Aurora's Quinceañera Aurora was going to turn 15 years old in a few months. This significant birthday would mark her coming of age in Mexican culture. She looked forward to the privileges of sitting with the adults at family gatherings, wearing makeup, and even talking with boys on the phone. However, Aurora was disappointed to learn that she would not be given the traditional quinceañera, a celebration that would honor her transition from childhood to adulthood. Aurora was sad because she had dreamt of wearing a beautiful gown and being the center of attention at a fancy party.
"Mija, lo siento. My daughter, I am sorry. ¡Qué lástima! What a pity! We just can't afford such an expensive party," Aurora's mom said.
Aurora cried and pouted, but that didn't change the circumstances. Tía Claudia tried to lift Aurora's spirits by saying that she would still have fun attending her friends' quinceañeras, but that only made Aurora feel worse. Yet, Aurora tried her best to have a good attitude in the weeks leading up to her birthday. Aurora stopped complaining that she would not have a quinceañera and began to get excited about going to her friends' special parties.
On the day of Aurora's fifteenth birthday, her mom woke her early.
"Mija, I have a surprise for you," Aurora's mom said.
"What is it, Mama?" Aurora asked.
"You will have a quinceañera!" Aurora's mom said.
"But, how?" Aurora asked.
"Tu familia, your family, has worked together to make the celebration possible. Now get up! There is a lot to do!" Aurora's mom said.
Aurora was overwhelmed with joy. She quickly rose and helped her mom with the final preparations. At 4:00 p. m., Aurora's favorite grandma, Abuelita Milagra, arrived at Aurora's home. She carried a large bag.
"You must get dressed, mi amor, my love!" Abuelita Milagra said.
Aurora took the bag from her grandma and ran to her bedroom. Inside the bag, she found an exquisite white satin dress, a pair of white slippers, and a Bible. Abuelita Milagra made sure that Aurora had a traditional white gown to symbolize purity, instead of a brightly colored modern one. Aurora slipped on the dress and the shoes and ran to show her mom and grandma.
"Mija, you look like an angel!" Aurora's mom said.
Abuelita Milagra hugged and kissed Aurora. Then, she reached inside her purse and pulled out a necklace with a delicate gold cross. She placed the necklace around Aurora's neck. Then, Abuelita Milagra made the cross sign across her own chest and prompted Aurora to do the same.
"Otra cosa, another thing," Abuelita Milagra said.
Aurora's dad entered the kitchen carrying a sparkling rhinestone tiara.
"Mi princesa, my princess, I have a crown for you. You are my precious daughter. You have made your family proud by working hard at school, and by being truthful and kind," Aurora's dad said as he placed the tiara on her head.
Then, Aurora and her family drove to their church for a special Mass. Aurora received a blessing of protection from the priest. Then, she left a bouquet of flowers at the altar in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary. Next, she gave her younger cousin Sofía a doll. Aurora had received that same doll from her older cousin Pearla when Pearla had turned 15.
At last, it was time to celebrate. Aurora and her family went to a local restaurant where all of her friends and extended family were gathered. Dressed in a tuxedo, Aurora's friend Ramón served as her escort for the evening. He shyly complimented her appearance, took her arm, and walked her to the stage.
"¡Mil gracias, mi familia! A million thanks, my family! I will never forget this day!" Aurora said into the microphone.
"¡Feliz cumpleaños, happy birthday, Aurora!" everyone shouted.

Which of the following best characterizes Abuelita Milagra?
A.
She has overcome hardships in her life.
B.
She is critical of the way her family acts.
C.
She is old-fashioned and against change.
D.
She believes that customs are important.