August 1, 193X

Today is the triplets' 15 birthday. Now a Quinceañera is a special day when the girl is celebrated as an adult woman. Now for boys, they have Quinceañeros for entering adulthood except there is no changing of shoes or a tiara. Just a simple ceremony, a nice suit, and a party. When the planning for the quince started, everyone thought that after the boys perform their part of the ceremony of their assent they'd focus on being part of Angie's court the rest of the reception but when your sister is Angelína Madrigal well you can bet she'll want to make her brothers a part of it no matter what.

Angelina is in her room reviewing her speech while also watching her primos, Camilo and Mirabel, who are in a play pin.

"Okay so this is my part, then Ignácio, and I go again, then Javier..."

'Good thing I made these notes in case I forgot my speech' Looking at the cards, "Hmm, what do you think primitos?" She asked looking at the sweet toddlers only to get coos and giggles.

"Oh, you two are so cute, I can't stand it! I could just eat you up!" She tickled them and gave them raspberries and kisses making them more excited. Then Casita had to interrupt this sweet moment by showing the time.

"Uh-oh, gotta go," Angelina ran around getting her stuff, then placed the babies in a carrier. Hoping to make it early but not before giving her Papa something.


Bruno's Room

Bruno is lighting candles on the ofrenda he and his wife made for their first Día de Los Muertos. There is a picture of his father, his grandparents, and some of Mica's family. Poncho, Angelina's pet chihuahua is next to him chewing on a bone. Bruno is excited and nervous about his children's birthday. This is important and lately, his mother's expectations have gotten more restraining which is not clashing well with his children. Especially Angelina.

"Papa, lo siento for disturbing you, I know it's not Día de Los Muertos but I pray that you and the ancestors, guide my children through this day. They are growing so much, and we are so proud of them, but I fear for them and Mama. Lately, she's become so-" His prayer was interrupted due to the candles going out by Angelina, who is holding a plate of food and tea.

"PAPA!, I brought -Coughs- sand in my mouth," she wheezed, "I brought you a snack and some herbal tea, remember you need to drink two cups in the morning and at night."

"Elinita, shouldn't you be heading into town to get ready."

"Shouldn't you?"

"Fair point, but still you know how-"

"I know Papi, and don't worry I'll be patient with Abuela," She said giving him a farewell hug as she starts to head out.

"Oh Mija, have you seen your brothers?"

"Oh-huh, Gotta Go Bye!" she flew off not knowing how to answer the question but Bruno had a pretty good idea.

"I'm going to pray some more, I just hope those boys are at least near the place, Mama expects them to be," he said petting Poncho.


Town Square

The triplets have been performing music a lot lately in the center of town. Which is fun cause everyone loves to hear them perform, it started when they were younger, and continued as they got older.

I'll be bold

As well as strong

And use my head

Alongside my heart

So tame my flesh

And fix my eyes

A tethered mind

Freed from the lies

And I'll kneel down

Wait for now

I'll kneel down

Know my ground

'Cause I will wait, I will wait for you

And I will wait, I will wait for you

And I will wait, I will wait for you

I will wait, I will wait for you

"I will not wait for you, let's go!" Both boys are being pulled away by an unamused Alma, who is leading them by their ears.

"But Abuela, we were on our way, Ow!"

"None of your excuses, you've been late one too many times!"

As you can probably tell while they are talented, their performances have been taking them away from their responsibilities. They still did their actual chores which is cleaning their rooms, taking out the trash, helping with laundry, doing homework, and taking care of the kids when their parents worked. But Abuela was not so content.

When reaching their destination Doña Alma lets them go but not without scolding them.

"Tú Hermana was stubborn about sharing this passage equally with you. Now be good Hermanos and get ready. You're going to be handsome even if it kills you," she said both stern and affectionate while cupping their cheeks.

"Sí Abuela," Both boys said in unison.

"Good," she pats them lovingly while sending them to get ready. "Pepa you have a cloud."

