Lou Lou and Pea walked the short distance to Sparkle ’N Clean along cracked sidewalks, stopping occasionally to pet neighbors’ pugs and poodles. Although they lived in a city, their little neighborhood was close-knit like a small town. It was called El Corazón, because it was in the heart of the city and alive with culture and art. Lou Lou and Pea adored their community for the rainbow of buildings, some of which had the popular El Corazón murals painted on them. The people of El Corazón were friendly, and neighbors were always greeting Lou Lou and Pea on the street or from their front porches with a Hello! or a ¡Buenos días! And El Corazón was well-known for its community celebrations that were filled with beauty and energy.
On the way to Sparkle ’N Clean, Lou Lou and Pea admired things they loved about their neighborhood, from Mrs. Thompson’s wooden lawn flamingos to the shiny red-and-black vintage cars that were meticulously maintained by Mr. Martinez. El Corazón dazzled the eye with its variety and color.
As they arrived at Sparkle ’N Clean, Pea pointed at the window display.
“Look at that silver boa!” Sparkle ’N Clean was a fashion boutique as well as a laundry. “And the jeweled headband is exquisite,” Pea said as they went inside. “You should wear it when you claim Pinky’s blue ribbon at the Hello Horticulture! Society Annual Conference.”
“Lou Lou and Peacock! Darlings, so wonderful to see you!” Thomas, the owner of Sparkle ’N Clean, was arranging elaborate brooches on a table in the corner. “Are you two here for some satin opera gloves? Or perhaps a feathered fascinator for your Halloween costumes?”
Lou Lou noticed Pea gazing longingly at the opera gloves. Lou Lou made a mental note for Pea’s next birthday. “No, we’re just picking up Magdalena’s quinceañera dress,” Lou Lou said.
“Oh riiight.” Thomas sounded hesitant. “I’ll go fetch it.” He disappeared into a maze of clothing racks while Lou Lou and Pea looked at hats. Pea picked out a velvet hat with ribbons and flowers.
“That’s like something Ella Divine would wear,” said Lou Lou.
“I know, so glamorous,” Pea replied. The hat was perched precariously on her head. “We’re still going to her show next Friday, right?” The singer was Pea’s idol, and Lou Lou was Ella Divine’s second biggest fan.
“Yes! My mom and dad—” Lou Lou was interrupted by Thomas sweeping out from behind a rack of jackets. He was carrying Magdalena’s quinceañera dress with its layered tulle skirt and beaded bodice that was fit for a fairy-tale ball.
“I’m afraid there was nothing I could do.” Thomas held up the dress for Lou Lou and Pea. On the front was a wicked spread of purple, like a big bruise. Pea’s mouth fell open, and the velvet hat slipped off her head and sailed to the floor.
“But it’s just grape juice. Surely there must be a way…” Pea’s voice grew quiet.
“Darling, I wish this was just grape juice. That would have been a snap, a breeze, nothing at all!” Thomas replied, waving his hand and wiggling his fingers. “But no no no. This was something much more vicious. One part grape juice, two parts DYE.” Thomas said the last word in the voice of an old movie villain.
“Someone poured dye on Magdalena’s dress?” Lou Lou could hardly believe it. “Who would do something so awful?”
“I haven’t a clue,” Thomas said. “But mark my words, whoever ruined this dress wanted it to stay ruined. What a shame! It was such a lovely shade of lemon yellow. Your prima has very good taste, Peacock.”
Pea nodded. “Her quinceañera is in Limonero Park. She chose that color to match the lemon trees.”
“What’s Magdalena going to do?” Lou Lou looked at Pea.
“I don’t know.” Pea looked dismayed. “She will be really upset, that’s for certain. There’s not enough time for Tía Marie to make a new one.” She reached for the huge dress, careful to avoid touching the stain. Because of its giant size, the dress hid Pea almost entirely—Lou Lou could barely see her two blue eyes peeking out over a cloud of yellow fabric.
“Please tell your tía that I’m sorry, Peacock. I spent half the morning soaking and scrubbing,” Thomas said. “No charge.”
“Thank you, Thomas,” Pea replied.
“Of course, darling. If Magdalena needs a new dress, send her my way. I don’t have anything lemon-colored, but I do have some gorgeous apricot taffeta that would look smashing on her.”
Outside of Sparkle ’N Clean, Pea stared forlornly at the ruined bundle.
“C’mon,” Lou Lou said, nodding in the direction of the candle shop. “Elmira is a genius at fixing problems! I bet she can help.”