Day of the Dead
Michael woke up in his bedroom, with a ray of sunlight, he was wearing his Red and Blue PJs, and white socks, and was woken up by his dog licking his face from his bed.
"Buenos Días, Manolo." He greeted the dog, laughing. "Ok, boy, ok. I'm awake, I'm up."
Michael looked at his alarm clock, which read 6:30 AM. Lucky he woke up early before anyone. He then got out of bed and put on his white slippers and saw his calendar read November 2nd, meaning his favorite day to celebrate his Mexican heritage, Día de Los Muertos. He looked at his guitar case, wanting to practice for tonight. Maybe even try to write a new song, but it was still too early. The family was still asleep and he didn't want to wake them.
Michael then got out his phone and checked on anything happening in Pixfare. He got a Video chat call from Susan. He answered her call and appeared on her screen. "Hola, Susan."
"Hey, Michael." Susan said yawning a bit. She was wearing her cuffed purple and black short sleeved pajamas, gray socks, and her hair in a messy bun, with a half-smile. "Happy Day of the Dead." She was recently excited for the holiday of Mexico, but was really excited that school was cancelled for a week due to an explosion at the science lab.
"Gracias. I'm really looking forward to tonight." He said, smiling.
"I just woke up from my nice slumber," Susan said as she sat on her bed, "Luckily today Ivanna got to work early."
"That's good. So, what do you have planned for today?" He asked. "My parents have sent invitations for Día de Los Muertos to the entire neighborhood." Michael whispered as he sat down with his red songbook.
Susan had to think for a moment, but then she got it. "Oh, you mean Day of the Dead. That sounds like fun."
------
Jack woke up in his white undershirt and brownish-red sweatpants. He checked his phone while eating some scrambled eggs for breakfast when he saw an email from the Hernandez family and opened it:
'Dear, Jack and Laura Reed, we invite you to our (Día de los Muertos) Day of the Dead celebration at the hacienda to celebrate. The party will start at 5 PM to 10 PM. It's a time to celebrate the ones we lost over the years, tell the stories of our families, have delicious traditional foods from Mexican heritage, offendas, dancing, Mexican artwork, and music from our beloved familia. We wish you there, and the dress code is traditional and dancing Mexican clothing. Have a great day.
From the Hernandez Family (La Familia Hernandez)'
Jack looked curious as he read the email. "A party for dead people? Hmm." He didn't really know much about other cultures. Then again, he had never been invited to a party before. He replied to the email, saying that he was interested in going.
Laura Reed came in the kitchen in her red nightgown, got some bacon and eggs when she received the email from the Hernandez family on her phone.
"Hey, Jack. Look at this." She came over to him and showed him the email. "The Hernandezes just invited us to their Day of the Dead party."
"Yeah, I saw." Jack said. "I've never been invited to a party in my life, and I've never heard of the Day of the Dead."
"It's a Mexican holiday when people honor their family members that have passed away." She explained. "The family does it every year. They say that spirits actually come back and visit the living."
"Wow," Jack said surprised. "I might go in my white shirt and black pants if they're ok".
"Oh, I'm sure that will be just fine." She assured him.
--------
The Madisons were eating some sunny-side eggs, bacon, and milk for breakfast while in their nightwear. Audrey was in her yellow Jersey fabricated plain pajamas. Freddy was in his lavender colored PJs, and Riley in her red and purple collared neck silk pajamas, when Audrey got the news.
"We're going to the Hernandezes for ¡La Fiesta del Día de Los Muertos! at 5 PM tonight!" She happily announced.
"Wow, that sounds like fun!" Riley said, excitedly.
"We'll go to Ivanna's Fashion Boutique after lunch for us girls." Audrey said happily as she ate half of the egg.
"Cool, we'll get to see Aunt Nadia." Riley took a bite of bacon. "I wonder if she'd like to go to their party too."
-------
Nadia, Rose, and the other employees were making traditional Mexican dresses, due to the customers' invitations to the Hernandez's Party.
"Gosh, looks like some people are excited for the Day of the Dead." Nadia said while she sewed some strings.
"Yeah, I know." Rosie agreed, adding on flower patterns. "This is the most business we've had in a long time."
"Looks like since Jack came to town," Nadia said putting the dresses in the bag. "The business has been booming with many customers in town wanting to try on the clothing."
"I'll say." Rosie agreed. "People used to just walk right past the store before he came here."
"Only our neighbors and friends came here," Nadia said happily, getting another silk for another dress. "But now there are many more people. We're growing fast."
"Yes, and we can't keep those people waiting." Ivanna entered and clapped her hands. "Come on, girls. These dresses aren't going to make themselves."
"Got them all ready." Naida said with her 50 orders for the customer requested outfits with their names on the bags. Some were from online, but most were from the check-out aisle. "I've already got many of their orders from 4 this morning and the others from 5 AM."