"I know Mama! But Angelina is not here yet with the babies!" Pepa answered anxiously.

"Oh that girl," Sighed Alma rubbing her head, "You two get ready."

"Think she'll make it," asked Javier.

"She is the fastest flyer," answered Ignácio.


Meanwhile, Mica stood outside of the store, pacing. wondering why her daughter is so late. Ah-Puch is there behind her buying something for the birthday girl. Her sobrina, Isabela watched her with a worried look on her face.

"Mica, is your daughter here yet? Doña Alma is not a patient woman," said the makeup woman.

"Do you think Angelina will turn up tía?" asked Isabela.

Mica stopped her pacing and nodded, "Of course, she will. Angelina's a clever girl. She knows that today's not the day to be late," She assured.

Ah-Puch added her thoughts as well, "That's right, so no need to worry," Then the old woman smiled. "Besides, we've got all the luck we'll ever need," She gestured to a small tree frog in a little cage. "This little guy will be the secret to our success."

The young girl frowned. "What do you mean?"

Ah-Puch smiled broadly. "Watch and learn kid," She then covered her eyes with her hand and crossed the busy street. Carts of all kinds were being pulled by donkeys and people were speeding by, many of them just narrowly missing Ah-Puch as she blindly walked forward. Isabela stood behind Mica and watched in horror.

"Ah-Puch, no!" Mica shouted. But it was too late. A cabbage merchant was already speeding toward her. At the last second, he saw the old woman and swerved. Screaming, the cabbage man and his cart toppled over, narrowly missing Ah-Puch. At the other side of the street, Ah-Puch stopped and turned to Mica, waving and grinning. "Yup. This frog's a lucky one!" she yelled.

The small girl smiled and shook her head. She walked back towards the store and Apuch soon joined her.

"What is going on here? Mica where is Angel-" Alma was interrupted.

Angelina came zooming in through the sky with the babies strapped to her front and back giggling from excitement. She landed with a smile, not caring that her hair and clothes were in complete disarray.

"I'm here!" she said proudly. "We made it."

Alma frowned at her picking the leaves in her hair. "What?" She asked then her mother came up with the same frown. "But Mamá I was-"

"None of your excuses young lady. Now let's get you cleaned up."


Angelina frowned and followed her mother and grandmother into the store. Her tías Pepa and Julieta, took Camilo and Mirabel to get them ready. The makeup lady examined the tardy teenager.

"This is what you give me to work with?" she shouted. The makeup lady dragged Angelina along, pulling her clothes off on the way, and pushed her into a tub of water. Angelina burst out of the water and shivered. It was freezing! "Well cariña, I've seen worse," Lady commented to her employees, who all nodded eagerly.

"We're gonna turn this sow's ear, into a silk purse," The woman got started right away, washing Angelina's long and curly brown hair. Many of the village women helping her to prepare were gushing and giggling over Angelina and her future.

"We'll have you washed and dried,

Primped and polished till you glow with pride

Trust my recipe for instant bride

You'll bring honor to us all

Angelina scowled, she had no desire whatsoever to become a bride. She knew that they were only dressing her like a bride because of tradition but still. When her grandma grabbed her arm she saw ink on it.

"Angelina, what's this?" Alma asked her, softly scowling.

She blushed and dropped her hands. "Um, Backup notes to help me memorize more,"

"Hold this we will need more luck than we thought," Ah-Puch said handing the frog cage to Mica.

The woman pulled Angelina out of the tub and threw a robe on her. They quickly did her hair in an elaborate braid with beads and ribbons laced in it to match her eyes.

Wait and see

When we're through

Boys will gladly go to war for you

With good fortune and a great hairdo

You'll bring honor to us all

They giggled and showed Angelina her reflection in the mirror. Angelina frowned and stared at her face. She didn't look like herself. "Don't worry Míja we'll let it down when your makeup is done." Angelina smiled and put the mirror down, following Mica, and Alma to the salon where she could get makeup.

