Chapter Text
“What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” Isabela crouched down, looking at her sister in concern. She noticed the light bruises on Mirabel’s legs and face. “Who did this to you?”
Mirabel sniffled. “N-no one.”
Isabela scoffed. “Do you expect me to believe that you did this by yourself?”
“I f-fell.”
“Just give me names or a description.”
Mirabel did as told.
Isabela frowned. “…Okay. They won’t be bothering you anymore.”
“How a-are you sure of that?”
“You’re a Madrigal. They’d be stupid to keep bullying you. I know as your older sister that they’ll stop. I’m smart. I know a lot. Are you doubting me?” Isabela grinned cockily.
Mirabel shook her head.
Dolores squeaked. “I heard what happened.” She frowned as she walked up to them. “Nothing that they said to you is true. You are a Madrigal. When you were born, you were as quiet as a mouse. I was glad that they weren’t much of a screamer like Camilo. Isabela is also right. Not too sure about being smart though.”
“Hey!” Isabela exclaimed, feigning an offended expression.
Dolores smirked as Mirabel giggled. “Whatever you believe.”
“Anyways, I'll be back. I have to do something really quick and important. Don’t wait for me.” Isabela said, leaving Mirabel in Dolores' care.
….
Hours later, the boys that bullied her stood in front of Casita. They held a note as they sobbed an apology to Mirabel. Saying how they’ll never mess with her again.
Mirabel didn’t really pay no mind to it.
She was just glad that they wouldn’t bully her anymore.
Isabela was watching them, before she turned around.
“Isabela, can I talk to you about something?”
Isabela was currently tending to her plants. “We're doing that right now, aren’t we?” She mused. “I’m just joking. What’s up?”
“I noticed something very recently.”
“About me?”
“It has something to do with you. Definitely.”
“Nothing negative I hope.”
“Of course not.” Mirabel smiled. “Do you remember when I was getting bullied?”
Isabela paused. “…Yes. Are they messing with you again?”
“Nope. I’m just making sure you remember.” Mirabel told her, causing Isabela to relax. “The day that you found me crying and I told you their names. You had also left a few minutes later and within hours they’re apologizing to me.”
Isabela tilted her head. “…Yeah, I did leave and they did apologize. What’s the point?”
“I recently realized that you made them apologize.”
Isabela crossed her arms, lips twitching upward. She placed a hand over her mouth to hide her smile. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I have been simply minding my business, Mirabel.”
Mirabel couldn’t help but grin. “I knew something was up when years ago they suddenly stopped bullying me and apologizing. You made them apologize.”
Isabela shrugged. “I think that they recognized what they did was wrong and apologized. Rightfully so.”
“Within a few hours?”
“Seems so.” Isabela chuckled. “I don’t know how you connected that I did something.”
“You know, they would expect you bragging about protecting me.”
“It’s probably because I didn’t do anything. Although I’m glad that someone protected you. I was too busy being perfect. I didn’t have time for that.”
“You’re lying out of your ass right now, Isa.”
“Don’t let mamá catch you saying that. Also, I have no clue what happened after that.”
“You’re telling me that the moment you comforted me, Dolores came in, you left out saying you’ll be back, and then my bullies apologizing have nothing to do with you?”
Isabela nodded. “Of course not. A very simple coincidence.”
“For a second I thought that my outstanding oldest sister did something amazing. I wouldn’t have acted so annoyed with you when I was younger if I knew you protected me. My hero.” Mirabel sighed dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. “Guess not.”
Isabela loved the compliments. “I-it’s whatever. I got to go.”
Mirabel watched as Isabela walked away, amused.
As soon as Isabela left the room, Dolores entered.
Dolores smirked. “She has a wide smile on her face. She totally made sure that no one would bully you again. She did go after six and seven years old at the time. I helped keep you distracted. She’s probably going to keep denying it.”