"Well done, Nadia." Ivanna applauded. "Now all we have to do is get all these deliveries out."
"I got it!" One employee said getting all the bags "I got a GPS and everything!"
"Excellent! Let's get going!" Ivanna ordered.
---
After breakfast, the Tienda de Música Hernández, have been open for business for making musical instruments. Edward was on building the instrument, Lucy was on the wood, Diego's on designing the instruments, and the rest of the family switched stations to make different kinds of instruments.
"I'm so excited for Día de Muertos!" Edward said excitedly while getting the wood.
"Me too!" The others replied.
"I hope everyone we invited will be able to come." Michael said hopefully.
"We did send them through email, which will help." Gabriella said while getting the sewing machine. "Today, some people wanted some guitars and accordions for next week."
"Alright! That means more musicians to play with!" Michael looked excited.
"Gonna check on Natalie, Juan, Jimmy, and Manolo." Michael said walking out of the workshop. "And can leave you adults alone. Abuela and Abuelo are making Pan de Los Muertos, tamales, and many more for tonight."
"Alright, mijo. Just don't sneak any of the food to the dog." Lucy joked.
-------
Michelle was making the orders when Ellen came with a big announcement.
"This morning I received the email from the Hernandez Family, and the party starts at 5 PM tonight! So we're closing the diner early today!!" She said to the employees.
The employees all cheered.
"I'd rather go to a party than work, anyway." Michelle said under her breath.
"I got that email this morning," Mason said excitingly.
"Me too." The others added, also excited.
"I'm getting myself a dress at Ivana's Fashion Boutique after work," Bella said. "And Michelle can come with me too."
"Good. She could use a dress that actually covers herself." Ellen commented.
"Mom!" Michelle shouted.
"Don't worry, Michelle" Bella whispered to Michelle's ear. "I'll make sure your mother doesn't notice the dress. I heard she'll be in her room paying the bills after work."
"Yeah, she normally does. Thanks a lot, Bella." Michelle whispered back.
-------
Susan took a shower and put on her dark purple boxy top, black leggings capris, and her pink silp-ons. She decided to do bangs in her hair that begin showing both of her eyes. She went downstairs to have some breakfast, what she saw some breakfast buffet with a note from Ivanna.
'Had to get to work early, requested this breakfast made for you kids
Love Auntie Ivanna'
Susan filled her plate with Japanese scrambled eggs, Swiss chocolate and almonds, a Brazilian banana, and some exotic Canadian milk. Barry came in with his red t-shirt, blue shorts, and green socks, running and saw a beautiful buffet and reads the note.
"Wow! This is for us? Sweet!" He said, excited and started to pile food onto his plate. He then sat down at the table.
"I'm so excited for the Day of the Dead!" Susan said excited, as she ate half of the egg.
"Me too." Barry poured syrup on his pancakes. "Best part is that we get to stay up really late."
"Oh really?" Susan questioned Barry as she drank her milk "Why did you stay up all night?"
"Hey, I was working on a skull mask I was gonna wear." He answered.
"First of all, there's also face painting of that" Susan argued "And second, skulls are called calaveras for the holidays."
"Ok, fine. I'll do it that way." Barry sighed, annoyed.
"But, it's fine with the skull mask" Susan said "I can help you paint it after breakfast."
"Great, thanks." He said, smiling.
------
Natalie was telling her dream to Juan and Jimmy, and Albert was playing with Manolo when Michael came in.
"Hey, guys. The adults are all busy making food and instruments for tonight." He told them.
"Primo!" Juan and Jimmy said running to hug their cousin.
"Natalie was telling us about her crazy dream where she was in a shoe shop." Juan said.
Michael laughed as he hugged them. "Really? She told me all about it, too. Reminds me of a dream when I walked past them as a ghost." Michael said. "Manolo was here too, but I called him Dante for some reason like I know that name before, like my name was Miguel." Michael claimed "What happened in your dream, Albert?" He sat on Natalie's bed.
"I had one where Papa and I were looking around town for you." Albert explained. "We fell asleep, but he woke up seeing you run past us."
"Juan and Jimmy?" Michael questioned "What happened in your guys' dreams" he wanted to make sure that the toddler twins did have the same dreams as they did.
"We were playing with petals," Juan started.
"Then Tia Lucy showed us to make a path." Jimmy continued.
"Alright" Michael said, sighing in relief. "How's my Manolo?" He said as Manolo went to lick his face. "Ok, ok. Good boy." Michael laughed and scratched behind the dog's ears. "Look what I got." Michael handed Manolo a marranito, a pig-shaped ginger cookie.
Manolo perked up and stuck his tongue out, wagging his tail.
"Sit" Michael said "Roll over. Here you go." The dog obeyed and then caught the treat in his mouth.
