Mirabel Madrigal One-Shots

by Mirabelharem

Summary:

A series of one-shots of Encanto with Mirabel being main focus.

Chapter 1

This fic is centered around Mirabel. Different scenarios, alternate universes, etc.

I do take requests, but it does take me some time to make them

Feel free to request anything! 

Chapter 2: Drowning

Summary:

Mirabel is drowning, Metaphorically and Literally.

Notes:

Italics is Mirabel’s POV

Regular is the Bruno’s Pov

He didn't see it coming. No vision, nothing could've predicted that this was going to happen.

 

Mirabel has always been a Madrigal. But, she never got treated as one. Because of her not receiving a gift, which was not her fault, she has been treated as an outcast.

 

Bruno needed to find her immediately.

 

They had pushed to girl too far and after Antonio's ceremony was the last straw for her.

They neglected to girl, they ignored her. —And all she wanted to do was proved herself to the family, make them proud of her. Something that the young girl should never have to do.

 

Why was he in a rush? It was because he got a surprise vision, showing his Sobrina walking towards a river, then switching to her under the water.

 

Mirabel stood in front of a multicolored river, where it all began. The place where her Abuela Pedro died, not that she knew that, nobody told her.

 

It then showed her face, around her mouth and eyes was somewhat blue. The rest of her face pale, with her glasses nowhere to be seen.

 

This was the start on how the miracle was born, as the mountains grew. The miracles that was given to Abuela, which was greatly taken advantage of. 

 

Mirabel wished that this moment can stay longer, but she couldn't, there was just so much to do. Her family would notice her missing. Or would they?

 

It showed his niece's death.

 

Mirabel couldn't turn back now, it was already too late. She didn't fit in the family, she is an outcast, a stain to the Madrigal's name.

 

Tears continuously streamed down her face, hurting her as if it was acid.  

 

Mirabel looked back, the fireworks hitting the sky with a loud boom, different colors in the sky, making it a beautiful sight to see.

 

Bruno didn't care if anybody saw him, his niece was more important. He wanted to protect her and that's why he went inside of the walls. To prevent her from taking the down fall. He threw to vision slab on the ground, breaking it in pieces.

 

She took off her glasses and sandals, letting her foot touch the cold stream of water, it caused her to shiver.

 

But she couldn't complain, she did everything she was told for today.

 

Mirabel did as told. She was standing aside, staying out of everyone's way, and letting everybody else do their part. This was her last day seeing her family and their last day seeing her.

 

Never mind, they'll find her body.

 

That's if they find her body.

 

He untimely failed in the worst way possible.

 

Bruno rushed out of the tight room, going out of the painting that led him in the walls.

 

It was Antonio's ceremony and by the way that Casita was rushing out the door, Bruno knew he needed to hurry, if not late already.

 

Seeing Antonio get his gift was truly the last thing she wanted to see before she was gone. Also, being the last straw after being excluded from an family photo.

 

It was selfish to do it on Antonio's night. But, sometimes people have to be selfish. 

 

Antonio will miss her. heck! He might be the only one in the family to miss her or notice she's missing.

 

She wondered how long would it take for them to notice her fine.

 

They'll get over her, her parents will her over her, Antonio will get over her. They can just frame her as missing or say she left the Encanto like her Tío Bruno. For the sake of the Encanto.

 

Bruno ran passed the kitchen, his eyes catching Julieta who also looked at him, only getting a glimpse.

 

It'll be a few years then Antonio and his family will get over her, like she never existed.

 

Mirabel's gift-less, the rest of the family has gifts, unlike her. She's a plague to their family, a disgrace, a stain that they will soon be gone.

It's only better for the whole family to have gifts instead of one member tarnishing the family's name.

 

"Bruno?" Julieta muttered, not sure if she was imagining her brother or not.

 

She knew she wasn't seeing things when he yelled out to her.

 

"Julieta! Find Mirabel, quick!" Bruno yelled out to her in worry.

 

Mirabel is not suicidal, of course she isn’t! She's only doing this for the sake of the Encanto, her Abuela. She's hopes by doing this, it will make her family proud. Maybe, then she'll get the approval of her Abuela? The approval that she so desperately wants. To be seen.

 

Her own Abuela hates her and it's fine. She hates herself too. She hated herself for having to go this far just to prove something. 

 

To prove what exactly?

 

To prove that you are not worthless? That you are not useless? That you actually has some worth in you? That you would be useful if they would just let you try? That doing this will make them proud of you? Are you this useless?

 

She is useless.

 

"What?!" Julieta exclaimed in shock, actually dropping the food in the pan, which was in her hand.

 

Mirabel couldn't do anything right and couldn't handle it anymore. She buried her emotions way deep down, it's only time before they overflow her body. Like a cup that'll overfill if you keep the water running.

 

Her eyes widen at Bruno appearance, he's been gone for ten years and the first thing he wants is for her to look for Mirabel?

 

"It's important! Please find her!" Bruno pleaded, leaving out the door in a rush.

 

Mirabel isn't scared of death, many is, but she's not. It was off, people usually felt sad, but Mirabel felt nothing like that. She felt numb, maybe even happy that this torture will finally be over.

 

Julieta wasn't about to question him, seeing his eyes full of worry and being frantic. The party was still going on, the fireworks hitting the sky.

She needed to find her mother and Mirabel. Mainly Mirabel.

 

Mirabel always felt numb when being around her family. Her words dying in her throat as they talk over her. It's been like that for years. She couldn't speak around them. Afraid of saying the wrong thing and getting scolded.

 

Now thinking about it, she didn't really seem Mirabel at the party. The only time she really saw her was when she walked with Antonio.

 

As Mirabel went limp into the water, the world seemed to fade from her. The feeling over water enter her lungs was painful, it was like a burning sensation.  She wasn't screaming for help, no, she was welcoming death was opening arms. Her hearing was going out, filling her ears with water, drowning out the noises.

 

Julieta checked the nursery first.

 

It was empty as expected.

 

What was unexpected was how empty the nursery was. 

 

The nursery seemed as if nobody was there to begin with.

 

Mirabel couldn't live her full life, died only at fifteen. The only gift-less Madrigal and the youngest daughter of Julieta. Mirabel thought she would've at least lived a happy life as a Madrigal. She knew it was a fairytale, once she turned five.

 

Julieta left out the nursery, after not seeing her youngest in there.

 

Mirabel could hear the faint sound of the wind blowing and the grass swaying around. Before the water, completely devoured her.

 

"Mirabel!" Julieta called out, but she doubted Mirabel can actually hear her with the loud music playing.

 

Mirabel knew this was her fate, her designated fate. She's never going to wake up again, her vision went dark.

 

Luckily, Luisa appeared in front of her, slightly scaring Julieta.

 

“Sorry, are you okay Mama?” Luisa questioned, an apologetic look on her face.

 

Would things be different if she had a gift? If her Tío Bruno never left? If she was never born?

 

“It’s fine. Luisa, do you know where Hermanita is?”  Julieta questioned, making Luisa look around in look at Julieta as if she was deep in thought.

 

“I think I might’ve saw her sneaking away from the party. I thought you knew.” Luisa says with a shrug and frown, not knowing how important this was.

 

Like her eyes, her body was now cold.

 

“What? I didn’t know Mirabel left, I thought she might’ve been with one of you.” Julieta says, her eyes full of worry. She didn’t even know Mirabel left the party, but she knows how hard this was for Mirabel.

 

Luisa looked guilty at the newfound information.

 

“Do you know where Dolores and Pepa is, Luisa?” Julieta asks, making Luisa hum thoughtfully.

 

“I heard you call me.” Dolores says, squeaking as Luisa and Julieta look at her.

 

“Can you hear you cousin for me?” Julieta asks making Dolores raise a eyebrow and look at Luisa.

 

“Cousin?”

 

“Mirabel, can you hear Mirabel?” Julieta asks, with a polite smile.

 

Internally, Julieta was panicking, not only her brother came back after 10 years, she also couldn’t find her daughter.

 

Dolores tilted her head, listening for Mirabel’s sound. Singing, dancing, humming, the sound of her sewing, laughter, or crying.

 

Her eyes widen, she didn’t expect to hear him out of the walls so soon.

 

But, that wasn’t her main objective.

 

She couldn’t hear Mirabel.

 

Dolores Madrigal, the gift of super hearing, couldn’t hear her cousin.

 

“I can’t hear her.” Dolores said with a frown, making Julieta and Luisa look at her surprised.

 

“Maybe the music is too loud.” Julieta suggested, maybe trying to pull Dolores somewhere quiet.

 

“No.” Dolores gasps.

 

“No?” Luisa asks.

 

“I can’t hear her!“ Dolores exclaims, a more panicked look in her face.

 

That caused Julieta and Luisa to pause and look at her in concern.

 

“You..can’t hear her?” 

 

“No!” Dolores exclaims louder making them wince, it was the loudest Dolores ever been in years.

 

“It doesn’t matter how loud the music is, I would’ve heard her! I rely on everyone in the family with a sound or heartbeat and I can’t hear either! It’s only two possibilities!” Dolores exclaims, a distressed look on her face.

 

“Can’t hear who? And why are you all over here? You all should be over by the party, not the kitchen.” A voice says.

 

Julieta and Luisa turned around, Dolores still having the same distressed look on her face.

 

It was Alma, who noticed that the three of them was gone. Things needed to be moved and Luisa just happens to be gone. Julieta needed to be on standby in case someone got hurt. Dolores needed to be lookout.

 

Agustin was in her side, noticing that his wife left him on the dance floor.

 

“Mama, she can’t hear Mirabel.” Julieta says with concern making Alma raise an eyebrow and Agustin look at Dolores with an confused look.

 

“What do you mean she can’t hear Mirabel? I’m sure she’s fine. Today has been a long, hard  day for her.” Agustín says, a nervous look in his face.

 

“No Agustín, she can’t hear her at all. No. heartbeat o-or anything.” Julieta says, on stumbling over her words once.

 

That caught Agustín and Alma off guard.

 

Dolores couldn’t hear Mirabel?

 

That was concerning.

 

“Geez, is the party happening over here?” Pepa asks sarcastically, Félix on her side and a sleeping Antonio in his arms. noticing more than half of the family by the door.

 

“We need to find Mirabel.” Julieta hisses, her eyebrows furrowed making the others look at her with a unreadable expression.

 

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Alma says, trying to reassure her eldest making Pepa and Félix look confused.

 

“Bruno came back today.”  Julieta says, making them look at her shocked.

 

“What?!” Pepa exclaims, already feeling a cloud forming.

 

“What are you talking about?”  Alma questions, she clearly didn’t see her son anywhere around here.

 

“He came back about tense minutes ago and asked me to look for Mirabel, he left in a hurry.” Julieta explains.

“You should’ve seen his face, he was so worried and in a rush. Something must’ve happened to Mirabel.” Julieta says with concern, before her eyes widen.

 

“Bru— he came back?” Pepa says softly, still in shock as her husband put an comforting hand on her shoulder.

 

“He had a vision.” Dolores says softly, still looking distressed and distracted.

 

“..A vision.” Alma frowns, she knew that her son visions was usually never good. Whatever he saw about Mirabel sent him in a hurry to find her.

 

Julieta looked confused on how Dolores knew, if she wasn’t here yet. While, Pepa and Félix looked confused over their Daughter’s state. Luisa looked as if she wanted to hurry and leave.

 

“I heard him, it was a surprise vision, he smashed it inside the walls.”  Dolores whimpers, a frown on her face,

 

“Inside the walls?” Julieta questions confused.

 

“There’s an painting that leads inside of the walls.” Dolores says, seemingly looking out for something or someone.

 

“What?” Alma whispers looking over at Félix, who only shrugs in confusion.

 

Dolores leads them to the painting, before moving it open revealing a big hole that leads inside of the walls.

 

“Was- was that always there?” Agustin questions, making the others shake their head.

 

Alma for sure knew that this wasn’t supposed to be there. When Casita was first here, there had been no holes inside the walls or something that could lead inside the walls.

 

“This hole appeared here ten years ago, it’s big enough for a person to live here.” Dolores says softly, entering the walls, letting the information sink in their heads.

 

“He lived in the walls and you knew?!” Pepa exclaims, clearly hurt by this information that her daughter could hide.

 

“You didn’t think it would be wise enough to tell the adults?” Alma asks, slightly glaring at Dolores, who was putting the vision pieces together.

 

“I tried, but since nobody could taken about Bruno, I couldn’t. I told you all a few times when I was younger but you all shrugged me off.” Dolores says putting the last vision piece together.

 

Julieta looked concerned at Dolores, who was not being careful while putting the shards together, which could cause her to hurt. 

 

Dolores put the last shard together, before letting out a loud gasp and running out the walls causing the adults to be concerned.

 

Julieta picked up the vision slab to show the other adults before letting out her own scream and dropping the vision on the ground.

 

The other adults also saw the vision, all of them being surprised and letting out gasps.

 

They could’ve expected anything else but not this.

 

The vision showed Mirabel in the water, floating, her glasses nowhere to be seen. Her face being pale, with a color of blue around her eyes and mouth. Finally her eyes, they showed no emotion, no shine, only dull.

She was dead.

 

---

Bruno continuously looked around for a river or where water could’ve been. 

 

After 25 minutes of searching, he finally found a river and immediately went to searching in it.

 

The river was shallow and there was no way someone could drown here unless they were a toddler or killing themselves.

 

He searched the rivers for hours and still didn’t find Mirabel or a clue that she was here.

 

 

If only he knew that this was the wrong river and Mirabel had been dead hours ago.

Chapter 3: What If Casita’s Tile Fell On Mirabel And Killed Her?

Summary:

“Can I please request a one shot where when the tiles fell they broke Mirabels neck and killed her and she lays there for hours probably before the party winds down and someone sees her laying dead on the floor with cracks all through Casita and shingles and tiles half covering her.” — Meh

“Am I too late for a miracle?" Mirabel asked out loud, her eyes glistening with tears.

 

A roof tile suddenly falls and shatters, only a few inches in front of Mirabel. Her eyes widen, she could hear it, hear the tiles cracking.

 

Mirabel picks up the shattered tile and winced as a cut forms, blood dripping from her hand, instinctively making her drop the tile.

 

She panics and panics as cracks spread throughout the courtyard. 

 

She needed to tell her Abuela.

 

But, what would she think?

 

Would she think that she’s trying to ruin Antonio’s night?

 

No! That’s not important, there are cracks in the tiles. Surely enough, that would be proof.

 

She wished that she made it fast enough to tell her Abuela— anyone. 

 

She couldn’t.

 

She just couldn’t as a tile fell directly on her, making her fall to the ground, her glasses flying off her face.

 

Mirabel breathed heavily in pain, nothing too serious, but she might’ve broke her foot.

 

Dolores.

 

She could get Dolores.

 

Dolores would help her.

 

“Dolores, please- help—“ Mirabel wheezed, as another tile fell directly on her, this time crushing her torso, making her let out an ear-piercing scream.

 

It wouldn’t stop. 

 

It was painful.

 

Another tile fell on the other tile, pushing the sharp part of tile deeper inside of Mirabel’s skin, impaling her. A cracking sound ringing out though out the courtyard, meaning her bone was now broken or fracture

 

It was slow.

 

Painful.

 

Why couldn’t anyone hear her?!

 

“Do-Dolores…” Mirabel cried out weakly, coughing out blood, the blood staining her lips was a testament to the lung that had been nicked and was now steadily filling with the thick red substance. 

 

Red.

 

She could see her own blood spilling out from the wound.

 

She hated the color red.

 

She hated blood.

 

Another tile fell on top of Mirabel, making her let out a scream, that wouldn’t quite come out. Only sounding like an inhuman screech. Nobody could hear her. Not with the music playing that loud.

 

She hated it.

 

She hated Casita for doing this.

 

For making her stay in pain this long.

 

Mirabel couldn’t even move, even if she mustered up all of her strength to move, she just couldn’t. Her spine definitely wasn’t unharmed from the impact. Every nerve in her chest felt like it was freezing and on fire at the same time. The cold tile impaling through from her back and out her chest felt so cold and weird, as sheer agonizing pain radiated out from the lethal wound into the rest of her torso. Every strained and choked gasp for air set fire to her broken and fractured ribs. The tears of pain welling up in her eyes before trickling down her cheeks, everything felt like a dream. A terrible dream.

 

She couldn’t tell how long has it been. Seconds? Minutes? Hours? Day?

 

It felt as forever.

 

Nobody came to look for her.

 

Nobody came.

 

Nobody came.

 

Nobody came.

 

Nobody came.

 

Nobody came.

 

Nobody came.

 

Nobody came.

 

Nobody came.

 

Nobody came.

 

Nobody came.

 

Nobody came.

 

Nobody came.

 

She chocked on her own blood. She knew it was a bad idea, it is a bad idea. She knew from her Mamá, that if you get impaled or stabbed, you shouldn’t take the object out or it would be worse.

 

But, she couldn’t care. She didn’t care. She wanted it to be over.

 

She mustered up all of her strength to take the tile out of her chest, blood spilling out as she moved more of it out of her.

 

Mirabel’s vision kept fading in and out, her lumps getting weaker.

 

“No- no, I-….I can’t..Abuela..Mamá- it’s—its..over...?” Mirabel cried out, the tile completely out of her body, she felt more pain, it felt like an hour. Her body collapsing and going limp, her vision fading. Before, everything had felt so hot, panic and adrenaline making bee body temperature spike, but now, as blood practically poured out of the hole in her chest, she’d never felt more cold. 

 

She laid there for hours. It didn’t matter. She couldn’t feel the pain. She was already dead. She died from the very thing that granted her family their Miracle. The house that she got along with. The Miracle that didn’t give her a gift. The very thing that killed her. The least thing that she expected to kill her. She knew. She understood now. The Miracle crushed her dreams when she was five years old. Now, it’s crushing her body, it being as painful as it was before.

 

Mirabel regrets nothing. Yet she regrets everything.

 

She wanted them to know that she tried..tried so hard..and she still wasn’t good enough. She never liked the word ‘love’ . It was too simple, and love was never as easy as it seems.

---

 

They didn’t find her body, until the next day. Julieta being the one to find her youngest daughter’s body laying there, impaled by the tiles, cracks still spreading out throughout the courtyard.

 

Julieta couldn’t heal her. Her gift is healing, yet she couldn’t heal her daughter. Her own blood. She knew it was too late, Mirabel lost too much blood, her body already too cold, not having a pulse.

 

Julieta felt tears running down her face, letting out a scream of agony over her daughter’s dead body.

 

“She can’t breath! Oh god- She can’t breath- Mirabel! Mi bebé! Please..!” Julieta yells out in agony.

 

Julieta’s fruitless screams alerts the rest of the family, stumbling upon Julieta holding Mirabel, who has a wide hole in her chest and her eyes having no emotion.

 

Thunder was heard along with rain. Julieta didn’t need to turn around. Her baby..her Miracle..oh god..she was- she was—…

 

Agustin looked shock, seeing his wife and daughter together like this. At first, he thought it was Julieta who was bleeding, when she had so much blood on her. He was wrong— so wrong. His daughter- his Miraboo was gone, dead. Tears ran down his face, instantly running over to his wife and deceased daughter. She couldn’t be dead— his Miraboo- his strong and kind Mirabel.

 

Luisa and Isabela was holding onto each other, tightly. Tears and wails could be heard from them, as they cried. Luisa wasn’t ready to become the youngest. She wasn’t. Oh god, she wasn’t ready for her younger sister..to be gone..so soon. 

 

Isabela was rude to Mirabel, she wasn’t kind to her at all before she died. She needed to wake up- please! She needed to apologize! She didn’t want this—  she didn’t mean it! She never meant to hurt her! Oh god— her Hermana. Why- why- why?!

 

Pepa thundered and rain falling down on all of them. Her ear widen and mouth agape at the sight of her niece. Who she really wasn’t that close to. She clung onto Félix as she felt her knees go weak. There was so much blood- so much. Her niece- her precious Mirabel was only fifteen. How- why would Casita do this?

 

Camilo felt tears falling down his face, her mouth agape. He couldn’t bring himself to shift or do anything. His Prima, his Melliza, laying in his Tías arm, completely limp and lifeless. It couldn’t be true. He won’t believe it! She was alive just yesterday— why?! How— He couldn’t bring himself to get back up as he fell on his knees in despair. He lost her. He lost her even before her death. They never were as close as they were when they were younger. He already had lost her. He just failed to notice.

 

Dolores held both of her ears, tears constantly falling from her eyes, and onto her cheeks and tile. Oh god— this was her fault— why couldn’t she hear Mirabel— her heartbeat?! It was gone, all of it! Why?! She heard Mirabel just fine yesterday— so- so why now!? It was her fault- it was! Maybe if she wasn’t in her room— she- she would’ve heard Mirabel. It must’ve been painful— this much blood, too much. She was the worst Prima ever. This was all her fault. All her fault. If only- if only she wasn’t in her room.

 

Alma watched with widen eyes, her face pale of her nieta. Her youngest granddaughter— the one that she neglected so long— the one that was only fifteen— the one that died too early on- too young— oh god, she was too young. Her Pedro hadn’t been that young.  It was her fault— Mirabel should’ve had been in the courtyard, she should’ve been with the family— she’s not blaming her. She pushed her away to the point of- of. Prayers swept out of Alma’s lips. Prayers weren’t going to do anything. She knew. The damage was already done.

 

She knew it wouldn’t be the same as it was.

 

“Where is Mirabel’s  glasses? She can’t see without her glasses!” Antonio cried out, leading to their breakdown.

Chapter 4: It Was Obvious

Notes:

No Angst :)

The Grandchildren definitely didn't find it strange when the adults pulled them in a room, the whole family in the room, sans Mirabel, Antonio, and Alma.

 

"We have a question for you all." Félix started off.

 

"Yes? We're not in trouble are we?" Dolores said nervously.

 

"If we are, Camilo totally did it." Isabela says.

 

"Hey!" Camilo exclaimed, offended.

 

"No— None of you are in trouble." Bruno said nervously, his hands fidgeting. 

 

Luisa let's out a sigh of relief.

 

"Why are we in here?"

 

"We have a question for you all." Agustin says.

 

"Okay..."

 

"We just want to hear it from you all for it to be confirmed. We're not sure. We support her either way." Julieta said.

 

"Why are we beating around the bush?" Pepa asks, making Julieta glare at her.

 

"It's difficult to ask."

 

"Okay, okay..I'll say it." Pepa says.

 

The grandchild was somewhat getting nervous.

 

"Is Mirabel straight?" Pepa asks bluntly.

 

...

 

"What?"  Isabela says first, throughout the silence.

 

"Is Mirabel stra—"

 

"We heard that. That wasn't what I..was expecting." Dolores said.

 

"What's with that question?" Camilo asks.

 

"Well...Mirabel has been 'hanging' out with this girl and we want to know if they're just friend or more...Also that she should feel comfortable to tell us, if she wants." Julieta says, looking worried.

 

"I always knew Mirabel was leaning the other way." Pepa muttered, with a grin making Julieta glare at her.

 

"I- I think Mirabel is straight- uh, I'm not sure. I mean I seen her hanging out with some guy."  Luisa said nervously.

 

"I think she's interested in girls. I've seen Mirabel flirting with Mária." Isabela says, with a shrug.

 

"You're only know that because you're interested in Mária's older sister." Camilo says, making Isabela's face flush.

 

"Camilo!"

 

"What? it really wasn't a secret. Everyone here practically knows that." Camilo says.

 

Isabela's face flushed more. "Really?"

 

"..It was obvious." Félix says.

 

"Sorry, Amor." Agustin apologies.

 

"Accidentally had a vision of you kissing her." Bruno says nervously.

 

"WHAT?"

 

"We're going off topic." Pepa says.

 

"As far as I know, Mirabel's straight." Luisa says.

 

"I'm thinking that Mirabel is fruity." Camilo says, Isabela agreeing with him.

 

"Dolores?"

 

Dolores squeaks under the sudden attention. "I don't really pay attention to Mirabel's relationships." Dolores says, with a nervous grin.

 

"That sounds like a lie."

 

"Yeah."

 

"Wouldn't it be better to ask Mirabel herself?" Dolores asks.

 

...

 

"So, you know?" 

 

"Probably." Dolores shrugs with a grin.

 

"It is probably best to ask Mirabel herself." Luisa agrees.

 

"But, what if she gets the wrong idea? What if she thinks we're judging her?!" Julieta panics.

 

"She won't...I hope." Agustin mutters.

 

"All we have to do is ask her! How could this go wrong?" Pepa asks.

 

---

 

"Heyyy Mirabel, it's your favorite aunt and uncle." Pepa says, with a wink.

 

"Hello, Tía and Félix! Do you need anything?" Mirabel asks, with a smile.

 

Félix and Pepa looked at each other, both of them equally nervous. I mean, how are they going to bring the question up?

 

"Are you..are you dating anyone?" Félix asks first, making Mirabel raise a brow.

 

"No..? Why? Please don't tell me, that someone arranged a date for me." Mirabel says, with a look of suspicion.

 

"No! No, of course not. We're just curious...to know if my niece is interested in anyone!" Pepa says, with a wide smile.

 

"I'm not interested in anyone...right now." Mirabel says, still looking suspicious of her Aunt and Uncle.

 

"..this is more difficult than I thought.." Félix muttered, making Mirabel raise a brow.

 

"What's more difficult?" Mirabel asked, looking concerned.

 

"Are you g—"

 

"GIVING THE KIDS SOME TREATS?! I mean, are you giving the children some candy?" Pepa coughs, interrupting Félix, making him look surprised.

 

"Oh, yeah. Sorry, they were being so good, so I rewarded them. I didn't think it was a problem." Mirabel says, nervously, as if she got caught doing something bad.

 

 "It's fine! Carry on now!" Pepa exclaims with a wide smile.

 

"Okay.." Mirabel says, waking away and still weirded out by their behavior.

 

...

 

"Pepa?"

 

"I got nervous!"

 

"I was so close to asking her." Félix said.

 

"You were going to ask her so bluntly!" Pepa exclaims.

 

"That was the the point. I mean, how else was I going to ask her?" Félix says.

 

 "Sorry, I got nervous. We can ask her next time." Pepa says, giving him an apologetic smile.

 

"It's fine, Pepe." Félix assures her.

 

---

 

"Hey kid...I know that you might not be ready for this talk, but I want to know that I support you." Bruno starts off, making Mirabel eyes widen in panic.

 

"I swear it was a accident! I didn't mean to, it naturally happened!" Mirabel exclaims, her eyes widen and her face flushed.

 

"Wait- what?" Bruno says, looking confused. Hoping that Mirabel wasn't talking about what he was thinking.

 

"Please don't tell Mama! He came to me and started saying mean things, so I punched him in his nose!" Mirabel exclaimed, not even looking ashamed.

 

"What? No, that's not what I was talking abo— wait, you punched someone?" Bruno says, looking bewildered.

 

"Oh...you didn't know?"

 

"Please explain.."

 

"He was saying stuff about you, I couldn't just let it slide. So I punched him in his nose and he may have lost a tooth. It wasn't my fault! He deserved it either way!  He has a broken nose, but he's fine." Mirabel says, looking proud of herself.

 

Bruno didn't say anything, he swore he felt tears in the corner of his eyes from Mirabel going that far. He felt touched and proud of Mirabel.

 

"I wasn't going to let anyone badmouth my family!" Mirabel huffed angrily, her cheeks puffing out, which was cute.

 

"Good job." Bruno says with a smile, ruffling her hair.

 

He forgot to ask Mirabel the question and a few hours later, he regretted it.

---

 

"Miraboo." Agustin says, coming behind Mirabel, startling the poor girl. "Lo siento."

 

"Ah..yes Papa?" Mirabel asks, looki over and noticing her Mamá with him.

 

"I want to let you know that you can tell me anything. That you shouldn't be afraid to hide things from us." Agustin says, both of her parents looking nervous and understanding.

 

Mirabel looked extremely suspicious, this was the third time today.

 

"What, what are you talking about?" Mirabel asked, looking confused.

 

"We accept you for who you are." Julieta said, her eyes glistening.

 

"Yeah, even if you're gay!" Camilo exclaims, making the three of them look surprised as nearly the whole family was hiding behind the door.

 

"Even if you're..straight."

 

"Why are you saying it like that?!"

 

"Everyone in the Madrigal family is nearly not straight."

 

"What? Gay? No I'm not." Mirabel said, her eyes widen, by the sudden accusation.

 

The Madrigals let out a loud gasp.

 

"You're—your straight?" Camilo asks first, looking horrified.

 

"I can't believe this." Pepa mutters, looking equally as horrified.

 

"Weren't you flirting with Maria? How can you possibly be straight?"  Isabela asks, with widen eyes.

 

"What?! No, I'm not straight either." Mirabel said, making the Madrigals let out a sighs of relief.

 

"Thank god."

 

"What the hell is with the sigh of relief?"  Mirabel asks, with a raised brow.

 

"They're just dramatic, Mija." Alma said, surprising the Madrigals.

 

"I agree." Mirabel said, not surprised by her Abuela's sudden appearance.

 

"When did you get here?"

 

"I heard you all talking to Mirabel. It was suspicious at first, but I let it go on." Alma said.

 

"Okay..did you all ask me those weird questions to see if I was straight or not?" Mirabel asks, making them look sheepish.

 

"..Yes." Julieta admits sheepishly.

 

"Oh! I thought we all knew this already." Alma said, looking confused.

 

Mirabel let out a groan. "I agree with Abuela..I thought you all knew."

 

"Yeah, it was pretty obvious." Dolores said, looking Mirabel up and down.

 

"How was it obvious?"

 

"I literally have bisexual colors on my rainbow pin. Pink. Purple. Blue. I'm bisexual." Mirabel deadpanned.

 

"Same!"

 

"I thought that was just for an accessory..."

 

"Now I feel so dumb."

 

"It was that obvious? In plain sight? I'm stupid."

 

"Either way, we support you." Julieta said, with a smile.

 

"It would be crazy if you didn't, considering that everyone in the family isn't straight."  Mirabel groaned.

 

"So...congratulations on not being straight?"Camilo said, making Mirabel glare at him.

 

"Camilo, please shut up."

Notes:

If anyone got offended by this, I would like to apologize and say that it wasn’t my intention to come off rude.

Chapter 5: Forgotten Quinceañera

Summary:

The Madrigals forgets Mirabel’s Quinceañera.

 

Everyone loves their birthdays as it's a anniversary of birth and you get gifts. For the Madrigals, it was the same, but when you turn five you get a gift. 

 

Well, for some cases, Mirabel didn't. She didn't receive a gift like her family members. It didn't mean that she was any different. 

 

Every women in the Madrigal family had their Quinceañera, Besides Mirabel. Who's birthday is Tomorrow.

 

Mirabel loves Quinceañeras, her sisters and cousin looked so beautiful in their dress. The flowers. The big cakes. And the pretty lights.

 

When she was younger, she couldn't wait to turn fifteen. To wear a pretty dress. To have a big cake. And have pretty lights there. To dance with her father.

 

That was only when she was younger.

 

When it was her family members birthdays, it would usually be held at town square. Where everyone can come, there would be cake, presents. Like a festival. They would be the center of attention.

 

She didn't get that.

 

As she grew older, her remembered birthdays was only celebrated in Casita. She doesn't know if it can be called celebrated, if all she got was a 'happy birthday' and that was it.

 

It was almost like they were ashamed to celebrate her birthday outside. To be reminded of that shameful day.

 

Nobody said anything, but they all were at least thinking of it.

 

Mirabel would rather not have a birthday at all then look at their looks of pity.

 

Mirabel's tenth Birthday— Luckily a few people remembered, her parents and Dolores. Her parents couldn't really hang out with her, as they were busy with duties. Dolores told her happy birthday and gave her present, a sewing kit. Her mama did make her a cake though. It was a shame that she had to eat it alone. She was grateful, but a bit sad that the others didn't remember. She didn't blame them, they were busy and lost track of time. But, a few weeks later, Antonio was born. Mirabel consider him her gift, even if it was two months late. She didn't blame them for forgetting her birthday. She partially blamed herself for not telling anyone.

 

Mirabel's eleventh birthday— that was the first time her birthday was forgotten. Everyone was busy doing their own thing.  She tried her best to remind them or— give them a hint. At the end of the day, nobody remembered. So, she celebrated it herself. She did have fun watching little Toñito. Even if he cried and made a lot of babbling sounds, it was cute. That cheered her up. She cried herself to sleep.

 

Mirabel's twelfth birthday— This time her family did remember. She had a feeling that they only remembered because one of the townspeople mentioned something about it. As usual, she celebrated inside of Casita. It was fun for a while. It quickly became boring as her family members went to do their own thing. Isabela didn't even bother staying for long. Her Tío and Tía left out too, to check on Antonio, not returning. Luisa left to go do work. Abuela left soon after. Dolores left because the noises was overwhelming her. That left her parents and Camilo. Her parents gave her sympathetic look as their name kept being called by the townspeople, making them leave. Camilo stayed the longest, but Mirabel knew that he stayed for the food. They weren't as close as they were before. Camilo left to go hang out with his friends. She didn't bother staying to celebrate after everyone left. She went to go help out instead. She didn't want it to be a pity party.

 

Mirabel's thirteenth birthday— The same as her eleventh birthday, nobody remembered. Well, Isabela might've known, but didn't say anything. Isabela made sure nobody was around and gave her her favorite flowers. No happy birthday. Just flowers. Besides that, Isabela basically ignored her the rest of the day. That was practically normal, usually ignoring her or giving her a snarky comment. Mirabel likes that Isabela made an effort, but she was tired of flowers. She constantly sees flower following after her sister. So, what makes this one different? They all wilt soon. She would rather have something from her sister, that can't wilt or wither. But, beggars can't be choosers.

 

 

Mirabel's fourteenth birthday— Nobody remembered. She wasn't in a mood to celebrate it herself. She spent her time outside and hanging out with Antonio, since Pepa had a handful of work.  She was hanging out with the children, sewing, singing— anything to past time. It did work. It was the end of the day and nobody said happy birthday. She didn't expect them to remember. She went to sleep as if it was a normal day. She would be lying if she said it didn't hurt. 

---

It was a day before her Quinceañera, to say Mirabel was excited was a understatement. She was talking to her parents and Abuela about it a month ago. They listened while she talked, saying things like it's going to be done.

 

About a few months ago, she started making her own dress for her Quinceañera. It's not that she couldn't buy a dress. She just liked making things and time passes fast when she does it. The dress was beautiful. She nearly shed tears, she couldn't wait. 

 

The next Morning—

 

Nobody remembered.

 

Not even her parents.

 

No special party or anything.

 

The only thing that filled her ears was about Antonio's ceremony.

 

Her eyes slowly filled with hot tears, she could feel her heart sink to her chest.  When dinner happened, nobody said anything as if this was a normal day.

 

Mirabel couldn’t look anyone in the eye, she felt as if she did, she would break down crying.

 

“Are you okay, Mirabel?” Camilo whispered to her. “You’ve been acting…sluggish all day.”

 

“I-I’m fine.” Mirabel stammered, her voice cracking making her cringe. “I’m fine.” Mirabel repeated, giving Camilo a weak, watery smile.

 

Mirabel didn’t know if Camilo believed her or not, either way, he decided not to pry any further.

 

She did not want to interact with any of her family members any longer. Soon, as dinner was over she went to the nursery  and flung herself on the bed, crying into her pillow.

 

She bit her trembling lips to keep back tears. So, Dolores won’t be able to hear her ugly wails.  She failed miserably, not being able to hold back her tears.

 

It didn’t make her day any better because Pepa was thundering and everyone seemed in a gloom mood. 

 

It didn’t help that Her quinceañera also had been the tenth anniversary of Tio Bruno's disappearance.

 

It was a terrible day for everyone.

 

At the end of the day, her dress that she made was never used, stored in the very back of her closet.

 

She never felt more humiliated for thinking that her family would remember, when they barley remembered her last birthdays.

 

She hated birthdays.

 

She hated her birthdays.

 

She was a fool to think that they were going to remember. Especially since Antonio’s birthday is around the corner.

 

She cried herself to sleep.

Notes:

The Next Part takes place after Casita’s destruction.

Chapter 6: Forgotten Quinceañera — Part 2

"The candle!"  Pepa cries.

 

The Madrigals watched as Crack spread around their house. Nobody moving as if time slowed down. As everyone froze, Mirabel was the first out of the group of eleven to spring into action. Isabela and Camilo right behind her, going different directions but having the same goal.

 

"Casita! Get me up there!" Mirabel exclaimed, as she ran towards the candle. Casita ripping off a piece of the banister, making it as a ladder for Mirabel to use.

 

Camilo raced up the stairs, concern written on his face. Sprinting to get towards Mirabel, the candle.

 

Camilo shifted into Juancho, as a piece of the collapsed just behind him. Camilo didn't bother looking back, still focused on Mirabel.

 

Camilo jumped over the falling debris, shifting into a person with longer legs. Camilo looked in the corner of his eyes, seeing Isabela running for the candle. 

 

Isabela tried to swing on her vines, to reach for Mirabel, she was so close. But, just in a second, her door finally stopped glowing, the bright light fading away—

 

 

---

"¡Ay!" Camilo clicks his tongue in frustration. "All this debris is going to take weeks to clean up." Camilo groaned, but smiled as Mirabel elbowed him. He was really glad that she was back, he would by lying if he said he wasn't scared when Bruno's tower fell on her. But, here she was, back with their Tío Bruno.

 

"Stop complaining, Camilo." Mirabel groaned, rolling her eyes fondly and jabbing her elbow into his ribs. They were now trying to see if anything was still salvageable. When Casita fell, the rooms was basically wrecked. 

 

"I'm not complaining.." Camilo said, his voice trailing off to who knows where. "I'm only saying." He shrugs.

 

 

"Right." Mirabel mutters, squinting her eyes at him. "Im glad my glasses isn't all..messed up." Mirabel said, taking off her glasses, which had cracks in the lens and wrapped the dust off. It was something she could work with them, until she get new ones. 

 

Pepa and Isabela was currently trying to see if anything was salvageable in the ruins of the Nursery.

 

Isabela spotted a blue dress with cute butterflies stitched on it. The bodice was a heartline and had a bow tied around the waist.

 

It was only a bit dirty. Isabela checked it for holes, surprisingly the only thing that was wrong was the dirt. 

 

Isabela was confused, this dress definitely belonged to Mirabel and she had never seen her wear it. Maybe she was too busy doing her own thing to notice Mirabel wearing it? No, she would definitely notice Mirabel wearing this beautiful dress.

 

"Hey Tía?" Isabela said, calling Pepa over to her.

 

"Yes? Oh- oh, that dress is beautiful." Pepa said, distracted by the dress, even if it was covered in dirt, she knew it would be beautiful. "Who is it?" 

 

"Apparently Mirabel's. Nobody else is that short as her and Camilo wouldn't wear this. Blue isn't his color." Isabela said.

 

"I've never seen her wear this."

 

"Me neither."

 

"What are you both talking about?" Julieta asked, noticing both of them just standing there, Agustin in her side.

 

"Hey Juli. You remember Mi nube wearing this?" Pepa asked, pointing her lips at the dress.

 

"No? Mirabel never wore that dress in front of me." Julieta said, shaking her head."¿Amor?" 

 

"Hm? Oh no. I never seen Miraboo wearing that." Agustin said, setting a piece of debris off to the side, where it can be removed. "It's certainly beautiful though."

 

"She sewed it too. I can tell." Pepa said, eyeing the dress. Sewing was one of Mirabel's many talents. Her and Alma reaching Mirabel how to sew. Pepa dropped sewing, wanting Mirabel to feel special for sewing.

 

"The dress is cute." Luisa said, coming out of nowhere.

 

"Why are we all huddled up over here?" Félix asked, looking confused as half the family were in a circle. Antonio walking by his side.

 

"Oh, we're just looking at this dress. Mirabel never wore it, did she?" Pepa said.

 

"No..I don't think so?" Félix said, but it came out more as a question. Truthfully, he didn't see her wearing it. He saw her sewing something before about a two months ago.

 

"Oh! I remember that dress!" Antonio exclaimed. "Mira only wore it once though...she was really sad when she wore it." Antonio frowned, which caused the family to look confused.

 

 "This dress is recent."

 

"Yeah..it is."

 

"Toñito? What was Mirabel sad about?" Julieta asked with a frown. Mirabel didn't come to her as she used to when she was sad. She doesn't blame her. They haven't been the best family to her.

