Mi Bella Quinceañera

The day was finally here, the day that for a year Theo and I had been working so hard at. She had recruited me to plan her party, a grandiose event of sorts to commemorate the beautiful milestone in a girl's life. Trevor had been a nervous wreck all week long, anticipating this day, and I had found him more than once standing in Theo's doorway lost in his thoughts and gazing at our daughter. He'd been more than sentimental and to say that it was adorable was an understatement. I'd remember the way my father had acted the day of Sara's and I quinces, it wasn't as big as a festivity as Trevor and I had planned for Theodora, but we both had had a beautiful time, and we had looked incredibly beautiful in our dresses.

Theo hadn't wanted a traditional quinces ceremony, and that was completely fine with us. We didn't want to pressure her into doing anything she didn't want to do, and she definitely wanted skip the church portion of the traditional ceremony.

Unlike my mother, I was not going to force her to sit through an hour of church, and make promises that she would or wouldn't keep. She had picked everything, down to the venue, and decorations; she had also picked the colors she wanted us to wear. She had chosen ruby, grey, and purple for her theme colors; unusual to say the least, but once everything had come together, it really hadn't looked half as bad. She had explained the reason behind such colors, "Ruby, like my birthstone; grey, for a neutral color; and purple is my favorite."

We were upstairs, in my bathroom, and I was currently working on her beautiful face. "Open your mouth," she followed suit as I applied a Bordeaux stain to her plump lips. I sighed, grinning at the finished product in front of me, "Tu papá va a infartar cuando te vea."

She smiled, turning to face the mirror. She gasped, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Mami," she breathed out. "I look like you!"

She giggled, turning, and throwing her self into me. "So, you look beautiful then?" she nodded and I held on to my daughter a little while longer.

She had decided on straightening her coveted ringlets, and she sported an A line, V neck satin short dress with pockets of a ruby color, and she was currently wearing black ballet flats to follow the shoe changing ceremony at the party.

I patted her back, "All right, mamita, help me put my shoes on."

She nodded, walking to my closet and grabbing my gold heeled sandals, and she helped me strap them up. "Mami," I hummed, turning to face my daughter. "Purple is your color," she smiled.

I laughed, "Your father said the same thing to me the first time he saw me wearing this color."

I was wearing a grape colored satin gown with spaghetti straps, and a trumpet sweep train. It was a very beautiful, form-fitting gown that I had kept away from Trevor's eyes, "He did?" I nodded with a smile. "Well, we're both right."

I rolled my eyes, smiling. "You're both annoying is what you are," I quipped, placing a gold cuff to my wrist behind my anniversary bracelet. "Come, your father and brothers have to be waiting very impatiently downstairs."

She giggled, "Sucks to be them!"

I shook my head, throwing my arm over her shoulders, and ushering her towards the downstairs area. As we're taking the stairs, Maximus shouted: "Finally!"

Theo shook her head and took the stairs quickly, earning a gasp from her father, "Theo." She looked at the ground, hiding her beautiful face from the scrutiny of her father's eye. He approached her, lifting her chin, "You look beautiful, Skippy."

She shoved his chest playfully. "Papi, please," she complained with a smile.

She had been coined by her teammates as Skippy after one of her games where she had skipped whilst stealing bases. Ever since that game almost eight years ago, she'd been known as Skippy, and to this day she still skipped when she felt completely confident that she was going to make it without being caught.

Max stepped up to her, handing her a rose, "Happy Birthday, Theo!"

She took the rose, giving it a sniff, and bent forward, kissing her brother's cheek, "Thank you, Max."

Next was Oliver, looking more like his father as the years went by. "You look cute for a change," he said in jest, hugging her.

Theo shook her head with a smile, welcoming the embrace. From the stairs, I glanced at my boys, all dressed in light grey suits. Trevor had purple accents to match me, and Oliver and Max had ruby accents to match their sister. She hadn't wanted the traditional court nor did she care to have an escort for the night, she was just fine with being escorted by her brothers.

I finished taking the stairs when Trevor hitched a breath. He smirked, eyeing my ensemble. He trailed a dangerous path from the winding curve at my hip, to the small triangular cutout at my sternum. He bit his lip, extending his arm for me to take, and when I had my fingers wrapped safely around his forearm, he pulled me against his chest, cupping the small of back. His kiss nearly injured me, but for Trevor, I'd die a thousand deaths.

"We're going to be late," I whispered against his lips, lining them up perfectly to press against them once again.

He nodded, and before we left, we took several pictures of Theo by her self, and with the boys. We did have a photographer at the venue, but these were for our personal gallery. We had a block of time after the father-daughter dance to venture out to the rooftop portion of the venue for pictures overlooking the skyline.