"No wonder you'd be able to sneak that cookie without the family knowing." Natalie said while picking up Jimmy. "You're a great sneaker."
"Yeah, thanks, I know." Michael looked smug. "I've had a lot of practice."
-----
Hilary was reading the Coco story when she heard a knock at her door. She quickly put her book under a couple of pillows, and pulled out her Day of the Dead book and pretended to read, when the door opened.
Derek entered her room. "Hilary?" He noticed the book in her hands. "I see you're brushing up for the party tonight."
"Yep," Hilary said, trying to act casual. "I hope that the dress I ordered from Ivanna's Fashion Boutique arrives soon."
"I'm sure that it will." He said. "And I know you'll look pretty in it."
"I'm so excited for The Hernandezes Fiesta!" Hilary said, excitedly.
He managed a smile. "That's great. And it's a good chance to learn about another culture's traditions."
"Yep. Can you get out of my room, please?" Hilary said.
He was slightly stunned by her words, but then softened. "Alright, I'll let you keep reading." He walked out of the room.
Hilary then sighed in relief. "That was close." she said quietly. She put her Day of the Dead book aside and went back to reading her storybook.
----
Melody was in her room reading her Mexican Revolution book when she got a video chat with Riley and Hilary.
"Hey, girls." Melody greeted them. "You two excited for the Hernandezes party tonight?"
"Yes." Hilary said with her book.
"Sí." Riley said, laying on her bed. "I'm just glad we're going to Michael's house!"
"Yeah. I bet he's gonna play his guitar. He's really good." Melody smiled. Now Melody was part of Hilary's plan.
"Not to mention, that's he's Miguel!" Hillary said.
"And his Tia Angela, Tío Joaquin, and Henry are the dead ancestors Victoria, Oscar, and Felipe." Riley said.
"I hope that Ms. Cordwain will able to go," Hilary added. "After all, she's Imelda."
"And Maria and Theodore are actually Elena and Franco." Melody said.
"Too bad that none of them remember who they really are." Hilary looked disappointed.
------
Flashback- Last week
Melody was sitting at her desk, looking at her Queen Victoria novel, when she saw Hilary and Riley looking at some book, like the one the other night when a page of a graduation photo came to her room. She went up to them, wanting to talk. "Umm... Hey." she mumbled. "Can I sit here?"
"Hi" Hilary and Riley both greeted, looking up at her. "Yeah, sure." They nodded, smiling.
"Just the other night, I saw this page of my older brother at a graduation ceremony." Melody confessed and she showed the page from the other night "I've felt like I was there before."
Hilary and Riley looked at each other, surprised. "That's because you have been there before." Hilary replied.
"What are you talking about?" Melody asked, confused.
"You just don't remember it. Neither do your brother or your mom." Hilary explained.
Melody suddenly felt flashes of her as a baby, and then to growing up, and seeing Andy to college. Every single memory made her shocked and she gasped. "I remember now." she whispered and cried.
"Riley, it's working!" Hilary whispered excitedly to her.
"I'm Molly!" Melody hugged the girls. "Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome." Hilary smiled as she and Riley hugged her back.
"Can I join you, girls?" Melody said excitedly. "I'll be your best girl!"
"Of course, you can." Hilary nodded. "We can use all the help we can get."
End Flashback
------
"I'm glad you girls helped return my memories," Melody said looking back at the day she remembered her past.
"No problem." Riley smiled.
"It's all part of our plan." Hilary added.
"I'm glad to be your friend." Melody said grabbing her book. "I'm reading about the Mexican Revolution! You girls?"
"So are we." Riley smiled. "I'm researching about Day of the Dead."
"I was reading the Coco story in my book." Hilary added.
"Hilary, which part of the Coco story you on now?" Melody questioned. "And Riley?"
"I'm at the part where they sing in the music competition." Hilary replied.
"I'm just so excited for tonight!" Melody said excitedly. "What did you girls eat for breakfast this morning?" She questioned. "I had chocolate chip and peanut butter waffles, and milk for breakfast this morning!"
"That sounds so good! I wish my dad let me eat stuff like that." Hilary said, slightly jealous. "I had bacon and eggs."
"Sounds good." Riley said.
"What did you eat for breakfast, Riley?" Melody asked.
"My parents made sunny-side eggs, bacon, and milk." Riley answered.
"Yummy." Hailey seemed jealous. "Too bad I don't have a happy family like you guys."
"Hey, at least you found your real dad," Riley noted. "And you do seem happy when you're with Jack."
------
At the Hernandez household, Michael was looking at a mini ofrenda with their favorite Mexican stars, artists, musicians, and telenovela stars that died years before, with their favorite food, drinks, items, and everything.
"I just had a dream the other night, and you were there, Frida Kahlo, but in a skeletal version." Michael said while looking at the Frida Kahlo picture.