 

"You don't remember?" Antonio started, but Bruno finished off the question for him.

 

Bruno looked strangely angry, his fist clenched and his eyebrows furrowed. Yet, that didn't stop the surprised look from him.

 

"Remember what?"

 

That caused Bruno to gasp, as if he couldn't believe their words.

 

"Bruno, what don't we remember?" Pepa asked, looking concern for her brother.

 

"It was only a month before.." Bruno muttered.

 

"Bruno, please tell us. What happened?"

 

"Mirabel's Quinceañera. You all didn't celebrate it. You all didn't even remember it." Bruno said, in shock by his own words.

 

...

 

It was as if they were hit by a ton of bricks or an house.

 

"W-what?" Julieta said first, looking horrified and turning towards her husband. "We..we couldn't have..we couldn't have missed Mirabel's birthday— her- her Qu-Quinceañera..."

 

Agustin's heart sank to his chest. He remembered being so excited for his daughter's Quinceañera. A Quinceañera is an important day for girls, to turn into women. So excited to dance and change her shoes for her. He remembers her talking to him about what type of party she wanted. But, just for him to forget it? What type of father was he? A terrible one for sure.

 

Pepa paled, Mirabel's birthday is a few weeks before Antonio's birthday.  They all were focusing on Antonio's ceremony, forgetting Mirabel's birthday and Quinceañera. This was all her fault. She remembers thundering on that day too because somebody made a snarky comment about Bruno's disappearance. Causing her to thunder for the rest of the day. She remembers a glimpse of Mirabel's sad face before getting distracted and forgetting all about it.

 

Isabela and Luisa looked at each other shocked. Both of them had been busy that day: no sugarcoating it. They both forgot. Isabela was busy with her engagement. Luisa was busy working. That wasn't a type of excuse. To forget an important day of their sister's life? They were the worst.

 

"What the hell guys!? I get that I was gone for ten years, but to forget her Quinceañera!? Don't you know how important that is to girls? I left to protect her, not to leave her feeling as if she's less important! Those ten years was basically for nothing! Julieta, Agustín,  you both are her parents! I expected you to remember!" Bruno exclaimed, looking extremely angry. Hell, he expected it out of a few people, but not his sister and brother-in-law.

 

"What's happening, Brunito?" Alma asked, the rest of the family by her side as they heard the yelling. "Why are you yelling? Is someone hurt?"

 

"Is anyone hurt? Physically, no. Mentally, most likely yes!" Bruno scoffed. 

 

"What's happening, Tío?"

 

"We all missed Mirabel's Quinceañera, Mamá." Bruno sneered, making the color from Alma's face drain, Dolores and Camilo gasp.  

 

"I'm so sorry, bebé— Mi vida, I'm the worst mother ever! Oh god— we missed your Quinceañera- you deserve better. It was supposed to be your day- where you turn into a woman. But I, your mother— missed it.. That was an important day for you- y-yet I-..was so busy that I..I couldn't remember.." Julieta cried, pulling Mirabel into a hug, not noticing the shocked and confused look on Mirabel's face.

 

"What are you talking..about.?" Mirabel asked, her voice trailing off as her eyes landed on the dress she made. "Oh- Mamá it's okay."

 

"No it's not!" Julieta said.

 

"It's really not okay, kid." Bruno sighed.

 

"Oh...Mi Mariposa..I was never the best grandmother towards you. It wasn't fair to you. You had done nothing wrong. It was me in the wrong. You deserve to have Quinceañera. You didn't deserve any of the affliction towards you.  I truly apologize, Nieta. An apology won't give you back your Quinceañera or the hurt that you felt that day. I love you so much, Nieta." Alma said, tears welling up in her eye.

 

"I know you love me, but it's already over." Mirabel chuckled, waving her hand dismissively, but noticing the devastated looks on her family's face." It's okay, guys. I understand, Antonio's birthday was just around the corner and you all were worried. It's fine. It's really is. I've forgotten about it the next day."

 

That only broke the family down even more.

 

Their words overlapped each other, each of them apologizing, crying, saying how they would make it up to her.

 

Mirabel couldn't help the tears that ran down her face.

 

Their Love was so strong, that it made her feel so weak.

 

---

After Casita was rebuilt, they made sure to give her the Quinceañera that she deserved.

 

It may have not been the perfect, but they were trying.

But, Mirabel had a lot of fun, they never seen her smile that brightly before. They would do anything to keep that smile on her face.

Chapter 7: We Don’t Talk About Mirabel!

Summary:

Camilo wanting to know what happened on that faithful day with Mirabel and why they don’t talk about her.

 

We Don’t Talk About Mirabel by Leila Soma on Youtube

Notes:

Dolores —> Pepa
Mariano —> Félix
Antonio —> Dolores
Isabela —> Camilo
Luisa —> Isabela
Camilo —> ¿Mirabel?

These are the roles that they take.

"Why don't we talk about Mirabel, Dolores? Mirabel was a kind person. I don't get why everyone always avoids the question. Is this just a we don't talk about Bruno repeat? I thought we learned from that." Camilo asked, as Dolores and Mariano held arms around each other. 

 

Both of their eyes widen at the question from Camilo.

 

"Camilo, you know we don't bring that name up." Dolores said, her grip tightening on Mariano's arm.

 

Camilo scoffed. "She was— is our cousin! I don't get why you, out of all people want to avoid saying her name! Mirabel is nothing as their making her to be!" Camilo exclaimed. "And you're just letting this happen! What ever happened that day?"

 

"Camilo, please stop. We don't have time for this." Dolores pleaded. "Abuela's on her way, we wouldn't want to upset her with bringing up her. We both know how Tía and Mama gets upset when her name is brought up."

 

"Abuela isn't here now. Dolores, you heard everything, you were there with her. Can't you tell me?"

"You should let him know, mi amor. You know what happened that..day. Mirabel shouldn't be painted as something..she's not." Mariano said softly. 

 

"We don't talk about Mirabel, no, no!" Dolores exclaimed, unlinking her arms with Mariano.

 

"We don't talk about Mirabel!" Dolores scowled, as Mariano pulls her in and puts a hand around her waist.

 

...

 

"But!"

 

"On the day Casita fell,"

 

"On the day Casita fell," Mariano repeats, making Dolores look at him with furrowed brows.

 

"We were all adjusting, my mama's clouds filled up the sky!" 

 

The scene changes towards the day when Casita fell, the sky dark.

 

"Clouds filled up the grey sky!"

 

"Mirabel runs away, with a mischievous grin." 

 

The scene changes towards Mirabel, who had the candle in her hand, the flame going out, making her grin mischievously.

 

"Thunder!"  Mariano exclaims, surprising Dolores.

 

"You telling this story, or am I?" Dolores asks, as she starts to walk away.

 

"Forgive me, mi vida, tell it." Mariano says apologetically, holding Dolores hands.

 

"Mirabel tells me to go away." 

 

The scene changes to Mirabel and Dolores hugging.

 

"Why would she say that?"

 

Mirabel says 'go away' to Dolores, making her look anxious, while Mirabel looks determined.

 

"That's when I began to pray." 

 

Dolores looks teary eyed as Mirabel says that, begging her to stay.

 

Camilo raises a brow in confusion, he wasn't there to confront Mirabel when Casita fell down.  He was there trying to get the candle with Isabela, but that was the last time he saw Mirabel.

 

"Dolores comes home to Abuela." 

 

It changes back to several scenes of Mirabel and Alma's argument.

 

"The moment stays in my brain."

 

The scene shows Dolores in her room, her hair down and tears rolling down her face.

 

"It was a scary day...but anyway."

 

The scene changes back to Camilo, who's looking determined. Pepa looking devastated, Isabela on the ground next to her, tears in her eyes. Félix and Agustin in the background. Casita already in ruins.

 

"We don't talk about Mirabel, no, no!" Dolores exclaimed, pulling Camilo forward away from the nursery's door.

 

"We don't talk about Mirabel." Dolores and Mariano says, both looking depressed.

 

"Hey!" 

 

Camilo gets pulled forward by Antonio.

 

"I was really scared that day I wouldn't get a gift." Antonio says, crossing his arms with a worried look on his face. Camilo sitting down, listening to him.

 

"Mira always told me that it could be a heavy lift."

 

The scene changes to Mirabel holding Antonio with a smile on her face. Then changes to them under the bed, Mirabel cheering Antonio up.

 

"I associate her with the sound of butterflies."

 

The scene shows Mirabel with golden butterflies around her.

 

"Ts, Ts, Ts" 

 

It shows Mirabel with a butterfly on her finger. Then a little Mirabel watching the candle. The last scene shows Mirabel looking at her hand with an unreadable expression as butterflies surrounded her.

 

Antonio came close to Camilo's ear. "She thought she was a burden, so she ran away."

 

The scene shows Abuela talking to Mirabel, during his ceremony.

 

"She always left Abuela and the family afraid."

 

It shows Antonio peaking around the corner as Abuela talks to Mirabel, a worried look on his face.

 

Antonio looks away. "She was clumsy but that's not the whole story.."

 

...

 

"Should I be worried?"  Antonio asks with a frightened look on his face.

 

Antonio suddenly gets up and leaves, leaving Camilo alone.

 

"Fifteen years of age." Isabela says, her hair in a bun, as her flowers making a image of Mirabel.

 

"Determination in her face." 

 

The scene shows Mirabel with the vision in her hand.

 

"Her longing for change" Isabela scowled, in front of Camilo's face. "Ruined what we worked to make."

 

"She was jealous of our dreams." Isabela said with an unreadable expression, pink flowers wrapped around her arm.

 

"She lived in a fantasy." Isabela scoffs, a flower-Mirabel behind Camilo, who looked disturbed.

 

"We should talk about Mirabel—" Camilo said worriedly.

 

"No, no, no!" Mariano, Dolores, and Antonio says in sync. Mariano having an unreadable expression, Dolores having a angry look. Antonio looking off to the side, looking concerned.

 

"We don't talk about Mirabel!" They say, Isabela joining in, looking off to the side, looking somewhat frustrated.

 

Camilo looked at them with a unreadable expression, his eyebrows furrowed in concern.

 

"She told me the gifts would stay alive." A man said, crossing his arms. "What a lie!" The man said, putting his hand over his mouth dramatically.

 

"No,no!" Antonio, Mariano, Dolores, and Isabela exclaimed. Antonio looking distance, Mariano and Dolores holding onto each other with dramatic tears. Isabela looking tired of their shit.

 

"She told me the candle would survive." A man said, a blue scarf around his neck. "Don't know why she tried.." He said, putting both of his hands up in exhaustion, and looking away, his eyebrows furrowed.

 

"No, no!"

 

"She said that everything was fine." A woman said with curly hair, looking at her nails. "And that we should rely, on em'" She said, looking off in the distance.

 

"No, no!"

 

...

 

"She lied just to keep her pride on the line!" The three of them exclaimed, surprising Camilo. All of three of them having a sinister grin.

 

"She told me that a stress free life." Luisa said, her back facing Camilo. A few seconds later, looking back at him with a tired smile. 

 

"Was waiting for me to arrive.." Luisa said softly. "She told me that my power would thrive." Luisa smiles sadly.

 

"When I don't set myself aside.."

 

...

 

"Listen— Abuela's on her way!" Dolores calls out to them.

 

"..She told me that when I got my gift." Antonio says, looking outside. "I would do what she didn't." Antonio said sadly.

 

"..and make my family proud.." Antonio said, his hands on the railing. "It's like I hear her now.." Antonio sighs sadly.

 

"No one." Isabela scowls at Camilo. "Causes more trouble than you." Isabela points at him with furrowed brows.

 

"I wish I could see her now!" Antonio pleads to no one.

 

"Yeah..Mira.." Camilo whispers to himself. "And about Mira!" Camilo said more confidently.

 

"I want to know everything about Mira." Camilo said, looking at his hands with an unreadable expression.

 

"Tell me the whole truth about Mirabel!" Camilo exclaimed to no one.

 

"Camilo!" Dolores calls out. "Abuela's almost here!" Dolores exclaimed, with furrowed brows.

 

"Time for dinner!" Antonio, Isabela, Dolores, and Mariano exclaimed, all together. Antonio looking sad, Isabela looking frustrated, while Dolores held Mariano's hand with an somewhat angry expression, Mariano having his eyes close.

 

♪ "Fifteen years of age, Determination in her face.(On the day Casita fell,) ♪

 

♪ "She told me that a stress free life." ♪

 

♪ "I was really scared that day I wouldn't get a gift." ♪

 

♪ "Her longing for change, ruined what we worked to make." ♪

 

♪ "We were all adjusting, my mama's clouds filled up the sky!" ♪

 

♪ "Clouds filled up the grey sky!" ♪

 

♪ "Was waiting for me to arrive.." ♪

 

♪ "Mira always told me that it could be a heavy lift." ♪

 

♪ "I associate her with the sound of butterflies. Ts, Ts, Ts." ♪

 

♪ "She was jealous of our dreams." ♪

 

♪ "Mirabel runs away, with a mischievous grin." ♪

 

♪ "She told me that my power would thrive." ♪

 

 ♪ "She thought she was a burden, so she ran away." ♪

 

♪ "She lived in a fantasy." ♪

 

♪ "Thunder!" ♪

 

♪ "You telling this story, or am I?" ♪

 

♪ "Forgive me, mi vida, tell it." ♪

 

♪ "When I don't set myself aside...I'm fine." ♪

 

♪ "She always left Abuela and the family afraid." ♪

 

♪ "She was clumsy but that's not the whole story.." ♪

 

♪ "Should I be worried?" ♪

 

♪ "Óye, Abuela's on her way." ♪

 

"Mirabel tells me to go away." 

 

♪ "Why would she say that?" ♪

 

♪ "Fifteen years of age, Determination in her face." ♪

 

♪ "She told me that a stress free life, Was waiting for me to arrive.." ♪

 

♪ "She told me that when I got my gift. I would do what she didn't." ♪

 

♪ "That's when I began to pray."  ♪

 

♪ "Dolores comes home to Abuela." ♪

 

♪ "Her longing for change, ruined what we worked to make." ♪

 

♪ "To make my family proud, proud." ♪

 

♪ "She was jealous of our dream, She lived in a fantasy." ♪

 

♪ "The moment stays in my brain." ♪

 

♪ "It was a scary day...but anyway." ♪

 

♪ "And I'm fine, I'm fine, and she'll be fine, she's fine..!" ♪ 

 

" She's here!"

 

It shows Alma entering the house.

 

"Don't talk about Mirabel!"

 

"Why did I talk about Mira..?"

 

"Not a word about Mirabel!"

 

"I never should have brought up Mira!"

Notes:

♪ "And I'm fine, I'm fine, and she'll be fine, she's fine..!" ♪  — is Luisa and Antonio saying they're fine, but then switching to saying Mirabel's fine and wanting to believe that whatever Mirabel's at, she's fine.

Chapter 8: Silence Is Always The Answer

Summary:

Silence is always the answer right?

If she's too loud then her Prima ears would hurt. If she's too loud then her Abuela would tell her to be quiet. If she's too loud, it could cause her older sister, Isabela a headache.

After all the times of being told to be quiet, its only a matter of time before she actually listens.

As a child, Mirabel was always so energetic and loud. So full of happiness, believing that everyone is a good person. So full of love and waiting for her miracle.

 

It was no doubt, that Mirabel was the loudest, right after Camilo. After all, she was the youngest Madrigal.

 

Everyone loved the youngest Madrigal. She was just so lovable and was hard to dislike. Everyone couldn't wait to see what gift she was going to get.

 

Abuela thought that Mirabel gift was going to have to do with something like butterflies. Julieta also thought the same as her mother. Her daughter was obsessed with butterflies. Pepa thought Mirabel gift might be something with drawing. Maybe, whatever she draws comes to life? Bruno didn't guess anything or tried to have a vision about Mirabel. He wanted it to be a surprise, he didn't like having visions of his family.  Isabela thought that Mirabel gift might be healing like their mother. It was a pretty cool thought of Mirabel being a healer like their mother. Dolores thought that Mirabel gift might be luck. Mirabel was a very lucky girl and she wouldn't be surprised to see Mirabel holding a four leaf clover on her door. Luisa had a sense that Mirabel gift was going to be empathy. The young girl somehow always knew when someone was sad. Camilo, a few months older than Mirabel, thought that her gift should be flying. I mean, wouldn't it be cool to be so high up in the air?

It was one faithful night, the worst night of Mirabel's life . As what should have been the door to her room lost the magical glow as she touched the doorknob. It was pretty clear, unlike all of her family members, she was not going to get a gift. No Butterflies, No Drawing, No Healing, No Good Luck, No Empathy, and No Flying.  Absolute Nothing showed that was visible. Mirabel Madrigal, only five years old did not receive a gift like the rest. 

 

Everything and Everyone went silent, soon everyone started to whisper among themselves. Her family looking at the door and Mirabel with confusion.

 

Abuela soon calmed everyone down and told them to go home, politely. Also, telling Mirabel to go the nursery during the chaos.

 

Five year old Mirabel sat on her bed, alone. Nobody to reassure her that this wasn't her fault. Nobody to comfort her as tears fell down her face. Just leaving her alone in the nursery.

 

Mirabel can only think had she done something wrong? Did she not try hard enough? Did she not work hard enough? What had she done that made her unworthy of her familia's gift?

 

A few minutes later, specifically 8 minutes, a knock came from outside of the nursery's door.

 

"Knock knock, I'm coming in Miraboo~!" Her father, Agustín said in a singing tone as he opened the door.

 

When he entered the nursery, his face dropped at his crying daughter who was desperately trying to wipe her tears.

 

.

 

"Miraboo, just know that none of this is your fault. I'm sorry Mirabel, but it's all that stupid candle fault! You are just too great for a gift, Hija!" Agustín says, with a small smile on his face as he rub circle on her back. Trying his best to comfort his youngest.

He doesn't know how it feels to not get a gift in a magical family because he wasn't born into it, he married into it. But, he'll try his best to help her go through it.

 

"If...if I'm too great then..why couldn't I get a great gift, papa?" The five-year old girl sniffles, hugging her father who looked devastated.

"It's because that the candle is jealous of your greatness! So jealous that the candle decided that there was no greater gift that would fit for you! You are already my gift and you will always be. You yourself are the Miracle, Mirabel. You do not need a gift to be special, Mirabel." Agustín says, trying to lighten up the mood. Which did work as Mirabel started smiling and laughing.

 

Mirabel was wearing a daisy necklace and her signature green glasses. Also wearing a white party dress which had golden butterflies embroidered on it and lace ruffles at the sleeves, and a light pink bow pin placed near the top and slightly to the left side of her head. With white and gold flats that matched her dress.

 

"Ay, you're so full of joy, that you will eventually explode!" Agustín grins, as he tickles Mirabel.

 

Little Mirabel laughs as her father tickles her with a big smile on her face.

 

The happy moment only lasted a few minutes as yelling started happening:

 

But Agustín and Mirabel stopped laughing as yelling could be heard. It was a mix of the adults yelling at each other.

.

Why were they yelling? What did she do? Her father said she hadn't done anything wrong.

 

"Are...are they arguing because of me?" Mirabel asks in a small voice as she looks away from her father who was frowning.

 

"No, of course not! And don't you ever think that it's your fault." Agustín says with a small smile as the yelling gets louder. 

 

He furrow his eyebrows, an unusual serious look on his face. Are they really yelling right now? How immature it that? His daughter is the one that need comforting right now and they're yelling? 

 

...

 

 

"I know this won't be easy, but I also know you've got what it takes to get through it. Your mother and I will always be here for you. Our door will always be open when you need to talk." Agustín says as he stands up with little Mirabel in his arms.

 

Little Mirabel only sniffles and nod in a confused way.

 

"How about you sleep in me and your mother's room, tonight? It's much better than this nursery room, where you'll be lonely." Agustín asks, it's not like Mirabel has a choice. Agustín was not going to let his daughter sleep alone and cry herself to sleep.

 

Mirabel only nods as her father takes her out the nursery while covering her ears, trying to make the yelling quieter.

 

That was ten years ago, she's now fifteen.

 

As Mirabel grew older, she had been silent ever since, having this far off look in her eyes that wasn't focused on any set place. It was like she was staring into nothingness, likely lost in her own mind.

 

Now that Mirabel is fifteen, people would describe her as Quiet, Gentle, Untroubled, Isolated, and Calm.

 

Nobody knew why Mirabel grew silent as she was getting older, but nobody questioned it. Some saying that she grew out of her childish phase, others saying that her ceremony had an huge effect on her to cause her to be silent.

 

Some of them were right.

 

Mirabel wasn't alway quiet, of course not, she was a bright child.

 

But, being told to stay away and be quiet a lot, changes a person.

 

One by one, her family seemed to ignore her, distancing themselves from her. Not wanting to get involved with her, usually telling her to stay out of the way.

 

Mirabel loves her oldest sister dearly, but she didn't know why Isabela hates her, when they used to get along well, when they were younger.

 

She doesn't questions it, she never does.

 

Every time she tries, she always opens her mouth, but it quickly shut and her eyes wandering to the ground.  Her voice dying at the edge of her tongue when she's near her.

 

It wasn't just her sister, it was her whole family. 

 

Her Abuela was like a different person, after her ceremony. She always looked at Mirabel either with those distance eyes, as if she wasn't there or disappointed in her. She was the one mainly telling Mirabel to stay out of the way and 'Let the ones with the gifts do what they do best'. Mirabel couldn't tell if her Abuela even loved her anymore. She figured out that her Abuela liked her most when she was not in the way and silent. She did exactly that.

 

Her Aunt was a short-tempered person. Mirabel just happened to be the person targeted for some of her anger. Mirabel wouldn't say that both of them were close, either way. The only thing they used bond over was Antonio. Mirabel usually stayed out of her Aunt's way. She couldn’t find herself to talk to her Aunt anymore, scared of an outburst or being told to shut up. Her heart beating rapidly as her Aunt approaches her.

 

Her other older sister, Luisa was always busy. Usually telling her to stay out of the way when she's busy. She doesn’t have time to hang out with her because she’s exhausted. Mirabel doesn’t blame her.  

 

Her oldest cousin, Dolores. She wasn’t close to her at all. Dolores usually kept to herself and soft spoken. She didn’t know why she was surprised when Dolores suddenly snapped out.

 

Her other cousin, Camilo. He was close to him when they were little. They don’t hang out anymore. Is it wrong that she’s happy that he doesn’t hang out with her? If he does, she doesn’t know if her words would be able to come out either way.

 

Her parents, she knows that they love her. Yet, she can’t find herself speaking to them anymore, no matter how hard she tried. No matter how loud she is, her words could never reach their ears. So, she stops. Her parents never questioning why Mirabel suddenly went silent and doesn’t talk to anyone. Nobody does. She wishes, but it never comes.

 

She desperately wanted her voice to be heard, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't.

 

She's different from the Madrigals.

 

In Casita, the house is never silent unless it's when everyone is asleep. The loudest being Camilo, with how he laughs and jokes. Félix is usually loud, being cheerful and chatty. Others in her family, like Dolores and Luisa, are quieter, but they still speak when they have something to say.

 

The Madrigals were outspoken people, that didn't choke when they tried. 

 

Mirabel didn't fit in with the Madrigals.

 

Mirabel always thought the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It wasn't. It was ending up with people who made her feel all alone. 

It's easier to pretend that everything is fine, when things are not.

 

It's fine.

 

And sometimes silence was the answer for people, like her.

Chapter 9: Tainted

Summary:

Literally just T.Mirabel and T.Dolores telling T.Antonio what happened.

 

This chapter is pretty short.

"What ever happened to you? How did you get your scars?" Antonio asked, looking at the Mirabel, who was talking to Dolores.

 

Mirabel side-eyes him before looking at Dolores, who grinned.

 

“Well…I wasn’t much older than you, when I was still a Madrigal.”

 

“Back when I was the Madrigal’s joy, but one day I didn’t receive a gift. They all were in shock. So was I. But, your strange uncle was scheming and had a vision, nobody was supposed to see! It all went downhill. But I lost control and enraged, I went for the candle…which made me Blind.” Mirabel snarled, making Antonio look shock, he was never told that, at first he didn’t even know Mirabel was his cousin for a while. “That’s how I got my scars, from when I went for the candle!”

 

“…What? Abuela did that?” Antonio asked, Dolores nodding.

 

“They all would vote to kick me out and in fear, they left me to take care of myself! Nobody came for me and I lived in the barn! Something dark and unknown stirred inside of me. Something that I used to deny.” Mirabel snarled. “I never knew I could feel so alive! I felt it coursing through my veins and bones.”

 

“The-they left you to live without any care.?”

 

“After ten years, Dolores was becoming tainted like me. All those cruel thoughts tainted her mind and made to be put into a diary! And eventually she had enough and went for the candle like me.“ Mirabel stated, looking at Dolores, who grinned. “Lucky enough, she wasn’t made blind and still has her gift.”

 

“Nobody listened to me, nobody how loud I tried to be heard. Well…my dear Prima just happened to be there for me!” Dolores smirked. “With her, I’m heard.”

 

Mirabel had a glint in her eyes. “They seriously thought that Dolores could do this on her own? That she wouldn’t come to me after the same thing happened to her?“

 

“Mirabel said she could help me in a way that none of them could! She said that both of us could take over the Miracle.” Dolores grinned, making him gasp. 

 

“..What?”

 

“I had found Mirabel’s idea intriguing..and knew it had to be done!” Dolores laughed manically. “With her, I knew I never would be alone!”

 

“Do they really expect to be praised near and far from me, after they all figured out what Bruno did?” Mirabel glared, making both of them silent. “They have another thing coming.”

 

“They told her ‘that she didn’t have to go this far’” Dolores scowled, crossing her arms.

 

“I don’t have to go this far?” Mirabel laughed. “This is only the beginning. Once she kicked me out of that magic house, I knew she shouldn't be Matriarch!” Mirabel grinned, imagining herself holding the candle in her hand, the flame only dimly glowing.

 

“That’s how she became Tainted..from when Alma led the exile!” Dolores sang with a cruel smile.

 

“My first plan was to kill myself when I got kicked out and had no hope.” Mirabel said, making Antonio looked shocked, causing Mirabel to roll her eyes. 

 

Mirabel waited for him to be done, Dolores placing a hand on her shoulder.

 

“But that plan was a fail, then my plan was revenge.” Mirabel started off with a grin. “This plan will later succeed, The Madrigals would be magical no more!”

 

Antonio was literally speechless, he was told a different story about them.

 

“If it wasn’t for that miserable bitch, we could’ve ruled the entire Encanto!” Mirabel scowled, looking at Dolores, who also had a similar scowl on her face.

 

”The Madrigals has a weak point.” Dolores said.

 

”..Huh?”

 

”Its you.” Dolores deadpanned.

 

”And now that I have you, I swear I won’t let you go!” Mirabel grinned.

 

"But now it's time for Alma and the Madrigals to pay!"

 

“That’s why I still am scarred! From when I went for the candle! Oh, That’s why I still am scarred! and why I’ll destroy the Madrigals!”

Chapter 10: Falling

Summary:

Dolores is holding onto Mirabel for her life and Mirabel knew that Dolores can’t hang on much longer…

“Dolores, it’s okay. You can let me go.” Mirabel said, a trembling smile on her face.

 

Somewhere in Encanto, Mirabel was being held over a waterfall, that was far too deep for her to survive if she fell. Dolores holding onto her with her whole strength.

 

“No…I- I can’t. I’m not!” Dolores exclaimed angrily, tears falling down her face. “How can you even suggest that!?”

 

Dolores wasn’t like Isabela, who could’ve easily grabbed Mirabel with her vines. She wasn’t like Luisa, who could’ve easily picked Mirabel up. Or Camilo, who could probably shift to someone strong.

 

No, she wasn’t like them. She’s Dolores. Who’s gift is hearing and nothing physical.

 

“I- we’ll wait it out!..Just hang on! The others should be here soon!” Dolores stammered, both of their hands clammy together, Dolores holding on tight to Mirabel’s hand, making sure that their hands doesn’t slip.

 

“Hah..do they even know we’re here?” Mirabel laughed weakly. “We could be here all day Dolores and nobody could come find us. Where even are we?…We both don’t have the strength to hold on any longer. You should let go, it’ll be fine.”

 

“Don’t say that! Why are you saying that?!  You’re above a waterfall and if you fall, you’ll die!…And- and you’re just okay with that?!” Dolores snapped.

 

“..Of course I’m not! I- I just think it’ll be better to let go instead of wasting time—“

 

“This is not wasting time, Mirabel Valentina Rojas Madrigal! Don’t you ever think that!..please.”

 

“Dolores, please listen to me. You can let go.”

 

“What?! No!”

 

“Both of our hands is sweaty and you’re losing your grip. I’d rather it be me than both of us.” Mirabel smiled weakly.

 

”I’ll figure a way for you to get out of here!”

 

Dolores didn’t like the way that Mirabel was looking at her— As if she was accepting falling down to her death. Even suggesting that she’d let her go, as if.  She couldn’t and wouldn’t be able to, Mirabel is her prima, family. If she did, her blood would basically be on her hands. She can’t- wouldn’t be able to do that.

 

She’s know Mirabel was right in a way, she wouldn’t be able to hold on for long. Their family doesn’t even know where they’re at, nobody did. That doesn’t mean she’ll lose hope..

 

“I’m so sorry, Dolores.” Mirabel mummers, letting go of her hand from Dolores arm, making Dolores holding on tighter.

 

“Stop- stop! What the hell you doing!?” Dolores yelled angrily, tears rapidly falling down her face.

 

Dolores own grip started to slip. “No!”

 

“It’s okay.” Mirabel smiled, her eyes watery.

 

“No- no it’s not!” Dolores yelled. “Will you stop saying that!?”

 

Mirabel didn’t say anything, only smiling, which didn’t make Dolores feel any better.

 

“I love you, Dolores. I hope one day you’ll forgive me.”

 

…

 

It didn’t take a second longer for both of their hands to let go, Dolores eyes widening.

 

“Mirabel!!” Dolores yelled the loudest she could, trying to reach for Mirabel, her cousin being out of reach for her to grab.

 

Mirabel always got back up when she fell. But, they knew that this time, she wouldn’t be able to get back up—

 

Dolores looked shocked as She couldn’t see Mirabel anymore, only hearing the sound of someone hitting the water.

 

I- I couldn’t save her..? Dolores thought, her body trembling, tears falling uncontrollably, looking at her hand that was holding Mirabel.

 

It’s not the fact that Dolores couldn’t hold on to her any longer, it’s the feeling of despair as Mirabel was ready to accept her fate.

 

Dolores just couldn’t a world with Mirabel gone.

 

Now Mirabel’s gone, and she’s still here.

 

Dolores was in a sorrow and fury. Mirabel was no doubt dead. She couldn’t hear her heartbeat at all. Maybe it was the fact that the water was maybe drowning out the noise? No. She just doesn’t want to admit it. Mirabel would die from the impact of her hitting water.

 

Dolores let out an Anguished scream, sobbing uncontrollably.

 

She was so angry. 

 

“T-that Idiot!” Dolores cried. “Why’d you have to let go!? I could’ve held on longer! Why!? It didn’t had to end like that!” Dolores yelled at no one and Mirabel definitely wasn’t going to answer her.

 

“I hate you!” Dolores exclaimed, shocking herself by her own words. “..I hate you so much.” Dolores wailed, into her trembling hands.

 

“…I hate you..I hate your voice. I hate your curly hair. I hate your beautiful brown eyes. I hate your smile. I hate your walk. But, most of all..I hate the way you left me.”

 

Dolores hated the way that I hate you can be said so easily, without even meaning it.

 

“..I love you so much.”

 

Dolores didn’t go home that day. Neither did Mirabel. Dolores staying in the same spot that she was, ignoring the way that her stomach growled and hearing her family call out for them.

Notes:

I’m going to make a part two of this!

Chapter 11: Twins

Summary:

Mirabel and Mariana are twins…well they used to be..

Mirabel and Mariana were twin sisters, Julieta and Agustin having four daughters.

 

Until one fatal incident separated them.

 

Mirabel and Mariana was twelve at the time.

 

They both were wearing the same clothes, coincidentally. 

 

Nobody realized that the twins was gone until it was later on at dinner.

 

They had Dolores hear out for them, the family panicking over two family members missing. 

 

It took a while for Dolores to focus, but she eventually heard an heartbeat, a faint one.

 

The family immediately went to where Dolores heard the heartbeat and had some villagers search, just in case Dolores was wrong.

 

-

 

They had found both girls injured, heavily injured. 

 

Julieta hurried to heal both of her daughters, only twelve.

 

Sadly, one of them had no pulse, heart stopping to what seemed to be an hour ago.

 

Julieta did notice an hand marks on her daughter’s neck.

 

The family came to an conclusion that they were attacked. That someone wanted to harm them and succeeded. That felt ashamed for letting it happen.

 

What they were more ashamed of, was that they couldn’t tell who died and who was alive. Mariana and Mirabel was too similar to each other. The only thing that you could tell them apart was usually their clothes and glasses. Mirabel usually wearing circle glasses and Mariana wearing half-framed glasses. It was truly a shame that none of them had their glasses on.

 

Soon as Mirabel or Mariana woke up, they immediately started asking questions, overwhelming the girl.

 

They waited for her to calm down, toning down their questions.

 

They needed to know which one of Julieta’s daughters died, not that it would make it any better.

 

They asked for her name, making her confused.

 

“You don’t know my name Mamá? It’s me, Mirabel.”  Was the answer they got.

 

It didn’t hurt any less.

 

They tried to ask for who attacked her and if she knew their face.

 

Mirabel’s face scrunched up, her eyebrows furrowing, and a frown on her face.

 

Mirabel only shook her head and said that she couldn’t remember anything from the attack.

 

They didn’t know whether to be glad or not that Mirabel doesn’t remember.

 

 

….

 

Julieta couldn’t help but feel as if she was a bad mother. She felt as if Mirabel was lying.

 

Years later, Mirabel still blames it on memory loss..Sometimes she couldn’t help but wonder, which twin truly survived.

 

And why Dolores was so spacious to the family and avoiding Mirabel.

Chapter 12: Millions of Thoughts, One Mind

She didn't know who screamed, her or Mirabel.

 

Isabela stared in horror as red pooled beneath her. She could see it, the blood like emerald shatters pouring from the heartless puncture that she created.

 

Isabela stared at Mirabel's pale and cold body, as she took shaky breaths.

 

Isabela's breath hitched as she felt the pool of water form in her eyes. Shaking, She took a couple wobbly steps back as her vines withered. The thick, red, liquid staining her hands.

 

....What the hell did she just do!?

 

She didn't mean it!

 

"..Mirabel, wake up! This isn't funny..! Please.. I'll give you a hug..Isn't that what you came for!?.....wake up!" Isabela begged frantically, desperately trying to deny what she has done, even with the answer in front of her.

 

She was still breathing, her pulse was faint. Her sister could be saved.

 

Please.

 

"I'm..so, so sorry I-Isabela..for ev..everything.." Mirabel stammered out, struggling to get her words out. Mirabel started coughing, blood spurting out her mouth. "...I'm bleeding...food won't heal this." Mirabel chuckled lowly, looking at the blood. It wasn't a few seconds, before Mirabel took her finial breath.

 

"He-Hermanita...no, no, no, no, no!" Isabela cried pathetically. “Please- come back!”

 

She didn't.  

 

She couldn't even if she tried.

 

She was a murderer.

 

She killed her sister.

 

There was so much blood.

 

On the floor.

 

On both of their dresses.

 

Blood was on her hands.

 

Her sister's blood is on her hands.

 

Her face was pale, so pale. Her eyes had a horrifying dead look in them.

 

She didn't mean to. She swears. She just got so caught up in the moment- so angry.

 

Oh god.

 

All Mirabel wanted was a hug and then she just snapped.

 

"Isabela....?"

 

Like a crow or a raven or maybe even a vulture, death swooped Mirabel up and took her life away, as well as my world.

 

"I made a dumb mistake." Isabela whispers, trembling as her voice begins to break. 

 

And Luisa could feel the color draining from her face.

 

All Isabela could Process was the vines in her chest, and her unforgettable eyes one filled with joy and excitement, slowly Start to Deny life as she find—

 

"..What the hell did you do...!?"

 

—her place in Heaven, whilst a spot in hell began to form for her.

Chapter 13: Monster?

Summary:

Mirabel lives with a bunch of killers, her family. She swore she would never be like them…right?

They all were kind before, some people say. They were always this cruel, other people say.

 

They didn't know what to believe when the Madrigals use their gifts in such cruel ways. They had no reason to do it, they just did it for fun.

 

Julieta Madrigal, the eldest child of Alma Madrigal, had the ability to heal. The twist was that she always had that grin on her face, when using her gift. She would never heal someone without them doing something for her. Or else, she would torture them in their basement, healing them to make sure they wouldn't die. Julieta was sadistic, it wasn't a secret from anybody. Especially Mirabel, her favorite victim, who she loved seeing hurt the most. It brought a twisted smile to her face, when Mirabel came to her hurt. That way Mirabel could never leave her and have to rely on her. She would never let Mirabel get injured that bad, the person would usually be dead within the next ten minutes.

 

Pepa Madrigal, the second daughter and second child of Alma Madrigal, having the ability of weather control. The weather changing variously just like her mood swings. Pepa could be cruel and ready to strike someone, but when Félix comes by, her mood would change. Pepa would strike people with her lightning just for fun or if she was in the mood. Not caring how the farmer's crops was getting messed up. Félix always enables what she's doing, whether she's about to strike someone down or cause a hurricane. She was the one that felt excitement when seeing blood.

 

Bruno Madrigal, the only son and third child of Alma Madrigal, his ability helping him look into the future. He only made bad visions for the people, nobody begged him for vision. Instead, they were scared to get a vision from the seer. His visions usually being their death, their family member or lover dying. He wouldn't tell them the exact date, leaving the person in shambles. Bruno was a creepy guy, you'd usually never see him out of the house. But once he is, you'll know that someone is about to get their fate sealed. His favorite niece is between Dolores and Mirabel. Dolores and him drifted away as she grew older. That doesn't mean that Bruno doesn't join Dolores in torturing or giving her a vision for her victim. Bruno usually is around Mirabel, when she's outside. He likes that Mirabel sometimes wear his color when they're outside. He'll sometimes teach her self defense as family bonding.

 

Isabela Madrigal, The first daughter of Julieta Madrigal, the first grandchild. Her ability being  Chlorokinesis. Isabela grows many different plants and tests them on the townspeople. Plants that are carnivorous, Plants that are poisonous, she tests them on them all. Isabela uses her vines to choke and kill people, when they get on her nerves. When new people come in the Encanto, she lures them in with her beauty. What a big mistake they make. When the person dies she likes to bury them with flowers. Or she prefers to bury them alive. She decorates the town with poisonous flowers.

 

Dolores Madrigal, the first daughter and child of Pepa Madrigal, second grandchild of Alma Madrigal. Her ability being Super hearing. It was a rare sight to see Dolores speaking. Dolores would use people own words to blackmail them. Dolores is more of a torture type of person, she only tortures people that wants to him against the family. She wears headphones as she pulls their teeth out and screams. Which keeps them quiet. But, you'll rarely see her outside. Everything ticking her off if it's too loud. Dolores interested in being in a relationship because it sounds loud. Though the Guzmáns are a family friend. She usually gets headaches and a nosebleed when she focuses on one person for too long.

 

Luisa Madrigal, the second daughter of Julieta Madrigal and the third granddaughter of Alma Madrigal. Her ability being super strength. She could easily break someone's neck with one hand without even trying or just throw them like an rag doll. Luisa doesn't really kill and if she does, it'll be painful. Luisa doesn't resort to killing, usually breaking a few of their bones. Anyone that doubts her would be found dead. They would know that her muscles are not just for show.

 

Camilo Madrigal, the second child of Pepa Madrigal and the first and fourth grandson of Alma Madrigal. His ability being shapeshifting. The 'prankster' of the family. His pranks are never harmless. He uses his gift to change into someone, just to ruin their relationships. When he kills, he shifts into their love ones, so they can be even more devastated when they die. He kills at night only because that's the time that Dolores is sleep and in her room, he doesn't want to hurt her ears. He usually tries to get Mirabel to join him on his pranks, Mirabel always declining. It didn't matter to Camilo, she'll give in eventually.