Passing by the rest of their family members as well as many other women who were already done up and ready to see the party. Angelina could feel herself becoming nervous and uneasy. These women were content with life in the Encantó 'but what bright future will I have?

Children bring their family

Great pride in many ways

By striking a good match

And have this special day

Suddenly, Angelina spotted two men on a chessboard. She smiled. Her Tío Augstín had taught her to play chess. when one of the men made a move and grinned, thinking he had won. The other stared at the board, hopeless. Angelina walked up and spotted the piece she was looking for. Without either of the men noticing, she expertly moved the piece to its proper place on the game board. The man looked over at her in disbelief, realizing he had won, and cheered joyously.

Alma stalked back and dragged Angelina along. Inside the shop, many of the women were putting on their makeup.

"Angelina look at our dresses!"

"Oh, Isa, Dolores, you and Luisa look amazing!" Gushed Angie loving how happy her primas are with their outfits.

"So what does your dress look like?" Asked little Luisa.

"Turn around," said Mica pointing to a certain dress.

"Wow," the girls said together. An incredibly gorgeous dress lay on the dummy. It had white trim and long, elegant gloves. "Is it ready?" Angelina asked her grandmother. "Sí, mí Ángel," Alma replied. "Now let's get you in it,"

Women all around worked to get Angelina into her dress and ready for the party.

Men want girls with good taste

Calm, Disciplined, who works fast-paced

With good reading

And a tiny waist

You'll bring honor to us all

The women kept babbling about husbands and children and all of the honor that was in store for Angelina's future.

We all must serve our community

To guard our girls and sons

A boy standing tall

A girl by bearing all

They then began to fuss over her face and covered it in makeup.

When we're through you can't fail

Like a flower blossom soft and frail

How could any fellow say "no sale"

You'll bring honor to us all...

Angelina, seeing her strange reflection, made a face and turned away. She had light red lipstick, and blush to cover her freckles and eye shadow.

Mica put her earrings on while Abuela let her hair down while also fixing it up more. "There you're ready," said Abuela admiring how beautiful her first nieta looked. Ah-puch stood there, smiling. "Not yet, I have some good luck presents for you little eagle," she said.

"An apple for serenity," She held out a small pin with Yin and Yang on it. "A pendant for balance," then pulled out a green necklace her father and brothers had made from his tablets.

Beads of jade for beauty,

You must proudly show it.

Now add a coqui just for luck

And even you can't blow it.

Mica then came forward and hugged Angelina tightly once more. "Whatever happens, you are a strong woman, Angelina," she whispered in her daughter's ear. When her mother pulled back, tears began to well up in Angelina's brown-green eyes.

"Thank you, Mama. That means so much, coming from you."

Mica smiled a mischievous grin. "Then this should mean a lot," The older woman reached into her sleeve and pulled out her golden bracelet the same one Angelina had admired for so long. "Here," She handed it proudly to her daughter.

"Oh mama," Angelina cried, taking the bracelet and holding back her tears. This was what she had always wanted, to feel like a true Teca warrior from her mother's stories. Even though this small gift from Mica was as close as she could get, it meant a lot.

"Angelina," Alma said, turning her attention back to her. "I have a final gift to give you," she said solemnly, her happy look from before having turned into one of wistful longing. "I've been holding on to it for many years and it's time that I give it to you. Your Abuelo would have wanted me to,"

Angelina watched in awe as her grandmother reached around her neck, and took off the necklace that she always wore. "Your grandfather made this for me and, when your Tías were of age I had one made for each of them. Now it's time you wore it," She handed over the necklace and smiled, showing off her laugh lines. But the look in her eyes held sorrow.

Angelina just stared at the blue bead necklace in her hands. She remembered Alma wearing it and telling stories about how Abuelo Pedro gave it to her. Angelina had always admired it and wanted one just like it someday.

The carving on the sky blue bead was that of a water symbol. And it was gorgeous. Real tears did start to fall from Angelina's eyes, as she put her grandmother's necklace on. She hadn't felt this close to her late grandpa since Día de Los Muertos.