"Are you talking to a dead artist's picture?" Natalie asked, passing by. "You know she won't answer back."
"Not unlike the time when you were 8 and you kissed both the El Cento and Selena Quintanilla pics." Michael said with a smirk, knowing that his older cousin had crushes with both dead and living people since she was 8.
Natalie looked shocked that he remembered that. "Hey. That was just a phase. I eventually grew out of it."
"And the time you were in your room kissing a Michael Jackson body pillow." Michael said as he pulled a photo of her kissing the body pillow in bed, wearing her purple and black striped two-piece pajama, green socks, and a braided ponytail. It was taken on June 17th, after her 12th birthday.
Natalie snatched the photo out of his hand. "Never tell anyone about that." She said angrily.
"Alright, Alright." Michael said. "I won't."
"Good." Natalie calmed down. "Look, it's Dia de Muertos. We shouldn't fight."
"I agree" Michael said.
Then they heard their grandparents call them from the kitchen. "Niños, help was with the pan de Muertos!" Maria said with the dough.
"Coming, Abuela!" They both answered and came into the kitchen.
------
"Hey, Mum." Michelle said, getting her purse. "I'm taking a walk."
Ellen turned to face her. "Alright, but don't be gone too long. We have to get ready for the party tonight."
"Ok, bye." Michelle said she walked out the door and saw her boyfriend and Bella, then walked to Ivanna's Fashion Boutique.
"Hi guys." Nadia and Rose both greeted the three as they entered the shop.
"We're here for the clothing for tonight." Bella said. "Michelle can go first."
"Alright. Be right back." Nadia went into the back and then came out with a bag holding Michelle's dress. "Here you go."
Michelle took a look at it and was surprised. It was a green-turquoise-red long Mexican embroidered dress complete it they are like flowers all over the bottom. "It's beautiful." Michelle said. "It's Bella's turn!"
"I'll get it." Rose went into the back and then came out with bags for both Bella and Marty. "Here are your outfits."
Bella was amazed to see her dress. It was embroidered with a purple, red, pink, and orange patterned ball gown with flowers all over the dress. "So beautiful! I can't wait till my Mason sees this!" Bella said surprised "How much for the clothes?"
"Glad you like it." Rose smiled. "They're $95."
"Here you go" Bella handed her the right amount.
"Thank you." Rose took the money. "I'm sure he's gonna love it on you."
------
Susan and Barry were making the finishing touches to his mask.
"...And add a bit of blue dots on the bottom of eye sockets" His skull mask was made to a great one with a red fire on the forehead, yellow lightings on both cheekbones, a scale-like painted pink on the chin, and blue dots above the eye sockets.
"Thanks for helping me with my mask, Susan." Barry said with a smile. "I can't wait to wear it tonight."
As Susan was about to say something, she suddenly started flying into the air, she was shocked.
"Susan, what's happening?" Barry asked. "How are you doing that?"
"I don't know!" Susan said, still scared. She almost fell to the ground, but was saved by her bean bag. 'Where did I learn that skill before?' She thought.
"Well, whatever you did, that was so cool." Barry looked excited.
--------
Albert was audio reading some Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz poems on his laptop when he got a video chat from Mindy and Sam.
"Hey, amigos." He greeted them, answering the call. "How are you?"
"We're good, babe." Mindy said shyly, wearing her blue blouse with her bare-right shoulder showing, and her black bra.
"I'm just so excited for the party." Sam said happily.
"So are we." Albert replied. "The family's been so busy with the preparations."
"I can't wait for you to see my black and red dress from Ivanna's" Mindy said, knowing that her boyfriend loved to see her in beautiful dresses.
"I'm sure it's gonna look lovely on you, mi amor." Albert smiled.
"Aww... thanks." Mindy blushed. "I just had this weird dream where I was in some headquarters and trying to put an orb, but then Audrey stopped me." she said. "What was yours?"
"I had a dream where my dad and I were looking for Michael." Albert explained. "We fell asleep, and then Michael ran past us."
"Looks like our dreams are getting weird and weirder each night." Sam said, concerned.
"What happened in your dream, amigo?" Albert asked Sam.
"It was really weird. I dreamt I was a stick bug in a circus with a bunch of other bugs." Sam replied.
"We can go on to other topics." Albert said, trying to cover up. "I'm listening to some English audio version of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz poems on my laptop! You?"
"I was reading my Twilight Breaking Dawn book." Mindy answered.
"I was just relaxing, watching TV." Added Sam.
"Awesome!" Albert said. "What are you watching on TV, Sam?" He asked
"Oh, you know. A little of everything." Sam answered.
----
In the kitchen, Maria, Theodore, Natalie, and Michael were making each for the tamales, Menudo soup, Pan de Muertos, and some atole.