 

Mirabel Madrigal, the third child of Julieta Madrigal as the last granddaughter of Alma Madrigal. It was a surprise when she turned out to be giftless. Mirabel was always a cheerful and bubbly girl, when she was young. She tries her to keep that attitude. Out of everyone, Mirabel was the nicest Madrigal, who didn't harm the townspeople or killed. That didn't mean that they weren't wary. Some people thought it was an act. Some thought that Mirabel was truly different from the other Madrigals. But, if anyone was to harm Mirabel, they'd instantly be sent six feet under or tortured. Mirabel also looked uncomfortable when her family killed or tortured, usually going in her room. No matter how much her family encouraged her to join them in killing or torturing, she always declined. Mirabel's defenseless, which usually leads to Bruno, Camilo or Luisa being by her side most times. Mirabel occasionally wears green was she's going outside.

 

Antonio Madrigal, the third and second son of Pepa Madrigal, and the last grandchild of Alma Madrigal. His gift being Zoolingualism.  Antonio had his animals walking around him as if they was his guards. Everyone knew not to mess with him. Though he was little, his animals didn't hesitate to kill the pets in that tries to hurt Antonio. Antonio could point to anyone that he wants for his animals to kill and they would do it. Antonio is close to Mirabel, as he stayed in her room until he was five. But, Mirabel frowned upon the idea of him killing. They didn’t make them drift apart though.

 

Mirabel swore that she would never be like them, she could never understand the thoughts in their head.

 

She just didn't expect to become like them, so soon and enjoy it.

 

---

 

Mirabel was going outside at night, this time without someone with her. It's mainly because nobody knew she left, besides Casita. And Casita didn't even try to stop her, instead encouraging her to sneak out.

 

All Mirabel wanted was a bag of fabric and her designs couldn't wait till the next day. 

 

Mirabel didn't expect her to be backed up by a man much bigger and taller than her.

 

"Hey little lady." His rough voice said.

 

His breath reeked of alcohol and he was obviously drunk. Mirabel knew that he was going to do something that he would regret. And she hoped that he wouldn't.

 

"Uh- mister, I just need to get pass..that's all." Mirabel said, talking a step back from the large man.

 

"Well aren't you a cutie. I would've preferred your sister or cousin...but you'll do." The man said, slurring on his words as he started unbuckling his belt making Mirabel face drop.

 

"You wouldn't want to do this..Osvaldo." Mirabel muttered as she recognized this man as Osvaldo.

 

"Don't tell me what I want or I don't want, you fuckin' brat!" Osvaldo snarled at her, trying to reach her, but luckily she dodged his hands.

 

"You're not in the right mind, Osvaldo." Mirabel said, looking off behind her as she backed into a wall, internally cursing at herself.

 

Was this really going to happen to her? Was she really about to lose her innocence to this grubby man? 

 

Osvaldo grinned at her being back up against the wall, licking his lips, as his belt was on the ground.

 

"Now this won't hurt a lot..." Osvaldo whispered, as Mirabel looked terrified.

 

Mirabel had always had a knife on her side, that her mother gave her, just in case she ever needed to use it. Fuck it.

 

STAB—

 

"Y-you—"

 

The man staggered back, looking shocked at the knife inside of him and the blood that was already spilling out. 

 

Mirabel looked just as shocked at him, the knife might've hit his stomach or kidney. She didn't know. 

 

She didn't want to know.

 

Mirabel took the knife out of the man's body, which was a bit difficult at first. When she did, blood was spluttering out the wound.

 

That seemed to wake him up even more.

 

"H-hey! S-stop wait—!"

 

STAB—

 

Mirabel stabbed him again, this time in a different spot. Mirabel was taught to never show mercy when killing or else people will take advantage of that and kill you first.

 

Osvaldo's gasps were becoming louder. It wouldn't be long before he could cry out. The excruciating pain that he was feeling was like no pain that he experienced. He always made sure to steer clear of the Madrigals and once he saw how Mirabel was different from them, he wanted to take advantage of her pretty face. He was clearly wrong about her being any different.

 

The hot fluid ran down on his shirt and the ground. 

 

Mirabel wasn't going to stop.

 

STAB—

 

STAB—

 

STAB—

 

STAB—

 

STAB—

 

STAB—

 

STAB—

 

STAB—

 

It was a miracle that he was still alive, well he was barley alive. Osvaldo's body stilled, but the shattered chest was still shallowly rising with every gasped breath. The sickly scent of his blood mixed with the rank odor of urine form Osvaldo.

 

"P-please—!" Osvaldo wheezed out, coughing out blood. Mirabel didn't say anything, leaving the knife inside of him, with an emotionless expression.

 

It didn't take long for the man to take his last breath.

 

Blood was on her hands, the knife. There was a lifeless body in front of her. Them being mercilessly stabbed multiple times.

 

Blood splatters was also on her dress, the man was no doubt dead from the major blood loss.

 

Mirabel felt, she didn't know to feel. Happy? Sad? Scared?

 

She expected to feel devastated.

 

She didn't, she couldn't feel any emotion from killing him, except excitement.

 

The adrenaline that rushed through her body when she stabbed him the first time. The way that he screamed and struggled against her. The way that the life slowly faded away from his eyes filled her with excitement, that she never knew existed. She felt so high on seeing his devastated facial expression. 

 

Mirabel took the knife out of his stomach and more blood gushed out.

 

Red is such a pretty color.

 

She looked at Osvaldo, staring down at his lifeless body. His blood changing her white blouse to a different color.

 

Mirabel never knew that killing someone could be this fun. Maybe she was wrong to stay a pacifist for all those years.  

 

She should've done this a long time ago, if she had known that killing would fill her with this much excitement, then things would've been different. 

 

No matter how loud he screamed, nobody helped him. Someone did come to see what it was happening. Once they saw Mirabel, they quickly ran away, not even bothering to stop her or help him.

 

She didn't even notice a sadistic smile forming on her face, when she was stabbing him.

 

Mirabel stood up, looking at his blooded body once more before walking away, leaving his lifeless body there.

 

The few townspeople that was out this late was left speechless as they watched Mirabel walk around with blood covered on her and a knife in her hand. Avoiding getting in her way as she walked, with a smile on her face.

 

As she made her to Casita, the house eagerly welcomed her back, opening the front door even before she arrived.

 

"Hola Casita." Mirabel greeted back, a warm smile on her face, entering the house. Blood footprints following behind her as walked.

 

She didn't care about the mess because she knew Casita would clean up after her. After all, she was the house's favorite.

 

Mirabel made her way into the kitchen, her mother already there.

 

"Where have you been young—....lady?" Julieta questioned, her eyes widening as she saw Mirabel with blood covering her body. Too much blood.

 

"Hola Mamá."

 

"Are you okay!? Are you hurt!?" Julieta asked worriedly, already grabbing an arepa for her.

 

"I'm not hurt, Mamá." Mirabel smiled.

 

"You're not hurt, but....oh." Julieta mumbled, her eyes widening as she looked at the knife and back at Mirabel. 

 

"Are you proud of me, Mamá?" Mirabel muttered, looking at Mamá with a trembling smile, dropping the bloody knife on the floor.

 

Julieta was close to tears. "I'm very proud of you, Mija. It's your first kill and I wasn't even there." Julieta said with a twisted smile, bringing Mirabel into a hug, ignoring the way that blood was now gathered on her.

 

Julieta was very proud, she thought that Mirabel would've went her entire life without killing. Though, it's a shame that she wasn't there. She wanted to see how her Hija would kill the person. Actually...

 

"What made you kill?" Julieta asked, she knew that Mirabel wouldn't just randomly decide to change her minds after multiple years of trying to convince her.

 

"There was this guy..." Mirabel started off, telling the story to Julieta.

 

Julieta grew more furious hearing about what Osvaldo was going to do with her youngest. If she was there, she would make sure that he experienced every bit a pain and keep bringing him back.

 

"It's fine Mamá, he's dead." Mirabel said, with a shy smile. "...I-I...actually enjoyed it."

 

Though she did felt a bit grateful for the man, for pushing Mirabel this far. Mirabel was completely apart of the family now. She was glad that Mirabel was going to be able to learn from her cousins and sisters about killing methods.

 

"What's all that commotion!?" Pepa exclaimed from upstairs.

 

"MIRABEL KILLED SOMEONE!" Julieta yelled back.

 

"What!?"  Pepa yelled, and they could hear the rain dripping on the ground.

 

"She killed someone and I wasn't even there!?"

 

"My baby is growing up too fast!"

 

"Mirabel killed someone!?"

 

"Yay!"

 

"Oh my fucking GOD!"

 

"No swearing!"

 

"Fuck you!"

 

"I say this calls for a celebration."

Chapter 14: Cheater!

Summary:

Félix cheating on Pepa? Pepa taking her kids and Mirabel and Julieta opposed to this Idea?Mariano cheating on Dolores with Isabela?

Yep, it’s all in this chapter.

“You lying, cheating,  piece of shit! You’re not the man I fell in love with!” Pepa yelled angrily, lighting struck dangerously close.

 

“Fuck the man that you fell in love with! You want a divorce? FINE! But, I’m taking the kids!” Félix scowled.

 

“Hell no! You’re not taking the kids!”  Pepa snarled. “You can leave this house, right now! I’m keeping the kids and Mirabel!“

 

“Why the hell are you bringing MY daughter into your argument!? She does not want to stay with your lightning ass!” Julieta exclaimed, her eyebrows furrowed in angry. 

 

“Can we please calm down..?” Agustin pleaded.

 

“Shut the hell up Agustin! You think you did nothing wrong!?” Julieta yelled, making Agustin look at her with a surprised look.

 

“I can’t believe that you don’t believe me!” Mariano’s voice broke through.

 

“How am I’m supposed to believe you!? This is all the proof I need! You’re lying straight to my face.” Dolores exclaimed, her voice cracking between hurt and anger.

 

“Proof? PROOF!? What proof is there!? Are you mad because you’re not good enough!? You’re so mad that you decide to take your anger out on me!?” Mariano scowled. 

 

“Good enough? Is this what we’re doing? Is this how you feel? It makes you feel so much better to be better than someone?” Dolores asked, not hiding the anger. “I’ve spent my entire life not being good enough— being compared! So, you have no right to tell me I’m not good enough!”

 

Mariano huffed in irrational. “You’re taking this the wrong way! I don’t get it! It’s not my fault!” 

 

“Not your fault?” Dolores laughed humorlessly. “You did everything wrong. It’s the fact that you did that to me, just to be by Isabela!”

 

Isabela, in question, looked equally pissed. “Oh go cry yourself a pity party, Dolores! He did the right thing by going to me!” Isabela smirked.

 

“Fuck off, Isabela! You, Mariano are a cheater and a fucking liar! You keep denying it when I was right here!” Dolores exclaimed.

 

“I didn’t cheat! Why are you accusing me off such things!? If anything, you cheated!” Mariano exclaimed, defending himself.

“Me? Cheating!?” Dolores laughed. “You moved on from Isabela, went to me, just to go back to Isabela! I never had sight for anyone else but you! You dirty liar!” Dolores yelled.

 

“Oh please.” Isabela snickered. “He did the right thing, Dolly. He’s very good at this, he never once cheated.” 

 

“You think I’m going to take your word for it!?”

 

“I don’t know. You’re the one with the super hearing!” 

 

“You should’ve stayed in your fucking room, if I had known this was going to happen! No, in fact, you shouldn’t even be here! You didn’t even want him in the first place anyway! Always trying to include your pretty, perfect face in everything!” Dolores exclaimed sarcastically.

 

“Okay, I cheated! It was just a one time thing!” Mariano exclaimed, making Isabela gasp at him admitting it.

 

“Mariano!” Isabela screeched.

 

“See!? It wasn’t that hard was it!? You fucking good for nothing hunk!” Dolores snarled.

 

“I admitted it, so why are you still attacking me!?”

 

“And!? You still cheated!”

 

“It was a one time thing! I was only curious! That’s it! I wondered to see if I could get away with it! So, I cheated with Isabela!”

 

“Mariano, shut your fucking mouth!” Isabela hissed through clenched teeth, her face heating up at the truth.

 

“It’s too late now! You think you could get away with it!? You think I wouldn’t notice, what you’re both doing!?” Dolores exclaimed, her tone full on hurt.

 

“Please, Dolores. I- I didn’t know it was going to come to this. Forgive me….It was just such a nice opportunity.” Mariano pleaded, now Dolores was just full on glaring at him.

 

“Dolores please! It wasn’t his idea, it was mines!” Isabela exclaimed.

 

That only seemed to make Dolores angrier.

 

 

“Fuck of—“

 

“Guys! Stop it! What the hell is wrong with you all!?” Bruno yelled, breaking all their arguing, the only ones not arguing are Mirabel, Camilo, Alma, and Antonio.

 

They all looked at him.

 

“It’s just Monopoly! How the hell did it lead to having divorces!?” Bruno exclaimed, making Pepa and Félix look sheepish.

 

“I—“

 

“And Julieta! I thought you were the mature one!?” Bruno said.

 

“Well—“

 

“You know what, I think this is enough monopoly for today…” Luisa said, the others nodding, while Camilo and Mirabel has popcorn and Alma looking a second away from an heart attack.

Chapter 15: Kidnapped…Once again

"You can't just keep running, they'll always catch you! You can't just keep hiding, they'll always find you." Mirabel informed as she was dragged around the corner.

 

"Can you shut the hell up!?"

 

"Oh please, you're trying to kidnap me and I'm trying to help you." Mirabel said, rolling her eyes. "Also you think you could just kidnap me because I'm the only giftless one? I'm offended, like...you could've at least kidnapped me because I was pretty."

 

"Shut up." Andrés snarled. 

 

"I mean, what could you possibly want from a giftless Madrigal? Death?" Mirabel asked.

 

Andrés only ignored her. 

 

"Children? With the hopes that they will possibly have a gift?" Mirabel questioned, making Andrés eyes widen.

 

"I do not want your children! You're giving me a headache!" Andrés said. "Why are you even suggesting that!?"

 

"I was only saying that if you're going to kidnap me. At least do something harmful to me for the Madrigals would be scarred before you die." Mirabel said with a bored look.

 

"You're being kidnapped."

 

"I know."

 

Somewhere in a distance, the sky started going dark as lightning struck down.

 

"So does Pepa." Mirabel inform cockily. 

 

Andrés froze seeing the lightning, but he wasn't going to stop here, not when he was this far.

 

"What does that mean?" He asked, making Mirabel raise a brow.

 

"You're kidnapping me and now you're asking me a question? I could tell you're new to this, new to the Encanto." Mirabel chuckled.

 

He frowned.

 

"You know...you're not the first to kidnap me." Mirabel said, as if this was a normal routine.

 

"What!?"

 

"You're not the first to kidnap me and probably won't be the last." Mirabel said, looking at her nails. "But, you're definitely the worst."

 

Andrés coughed. "Worst—"

 

"Why am I still conscious? After you kidnap me, aren't I supposed to be unconscious? You suck at this, to be honest." Mirabel scoffed. "What if I randomly decided to scream? What would you do then?"

 

Andrés face paled. That was true and he didn't think that far ahead—

 

"But I won't." Mirabel said, ignoring Andrés gaping mouth. "This is probably going to be the most fun I have in a while before I'm locked in Casita again. " 

 

Andrés mouth went dry.

 

"You don't know much about my familia, do you? That was your first mistake besides being clumsy while doing this." Mirabel chuckled.

 

"Uhm...I know that the family, besides you is magical." Andrés said.

 

Mirabel snickered. "That's it? All you know is that my family is magical? That's going to be the death of you...well it is, since my sisters and cousin is coming for you." 

 

"What!?" 

 

"You're not going to escape this, but I'll fill you in on my family." Mirabel grinned.

 

"You just told me I'm going to die! I'm sure they won't harm me when I got you!" Andrés grinned cockily.

 

"I'm not sure about that." Mirabel chuckled.

 

"...?"

 

"Walk ahead." Mirabel said, eyeing the back of them. "If you stop moving, they'll come closer."

 

"They?"

 

"My cousin and sisters, idiot." Mirabel scowled.

 

"Don't call me an idiot!"

 

"You've kidnapped me and being madly clumsy while doing it. That sounds like being an idiot to me!" Mirabel exclaimed. "And you're even arguing with me, this is quit idiotic of you."

 

"I should've gagged you."

 

"Yeah, you should've. Would've been much better and not stupid."

 

....

 

"So..."

 

"Starting conversation with your victim now?" Mirabel questioned, with a raised brow.

 

"We've been conversations for the last ten minutes, this isn't any different." Andrés scowled. "Tell me about your family."

 

Mirabel looked at him with raised brows, a scowl on her face. Before, shaking her head and rolling her eyes.

 

"Hey, pay attention! Camilo is the fourth grandchild of Alma! My older cousin! Camilo is always wandering in the crowd, shifting his grin into a different mouth. Thinking of ways to mess with people in our town. He mixes into their family, somehow in their house. He ate their food, let their pet out. By the time they go home, their family will doubt...I could be him now." Mirabel grinned mischievously, making Andrés eye her warily.

 

"...You are—?"

 

"I'm not though. If I were Camilo, you would've been dead already."

 

“Reassuring.” Andrés said sarcastically.

 

"I know. Next, Luisa, the third grandchild of Alma. My older sister! Luisa could easily break your house into the ground. If they call her in vain then your roof will be down. She commands what's allowed in her town. She could be broken by the pressure of carrying us around. She took it on herself to reign us now. She'll easily throw you into the sun, if you look at her with doubt. Every nonbeliever burned out."

 

…

 

“She’s a strong woman…”

 

“She is.” Mirabel hummed. “Don’t worry about her, just don’t get in her way. Or else she’ll snap you like a twig.”

 

“Who’s next..?” Andrés asked hesitantly.

 

"Dolores, the second grandchild of Alma. My oldest cousin! Dolores can hear our heartbeats beating in this town. Every words you whisper, they sound too loud. If you say her name, she'll come take you down. Sh...sh..sh..She's always hiding in the sound and dreams of the quiet, she's never found...She blames the world for the noise that makes her frown. She could hear us now.”

 

That made Andrés stop in his tracks, his eyes wide.

 

“..She has e-enhanced hearing..?” Andrés stuttered, looking as if he regretted everything at that moment.

 

“Yep. You better keep going. Dolores wouldn’t go out of Casita because everything’s too loud. Keep moving and I’m sure they wouldn’t be able to find us.” Mirabel informed.

 

…

 

“Why are you helping me?” 

 

Mirabel didn’t say anything, only chuckling under her breath. “Why am I helping you? Why? Because it’s fun.” Mirabel smiled creepily, making him shiver.

 

.

 

 

Andrés stopped making Mirabel also stop, as Andrés looked confused.

 

"Have you been here before? I could tell you're unsure." Mirabel asked, with a frown, looking around and noticing familiar blood stains on the pavement. 

 

"Uh, it doesn't matter."

 

"You shouldn't had stopped, that'll only give them a chance." Mirabel said lowly in his ear, making him scowl.

 

“Seriously, stop doing that!” 

 

"Continuing on! Isabela Madrigal, the oldest grandchild of Alma! She’s my eldest sister!You'd know it's Isabela when you see her waking on a trail of blood red roses. She's the vine queen and it reached those who opposed her. Perfection and grace are the rules, we had to take. If you don't kneel to her, the vines get closer..Any imperfection's going to suffer. People disappear if the attention starts to break. Make no mistake."

 

As if on cue, Andrés started choking, Mirabel getting out his grip.

 

Mirabel and Andrés made eye contact, Mirabel smiling innocently.

 

She was tapping at her neck, making him look at his own neck.

 

It was a vine with thorns wrapped tightly around his neck, droplets of blood leaving his neck.

 

“You should’ve been quicker.”  Mirabel chuckled, as three figures walked up behind her. “Hello Isa, Luisa, and Camilo.”

 

“Hey sis!” Luisa grinned, Isabela only looking at Mirabel with an annoyed look. 

 

“Sup Mira!” Camilo exclaimed, giving her finger guns.

 

Suddenly the guy head fall on the ground as Camilo did that with a loud splat! 

 

Blood getting on her skirt, her face morphing in disgust and annoyance

 

Mirabel glared at him, looking at the blood that was now in her skirt. "Look what you did to my skirt, idiot."

 

"Aw Mira, you wound me!" Camilo exclaimed, a crazy grin on his face. Dramatically putting a hand to his heart, a butcher knife in his other hand, dripping with blood.

 

"I still don't get why you try to help them." Isabela said with a frown on her face. "And why you let them touch you with their disgusting hands."

 

"Well..isn't a game of cat and mouse more fun than a regular game of hide and seek." Mirabel smirked.

 

"That, I can agree on." Isabela smirked.

Chapter 16: One Step At A Time

Summary:

..What if Bruno found Mirabel before Alma did?

"The miracle is dying because of you!" Mirabel shouted at Abuela, her voice full of every emotion possible. Her voice cracked as she yelled. which made everyone freeze. Mirabel also seemed shocked herself when she said it. She soon looked guilty, as if she regrets saying it. 

 

Abuela only stood there wide-eyed and horrified as everything Mirabel said is true. She used to blame herself for the family growing apart and the magic dying out. But, no one had ever called her out on it. Now that someone has, her worst suspicions has been proven true.

 

Though the shock only lasted a second before a big crack between Abuela and Mirabel making them look down.

 

As if the crack represents that they 'somewhat' grew apart. The Madrigals had never realized that the miracle would be gone. With Casita following along because they let internal conflicts grow bigger. They had left Mirabel out. Abuela blames Mirabel for everything. Mirabel got fed up and the feelings that she kept inside, eventually bursted out. What made the cracks improve was when Mirabel and Isabela made up and improved their sibling relationship.

 

—

Mirabel heard footsteps behind her, but she didn’t turn around.

 

Someone sat besides her, making Mirabel looked over and see Bruno…and a horse?

 

“Tío? Why are you here? How did you find me?”

 

Bruno chuckled nervously. “Well..when you have a horse and you don’t know how to ride it, it’ll just take you anywhere and I just ended up here.”

 

“Oh.”

 

“I’m glad I found you.”

 

Mirabel eyes teared up. “But I destroyed our home, your magic.” Mirabel whispered.

 

“I don’t care.” Bruno stated too bluntly. “I mean, it doesn’t matter. You’re okay, aren’t you? I never really liked my gift to be honest. I’m glad it’s gone. Gave me too many headaches.” Bruno said.

 

Mirabel didn’t say anything.

 

“It’s not your fault.”

 

“But, it is! They’re all probably blaming me. Did you see how helpless they looked? I couldn’t just stay there after what I did.” Mirabel said in sorrow.

 

Bruno looked at her in shock.

 

“I didn’t want to hurt them..I just wanted to be something I’m..not.” Mirabel hesitantly mumbled. 

 

….

 

“I never thought I would end up coming back here.” Bruno said in the silence, sadness seeping through his voice.

 

“…?”

 

"I remember getting teased as a kid because of that place that we lived." Bruno said.

 

Mirabel smiled sadly. "Our family never had it easy."

 

"But, that doesn't excuse the things that she did."  Bruno stated, looking back at Mirabel, who flinched. 

 

"….Because I was giftless, I was never accepted and I couldn't accept that I wasn't accepted. Thought if I changed, things would be different. But, it was all the same, I was feeling rejected."  Mirabel muttered, playing with her skirt. "I was bullied for being different from the rest."

 

"It's stupid, putting someone down for the self satisfaction. They bully you for being giftless, when they're giftless themselves."

 

"It's different."

 

"How?"

 

"I was born into the Madrigal Family, they weren't. I was expected to have a gift." Mirabel stated.

 

"They expected you to have a gift. To us, it wasn't supposed to matter whether or not you received a gift. A gift doesn't define your person. But, your Abeula had long lost sight of what the Miracle was for. I thought she would’ve been a better..woman then.”

 

Mirabel didn't say anything.

 

"It didn't start when you was born, no, it started way before you was born. When Your aunt, your mother and I was teens. Back then, she wanted us to do what we want with our gifts. To not work like slaves for the town. She was different back then. She treated us like her children, not slaves. She protected us for anyone that tried to do harm to us. She loved us. She actually used to hate that we had been given gifts when we were five." Bruno stated, looking off in the distance.

 

"...What happened?"

 

"I— we don't know what happened to Mamá. Everything changed. We were teens and happy to be helping at first. Next thing you know, Julieta spent most of her time in the kitchen, Pepa was usually watering the fields, and I was giving away visions. We grew tired, but Mamá didn't want to show the townspeople any weakness." Bruno's expression turned into discomfort at the memory.  "Later, in my early twenties, I was known as bad luck Bruno."

 

Mirabel looked at Bruno with curious and sad eyes.

 

"People thought that I was giving out bad visions on purpose." Bruno chuckled humorlessly. "They were even scared of me at one point, actually some still are."

 

Mirabel couldn't help but chuckle. "You? Scary? You're one of the less scariest people I know."

 

"Yeah...." Bruno smiled sadly. "They didn't know what I could do with my gift . They was scared that I was going to show their death..or something. They did something completely unexpected..I remember it to this day." Bruno shuddered. 

 

"What?" Mirabel frowned, she didn't like where this was going.

 

"I wasn't always like this...y'know. Shy, quiet, and an anxiety mess." Bruno started off quietly, making Mirabel raise a brow. "I was confident and loud back then. I never needed to throw salt or sugar behind my back to get rid of bad luck. I was so...different." 

 

"..They did something..?"

 

"Yes. About a dozen people ganged up on me at this river. They beat me up. Tortured me. They left me alone in my own blood. I was so scared. They told me not to tell anyone or else. I didn't want to see what that something else was going to be. I was too scared." Bruno stated, making Mirabel gasp. "But in their eyes, I could see they were scared, scared of me and their actions. That I was going to do something, like give them a bad future or murder them in their sleep."

 

"T-they did that!?" Mirabel exclaimed horrified and angry. 

 

"I was only twenty-two, but that's when everything changed. I was scared. Scared to even speak to the townspeople. I stayed here for days, then when I came back home, I stayed there for weeks even. I couldn't speak to anyone."

 

...

 

"Abuela doesn't know?"

 

"No, I never told her. I didn't expect her to believe me or my sisters." Bruno smiled sadly. "The people that ganged up on me, must've realized that I wasn't going to do anything. So, they kept going." 

 

Mirabel couldn't help but scowl.

 

"If you ever met how I was in the past and how I am now. You would say that they're totally different people." Bruno muttered.

 

....

 

"I'm scared." Bruno mummers.

 

"..Scared?" Mirabel repeated with a frown. "Of coming back and see them again..?"

 

"No, I was scared of leaving at your ceremony. I was scared on how things was going to turn out for you. I was going to actually leave the Encanto, but I stayed for you." Bruno said softly.

 

"Scared on how things was going to..turn out for me?"

 

"I don't mean to scare you. But, I didn't want history repeating itself. I didn't want you to become another me. So, I stayed close enough to make sure anything doesn't go wrong." Bruno stated.

 

"...What do you mean?"

 

 "Some of the townspeople hide their true nature. I know that from experience. Some humans are cruel people under their skin. People are jealous that we have gifts and takes it out on the defenseless ones. Which was me at the time. But..this time, no offense, it could've been you. You were a easy target. I wish I could've stopped the verbal bullying." Bruno sighed. "I wish things didn't turn out this way, that I could stop time like a photo."

 

Mirabel didn't say anything. 

 

"I hated that you found my vision, but I didn't exactly hide it.  So many things could've went wrong. So many. You shouldn't had went for the candle. I wouldn't had went for it."

 

"But—"

 

"But, we're different. I'm much more of a coward than you. But, I mean it. Going for the candle was dangerous, it was like you were aiming for your own grave. I thank the Gods above that Casita had enough strength." Bruno said softly, looking at Mirabel.

 

"..I was thinking about it. I was thinking about just turning back and getting out of the crumbling house. But, it was too late, my legs was moving on it's own. The candle was right in front of my face and it felt as if everyone was depending on me to get the candle." Mirabel muttered.

 

"They weren't though. They were yelling your name for you to get out, to leave the candle behind."

 

Mirabel doesn’t really remember hearing them yell, only focusing on the candle.

 

"Mirabel! Leave it! We have to go! Your life is more important then the candle!" Julieta yelled, still looking shocked as Casita didn't bother pushing her daughter out. She was more concerned that Mirabel went for the candle instead of leaving it behind.

 

"Mirabel!?”

 

"She’s still in the house!?"

 

"The house is going to fall!"

 

"Mira! Get out!"

 

"Casita didn't her out!? What are you talking about—"

 

"MIRABEL!"

 

“It was stupid..wasn’t it?” Mirabel asked. “For me to go for the candle.”

 

“It was. But, I don’t know anyone brave enough to willingly go into a crumbling house for a candle. If I was more confident ..if I was like before..I’m not sure if would’ve done the same.” Bruno stated.

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

“Don’t be.” Bruno smiled. “We’re both alive. Aren’t we?“

 

“We are.”

 

“But, I don’t think you consuming that must dust is healthy for your lungs.” Bruno said, looking at the dusty Mirabel.

 

“It probably isn’t.”

 

“Mirabel! Where are you!?” A voice cried out, not very far from the river.

 

“They’re looking for you.” Bruno stated.

 

“They are.”  Mirabel smiled sadly.

 

Bruno stood up, helping Mirabel stand up also.

 

“I think you should get going.” Bruno smiled sadly.

 

“Just me? Didn’t I tell you that I was going to bring you home?” Mirabel grinned. 

 

Bruno eyes widen before he chuckled. “You were serious? But, I’m not too sure if I’m ready to go myself. Like I said, I’m too much of a coward to face my fears.”

 

“Abuela?” Mirabel questioned with a frown.

 

“Her and the townspeople. I don’t know if I can face Julieta and Pepa again either. It’s been so long.” Bruno sighed. “Sorry kid.”

 

Mirabel nudged him in the side with a small smile. “Hey, It’s fine. After all, you can’t walk without taking one step at a time.“ Mirabel grinned.

 

“You take after your mother so much.” 

 

“I take that as a compliment.”

 

“It’s very much is so.”

Notes:

Making a part 2 of this with Bruno and Mirabel meeting up with the rest of the family.

 

A/N — In some of my drafts I’ve been trying to bash some of the Madrigals, I never knew it could be so hard😭

Chapter 17: Overdosing

Summary:

"Mira, what'd you take!? Honey, look at me and tell me what you took! What did you take!?" Julieta cried, holding onto her daughter's body, which was painfully limp.

Mirabel Madrigal died of overdose on March 5, 1967. Mirabel Madrigal died, a day before her birthday, like she couldn't bear to have anyone celebrate her birth just one more time, couldn't bear the reminder that she was still alive. Her death was unexpected, her mother being there with her body. Only leaving one single note.

 

'Hello to whoever found me, Mirabel's letter started off with. I must be dead already. I have my reasons. I wanted to give myself a chance to make everyone proud, but it never worked. No matter what I did, nothing worked. Nobody noticed me, It was almost like I was a ghost. I didn't like that feeling. But, I never quite fit in with the family, right?  I wish that I could speak to you all about my feelings. But, I wouldn't even be able to get the words out. I couldn't stand the looks that I got. The disappointing stares. Uncomfortable conversations. Ignoring the elephant in the room. I couldn't stand waking up in a bed, too small and waking up just to be ignored. I hope once Antonio get his gift, that you all will forget about me.  I love you all. Even if some of you hate me. I wish that Isabela and I got along better. I wish that Abuela was proud of me. I wish for Tío Bruno to be back…I wish that everyone in the family wasn’t under such pressure. That everyone could be their true selves. But…those are only wishes, wishes that I could hope to come true. I'm sorry that I’m being selfish and putting you all through this. You all don't deserve that, you all deserve better. A better granddaughter, a better niece, a better daughter, a better sister, and a better cousin….I hope I don’t wake up. I’m afraid of the chance that I will wake up again. I don't want to wake up to another day of clear skies. I'm scared to wake up to see all of your faces surrounding me. I don't want to regret my actions. I don't want to wake back up. I'm afraid to see what my actions would did and how it affected you.’  — Mirabel Madrigal

 

---

It was the middle of the night, Julieta randomly woke up. She had a terrible gut feeling and she didn't like it.

 

Julieta looked to her side, Agustin was half way off the bed, he was clearly fine. Julieta got up and walked out of her room. 

 

Casita was normal quiet, as it should be, since everyone is asleep at this time.

 

Besides the fact, that Casita was pushing the tiles against the heel of her foot towards the nursery.

 

The gut feeling only worsened.

 

She knew it was Mirabel's birthday tomorrow. So could she be worrying over nothing? She already has plans on what to do for her daughters birthday.

 

She wasn't going to brush it off. She just had to make sure Mirabel and everyone else was okay.

 

She opened the door.

 

She had expected Mirabel to be asleep with Antonio on her side. Anything...but this.

 

Mirabel was laying on the floor, her body pale, almost looking like a dead body. On her side, was a bottle of pills.

 

That's how she knew something was wrong. Mirabel doesn't need to take any type of pills. She was perfectly healthy.

 

"...Mirabel, Mi vida." Julieta muttered, crouching down and looking at the pills. Her eyes widen in panic once she saw the name of them. 

 

She knew that they could easily kill you, if you overdose. That they also take quite a while before they took affect.

 

"Mirabel." Julieta immediately went to her daughter's side, and lifted her up.

 

Mirabel's body was limp in Julieta's arms. Her eyes was dazed as if she was staring into space. Julieta felt a pulse, a faint one.

 

She couldn't help but wonder how long has Mirabel been laying there. She wasn't going to think about it any longer.

 

Julieta had forced Mirabel's mouth open, she saw how Mirabel eyes slightly widen in panic. "...Mirabel, don't worry. I- I just need to make sure you throw this up, we need to get these drugs out your system. It'll feel a bit uncomfortable."

 

Julieta was desperately trying to hide her panic. She didn't know whether or not Mirabel could hear her, but she could feel her touch.

 

Julieta hurriedly brought a nearby trash can in the room for Mirabel to throw up in.

 

"Forgive me." Julieta whispered, putting her fingers in Mirabel's throat, Mirabel eventually letting out weak gaging sounds against her fingers.

 

She didn't want to hurt Mirabel in the process, but it was the quickest way you get the drugs out her body and stop an overdose.

 

Mirabel was letting out more coughs and gags, making Julieta pull her fingers out once Mirabel's body tensed up.

 

Julieta rubbed Mirabel's back in a soothing motion. Mirabel threw up everything that she had ate, which was rarely anything, concerning Julieta.

 

Mirabel was completely limp in her arms, which she had expected. She didn't know what to expect when Mirabel's breathing still wasn't evening out, which wasn't a good sign.

 

It wasn't a surprise when Antonio woke.

 

"..:.Tía? What's wrong with Mira?" Antonio asked, very aware of how limp Mirabel was and that it wasn't a good sign.

 

"She's- she's fine." She didn't expect Antonio to believe her, when she didn't even believe herself and that there was tears in her eyes.

 

"Can you- can you go grab your Tío for me?" Julieta asked, her voice shaking as Antonio nodded.

 

Antonio left out the room, leaving mother and daughter alone.

 

"Mija.." Julieta muttered, feeling for her pulse once more.

 

Her eyes widen in panic, when she didn't feel anything. She tried to hear for her heartbeat, nothing.

 

The rest of the night was filled with cries, screams of agony, and confusion.

 

Mirabel Madrigal was dead and she died in her mother’s arm.

---

It was Mirabel's twentieth birthday, five years after her death.

 

Every year, a day before her birthday, they set off fireworks and lanterns on the sky, since Mirabel loved them so much.

 

They knew Mirabel loved the crowd and children.

 

The candle was still shining bright.

 

They mourned the next day, Mirabel's birthday. They always try their best to not cry and enjoy her birthday, like the note said. They always failed not to cry.

 

—

 

Alma and Julieta stood side to side together. Julieta wore a black shawl like her mother, neither of them liked it.

 

The fireworks went off in the sky. 

 

"..She would've been so proud to see who you had become today." Julieta said softly, breaking the silence.

 

"She would. I've always wish that it didn't have to come like this for me to open my eyes." Alma said.

 

The next few seconds was silence. That one day, despite the note, Julieta wasn't lashing out or even blaming anyone, Only mourning in her room.

 

Julieta wasn't going to lie, she was angry, angry at herself for letting things go this far. Angry at Mirabel for not letting her help her through things. She knew she was wrong for that thought. Back then, she always tried her best to reassure Mirabel that she was just as special as everyone else. It wasn't enough. She would do anything just to go back in time, just to see her daughter again. Just to hug and shower her with affections. Tell her that there was nothing ever wrong with her. Tell her that she was so proud of her.

 

"Me too, Mamá. Me too." Julieta whispered, her eyes teary, she wiped her eyes.   "Maybe if I was there an hour earlier then...She-..she would be—"

 

"Don't force yourself, Mija." Alma said softly. When Pedro died, she wasn't there to see it as she ran away with the triplets in her hands. But, Mirabel quite literally died in Julieta's arms. Only fourteen and would never make it to her fifteenth birthday. “…It’s not your fault.” 

 

The conversation died down from there, standing in comfortable silence.

 

After Mirabel's death, things would never be the same.

 

They were glad to say that things would never be the same. They would never want to repeat the same mistake.

Notes:

I have 30 unfinished drafts for this book

Chapter 18: Yandere!Mirabel

Summary:

Just Yan!Mirabel being…herself.

“Without you, My life means nothing!” Mirabel cried out to her, gripping the knife in her hand. “So just say you love me!” 

 

“No! Stay away from me, you crazy bitch!”  Leah yelled.

 

”So what if I’m crazy? All the best people are.”

 

It wasn’t no secret that the Madrigals was strange, no, beyond strange. They were people of high status, they always go what they want, who they want.

 

If things didn’t go their way…well things didn’t end well for the people.

 

Out of everyone in the Encanto, Mirabel’s eyes landed on her, Which wasn’t good. Mirabel was the only one with a gift, which means she was harmless. Right? 

 

Wrong. You could consider Mirabel two-faced. She only acts nice to get what she wants and he works every time. She has her family to back her up.

 

But, right now, it was just Mirabel, who was carrying a knife. 

 

She always knew in the back it her mind that Mirabel had her eyes on her. She saw how Mirabel’s eyes lingered on her a little longer. The twisted smile that was brought to her face when seeing her. And that undeniable blush on her face.

 

Right now, Mirabel was looking crazy.

 

“Maniac? I’m doing this for you, for us!” Mirabel laughed. “Now stop running from me, love~!”

 

“I’m not your love!” Leah scowled angrily. “You giftless freak!“

 

That seemed to stop Mirabel out of her crazed state for a second. Her expression was placed with slight hurt. 

 

Leah had almost stopped for a second, but she knew better. Soon as Mirabel saw that Leah wasn’t falling for her little act, her face formed into something else.

 

“Freak?” Mirabel questioned, her voice low. “You think I’m some giftless freak!?” Mirabel growled, gripping the knife tighter.

 

Leah didn’t say anything, she knew she was already dead. That a certain Madrigal is always listening in to everyone conversations.

 

Suddenly Mirabel threw the knife as hard as could, hitting Leah directly in her leg.

 

Leah let out a gasp of pain, falling to the ground with a thud.

 

She couldn’t move her leg, even if she did, she could feel the crushing pain and the blood surging onto her leg.

 

She heard Mirabel walk up to her.

 

“I only wanted what’s best for you. What couldn’t you go along with what I had said? It would’ve been so much easier.” Mirabel muttered, crouching down to look at Leah’s face.

 

The knife wasn’t too deep in her leg, but enough to call cause her to stay there. Mirabel gripped the knife’s handle, before pulling it out quickly. Making Leah scream as blood spilled out the wound.

 

“You could’ve been a Madrigal, could’ve been a person of high status if you loved me back.” Mirabel said, clicking her tongue.

 

“I- I don’t love you!” That only made Mirabel more upset.

 

“You could’ve pretended, that what a smart person would do.” Mirabel stated, eyeing the bloody knife. “But no. You decided it be stupid. A fucking pain in the ass.”

 

Leah whimpered softly, trying to ignore the tears that was welling up in her eyes.

 

“Don’t you understand? I’m only doing what’s best for you.” Mirabel stated, with half-lidded eyes. Leah was just so… perfect….Well she only need some adjustments to be made. She was so beautiful, perfect addition for the Madrigal family.

 

“You killed my friends! My parents!” Leah called out.

 

“They were stealing you away from me.” Mirabel stated. “And.. I couldn’t just let that happen.”

 

“My parents were stealing me away from you!?” Leah cried out in confusion. How the hell was her own parents, that gave birth to her, was going to steal her away from Mirabel!?

