Be Creative

Epilogue: One Week Later

Mama laid the thank-you cards in front of me while I was doing my Physics homework.  

"Don't forget to write to your guests, darling," she said. "Just a simple gesture, to show your gratitude." 

"But I have homework," I sighed. 

"This is just as important, my dear." 

Things have been different with Mama since the debut. That incident with the Velasquez family must have shaken her up, because we've started talking to each other more often. There were some things that she still hadn't opened up about yet, especially about Papa and Derek, but there would be a time and place for that to happen, eventually.

Papa and Derek have been visiting the house more often, too, mostly to check up on Mama, but also to spend a little more time with me and the boys. They've been good about the things that they can (and can't) bring to the house, especially when it came to food, but I haven't heard her complain once. 

I looked at the guest list from the party, which had the checklist of who brought what as a gift for me. I couldn't remember all of the gifts that they brought - there may have been a few boxed sets for everything, from perfume to stationery, and I must have gotten a plane ticket or two somewhere in there - but I knew that there were a few people that I wanted to thank for making my debut memorable. 

To Eloisa, Paul, Monica, and the rest of the Reyna Bakery team: Thank you for the beautiful and delicious cake that you have made for the debut. You have made the cake the best part of my whole evening - all of the guests could not stop talking about how awesome it is! Thank you also for being so patient with me whenever I came by the cafe for tuna sandwiches, empanadas, and chats with Pappy. I wish you all the best in your future projects, with many yummy cakes to come. 

To Sean and Dave: Thank you for the beautiful birthday video that you've made for the party. People are still raving about the video - it's as if you guys have made a movie about my life! All of my relatives want a copy each so they can bring it home and watch. Also, my aunties want to know if either one of you are single. 

To Carly: Thank you for being part of my debut. I'm sorry that I didn't get to say goodbye to you and Marge, but I understand if you had to go early. See you girls at lunch tomorrow. PS. Carly, did Tristan talk to you yet?

To Marge: I'm sorry that I haven't been able to say goodbye to you. Thank you for being patient with me for the last few days - I know that it seemed like I was meddling with Carly, but you and I both know that it's all her own magic. :) 

To Tristan: If you haven't apologized to Carly yet, you're a bigger boob than I thought. 

To Bianca: I'm sorry, but you need therapy. On second thought, your whole family needs counseling.

To Derek: Words cannot express how grateful I am that you and I are friends. I know that people will never understand why someone like me would be friends with my dad's tattle-tale boyfriend, but you've been good to me when it mattered.

To Mama and Papa: I know that things aren't really perfect in this family, but I thank you anyway for being so good to me. No matter what happens, I will always love you. Thank you.