"My dream was about me in a workshop," Natalie said to her grandmother as she put the bread in the oven
"Oh, really?" Maria asked, intrigued. "What kind of workshop? What were you making?"
"It was for shoes." Natalie said while getting the flour for the next bread "But there was a rule in the dream, no music."
"Shoes and no music? Sounds like Ms. Cordwain's shop." Michael joked.
"Mine too." Maria said as she got the tamale wraps.
"You three are there as well," Natalie said, as she got the chicken for the tamales.
"What do you think is causing these weird dreams?" Michael wondered as he mixed the atole.
"Maybe because of Jack coming to our town a month ago." Theodore said, as he cooked the cheddar quesadillas. "Kind of like when your grandmother and I emigrated from the Wars going on in Mexico and to the United States for better opportunity when we were in our teens."
"Yeah, I guess he has kinda had an effect on the town and all of us." Michael agreed.
"I better get the Pan de Los Muertos from the oven before they're overcooked." Natalie said as she got the oven mitts
"Be careful, mija." Maria warned Natalie as she opened the oven. "The pan is very hot."
--
When the shop closed, it was already 1 hour before the party. Maria opened the two large green gates announcing, "Día de Los Muertos has begun!" She said.
--
At the hospital, a vase with several marigolds was placed next to Gael. A petal fell off, landed on his hand, and began to glow. His eyes suddenly opened.
---
The rest of the family was in the yard, preparing for the party. Hanging Papel Picado, sweeping, and making a path of marigold petals. Jimmy and Juan scattered a bunch of marigold petals all over the floor when Lucy came along and correct them.
"No, no, no, no, no, no, no!" Lucy said. "Like this." She made a path from the ofrenda to the front gate. "We have to make a clear path. If not, the spirits could get lost."
---
Nurse Kristen entered the ICU, but she was shocked to see the bed was empty and the patient was gone. She hurried out of the room.
----
Michael, Natalie, Albert, Angela, Henry and Joaquin, all wore their red and purple makes mariachi outfits with silver and golden tips.
Natalie was doing her makeup "Do I pick my strawberry fruity lip gloss or my red matte lipstick?" Natalie questioned her aunt, who was doing her hair.
"It's your choice, Mija," Angela replied. "But I think the red matches your outfit."
"Alright, Tia Angela" Natalie said as she put on her lipstick.
Henry was fixing Michael's tie. "You ready for tonight?" Joaquin questioned as he combed his mustache.
"Oh, yeah!" Michael said, excited. "I've been looking forward to this for days. I've been practicing my guitar."
------
Susan was dressed in her red, indigo, and black quinceañera dress, with her shoulders bare. Her Calavera makeup had a broken black heart on her forehead, two dark violet feathers on her cheekbones, crimson red rose petals on top of her eye sockets and gray dots on the bottom. Ivanna was making Susan's hair into a braided ponytail.
"I'm so excited for tonight!" Susan said, excitedly
"Me too. I know we're going to have a great time." Ivanna finished the braid and stepped back to look at Susan. "You look fabulous, Darling."
"Oh, thanks" Susan blushed, then one of the servants came to the door "The limo will be waiting for you." he said. "I'll make sure Barry doesn't run off again."
"We'll be right down." Ivanna replied and the servant left. "Let's get going before your brother leaves without us." They soon headed down the stairs.
------
When Jack and Laura Reed arrived, they were the first person to get them for the party start, Then Jack read the sign 'Hernandez'' and it's slogan 'Familia de Músicos desde 1949' "Well, this must be the place." Jack said, curiously.
"Yeah, and it looks like we're early." Laura Reed said, looking around. "I think you'll like them. They're pretty nice people."
Jack was dressed in his white polo shirt, black jeans, and his brownish-red loafers, and Laura Reed was wearing her long, green dress and matching high-heels. Jack knocked on the door, the Hernandez family answered the door and looked at him in surprise.
"Jack! We're so glad you guys could make it." Maria greeted them, smiling. "Please, come on in." She gestured for them to enter.
-
As the car parked, Derek, who was wearing his red and yellow suit, and matching shoes, and Hilary, who wore her off-shoulder, long-sleeved red and purple embroidered blouse, medium green skirt, and white ballet flats, and her hair in a neatly braided ponytail with a clip-on Marigold, got out of it.
"We're here" Derek announced.
Hilary was excited about the party. Hopefully, it'll help Michael and his family remember who they are. She noticed Jack's car parked nearby. "Yay. Jack's here, too." She smiled.
-
Riley and family made it and parked the minivan. "I'm so excited, Mom!" Riley said excitedly. She wore her off-shoulder, short-sleeved yellow and green embroidered blouse, medium purple skirt, and pink ballet flats, and her hair down, complete with her daisy headband.
"Me too! This is gonna be fun!" Audrey was also excited. She was also dressed up with Calavera makeup painted on her face.