 

“Your parents are a different story.” Mirabel said. “They were in debt to the Madrigals. And us Madrigals doesn’t take people in debt too lightly.” 

 

Leah pales, her parents were in debt? From the Madrigals? What the hell did they do?

 

“Luckily, I convinced them to let you go.” Mirabel grinned.

 

“I would rather die.” Leah said, making Mirabel frown.

 

“Don’t say that.” Mirabel gripped her chin, bringing her close, their faces inches apart. Leah could smell Mirabel’s sweet breath.

 

She had a feeling about what Mirabel was going to do next. And she wasn’t fond to it because she wasn’t even interested in girls!

 

Mirabel pressed forward, forcing Leah into a kiss. To Leah surprise, Mirabel’s lips was softer than what she had imagined.(Not that she thought of how Mirabel’s lips would feel like) She hated that it was so natural for her to lean into the kiss and close her eyes. She didn’t see Mirabel looking at her with half-lidded eyes and smirking. It didn’t take long for Mirabel to pull back, Leah breathing heavily.

 

Mirabel licked her lips, smiling at Leah’s faces look. “Good girl.” Mirabel purred, and Leah could still taste Mirabel on her lips.

 

Leah frowned. “Why won’t you kill me already?”  Leah hissed in pain, as Mirabel applied pressure on her injured leg.

 

“Dear…oh my sweet, naive girl. I would never kill you.” Mirabel smiled, gripping her chin, making her look at her. “You’re mine. I wouldn’t dare hurt you or even kill you.”

 

Leah growled. “You threw a knife at my fucking leg! Is that not hurting me?” She cried out.

 

“No, no of course not.” Mirabel purred. “I was only punishing you.”

 

“…Punishing me, like I’m a dog?”

 

Mirabel’s smile widen, making Leah’s heart drop.

 

“That’s not a bad idea, dear.” Mirabel muttered to herself. “Maybe I could put a leash on you. Keep you close to me, exactly like a dog. I’ll have my very own human pet like my Tía Pepa. ” Mirabel grinned at the thought of Tía Pepa  and her bonding.

 

Leah shuddered at the thought, before something hit her head, causing her vision to black.

 

“Mhm…sleep well dear because It’ll be the last time that you’ll ever sleep peacefully.” Was the last thing she heard.

Chapter 19: What If Bruno & Mirabel Switched Bodies?

When Bruno woke up, he didn't expect to be to see himself in the nursery. Or even in a bed. (How was he in the nursery?)

 

He felt so cold, he shivered. (Was it always this cold in the nursery?)

 

His vision was blurred, at first he though that maybe his old age was catching up to him. Or that it was due to the face of him just waking up.

 

He rubbed his eyes, was his hand's always this soft? 

 

No, they weren't. Even through his blurred vision, he could see that his hands was much more smaller and I'm healthier condition. Did he shrink? No, that was practically impossible for him to shrink like this. Unless he randomly gets shorter as he grows older. But, he wasn't that old. Fifty was still pretty young, right?

 

He sat up and felt a surge of pain through his neck. This bed was small for him.

 

He let out a groan, expecting his usual hoarse voice. Instead came out was a more feminine, young voice. One that he could easily recognize as Mirabel.

 

He panicked, instantly turning around for the voice. "M-Mirabel?" He she stuttered out in shock, only to hear the voice again. Why was Mirabel saying her own name and where was she?

 

He didn't like this.

 

He licked his chapped lips nervously, and decided to say something again, to test his theory, "La Familia Madrigal?" As expected, a quiet feminine voice spoke out again.

 

He decided to take a deep breath before looking in the mirror. Instead of seeing Bruno Madrigal, he only saw Mirabel. He was in a body, that wasn't even his, what made it worse was that it's his niece.

 

Bruno got nervous, he starting rapping his knuckles on the wooden walls. The repeating knocking sound, echoing in the nursery. He couldn't stop. He needed to get rid of the bad luck. Maybe if he kept doing this then It would all turn out to be a horrible dream? (But, what was so horrible about being Mirabel?)

 

He didn't know that he was knocking on the wall, until someone came in.

 

"Mira—...bel." Camilo said, looking at Mirabel, who was still in her pajamas, knocking on the walls rapidly, muttering something to herself that he couldn't identify, and having this dazed(tired?) look in her eyes. Oh, it's been a while since he seen Mirabel without her glasses.

 

Yep..this is also something that he would see in his nightmares.

 

"I'll be back..." Camilo muttered, as he left out the room and a second later he entered.

 

Mirabel(?) looked at him, with a timid(scared?) expression.

 

"Are you sleepwalking?" Camilo questioned with a raised brow, as Mirabel(?) was quite literally sweating nervously and cracking her knuckles.

 

"N-no...of course n-not." Bruno stammered, squinting his her eyes at Camilo, before avoiding it. He remembered the last time he talked to Camilo, that was ten years ago. Oh how Camilo had grown. He was a perfect copy of Félix and Pepa, and took Pepa's trait of mischievousness.

 

"Do you need me to get Tía?" Camilo asked worriedly looking at Mirabel, who was still avoiding his gaze and looked like she wanted to be anywhere but here.

 

"No!" Bruno exclaimed, flinching at Mirabel's loud voice coming out of his mouth. He did not want to see Julieta, not that he disliked her anything, it was just because he couldn't handle seeing her and interacting with her.

 

Camilo looked taken back by Mirabel(?), but he couldn't help but confused as Mirabel(?) looked more taken back by her own words. Mirabel(?) was chewing nervously at her bottom lip.

 

"L-lo Siento, sobr— C-Camilo." Bruno stuttered, once again knocking on the wooden surface. "I didn't mean to..yell."

 

"..Are you okay?" Camilo asked hesitantly, going over to Mirabel's dresser and grabbing her glasses for her. "You're not yourself when you don't have your glasses." He said, handing Mirabel(?) her glasses.

 

Bruno grabbed them and clumsily put them on her(his?) face. He could see much better now. He couldn't help but feel sorry for Mirabel for waking up with such blurry vision.  ".. Gracias.."

 

Camilo couldn't help but frown. He didn't understand why Mirabel was acting like that. Did she have a nightmare that caused her to be that shaken up? He never knew that Mirabel could be so..down. Even when Mirabel was sad, she never bothered showing it, which he deeply hated.

 

"Camilo! Mirabel! What's taking so long?" A voice called from downstairs.

 

Camilo looked back at Mirabel, who he noticed was trembling lightly. She looked so timid, so scared of…what exactly?

 

"..You should probably change into your usual clothes." Camilo stated. "Abuela wouldn't like you showing up in pajamas."

 

Bruno didn't say anything, only nodding as Camilo left the room.

 

Right he needed to change— wait. Hell no. He realized that since he's Mirabel, he's now a she.

 

He did not want to deal with girl's problems and seeing his niece's body.

 

That's right, he simply just won't see. Bruno took off the glasses and set them on the bed. He went to the closet to see what clothes and decided what he would wear for the day.

 

—

Bruno was done changing, even if it took him quite a while.

 

He was very impressed by himself. He(she) was wearing a white blouse, with red strips at the end of her short sleeves. He(She?) had put on a dark blue dress which had a yell and blue stripe through it.  Bruno liked the skirt very much, he never saw Mirabel wearing it though. She mainly wore the one with almost everyone's symbol on there.

 

He had expected the long skirt to be uncomfortable, but instead it was comfortable. It was just there, it wasn't too tight or too big on him.

 

He swayed the skirt around. (Maybe he would try a skirt on one day in his own body?)

 

He also saw a green skirt and blouse shoved in the back of her closet. He didn't know why she had that in there, but wasn't going to question it. He would've put it in, but that would've made things obvious.

 

"Mirabel!" A voice called out.

 

Just like that, his fun was over, his own nervousness took over him. He looked at himself in the mirror. His nervousness never fit Mirabel's face quite well, His(Her?) face looked uncomfortable and awkward.

 

Bruno let out a sigh, before he made his way downstairs. As he saw a bit of his family, he felt regret swelling up in him. He should've stayed in the nursery until this was over.

 

Once he(She) was fully downstairs in view for her family. 

 

"Oh, Mirabel you're he—..here."

 

One by one the family looked at him(her).

 

"...Oh? You're wearing something different." Alma spoke up first, she didn't know what to say about the new look. It wasn't a major change, but she never thought Mirabel would wear that skirt again. (As the girl once complained that the skirt was too plain for her to wear. The adults chuckled as Mirabel started working on another skirt)

 

"Y-yeah.." Mirabel stammered nervously, which caused Julieta and Agustin to exchange a look with each other.

 

Dolores however was frowning, having a confused expression. She was listening to Mirabel's heart, which was beating much too fast for the younger girl. 

 

"Did something happen to your other one?" Félix asked.

 

Bruno shook his(her) head, smiling awkwardly at Félix. "N-no...I just wanted to try something..new."

 

Isabela raised a brow at Mirabel(?), who was only picking at her food, taking small bites out of it. Mirabel was already weird, but to be acting weirder was...weird. She could see that one of Mirabel's hands was clenched on her skirt. Mirabel had this one look on her face, one that could be described as Anxious and scared. Mirabel was even avoiding everyone's gaze as if she the prey and they was the predators.

 

"Bruno!" Antonio suddenly exclaimed, looking directly at Mirabel(Bruno) which caused them to freeze at the sudden mention of his name. 

 

Bruno dropped his fork on the plate, as Pepa had a cloud rumbling over her head.

 

Pepa had made sure that that name wasn't spoke near Antonio. She was sure that Antonio didn't even know who he is.

 

“Bruno.” Antonio repeated, pointing exactly at Mirabel(Bruno), who eyes widen.

 

“No, Antonio— we don’t say that name.” Camilo said with a nervous smile.

 

“Mhm..” Bruno hummed, with an awkward smile, resisting the urge to knock on wood. 

Pepa still had a cloud over her head at the mention of his name. — and Bruno just couldn’t resist say thing this,

 

“It looks like rain.” Bruno said to himself(herself?), looking at the growing cloud over Pepa’s head. Dolores heard what Mirabel(?) said, making her raise a brow at those poor choice of words.

 

Pepa’s lightning struck dangerously close to Mirabel(?) after hearing those exact words, making Bruno jump back.

 

Bruno nervously grinned seeing where the lightning struck, which was close to his feet. He probably would’ve gotten struck by it, if he didn’t move back. And— he knew that lightning and human skin did not go well together, it was painful. Not that painful, since he grew used to it. But, it probably would be painful for Mirabel’s body.

 

But, hey! He loved teasing Pepa back in the past! It was definitely worth getting struck by lightning!

 

“I…definitely deserved that.” Bruno muttered, his— her heart beating fast.

 

Pepa’s eyes widen as the lightning was struck close down to her niece.  Who looked at where the lighting struck with widen eyes, with a glint of fear excitement?

 

“Mirabel—“

 

“I’ll..I’ll be back!” Mirabel(Bruno) exclaimed before rushing out the kitchen, leaving them in silence.

 

He needed to find his body!

 

Pepa felt her heart drop at Mirabel’s panicked look. One that someone could describe as scared.

 

…

 

“I’m sure…she’s just surprised.” Félix said, trying to cheer up Pepa.But, he wasn’t so sure with seeing how Mirabel was acting.

Chapter 20: Remember When…

Notes:

September went by really fast, could’ve sworn that September just started a few days ago😭

"Remember when Casita fell down?" Julieta asked her youngest daughter, she was grateful that Mirabel had made it out alive. She was also less stressed without her gift and could spend more time with her family, and Bruno.

 

"It's hard not to remember." Mirabel grinned, using her hands to wipe her glasses, which was foggy and had dust on them. "Everything happened within two days."

 

"I was so scared that you wouldn't make it." Julieta sighed. "I'm glad you did. I would never be able to live with myself, if you never made it out." Julieta chuckled quietly.

 

Mirabel's expression went blank as her breathing slowed down, a tight frown on her face.

 

"You can't keep doing this."

 

...

 

"What?" Julieta said confused, her laughing coming to an end.

 

Julieta squinted her eyes at Mirabel, who looked different from a second ago. Mirabel looked more...lifeless...not present or paying attention.

 

"Mom, You need to let me go." Mirabel stated. "It wasn't your fault, what happened wasn't avoidable."

 

"What are you talking about—"

 

...

 

Everything went blank.

 

Mirabel wasn't there anymore.

 

It was like she was talking to thin air.

 

...

 

Julieta's hands started trembling, she suddenly remembered. Mirabel did die that day, she was crushed under the falling debris.

 

"Mirabel..."

 

"Mirabel..."

 

"Mirabel!"  Julieta yelled out, rushing into the ruins of their beloved house. This can't be happening!  "Mirabel, where are you!?”

 

Bruno's tower fell. The house was destroyed. The magic was gone.....Mirabel was gone!?

 

It didn't take long for the rest of the family to come rushing in after her, screaming out their daughter/sister/niece/cousin/granddaughter's name.

 

She couldn't lose her youngest daughter, she already lost her brother. Oh god. She could only hope Casita save Mirabel. She can't lose Mirabel. She wouldn’t be able to cope with that. She had already lost one of her children before they were even born. She couldn’t lose another child.

 

Abuela stood there in shock as she saw Bruno's tower fell onto Casita and Mirabel. She could only pray to god, that Mirabel was safe. She knew she was harsh to Mirabel, but would never wish death on her own granddaughter. If…If she didn’t make it out, it would be her fault.

 

"Mirabel?!" Camilo yelled looking through the rubble for Mirabel. He couldn't lose Mirabel. He just can't! She was his favorite Prima! They were practically twins! Who is going to help him steal food at night if she's gone?! Who's going to help him prank people, if she's gone?! She just can’t be gone! Where is she!?

 

Isabela started to look for Mirabel under the rubble also. How could Mirabel die now? She had so much ahead of her?! Just as they were getting along, Abuela came in and started to accuse her of ruining the family. There were cracks everywhere. Mirabel went to have save the candle. Both Isabela and Camilo tried to save Mirabel and get her out the house but they failed. Their magic failed them. Maybe if she was more focused on Mirabel instead of trying to be perfect, Mirabel would be alive? What is she thinking!? They haven’t even found Mirabel yet and she’s already thinking that Mirabel didn’t make it.

 

Luisa stared in horror as she was looking through the rubble. She needed to find Mirabel. She needed to be strong one more time…at least for Mirabel. If she couldn’t protect Mirabel, then what’s the point of her gift?

 

Dolores could only stare in shock and fear. She couldn't hear Mirabel. She couldn't hear Mirabel's heartbeat. She couldn't hear Mirabel's breathing. But, she also lost her gift. Maybe if she had her gift than she can hear Mirabel's weak breathing. Just anything to tell that Mirabel's alive.

 

"Mi Amor!" Julieta cried out loud as she held Mirabel's body close to her. Mirabel was still alive..she was breathing weakly but alive.

 

What happened? Why is mamá crying?

 

"Mi Amor, open your eyes! Please.." Julieta cried as the rest of the family approached her.

 

I can't feel anything..I feel so numb.

 

"I'm so sorry!" Isabela cried, falling to her knees, as couldn't protect her younger sister. Spending most of her whole life not getting along with Mirabel.

 

Please..don't feel sorry for me..I ruined the magic.. I just wasn't good enough..

 

"Just open your eyes please! I can make you all of your favorite foods! Please..open your eyes! I love you from the bottom of my heart...just open your eyes. I'm so sorry that you didn't feel like you weren't enough. Just..open your eyes for me..please.." Julieta cried, hugging Mirabel closer as tears were going down her face.

 

..Mamá..? It's not your fault..it's nobody's fault...please don't cry 

 

It started to rain, but it wasn't from Pepa since..well the magic is gone. 

 

"M-mamá?" Mirabel said her voice coming out barely as a whisper as she opened her eyes. Everyone and everything was a blur. She didn't have her glasses, that’s probably why everything was blurry. A mix with tears, dust, and blood.

 

"Mi amor! You're going to be fine! I swear.." Julieta said desperately, as she finally saw Mirabel open her eyes.

 

"S-sorry.." Mirabel muttered clinching onto her mother tighter as she laid her head onto Julieta's shoulder. 

 

She felt weak....numb..

 

"It's not your fault, Miraboo.." Agustin cried, even when she’s near’s death door, she still feels as if she’s at fault.”…It never was your fault.”

 

She was tired..sleepy..what if she took a nap?

 

"....I...I'm...sleepy.." Mirabel said as she felt something dripping from her head.

 

Blood? When was she bleeding? Why was she bleeding?

 

"No! No..don't close your eyes! You can go to sleep as much as you want later! If you go to sleep now, then who's going to help me with my pranks?!" Camilo exclaimed, tears falling from his eyes as he desperately tried to keep Mirabel’s eyes open and keep her distracted from the pain she probably felt.

 

Mirabel laughed at what Camilo said. She was just going to sleep, she can help him with his silly pranks as much as he wants, once she wakes up. 

 

"I.. I can't see..where's my glasses? I c-can't see a-anyone." Mirabel muttered with a weak smile on her face as she tried to get out of her Mamá arms, only to be held in place.

 

She really was trying to keep her eyes open but it was getting difficult.

 

Julieta was placing kissed all over Mirabel's forehead not caring about the blood on her face, while saying apologies.

 

"..keep your eyes open..please, Mira." Luisa muttered as she was crying, realizing that Mirabel's time was almost over.”I love you so much.”

 

"I......can't." Mirabel said looking at the ground as she noticed she was surrounded in blood. Her blood. That's was when she realized.

 

She was losing too much blood to survive now. Is this what it feels like to die? They say it was peaceful to die..but she didn't like it. She didn't feel no pain, just numb. The only thing hurting  her, was how her family members was crying. She hated how they were showing pain expressions. Even without her glasses she could notice that.

 

She looked up behind her Mamá's shoulder to see Bruno standing there in shock.

 

I'm sorry tío Bruno, that I've failed to save your tower. That I couldn’t save the Miracle. I'm sorry that you couldn't live out the walls and greet your family.

 

As she was looking at Bruno within her few breaths. Someone was standing by the side of Bruno.

 

Abuelo—

 

That’s when she took her last breath.

 

And that’s when Julieta remembered that Mirabel would never come back. That she would never see her precious daughter again. That this was another one of her hallucinations.

She let out a cry of agony, it’s been a few months since Mirabel died and she could never get her out of her head. She wouldn’t want Mirabel out of her head, she wouldn’t want to forget her either. 

Notes:

I have a part two for this, it’s Original!Mirabel(Who survived Casita collapsing) Meeting Dead Mirabel’s Family.

Chapter 21: Pushover

"Get out of my way, freak!" A guy snarled, pushing Mirabel.

 

Mirabel was on the ground after being pushed, the townspeople looking at both of them worried.

 

Not for her. Of course not. 

 

Mirabel could defend herself. 

 

She wasn't just some pushover, just because she's kind and goes out of her way to help everyone. But, She definitely wasn’t a pushover.

 

One thing that Mirabel hated was People thinking that they could step all over her. Thinking that they were better than her. That go out of their way just to do things...like that.

 

"Excuse me?" Mirabel scowled, standing up and wiping the dirt off of her skirt and looking at the guy that pushed her.

 

Oh..wasn't this interesting?

 

The one who pushed her was Manuel Rodríguez, the 'player', who dated multiple girls at the same time, without the girls knowing about each other. Also bring banned from a few shops because he was caught stealing. He already has a bad reputation and was known for His bad anger issues.

 

"ExCUsE mE?!" Manuel mocked, not noticing the way that Mirabel clenched her fist. "You were in my way, idiot."

 

"What?" Mirabel sputtered, looking confused. "You're telling me I'm in your way, when you could've went around me or say excuse me, or matter fact, just go a different way!" 

 

"It's not my fault that you were standing still like an idiot!" Manuel scowls at her.

 

"Standing like an idiot? I literally stopped moving for ten seconds. You went out of you way to push me— which wasn't even necessary!" Mirabel yelled.

 

"Don't fucking yell at me!"

 

Next thing you know, was that Mirabel was back on the ground. Her hand over her mouth and nose.

 

That definitely caused some townspeople to walk up to him. Especially—

 

"That's enough!" Mariano yelled at Manuel, quickly grabbing him by his collar. It didn't make it any better that Manuel was her age and  Mariano would no doubt hurt someone that hurts her.

 

"Hey- hey dude- I was just kidding!" Manuel said like a coward, his feet off the ground as Mariano had a scowl on his face.

 

"Punching her in the face is kidding? That's what you call a joke?" Mariano snarled, gripping his collar tightly.

 

The best part was that none of the townspeople made a move to stop him. Not because they were scared of Mariano..maybe they was a bit but..They didn't move to stop him because Manuel brought this upon himself.

 

"Mariano, It's fine.  I'm sure it was an accident." Mirabel said softly, as Mariano looked at her.

 

"Punching someone in the face isn't a accident, neither is busting their lip." Mariano stated, looking at Mirabel with a worried expression. 

 

"I'm fine Mariano. Let him down." Mirabel smiled warmly.

 

Mariano hesitated for a minute, before Mirabel gave him a knowing look, making him drop Manuel to ground.

 

"Go." Mariano scowled, and Manuel didn't waste a second before he ran off like a coward.

 

Mirabel lips curled up into a sly smile. 

 

"What do you have in mind?" Mariano finally asked, knowing that familiar look, when the Madrigals had a mischievous plan in mind. He experienced it many times with Dolores,  Camilo, and Isabela.

 

"I just can't wait to meet Sra. Rodríguez." Mirabel grinned.

 

Mariano let out a fond sigh before gaining a smile. "Let's get you some of your mother's food first. Then you can meet her."

 

"Already planning to."

 

---

Manuel was on his way home after hours. He definitely was going to get revenge on that Mariano guy. He'll get his older brother on him.

 

Manuel let out a cough, as the tingling taste of alcohol burned his throat. Once the bottle was empty, he threw it on the ground. He'd make sure that his mother would never figure out about his drinking habits.

 

He made his way home, he knew that his mother would be worrying about him. Maybe, he could convince her that Mirabel and Mariano ganged up on him. Yeah, that'd work.

Maybe he’s get his friends to gang up on Mariano also.

 

He opened the door and went inside of his house, taking off his shoes. He didn't hear any footsteps, maybe his mom was sleep? Good.

 

As he made his way to the living room, he froze.

 

"Would you like to explain anything, Mr.Thinkyourebetterthaneveyoneelse!?" Elena Rodríguez, His mother yelled, soon as he got inside.

 

On his couch, was Mirabel.

 

Sitting there with a basket of food, smiling kindly, as she waved at him innocently. Looking at like an innocent, pure, kind child that every parent wanted to have.

 

"M-mom?" Manuel stammered, looking between Mirabel and his mother. "What is she doing here." He hissed, not even trying to hide the venom in his tone.

 

"Do not speak to her like that." Elena warned, glaring at him. "I can't believe you would do that— actually I can with what you're doing nowadays!"

 

"What?! I did nothing wrong!" Manuel exclaimed.

 

"Do not speak to me like that, young man. You're lying straight to my face." Elena scowled.

 

"But Mom—"

 

"Don't 'Mom' me. Mirabel told me all about what you've been doing. How you've been cheating on all these girls and stealing. Worse of all, hitting her. I expected better out of you! It seems that I can’t even trust my own son!”

 

"You're really going to believe her over your son!?"

 

"You'd expect me to believe you when you've been doing all these things?! Also some of the townspeople confirmed that they specifically saw you put your hands on her, young man! Is that enough proof!?" Elena snarled, glaring at her son.

 

"They're lying, Má!" He whined.

 

"Lying? You're telling me that all these people have something against you— that they made up a plan to get you in trouble?"

 

"Yes!" Manuel exclaimed desperately, as Mirabel hid her snickers.

 

"Do you realize how wrong that sounds coming out your mouth? You're lying to me again. Mariano also came to me and told me what you did. Mariano is a kind, honest man and can't lie to save his life. You already have a bad reputation— why do you keep making it worse? Where did I go wrong?”

 

Manuel started stammering out words, trying to defend himself against this false evidence.

 

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Señora. It’s just that Manuel chooses his to do what he wants. You’re a very good mother.” Mirabel stated.

 

Elena smiled thankfully towards Mirabel before turning back to her son.

 

"One thing that stood out to me— was that, you hit her because she tried to confront you about the girls that you cheated on. Then you got mad that you were being exposed, so you punched her. Is this how I raised you, Hijo?”

 

Manuel eyes widen at that statement. Mirabel definitely wasn't trying to confront him, but he did punch her. So, where is his mother getting this other information from?

 

"I— she wasn't confronting me!"

 

"Then why did you punch her, Manuel?! What went through your head to hit a girl? I taught you not to hit girls. Unless it was in a life or death situation— and this isn’t a life or death situation. Is it?”

 

He went silent, as Mirabel smirked.

 

“Exactly.” Elena scowled. “Tell me, Manuel. Why did you punch her? I’d like to hear it out of your mouth since you didn’t punch her because she confronted you. There must be an other reason then.”

 

…

 

“Well?”

 

“Can you stop rushing me!?”

 

“Manuel, is it that hard to tell me the truth?”

 

“Well maybe it’s because you’re a terrible mother!”

 

“What?!”

 

“Yeah, I said it!”

 

“I did my best to raise you without your father! I wanted you to have a normal life even if you didn’t have a father figure! I taught you anything that deadbeat wouldn’t had taught you! You—…oh who am I kidding? Arguing with my own child, who doesn’t know when to stop? Things had changed. You have changed, Manuel. One day, you’re going to make a big mistake that even I can’t help you with. That’s why I want you to stop. But, no matter how many times I tell you, you just don’t listen.”

 

“I don’t want you controlling my life!”

 

“Did you not hear anything I said?..I see where you get your arrogance from.”

 

“Don’t compare me to him.”

 

“I only want what’s best for you, but you’re making it awfully difficult.”

 

 

“Best for m—!?”

 

—

 

The arguing continued for a few minutes, after it was finally over, they both stood in silence.

 

Mirabel definitely should’ve brought popcorn.

 

Elena let out a sigh, before looking at Mirabel.

 

"I'm sorry you had to hear all of that, Mirabel.  I'm also sorry that my son did that to you." Elena frowned, looking back at Mirabel, who didn't look bothered at all. "Manuel, I'm sure you didn't apologize yet. So, apologize right now."

 

"It's fine, Sra. Rodríguez." Mirabel smiled warmly. "I'm sure it's hard for you to raise a complicated son, while being a single mom. I believe that he can change if he tries hard enough."

 

Elena gazed softened at Mirabel, before looking back at her son. "I'm so glad that you have a friend like Mirabel. She's a good kid. Why can't you try to aspire to be like her?"

 

Manuel face dropped before scowling, fortunately not saying anything to cause more arguments.

 

"Oh yeah, Sra. Rodríguez!" Mirabel exclaimed, standing up before Elena left out to room.

 

"Yes dear?"

 

"I brought you some sweets and food!" Mirabel said, holding the basket to her. Her smile grew bigger at Elena's surprised face.

 

"Oh, for me? You really are an angel."  Elena smiled warmly, grabbing the basket of snacks and food from Mirabel.

 

Manuel clenched his face his mother and that devil interacted.

 

"I also brought flowers for you." Mirabel said, holding out some flowers. Smirking at Manuel once Elena was not looking at her.

 

"You really shouldn't have, Mirabel..these are really beautiful."

 

"Well I got beautiful flowers for a beautiful lady." Mirabel winked, as Elena laughed.

 

"I didn't expect you to be a flirter." Elena chuckled. "Also I'm too old for you."

 

"And?"

 

"Oh—?"

 

"That's enough!" Manuel exclaimed, as Mirabel and Elena chuckled.

 

"Thank you for the food and flowers once again. I'll be back." Elena smiled. "Manuel, behave."

 

Manuel scowled that his mother was treating him like some dog.

 

Mirabel kept grinning even after Elena left the room.

 

"You." Manuel scowled.

 

"Me." Mirabel repeated with a chuckle. "Also, you should lower your time. Wouldn't want your mother hearing you. Would we?"

 

"Why the hell did you tell her, you fucking snitch." Manuel growled lowly.

 

Mirabel laughed a little, her eyes shining with mischief. "You're funny. Did you really think I was going to let this slide? You dumbass."  Mirabel smirked. 

 

Manuel looked surprised to hear Mirabel swearing. 

 

"You wouldn't have gotten out scott free either way."   Mirabel smirked."I hate people who think they can step all over me."

 

"You- you lied to her!"  Manuel stammered angrily. “You wasn’t confronting me!”

 

"So?" Mirabel deadpanned, looking uninterested to where this conversation was going.

 

"Hah! I'll tell them!" Manuela grinned victoriously.

 

Mirabel didn't looked scared at all, she only smirked. "Tell me, who would they believe. Me, a sweet and innocent girl. Or you, a guy who steals and cheats on girls. Oh! Did I mention that you also hits girls?”

 

...

 

"I think the answer is pretty clear." Mirabel smirked, as his face paled.

 

"Your cousin is hearing this, I'm sure of it! She would—"

 

"You'd think she'd listen to you instead of me?" Mirabel laughed. "Dolores already knows what's happening right now and she wouldn't waste her time on you. She's my cousin for a reason. You brought this upon yourself."

 

"You- you-"

 

"You- you-" Mirabel mocked. "Can you not speak?" Mirabel scowled. 

 

He couldn't, not with the way Mirabel was looking at him. As if he was her prey and he had just been caught. As if she had just caught him crying on his knees in pain.

 

"Also, my Familia, especially my Mamá wishes to see you at Casita today." Mirabel said causally, making Manuel's heart drop even more. "Don't be late, Manuel. They only want you, not your mother. It's starts in about two and a half hours so..be ready." Mirabel smirks cruelly.

….

 

”Well, I bet you’re listening now. Aren’t you?”

 

Manuel words was stuck in his throat, he didn't think that Mirabel would even tell anyone. Or that it would go this far.

 

Mirabel put back on a innocent smile as his mother walks back in. "See you at dinner then~!"

Chapter 22: Bitter Thoughts

Mirabel watched as her family took a family photo without her.

 

She wanted— she tried her best to grab her family's attention, for them to wait until she's there to take the picture with her.

 

None of them waited, actually, none of them even noticed.

 

Mirabel stared from afar, her hand over her broken heart, she didn't know if she could play pretend anymore.

 

Mirabel couldn't help but wonder,

 

"Am I invisible?"  Mirabel said under her breath, she didn't know whether to be surprised or not, when even Dolores didn't look her directions. Even with super-hearing, Dolores still never heard her. Or she just never bothered to listen out for her.

 

She desperately wanted to make her family proud.

 

Should I just let it go?

 

Out of everyone in the Madrigal family, Mirabel stood out, as the giftless one.

 

Nobody what she did, nothing seemed to grab their attention, today and in the past years. Nothing seemed different.

 

She wondered if they would ever see what they did to her. Would they ever see how much they ignored her? Pushed her aside? Pushing her heart to the side so easily? The exact way they did to Bruno.

 

Mirabel wasn't going to lie, she was losing faith in them. Losing belief that they actually cared. 

 

She bends herself backwards for her family! She doesn't expect anything in return, she shouldn't. 

 

She shouldn't have to do all this extra work to make her family proud, but here she was. She wakes up early and wakes them up daily. She does her best to make sure they're in a cheerful mood. She goes out in town and helps around, doing things that the Madrigals deemed as unimportant. She babysits children. Sews clothes for people in need. Sings and play the accordion for the village. 

 

And the things she get in returned is only a simple, disappointed glance!?

 

As if she did something wrong.

 

Mirabel wasn't the one to usually think bitter thoughts. But, having built up anger from the last ten years and being excluded from the family photo, was her last straw.

 

She just doesn't see what was so special about them with their gifts.

 

Her Abuela was giftless just like her, the same with the village. The only thing her Abuela does is hold the candle. So why was they treating her as if she was below them!? As if they were better than her!? They're really hypocrites. All her Abuela does is hold the candle, and the ‘candle holder’ is only a title, not a gift. Her Abuela runs the whole family into exhaustion and she doesn't even believe she does. Oh, but she's the terrible Madrigal? 

 

Her mother's gift is helpful and all, but there's a doctor for that. She can't imagine how the doctors of the Encanto must feel, being practically useless because those in need always goes to Julieta. Though, her mother could only heal physical wounds, not diseases or fevers. Paper cuts? Easily could be gone with a band-aid, a little pain won't kill you. Bruises? Maybe if they didn't get in a bar fight, none of this would happen. It's only a matter of time for Julieta's gift to be useless.

 

Her aunt doesn't even want to do anything with her! The only time she's actually talking to her is when Antonio is the topic. Which usually means for Mirabel to take care of him. Her gift is practically a disaster! Having a cloud over her head, she doesn't know her Pepa deals with her emotions being displayed with a cloud. That sucks, not being able to hide your feelings because there is a cloud hovering over your head.  Though, the village could water the crops without her gift, instead of Pepa being sad. They could wait for the sun to shine. They don't need her gift as much as they think they do.

 

Her Tío Bruno, well she doesn't remember much about him besides he was her uncle and have the gift to see the future. That did sound pretty cool.  He also did nothing wrong for to her.

 

Isabela could grow flowers. So what? Anybody could plant flowers! Sure it may take a while to plant, but her gift isn't that special. She didn't understand how Isabela could grow the same thing and not get tired of it. She didn't bother thinking of it that much. Isabela practically hated her and she didn't even know what she did to make Isabela hate her! Isabela had everything and she always found a way to torment her, right under Abuela's nose! Honestly, Isabela could shove those perfect flowers up her ass.

 

Dolores could hear over the entire Encanto, yet she acts like she can't hear Mirabel. To Mirabel, that gift was more of a curse. Imagine trying to focus on one thing, but you can't because of all the other noises. There was more drawbacks on Dolores gift than it helped her.

 

Luisa, she practically lifts the entire Encanto with her super strength. If she isn't careful, she could probably do more harm than good. The villain could be perfectly fine without Luisa's gift. They could easily repair the fence and make sure the donkeys doesn't get out, instead of causing all this unnecessary hard work. And why the hell is your house even leaning over? They don't need Luisa's gift as much as they think they do. 

 

Camilo, she wouldn't consider this gift anything special. All he does is shift into different people. Sure, that may be useful if you needed to be taller or shorter. She'd feel bad if people always wanted someone else instead of her. She didn't really care because everyone wanted someone else instead of her, all the time. To her, Camilo just had a shitty personality. They don't even get along as they did years ago. Sure, he grew up and made friends. That doesn't mean he has to outright avoid her and ignore her, when he's with his 'friends' because he doesn't want her to embarrass him in front of his friends.

 

A girl only has so much patient until it runs thin. That was Mirabel right now. 

 

Mirabel thoughts was interrupted when she heard a loud shatter, as if glass fell. She turned her head and looked to see one of Casita's tiles on the ground.

 

Mirabel walked over to the tile and picks up the roof tile to check it out, accidentally cutting her palm, making her grunt in pain.

 

Mirabel suddenly trips over her own feet, the tiles moving on her own.

 

"Casita?" Mirabel mummers In confusion, looking at the tiles, where cracks started to appear on them. 

 

Her eyes widen as the tiles spread furthermore from the utmost of Casita. The cracks getting worse, even spreading upstairs.

 

She looked at the doors, Isabela's and Luisa's door flickering rapidly, the cracks following.

 

Mirabel looked over, seeing that the cracks wasn't just over her sisters doors, they were over all of the doors. All of their doors flickering. Mirabel watched as the cracks led up to the candle, the fire looking like it was about to wear off.

 

...

 

Mirabel first thought was to go tell her Abuela and everyone about what she saw. Instead, she stood there, processing what she was seeing. She could still hear people partying.

 

It wasn't even a minute later, until the cracks started to fade away.

 

Mirabel frowned, if she had told her Abuela, she would've definitely embarrassed herself. She definitely wasn't going to question whatever that was.

 

She's glad she didn't.

 

It's not like her Abuela would believe her anyways.

 

She made her way towards to the kitchen for a spare arepa, to heal her injured palm.

 

She bit the inside of her cheek, chewing at the side of her cheek.

 

It just wasn't fair.

 

She didn't understand the appeal. Why do they want to please the village so much? What did they even do for Alma to think that? They're not even special. 

 

Mirabel saw her mother inside of the kitchen, currently having a conversation with some random.

 

Mirabel grabbed an arepa, she didn't want to start a conversation with her mother. Not when she's having these terrible thoughts.

 

"Oh, hija, what happened to your hand?" Julieta asked, a concerned expression on her face, looking at her youngest daughter's bleeding hand. Whatever had happened to her hand, sliced through her palm like a knife.

 

"...I just cut my hand, nothing your gift can't heal." Mirabel muttered bitterly. Though even she knew that there was some wounds that even her mother can't heal. Especially when it's mental scars.

 

"¿Está todo bien?" Julieta asked, picking up the unusual tone from Mirabel's voice. Stopping her conversation with the villager, the guy, fortunately getting the hint, and walking away. "What happened?"

 

Mirabel couldn't help but scowl, even her mother didn't notice she wasn't in the picture. She really blended in with the shadows. Does she really care or was it just a show?

 

"I'm fine," Mirabel stated, taking a bite out of the arepa, watching as the wound closed back up, leaving only blood stains. "There's nothing to worry about, Mamá." Mirabel said, waving her hand dismissively. 

 

Julieta frowned, she knew that today was a rough day for her daughter, the first ceremony in ten years. She wanted to comfort her daughter somehow, but she just didn't know how to. Mirabel seemed to be distancing herself from the family more and more lately. Mirabel would avoid her affections...Mirabel was more stressed than she thought.

 

Julieta kissed Mirabel's forehead. "It'll all be alright," She promised. 

 

We both know that's bullshit.

 

"Just because Antonio got his gift, doesn't mean I'll forget you," Her mother always seemed to be reading her mind. "I'll love you either way."

 

Would you really? Even when I'm thinking all these negative thoughts? Right now, all I'm hearing is your sweet lies.

 

The longer Mirabel stayed with her mother, the more bitter thoughts she was having.

 

"I..I really need to go, Mama. I'm tired." Mirabel muttered, pulling away from her mother's hands, not noticed the way Julieta's face dropped.

 

“…Alright, Que tengas una buena noche de descanso, amor.” Julieta mummers, as Mirabel walked away, she wasn’t even sure that Mirabel heard her.

 

Julieta couldn't help but wonder what happened to her sweet Mirabel. The one that always had that cheerful look on her face. She knows that there are some days when the girl is sad. But, days shouldn’t turn into weeks, and weeks shouldn’t had turn into a month.

 

…

 

Mirabel made her way to the nursery, passing the candle, that was shining so bright. She scowled unknowingly.

 

If it weren't for the candle, than everything would be normal. She should've let it go ou—

 

Mirabel stopped her thoughts with a gasp, surprising herself with her own thoughts. 

 

She never once thought about destroying the candle, getting rid of the Miracle. There was always a first for everything.

 

Mirabel let out a sigh, maybe she really needed to lay down and try to get rid of these bitter thoughts. 

 

They always ended when she woke up.

Chapter 23: I’m Only Human

Mirabel watched her family take a picture without her, smiling.

 

She turned around and walked away, not wanting to stay there any longer.

 

She didn't understand.

 

Why was she so different from them? Besides the obvious.

 

Her father and uncle are giftless, so why is she getting treated differently.

 

She would do everything for her family, just for them to see her, to be proud of her.

 

She remembered staying awake for days to finish her skirt, with all of her family symbols. Well, besides her other uncle.

 

She remembers faking smiles and forcing laughs around her family and some people.

 

She would do anything.

 

If they asked her to go get something from the other side of the Encanto, she would do it.

 

She would hold the weight of the Encanto, if they asked. Even sacrifice herself. Just to be a good daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin.

 

But, there's something that they don't seem to understand.

 

She's only human, just like them. She bleeds red, when she falls down. When she crashes, she breaks down. She emotions, she feel sad sometimes. She feels pain just like them.

 

Do they not know how their actions are affecting her? Are they too caught up in their minds to notice?

 

Do they think just because she's always happy, that she'll never break down and will always get through it?

 

She's only Mirabel.

 

...

 

She...could only take so much, until she's had enough.

Chapter 24: Running Away Doesn’t Always Goes As Planned

Notes:

I realized at the end of the story that they can't exactly go to the river without the mountains splitting.(I think so) So let's just pretend that they can go to the river, just for this one-shot :)

Mirabel was selfish.

 

So fucking selfish for doing this.

 

But she didn't care.

 

She couldn't bring herself to care.