"Oh, Alma," Mica said, giving them a watery smile. "Don't mess up her makeup. She needs to look her best," she joked with a teary voice.

Angelina smiled and gently wiped away her tears. "Thank you so much, both of you," she said, sniffling.

"Oh," Alma burst out. "I almost forgot. Mira!"

"Where?" Both Angelina and Mica asked, confused. Julieta brought her youngest daughter all dressed up. She cooed when she saw Angelina, the toddler wanted to hug her older cousin. The girls all laughed at the cute display.

"Oh, ¡Qué Linda! Tía she looks so cute," Angelina exclaimed hugging her precious prima.

"Dosen't she?" Julieta agreed in pride.

"Oh, I can't wait for her Quinceañera," Angie said, unknown of what the future will bring. "Wait, what about?" Then Pepa came in with a fussy Camilo dressed up in a suit. "Oh Camilo, you're going to be quite the heartbreaker," Angie joked as she tickled her primo causing him to coo happily at her.

"Yes. Now come on, we have to hurry."

The girls all rushed out of the store and down the roads of town toward the church without anyone seeing them before the ceremony. Angelina fell back a little, watching her grandmother and mother walk in front of her to the church before the guests. She is now in between her brothers, with their hair slicked back, wearing suits. Standing behind the same curtain they used for their gift ceremony. They sighed and looked at the sky overhead.

Ancestors hear our plea.

Help us not to make us fools of three

and to not uproot our family tree.

Keep our father standing tall.

Angelina smiled at the blue sky. She had the feeling that someone out there had to hear them. And soon, she would celebrate with her brothers.

During the ceremony, a special kneeling Pillow is placed for the trio to kneel upon. After the ceremony, everyone came to the reception at Casa Madrigal.

Scarier than the undertaker

We are cheering the fortune teller

The guest entered the steps of the Madrigal's house where many stood and gossiped among themselves. Excited to celebrate a quince but nervous since it's for the prophet of bad luck and his brute wife and children. His sons have grown quite popular with the girls. But for tonight they'll push that aside since it is a special day. If they don't they'll face her wraith.

Destiny, guard our girls

And our future as it fast unfurls

Please look kindly at these cultured pearls

Each a perfect porcelain doll

Everyone on the other side of the curtain chatted amongst themselves. The only words that reached Angelina's ears sounded like a chant.

Please bring honor to us

Please bring honor to us

Please bring honor to us

Please bring honor to us

Please bring honor to us all!

Suddenly, the front doors burst open and everyone became quiet instantly.


As the curtain pulled away the teenage Madrigals were revealed. Angelina looked beautiful in her dress and flat shoes. Ignácio, hair slicked back, looked good in his suit, and Javier so handsome sporting a shy smile. The guests clapped in congratulations for their arrival then quieted down as they started to walk down the path to their parents. Mica and Bruno were so proud of their children seeing them enter adulthood. Bruno holding Mica's hand couldn't help the tears forming since he keep seeing his babies walking down like five-year-olds. As they got closer it was time to start the next part.

Bruno changed Angelina's shoes. Mica changed her sons' scarves to ties. Then the parents crowned them, a tiara for Angie and two crowns for the boys. The triplets asked their primos and friends to place a candle on their cake to share the celebration. Speeches were given, hugs were exchanged, tears were shed, and now it was time for the dance. Angelina and her brothers were taught by Tía Pepa and Tío Felix. Now Angelina is dancing with her papa who is trying his hardest not to break down seeing his baby girl all grown up. The boys danced with their mother, then the rest of their family, and the court. Poncho was also there dressed with a white bow but he was on a leash. Then the triplets decided to perform a song they always loved to play.

"Attention everyone we liked to say thank you for showing up for our birthday, despite past disagreements we liked to dedicate this song to our family and teachers since this was the first song we performed since we started learning," She said "Girls you ready," All three primas gave a thumbs up and were standing by.