"I can't believe this is the first time in years that we're invited by the Hernandez family since forever." Freddy said nervously.
"Yeah." Audrey agreed. "Well, it's about time something fun happened around here."
-
Nadia's car pulled over, and got out a revealed her off-shoulder, medium sleeved green and violet embroidered blouse, medium-dark red skirt, and yellow high-heeled boots, and her hair in a neatly braided bun, and also wearing Calavera makeup.
She noticed the purple minivan and smiled. "Looks like my family's already here."
"Hi, Aunt Nadia!" Riley carefully hugged her without messing her makeup. "What a beautiful Calavera you have!" Riley noticed her aunt's Calavera, which had green circles on her top brow that shrunk to little pink dots under her eye sockets, streaks of gold on her cheeks, green lipstick, and a red heart on her forehead.
"Hey, Riley." Nadia hugged her back. "Thanks. Wow, you look beautiful too."
"Oh, thanks" Riley blushed. "I'm so excited for the party!"
"Me too." Nadia agreed. "Also, I can't resist a chance to dress up."
-
Mindy and Sam's van was parked and they came out. Mindy saw Albert waving "Mi amor". She ran over him and kissed him. "Hey, babe. I'm glad to see you. I hope I'm not late."
"Nope, You two are an hour early." Albert explained. "May I escort you to the hacienda?" He said with a funny expression, holding out his left arm
"Oh, good." Mindy looked relieved. "Why, of course." She smiled, hooking her arm around his.
-
The limo pulled over the driveway and they all came out. Susan then saw Michael in his mariachi suit.
"Hi, Susan!" He waved.
"Hi, Michael!" She waved back and came over to him. "Wow, you look great."
-
"You all must be hungry from the trip" Maria said. "I'll get you enough tamales for your stomachs."
"Mama, I think maybe our guests would rather start with an appetizer." Edward stepped in.
"Alright, Mijo." Maria grumbled and she headed to the kitchen.
"Alright, the party will start in a less then hour, so come in to watch Familia and our Hacienda." Lucy stepped in and announced. Everyone followed Lucy into the house.
-
A car soon pulled up. Ms. Cordwain stepped out and stared at the house with a smile. 'This is the place.' She thought. She wore her off shoulder purple, indigo, and violet embroidered dress, and black high-heeled boots, and her hair in a neatly braided bun, and also wearing a calavera. She then opened the big green gate. 'I'm home' she thought again, hoping to have a warm welcome.
"Ms. Cordwain." Maria came out to greet her. "Glad you could make it. Please, come in and join us."
Ms. Cordwain then saw some chicken tamales appetizers. "I'm a bit hungry" she said.
"Wonderful!" Maria smiled and began to pile tamales onto a plate.
"Umm... Gracias." Ms. Cordwain ate 2 tamales and was ready to see the ofrenda. "Muchas gracias for the tamales, but can I see the ofrenda room?"
"Oh, yes. I'll show you where it is." Maria led her to the room with the ofrenda.
Ms. Cordwain was amazed at a medium ofrenda, with many famous faces from Mexico and Beyond Spanish speaking countries, then looked at the Frida Kahlo picture. It brought back the memory of when she and the family dressed up like Frida. She wanted to say that she had met her, but had to keep her cover. "It's very nice."
"You must like Frida Kahlo, eh?" Maria questioned. "She was one of my favorite female artists when I young." She said.
"Uh, yeah." Ms. Cordwain snapped out of her thoughts. "Oh, really? She was quite an interesting person."
-
The minivan pulled over. Melody, James, and their mother stepped out. They were all dressed up and wearing their makeup.
"We're here." Laurie announced. "Glad we made it just in time before the party starts."
"Looks like other people made it here, too." Melody said, noticing the other parked cars.
"Yes, Melody." James said. "Let's just hope we don't miss the performance."
The three of them soon joined the other guests inside.
-
"Hey, Girls!" Erica came in also dressed up in a red and green dress, and wearing makeup, waving to Riley, Hilary, and Melody.
"Hey, Erica!" The girls shouted, waving back.
"Wow, you look great." Riley smiled at seeing her outfit.
"Awww, gracias." Erica blushed. "I got it from Ivanna's."
"So did we." Melody, Riley, and Hilary said at the same time.
-
Ms. Cordwain left the ofrenda room and saw Angela coming out, stretching her arms, and fixing her glasses.
'Oh, Victoria, mi nieta!' She thought, fighting the urge to hug her. "Hola, Angela." She greeted her, trying to hide her emotions.
"Hola, Ms. Cordwain" Angela said, then walked over and shook her hand.
"How are you? Are you enjoying the party?" She asked, shaking Angela's hand.
"We're gonna start our starting performance in a few minutes." Angela said. "Feel free to watch it if you like." She said she had got her violin.