 

She was different from her family. Being different wasn't a good thing.

 

She failed to get her gift like everyone else in the family. It was truly devastating for a five year old girl. Everyone around her was whispering, confused on what was happening. Why she didn't get a gift?

 

She was naive. A naive little girl to think that things would stay the same. 

 

She was shunned away. Invisible to their eyes.

 

Her Abuela was like a different person, Mirabel didn't think that her Abuela even loved her. She always gave her that look of disappointment before looking away from her. Her eyes distant, she giving her a look, that she hates. She was nonexistent to Abuela when she wasn't in sight. As if she wasn't her granddaughter.  She felt as if she was a ghost every time she's with the family. Only there to sleep and eat. It's almost as if she didn't belong. She believes it too.

 

Her Parents still loved her, but they were often busy. She knew they loved her. Even if they were too busy doing something else and paying attention to her sisters. It's fine. It's completely understandable. She's just Mirabel. She doesn't need any help. Any reassurance that she's just as special as everyone else. That she doesn't need to prove anything to anyone. That she shouldn't have to. It fine. Who would want a daughter who does nothing the family? When you have two other daughters, one strong and one perfect. She understands.

 

Her Tía Pepa and Tío Félix was another story, they still loved her. But, it seemed as if they were avoiding her, as if she was a plague, ruining everything she touch. They were also busy most of the time. They were only worried that if she stayed around Antonio too long, that he would be affected by her disease. That he wouldn't receive a gift, like her. It's understandable.

 

Her Prima Dolores, she never understood Dolores. She was always quiet and she couldn't predict what her cousin was thinking. She wasn't so sure about Dolores. She also avoided her and didn't seem to want to be in the same room as her.  Maybe, even looking at her with pity. Which she hates. Her cousin hears everything, which means she hears Mirabel crying at night. She can't comfort her. She knows. It would only be a waste of time. She understands.

 

Her Cousin Camilo, he's...different. They were close when they were younger. Now that they're older, they're not. More like strangers that live in the same house. They rarely even talk to each other anymore. She understands. He grew up, of course he did. He has a gift, she doesn't. Why would he want to hang out with Miracless Mirabel? He has friends, he's popular. He has no time to hang out with her as they used to. She understands. It was almost as if she was never there to being with.

 

Her oldest sister, Isabela. They were close when they were young..but as they got older, their relationship got rocky. Their conversation only being scowls and harmful words. She doesn't know what her problem is and she probably won't find out. It's pretty obvious that Isabela hates her to the point that she couldn't stand staying in the same room as her for a while. She understands. She can't stand herself either.

 

Her other older sister, Luisa. They're not close.  Luisa's too busy to hang out with her. She understands. At least, Luisa always apologizes when she can't hang out. At least, she can't be disappointed with Luisa because she already expects her to cancel out because she's busy. She understands. She really does.

 

Everyone can't expect Mirabel to stay optimistic for so long. 

 

She's tired. And she doesn't know how long she can stay awake for.

 

She doesn't know made her decided to run away or what was the final straw. Was it Antonio receiving his gift? Or was it her not being included in the family photo?

 

Maybe she was being dramatic, but she feels as if she's not apart of the family. 

 

She doesn't remember the last time being included in family photos. The last that someone hugged her. 

 

It didn't matter.

 

She needed to leave.

 

To leave before anyone noticed that she was gone. She doubt that they would after all they didn't notice that she wasn't in the family photo.

 

She ran.

 

She kept running and running to go anywhere but the Encanto. Anywhere away from her family, a magical house. 

 

Mirabel didn't have a chance to pack anything. She was in a rush. If she stayed any longer, she would've changed her mind. She hopes that she survives in the wildlife.

 

She could see all the stars burning in the dark sky. So many of them, all of them looking just as beautiful.

 

As she ran, she caught some scratches and cuts. It wasn't nothing much. She experienced worse pain, a scratch is nothing compared to a broken bone.

 

Tears fell down Mirabel's face as she ran. She would miss them. She knew she would. She can't simply erase them from her mind, it wouldn't be easy.

 

It was dark. 

 

She couldn't see much, even with her glasses. So, she avoided falling into holes and bumping into trees and not to step on anything dangerous.

 

In about twenty minutes—

 

Mirabel eventually made it past a wave of trees, a river up ahead.

 

It looked beautiful.

 

Mirabel put her hand in the water, she was thirsty.

 

She wondered if the water was dirty, It wouldn't be healthy to drink it.

 

As the water was in her hand, some of the water dripping back down into the river.

 

The water looked fairly clean, as if it was fresh water. But, looks are not as they all seem.

 

She desperately wanted to drink the water. But, she didn't.

 

She wanted to start moving but she was far too exhausted from running about thirty minutes.

 

After resting for five minutes, she just and started moving again, the river seemingly being the only way to go.

 

"Mirabel!" A voice yelled out startling her and making Mirabel turn around, her eyes wide.

 

"Dolores..." Mirabel mutters, taking a few step backs in the river, the water going up to her ankles.

 

Mirabel had never heard be Dolores so loud, so worried for someone. Dolores eyes was widen and her lips was trembling, she also had some scratches on her arms.

 

"Mirabel..what are you doing? Why are you here?" Dolores asks, looking concerned, but knowing.

 

Mirabel's breath hitched, taking another step back as Dolores took a step forward. Her pupils dilated and body slightly shaking.

 

"Mirabel..Prima," Dolores said softly, her eyes filled with tears and lips trembling, her arms reaching out for Mirabel, despite the long distance between them two. 

 

"We can go home..both of us...You're scratched up. You don't need to do this. Por favor. No necesitas hacer esto." Dolores whispered.

 

"I can't. Oh Dios- I can't.  I can't stay. You all would be better off without me.." Mirabel said, her voice shaky, tears running down her face and choking on her sobs

 

"No! No, we wouldn't. We need you Mirabel. I need you Mirabel." Dolores said.

 

"..Why- why would you come here? Why didn't you stay at there at Casita..Please, Dolores let me leave. I can't stay here any longer. Please. I-I can't go back." Mirabel cried.

 

"I came because of you. You were gone and I got worried..you were silent. Too silent. I couldn't hear anything from you at all for a while. Mirabel. I had to listen to your heartbeat within all these noises. please, you can't go. If you were to go, then I'll be so lonely." Dolores cried, taking another step towards Mirabel, her foot entering the cold water. Which apparently was the wrong move.

 

That apparently alerted Mirabel, making her look at Dolores foot which was submerged in the water, Mirabel looked ready to run.

 

Dolores ears was ringing, she was sure that they were bleeding too from all the noises. She didn't care. She would endure all the pain just to make sure Mirabel was safe and home. She could worry about the pain later, once everything was okay.

 

"Lo siento. I'm so sorry- Prima, please. Come to me. Please. Te amo, Mariposa. ¿Por favor? I'm so sorry- please, Te amo. Don't do this. Please, don't run away from me.  No te mereces esto. No te mereces que te pase eso." Dolores said, tears running down her face.

 

Mirabel broke down, her knees giving out, her glasses falling off her face and crying into her hands. Dolores ran towards Mirabel, not caring how wet her dress was getting. Mirabel was her main priority.

 

"Mirabel- Mira, Mi Prima. Tell me. Please tell me what's wrong? I'll fix it for you. Why- why would you want to run away?" Dolores asked, bringing Mirabel into a tight hug, Mirabel crying in her shoulder.

 

"I'm..I'm giftless. I'm different from you all, I don't belong in the family. It would be better if I was gone—"

 

"Don't you ever say that again, Mirabel Madrigal. Just because you don't have gift doesn't mean that you're not apart of the family. Gift or not, you're apart of the Family Madrigal. We all love you. Don't you ever say that again. Everyone would be worried if you suddenly disappeared." Dolores said, hugging Mirabel more tightly.

 

"Don't lie..you all don't care about me. They wouldn't notice if I disappeared. You all ignore me, treat me as a ghost. As if I'm a stranger. I just want to make them proud..Abuela couldn't love me..if she tried.  I'm not good enough. I'm not worth enough. She wants to the best, so sorry that's clearly not me..this is all I can be...Please Dolores...please, I'm so tired." Mirabel cried, shaking in Dolores arms.

 

"I care about you Mirabel. We all do. I regret that I didn't show it enough. Show that I appreciate you. You're my cousin, my youngest cousin. You make me proud. You always put a smile on the townspeople's kids face, Antonio's face. You put a smile on my face. You make your parents proud, even if you don't know. Also, Mirabel you're good enough. You shouldn't have to prove yourself. I love you the way you are. You're amazing— actually much more that I can't describe!" Dolores exclaimed, laughing through her tears.

 

Mirabel couldn't speak properly, crying into Dolores shoulder, saying words like thank you and apologizing.

 

"Mirabel, please don't apologize. It's our fault. Our fault that we treated you to the point that you wanted to run away and I'm sorry. " Dolores mummers. "Please don't accept my apology, right away. Those are only words. I want to make it up to you through actions."

 

Dolores could feel Mirabel's trembling lip on her shoulder, her tears and the water messing up both of their clothes.

 

"I- you probably think I'm jealous-...for doing this on Antonio's night." Mirabel muttered.

 

"No! No, of course not. I understand!—Well I don't, but I want to understand. This just was the final push for you. I don't think you were jealous. You helped Antonio up to the door, knowing how hard it was far you. You had a rough day Mirabel. If you were jealous, you would've tried to sabotage the day. You didn't push Antonio down the stairs. You didn't try to open the door for yourself. Or did you show some hatred towards Antonio when doing it. Therefore, I don't think you were jealous, Mirabel." Dolores said, rubbing Mirabel's back.

 

Mirabel didn't say anything, only trembling in Dolores arms.

 

"Also..please don't run away. I've been running around for thirty minutes, if you were to go. I would not be able to catch you." Dolores stated. "Don't get any ideas."

 

 

...

 

She didn't know how long she stayed there with Mirabel in the river. It was dark to the point that she couldn't see anything but the outlines of the trees. But, it didn't matter. She stayed there with Mirabel and let her let out all of her tears, to the point that she couldn't cry anymore.

 

Both of their eyes was red from crying, they're clothes was completely soaked and their hair was dripping wet.

 

"Can we get out of the river? It's cold. I don't think I want to stay here any longer." Mirabel said softly.

 

"Of course." Dolores smiles, gently standing Mirabel up first, then standing up herself.

 

They stood in silence for a few seconds- minutes(?) Before, Mirabel face flushed red, her lips trembling.

 

"Mirabel? ¿Estás bien?" Dolores asked, looking concerned.

 

"Uh- I'm sorry- again." Mirabel said, looking away.

 

"I told you that it's fine. It's okay to feel things like this. You're a human, like everyone else. You can only take so much..until you had enough. Remember that I'm here for you, Prima." Dolores said softly, with a warm smile.

 

"Not that.." Mirabel muttered.

 

"Oh?"

 

"You might catch a cold. I'm sorry." Mirabel apologized, making Dolores eyes slightly widen before chuckling.

 

"I'd rather be sick then be far away from you, Mirabel."  Dolores said, winking at Mirabel.

 

"Oh! Your ears?! Are they okay?" Mirabel asked, looking concerned, seeing dried up blood on Dolores ears.

 

Dolores looked surprised, reaching up to touch her own ears. "Oh wow. I'm fine. I didn't feel any pain when talking to you. I'll just eat an arepa, which you also need to do. I also have..water in my ears." Dolores deadpanned.

 

Mirabel still looked concerned, before Dolores ruffled Mirabel's curly hair making the girl laugh.

 

"Even though I hear everything, even though we live in the same house— I realized that I don't know much about you, Mirabel. Tell me, what do you like?" Dolores said softly. 

 

Mirabel  genuinely looked shocked that she asked that. Dolores swore that she would protect Mirabel, starting today and the rest of her life. Something that she should've been doing from the beginning.

 

"I..I like dancing, singing, and playing the accordion. I love butterflies, they're so cute. I love sewing, I'm good at it now. I like helping others, taking care of Antonio and the other children. I also love vibrant colors, Casita, our family. I- uh also like hugs. What about you?" Mirabel said, looking embarrassed while saying that, but also relieved.

 

"What do I like? Hm. I also like dancing and singing. I like poetry and romance. I like helping others and expressing my feelings. Even though parties are loud, I also like them.  I love Tía's food and I love tranquility.  I also love our family and Casita. I also happen to like  hugs." Dolores says with a smile and a raised brow. "So, how about it? Give your dear Prima Mayor an embrace? Hm!"

 

"Maybe when we're not wet." Mirabel chuckled. "Then I'll gladly give you many hugs."

 

Dolores had a mischievous grin similar to Camilo, which Mirabel did not like.  

 

"C'mon Mira—" Dolores smirked, holding her arms out.  "Bring it in! Give your cousin a hug!"

 

"Y-You're too cold! I also need to find my glasses—" Mirabel exclaimed taking a step back from her older cousin, who was smirking.

 

Dolores walked towards Mirabel and engulfed her in a big hug, making her squeal.

 

"We're both wet already. What's wrong with getting more wet?" Dolores asked, wiggling her eyebrows with a smirk on her face.

 

"Everything!" Mirabel exclaimed. "Why are you so strong!? You sure you don't have super strength!?" Mirabel laughed.

 

"I get it from Mama" Dolores said, putting Mirabel on her back, making the girl whine.

 

"I do not like the feeling of wet clothes mashed together!" Mirabel exclaimed, making Dolores laugh.

 

"Sorry Miraboo, you're going to have to bear with it." Dolores snickered, the both of them finally getting out the river.

 

"Miraboo? Please never call me that again." Mirabel groaned.

 

"Why not?" Dolores asked, an amused look on her face.

 

"Papá already calls me that, Isabela called me that before when we were young. That name is only preserved for him." Mirabel said playfully.

 

"Hm. Noted." Dolores hummed. "I guess that I'll have to give you a nickname myself then."

 

"I'll expect it then."

 

"I definitely can't call you Mira or Mariposa since those nicknames are already taken." Dolores said.

 

"You're serious?"

 

"Of course. It's unfair that everyone basically has a nickname for you. When we were younger, you had nicknames for everyone. Yet, you don't have a nickname for me. I feel hurt." Dolores said dramatically.

 

"I do have a nickname for you, just like everyone else. I just don't say it anymore, it's the same with the rest." Mirabel muttered.

 

"Really? What's mine? I don't think I remember you giving me any nicknames." Dolores said, interested in what type of nickname Mirabel came up for her.

 

"You probably don't remember because I was young. I call Antonio, Toñito. Camilo was Cami or Milo. Luisa was Lulu. Isabela is Isa. I don't bother calling some of them that because we grew out of it." Mirabel said with an amused look.

 

"What's mines?"

 

"Lola. Your nickname was Lola." Mirabel said shyly.

 

"Lola?"

 

"Yes." Mirabel said, getting embarrassed.

 

"Call me that again."

 

"...Lola."

 

"Again."

 

"..Lola..."

 

"Again—"

 

"What's the point of this?" Mirabel asked, with a raised brow.

 

Dolores looked at Mirabel with a serious expression, which made her nervous.

 

"Mirabel, my pure little cousin. You're my favorite. From now on, call me Lola. Be my hermanita." Dolores said in a serious tone, catching Mirabel off guard.

 

"..It's just a nickname..? I also don't think I can be your sister without Tía Pepa adopting me."

 

"That can be arranged."

 

"What?"

 

"You were always closer to our family then theirs. I can still be your older sister." Dolores grins. I know Isabela wasn't much of sister figure but to you. Dolores wanted to say.

 

"Sure, it's not like I have much of a choice. I'll be your sister." Mirabel said, with a fake annoyed look, making Dolores grin.

 

"Wonderful."  Dolores grinned. "But now, we need to head back to Casita."

 

"Yeah..." Mirabel mummers. "How far did I exactly go?"

 

"I'm not sure. But, it's to the point that my hearing is dimmed...Which is probably not a good sign." Dolores said, it was probably the quietest it had ever been before her gift ceremony.

 

"I should've brought an lantern." Mirabel sighed, shivering. Cold Weather and Wet clothes does not go together at all.

 

"Yeah..." Dolores sighed. "It's not your fault though."

 

Mirabel wanted to say something, but decided not to, remembering what Dolores said earlier.

 

"Mirabel, I have a question." Dolores said, avoiding the rocks, trees, and anything that can harm Mirabel or her.

 

"Hm?"

 

"Did you know what time it was, when you left?"

 

"Around...eight? I think." Mirabel muttered.

 

"Mierda.. I mean Miércoles! Miércoles is what I meant to say. Don't repeat that word." Dolores exclaimed, looking shocked by her own words.

 

"I'm fifteen."

 

"Exactly, still not pass eighteen. So, you can't swear around people. Maybe in your mind, but not aloud." Dolores said.

 

Mirabel let out a sigh and smiles. "This is the most that I heard you talk."

 

Dolores chuckled. "I think it's because our voices isn't really reaching my ears."

 

"Okay, that's a good thing, isn't it?" 

 

"Yep." 

 

"That's good. But, I still need my glasses. My vision is blurry and it's worse since it's night."

 

"Crap." 

 

"Yeah."

 

"We're not finding those until we have some light. Can you spend a day without your glasses?" Dolores asks worriedly. "I could get you new ones. Unless you want to find them in the morning."

 

"Hm, that's if we find them. I'm pretty sure that my old glasses are going to be lost by then. So, I'm okay with getting new glasses, as long as their green." Mirabel smiled.

 

"Green?" Dolores questioned, one of many things that she noticed about Mirabel, is that the only green she wears is on her face. Which is well..different, since her colors are cool tones. But Mirable was always different, in a good way.

 

"It's a mix of blue and yellow, which is our family's color combined. I thought it'd be cool." Mirabel explained. "I also wear green to represent our Tío Bruno. I don't really remember him, to be honest. But, I think he would find it nice to see someone wearing his color, if he came back."

 

"That's actually really nice of you to try to include everyone. The same with your skirt, which has everyone symbols of their gifts. Well besides him." Dolores smiled warmly.

 

"I try my best to stay kind."

 

"If only people knew what you sometimes say in the nursery." Dolores snickered.

 

"Don't tell me, you've been listening to what I say and do in the nursery.."

 

"You have a lot of patience, Mirabel. Not everyone can stay positive for so long." Dolores said. "You also throw one hell of a punch."

 

Mirabel didn't say anything, her face flushing up in embarrassment.

 

"What would you do without me?" Dolores chuckled fondly.

 

"Run away, probably."

 

...

 

"...Mirabel, we should get you to therapy after this is over."

 

 

—

 

"Where's Dolores?" Camilo asked, as the family was now in kitchen, Sans Dolores, Mirabel, and Antonio, who was sleeping.

 

"Dolores not here?" Pepa questioned, looking at her son. "She should be here though." 

 

Julieta noticed that there was only eight heads, instead of ten eleven. "Mirabel's not here either." 

 

"Perhaps they went to bed early?" Alma suggested, but something Inside of her told her that she was wrong and something else was happening. She could only hope that her gut feeling was wrong. 

 

"That's plausible." Julieta frowned. It didn't make her feel better that her mother embarrassed Mirabel in front of the village. She needs to have a long talk with her mother after and one with Mirabel.

 

"Today's been a tough day for Mi Miraboo." Agustin stated. "I'll check her room."

 

Camilo resisted the urge to correct his uncle and say "You mean the nursery?"

 

"I'm sure it's nothing, Mi amour." Félix said, comforting his wife as he noticed that Pepa was getting worried.

 

"You're right. Maybe they both are in the nursery. Today has been a hard day for Mirabel and maybe Dolores had comforted her." Pepa said, stroking her braid, getting more anxious, she couldn't deny the feeling that something was wrong.

 

"Dolores isn't in her room or the nursery. Dolores never went back inside Casita when the everything started." Luisa stated. "I'm not sure about Mirabel's whereabouts, though." Luisa said worriedly.

 

"She's not in here either!" Agustin yelled, before anyone could talk. "Actually..the room is clean as if nobody's been in there."

 

That definitely didn't reassure Pepa and Julieta. First, Dolores was gone and Mirabel wasn't in sight.

 

"Maybe she's out in town with Dolores?" Félix suggested.

 

"This late?" Julieta asked, with a raised brow.

 

"She didn't tell anyone anything when she left the party?" Alma asked, now looking worried for her granddaughters, but covering with a calm look, she shouldn't panic. It would only cause the others to worry, which was already happening.

 

"If she was going away from the party, she would've told me or someone else!" Pepa exclaimed, panicking. "She knows how worried we get!"

 

"Oh my god." Luisa muttered, her eyes widen. "Mirabel wasn't even in the family picture! I don't even remember seeing her that much!"

 

"What!?

 

"She wasn't in the picture?" Agustin gasped, looking horrified. 

 

"You haven't seen her?"

 

"No-  she wasn't included." Luisa said, looking ashamed. "I only saw her when she walked Antonio to his door and..with the cracks."

 

...

 

"Something bad had to happen to them! Why else would they both disappear?! On Antonio's night too? What if someone kidnapped them?!" Pepa panicked, rain falling on them, which ultimately made Julieta panic also. Someone kidnapping Pepa's eldest and Julieta's youngest child for what reason!?

 

"Relax—"

 

"I can't relax when my niece and daughter is missing, Mamá!" Pepa exclaimed to her mother. "You're lucky it's only rain and not a hurricane!"

 

"Pepi—"

 

"This cannot be another Bruno incident.." Julieta muttered in despair. Luckily, nobody heard her as everyone was talking over each other.

 

"I'm sure, they're around here somewhere. Why would anyone want to kidnap them?" Agustin questioned, even though he was just as worried as his wife and sister-in-law.

 

"..Because they want gifts or a child with gifts!? Oh my god...someone took Dolores because she has hearing and she wouldn't be able to—" Pepa exclaimed.

 

"We are thinking too far ahead. Nobody in the Encanto would do that." Alma said sternly.

 

"We don't know that." Camilo shrugged, trying to comfort his mother, but only making the weather worse, making him back off.

 

"Camilo, that was not the right choice of words to say." Isabela glared.

 

"What? I'm right. Not everyone is the Encanto is kind. Some of them are creeps and rude. You know that yourself." Camilo huffed in anger.

 

"Still...don't say that. I'd rather not think that my cousin and sister got kidnapped."  Isabela said sternly.

 

"Don't know why you're worried when you don't even treat her like your sister. If anything, she ran away because of you." Camilo muttered, making Isabela eyes widen in anger.

 

"Camilo! You fu—"

 

"Now is not the time to be arguing! We still have to find your sisters!" Alma exclaimed.

 

"We'll find them! I'm sure both of them went somewhere and forgot to tell anyone" Félix said, trying to lighten up the mood.

 

"Instead of panicking and discussing whether or not they got kidnapped. We need to find them before it gets too dark. They couldn't be that far. We need to grab food just in case they're hurt." Alma stated.

 

"It's dark as it is. We're going to need an lantern too."

 

"But, who's going to watch Antonio? We can't leave him alone." Pepa said worriedly.

 

"I'll stay behind. Casita and I will watch him." Alma said.

 

"Thank you." 

 

"I know we're not going to find them if we all stay together. We need to split up into groups of two or three." Felix said.

 

"Okay, Isabela with Agustin. Pepa with Camilo and Félix. Luisa will go with me."   Julieta said, trying to recover from her near-breakdown. 

 

"Two lanterns per group."

 

"Try not to go too deep in the Forest. We do not know what's lurking there." Alma warned.

 

"How will we know if one of us found them?"

 

"We'll all have an walkie-talkie for us to communicate when needed." 

 

"Sounds like a plan."

 

"It's forty-nine minutes past ten." Pepa said. "Who knows how long they've been gone.."

 

"The party started at seven o'clock."

 

"C'mon guys, we can't start moping now."

 

"Do I have to go in my dress? Can I at least change?"

 

"What other clothes do you have, anyways? I've only seen you in that lavender dress."

 

"..."

 

"Yeah, that's what I thought."

 

"Anyways...good luck everyone."

 

"...Couldn't we just have bring Antonio's jaguar?"

 

...

 

"That might be a good idea."

 

---

It felt as forever, even if Isabela didn't want to admit it. She was worried, worried that something might've happened to them.

 

Out of her family members Mirabel and Dolores are the most defenseless.  She would say Antonio, but he has a Jaguar now and a lot of carnivore animals. His animals would definitely protect him. She knows that her Abuela can kick ass, even with how old she is.

 

Mirabel was giftless and didn't take any fighting lessons or something to defend herself. None of them needed to or came to the point of needing to learn it.

 

Since, Dolores has enhanced hearing and she's gone, they can't simply find her. Dolores also didn't or need to take fighting lessons, leaving her defenseless. None of them knew what type of creeps were out there.

 

"It's going to be okay, Mija. We'll find them soon."  Agustin said, trying to reassure her.

 

"I'm not worried." Isabela said, rolling her eyes. "I just don't understand why they would go out this late, without telling anyone." Isabela huffed angrily making Agustin look at her disapprovingly.

 

"Isabela, your youngest sister and your cousin is missing. Who knows what could've happen to them." Agustin stated, with a frown.

 

"I think you're all overreacting. Why would someone take them on Antonio's ceremony. Why would someone want Mirabel and Dolores? If anything they ra—..." Isabela said, before stopping mid-sentence, her eye going wide. That was a possibility like Camilo said. For Mirabel to run away, she doesn't know about Dolores. Her papa did say her room was clean, as if no one was in there. Maybe, this was Mirabel's last straw and Dolores went away with her. Two Madrigals leaving? That wouldn't look too good for the Madrigal family.

 

"Running away?...why would they run away?" Agustín asked, as far as he knew, both of them was happy and wouldn't run away. He's not sure. His Miraboo did seem distant the past few days. But, Dolores? She was always so quiet, he couldn't tell what she was thinking.

 

"Uhm...I don't know." Isabela shrugged. Part of her wanted to say that Mirabel was selfish for running away, when she had it all, Freedom and out of their Abuela's eyes. Abuela didn't strive for her to be perfect. Why would she need to run away? Dolores though, it was unusual for her to run away. Maybe things got too loud and she decided it was enough and wanted to get rid of her gift?

 

Isabela may not had said anything, but Agustin knew, he saw it in her eyes, he knows her too well.

 

"Isabela."

 

"Y-yes?" Isabela said, her voice cracking, before clearing up her voice. "Yes?"

 

"Was there— is there anything going on between you and Mirabel?" Agustin asked. "Like you're not messing with her, right?"

 

"W-What?" Isabela chuckled nervously. "No, of course not, Pá."

 

"Isabela, I want you to be honest with me." Agustin stated sternly. He knew that this wasn't exactly the time to ask her. But, he was sure that he wouldn't get a chance to ask her this again. As Isabela is mainly with his mother-in-law, he rarely has a chance to talk with her. But, he really hopes he's wrong.

 

Isabela's lips trembled, which basically told him what he needed to know. But, he needed to hear it from his own daughter.

 

"Isabela."

 

...

 

"It was only harmless teasing!" Isabela blurted out. "You don't think that I'm the cause of Mirabel leaving, do you?"

 

Agustin ignored the second part. "What do you identify as 'harmless teasing', Isabela?" Agustin asked. 

 

"Uh—...y'know.."

 

"I don't see no point in lying, Isabela. Also, I do not know what 'y'know' is."

 

"Uhm...it's just a little bit of shoving, here and there, words are exchanged. Like regular sibling relationships!" Isabela exclaimed, with a trembling smile.

 

"Do you also do that with Luisa?"

 

....

 

That caused Isabela hesitate before closing her mouth.

 

"Do you?" Agustin repeated.

 

Isabela shook her head, "..No.."

 

....

 

Isabela expected to be yelled out, the only thing she got was a disappointed look, which was worse.

 

"Isabela, you're twenty-one and Mirabel's fifteen." Agustin sighed. "You're way too old to be messing with your sister like that. I'm not saying that teasing your sister is wrong. But, I have a feeling that Mirabel isn't okay with all this 'teasing' or she feels like this isn't teasing. I can't speak for her."

 

"I—"

 

"We'll speak about this in a more appropriate time, after we find Mirabel and Dolores." Agustin said, cutting her off. "What ever happened between you two? You two used to be so close...Actually, all of my daughters used to be so close. All of you, just..distanced yourself from each other. It's like all of you are more busy, every time I see any go you. You, you're always near your Abuela, not like it's a bad thing, it's like you two never separate. You're either making flowers or with your Abuela or Mariano. Luisa is either chasing after the donkeys or lifting something up. Mirabel..she's just all over the place. She's either babysitting kids, sewing things for people, singing and dancing for the village or...just trying to find a way to help."

 

"..."

 

Isabela remained silent, the only sound being them walking, stepping on leaves and sticks.

 

"I never see any of my daughters try to relax. What's up with that?"

 

"..We're all just...busy. What's the problem with that? Isn't it great to serve the Encanto? To fulfill the duties of the Encanto?" Isabela questioned.

 

Agustin frowned, he never really liked Alma's rules. How she has their family working constantly.

 

"I know you're all busy. But, what hard does it does if you take a few days off? They could last with your Mamá's cooking, Your sister's strength, Camilo's shapeshifting, your flowers, and your Tía's rain." He stated bitterly, not noticing Isabela looking at him, as if he had grown two heads. "The last time I hung out with all three of my daughters was when Mirabel was six. Which was nine years ago."

 

"..."

 

"Your Abuela think what she's doing is for the best, but it's really isn't." Agustin stated. "One moment you're single and the next day, you're getting engaged to some guy named Mariano. I've never seen you hang out with him like that, for you to actually be engaged."

 

Isabela frowned, but didn't say anything.

 

"...Do you even love him?"

 

That caught Isabela off guard, "W-what? Of course I like him."

 

"Like?"

 

"I mean love...I love Mariano."

 

"Are you sure, Hija?" He questioned suspiciously, looking at Isabela lose her composure and get more nervous. "There's a difference between like and love. I like your Tía Pepa, but I love your mother. There's no romantic feelings between your Tía and I, as I simply don't love her like your mother. There's a big difference between like and love. Love can also be platonically."

 

Isabela looked taken back from her father's speech.

 

"So, tell me Isabela. Do you truly love Mariano?"

 

....

 

"I—...."

 

—

Julieta frowned, her and Luisa yelling out Mirabel's and Dolores names.

 

She was fine, she was totally fine.

 

Everything was fine...

 

...

 

Who was going to believe that?

 

She wasn't fine, not when her daughter and niece is missing.

 

A family member disappearing on a ceremony. This was exactly another Bruno's incident, instead of one, it's two.

 

She felt despair.

 

...

 

She didn't understand and she wasn't sure Mirabel understood either.

 

She desperately wanted Mirabel to understand that she's apart of the Family Madrigal. That she belonged, giftless or not.

 

She would stand on Mirabel's side, whether she's shining or not.

 

Mirabel is her everything, so wonderful and magical. She doesn't know what she'll do if she doesn't find her.

 

She wants Mirabel to know that it's all in her. That having a gift doesn't define your person, your worth. She was sure that Mirabel could move the mountains, if she wanted. There's still time for Mirabel to bloom.

 

She begged Mirabel not to waste another night up in her room....Waiting on a Miracle. Because the Miracle is her. Not some gift, just her.

 

It's like she's always walking alone, wanting for more. What exactly? Looking for her Abuela's approval? She really did need to talk with her Mama. 

 

She knew it was a harsh day for Mirabel, waking Antonio to his door. Knowing that it'll take her back to that day, longing to shine.

 

Mirabel doesn't need to change, she loves Mirabel the way she is. She'll stay by Mirabel's side, no matter what. 

 

She doesn't need to keep 'waiting on a Miracle.'

 

Mirabel doesn't need to show the family something new. Mirabel always manages to impress her.

 

She's sick of Mirabel waiting on a Miracle, she wants Mirabel to open her eyes, and see what she sees. See exactly how special she is.

 

Mirabel's patient, and steadfast, and steady. She always walks with her head held high.

 

....

 

She wishes the miracle will bless them now, as it blessed them all those years ago and help them find Mirabel and Dolores.

 

She didn't realize she was crying, until Luisa gave her a look of concern.

 

....

 

 

—

 

If Dolores had to guess, she'd say they had been walking for over fifteen minutes, which wasn't a big deal to her.

 

"Lola?" 

 

"Yes Mira?"

 

"I see light, most likely people." Mirabel stated, pointing over towards the light, which was moving around, probably from a lantern.

 

Dolores tilted her head, her eyes widening, before returning to normal. "That's Mamá, Papa, and Camilo." 

 

"Finally.." Mirabel sighed in relief, she was glad that they were going the right way to see people. But, she was also worried." ..Lola?"

 

"Yes?"

 

"Can you...not tell them about me running away?..I don't want to make it a big deal." Mirabel mumbled.

 

There was a lot of things that Dolores wanted to say, like how it was a big deal. But, wouldn't, for the sake of Mirabel's trust. "Alright, I won't tell them." Dolores stated, making Mirabel smile.

 

They walked in comfortable silence for a few seconds.

 

"So...how about we do something?" Dolores asked, with a smirk.

 

"...Do something?"

 

"Surly they're looking for us. Camilo just happen to be our target. Let's get him to separate away from Mama and Papa for a moment and scare him." Dolores suggested, with a mischievous grin.

 

"And I thought Camilo was the only mischievous one." Mirabel sighed.

 

"It runs in the family!" Dolores grins. "So, we doing this or not?"

 

"Screw it..." Mirabel grinned. "Let's do it."

 

—

Camilo walked around, yelling out his sister and cousin's name. He'd hope that Dolores could hear him, all of them. He really hoped she wasn't in a situation where she couldn't use her gift...or left the Encanto.

 

That's when he heard a twig snap, making him turn his head instantly.

 

"Mamá? Papí?" Camilo questioned, just to see them in the opposite direction, looking around and yelling their names. They weren't near him, and the stick sounded close. 

 

Camilo let out a sigh, he's seen too many clichés about what happens, if he decides to go investigate.

 

He knew better.

 

He turned away and went to the direction where his parents was.

 

...

 

Well he tried to, until a hand reached down on his shoulder.

 

It couldn't be his Mama...he could see her in his view....It couldn't be his dad, he could also see him...

 

..Just Who?...

 

He looked down to see...

 

"Camilo."

 

Camilo let out a girlish scream, his eyes widening, before he closed his mouth shut, looking at Dolores and Mirabel.

 

"Y-you— what?" Camilo gasped, speechless.

 

"You scream like a girl." Mirabel snickered, Dolores chuckling.

The laughing didn't last long, before Camilo pulled both of them into a hug, hugging them tight.

 

"I...actually thought something happened. I'm glad you're both back."

 

They could hear the sounds of Pepa and Félix approaching, but they couldn't really bother to care in the moment.

 

They could worry, when they arrived.

Chapter 25: Doll On The Music Box

Mirabel sure where she was, she just ran and ran. She didn’t even know that this place was apart of the Encanto. Was she in the Encanto?

 

She wasn’t intending to run away, she just needed space.

 

And here she was, at some house, it looked abandoned.

 

Mirabel really shouldn’t have gone in the house, when her mother had told her a few times not to go in a stranger’s house. Could it really be consider a stranger’s house, if it’s abandoned.

 

♪ What do you see~? You people gazing at me~♪

 

Mirabel was startled from the singing. Someone was actually in here!? She just entered someone house!

 

♪ You see a doll on a music box~♪

 

…Maybe, she should stay a little longer, and find the source from the singing. Her singing was just so alluring.

 

♪ That's wound by a key~♪

 

Mirabel rounded the corner, to find an all white room, the only seemingly clean room in the abandoned(?) house.

 

♪ How can you tell~? I'm under a spell~♪

 

Mirabel saw a doll, a human-sized doll, it was dancing, sorta like a ballerina. Mirabel stopped to stare at it.

 

♪ I'm waiting for love's first kiss~♪

 

She walked closer to the doll.

 

♪ You cannot see~, How much I long to be free~♪

 

Should she touch it? Probably not, but curiosity always got to the worst of her.

 

♪ Turning around on this music box~♪

 

Mirabel went to touch the leg…it was weirdly hum—

 

♪ That's wound by a key~♪

 

Key? Does she need to like for a key? This is the second time the doll said that. Mirabel looked at the human-sized cage one again, seeing a lock on it. That answered her question.

 

♪ Yearning~♪

 

Mirabel started searching around for the key.

 

♪ Yearning~♪

 

Mirabel looked around the doll and looked in the dresser.

 

♪ While~♪

 

Mirabel made her way into the kitchen.

 

♪ I'm turning around and around~♪

 

The doll had a nice voice.

 

♪ What do you see~? You people gazing at me~♪

 

The doll was truly scrumptious, absolutely beautiful and life-like.

 

♪ You see a doll on a music box, that's wound by a key~ ♪

 

“Scrumptious a….” Mirabel words trailed off, as she caught sight of a bright light, from under the abandoned refrigerator. “..Whe..”

 

♪ How can you tell~? I'm! under a spell~♪

 

♪ I’m~! Waiting for true love’s kiss~! ♪

 

Mirabel reached down under the refrigerator, “Honest truly, you’re the answer to my wishes.” Mirabel muttered.

 

♪ You cannot see~ ♪

 

Mirabel smiled widen, when she grabbed the key.

 

♪How much I long to be free~♪

 

Mirabel turned back around, and went back towards the doll.

 

“Though, I may seem presumptuous.” Mirabel said to the doll, dazed. “…I..”

 

♪ Turning around on this music box, that’s wound by a key~♪

 

The doll singing started slowing down.

 

♪ Yearning~♪

 

“My heart beats so unruly.” Mirabel said, putting a hand over her heart. 

 

♪ Yearning~♪

 

“Because I love you truly.” Even Mirabel seemed shocked by her own words.

 

♪ While, I'm turning around and around~♪

 

Mirabel’s gazed soften, “Honest, I truly do.”

 

THUD

 

….

 

Mirabel was passed out in the ground, laying down in the occupied house. The doll’s gaze staring through her soul, a smile, that wasn’t there before, on it’s face.

Chapter 26: Doll On The Music Box — Part 2

Mirabel woke up, clutching her head in pain. "..Ugh, what happened?" She groaned, feeling a heading coming.

 

"You passed out dear." A feminine voice said, making Mirabel's eyes widen and look up.

 

It was the doll, looking very much alive, and looking down at her.

 

"You- you're the doll! You can talk!?" Mirabel screeched.

 

"Yes, I can also sing, also my name isn't 'doll.' My name is Daniela." Daniela stated.

 

"How?" Mirabel asked, trying her best not to panic.

 

"How?" She repeated, "You awoken me with your entrance and the key."

 

"...Huh, I guess I did." Mirabel muttered.

 

"What's your goal?" Daniela asked, making Mirabel look taken off guard.

 

"What? My goal?" Mirabel questioned, "Why?"

 

"You have awoken me and have no knowledge about me. Did you really come into a stranger's house without any knowledge about me and by yourself?" Daniela asked amused.

 

"Uh...yeah? Well not exactly, I just needed space." Mirabel said sheepishly. "I'm only fifteen years old, not a mastermind."

 

"Ah...I suppose I'll take your word for it." Daniela mummers, "Words of advice, you shouldn't go into a stranger's house again."

 

"Should I leave..?"

 

"No! I said strangers, and we're not strangers."

 

"Huh...?"

 

"You know my name, we're having a conversation. We're not strangers anymore, we're friends." Daniela stated. 

 

"Oh," Mirabel said surprised.

 

"That's how things work here, right?"

 

"I mean...I guess you're sorta right."

 

Daniela grinned, "Since you don't have a goal and I'm going to say that you're not working under anyone."

 

"What? No, I'm not."

 

"Good." Daniela said, as Mirabel chuckled. "Now why is it that you needed space? To the point that you ran into this house?"

 

"I admit..it might've been a bit dramatic." Mirabel said sheepishly. "It's just another day of me getting push away from my family. I know that they love me deep down inside..but it seems as if they don't care enough. It's probably pretty selfish of me." Mirabel frowned, before looking up in the sky. "They probably don't even notice I'm gone. I-I just wish things were the same as it was years ago. I just wanted my family to be proud of me, to be seen! It's like no matter what I do, they- they just don't notice me."

 

Daniela gripped Mirabel's chin, towering Mirabel's 5'5 body. "I can help that wish come true." 

 

"W-what?"

 

"If you kiss me, I'd help you in so many ways. I'll get your family to notice you, to be proud of you." Daniela smirked.

 

Mirabel looked at Daniela, with widen eyes. "W-what?" She sputtered out, her cheeks warming up. "K-kiss you?..me?"

