Chapter Three: The Accomplice

Paulina Sánchez makes it a point to always appear flawless and make it look effortless. That doesn't mean however, that her day starts that way. Turning off the alarm clock and sitting up in bed are feats that require almost monumental effort on her part. Scratching at the rat's nest on her head and wiping the drool off her cheek with a sleeve, she stretches far enough for something to pop. Only then will she be satisfied enough to leave he comfort of her bed and stumble into the adjoining bathroom. After a hot shower she is awake enough to think coherently, making her way downstairs for breakfast. The enticing smell of huevos rancheros guiding her the whole way down the halls.

"Buenos días mija, how did you sleep?"

She grunts noncommittally, still not awake enough for conversation. Paulina may be a lot of things but a morning person is not one of them. Her mother, too used to this gives her a big kiss on the forehead as she serves breakfast. However before she can finish serving her daughter juice, a pair of big strong arms grab her by the middle and lift into the air.

"Buenos días Carmen my love, my queen, my goddess"

"Jesús you beast! Put me down this instant, the juice is spilling!"

Paulina can't help but giggle at her father's antics. He is such an affectionate man who simply adores his family. He makes a show of putting her mother down and an over dramatic apology follows, which includes puppy dog eyes and lots of kisses. Her mother can't resist and gives in, smiling the whole time. She watches the spectacle while enjoying her breakfast. However, directly after being forgiven, her father turns to her with a devious glint I his eyes.

"Don't even think about it papá, I'm not even done with my breakfast."

"Aww, don't be like that muñequita."

She continues eating, ignoring him and all the pet names he drops. He dejectedly walks past her after no success, only to ambush her from behind with kisses to the neck. She dissolves into laughter, his mustache tickling her. When the assault is over he pats her on the head or tries to since it's wrapped in a towel, and goes to get ready for work. She finishes up her breakfast, already in a better mood than when she woke up.

After combing and blowdrying her hair into the perfect wave she starts on her makeup. This is her favorite part of the morning routine. She has always been a girly girl ever since she can remember, and make up is a must for her to feel beautiful. Because if her outside is beautiful then her inside is also beautiful. She stops, slowly bringing down the foundation brush and smiling ruefully into the mirror. Spectra left some deep scars, but she's not sure she can get over that one. Shaking her head to clear away the sudden dark clouds she resumes, applying concealer to her very prominent dark circles and very secret mole.

She has come to think about makeup as just art for your face, to enhance what's already there or create something entirely new. All the different colors and finishes, every day she can do something different and never get bored. Finishing off with some lipgloss she grabs her bag and after grabbing her phantom shrine chart, runs into her father's waiting car.

He drives her to school and after a kiss goodbye she walks the remaining block to Casper High. Not even half way up the block and someone already bumps into her. She falls backwards with a grunt, rubbing her sore butt.

"Watch where you're going jerk!"

"Ah! I'm so sorry Paulina, are you ok?"

"Yeah whatever, just keep your nose out of the book while you're walking Mikey geez. I'm surprised you haven't fallen down an open sewer."

Mikey rubs his arm looking embarrassed, he apologizes again and offers a hand to her. Annoyed she roughly takes his hand and after getting up and demanding he pick up her books at least, she continues on her way. Star catches up to her first and they talk about homework, fashion, anything that comes to mind. They meet with Dash and Kwan at their lockers and after exchanging morning greetings make their way to class.

Class is as boring as ever, except for Fenton arriving fashionably late like always. He's such a weird kid, granted his family is a bit unconventional, but he's especially strange. He's not the same brand of weird as his parents. He's always so jumpy and tired. Though, she's noticed that even though he's always hanging back and acting shy, he's very observant. She's seen the look in his eyes on occasion, like he knows more than he lets on. Like he can see things that aren't there. It's kind of unsettling really.

The lunch bell rings for a well deserved break, students make their way to the cafeteria, talking and murmuring about the latest trends or lack there of. Paulina trails along the back of the former A-list group, lost in thought. Trying to figure out how she's going learn more about the Ghost Boy, maybe she should ask the experts? The Fenton's seem to have come to a truce with Phantom since they don't shoot at him anymore. Yeah, she should ask them-

"Hello? Earth to Paulina"

"Huh?"

"Geez, you're turning into a real space cadet there. You been hanging with Fenton lately?"

"Ha ha, very funny Dash, if you must know I was thinking about all the preparations I have to do for the day of the dead"

"Oh yeah, that's coming up soon. So you're gonna go to your aunt's again?"

"No, the party's being held at my house this time, so I gotta help get everything ready."

"Oh cool, you better save me some of your aunt's tamales"

She laughs. She's so happy her friends are so understanding of her culture and customs. They've very respectful and are always asking questions, wanting to learn more about it. Hell, last year they surprised her with a mini party just for them so she didn't feel left out. Often times when participating in a festive event like this, because the whole family is present, you tend to get lost in the sea of people. They were very thoughtful of her and her feelings. It was probably the best party she's been to. She's made up her mind, and Dash is probably the best person for the job.

"Actually can I ask you a favor?"

There goes the third installment of this cultural epic lol. What do you think about he names I chose for Paulina's mom and dad? They felt the most right to me. Also her dad is a giant goofy teddy bear but a raging beast if you mess with his family. Her mom is the one that keeps the house in order. She's a small woman but she's even scarier than her husband. Don't make her mad.

I'm a big fan of supportive A-list friends. They would totally be cool with Paulina's heritage and want to know more so they can share it with her. Let me know what you think!

Thanks for reading and please review!