Ms. Cordwain wasn't sure what to say. She had lived without music for so many years. "Thank you. I would love to watch." She accepted.
-
A few minutes later, everyone began to watch as Michael began performing.
'As the stars shine brightly like a diamond on her necklace (Mientras las estrellas brillan como un diamante en su collar)'
Michael sang the first verse and he strummed the guitar in a soft and tendo tune.
Everyone happily gathered around to watch the boy's performance.
"It seems that I've seen a person with an aura of bright orange. (Parece que he visto a una persona con un aura de color naranja brillante.)" Michael sung the second verse as Natalie and Angela started playing their violins.
All of the Hernandez adults proudly watched as the three performed.
"My life started as a life renewed to a song, and we all sing all" Michael sung the 3rd and forth verses, as Juan and Jimmy started their maracas.
Strange as it may seem, Ms. Cordwain was actually enjoying the performance. 'Perhaps I was wrong to ban music. It makes my family so happy.' She thought to herself.
"To my family's incarnation to the beauty of my song, our love will leave on forever, in my proud heart (Para la encarnación de mi familia a la belleza de mi canción, nuestro amor se irá para siempre, en mi corazón orgulloso)" Michael sung again in a fast turn as Henry and Joaquin toot on their trumpets.
Several of the guests began clapping along to the music, while others started dancing.
"I will grow to my love forevermore, oh I will grow so our love for each other will live on forever, In every minute of my proud heart (Creceré para mi amor para siempre, oh, creceré para que nuestro amor mutuo viva para siempre, En cada minuto de mi corazón orgulloso)" Michael begin to walk around while playing the guitar.
'He really does take after his tatarabuelo.' Ms. Cordwain thought, smiling with emotion as she watched Michael. Her smile faded. 'If only he were here to see this.'
"To my family's incarnation to the beauty of my song, our love will leave on forever, in my proud heart (Para la encarnación de mi familia a la belleza de mi canción, nuestro amor se irá para siempre, en mi corazón orgulloso)" Michael sung again 3 times in a finishing tune as his father and uncle Diego lifted him up and ended it with a grito.
His family and all the guests began to applaud and cheer.
Jim, who was in his white and yellow polo shirt, black jeans, brown loafers, and his calavera and Jessica, who was wearing her red, yellow, and white embroidered dress, brownish-red high-heeled boots, and also wearing a calavera, had finished their dance. "Glad those online how to tango classes on YouTube finally paid off." Jessica said, happily.
"Yeah." Jim agreed. "I wasn't sure if we were gonna be able to pull it off, but I guess we did."
"Too bad Larry can't come because he's sick" Jessica said "If he was here and saw us dancing, he will get jealous."
"Yeah, he would." Jim nodded. "But then he and I would start arguing, and that would ruin the party."
"It's time to eat!" Maria announced from the kitchen "Hope you all have your appetite on!"
"Great. I'm getting hungry." A few of the guests said in response.
Maria and Theodore put the plates of food and drinks to the party guests.
"...And since you look like a twig, have three of my famous beef tamales!" Maria said as she put a pile of tamales into Jack's plate.
"Uh...thank you." Jack replied, not used to being treated like this. But he didn't want to sound rude and refuse.
-
Michael took a bowl of heavy menudo, two mozzarella quesadillas, and some coke, and sat next to Susan, Barry, Hailey, and Riley in the kids/tweens table next to the adults table.
"Hey, Hilary!" Michael said.
"Hi, Michael." Hilary greeted him. "Your performance was awesome."
"It's amazing!" Riley added "You must have got that talent from your relatives, huh?" she said, while eating her atole, one chicken tamale, a banana empanada, and a glass of milk.
"Gracias." Michael smiled. "Yeah, I do. My Tia Angela, Tios Henry and Joaquin are also musicians."
"How long had your familia been making instrumental music?" Melody questioned as she ate her two sweet tamales, menudo, pan de muerto, and champurrado. "How old did your grandparents migrated to the United States from Mexico?"
"Abuelo said that they came here when they were teenagers." Michael answered. "The music shop has been in the family since around 1949."
"So how did your grandparents migrate to the United States? And why?" Barry questioned as he ate his cheddar quesadillas, three chicken tamales, atole, strawberry empanada, pan de muerto, and a tall glass of milk. "Me and Susan's parents died in a car crash."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." Michael said sadly. Riley and Hilary looked at each other, since only they knew the truth. "There was a war going on, and my grandparents wanted a better chance. So they came here."
"What's your favorite part of Día de Los Muertos?" Susan questioned Michael as she ate her three chicken tamales, chocolate empanada, pan de muerto, mixed cheese quesadilla, and some apple juice.
Michael thought for a minute. "I'd say my favorite part is the music. Playing together with my family is so much fun."