What color is the sky

¡Ay, mi amor! ¡Ay, mi amor!

You tell me that it's red

¡Ay, mi amor! ¡Ay, mi amor!

Where should I put my shoes

¡Ay, mi amor! ¡Ay, mi amor!

You say put them on your head

¡Ay, mi amor! ¡Ay, mi amor!

You make me Un Poco loco!

Un poquitito loco

The way you keep me guessing

I'm nodding and I'm yes sing

I'll count it as a blessing

that I'm only un poco loco

The loco that you make me

It is just un poco crazy

The sense that you're not making

The liberties you're taking

Leaves my Cabeza shaking

You are just

Un Poco loco

Un poquiti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-to loco!

All the children and guests loved the song and started to dance. Even Poncho slipped out rushing to join the fun jumping into Angie's arms to give her a kiss causing her to laugh. Everything seemed to be going according to plan till it came time for the cake. Everyone got a piece and unknown to them the coqui got out of its cage except for Mirabel & Camilo who of the two can already walk and decided to follow the froggy creature to get some cake. Mirabel followed him with some help from Casita and catches up with the frog when they decided to head for the cake the coqui jumped onto a guest's cup causing them to scream which caused all sorts of chaos to unfurl.

It all went quiet when a piece of cake hit Angelina in the face and the youngest Madrigals crawled in front of her on the table covered in cake. Then Ignácio giggled at the baby's innocence and his sister's misfortune till Angie decided to return the favor by mushing cake in his face. Realizing its game on he was prepared to hit his laughing sister's face with cake. Then she ducked and hit Javier instead who also joined the food fight. Pretty soon everyone joined the food fight and was laughing at how much fun they were having. Even Alma who tried to stop it at first couldn't help but join in the merriment.

"Alright, now this is what I call a FIESTA!" Angie cheered as she and her brothers decided to play another song. "This goes out to our cousins,"

Everybody dancing,

baile, move your feet in salsa

Feel the rhythm got to hear the beat

Hey you will rise today, goodbye yesterday

You become a woman

That has much to celebrate.

Go out to the world your young and beautiful

Always do your best and you can be invincible

You've come so far that's who you are with all of our friends together

We'll take this time all by surprise

Celebrating!

Fiesta, party, quinceañeros, family all together we can be as one

Everybody dancing,

baile move your feet in salsa

Feel the rhythm got to hear the beat

Come celebrate with me

Woo, woo

Livin your, living your Dreams woo

Hey shoo your attitude

Make it understood you're the one who's changing

Everybody's point of view

Give it all you got

You the carnival this will be a moment you will cherish all your life

You've come so far that's who you are

With all our friends together

We'll take this time all by surprise

Celebrating

Fiesta, party quinceañeras, family all together we can be as one

Everybody dancing

baile move your feet in salsa

Feel the rhythm got to hear the beat

Come celebrate with me

Woo, woo

Livin your, living your dreams woo

Uno dos tres

To the left

Uno dos tres

To the right

Put your hands up in the air

Move your hips everywhere

1, 2, 3

1, 2, 3

Come to us

seize the moment

You will be a quinceañera

Fiesta, party quinceañero, family, all together we can be as one

Everybody dancing baile move your feet in salsa

Feel the rhythm got to hear the beat

Come celebrate with me

Woo, woo

Livin your, living your

Dreams woo

Live your dreams

Living your, living your dreams

Fiesta, party quinceañera, family, all together we can be as one

Everybody dancing

baile move your feet in salsa

Feel the rhythm got to hear the beat

Come celebrate with me

Woo, woo

Living your, living your dreams

Woo, woo

Living your, living your dreams

As they danced through the night the party was over and as the last guest left Alma told everyone to go clean up for bed. The girls decided to have a sleepover in Angelina's room cause it had more room and a waterfall. After putting on their pj's and tucking her primos to sleep Angie wrote in her journal how today went and she had only one word to describe it: Awesome!