sweet 16
Life was going good for Martha Sanchez. She was about to become fifteen in a couple of days, and she wanted a Quince on her birthday. Only the rich had Quinces in Mexico, but the Sanchez family was living in America. Her father had allowed her to have a Quince, but for some reason, changed his mind. Martha was furious. She didn’t understand why her father would do something like this to her. She just didn’t understand. Everyone was dressed up. The entire family sat in the car, while Altero, Martha’s father, made a special announcement. He was just promoted! Which meant his salary increased. His children cheered him on. Today was a joyous occasion for, Martha’s friend, Gabby too. Martha and her other friends drooled over the amazing Quince Gabby threw. It was spectacular. Martha knew she wanted one just like it. While Gabby was dancing beautifully with her escort, Martha was asked to dance by a handsome young man. It was Gabby’s cousin, Ramone. Her father did not approve of him, so he stepped in. Martha’s prayers were answered. Her father was allowing her to have a Quince of her own. The party meant everything to Martha. She wanted it to be perfect, but Martha’s father wanted her escort to be her clumsy cousin, Octavio. He didn’t know how to dance, and was sure to embarrass her. Before having a Quince, Martha had to become a woman, and if Martha wanted to become a woman, she had to earn it. Martha was assigned community service at the immigration department. She was in charge of important duties. After coming home, she left to meet her friends at the carnival. There, Martha saw Ramone on the dance floor. She had a crush on him, and her friends knew. Her friends called him over, and told him to ask Martha to dance. Ramone promised Martha he would take her and all of her friends home, if she stayed a little bit longer. As they were walking to his car, Martha saw her father waiting for her. Instead of riding in Ramone’s car home, she walked with her father. The next day, Martha and her friends were out on the town. They thought it would be fun to scare the illegal immigrants by shouting “Amigra.” Amigra meant immigration.