 

"Yes, you. You're my savior, it's only right I save you." Daniela said, her gaze softening, holding Mirabel's hands into her own. "So, please kiss me."

 

"W-wait! I just met you—"

 

"—About two hours ago in human time."

 

"Two hours! Wait human's time!? How long have I've been passed out?"

 

"About ten minutes."

 

"Anyways, my point still stands! We just met and- and I- do I really need to kiss?" Mirabel asked.

 

"Yes, if you want me to be free. You can help me break curse." Daniela stated. "Then I'll fulfill my part and help you with your 'wish.' I can't truly be free, unless I fulfill your wish."

 

"...But I need to kiss you..What type of rules is that?"

 

"I didn't create them." Daniela said with a scowl. "Well..I kinda did, but it was fate. Do you want to know why?"

 

"Not really..."

 

"It started when I was back alive, I was a famous ballerina."

 

"I can tell."

 

"Once upon a time, a familiar story, a desperate guy needed fame and glory. He fooled everyone, including me. We went on a date, kissed me, and handed me a drink. Before I knew it, I was getting sleepy. No one ever asked how he rose to the top, or the woman on his side as he pushed her down. He payed for his behavior. But I stayed in my coma like state."

 

"So, my presence woke you up?" 

 

"Sí, the same as everyone else that came here."

 

"True loves kiss. Also, they didn't set you free?"

 

"I wouldn't consider it true loves kiss, I just need to be kissed. I only sung that because it matched with my song." Daniela grinned, "Some people are cowards, they take one look at the house and leave. Or they take one look at me and leave. Or they have other motives. They  look at me as if I'm el diablo. Which highly offends me."

 

"Oh...so, you're not a demon? No offense, but what are you?"

 

"I'm something far superior than those lowlife beings."

 

"Which is?"

 

"I can't exactly say." Daniela said sheepishly.

 

"Okay."

 

"You know, for someone who just been told that I'm not human or a demon, something superior, is really taking this well than others." 

 

"Oh trust me, I'm freaking out." Mirabel laughed. "I just learned to handle my emotions better, when it comes to shock. Also considering my family is magical, this can't really surprise me."

 

Daniela watched as Mirabel's face heated up, rambling over her own words. A very interesting reaction from a human, who had said that they could handle their emotions better, when it came to shock.

 

 

Wait...

 

 

"Magical?"

 

"My name is Mirabel Madrigal."

 

"W-wait, Madrigal?" Daniela squeaked out surprised. "You're one of them?"

 

"That I am." Mirabel said, "I never introduced myself, did I?"

 

"No you didn't," Daniela said still surprised. "Oh wow..you're a Madrigal. Interesting." 

 

"Is that a bad thing?"

 

"You never answered me." Daniela asked, ignoring the previous question.

 

"Hm?"

 

"Will you kiss me?" Daniela asked.

 

"Do you not want to kiss me?" Daniela asked, with a confused expression. "Everyone that was here before had at least found me attractive. Is that not the same with you?"

 

"No— ye- I don't know! It's- it's just because-"

 

"Because?"

 

"...Girls aren't supposed to kiss girls. My Abuela always told me that and the townspeople think the same too." Mirabel said in a hushed tone. "I- I can bring someone to you, if you want..?"

 

"No!..I mean no, it has to be the one that awoken me, which was you. Also, I don't see your Abuela or anyone around us. Why does it even matter if a woman kissed another woman? As long as you find them attractive and you like them. It's none of their damn business." Daniela scoffed. 

 

"You...you find me attractive?"

 

Daniela nodded, "Of course I do. If you kiss me, you'll set me free. When I'm free, I'll make sure to set you free." Daniela smiled warmly.

 

"B-but. we just met." Mirabel muttered, her face flushed.

 

"Love at first sight?"

 

"I'm not sure if this can be considered love at first sight.." Mirabel muttered, making Daniela let out a hearty laugh.

 

"You're right. Let's just consider this a deal..You'll help me and I'll help you, as friends. " Daniela smiled. "After that, we'll both part our ways. That sounds good, doesn't it?"

 

"I..suppose it does." 

 

"You making your family proud— to be seen in exchange for a kiss." She grinned.

 

Mirabel looked hesitant, before sighing. "That..that does sound good."

 

"I know it does."

 

"Okay then, here I go." Mirabel warned.

 

Daniela closed her eyes, leaning in close towards Mirabel, hands wrapped around her waist.

 

...

 

"Did- did you just?"

 

"There, I did." Mirabel said, blushing.

 

"You- you kissed my cheek!" Daniela exclaimed in bewilderment, her cheeks red, holding onto the cheek Mirabel kissed.

 

"I did. You said kiss, so I kissed you." Mirabel said sheepishly.

 

"On my lips," Daniela said, "I meant kiss me on my lips."

 

"Oh."

 

"Yeah..." Daniela said, "Maybe I should've made it clearer for someone dense. No offense."

 

"I've been called dense a few times, one more time won't hurt me." Mirabel sighed.

 

"I'd hope so."

 

...

 

"Can I try again?" Mirabel asked, an embarrassed look on her face. "Can I kiss you again?"

 

"Of course." She grinned.

 

This time, Mirabel was the one to pull Daniela into the kiss. Daniela leans down a few centimeters, feeling Mirabel's nose against her own, but after tilting her head a bit, she feels Mirabel's lips against against own. 

 

Their lips was quick to leave each other, the same way their lips had connected at first.

 

Daniela had said it to be a kiss, she didn't say a full-blown make out session. 

 

Overall, it was a quick kiss.

 

"You have soft lips." Daniela hummed. "How sweet."

 

"W-what?"

 

"Nothing, here's another words of advice, don't kiss strangers."

 

"..I-I'm getting mixed signals..are you warning me or??"

 

"Yes, you don't know the creeps out there that would take advantage of a naive girls like you. For example, what if I wanted to?"

 

"Then you've would've already." Mirabel shrugged.

 

Daniela smirked, "What if I like playing with my victims first before getting to the final course?"

 

Mirabel let out a thoughtful hum. "Then I must be truly naive then. But, you still have to fulfill your side of the deal. After all, we kissed. For you to be truly free, you need to complete my side of the deal."

 

Daniela's eyes widen a bit, before chuckling. "You used my own words against me, clever girl. You're right though."

 

Mirabel grinned.

 

"Well, I guess it's time for me to complete my side of the deal now." Daniela sighed, before smiling.

 

"How exactly will this work?"

 

"For this to work, I could go if I looked like you, to be passed on as you." Daniela said.

 

"Look like me? How?"

 

"I'm basically immortal, I can do anything I want to."

 

"Apparently you can't be free on your own though."

 

"Snarky girl." Daniela's lips curled into a smirk, "But, yes. I can be you, only with your permission. It'll only sting for a little bit."

 

"Sounds reassuring." Mirabel said sarcastically. 

 

"I'm targeting your family, aren't I?"

 

"Targeting?"

 

"I mean, I'm helping you with your family. The whole family or just some?" Daniela questioned.

 

Mirabel looked lost in thought for a few seconds. "It's kinda is my whole family, I just want to be noticed by all of them."

 

"Noted, everyone it is."

 

"Wait, besides Antonio! Antonio's fine, he didn't do anything." Mirabel hurriedly said.

 

"Who?" Daniela asked, "You might have to give me a rundown on your family."

 

"My little cousin, he's the youngest and shortest. He usually has animals around him. Isabela's the beauty, she's wears lavender. Dolores is the Brains of the family, she mainly wears red and has yellow on her dress. Luisa holds the family up and has super strength, you can tell who she is, once you see her. while Camilo's the jokester or prankster, whichever. He wears a yellow ruana, and is usually slouching, bad posture." 

 

Daniela's the brain and beauty— Daniela's holds the family up— Daniela's the jokester—Daniela sees right through me— Daniela's all that I need— Daniela's all that I need—Daniela's all that I need

 

"Wow...that's a lot of people."

 

"I'm not finished,"

 

"Huh?"

 

"My Abuela, she's the oldest out of everyone, you could usually tell who she is. My mom can heal you with a meal. My dad is really clumsy, and I think that bees has something against him. My aunt, her emotions control the weather. Her husband, Félix is always by her side, when she’s feeling under the weather. Pun included. I have another uncle, but I don't know much about him."

 

"What a big family you have, Mirabel." Daniela said amused.

 

"I've heard that so many times." Mirabel snickered.

 

Daniela stared at Mirabel for a few seconds, before her eyes started glowing, startling Mirabel.

 

"You come from the Madrigals, giftless. You just wanna be free like a butterfly, make them proud of you. I don't wanna waste much time. You've been pushed around by your Abuela, your sister, and your cousins. And if you don't do anything about it now, you'll be pushed around your whole life."

 

"..."

 

"Shake my hand, come on, Mirabel. Won't you shake your friend's hand? Don't be a stranger." Daniela said, holding out her hand.

 

It didn't take long for Mirabel to shake it.

 

"Yes!" Daniela cheered out.  "It's time for us to switch!"

 

"Thanks to me, everyone will see just how helpful you are!"

Chapter 27: Zombie Apocalypse

Notes:

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL

ENJOY!

The Encanto was filled with screams. Fire. Blood. And bodies of adults, children, even animals. Before it was...silent.

 

As far as they knew, Julieta, Pepa, and Bruno was the only survivors. 

 

It started with Alma, then Julieta, Pepa, and Bruno, Félix to Agustin, Isabela, to Dolores, to Luisa, to Camilo, to Mirabel, to Antonio....Now it was back to Julieta, Pepa, and Bruno. The original three.

 

But, she wasn't the only person to lose someone or more. 

 

They lost their whole family, it was only them three. The triplets.

 

The thing that was spreading around was Zombies.

 

It started hours ago.

 

---

 

"Hey? Are you okay?" Julieta asked the stumbling man, known as Andres, who was in front of her stand. Andres mumbled something. "I'm sorry, I didn't get that, could you repeat that? Do you need some food?"

 

Andres looked up..half the flesh was hanging from his lower jaw. His was breathing heavily, his eyes seemed..dead, no light shone in them.

 

Collective gasps rung out in the area.

 

"Dude—"

 

"Holy shit."

 

"What the hell was he doing for his jaw to end up like..that?"

 

"A freak accident."

 

"He needs to eat."

 

"Can he even eat?"

 

Julieta hurriedly grab an arepa, and shoved it to Andres.

 

Andres, however, had no intentions on eating. He lunged himself at Julieta, startling her and the people around. Blood and saliva dripping on her face.

 

"Hey!?"

 

Two men, Gabriel and Ricardo hurried to Julieta's side, pulling him off of her. 

 

"What the hell?" Gabriel scowled, holding the guy tight, glaring at him.

 

"Hey Señora Julieta, are you okay?" Ricardo asked, helping her up.

 

"Yeah, I'm fine..." Her voice trailed off as Andres bit into Gabriel's neck, tearing the flesh, muscle tissue, veins, clean off of the bone.

 

Gabriel looked shock, stumbling back, and gasping and wheezing. Blood rapidly spraying, and spilling from the wound.

 

Horror crept on everyone's face.

 

A woman nearby held a hand up to her mouth, before throwing up everything she had ate for breakfast.

 

"What the fuck!?"

 

Ricardo was next, looking at his friend, who was on the ground. Andres had also lunged at him, taking a bite out of him.

 

People started screaming, running.

 

It was overwhelming.

 

Julieta watched in horror, as Gabriel's eyes went dark, his skin going pale, coughing up blood. 

 

It didn't take long for Gabriel to start attacking someone else.

 

Julieta stood frozen. She practically just watched two people get killed.

 

"RUN!" A person yelled.

 

"I-is that a zombie!?" Another person yelled.

 

"Zombies exist!?"

 

"Apparently!"

 

Julieta also ran, as cowardly as it may seem. She needed to find her family, her husband, her children.

 

She knew that Isabela and Luisa could defend themselves very well. But, Mirabel and Agustin?

 

She knew that Mirabel left out with Antonio. She also knew that if it ever came to a point, Mirabel would kill to protect him. She wished it never came to that point. She hoped someone caught up to Mirabel and Antonio and helped them.

 

Agustin was impossibly clumsy, and possibly the worst person to be caught up in a zombie apocalypse. He was also the nearest.

 

She knew Agustin should be chopping wood for some honey, no matter how many times, she told him to stop doing that because he got stung too many times.

 

She ran until she got towards where her husband was at.

 

He was chopping wood as usual, unaware of the zombies that was surrounding him. Her mouth went dry.

 

He took the axe from the tree, losing his balance and accidentally throwing it behind him, hitting one of the zombies straight in the head.

 

Not bad…

 

“Agustin! Amor!” Julieta cried out, causing him to look back. “You need to run!” 

 

“What?” She heard him say, she watched as he became shocked from the zombies around him.

 

Crap, how did it spread so fast!?

 

She watched in horror as the zombies tackled him, making him fall. 

 

He let out a scream.

 

Julieta knew he wouldn’t make it.

 

—

 

Pepa looked at the people surrounding her, snarling and growling at her

 

She was overwhelmed.

 

Once she had heard screaming, she knew something was wrong.

 

She just hadn't expected to be cornered or jumped, whichever fits.

 

Wind was picking up around her, but that didn't stop the zombies, they kept going towards her.

 

Rain, Wind, Stick, Rocks, and a specific Madrigal in a terrible mood, Never went well together did it?

 

..

 

The skies were whispering to the world about the danger that was about to unleash destruction upon everything that came in its way.

 

The ashen clouds growled with thunder, flashes of light blinding any observers.

 

Something was coming.

 

And then, it did.

 

Like a tsunami breaking down a dam, the hot winds began to rage, screaming like madmen in pain. Everything felt its fury, the trees bent to the ground.

 

As nature did what it was prone to, tubular formations began to lower themselves to the ground like saucers of aliens. They spun and spun around invisible axes, gaining momentum and force as they gulped down the atmosphere. Once they hit the earth, manmade structures, and trees began to fall apart and creak under the pressure of the attack of mother nature. Everything was doomed.

 

Pepa, the weather witch had started another hurricane.

 

Pepa let out a gut-wrenching scream, as she fell to her knees.

 

It wasn't because she caused an another hurricane.

 

No.

 

It was because of who was caught up in the hurricane.

 

Her first boyfriend.

 

Her husband.

 

A big branch was in the middle of his chest, and he was losing a lot of blood.

 

"I'm sorry- I'm so sorry- Félix! Oh god— Wha-what have I done!?" Pepa cried, as Félix kissed her on her lips.

 

"I forgive you..it's- it's okay." Félix said, tears falling out of his eyes. "I know it was an accident. It's okay." He said, wiping her tears.

 

"It wasn't even them that got to you! It was me!" She cried.

 

"Hey..hey Pepi, it's fine. I'd rather die to you than die to those things. At least I didn't break my promise, like I said before I'll die for you. I meant it." He chuckled, with a weak smile. "I'll never blame you."

 

"No- no- no! Félix!" She yelled, holding his back tightly. "You can't leave me! You- you just can't! What about our children!?" 

 

"Please cry P-Pepa, we'll always be together no matter what. I love you so much."

 

"No—"

 

"Do you...do you love me too?"

 

"Of course I do— you- you idiot! Why would I get married to you, if I didn't love you!?"

 

"That's all I need to hear." He said, his body going limp.

 

"F-Félix?"

 

"I'll see you in heaven one day."

 

"No- no- don't say that! We'll see each in a few minutes! All you need is Julieta's food!" Pepa cried. "Julie!" Pepa yelled out.

 

"..I-I'll be waiting, Pepa...."

 

"Julieta! Julieta, come quick! P-please!" Pepa cried out.

 

When a minute passed, she knew that Julieta wasn't going to arrive anytime soon, and that her husband was already dead because of her stupid emotions.

 

—

 

Isabela and Dolores watched as a herd of Zombies running towards them, stumbling. If Isabela had to guess, there was about thirty or forty.

 

"Dolores run." Isabela stated, turning towards Dolores. "I'll keep them busy."

 

"W-what? No, I can't leave you!" Dolores exclaimed in disbelief.

 

"Dolores, you're my younger cousin and I love you. But, I need you to get the fuck out of here! Find one of our family members or Mariano." Isabela said.

 

"B-but, what about you?" Dolores stammered.

 

"I'll be fine."

 

"You can't take down all of them!"

 

"Oh please, I know I can!" Isabela scoffed. "And if I don't. So what? At least I died in a badass way. You can tell them I love them." Isabela chuckled.

 

"I...I love you too." Dolores said, as Isabela pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I wish you the best of luck!" Dolores yelled, as she ran away in the opposite direction.

 

Dolores heard a lot of plants, trees growing out of the ground. Vines striking through the zombies bodies.

 

"Hah! I always wanted to try these type of plants!" Isabela laughed out.

 

...

 

That was the last time Dolores saw Isabela, she made sure to listen out to Isabela. 

 

Isabela wasn't dumb. She knew that she wasn't going to make it out alive. That's why she told Dolores to leave, and grew new things. All the loud noises would cause the attention of Zombies. All the attention would give Dolores a chance to run.  But, hey! At least she saved a few lives.

 

Dolores felt tears welling up in her eyes, as she heard Isabela slowing down, getting exhausted from using her gift constantly.

 

Isabela was confident like always.

 

Isabela took down a lot of zombies, more than half of them that was surrounded her, was gone dead. She also had  turned.

 

Dolores needed to find someone. 

 

—

Mirabel didn't know what was happening, all she heard was people screaming and chasing others.

 

When she saw a strange person running towards her, she had a strange gut feeling. 

 

And she trusted her gut.

 

She grabbed Antonio, and ran into somebody's house, Parce following in.

 

"Mira?" Antonio said confused. "What's happening out there?"

 

"I don't know..But, I don't like it." Mirabel frowned. 

 

"Zombies! There's fucking zombies! Help—" A person yelling out, getting interrupted by their own terrifying scream.

 

Mirabel froze.

 

Zombies? Was that a joke?

 

She looked out the window, there was blood on the streets on the Encanto.

 

This wasn't a joke or a prank.

 

She knew she needed to think fast.

 

BANG

 

Something banged against the door.

 

Mirabel wasn't stupid, she wasn't going to be dumb and check it out. If it were an actual human, they probably would've said something. Therefore, that was a zombie.

 

She really needed to think fast.

 

She looked at Antonio, "Antonio, I love you so m-much." Mirabel said, her voice cracking. The banging against the wooden getting louder.

 

"Mira?"

 

"But, I need you to be brave..for me, for our family. In a minutes, I'm going to open the door and run. Okay? When I leave out, I need you to close your eyes and cover your ears. Don't open your eyes, unless I tap you. I know it's a big thing for me to ask, but could you do it for me?" Mirabel asked, with a small smile.

 

"Uh-huh."

 

"G-great!"

 

"We'll get through this." Mirabel stated confidently, grabbing a crowbar, and a pistol. "I hope we will..."

 

"Ah, Mírate, tan grande.." Mirabel chuckled. "So brave, and I hate to do this to you. I love you so much, Antonio."

 

The banging got louder.

 

"We're about to leave, remember what I said." Mirabel said, with a small smile. "Cover your ears and close your eyes."

 

He nodded, not really understanding what happening.

 

"Parce, make sure Antonio doesn't fall." Mirabel called out to the jaguar, sitting on it's back, it looked at her. "You ready?" Parce let out a low growl.  Mirabel imaged the Jaguar saying that it's ready as it'll ever be.

 

1...

 

2...

 

Bang!

 

Mirabel shot the bullet directly at the door, the wooden door, instantly breaking. She saw the zombie fall backward. She shot the zombie again, just in case. Watching as it laid limp.

 

Mirabel finally left out, she gasped. "What the..hell?" There was about a hundreds of infected walking around the streets of the Encanto. 

 

She let out a sigh of relief, when she saw trees growing tall, she knew that was a sign of Isabela. She was alive. 

 

Should she make her way in that direction, though? 

 

She looked at Parce, who looked as if he could read her mind, he started running again.

 

Mirabel made sure to shoot some zombies, that was outside of a person's house, trying to get in or trying to bite someone.

 

Mirabel looked up in the sky, the sky cloudy and lighten. Her tía Pepa is physically doing okay, great.

 

Mirabel looked at the trees once more, still growing at a rapid pace.

 

Parce kept running, until he came into a stop.

 

"Parce?" Mirabel said confused, until she seen why Parce stopped. "Dolores?" Mirabel called out.

 

Parce started running again, making way towards Dolores.

 

"Prima? Hermano?" Dolores said, taken by surprise by her cousin and Antonio, riding Parce. "Oh thanks heavens, that you two are okay!

 

"Oh, I'm happy to see you too!" Mirabel cried out. 

 

"Wait- you have a gun? When did you learn to use a gun?" 

 

"Not important." Mirabel said. "Why were you running? You came from Isa's direction."

 

Dolores stayed silent for a few seconds. "I..I got caught up in the mix. I didn't see Isabela and I was just trying to escape the infected. She seems to be doing good though." Dolores lied. She wasn't going to tell Mirabel, that her sister decided to sacrifice herself. One thing about her Tía's side of the family, is that they're stubborn. If she told Mirabel, she was sure that Mirabel was going to go after Isabela. Straight to death.

 

"Oh.."

 

"Oh— Camilo! I need you to find Camilo!" Dolores yelped. 

 

"Is he okay?"

 

"He's getting cornered and I know that I can't reach him in time! I need you to go after him, you'll get him in time!" 

 

"W-wait, what about you?"

 

"I'm going to find Luisa or Mariano. They're the nearest to me." Dolores said, with a small smile.

 

"Here," Mirabel said, handing Dolores the gun. 

 

"Huh?"

 

"I know that you aren't physically strong to hold them off. But with a gun, you'll make it through. I have a jaguar and a crowbar. I'll get through this." Mirabel smiled.

 

"Oh- thank you, Mirabel. Good luck. I love you." Dolores smiled warmly, taking the gun.

 

"You're welcome. I love you too. If you run into Luisa, tell her I love her!"

 

"Same with Camilo! Also he's to your south! He's not to far, he's by Osvaldo's house! You know where that is!" Dolores yelled out.

—

"I can't believe this." Camilo muttered, running away from an person which was chasing him. "What the hell happened? All I wanted was a snack. Now I'm getting chased from a maniac?" He whined to himself.

Camilo shifted into another person, "What the hell do you want, Maniac!?" He yelled, that only seemed to anger the person, making them faster. "What the fuck, What the fuck, What the fuck!?"

 

He wasn't fast enough.

 

The person tackled him.

 

Camilo's eyes widen, it didn't look like a person. It wasn't remotely close to a human.

 

It's face was pale, blue veins showing, eyes dead, their neck was also bitten.

 

"What the fuck!?" He screeched, trying to pry that thing off of him.

 

CRACK

 

The thing feel limp, falling on-top of him, Camilo didn't waste time pushing it off his body.

 

He looked up at his savior.

 

"Mira? Antonio!?" Camilo gasped in awe, he saw both of them riding on top of the jaguar, a crowbar in her hand. Antonio with his eyes closed, his hands over his ears. Mirabel also had blood on her clothes, he could tell it was one of those things blood.

 

"Cami!" Mirabel exclaimed, "I thought- I though— I don't know!" She laughed through her tears.

 

"Fuck— I missed you so much! I don't know what's happening!" Camilo said.

 

"Zombie apocalypse." Mirabel stated.

 

"W-what? Zombie? I thought...oh god- is everyone okay!?" Camilo asked. 

 

"I don't- I don't know. Antonio and I was already together, when all of this started. Dolores sent me your way because she heard you were struggling. She's trying to make her way to either Luisa or Mariano. I haven't seen Isabela in person, but I saw her using her gift, so she's fine. I haven't seen any adults in person. I did see your Mamá's weather change, so...I'm not too sure about them." Mirabel sighed, she's only seen Camilo's side of the family. She really hoped her side was okay. Overall, she wanted everyone okay. "Dolores also told me to tell you, that she loves you."

 

"She can tell me that, when I see her." He groaned. "But, I love you too, Dolores." He said under this breath, he hoped Dolores was listening. "I'm glad both of you are okay."

 

"Back at you." Mirabel grinned.

 

"You sure do have a lot of blood on you. None of you have been bitten right?" Camilo asked.

 

"I made sure that Parce protected Antonio from any harm. I'm also fine, no zombie came close to me." Mirabel grinned.

 

"We're going to be traumatized as fuck, when this is over." Camilo groaned.

 

"Language!"

 

"You're seriously worrying about language, when we're in a zombie apocalypse?" Camilo asked, with a raised brow.

 

"My fault if I don't want Antonio to take up on your cursing." Mirabel grumbled, before chuckling. "But, you're right. I shouldn't be worrying about that."

 

"We should head back to Casita. That's our safest bet right now." Camilo said.

 

...

 

"That would be..if zombies weren't running at us right now." Mirabel said, with a nervous laugh, making Camilo's eyes widen. The only weapon they had was a crowbar and jaguar.

 

"Ah, fuck." He cursed. "Weren't making it out alive."

 

"You know...I would love if you were more positive." Mirabel groaned.

 

"I would too. But, that's life." He chuckled dryly. "And Antonio is only five." He said, tears in the corner of his eyes.

 

Mirabel looked at Camilo with a sad smile. "Camilo, I love you."

 

"I love you too, prima. Thank you for saving my life and Antonio's." He smiled.

 

They both turned to Antonio, who looked confused.

 

"Antonio, close your eyes for a few minutes. Just one more time. It'll all be over soon." Mirabel smiled. "It's one..b-big nightmare."

 

Mirabel held the crowbar, while Camilo got into fighting stance, Parce already attacking some zombies.

 

"Hey..you think we can steal some arepas, when all of this nightmare is over? Me, you, and Antonio?" Camilo asked, tears in the corner of his eyes. 

 

"Of course." Mirabel grinned.

 

 

......

 

None of them returned back to Casita alive.

 

 

—

 

Dolores made her way towards Luisa, she was the closest. "Luisa?" She squeaked out.

 

She saw Luisa punching and throwing the zombies to the ground. 

 

Oh fuck, her cousins was cool.

 

Due to Luisa's muscular build, the zombies had a hard time biting into her. 

 

But, Dolores knew that Luisa was going to be turn in a matter of time. 

 

She couldn't hold off for too long.

 

Dolores knew she made a mistake for going after Luisa instead of Mariano.

 

She would rather die to Luisa or a family member, than some random.

 

But hey, she's not some coward.

 

Dolores aimed the gun at one of the Zombies, she never shot anything before, but she'll try. She made sure to avoid Luisa, when she shot.

 

BANG

 

One of the Zombies on Luisa's arms, fell to the ground, limp.

 

"Dolores?" Luisa muttered in confusion, still attacking the zombies. "Thank you."

 

"It's the least I could do, prima." Dolores said, aiming at another zombie.

 

"Hey, you okay? I- I mean..besides from the obvious. Your ears- their, ah, bleeding." Luisa said, as she punched through another Zombie's skull.

 

Dolores touched her ears, like Luisa said, they were bleeding. She didn't really notice because she was worrying about her family. "I'm fine, I can't even feel it."

 

Luisa nodded slowly, before wincing when another Zombie bit her. Her legs and arms was littered with bite marks.

 

She looked at Dolores, who was looking at her with a sympathetic look. 

 

"Dolores, you should go. I don't- I don't want you here, when I turn into a zombie." Luisa frowned, staggering.

 

"I can't," Dolores said, shooting another zombie. "I can't leave you here alone. You're younger than me, my little cousin. I know you're all about super strength. But, I could tell you're scared." 

 

Luisa hesitated for a second, throwing another zombie off. "...You should really go."

 

"I- I hate to tell you..B-but," Dolores stammered, tears rolling down her face. "..Y-You're my only cousin I have left. My brothers…they all are gone." 

 

That caused Luisa to stop. "..Mirabel and Isabela? W-what?...E-Even Camilo and A-Antonio? Are gone?"

 

Dolores nodded, she knew it wasn't the right time to tell Luisa that. She knew it was stupid to tell Luisa that.

 

She felt guilty.

 

Isabela sacrificed herself for her. It felt as if she had sent Mirabel and Antonio to their doom. She had sent Mirabel to go help Camilo, she succeeded. But, all three of them died. She felt fucking terrible.

 

But, she heard how much pain Luisa was in, how tired she was getting. She may be strong upfront, but she's a complete softie on the inside.

 

She couldn't see the Zombie approaching from behind her, she was only focusing on Luisa.

 

.....

 

"...We were doomed from the start weren't we?" Luisa asked, tears falling down her cheeks.

 

Luisa was right.

 

From the beginning when her Abuelo Pedro died and her Abuela had that candle. Nobody, I mean nobody in the world was meant to have magic like this. It'll only caused destruction.

 

The way the apocalypse started, it made no sense. She didn't hear it coming and Bruno didn't see it coming.

 

It was messed up. It was a way to get rid of them. Every single person in the Encanto was going to die. She knew that. To get rid of the proof that they existed, that the Encanto existed.

 

The Madrigals and the Encanto would be no more.

 

---

 

"Is it...is it over?" Pepa asked, tears falling from her eyes. "Is it finally over?" 

 

"It is...it's over, Hermana. It's over." Julieta confirmed, causing Pepa to let out a laugh, a wet laugh. 

 

Julieta and Bruno looked at each other, Pepa couldn't stop laughing.

 

The laughing turned into wails, and the wails turned into coughing.

 

"P-Pepa?" Bruno said, taking a step back. "Are you— have you been bitten?" 

 

Pepa looked at them, blood trailing down her chin, her face losing color. "I- I did. I'm sorry. I waited until everything was over. I couldn't— I just couldn't tell you all."

 

"H-Hermana.."

 

"Kill me, Julie." Pepa told Julieta, handing her the gun. "Hurry and Kill me. I don't want to be infected. Please, I don't want to hurt you two."

 

Julieta looked at her younger sister in horror. "I- I can't." Julieta stammered, tears welling up in her eyes, she looked at Bruno.

 

Bruno held out his hands to Julieta, who handed him the gun.

 

Pepa didn't do anything, still sitting in her knelling position.

 

Bruno cocked the gun.

 

...

 

Bruno threw the gun far away from them.

 

"B-Bruno?"

 

"Why don't we...why don't we spend our last moments together?" He suggested.

 

"Our?" Pepa repeated, her voice raspy.

 

"It's only the three of us left in the Encanto. Nobody else is alive. Only us. Everyone died." Bruno stated, tears rolling down his cheeks. "I don't want triplets turning into twins. We started as triplets..why not end as triplets?" He suggested.

 

Pepa and Julieta's eyes widen, they both knew what he was suggesting.

 

"You know what...that's not a bad idea." Julieta stated, sitting besides Pepa, who still was surprised. "I like that idea."

 

"W-wait really? Are you both really thinking of..d-dying with me?" Pepa stammered.

 

"Why not? We all will meet in heaven anyways. We'll see our family there. Mama. Félix. Agustin. Isabela. Dolores. Luisa. Camilo. Mirabel. Antonio. I'm sure they all are waiting for us. I don't want them waiting too long." Julieta said with a small smile.

 

Bruno sat down on Pepa's other side, "I love you both, truly. To be honest, I didn't think we were going to get this far. But, I'm proud that we did. I wish I could've changed some things, but I know time isn't like that."

 

"I expected my children and nieces to outlive me..not the other way around. I also didn't expect me dying this way." Pepa chuckled dryly, resulting her coughing blood into her hand. 

 

"That isn't painful, is it?" Julieta asked.

 

"No...no it's not. It's like regular coughing..with an itch." Pepa said. "...It also makes you..sleepy." Pepa said, leaning her head on Julieta's shoulder.

 

"It's okay Hermana, rest." Julieta said, patting her head. "I love you."

 

"I love you..both." Pepa mummers.

 

...

 

It didn't take long for Pepa to be fully infected.

 

They didn't struggle, when Pepa attacked them.  

 

They welcomed death with open arms.

 

...

 

 

---

It was a white light, everything was so beautiful, peaceful. They looked around, they had wings, they were pure white, it was amazing.

 

They all looked at each other in amazement.

 

"We- we're actually in heaven?" Bruno gasped.

 

"They must be waiting on us." Julieta cried.

 

They made their way up the stairs, a big door blocking them for going any further. 

 

"Pepa," Julieta said, nudging her forward towards the door.

 

Pepa glared at Julieta, but opened the door, a huge, white light erupting when she opened it.

 

It was their family, all of them wearing their regular clothing, waiting for them, with a smile in their face.  

“I missed you all, Mis hijos.” Alma smiled warmly.

 

"I told you, I'll be waiting, amor." Félix smiled, bringing Pepa into a hug.

 

"Mama!" All three of Julieta's daughters cried out, bringing her into a giant huge.

 

Agustin walked up, a bandage on his face, looking at Julieta with a warm smile. "I tripped up the stairs."

 

She chuckled. "No matter where you are, you'll alway be clumsy."

Notes:

Bruno: So what do you guys think about my telenovela??

 

Antonio: I think it’s great! :D

 

Agustin: my death was off screen, also why did you write about us in a zombie apocalypse, then everyone dies

 

Bruno: Idk

 

Luisa: Atleast we all met in heaven

 

Pepa: I can't believe you made me kill Félix!

 

Félix: Aw~ How romantic

 

Camilo: Disgusting.

 

Isabela: I'm not even mad that I died in a badass way

 

Dolores: Still wondering how did Mira know how to use a gun

 

Mirabel: ;)

 

Dolores: No.

 

Mirabel: >;(

 

Julieta: I love how we just decided to just die. Just let Zombie Pepa kill us.

 

Pepa: good.

 

Agustin: WHY WAS I THE FIRST TO DIE??

 

Bruno: I was deciding it was either Mama or you— and I decided you.

 

Alma: what

Chapter 28: Ready As I’ll Ever Be

Mirabel sat in the room, tied up. Bruno also in the room, looking at the window.

 

“They should be here any moment now.” Bruno smirked, he looked at Mirabel, who had an expression of hurt. “Believe me, I know, I’ve sunk pretty low. But, whatever I’ll do, they deserved.”

 

“Tío—“

 

“Quiet!” He yelled, making Mirabel yelp. “Sorry.”

 

…

 

“I’m the bad guy, again. That’s fine! It always my fault anyways! But, some justice at last will be served.” He grinned. 

 

“Please listen—“

 

“Now, it’s time for them to step up or it’s time for them to back down. Then it’ll be the only answer we need to see if they care about you.” Bruno stated, turning towards Mirabel. “I’ll stand up and fight for you, ‘cause I know that I’m right. And I’m ready!”

 

Bruno exclaimed, his eyes flashing green, making Mirabel flinch. 

 

“Because I’m ready as I’ll ever be.”

 

…

 

Isabela and Luisa stood in their room, talking among themselves.

 

“I don’t care if he’s my uncle. He kidnapped nuestra hermana.” Isabela scowled. “Now it’s time to rise up or it’s time to stand down.” Isabela instructed.

 

“And the answer is easy to see.” Luisa frowned.

 

“And I swear by my gift if you’re in, get on board. Driven by ambition, we’ll take back what he stole. So, as the sisters that we are, together we band! So take my hand, sis!” Isabela grinned. “Are you ready?” Isabela asked.

 

“I’m ready.”

 

“..I’m ready as I’ll ever be…”

 

—

 

“Are you quite sure, we should do this?” Julieta said hesitantly.

 

“…Together we will, guarantee.” Agustin said hesitantly, putting a comforting hand on his wife’s shoulder.

 

Things were rough for all of them.

 

First, Bruno’s kidnapped their daughter and never left. They, of course, wanted to find Mirabel. 

 

The punishment towards Bruno, was what caused an argument between the two sisters. 

 

Julieta wanted Bruno to be punished, which Pepa had agreed to. But, at the same time Pepa didn’t want Bruno to leave again. Julieta was usually the sympathetic one of the three, but she disagreed. Bruno had kidnapped their daughter, and that’ll be the first time they see him in ten years. Which is a bad reunion. 

 

The arguing got bad to the point that Félix and him had to pull their wives away from each other. A crack forming between the two sisters.

 

Neither of them wanted to apologize the other, which was pretty understandable. 

 

But Agustin wished they hadn’t argued when their Daughter/Niece was missing. If anything, this was causing a bigger rift to form. Which was terrible. They all were supposed to support each other, in times like this. If Bruno was how he remembered, he would take advantage of their negative feelings and turn them against each other.

 

—

 

“I’ll make them hear me!” Dolores cried out angrily.

 

“I’ll make them see you!”  Bruno cackled, looking out the window, seeing the oncoming storm.

 

“It’s not too late to redeem or resolve!” Mirabel exclaimed.

 

“We’ll prove that they can trust you.” Mariano said. He didn’t understand, one thing was that Mirabel’s uncle, kidnapped her. The other thing is that, they don’t trust Dolores. It was revealed early on? that Dolores knew that Bruno never left, the whole time. Oddly enough, Dolores gift wasn’t working properly, her gift not picking up Bruno and Mirabel. Which led to a lot suspicion. He didn’t like this one bit. During the one moment that the Madrigals needed to be close, and supporting each other. They all lashed out, and turning away from each other. 

 

“And the outcome will hardly come free.” Bruno said, throwing the green vision slab towards Mirabel, careful not to shatter it.

 

….

 

“We’ll save our home and Mirabel.” Félix told Pepa, who didn’t respond to his voice. “This match will be hard, but It’ll all turn alright…Are you ready?”

 

“Now the line's in the sand and our moment's at hand.” Bruno chuckled, as Mirabel’s eyes widen at the vision. “Are you ready?”

 

“I’m ready!”

 

 

…..

 

“I am all alone, everyone is surrounded by their fears.” Camilo frowned, riding on top of Parce, thanks to Antonio. “They’re haunted with shackles, their tears is failing to fall. I’m not allowed to cry, ‘cause I know Mira wouldn’t like seeing me sad.” He sighed. “I’m getting near.”

Notes:

Good Morning/Evening/Night everyone!

I love that people are requesting one shots. I don’t think I ever said this, but I don’t do crossovers😅

Chapter 29: Family Madrigal

Notes:

Short chapter

"C'mon Tío Bruno, everyone's waiting." Mirabel grinned.

 

“Wait- really? Are you sure? I- I mean, I’m not exactly—“ Bruno stammered.

 

"Oh Tío Bruno, it's been forever! Come, come inside now! We'll show you just how much has changed!" Mirabel gushed, dragging him inside.

 

"Our family's grown and—“ Mirabel smiled, "It's only getting better!" Mirabel and Isabela exclaimed in sync.

 

Bruno walked besides Mirabel, pulling his ruana over his head.

 

"No need to hide! You no longer have to be estranged!" Mirabel said softly.

 

"Hey Bruno!" Félix called out, waving over to him.

 

"Luisa's chill and Isa's feeling free!" Mirabel pointed out, with a big smile.

 

"Oye, Bruno!"

 

"Antonio talks to birds, bears, and sheeps!"  Camilo exclaimed, Antonio coming over riding his jaguar.

 

"Hey Bruno!" Pepa smiles.

 

"Dolores has a boyfriend! Ain't that sweet?" Isabela winked, making Dolores face flush red.

 

"We set your plate at dinner! Come and eat!" Julieta calls out.

 

"Welcome to the family Madrigal!" Mirabel exclaimed.  "Back into the Family Madrigal!The thought that we were ever scared of you is laughable! You belong in the Family Madrigal!"

 

"Welcome to the Family Madrigal!" Luisa and Agustin smiled.

 

"A completed Family Madrigal!" Alma joins in, startling Bruno, who gave her a nervous, but genuine smile.

 

"Where we all learned that perfection is impractical!" Isabela exclaims, showing off a cactus.

 

"A brand new day for the Family Madrigal!" Mirabel gushed. "You're part of the Family Madrigal!" Mirabel and Alma grinned.

Chapter 30: Is Impressing Your Friends More Important Than Family?

Notes:

Camilo bashing in this chapter

"Camilo, won't you take that back? Say you was only trying to make me laugh." Mirabel said desperately, looking between hurt and embarrassed. "Tell me that you didn't mean it."

 

There stood Camilo with his two friends.

 

Mirabel was nearly close to tears after what Camilo said. He knew that she gets upset when she gets reminded about how she's giftless. She told him many times not to joke about things like that.

 

"Are you sure you're really a Madrigal? I mean, all Madrigals get a gift." Camilo joked, as both of his friends, Ruben and Miguel watching him in silence.

 

Mirabel and Camilo grew up together and was like twins. So, both of them told secrets to each other. And Camilo knew where to hit her to make it hurt.

