"Mom, this dress is really pink and puffy," Mei-Li gawked at herself in her bedroom mirror.
"I know," acknowledged Lim, "But this is important to your Dad and his side of the family."
"It's not the quinceañera I'm objected to having; it's that I have to wear this frilly dress and I usually don't mind wearing dresses," said Mei-Li and sat down on her bed.
Lim smiled, sat down next to her daughter, and kissed her temple, "Oh Tiánxīn, you've been looking forward to this since you were five. You always went on and on about the fact that you'd wear the biggest, poofiest pink dress you could find," Lim chuckled at the memory.
"Yeah, well, that was ten years ago. I also tried to wear a Cinderella costume to my first day of kindergarten," Mei-Li chuckled back, "Just that after today, I'll officially be considered a 'young woman'," she used air quotes for emphasis, "What does that even mean? I'm still hoping to pass my biology test next week."
Lim smiled and kissed her cheek again, "Just have fun, Tiánxīn. That's the most important part of today. And I'm sure you'll make Lydia Murphy's day by presenting her with your last doll."
Mei-Li smiled and nodded, "She tried to have me give it to her early when I babysat her and Steven last week." Steven James Murphy Jr. and Lydia Peyton Murphy were Shaun and Claire's three year old twins. Though it had taken Shaun quite a while to recognize his feelings for Claire, the couple had married five years ago and the twins were born two years later.
"Now Tía Elena, Isabella, and Abuelita are here. Let's go see them," said Lim.
Mei-Li nodded and followed her mother downstairs, "I know I'm going to trip in those high heels later today."
"Can't say I'd be any better in them," comforted Lim.
When Elena, Maria, and Isabella looked at Mei-Li, they all gained a look of pride, "Look at you, amorcita. Officially a young woman today," Maria smiled and took Mei-Li's hands.
"I remember my quinces fondly," Elena smiled as well, "Your father was my escort. Poor guy was only thirteen. Nervous as all get out for the waltz and nearly tripped during it."
Mei-Li chuckled nervously, "I hope I don't mess up anything and let's hope Dad's dance skills have improved because I'm already going to be tripping in those heels."
"You'll be fine, Mei-Li. I thought I was going to trip too," said Isabella.
"I remember," said Mei-Li.
Lim looked at the time and said, "Well, your father and Tía Gabi are meeting us over at the church, so we better get going."
The women left for the church and met up with the rest of the family. When Melendez laid eyes on his daughter, he couldn't help but get choked up a little, "My little girl is not so little anymore."
"Oh Dad, I'll always be your little mija," said Mei-Li. The family started to make their way into church when Mei-Li pulled Lim closer to her, "He's going to break down during the toast and the father-daughter dance, isn't he?"
Lim laughed a little, but nodded, "Probably."
After the Thanksgiving Mass, everyone made their way over to the reception hall for the rest of the festivities. All of the guest arrived and the Court of Honor was introduced, which consisted of Isabella and Manny along with Carlos and some of Mei-Li's friends from school. Finally the DJ announced, "And now for the quinceañera herself, it is my honor to present to you, Señorita Mei-Li Esmeralda Lim-Melendez," Mei-Li and her escort and cousin, Eddie, made their way into the main hall to many cheers and applause. To be quite honest, Mei-Li was a little uncomfortable with it, "And now, Mei-Li's parents, Dr. Neil Melendez and Dr. Audrey Lim-Melendez would like to say a few words."
Lim and Melendez made their way to the front of the room and Melendez took the microphone. He choked back a few tears and began his toast, "Mei-Li, mi amorcita, I never thought this day would come; the day you became a young woman in the eyes of the Latino community. It seems like just yesterday I was holding you for the very first time. It seems like just yesterday you were riding around on my shoulders, playing tea party with me, and cheering on the Astros with me. But now, here you are, already fifteen, finishing up your first year of high school. Just know that you will always be my little Princess and no matter what happens, I will always be there for you. Te amo, Mei-Li."
He handed the microphone to his wife and Lim couldn't help but develop tears of her own, "Wow, I didn't think giving this toast would make me cry, but I guess it will. Mei-Li, my darling girl, you have been one of the biggest surprises in my life, but also one of the best ones. I was going through a really rough time when you came along, and suddenly, everything in life made sense. Somehow, the universe knew what I needed in my life before I did. I have had the privilege of watching you grow for the past fifteen years and seeing your personality develop. I see so much of your father in you and myself in you. I don't know if you want to take that as a compliment or an insult," Lim admitted and everyone laughed, "All I do know is I couldn't ask for a better daughter. I love you, sweetheart."
Dinner was served before Mei-Li, Lim and Melendez, and Miguel and Elena (Mei-Li's Godparents) were called out to the middle of the floor, "At this time, it is now time for Audrey to crown the quinceañera."
"Well, she'll try," Melendez joked, much to everyone including Lim's amusement. Thankfully with Elena's help, Lim managed to place the tiara on Mei-Li's head before Miguel and Elena presented Mei-Li with her quinceañera ring.
"At this time, I would like to invite Dr. Claire Browne-Murphy and Ms. Lydia Murphy to the center," called the DJ.
Mei-Li smiled as Melendez handed her the doll. Though she was hesitant, Claire finally got Lydia to follow her out to the middle of the floor. Mei-Li crouched down and handed Lydia the doll, who happily took it from her, "What do you say to Mei-Li?" asked Claire.
"Thank you, Mei-Li," said Lydia cutely.
"You're welcome, Lydia," said Mei-Li as she hugged the young girl.
Claire and Lydia returned to their seats, "Last, but not least, the traditional changing of the shoes."
"Here we go," Mei-Li said nervously as she sat back down again.
"You'll be fine, amorcita," whispered Elena.
After Melendez changed Mei-Li's shoes, Lim, Elena, and Miguel returned to their seats as the DJ announced, "Alright ladies and gentlemen, please turn your attention to the dance floor for the father-daughter dance."
The song De Niña a Mujer began to play as Melendez helped Mei-Li stand. Mei-Li wobbled a little as she walked out onto the dance floor, but overall, she did pretty well. Melendez took her right hand in his left hand and began to sway back and forth with the music, "You're going to be just like your mother in those things," he admitted.
Mei-Li couldn't help but smile, "This might be my first and last time combined wearing high heels."
Melendez tried his hardest not to let the tears fall again, "You know I promised myself I wasn't going to cry today."
"You've already broken that promise once. You might as well break it again," said Mei-Li as she held back tears of her own.
"I love you, mija," Melendez smiled.
"I love you too, Dad." Eddie came out onto the dance floor along with the rest of the court and Melendez put Mei-Li's hand into Eddie's and they performed their waltz. The rest of the party involved a lot of eating and dancing, but Mei-Li wouldn't have had it any other way. Lim and Melendez couldn't help but gaze at their daughter with pride.
