pair and started pulling on Juliet's hand.

"Mama, come dance with me."

Juliet took another bite of food and then swallowed.

"Baby, let mommy finish eating first, then I'll come dance with you ok?"

Cara bounced off to look for Jack so she could dance. Hayley came back to the main table and planted herself next to Juliet, a smile on her face.

"Thank you so much for this mama. Daddy, your dancing with me next. Come on!"

James still looked a little unsure as Hayley grabbed for his hand.

"Are you sure you want me to dance with ya squirt? I might step on your feet."

Hayley rolled her eyes playfully at James.

"Come on daddy, besides, it's your turn to dance with me anyways."

Juliet sat and watched James and Hayley out on the dance floor while she ate. Today had turned out perfect, and for a moment life wasn't throwing her one crisis after another. Maybe the island was finally letting her go.

To Be Continued...