 

"Dude..." Ruben muttered, looking at Camilo then Miguel, who looked confused too. They both knew that Mirabel was Camilo's cousin and that Mirabel was giftless. They just don't understand why Camilo's doing that when he knows that she's already insecure about not being enough for the family.

 

"C-Camilo.." Mirabel stuttered, looking even more hurt and taking a step back as tears was building up.

 

"See! She even has a stutter! She can't speak either!" Camilo laughed, looking at his friends for their grins and laughs. 

 

Only to find both of them looking very uncomfortable with his jokes.

 

"Dude...my younger sister has a stuttering problem. Just because she does, doesn't mean I love her any less." Ruben glared at Camilo.

 

"She's your cousin. So why are you even doing this? This is embarrassing." Miguel said.

 

Camilo looks at them surprised, not expecting their reaction. "W-what?"

 

"I don't know who you're confusing us for. But, we're not the type to bully people. If you're doing that, then maybe you don't know us as well as you thought. I don't want to partake in any of this." Ruben snarled, before walking off.

 

"But- but, it's just jokes! You love jokes! You know I'm just joking!?" Camilo exclaimed, as if he was desperately trying to get them to side with him.

 

"Jokes? It's not even joking at this point, it's just plain rude." Miguel scoffed. "She sometimes babysits my little sister and my sister treats her as if she was the one to spread all of the stars at night." He smiled warmly, before glaring at Camilo. "I'll see you later, Mira." He winked at Mirabel.

 

Camilo watches as his former friends walked away, right in front of his eyes. 

 

He clenched his fist, when he saw Mirabel looking at him with a frown.

 

Camilo looked at Mirabel angrily, "Look at  what you did! First you make the house fall down then lost our gifts because of you! All because you don't have a gift! Now I lost my friends! I'm so fucking tired of you useless—"

 

"—Camilo Madrigal! I think that's enough from

 you today." Dolores scowled, surprising both of them, when she grabbed Camilo by his ear. 

 

"D-Dolores.."

 

"I'm sure Tía and Mami would love to hear what you've been doing this whole time, especially bullying our little cousin."  She glared, before turning back to Mirabel, who looked hurt from Camilo's previous words.

 

"Mirabel, don't take Camilo's words to heart. He's just being stupid. Nobody blames you for what happened. It's all in the past." Dolores said softly. "How about you go home? I'll catch up to you later and make sure Camilo doesn't do anything stupid." 

 

"S-sí, I'll see you back at Casita." Mirabel said, before scurrying off.

 

Dolores waited until Mirabel was fully out of sight, before scowling at Camilo. 

 

"What the hell is wrong with you? Why would you even say that to our prima? Useless? I would love to hear what you had in mind."

 

"You heard what she did!" Camilo exclaimed, a little too loud, making Dolores wince and glare at him. "You heard what she did." He said quieter.

 

"What exactly did she do? Hm? All I heard was you laughing and trying to impress your little friends, with your insensitive jokes. All Mirabel tried to do, was make you take it back. You losing your friends was all you."

 

"She's just trying to make someone pity her! She caused the house to fall! We lost our gifts!Why are you taking her side over mines? Your own brother!"

 

"Camilo, we're all family here. Mirabel could've been a stranger instead of my cousin, I would've still went to her defense." Dolores scowled. "This isn't about sides, Camilo. The things you were saying was out of pocket, and rude. Just to what? Impress your friends?"

 

"No—"

 

"Camilo, look around. Casita falling wasn't Mirabel's fault. It was everyone in the family's fault, including you, including me. We all were pressured, self-absorbed that we couldn't actually see and love the people around us. Tía Julieta was overworking herself in the kitchen, like Luisa. Mamá couldn't even feel without someone saying something about that damn cloud. Bruno left the family because he feared what Abuela would do to Mirabel, if she saw the vision. Isabela was about to be in a loveless marriage with the man, that I loved. I couldn't even say anything about that, but watch. And you— oh c'mon, why am I even explaining this to you? You already know all of this." Dolores glared.

 

"Our gifts—"

 

“Was gone for about a month. Y'know what? That month was the most peaceful time of my life. Everything wasn't loud. It was overwhelming at first, but that was because I wasn't used to normal volumes. I loved it." Dolores sighed. "I didn't blame Mirabel, nobody did, but you. If Mirabel actually wanted our gifts gone, she wouldn't have gone for the candle to save it. And if Mirabel's useless, then what did that make us during that month? Also useless then. The townspeople are also giftless. So, we all are useless, if that's what you're implying."

 

...

 

"Do you know how lucky Mirabel is, to be alive right now? Imagine we didn't have a magical house, or the candle was already gone. You, Isabela, and Mirabel ran for the candle. After we all got pushed out, Mirabel was still in there. Do you know how brave she is? To still go for that damn candle while the house falling. I sure as hell wouldn't go for it. She knew, she could've died, yet she still went for it.  We all were thinking the worse, when Casita fell. The fact that she's alive is a miracle." Dolores snarled. "She ran away as soon as Tía's eyes left her, if she wasn't feeling guilty, then why would she run? It took us about two days to find her. Do you know how scared I was, if Mirabel actually left?  How scary that would've been for Mirabel? And you're tired of her? She did this for you, for all of us, Just to make us proud. Camilo, you lost your friends because of yourself. Mirabel didn't cause them to leave you." 

 

Camilo frowned, Dolores should've took his side! Mirabel is just doing this for attention! He doesn't understand why Dolores is acting like that.

 

"Why are you acting as if you're such a good cousin to her?" Camilo growled. "Before Casita fell, you also ignored her, even with your super hearing. You think defending her will make you seem like a better person? Will make up for all those years of ignoring her?"

 

Dolores lets out laugh, startling him. "Camilo, that's funny hearing that from you. I know that this won't change what happened in the past years. But, I'm trying and trying is better than nothing. I'm doing my best to make it up to Mirabel. Which you're not doing."

 

"And sticking to her like a dog with it's owner is trying?" He spat. "Everyone's sticking to her likes she's fragile, as if she's going to break with one touch. News flash, she's not. Why would I need to make up with her? It's not my fault that we distanced ourselves. She can come to me, if she want to make up. She can have herself a pity party for all I care."

 

Dolores scowled, before groaning, massaging her temples. "Lord, when did my brother become like this?" She said to the sky, as Camilo glared at her.

 

"Like what?"

 

"You're acting like you can't stand being near Mirabel. As if you're embarrassed being by her."

 

"She is embarrassing!"

 

"You know what is embarrassing? Listening to you say those jokes to your friends. I got second-hand embarrassment." Dolores snapped. "Why are you trying so hard to impress them? That's not going to accomplish anything. I'd rather you go back to that shapeshifting thing, than do that."

 

Camilo's face flushed in embarrassment, "I— uhm—" he stammered.

 

"Camilo, I love you, I really do. But, the things you do..the decisions you make are not the wisest. And this is one of those times. So, you better get your act together, Camilo Madrigal and apologize to Mirabel, by the end of the day. I don't know what's going through your head and who you got that attitude from. But, I don't like it."

 

"But—"

 

"No buts. Suck up your 'great' pride and apologize. It doesn't matter anyways, Tía and Mama will make you apologize, either way." Dolores lips curled up into a smirk. "I'll keep an ear out."

 

Camilo glared at her, before making his way back to Casita, where Mirabel was heading.

 

---

He knocked on her door, luckily sadly she wasn’t living in the nursery anymore, when Casita was rebuilt.

 

When she didn’t answer, he frowned.

 

Oh well, since she wasn’t going to answer, he could just leave and said that she was asleep and didn’t answer.

 

“I’ll be keeping an ear out.”

 

He scowled, before entering Mirabel’s room, who was sitting down, sewing something. 

 

“Heyyy, Mirabel. I just came here to apologize..to..you.” Camilo said through gritted teeth.

 

“Is it that hard to say?” Mirabel frowned, not turning towards him. “Do you even want to be here?”

 

“I- I came here to apologize. Of course I want to be here.”

 

“I have a question for you, Camilo.”

 

“What?” 

 

"Was it really more important to impress your friends than family?" Mirabel asked, turning around, Camilo noticing that her eyes was glossy.

 

"Wait— Mirabel, I didn't mean to— Not like that!” Camilo said nervously. “I- I just wanted to have..to make more friends.”

 

"No, of course you didn't mean to. Like you said, since I'm giftless, I'm not apart of the family." Mirabel said sarcastically. "You lost your friends because of me. The house fell because of me. You lost your gifts because of me. I'm just the useless Madrigal." Mirabel mocked, making Camilo’s eyes widen. She heard all of that?

 

"Mirabel, you know I didn't mean it though! I'm.. I am..sorry." Camilo choked out, even though neither of them believed it.

 

"Did I? You seemed pretty serious." Mirabel frowned. "We were close when we were younger, Camilo. I hoped that we would still be like that. But, things has clearly changed between us."

 

"C'mon! Can you stop being so petty!? I apologized! You can't expect me to stick to you like glue! We all grew up! You're the one that needs to grow up!"

 

"Camilo, I'm not being petty. And If you were truly sorry, someone shouldn't have to tell you to!" Mirabel snarled. “And no, I don’t expect you to stick to me like glue. I just want to be cousins again, and yet you act like we’re strangers.”

 

“Cousins again? We are cousins.”

 

“If nobody knew that we were related, and didn’t have the same last name. They would’ve thought that we were strangers. Like you said, you’re embarrassed to be by me, to stand by me. Do you know how hard it is, how embarrassing it is to be made fun like that? To be made fun of from something that you can’t control, your insecurities being pointed out like some type of joke.”  Mirabel snapped.

 

Before Camilo could respond, Mirabel chuckled. “Of course you do. Back then, I was there for you, when people was making fun of you. When people was forgetting who the real Camilo was. I don’t blame them. When you shift into different people, you’d tend to forgetting things. Your personality. Your face. Nobody is going to know, or remember who Camilo really is. Quite frankly, I don't know who the real Camilo is either." 

 

“What—“

 

“Right now, I want you out of my room.”

 

“Wait—“

 

“Casita.”

Notes:

Chapter for this—
The Adults turning into kids
Mirabel & Mariana(Beta) Adventures
What If Casita's Tile Fell On Mirabel And Killed Her? — Part 2
Isabela & Mirabel switch personalities
Jaguar Mirabel
Emotionless Mirabel
Are you lonely?
Mamabel
The Last One Standing
Her Secret Friend
Jealous Madrigals
If I Can’t Have A Gift, Why Should He?
Back To Where We Started
Drift Away
Memory Loss
Be Careful What You Wish For
Falling — Part 2
She’s A Vampire!
Ghost!Mirabel
Kidnapped..Once Again — Part 2
Running Away
What If Mirabel Didn't See The Cracks and Ran Away?
Mirabel & Bruno Switching Bodies — Part 2
Remember When… — Part 2
Uncle(Bruno Bashing Sadly)
Damaged
I Always Come Back!
Her Horrible Break-Up
Doll On The Music Box — Part 3
Protective Madrigals
Hurts Like Hell
Mirabel’s Split Emotions

Who Are You Truly(T.Mirabel & Mirabel switching Bodies)

Chapter 31: Jealous Madrigals

Mirabel loved her family— not the Madrigals, well she still loved them. But she loved her new family, the Lucian's. 

 

She had met them, her family, when she was six years old. Her family was always too busy, to hang out with her. So, she decided to run away go outside randomly,  and well, her story meeting them starts from there—

 

---

“Ay, little lady, you shouldn't be out here. Where's your family? Your parents? Do they know you're out here?" The guy asked, looking at the young Madrigal.

 

"Ah..she's six years old, Lorenzo. I don't think her family knows that she's out." The Pregnant Woman said curtly, before looking at Mirabel softly "We should get you back to your family. I'm sure they're worried."

 

"No." Young Mirabel huffed. 

 

"No?" Lorenzo repeated, looking at his pregnant wife in confusion, before turning back to Young Mirabel.

 

"They don't care." Young Mirabel said with a frown.

 

"We don't know that, Cariña." The Woman said, giving Young Mirabel a kind smile.

 

"I know it!" Young Mirabel huffed, looking away as tears welled up in her eyes. "They don't love me like they used to. They don't care about me! Isa hates me and they don't even want to look at me! The other kids say I'm not good enough!"

 

The Pregnant Woman and Lorenzo looked at each other. That's not something they hear everyday, or a child, specifically from the Madrigals.

 

They knew how...strict Doña Alma could be to her family. Sure, they never said it out loud. But, they saw how she worked her family harder after the failed ceremony. But, for pequeña muñeca to say that? Yeah, things must be getting a bit..tough in there. Yeah, kids over exaggerate some things, but they must be saying things like this, because something happened. They should lower their expectations.

 

"...If I had a gift, do you think they would love me again? That Tío Bruno wouldn't leave because of me?"

 

"Don't say that, chica. You're good enough. Don't listen to those who says otherwise. It's okay." The Pregnant Woman stated. "Your Tío didn't leave because of you. He's simply on a...adventure which takes him a while to be back.."

 

"That's right, Adora." Lorenzo agreed. "You're good enough, don't let others say otherwise."

 

Young Mirabel looked down, before looking back at them. "..Y-you think so?"

 

"I know so! You're special! I'll lend you in on a little secret. None of us have anybody gifts, neither does Doña MAlma. Those people that are saying that are a hypocrite, they also don't have gifts." Adora said, booping Young Mirabel's nose. "Don't you agree, Amor?"

 

"Yep! You're just as special as the rest of your family. Since your Abuela doesn't have a gift and she's the Matriarch of the family and you also don't have a gift...who knows..You might be the future Matriarch." Lorenzo shrugs, with an innocent look, making Mirabel's eyes widen, and have a shine that wasn't there previously.

 

Young Mirabel blushed under the attention.

 

"..Now we should get you to your parents." Adora said, picking Young Mirabel up.

 

"Déjame llevar la cosita, Amor." Lorenzo purred, taking Young Mirabel from his wife's arm. "Wouldn't want a pretty lady carrying a child, carry a child. Right?" Lorenzo asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

 

"Can I stay with you, until then?" Young Mirabel asked, giving the Married couple, puppy eyes. "Mamá doesn't have to know."

 

"Well ain't she a mischievous one?" 

 

"Why did you say that with an southern accent?" Adora asked, with a raised brow.

 

"Dunno. Felt like it." 

 

"Of course." She groaned.

 

"Well....we cannot keep you with us today, pequeña muñeca."  Lorenzo chuckled , making Young Mirabel whine. "But, We can hang out tomorrow! Is that fine with you?" Lorenzo asked, Young Mirabel's eyes sparkling.

 

"Yay! I'll love to!" 

 

Adora gave Lorenzo a look, "What about the Madrigals?"

 

"What about them?"

 

"You think they'll be okay with strangers taking care of their kid?"

 

"They let her out on her own, they probably didn't notice she was gone. I'm sure they wouldn't be opposed." Lorenzo replied.

 

Adora let out a sigh, as Lorenzo smirked, she knew he was right.

 

"Fine, but let's return her to her parents first."

 

“Sounds like a plan.” Lorenzo grinned, as he booped Mirabel’s nose.

 

~

 

The married couple made their way back to one of the Madrigals, preferably her parents. 

 

Fortunately, they caught sight of her mother, Julieta, who was at her stand passing out food for injuries. Who didn’t even notice her daughter missing.

 

They walked up to her, and Julieta finally took notice of her daughter in this ‘stranger’s arms.

 

They only told her that they found Mirabel walking off, and decided to return her back to her family. 

 

Which was the truth.

 

Julieta gave them her gratitude, by offering them some food.

 

They politely declined and walked off.

 

…

 

Adora and Lorzeno watched as Julieta talked to Mirabel, a worried look on her face. Mirabel wasn't even paying attention to her mother's words, her eyes trailing the couple.

 

"¿No es encantadora? Quiero pellizcar esas mejillas regordetas de bebé. Tuve que contenerme." Lorenzo grinned, looking at his wife, who fondly rolled her eyes.

 

As years went by, Mirabel followed them like a little duckling following it's mother. Adora gave birth to twins, a little boy and girl. Their name Mateo and Mária. Adora and Lorenzo already having a daughter, who was eleven at the time, her name, Eliana.

 

Now Mirabel is fourteen, Mateo and Mária is eight, and Eliana is nineteen. Adora and Lorenzo are still happily married.

 

 

---

Julieta

 

Julieta watched as Mirabel hanged out with Adoras, her heart aching, she couldn't help but wonder, what happened to her little girl?

 

"Hey Juli, what's wrong? You're basically crumpling up that arepa." Pepa questioned, eyeing the arepa that was in Julieta's hand, Before, looking back up at her.

 

"Am I a good mother?" Julieta asked Pepa, who looked taken back from her sudden question.

 

"Of course you are. Did someone say otherwise? I'll strike them with lightening if you want." Pepa growled, a cloud appearing over her head.

 

"No! Nobody said anything...it's just about Mirabel."

 

"Mirabel? What happened to her?"

 

"I don't know..I'd like to think of myself as a good mother, but I'm starting to doubt myself. I always hear my children out when needed, I try my best to support them in their decisions. I'd literally sacrifice, and drop whatever I'm doing for them." Julieta muttered. "But when it comes to Mirabel..."

 

"...Go on..."

 

"It's just that— she doesn't come to me like she used to! Like, I understand children needs privacy sometimes, but now..she doesn't even come to me! Isabela and Luisa still does. She barely even talks to me anymore, Pepa! That's not a good thing! Do you think I've done something!?" Julieta panics, making Pepa eyes widen.

 

"You sure Mirabel isn't on her..? Also, I don't think you've done anything wrong."

 

"She's been like this ever since her ceremony, Pepa. What if she hates me!?"

 

"You've noticed that too? I thought that was just me, she's been distancing herself from the family." Pepa muttered. "She doesn't hate you, Julieta. I'm sure of it, you're her mother. Why would she hate you?"

 

"Well, M-maybe I've done something? I don't know!"

 

"Maybe you did something that caused her to hold a long grudge?"

 

"Not helping!"

 

"..Sorry."

 

"I don't know. When Mirabel's with Adora, my heart aches. Like, why does Mirabel goes to her not me? What does Adora has that I don't have?...I don't know why I'm feeling this way. It feels...sour. I don't like it." Julieta moans into her hands, as Pepa's eyes widen.

 

"Julieta...the healer of town, my sister, you are sounding like you are..jealous!? Now, that's not something I see everyday." Pepa chuckled.

 

"Hah! Me? Jealous?" Julieta laughed, as if it was the funniest joke that she was ever told. "Why would I, Julieta Madrigal, be jealous over her?"

 

"You definitely are!"

 

"Wh-what?! Me, feeling such petty emotions of that!? Hah! Im forty-nine. Pepa, you have to be kidding me! Why would I be jealous? I'm not the jealous type. Especially over a woman with my daughter." Julieta stammered, her eyes widen and her face flushed, Pepa looked at her with a blank expression.

 

"Who knew you would get so worked up over my words." Pepa said in a teasing tone. "Seriously though, talk it out with Mirabel. I don't think it's healthy to bottle up your emotions."

 

"Says you."

 

"Juli."

 

"Never mind, carry on."

 

"Anyways, it's not going to be good if these emotions keeps happening. Just talk it out with Mirabel." Pepa said. "She's your daughter, you're her mother, nobody can change that."

 

"You're making it sound as if it was that easy. We barely hung out over the last few years, it's not that easy! How am I going to start a conversation with her? It's going to sound weird."

 

"Maybe..try to get to know more about her? Or try to bond over things she likes." Pepa suggested. "Just try not to make it..weird."

 

Julieta frowned, before standing up. "I'll try."

 

"Ay, that's my sister!"

Notes:

If anyone noticed, this was ‘New Family’ original plot, but I scrapped it.

 

—
The Adults turning into kids
Mirabel & Mariana Adventures(Beta)
What If Casita's Tile Fell On Mirabel And Killed Her? — Part 2
Isabela & Mirabel switch personalities
Jaguar Mirabel
Emotionless Mirabel
Are you lonely?
Mamabel
The Last One Standing
Her Secret Friend
If I Can’t Have A Gift, Why Should He?
Back To Where We Started
Drift Away
Memory Loss
Be Careful What You Wish For
Falling — Part 2
She’s A Vampire!
Ghost!Mirabel
Kidnapped..Once Again — Part 2
Running Away
What If Mirabel Didn't See The Cracks and Ran Away?
Mirabel & Bruno Switching Bodies — Part 2
Remember When… — Part 2
Uncle(Bruno Bashing Sadly)
Damaged
I Always Come Back!
Her Horrible Break-Up
Doll On The Music Box — Part 3
Protective Madrigals
Hurts Like Hell
Mirabel’s Split Emotions
Jealous Madrigals — Part 2

Who Are You Truly(T.Mirabel & Mirabel switching Bodies)

Chapter 32: Split Emotions

Notes:

Something similar to that one episode in TTG

Today is a normal day...Well it was supposed to be.

 

"Mirabel you have something, Heads up!" Camilo exclaimed, running towards Mirabel, before throwing something that looked like glass to her.

Mirabel's eyes widened, as she quickly caught the thing that Camilo threw at her.

"Camilo! What the heck!? You could've broken it!" Mirabel yells, an annoyed look on her face.

"What? I gave you a heads up, and you caught it. So, I don't see the problem." Camilo said with a sly smirk making Mirabel roll her eyes.

"Anyways...you said this was for me?" Mirabel questioned, keeping her eyes on the ball, observing it. It looked like it was made of glass, but at the same time it wasn't. 

"Yep! Some guy came to me and told me to deliver to you and not to open it. Anyways...what is it?" Camilo asked Mirabel, causing her to look at him with an annoyed expression.  

"How am I supposed to know? You already opened it even though it was mine."  Mirabel scowls.

"I was...curious, plus you barely even receive anything from the townspeople. It's kinda surprising to me, I don't think that's a love letter though, that guy looked too old for you." Camilo grinned, making Mirabel mentally scream, but hid it behind a smile.

Mirabel ignored it, and started to shake it around, curious on why she was delivered this. Suddenly the orb started to glow bright colors.

"Is it supposed to do this, Camilo?" Mirabel asked, as the orb starts glowing brighter. 

Camilo's eyes widened as the thing basically started to light up the whole room.

"Mirabel– Mira, I think you should put—" Camilo starts off, but gets interrupted as a bright light shone through the whole room making both of them close their eyes. Anyone that was outside could see the bright lights leaving out of the window.

!!!

 

"Mirabel..?" Camilo muttered , as he opens his eyes slowly only to look at Mirabel in shock.

 

Well not Mirabel but...Mirabels.

 

Standing in front of Camilo was 5 Mirabel's with different colored Skirts but was definitely Mirabel.

 

One of the Mirabels was wearing a bright yellow skirt. A bright smile on her face and was basically radiating a bunch of energy.(Joy)

 

Behind that Mirabel stood another Mirabel who was wearing her dark, gloom gray skirt. She was clinging onto Mirabel with the yellow skirt. Tears falling down her face as she cried into the happy Mirabel's shoulder.(Sadness)

 

The third Mirabel wore a bright red skirt. A pissed off look on her face as she was rolling her eyes at Camilo. She had a scowl on her face and looked ready to hit Camilo, but we won't talk about that. (Anger)

 

The fourth Mirabel wore a gray-ish purple skirt. She was clinging onto the Angry Mirabel's arm but the Angry Mirabel didn't mind. She had a scared look on her face as she desperately tried to hide but couldn't. (Scared or Fear)

 

The fifth Mirabel wore a bright orange skirt. She was well... looked exhausted and looked like she was about to pass out any moment. The only reason she was still standing was because angry Mirabel kept flicking her in the forehead to keep her awake.(Lazy or Sloth)

 

"M-Mirabel?" Camilo stammered, as he shifts into Mirabel by shock before shifting into himself. Well who wouldn't be shocked? There are literally five Mirabels in one room.

"That's my name and I don't like hearing coming out of your mouth, ya damn Chameleon!" Angry Mirabel yelled, clicking her tongue.

"I-" Camilo stuttered, never once had Mirabel yelled at him like that, or been angry towards him. This couldn't be Mirabel!...but she had Mirabel's voice.

The Happy Mirabel whacked The Angry Mirabel in the back of her head making the Angry Mirabel groan.

"I'm- I'm sorry about her! She isn't usually like this, I promise! I'm sorry!" The Happy Mirabel apologized with an apologetic smile.

"Uh- I'm confused- um- Mirabel?" Camilo said,  not finding the right words to say and basically speechless.

"You damn idiot! You shouldn't have taken that damn crystal ball from that suspicious old man!" The Angry Mirabel yelled at him again, making The Happy Mirabel hit her once again in the back of her head, making the Angry Mirabel glasses fall.

"She's right but to make it more simple...um- the- the crystal ball had split Mirabel's emotions making the five of us...uh- appear. Yeah- yeah, that's it." The Lazy Mirabel yawned, making everyone go silent.

Camilo looks at the Mirabels wide eyed.  All five Mirabels and one Camilo in one room together.

"This is why you don't talk to or take things from strangers!" The happy Mirabel exclaimed, in a strangely excited tone.

The Angry Mirabel looks at the Happy Mirabel for a Minute, staring at her intensely before picking up her glasses off the floor and walking out of the nursery. A pissed off look on her face as she marched out.

 

Not a good sign.

Soon, the Scared Mirabel ran out of the nursery in fear. Leaving the Happy, Sad, and lazy Mirabel in the room.

"You should get them—Mhm.." The lazy Mirabel yawns, also walking out of the room, back slouching as she walks, staggering in her steps.

 

...

 

"Are you going to be okay alone, S?" The Happy Mirabel asks Sad Mirabel who was hiding under the covers, crying quietly.

"Y-yes...I'll be fine..I'm always f-fine..." Sad Mirabel mumbled, you could definitely tell she was crying by the voice cracks, and the stutters and the obvious sniffle.

Camilo bit the inside of his cheek at the sound of Mirabel crying. The last time he heard or saw her cry was when she didn't receive her gift.

"Great! C'mon Milo!" Happy Mirabel says enthusiastically as she clapped her hands together and dragged the silent and stunned Camilo out of the nursery.

 

.....

 

(With the Angry Mirabel)

 

The Angry Mirabel stomped in anger, her face visible that she was pissed off.  She's an emotion that Mirabel rarely uses unless she's with Isabela.

 

Wow. 

 

Perfect timing.

 

Perfectly great.

 

Señorita Perfecta has just arrived.

 

The Angry Mirabel definitely couldn't hide her scowl from Isabela.

"Hm? Seems like someone woke! up on the wrong side of their bed.” Isabela laughs, noticing the angry look from Mirabel. Clearly taking the opportunity to piss off her little sister some more.

"Fuck off, Isabela!" Angry Mirabel snarls at Isabela, making the older girl's eyes widen at the profanity. 

"You know Abuela wouldn't like you if you used that language." Isabela sneered, her eyebrows furrowing, taking notice of what Mirabel was wearing. "You're wearing..red, that's not our family’s color. That's Tia's side of the family color, along with orange, and yellow." Isabela stated, not liking the different colors on her sister.

"Why does it matter what I wear? I could be wearing green, and I wouldn't give a flying fuck about what you, or anyone else think." Angry Mirabel snapped, while rolling her eyes.

Isabela completely went silent, her eyebrows furrowed down. Angry Mirabel seriously considered punching Isabela in the face.

In a swift second, Isabela had Angry Mirabel wrapped up in her vines. Having the Angry Mirabel pinned up against the wall.

"Hey! What the fuck?!" Angry Mirabel yells, her eyes widening and a scowl on her face. 

She certainly did not like being tied up and someone being this close to her face.

"Who the hell are you? You're not my Mirabel and that's for sure." Isabela snarls, the vines tightening around her. 

No answer.

"Are you Camilo? Only Camilo would do some dumb shit like this to mess with me." Isabela asks, making the Angry Mirabel roll her eyes.

"That dumb Chameleon does have something to do with this." The Angry Mirabel scowls, Isabela raises an eyebrow, clearly wanting her to continue on. "Why should I tell you? It's more fun pissing you off, than you figuring it out." Angry Mirabel smirks, making Isabela smack her own lips. "I'm surprised that you knew that I wasn't your Mirabel. After all, It seems you don't give a fuck about me." Angry Mirabel snorted, her eyes drifting off somewhere else.

"Of course I would notice if you're not Mirabel. Also you're confirming that you're not my Mirabel?" Isabela asks, surprisingly the Angry Mirabel nods her head.

"Yes, I'm confirming that I'm not her. I'm just an emotion of hers that gets held back often." Angry Mirabel answers truthfully, a small scowl on her face.

"..an emotion..?"

 

"Yes, an emotion. Your dumbass cousin, specifically Camilo, took something from a stranger which caused your Mirabel's emotions to split in fifths." Angry Mirabel ranted:. 

Isabela stood there frozen, taking in the information. She didn't know whether or not to believe it.

"Can you untie me? I'm not into that weird shit." Angry Mirabel hissed. 

"Yes, yes of course." Isabela said, flicking her wrist and making the vines disappear from around Angry Mirabel.

"Y'know, you're much more tolerable, and attractive when you're not a bitch." Angry Mirabel smirked, making Isabela roll her eyes.

"Thanks."

"Seriously, you're way less annoying when you're not being bitchy and having an attitude."

"I'm flattered really." Isabela said to Angry Mirabel sarcastically.

"Good to see that bitch face of yours again. I don't think I can stand you being nice to me. I might actually have to punch someone then." Angry Mirabel said with a smirk, patting Isabela on the shoulder before waking away to who knows where, leaving Isabela standing alone.

Isabela watched as she walked away with her eyebrows furrowed. She was still a bit confused. A part of her believed that Mirabel. The other part of her still thinks this is a prank from Camilo.

She was worried about Mirabel. Even if she doesn't show it.