When Theodora had said that she had found the perfect venue for her quinces, we never expected to disburse four thousand dollars in just the venue alone. She had told me first, since I was the one planning and coordinating the event for her on the clock. I had discussed it with her and with her godmothers who were Alex and Casey and we were about to tell her no when something told me to ask the reason as to why she wanted that venue in particular. Her answer had had Trevor and I looking misty-eyed, "They're a non-profit organization, and they provide free meals to people that are too sick to shop or cook for themselves."

How could we say no to that? Alex and Casey were all over it as well, and I reminded myself to keep them in my books for other events, especially charitable events and fundraisers.

We pulled up at the venue where the host, Sharon had reserved a spot for us on the curb. I had recruited one of my coworkers to help me keep the event on track since we did have a curfew of some type. My coworker, Faiza met us at the door, greeting Theo with an excited hug. We walked in, and rode the elevator to the fifth floor where all of the guests should've been gathered by now. We heard Faiza call for the attention of the guests that were enjoying their hors d'oeuvres and she introduced us, the parents of the quinceañera. Trevor grabbed my hand, bringing it to his mouth as he gently guided me through the double doors to enter the room.

Everything was beautifully decorated, just like Theo had wanted. The color scheme looked beautiful, and everybody clapped as Trevor and I made our way to the front. He kissed my cheek tenderly and one of the servers approached us, handing us champagne flutes. Faiza continued; introducing Theo's godmothers and they walked in, each sporting a beautiful dress that complimented the other. They already had their champagne flutes, no doubt having been here early enough to enjoy the hors d'oeuvres. Last, but not least Faiza announced Theodora and her brothers. She walked in, receiving loud cheers from her peers and family members.

Casey was handed the microphone, and with tremendous poise she spoke eloquently about her goddaughter. Before she could finish, she passed the microphone to Alex, who spoke just as eloquently about Theodora; all misty-eyed and flushed she delivered her speech. The guests clapped and cheered, as Faiza announced from the end of the dance floor the parent's speech.

"As Theodora's father," Trevor begun as she came to stand next to me. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pushing her into my body. She sought comfort by my side and beamed at me, listening to Trevor's words, "I would like to propose a toast to my little girl, who I cannot believe has reached this momentous occasion in the blink of an eye. Theo, you are the light of my life, and the stars in my sky. And today, you've become a woman right in front of my eyes.

"Now, I know you hate when I call you this, but know that you will forever be my princess. And, although you have grown out of your princess phase, I hope that this party we have given you will remind you always you that you are and always will be a princess to us. But being a princess isn't just about the gown and the party. You're a young adult now, Theo, and you must learn to treat yourself like a princess. You must ask every boy you meet to be no less than a prince to you," he turned, glaring playfully at the side of Theo's friends, receiving laughs from the entirety of the room. Theo rolled her eyes and shook her head playfully, "And, you must work to retain your sweetness even in the darkest of surroundings. That, I think, is what being a princess is all about.

"So my wish you to you, Theo, our wish to you, Theo is that you may be a princess all of your days. I hope that this day reminds you forever that you are the maker of your own destiny, beautiful. I love you," he finished, I felt Theo loosen her hold on me to go by her father's side. They hugged each other whilst the hall erupted in cheerful claps.

"Thank you, Papa. I love you, more," she said taking a step forward with the microphone in her hands. "Hi everybody, good evening! I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you how grateful and happy I am that you're here tonight. Thank you for coming to my quinces celebration, and thank you for taking the time to be with me here tonight, especially those who had to travel a long way. There are also those who were not able to come, but they're here with us in thought and spirit," she solemnly said, looking back at me.

"I also want to thank my godmothers: Aunt Alex and Aunt Casey, who helped contribute to this celebration. I am beyond touched by your generosity and your desire to make this dream of mine come true. To my brothers for the dedication in learning the special dance we have for you later on," the guests laughed. "I am honored to be in the company of whom I am proud to call my friends.

"And of course, to my parents, but especially to you, Mami," I felt the tears sting behind my contact lenses and I pressed into Trevor's side, feeling his lips in my hair. "Thank you for everything you've done for me. These quinces are a testament to your love, and I am very grateful to you for making this celebration possible. You are the best parents I could ever imagine having, even if you're a little overprotective—Papa—or sometimes too alike—Mami—I am beyond proud to be your daughter," my tears were falling freely, as Trevor squeezed me in his arms.

"To me, this Quinceañero isn't just a beautiful dress and a wonderful party with all of you. It's an extra special day that I get to share with the people who are most important to me, who have gathered together to warmly welcome me into the world of young adulthood. This new season of my life is important because I get to put into practice—through my words and actions—the lessons that my parents and other family elders have taught me. I am grateful for all the guidance I've received in my fifteen years, and will continue receiving the rest of my life. I am beyond humbled to be taught by—and loved by—these very special people.