"I agree" Hailey said as she sipped her milk. "What dream did you had last night?" She asked.
"I dreamt that I was running through a graveyard, and there were all these glowing orange skeletons." Michael explained.
Riley, Hilary, and Melody looked at each other in surprise. "Those strange dreams started a several of weeks ago. Where I lived in Mexico, met some strange skeletons, and sung to a really elderly grandmother in a wheelchair." Michael explained.
"Aww, that sounds so sweet. I'll bet she enjoyed hearing you sing." Erica smiled.
Michael then got the page from weeks ago and showed it to his friends. "This is the page from several weeks ago." Michael said "It was me with a skeleton on stage."
"Do you know that skeleton, Michael?" Hilary asked, hoping that maybe he began to remember.
"In the first one, couple of weeks ago, it was me being thrown off stage by a man in a mariachi suit." Michael explained "then recently I did have the memory of me being stuck in a sinkhole with a skinny skeleton man. I felt like I knew them before."
"That's because you do know them." Hilary replied. "Those were two skeletons you met in the Land of the Dead."
Michael suddenly felt flashes in his head and recalled all the memories from the living to the dead and living, then flashed back to reality and took deep breaths. "I... I remember now." Michael clearly realized, whispering. "My name is Miguel Rivera, and I brought music back to my family."
"Michael, are you feeling okay?" Susan asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I'm fine" Michael said, trying to keep his cover. "Can we have a private chat with you, your brother, Barry, Hilary and Riley?"
"Uh, sure." They agreed, not really sure what was going on.
"Hilary, gracias for bringing back my memories." Michael said, whispering. "So you girls are behind this?" Michael questioned Hilary, Riley, and Melody.
"You're welcome." Hilary smiled. "Well, it was just me at first. They joined in soon after."
Susan and Barry suddenly remembered everything from defeating Syndrome's Army to fighting against Evelyn's team to protecting themselves from the purple mist of the curse, then snapped out of reality.
"I think it's working. They're starting to remember." Hilary said to Riley and Melody.
"We remember now." Susan said, rubbing her head. "Our names are Violet and Dash Parr, and we saved our family years ago."
"Yes!" Hilary smiled and high fived with Riley and Melody. "Our plan is working."
"So, is it okay if me, Barry, and Susan and join your group in secret?" Michael questioned "I wanna know the rest of the plan."
"Sure, of course you can." Hilary nodded. "But you'll have to be careful. Derek can't know that you guys are awake." She warned them. "This is our secret."
"No te preocupes " Michael said. "I'm good at keeping secrets and a great sneak out person, and I can have my dog with me, only!"
"That's great. Can we also trust you two?" Riley asked Susan and Barry.
"Sure thing" Susan said "I'm the master of sneaking out, I can easily go at night without tripping on security"
"And I ran faster to easy." Barry added.
"Awesome. Welcome to the team, guys." Riley smiled.
"So what should we name our team?" Michael suggested "I mean every team needs a name? How about...'The Pixfare memory solvers' or 'Los buscadores de historias' or any name that you're comfortable with."
"Well, when I first told Jack about my plan, I called it Operation Cobra." Hilary explained. "It's a code name to throw Syndrome off the trail."
"¡Gran idea, mi amiga!" Michael said. "We better get back to eating before it gets cold!"
The kids returned to the table and went back to eating their meals. Luckily, the food was still warm.
------
After dinner, they decided that do a tour of the ofrenda room.
"Please come see our ofrenda room. Come look at the photos of the dead people and leave offerings if you like." Maria announced.
The guests soon began visiting the ofrenda room in small groups. Several of them left a few offerings.
Ms. Cordwain put a pair of high heels next to Frida's picture. "A little 'thank you' gift. I hope you enjoy them." She whispered to the photo.
Audrey put her handmade chicken to Selena Quintanilla's photo.
"You think she would like that, Mom?" Riley asked.
"She will, Sweetie." Audrey patted. her daughter's head.
"So these people are gonna come back?" Freddy asked nervously. "I'm scared of ghosts."
Hilary put a skull mask next to Maria Felix's photo. "Here you go!"
Jack came over to Hilary and put an arm around her shoulder, slightly smiling.
Michelle and Marty were putting their sweet bread on El Cento's photo.
"This is an interesting experience, being a part of another culture's traditions." Michelle said.
Finally, it was time to go home. Lucy was in charge of bringing the gift bags to the party guests.
"Alright, everyone. I hope you all enjoyed the party. Thank you to those who left offerings. I have gifts for each of you."
Michael, Susan, Barry, Hilary, and Riley exchanged phone numbers and head out to the cars.
"Adiós guys!" Michael waved at them.
"Bye, Michael!" They waved back.
"See you at school!" Added Susan.
Hilary looked out of car window and then looked at the book. She saw a photo of her and her friends shortly after Michael discovered who he was.