America: 50☆Stars (Vol. 1)

Episode 37: Cinco de Mayo

May 5, 1863 ~ California, U.S.A.

"Aiyah..." China sighed as he read the newspaper. "Why can't America get his states together? If I were him, I convince them to come back with some dim sum. That always do the trick." He sighed again. "Why am I even talking about it? I should focus on getting rest instead of worrying about America's problems. At least the war isn't anywhere near here-"

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

"Gaaah! G-Gunfire?" China stood up from his chair. He heard a child's screams outside the house. The face of a little, blue-eyed girl immediately came to mind, filling his heart with worry. "Suck ball! Can't I catch a break!" He grabbed a wok and chuan (spatula) and rushed out the house.

He was about to jump kick the attacker until he realized there was no attacker to be found. Instead, he found little California holding a rifle in her tiny hands. She wasn't the only one holding a rifle. There were two dozen Mexican Americans on the street, setting off their guns up high in the air, hollering in a language China couldn't understand, at least not well. He did understand they were excited about something, judging by their giant smiles and loud laughter. The only thing he didn't understand was why they were making a ruckus. The Civil War hadn't ended, nor was it America's birthday yet.

China didn't think about that question for too long. The only concern on his mind was taking the rifle out of California's hands. "Aiyah! Don't play with that!"

"Hey! That's mine! Give it back!" California protested, hopping up and down in an attempt to get her rifle back.

"No!"

"I was celebrating with mis amigos (my friends)!"

"No excuse!"

"Then, how am I supposed to celebrate Puebla's victory?"

He made a strange face. "Puebla? Is she one of America's states?"

She shook her head. "She's one of Mexico's states."

"Oh, right. I almost forgot Mexico exists..." he mumbles to himself. "What about Puebla?"

"She and the states south of the border are trying to fight off France from invading Mexico's private regions! Because of the civil war, I can't help her. Still, I'm rooting for her and Mexico to win!"

"I see."

"Last year, she won a huge a battle against France. Amazing, right?"

"I mean, it's France, so..."

"Give back my party rifle!" She jumped up and down.

"No way!" He raised the rifle above his head.

"Party pooper!" She stuck her tongue at him.

"I don't poop at parties!"

"Then, how am I supposed to show my excitement for Puebla's victory?"

"I don't know. Something that doesn't involve guns."

She pondered until her face lit up with joy. "I know! I can cook!"