"Once again, thank you everyone! I hope you enjoy this night as much as I will. Now, on with the festivities," she shouted enthusiastically. "We're all very hungry!" she giggled, handing the microphone to Faiza.

Theo rushed to us, hugging us both at the same time, to then move to her godmothers, and finally to her brothers. Alex and Casey returned to their table as we all made way to our own at the very front of the room. As we ate the music flowed, and several of Theo's friends approached the table, complimenting her on how beautiful she looked, and how well she had delivered her speech. She had been working with Trevor on how to perfect the speech, and tactics on how to be able to memorize it better.

The menu Theo had chosen had been exquisite, and she had been mindful of her cousin's allergies of tree nuts. A little after dinner had happened, the change of shoes ceremony commenced. Trevor got a little emotional as he changed Theo's flats for beautiful strappy heels with an appropriate height for her. And, once Trevor had placed the shoes on, the song she had chosen for father-daughter dance began softly playing. I saw as my husband and daughter glided through the dance floor to an upbeat melody of 'How Sweet It Is' by Michael Bublé. I couldn't help the smile on my face and the tears that threatened to fall.

The song was short, and so was their dance, and before she would join the party with everybody else, we sneaked to the rooftop patio with the photographer who took beautiful pictures of the setting sun and SoHo skyline. The boys looked incredibly handsome standing with their father and in the distance you could see Theodora. The candid shots I knew he had taken of us laughing, hugging, and Theo looking up at me with the most adoring gaze was for sure going to be making an appearance on Trevor's desk and on mine as well. She took a couple of shots with her godmothers, and with the boys as well as by herself.

Once we returned to the party, we went through the cutting of the cake and afterwards the DJ played music and slowly Theo's friends swarmed the dance floor. Friends, family, and teammates were all surrounding my daughter with love, laughter, and a great time. I was nostalgic, and decided to go downstairs to wrap up some financials at the event. Instead of returning the party, I went to the rooftop, glancing at the skyline and smiling to myself.

Had it really been fifteen years since I had had Theodora on that fateful night? Two weeks into the program I'd given birth, and now we were fifteen years down the road.

I felt lips on my bare shoulder, "How have you managed to smell so divine even after all the dancing?"

I giggled shaking my head; turning my head to see his blue eyes boring into my soul, "You do know there's some thing as a secret, Trev."

"Two words: spousal privilege."

I snickered, pressing my lips to his, "One word: divorce."

"In your fucking dreams," he husked, pulling me into his chest. "You don't get to be rid of me that easily."

I smirked. "I wouldn't dream of it, baby," I sighed, resting my head against his shoulder.

"Did you ever imagine we would be here, Noa?" he asked softly.

"Not in a million years, Trev. Where did time go?"

"She's a formidable young lady, baby. So brilliant, and eloquent—"

"I wonder where she gets that?" I smirked.

"—And beautiful, too," he chuckled. "Well, I could take credit for all of it, but we all know who she looks like."

I bit my lip and turned in his arms, hugging his waist. "We don't have babies anymore, Trev. Soon enough we'll have an empty nest."

He shook his head, smirking; "Does that mean I get to ravish you in every corner of our home?"

I patted his chest playfully, "Incorrigible."

He leaned forward kissing my lips passionately. We had kissed like this many a time, we had loved like this many a time before, and we had stood like this before. In each other's arms, gently swaying, and probing the other one's mouth. I rested my forehead against his, elongating the intimate moment.

"Mami? Papi?"

We turned to where the voice had come from, watching our daughter saunter towards us, "Theo, what are you doing up here?"

She giggled, "Looking for you two. You know, I'm the one that's supposed to be sneaking off with boys to the roof to play tonsil hockey, not you two!"

"Ton—Tonsil hockey?" Trevor grumbled. "What do you know about tonsil hockey, Theodora Juliette?"

"Let her be, Langan!" I admonished.

"I am a woman now, Papa," she challenged girlishly, crossing her arms. "You said that, just a couple of hours ago."

Trevor smirked and looked at me, "Your daughter, Noa."

I shook my head, rolling my eyes, "Ollie, Max, and I are fixing to do the Surprise Dance. I really want you there."

"Come on then, sweetheart," I beckoned as I approached her. "Let's leave this old grump."

"Old grump? You weren't saying that when we were playing tonsil hockey!"

We laughed, walking back together to enjoy the very last portion of our daughter's quinces celebrations. She was beautiful, mi Bella Quinceañera!