 

~~~

 

(With Lazy Mirabel)

 

To say that Lazy Mirabel was exhausted was an understatement. She could barely stand up or even walk.

So, her best solution was to lay on the floor.

Unfortunately her– Mirabel's mother caught her lying on the ground.

"Mirabel, It's not good to lay on the ground. You know that right?" Julieta said, easily picking Lazy Mirabel from off the ground like she weighed nothing.

Lazy Mirabel just grumbled, laying her head on Julieta's shoulder. Julieta looked down at Mirabel's skirt, a curious look on her face.

"Bright Orange? That's a new skirt, It looks nice on you. Did you make it?" Julieta asked her youngest, Mirabel in response only just wrapped her hands around Julieta.

"Yes, I must say it looks rather nice on her. Especially when it's my color and Mirabel's wearing it." Pepa smirked, coming around the corner, and looking at Mirabel's skirt.

"You have nothing to do with this, right?" Julieta asked, gesturing towards the skirt, with a raised brow, which Pepa responded to by shrugging.

"I remember when Mirabel was six, and you kept trying to bring her over to your side of the family, and trying to convince her to wear orange." Julieta mused, keeping her eyes on Mirabel, who seemed to be sleeping on her.

"That was years ago, I've matured over the past years."

"Stop lying to yourself. I know you’re still trying to pull Mirabel over to your side of the family.” Julieta chuckled.

"It's not my fault that she looks so adorable in my color. The orange really suits her! Orange really is her color, don't you think?" Pepa squealed, excitement shimmering in her eyes.

"I think that...blue suits her better than orange." Julieta hums, bringing Mirabel closer to her.

"Is she sleeping?"

"Yes, I'm surprised she fell asleep on me. I should probably take her back to her room." Julieta stated.

"You mean the nursery?" Pepa corrects.

"Yes, the nursery, Mamá needs to change that, Mirabel can't be sleeping in a baby room at fifteen years old." Julieta responded.

"You think Casita can change that?" Pepa asked curiously.

"Most likely, I mean, Antonio has a jungle in his room." Julieta replied, thankfully Casita's tiles lift up, and down, as if saying she agrees.

"Ugh.." Dolores groaned, coming downstairs and grabbing some tea.

"Hija? What's wrong, Is it your gift again?" Pepa asked worriedly, but Dolores only looked at Mirabel with a mixture of confusion and annoyance.

"Camilo keeps shifting into Mirabel. Or if someone's playing a recording of her voice. But, I'm constantly hearing Mirabel's voice." Dolores whimpers, much to Julieta's and Pepa's confusion. 

"You still hear her?" Julieta asked.

"It's most likely Camilo." Pepa said. "I can tell him to stop, if you want."

"It's not just one Mirabel, it's four others."

"Oh."

"What?"

"Yes, it's four other voices as Mirabel. One of them is crying. One of them is talking. One of them is...swearing rapidly. The fourth voice is just whimpering somewhere." Dolores says, covering her ears.

"I'm going to assume that it's not your brother?" 

"No, I don't think it's him anymore now because he's talking to..Mirabel." Dolores said, even more confused.

...

"Did Mirabel change her skirt again?"

"Isabela, what do you mean?" Julieta says, waving over to her daughter.

"She was just wearing a bright red skirt a few minutes ago while I was talking to her. I'm surprised, she can..change this fast." Isabela says, her eyes narrowing at Mirabel.

It seemed that whatever that red-skirt Mirabel said was true. Red represents anger and orange can represent sloth.

Chapter 33: Remember When… — Part 2

It's been four years since her death. Casita had been fully built after a few months, nearly a year. The magic was back. 

 

They didn't know whether to be happy or not. They weren't really, since Mirabel's death miraculously caused an extra fifty years for the magic.

 

Mariano and Isabela's engagement was broken off, since Isabela gained the courage to tell Mariano that she wasn't interested in him. That she only did it for the family and sees him as a brother. She had gained the courage from the conversation with Mirabel.

 

Mariano wasn't that upset, he was glad that Isabela told the truth because he would be more upset if they were in a loveless marriage.

 

Around three months later after Casita had been rebuilt, Dolores had confessed her love to Mariano. Mariano was surprised, but accepted it. They went on a few dates with each other, to get to know each other better. After two years and a month of dating, Mariano proposed to her, Dolores obviously said yes. 

 

Bruno had also come back, the family still didn't know. He still hid. The reason he waited so long to come back was because he was living with the guilt of Mirabel dying. He felt like it was his fault for giving her the vision. He still feels guilty for doing it. He still hides, only Dolores knows that he's in the Encanto.

 

---

Dolores' daughter was on the door, clearly older with her eyes open. Behind her was a whirlpool, which led to several different things.  She also had a clock that was circling in a loop.

 

"Dimension travel?" Mariano guessed, with a raised brow. That was her gift. He couldn't help but feel like something was wrong. 

 

Bruno watched from far away. He hadn't had vision about her gift, something that he usually avoided. He knew that this was quite similar but not really similar to his gift.

 

The girl grabbed the doorknob, when she suddenly felt the doorknob twist on the other side.

 

"Mamá? Someone is..." The girl trailed off in confusion before shaking her head. Maybe that was normal? 

 

She opened the doorknob.

 

A bright light erupted inside of the room, blinding everyone, Mariano coving his daughter's eyes from the bright light.

 

Soon as the flashing lights were over, everyone slowly opened their eyes.

 

...

 

Someone had walked out, someone that they hadn't seen in years.

 

Mirabel.

 

All of their eyes widened seeing the supposedly dead girl, looking at them, clearly breathing and not injured.

 

Her mom, Julieta. She was trembling while crying at the sight of seeing her dead daughter. It's been four years since Mirabel died and she will never forget it. She lost Bruno and lost her youngest daughter thanks to her Mother's antics. She would never show herself crying in front of the family, only her husband, Agustín. She wanted to make sure everyone else was okay. She wouldn't want to lose anyone else from the family. She doesn't want everyone to feel left out or like they didn't belong. It's all her fault. She had her gift but she couldn't help what's already dead. No. She can't believe it! She won't believe it! Maybe if she made some of Mirabel's favorite food then she would open her eyes?!  Maybe if she showed how special Mirabel was instead of telling her then...then...she would be alive..?

 

She couldn't believe that she was seeing her again. It felt like everything around her disappeared. And her and Mirabel were the ones there. 

 

Her dad, Agustín. He was crying finally seeing his youngest daughter. He loves Mirabel with all his heart just like all his other daughters, he has no favorites, he treats them all with the same amount of love. He loved them equally, he doesn't want any other of his daughters to feel less loved. But clearly he failed because his youngest, Mirabel felt as if she was a burden and didn't belong. He always made jokes that they stick together since they both were "gift less" and would say that "Just because you have no gift doesn't mean you're any less special than the family." Clearly, he didn't try hard enough..since..since, she's dead.

 

....He was glad to see her again, all of them staring at the girl in shock, tears rolling down their face. He wanted to run up to her and pull her into a hug.

 

Her Tía, Pepa. Her and Mirabel were never really close, but Pepa always loved Mirabel. She was her niece. They never really talked to each other but Pepa never treated Mirabel differently after she didn't receive her gift. It broke her heart when she saw Bruno's tower falling towards Mirabel. She could only hope that Mirabel made it out or Casita helped her. When she saw Mirabel in the rubble, bleeding, glasses off her face. It broke her, but she knew Julieta had it worse. She couldn't imagine how she would feel if it was one of her children. Mirabel risked her left for the candle. Did Mirabel really think her life was worth less than that stupid candle? She saved the Miracle, but at what cost?

 

Pepa held tight to Félix after seeing Mirabel, rain coming out of her cloud and Félix was just as shocked as her to even think of shooing it away.

 

Her Tío, Felix. They weren't close either but they still hung out. When he was to run errands he would take her with him. They were giftless buddies. He never treated Mirabel differently but he wished he paid more attention to her. He wished the whole family did. The family changed over some annoying candle that granted powers. Him and Mirabel were into music, so they usually bonded over that. Since both of them played the Accordion, they got along well, Agustín occasionally joining them. He saved Antonio from the door that almost hit him. But, why couldn't he save Mirabel?

 

He was glad to see Mirabel again...even if he knew it wasn't exactly their Mirabel.

 

Her older Prima, Dolores. They were close when they were young. Dolores always played with her hair when they were younger. When Dolores got her gift, Mirabel always spoke softly when Dolores was around even when she was not asked to. Though they don't talk much, Mirabel hums softly so Dolores can calm down. Dolores appreciates Mirabel very much. Maybe, if she didn't spill everything at dinner than Mirabel would be here. It was her fault. Maybe if she didn't give her the hint of going to Luisa, then none of this would happen. It's all her fault. Why couldn't she hear Mirabel's heart beating, like it always was..? Why isn't her gift working right now?! Mirabel can't die! She's too young! Mirabel was as special as everyone else, even more! God why was she so useless even though she has her gift. She got her gift back but at what cost? She was happy to lose it. Everything was always loud. Too loud for her. She hates it. She hates her gift. She hated herself for not helping Mirabel. She should have never given Mirabel the hint that something was wrong with the magic. But, she couldn't help but feel that everything would've gone wrong either way if she didn't say anything..

 

Dolores had never heard it be so silent since the destruction of Casita. She could still hear everyone's heart beating. But, everyone was too shocked to even say anything after seeing her. Dolores was just as silent, focusing on the girl's heart beating. Dolores always knew that only Mirabel's heart could beat so lively like that. She was happy to hear it again.

 

Her older primo, Camilo. They were always close until Camilo got his room. Even without her gift, Camilo hung out with her sometimes but Abuela told her to stop distracting him and told Camilo to stop hanging out with Mirabel, which he did. They used to be in the nursery together and guess what each other's gift would be when they were younger. They would sneak food at night when they thought everyone was sleeping, they always got caught, but that didn't stop them. They split apart when they got older as each of them was distracted with their own things. Always trying to change themselves to make other people proud or be useful. He wanted to make up with her but it was too late. It was all his fault. He saw through Mirabel's mask but didn't do anything. Why didn't he do anything..? Why was he so stupid..? Maybe if he had transformed in time, he could've saved Mirabel and the candle, mainly Mirabel. He couldn't even remember what she looked like anymore. He doesn't know what she sounds like anymore. He can't even remember who he was because Mirabel was always there for him.

 

...Mirabel? His twin is back? He didn't have the words to express how he was feeling. Sad? Happy? Angry? No. No words would be able to express his feelings.

 

The youngest Madrigal, Antonio. He didn't understand what was happening. Camilo had covered his eyes and ears, so he couldn't see or hear anything. He knew that Camilo was crying but was trying to cover it up. He was only told by his animals that Mirabel is sleeping. But it doesn't make sense! Why is Mira sleeping for years? Is she really that tired? He can't wait for her to wake up! He had so much to show her and so many friends, he wanted her to meet! Mira was like his second sister or mom to him. Mirabel was always there for him, no matter what. He just can't wait for Mirabel to come back!

 

Antonio was happy to see Mirabel again, it's been four years since he had last seen her. Well...the last time he saw her, she was in a weird bed and her eyes were closed, before she was put in the ground. He was old enough to understand it now. But, he and his animals were excited to see Mirabel now.

 

Her eldest sister, Isabela. They used to be so close together but they split away from each other. Isabela used to make flower crowns for younger Mirabel. Like Camilo, she used to try and guess Mirabel's gifts. She always thought Mirabel's gift would have to do with butterflies since Mirabel was pretty much obsessed with them. But as Mirabel didn't get her gift, Isabela saw the disappointed look on Abuela's face. Eventually Isabela felt the urge to protect her youngest sister. As she grew flowers and other plants, she was seen as the perfect child from an Abuela point of view. Just to distract her Abuela from pinning everything on Mirabel...Soon, she got jealous, Jealous of Mirabel. Jealous that Mirabel had to do nothing and just sit there and not be pressured to do things she didn't want to do. Jealous that Mirabel was able to leave and nobody would notice. Her jealousy took over her and soon they hated each other's guts. They couldn't stand being in the same room together without it being awkward or them arguing with each other. They always glared at each other but she took it too far when she told Mirabel she hates her. She never wanted to marry Mariano and Mirabel helped but instead she got mad at Mirabel. Later on, Mirabel came to her room for a hug. Though she denied at first, she eventually gave her a hug, after making a bunch of new plants. Then their Abuela caught them and that's when everything went wrong. She tried. She tried to use her vines to save Mirabel and Camilo tried to help too but it was too late. She died. Her sister died. Her youngest sister died. This wasn't supposed to happen. It was all her fault. Why was she like this? She treated Mirabel as something less than dirt because of jealousy. Why did she have to be so selfish? Mirabel died because of her. Mirabel died because she wanted to save the miracle. They just made up, just for her to..die? She wished she could rewind time. She hates her gift.

 

Isabela's eyes widen, watching Mirabel come out of the door looking clueless. Wearing that skirt with all their symbols. Isabela had never felt like this before. She was glad— no- she was fucking feeling more. She couldn't describe what she was feeling when she saw Mirabel again. She wanted to make up for it....for Mirabel to never disappear again.

 

Her older sister, Luisa. Luisa and Mirabel were close when they were kids. Luisa always threw Mirabel up in the air making Mirabel squeal in excitement. Luisa would never hurt her sister and would be very careful with her little sister. But as they got older they drifted away. Abuela was always telling Luisa to move or lift things, making it hard to hang out with Mirabel. Soon, it became a common thing of not speaking to each other since she was always so busy. It was hard to do so when Abuela always told her to do things over and over again. But it broke her heart to see her little sister with her eyes closed with blood on her. Her eyes closed as if she was sleeping peacefully. It was her fault, wasn't it?  She should have never told Mirabel to find Bruno's vision. She didn't think she would actually search for it. Maybe if she was stronger than Mirabel would've been alive. Why was she so weak? She lost her only younger sister. She wasn't ready to be the youngest and Mirabel had so much ahead of her. She was supposed to protect Mirabel and here she was crying over her dead body. She's pretty worthless now if she can't protect her baby sister. What's the point of having this gift if she can't protect anyone? Her own sister?

 

Luisa's body was trembling, she never thought she would ever feel this weak again. But, she swore that she'd protect Mirabel again. 

 

Her grandmother, Abuela "Alma"  Madrigal. Abuela was never close to Mirabel, when she grew up. She distanced herself from Mirabel and avoided her like a disease. In her eyes, Mirabel was getting in the way and was jealous. But when Bruno's tower fell, she could finally see. She finally opened her eyes. But, it was far too late for that. She saw how Mirabel tried in all her might to save the candle. She succeeded. She saved the miracle and sacrificed her life for it like Pedro. Now Mirabel is dead..Pedro died, Bruno left and Mirabel just died. Mirabel was too young to die. Her grandchildren and children were supposed to outlive her. It was her fault and she knew it. She put too much pressure on the family causing the family to crack until they couldn't take it anymore. She cracked Mirabel too much to the point where Mirabel thought she was nothing but a burden. A disappointment to the Madrigal family. But, Mirabel's death wasn't in vain...the candle took Mirabel as a sacrifice and granted them another fifty years of the Miracle. It wasn't worth it. The miracle, nor the candle was worth the life of a Madrigal, Mirabel Madrigal.

 

Alma never thought that she would see her granddaughter again. Not until she was long gone, dead. She swore she would never show any weakness in front of the family or village, but here she was. Crying. But, nobody blamed her, about everyone was just as shocked and crying like her.

 

Her Tío, Bruno. Bruno and her were close after Mirabel found him in the walls. Though Mirabel doesn't remember him much when she was younger she knew he was her Tío. Mirabel never judged Bruno and Bruno never judged her. They both were outcasts and they stuck together. They hung out in the wall when Abuela told Mirabel to stay out of the way. They always cheered each other up when the other felt sad. Mirabel had promised him to bring him back to the house after they save the Miracle...the only thing was that neither of them came back. It was his fault. Maybe if Mirabel didn't find the vision or he hid it then Mirabel would be alive. He escaped out of the crumbling house and he could only hope Casita saved Mirabel or she made it out. He saw the way his tower was falling towards her. It scared him. She needed to get out! Why wasn't she moving? Why wasn't she breathing?!.....why..?...Why?!...she..she promised to bring him back after she saved the miracle...but..but..why would she risk her life over some stupid candle?! Her life is way more important than any other gift!  He didn't see this in his vision, why didn't he see this happening?! Curse this stupid Miracle. Curse himself for letting this happen and spreading bad luck to Mirabel. He truly was a curse. Everywhere he went, he messed things up. He needs to leave, and never make a mistake like this ever again.

 

He did leave. About three years before he came back to Dolores' wedding. Nobody saw him, but Dolores. He didn't have a vision about Mirabel or anything. He didn't think Mirabel was going to come back, not after seeing her body lowered into the ground. Clearly, God has other plans with Mirabel.

 

Everyone else stood there in shock and disbelief. Not really sure if they wanted to believe this was real or not.

 

Mirabel's eyes scanned the whole family before looking at the little girl and the door she came out of.

Notes:

The Adults turning into kids
What If Casita's Tile Fell On Mirabel And Killed Her? — Part 2
Isabela & Mirabel switch personalities
Jaguar Mirabel
Emotionless Mirabel
Are you lonely?
Mamabel
The Last One Standing
Her Secret Friend
If I Can’t Have A Gift, Why Should He?
Back To Where We Started
Drift Away
Memory Loss
Be Careful What You Wish For
Falling — Part 2
She’s A Vampire!
Ghost!Mirabel
Kidnapped..Once Again — Part 2
Running Away
What If Mirabel Didn't See The Cracks and Ran Away?
Mirabel & Bruno Switching Bodies — Part 2
Remember When… — Part 3
Uncle(Bruno Bashing Sadly)
Damaged
I Always Come Back!
Her Horrible Break-Up
Doll On The Music Box — Part 3
Protective Madrigals
Hurts Like Hell
Mirabel’s Split Emotions — Part 2
Jealous Madrigals — Part 2

Who Are You Truly(T.Mirabel & Mirabel switching Bodies)

Chapter 34: Back To Where We Started

"No..N-no, the...cand—." Mirabel gasped, stopping mid-sentence, talking, burning her throat, like her lungs are filled with dust and ash(Which it probably was) She's holding the candle in her hand, which had a dimmed light.

 

Bruno's tower seconds away from falling on top of her.

 

"MIRABEL!" 

 

Was the last thing that she heard before the tower fell on her. Casita's furniture failing to protect her.

 

It's cold...

 

It was painful.

 

Numb.

 

If I hadn't been gift-less, would my life have been different?

 

If I had taken care of the issue earlier and made sure Bruno didn't leave, would things be different?

 

Would Casita still fall as it did now?

 

Would I be able to live instead of dying by going for the candle?

 

Would I have been able to change that?

 

What would've happened if I lived?

 

Would Abuela love me?

 

...

 

If..I could, I would go back in time. So, I could prevent all these mishaps.

 

Nobody noticed the candle's flame glowing brightly one more time, before fully going out.

 

She didn’t want to fall asleep just yet.

---

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

 

Mirabel couldn't help but groan at the loud beeping sound, reaching over to turn it off. She didn't register being able to move at all, for a full minute. Before, her eyes widen and she froze, realizing that she was back in the nursery inside of Casita. The Casita that supposedly fell.

 

"..What?" Mirabel gasped, looking in the corner of her eye and seeing a sleeping Antonio in the nursery. 

 

This shouldn't be possible.

 

She died. 

 

So, why was she back here?

 

Was this her heaven? Hell?

 

She doubted that, since Antonio was here. A dream? That made more sense.

 

Mirabel also doubted that it was a dream, no matter how weird it seemed.

 

But to dream when she died? Weird. She kinda expected external darkness.

 

Antonio was here, but why was she here? He was also lively. Was she a ghost? No, she's..not bleeding anywhere or transparent. Though, being a ghost did sound cool.

 

Oh.

 

She looked at her full body mirror, seeing no type of blood on her. Her glasses were not cracked, no type of glass stuck in her face. 

 

Oh.

 

She was warm, breathing, and alive.

 

She remembers when she could hardly breath, Mirabel looked at herself and still couldn't get any clearer what she was doing to herself.

 

"I-I'm..alive?" Mirabel stammered, her voice shaking.

 

As if Casita heard her, the tiles started clicking up and down, as if they were saying 'yes', confirming Mirabel's question.

 

"I- I can't..I'm not supposed to be.." Mirabel whispered, dropping to her knees. "I'm supposed to be dead." 

 

Mirabel couldn't stop her hands from trembling, the feeling of everything crashing on top of her was painful and scary. She didn't even realize she was crying until drops of her tears fell on her skirt.

 

Mirabel buried her face in her knees, letting out laugh, before they turned into a sorrowful moan. Then the moan was replaced by gasps, and her body began to shake in sobs.

 

She didn't understand anything. Nobody would.

 

How can she say this without breaking? How can I say this without..losing control? How can I put it down in two words?

 

Everything has to be one big joke. But it's not funny.

 

She could still feel the aching pain from Casita falling on her.

 

The yells of her family calling out to her.

 

She didn't want to experience it again.

 

"I'm fine, I'm fine, I'll be fine.." Mirabel laughs to herself, tears still welled up in her eyes.

 

"M-Mira?" A tiny voice said, making Mirabel turn around, seeing Antonio wide awake, looking concerned.

 

"Antonio—" Mirabel rubbed at her stubborn tears which only fell faster. A hiccup broke through her shaky voice, her face pale. "I'm sorry...Was I too loud?"

 

That wasn't what Antonio wanted to hear. His favorite cousin was clearly upset, the most upset he had ever seen her.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

…

 

“I’ll be fine.” Mirabel answered, offering him a shaky smile. “How about you lay back down? I’m sorry that I woke you up.” Mirabel said, standing up, before leaving the room.

 

…

 

She was obviously sent back to the past. How could she prevent this, prevent Casita from falling? She didn't understand, she tried her best to fulfill the other side of the vision, saving the Miracle. She made sure Luisa wasn't stressed and relaxed. She made sure that Isabela was truly happy and didn't have to marry Mariano and explored her gift, instead of just flowers. Mirabel had a feeling that she needed to also talk to Dolores about Mariano. She was so close to getting Bruno back together with the family. Only for it all to fail, her efforts meaningless. The candle died out. She died.  When did she go wrong? The cracks were healing. Maybe it felt the stuff she gave it...wasn't enough? Was she the problem?

 

All she ever wanted was her family to be proud of her. Was that too much to ask?

---

Dolores was usually awake before everyone, due to her room not being soundproof in the morning. 

 

It also wasn't strange for Mirabel to be awake, since she was an early bird.  

 

She was a bit concerned when Mirabel was asleep and her breathing pattern changed, as if she was getting choked by someone, her heart beating rapidly.

 

Dolores was about to leave her room, when Mirabel's alarm went off, waking the girl. Which made Dolores stop in her tracks.

 

She heard Mirabel say 'What?' It seemed as if she was having a nightmare. A terrible one.

 

Dolores couldn't help, but be concerned, when Mirabel asked herself in a shaky voice, that she was alive, as if she shouldn't be.

 

Dolores stood up immediately, out of her bed once Mirabel said something along the lines of 'I- I can't..I'm not supposed to be...I'm supposed to be dead."

 

Now that got Dolores scared.

 

Mirabel? Her sweet cousin Mirabel, saying something like that, seemed like a fever dream. 

 

Mirabel saying that could only mean two things..One, it was a nightmare. Two, she tried to commit.

 

Dolores wouldn't call themselves a perfect or a happy family. But, Mirabel to commit Suicide? 

 

She would likely believe it to be a nightmare, but the sobs that Mirabel let out, made her heart drop and was the most terrifying thing she heard from her cousin.

 

She quickly left out of her room, something was wrong with Mirabel.

Notes:

So, I’m doing a secret Santa with the Madrigals with angst.
Who should Mirabel be the secret Santa to?

Chapter 35: Pre-Canon Secret Santa

Summary:

It's Christmas, a day where families come together and gives presents to each other. A day filled with love and joy. A day which every child loves.

Except, Mirabel doesn't receive any presents, she's forgotten. It doesn't hurt. At least that what she wants to say.

Mirabel loves Christmas, out of every holiday, Christmas was her favorite time of the year. She loved the snowflakes, the pastries, the drinks, the decor, plus the presents!

It's also one of the times where Alma doesn't care what they wear. Well, she does, she just doesn't care that they aren't color-coded during December.  

For example, Mirabel was wearing a red blouse and skirt, which had snowflakes and little snowmen on them. Julieta was wearing an outfit similar to Mrs. Claus' outfit, also red.

Mirabel watched as her father wrote everyone's names on a piece of paper and put it in an old hat.

"Alrighty, everyone can pull out a name now! Who should we start with?" Agustín asked, with a big smile, shaking up the hat. "How about oldest to youngest?"

"Yes, that would be fine." Alma said, standing up, pulling a name from the hat. She stepped back, making sure that nobody could see who she pulled. You're the secret Santa to: Antonio.

Alma subtly looked at Antonio, who was babbling nonsense. She knew he was an Animal guy, at least he took interest in animals. Maybe she would give him something animal related.

"Señora Claus, your turn." Agustín winked at his wife, who fondly rolled her eyes.

"Wouldn't that make you Señor Claus then?" Julieta shot back, with a grin.

"Nah, that's Félix. I'm an elf!" Agustín said cheekily, pointing to Félix, who was dressed as Santa. "You match more with h—"

"You both can flirt another time, Julie, pull your name." Pepa interrupted, before their flirting goes any further.

"Alright." Julieta said, before pulling out a name, unfolding the paper. You're the secret Santa to: Dolores.

Julieta smiled, she had to be careful around Dolores, she didn't want to ruin the surprise around her. "Rudolph, your turn." 

Pepa clicked her tongue playfully. "Really funny, Claus."  She said, before she drew a name. She took a step back, before looking at the name. You're the secret Santa to: Isabela.

Pepa's lips twitched upward, she wasn't that great with giving gifts. She's positive that she'll give Isabela something great. "Santa, your turn."

"Are we really about to refer to each other by what we wear?" Félix deadpanned, picking up a name. "I would rather not be referred to as Santa, when Julieta is Mrs. Claus."

"Is something wrong with me, Señor?" Julieta asked mockingly, with a raised brow.

"It's only that I would rather be with my lovely wife, not my sister-in-law." Félix grinned, unfolding his paper. You're the secret Santa too: Agustín. 

Félix snorted, well this was going to be fun. "Gus, your turn."

"Of course." Agustín chuckled, picking up a paper. He unfolded it; You're the secret Santa to: Pepa.

He chuckled nervously, let's hope she doesn't strike him with lightning. "Isabela?"

"Already on it." Isabela smiled sweetly, she wore dark green, her skirt stopped just below her knees. Circles, like ornaments, were on her, multiple colors. A star headband on her head. She picked up a paper, unfolding it. You're the secret Santa to: Luisa.

Luisa? She wasn't exactly close to her little sister, let's hope she likes what she's going to give her.

Dolores went up next, grabbing a paper from the hat, only three now remained. Shouldn't it be four? She ignored her thoughts, unfolding her paper. You're the secret Santa to: Abuela.

Dolores squeaked, she wasn't too sure about what to get her Abuela. But, she'll listen in on her closely.

Luisa went up after Dolores, carefully grabbing the paper. She unfolded it; You're the secret Santa to: Félix.

Hm, she would probably give him the instrument or something involved with music. Her uncle is a music person.

"My turn!" Camilo grinned, grabbing a paper, he unfolded it eagerly. You're the secret Santa to: Julieta.

His Aunt? Yeah, this is going to be a bit more hard. His Tía Julieta was more of a quiet person.

Mirabel went next, pulling out a name. You're the secret Santa to: Camilo

Mirabel's eyebrows slightly raised, she wasn't too close to Camilo. She doesn't know what to really get him.

"Alright, that's everyone!" Agustín exclaimed, setting the empty hat down.  "You all know how secret Santa goes! You have to give a gift to the person you're assigned to! Remember, as a gift giver, your identity shouldn't be figured out by the person receiving the gift."

The Madrigals nodded, before they all went their separate ways.

Mirabel made her way to the nursery, thinking of things Camilo would like. Camilo did enjoy a lot of things.

A new ruana maybe? His old ruana was old, dusty, and PLAIN. His birthday is coming near too, only on December twenty-eighth. He probably would enjoy something flashy.

It's decided, she's making him a new ruana! Ohh, should she add chameleon patterns on it? That would be cool, wouldn't it? Chameleons do represent his shapeshifting ability.

She wouldn't want it to be plain yellow. Maybe she could add orange- no, dark yellow streaks on his ruana! Yes, that's decided. The chameleons could be dark yellow, and on the lighter side of the ruana.

Mirabel grinned, it was perfect!

---

It was Christmas, every Madrigal was in the same room, a present in their hand. 

"Alright everyone, pass out your gifts!" Alma exclaimed, as everyone began walking around.

Mirabel watches as Camilo walks to her Mamá with a gift in his hand, passing it to her. He said something to her, something that she couldn't hear, his cheeks were red, probably from embarrassment. Julieta smiled at him and patted his head, as she made her way to Dolores.

"Hey Camilo!" Mirabel called out, catching his attention.

"Hey Mira!" Camilo grinned, looking at the present in her hand. "I'm guessing you got me?"

"You're correct, here!" Mirabel smiled, watching as Camilo opened it. "...I know we aren't really close, but I got you something that I think you would like and need."

Camilo opened the present, his mouth slightly gaped. "A new ruana?" He turned it around, noticing the chameleon pattern. "Chameleons? Neat!" He grinned, taking off his old ruana, throwing it to the side with no care, putting on the one Mirabel made him. "Mira, thank you! My old one was getting a little tight." Camilo exclaimed, checking himself out and the ruana. His smile froze, noticing the lack of gift in her hands. "Where's your gift?"

Mirabel's smile faded once she realized he was right, nobody approached her. Everyone was talking to each other.

"..Oh."

Mirabel watches as her family members pass out gifts to each other, nobody giving her a gift. It didn't hurt.

Just like her ceremony, she didn't receive one.

"Ah..it doesn't matter. Tell the family I'm going to bed. Feliz navidad!" Mirabel smiled weakly, before walking away.

Camilo watched as Mirabel walked away, a frown on his face. How did they forget to give Mirabel a gift? Whoever pulled her name should've given a gift. His face paled once he realized that nobody got her.

Mirabel got him. He got Julieta. Luisa got Félix. Dolores got Abuela. Isabela got Luisa. Agustín got Pepa. Félix got Agustín. Pepa got Isabela. Julieta got Dolores. Abuela got Antonio. Nobody got Mirabel.

How was that possible? Mirabel was one of the nicest people he knows! She would do anything for the family! 

Camilo left out, making his way towards the nursery, where Mirabel should be at.

"Mirabel..." He muttered, he saw her sitting down on a chair, sewing something.  "You..you didn't get a gift, did you?" Camilo asked, as Mirabel nodded. "...I'm the worst cousin ever! What do you want? I'll get it for you!" Camilo exclaimed, standing up, putting on his sandals. "It's not fair that everyone else got a gift and you didn't!"

"Camilo, I'm sure it was an accident..really, it's fine, it's not that big of a deal. There's always next year." Mirabel said, offering him a small smile.

"Not a big of a deal?" Camilo gasped. "Christmas is one of the best holidays! And next year, do you know how long that is!?"

"Another twelve months?" Mirabel shrugged. "Besides everyone is happy, I don't want to ruin the mood or anything."

"Everyone is not happy. I'm not happy that you're not happy." Camilo huffed angrily, grabbing Mirabel by her arms, making her stand up.

“Hey!?”

“Come on, put on your sandals!”

“Huh?”

“Me and you are going shopping! I’m not going to leave you upset while everyone’s in a jolly holly mood!”

“..Holly jolly- Wha- Camilo, it’s fine really.” Mirabel said.

“Let me do this for you, Mirabel.” Camilo huffed. “We’re cousins, Mirabel, I’d like to say Mellizos!”

Mirabel looked at Camilo, who was being stubborn, who definitely wasn’t going to take no for an answer. “…Fine.”

“Yes!” He cheered.

“With what money? From what I know, you have none.” Mirabel deadpanned.

Camilo froze, he didn’t think of that. He definitely couldn’t steal from his parents. He knows Mirabel doesn’t like being the center of attention, and wouldn’t want her parents to worry about her.

“Never mind, it doesn’t matter.” Mirabel smiled. “How about you and I spend some time together? I don’t think I know much about you anymore, Camilo. That’d be a great Christmas gift.”

“..Ah, spend time with me? As your Christmas gift?” Camilo looked flustered. “..I mean, I know I’m great and Al—“

“Yep, that’s enough flattery.” Mirabel interrupted. “Come on, let’s go.” She grinned, leaving the nursery.

“Hey, you’re supposed to follow me!”

 

~~~~

 

Later on, they figured out that Agustín was putting the names in. He had accidentally dropped the hat making the names fall out. When he put the names back in, he didn’t know Mirabel’s name was missing. Agustín profusely apologized to Mirabel, crying in all(Even though it was Mirabel, who didn’t get a gift) Then he took Mirabel shopping, It was a nice father and daughter bonding time though.

Notes:

I’m going to do a Post-Canon secret Santa also, including Bruno and Mariano. In the last one, a lot of people wanted Mirabel to have Isabela or Alma. Which ones would you prefer? I’m still working on who would have to give a gift to Mirabel. Maybe the whole family would give Mirabel a gift in secret to make up for last Christmas?

Chapter 36: Post-Canon Secret Santa

"Finally, after months, Mirabel almost died, Casita is rebuilt, and we have our gifts!" Camilo cheered. "And Christmas is around the corner! Hooray!" 

Isabela raised a brow. "Out of everything, Christmas is what you're most excited about? Typical."

"I mean, Christmas is going to be the least stressful thing that happened to us this year." Dolores chuckled, her gaze landed on Mirabel, who was chatting with Bruno. "Especially for Mirabel." She said in a whisper.

"Huh?"

"Nothing." Dolores grinned. "I'm just glad that everyone is alive."

"Not for long.." Camilo muttered.

"Camilo!" Luisa scolded, making him smile nervously.

Mirabel made her way over to them. "What are we scolding Camilo for?"

"For saying something stupid as usual."

"Understandable."

"Hey!"

"We're just talking about Christmas being around the corner." Dolores said, before her brother and older cousin could start bickering.

"Christmas? I forgot Christmas was coming so soon, I've been so caught up in stuff!" Mirabel frowned.

"How can you forget about Christmas?" Camilo gasped dramatically.

"I just—"

"C'mon give our savior a break." Isabela smirked, bringing Mirabel closer to her.

"Isa, you're chokin—"

"The house fell on poor Mirabel." Isabela said.

"Why do you sound so sarcastic?"

"Since nobody was going to say it. After you went missing, we all thought you had died under the rubble and mama just imagined talking to you." Isabela said bluntly, before summoning a vine, wrapping it around Mirabel's waist. "I swear, you need a leash."

Mirabel looked down at her waist. "That's..nice to know, I guess?"

"Want to know something else?" Isabela grinned.

"Somebody stop her, she's going to say something rude or stupid, most likely both." Luisa sighed.

"Sure." Mirabel shrugged.

"Nobody bothered to check if you had or not."

Mirabel raised a brow, almost baffled by her remark, then she remembered it was Isabela. "Nice to know. Also nice to have rude Isa back."

"Anyways, I'm glad to have the miracle back. I'm gonna go decorate my room. Cya, sis." Isabela smirked, before walking away.

"Wait- ISA! The vines, the VINES, SIS!" Mirabel yelled, before getting dragged away from the vine that was on her waist.

They stared at where Mirabel was previously standing.

"...Shouldn't we help her?" Luisa asked, looking around as if she was the only sane one there.

"That's Isabela's way of spending time with Mirabel." Dolores deadpanned. "Also a way for us to think of presents."

"Presents?" Camilo said.

"...We haven't been the best family to Mirabel. We remember how last Christmas went. This is also our first Christmas together as a family. I want it to be our best, I'm sure the adults think the same." Dolores stated, she stopped when she heard Isabela summoning flowers on Mirabel, covering her in them. "...We all know- at least I think so, that Mirabel has a low self-esteem."

"Where are we going with this??"

"This year we're doing secret Santa again. We're obviously not going to make the same mistake as last year." 

"..Yeah, I did feel bad for Mirabel. You should've seen her face when she didn't get a gift." Camilo muttered. "But, me as her awesome, FAVORITE, older cousin noticed and hung out with her. We're definitely not making the same mistake.  Especially after she made me this cool ruana!"

Dolores sighed, while Luisa just stared.

"I'm telling this to you two just in case one of you gets her name. Don't get her something that anyone or she could get herself. Give her something that Mirabel would enjoy and wouldn't get herself."  Dolores explained. "We're doing the same with Tío Bruno. We want him to feel welcomed, not overwhelmed."

"Then wouldn't that ruin the purpose of secret Santa?"

Dolores' lips curled up into a smirk. "As long as Mirabel and Tío Bruno don't figure us out. Then we're fine. That's also if you get Mirabel or Tío Bruno."

"Sounds reasonable." Luisa hummed.

"Shouldn't Isabela be here too? And Antonio?"

"I'll talk to her...when she's not suffocating Mira." Dolores responded. "Since Antonio's participating in Secret Santa this year. Mamá and Pá are going to help him with his gift. Though I doubt he needs their help, especially with his creative mind."

"By the way, does Mariano has to come? He's not even family." Camilo grumbled.

"Yet." Luisa chuckled.

"Camilo, yes, he does need to be here."

"He wasn't even here when he was engaged to Isabela!"

"That's exactly why he's here now." Dolores replied, bending down to his level." And you are not going to pull any pranks on him.

Camilo's eyes twitched, before sighing. "Fine! I won't pull any pranks on him...in the meantime."

"I heard that."

"I'm sure you did!" Camilo laughed, before running away. "He has to know what he's getting into by joining the Madrigal family, especially if I'm his future brother-in-law!" He exclaimed.

"Camilo!"

---

"So, we all know how secret Santa goes, right?" Julieta asked, being the one to hold the hat filled with names. She wasn't going to let her clumsy husband carry it after last time. "For those who don't, it's a game where everyone's name is put into a bowl, hat, it doesn't really matter what it's in. You're going to pull a random name out of the hat. That's the person you're going to be giving a gift to, you're their secret Santa. Remember, your identity should remain a secret, the person who you're giving a gift to shouldn't find you out. That's all the rules, right? Right."

Antonio was practically bouncing in his seat.

"Does everyone wanna do youngest to oldest, since we did oldest to youngest last time?" Julieta asked, everyone nodded. "Then, Toñito, pull a paper out." She smiled, lowering the hat for him to reach.

"Yay!" He beamed, grabbing a paper out after Julieta shuffled the hat. You're the secret Santa to: Bruno (｡◕‿◕｡)

Antonio giggled, when he saw that he got his cool uncle. Don't get him wrong, his Tío Agustín is cool, but his other Tío has rats!

"Guess it's my turn." Mirabel grinned, standing up to grab a paper from the hat. She stepped back and unfolded the paper. You're the secret Santa to: Félix（っ＾▿＾）

Hm, her Tío Félix, she'll enjoy this.

"It's the best Madrigal turn!" Camilo exclaimed, causing the other grandchildren to groan. He quickly pulled out a name from the hat. You're the secret Santa to: Mariano (͡• ͜ʖ ͡•)

Camilo's face dropped, he's going to give Mariano a random leaf and tell him that it's ancient and special. He wouldn't tell the difference.

Dolores raised a brow at Camilo, most likely now knowing who Camilo got. 

Luisa went up next, grabbing a paper out of the hat. You're the secret Santa to: Camilo ~(˘▾˘~)

Couldn't have been worse.

Dolores got up next, Mariano grabbing her tea. She pulled a name, You're the secret Santa too: Dolores (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)

"Huh, I got myself." Dolores hummed, folding up the paper, putting it back in, before grabbing another one. You're the secret Santa to: Isabela (✿◠‿◠) 

"Can I pull again?"

"No." Camilo responded. "If I can't, you can't." Camilo said, making Dolores sigh.

"I'm sure it can't be bad." Isabela said. 

"...right."

"Anyways, it's my turn!" Isabela exclaimed, grabbing a paper. You're the secret Santa to: Agustín (ง ื▿ ื)ว

This is easy.

"I'm assuming it's my turn now?" Mariano said, as Julieta nodded. Mariano went up, grabbing a paper. You're the secret Santa too: Dolores (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)

Mariano smiled, it must be fate!

Agustín came up after him, pulling a paper. You're the secret Santa to: Alma 〣( ºΔº )〣

...He's dead for the second time.

Félix laughed at his expression, as he pulled a paper. You're the secret Santa to: Julieta    (♡˙︶˙♡)

Hm, he knows exactly what to get his sister-in-law.

Bruno stared for a second, before grabbing a paper. You're the secret Santa to: Antonio ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔっ

Félix junior? He hopes he appreciates his gift.

Pepa get up next, grabbing a paper. You're the secret Santa to: Luisa ᕙ('▿')ᕗ

...She needs to spend more time with her nieces.

Julieta just grabbed a piece of paper from the hat. You're the secret Santa to: Pepa ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ

Oh, this is going to be lovely.

Alma, the last Madrigal, grabbed hers. You're the secret Santa to: Mirabel ╰(*'︶'*)╯♡

...Crap.

She wasn't internally panicking, no, she definitely wasn't.

"Aren't you all triplets, meaning you were born on the same day? How exactly..do you tell who is the youngest to oldest?" Mariano asked.

"You can really tell who's the oldest." Félix said, looking at Julieta, making her raise a brow.

"I feel like I should be offended. Actually, I am. I'm going to remember this later on, just to use it against you." Julieta deadpanned.

"It's a bit confusing telling which is the youngest when it's between Bruno and Pepa. Especially when Pepa's...Pepa." Agustín said.

"I'm striking your husband with lightning, again."

"But, when you've been around here long enough, you can tell." Félix grinned. 

"Well, that's it!" Julieta exclaimed, clasping her hands together. "Ahora, esperemos hasta Navidad!"

Alma wasn't exactly the...greatest grandmother towards Mirabel, screw that, to all her grandchildren. But, they know that she's changing her ways. 

If she was being honest, she didn't know that much about Mirabel. Well, she knows that Mirabel loves a lot of things. Mirabel had multiple hobbies. Dancing. Singing. Sewing. Playing the accordion.

Mirabel also loves taking care of Antonio. Children. Butterflies. Her family. Casita. Magic. Helping others. Pictures. Vibrant colors. Handicrafts. Being accepted.

Alma wasn't the best grandmother, but she didn't flat out ignore any of their hobbies. Though, her grandchildren didn't really get to have their own hobbies, since they were because with their duties. (Because of her.) 

She still doesn't really know the true Isabela. She's going to though. She doesn't know much about Dolores. She's going to. She figured out that Luisa is interested in reading a lot while relaxing. Camilo enjoys babysitting children and making people smile, even though he's a...non-serious(?) person. She'd like to see more of Camilo though. Mirabel, out of all her grandchildren, she was the most that she truly knows about. Even when she was a terrible grandmother towards her.

She'll give Mirabel the best presents ever.

First...she'll have to figure out what to get Mirabel.

"...Also, why is Pepa a ginger, if her parents aren't?" Mariano asked.

"MOM—"

"We are NOT having this conversation again!"  Julieta interrupted, remembering a conversation when they were teenagers.

Bruno looked at Mariano. "She's adopted. Mama's too scared to tell her the truth." He whispered to him.

"Oh my—"

"Bruno, you little shit, I heard that! I'm gonna throw you back in the walls!" Pepa exclaimed.

"There's children here." Dolores reminded her mother, while sipping her tea. Of course, the yelling continued.

"Y'know what...Mariano isn't such a bad guy. I love drama."

"Woohoo! Go Mamí!" Félix cheered. 

"Tío Bruno, you got to win against Tía. We placed bets, I'm counting on you!" Mirabel exclaimed.

"Why are we placing bets already!?"

"Mirabel!"

"I have my bets on Pepa."

"Bruno's short, he has the advantage."

"Mariano, look at what you started. I hope you regret it." Camilo said sarcastically.

"Oh—"

"I sometimes wonder why I'm related to them." Julieta sighed, walking away. She'll just pretend that she doesn't know them for now and hope for the best.

Alma hopes that Mirabel would like her present.

---

~Christmas Eve~

"We are NOT adding a mistletoe in Casita!" Dolores stated firmly. "The adults are definitely going to agree with that."

"We all know that Mariano's too much of a puss— wimp to kiss Dolores in his own free will." Camilo laughed. "I'm doing him a favor!"

Agustín grinned at Julieta, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. Julieta fondly rolled her eyes, shoving a arepa in his mouth.

"I never understood the concept of kissing under a poisonous plant." Antonio said.

Mirabel looked at the mistletoe. "This flower had colour and could bloom once. And yet death, blind to the beauty of all living things, even one as vibrant as this, has swept over it, wrenching it closer to the ground. Until it breaks. Truly fascinating." Mirabel said with a serious face.

 

...

 

"What the fuck does that even mean!?" Isabela exclaimed.

“Language!”

“English and Spanish!”

“I’m going to figh—“

“Anyways, as said, we’re not adding a mistletoe in Casita. You all could go kiss somewhere else.” Alma said dryly.

“It’s Christmas, we’re all supposed to be in a jolly mood!” Félix exclaimed.

“Right, Bro!” Agustín agreed.

"Bro!" Félix grinned.

"Bro!"

"BROO!"

"BROOO!"

"It sometimes feels like they're the ones married." Julieta sighed, taking a sip of her coffee. 

“Since we’re all here, shouldn’t we open presents, I mean, pass out presents?” Mariano asked.

“Youngest to oldest again? Or do we do what we did last year?”

“Last year!”

“That’s fine.”

“Hombrecito, there's no need to be nervous. He’ll love it.” Mirabel smiled, slightly nudging him forward.

Antonio made his way towards Bruno, a clumsy, yet beautiful wrapped present in his hand. “Open it!” Antonio said eagerly.

“A-Ah, don’t worry, Bud, I don’t want to ruin your amazing presents. Especially since you worked so hard on it.” Bruno smiled.

Mirabel watched as Bruno opened Antonio’s gift, his eyes slightly widening, she swore she could’ve seen tears—

“Nieta?”

“Abuela.” Mirabel said, turning around. “I’m assuming you got me, right?” Her eyes flickering down to Alma’s hands, which showed no gift present.

Alma nodded, she was still a little bit nervous.  “Come to your room with me. Your gift is in there.”

Mirabel was confused, but she followed her grandma to her room.

“Honestly, my presence is a present that everyone should be thankful for. But, I have a feeling that you didn't want that right now...” Mirabel heard Isabela say in the background.

When Mirabel made her way in her room, she gasped.

“I’m not sure exactly what you wanted, but I’m sure you were tired of getting pricked by needles. If it’s not good I could—“

“Abuela, thank you so much!” Mirabel exclaimed, pulling her into an embrace. “I’ve been wanting a sewing machine for years! Gracias!”

“No es... no es nada, es mi regalo para ti. Me alegro de que te guste.” Alma said softly.

Mirabel’s eyes slightly widened. “Oh yeah, I have to give my gift to Tío Félix! I almost forgot! Thank you again, Abuela.” She smiled before making her way back where her family was.

“Tío Félix—“

"We all know why Santa has a big sack, after all he comes once a year." Pepa chuckled.

...

"What?"

“Mama?” Antonio frowned in confusion.

“Lord…” Luisa groaned.

"PEPA, not in front of the kids!" Julieta scolded furiously, her face flushed. "Oh my God." She groaned.

Félix was blushing. "Yeah..maybe that wasn't such an appropriate joke in front of the kids."

“Is…is tía drunk?”

"She had too much wine." Bruno deadpanned.

“How.”

"I..I don't get it?" Antonio frowned.

"It's best that you don't." Dolores said.

"I really want to kno—"

"No you don't." Dolores interrupted, walking away with Antonio.

Pepa was cackling now, loving the reactions she got. "What does a man who had a vasectomy have in common with a Christmas tree?" Pepa asked.

"Nobody answer that."

Camilo being the little shit he is, asked. “Why?"

"Their bal—" 

Pepa didn't get to finish as Julieta threw a cardboard box at her head. "Not in front of the kids!"

"Their balls are both decorative."

"This was a lovely Christmas in all, I would say it was the best, but now I know why I stayed in the walls." Bruno deadpanned, walking away from his sister. "Mirabel, Luisa, you coming?"

"Yep. Don't even have to ask me twice."

“Tío Félix, your gift is on the counter!”

"Why is Christmas like an orgasm?" Pepa asked, with a bigger grin.

"Who let her get to the wine cabinet?" Alma asked.  “I was only gone for five minutes.”

"Pepi....please." Félix whined, it was effortless.

"The closer it gets, the louder you get about its arrival!"

Isabela snorted. "Now this is what I call one hell of a Christmas!"

Chapter 37: Important Note‼️

We're no strangers to love
You know the rules and so do I
A full commitment's what I'm thinkin' of
You wouldn't get this from any other guy

I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you understand

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

We've known each other for so long
Your heart's been aching, but you're too shy to say it
Inside, we both know what's been going on
We know the game and we're gonna play it

And if you ask me how I'm feeling
Don't tell me you're too blind to see

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

We've known each other for so long
Your heart's been aching, but you're too shy to say it
Inside, we both know what's been going on
We know the game and we're gonna play it

I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you understand

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

Chapter 38: Another Important Note

We're no strangers to love
You know the rules and so do I
A full commitment's what I'm thinkin' of
You wouldn't get this from any other guy

I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you understand

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

We've known each other for so long
Your heart's been aching, but you're too shy to say it
Inside, we both know what's been going on
We know the game and we're gonna play it

And if you ask me how I'm feeling
Don't tell me you're too blind to see

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

We've known each other for so long
Your heart's been aching, but you're too shy to say it
Inside, we both know what's been going on
We know the game and we're gonna play it

I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you understand

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

Chapter 39: Hanahaki Disease

Summary:

Mirabel has a chronic illness (like cancer of hanahaki) that Julieta’s food can't cure and is slowly killing her. She hides it from the family, Antonio and maybe Dolores know and tries to help but have been sworn to secrecy.

Notes:

I don’t know if I ever did hanahaki in any of my chapters, but hanahaki is something that I wanted to write for a while.

Mirabel loved her family very much.

Would she die for them? Yes, she would. No hesitation. She’s not too sure that they would do the same for her, but it’s fine.

That’s what she always tells herself in hopes that something would change. 

She’s not sure when…but she began doubting that her family actually loved her when she was eight.

Mirabel was a child back, she still is, but that doesn't mean she’s oblivious to how her family changed- how their behavior changed towards her after she didn’t get a gift like the rest of them.

She didn’t know what happened.

She woke up in the middle of night, coughing. It wasn’t a usual cough. No, it was painful, more violent. A pain that Mirabel had never felt before. It hurts. She couldn’t see through her blurred vision as she coughed out blood soaked petals. She sobbed and immediately went for her mother.

(“I-it hurts…I—I..I can’t breathe.” The tears that flowed from Mirabel’s eyes were never ending as she coughed flowers out. Blood mixed with saliva. Blood on her face. The floor. Her clothes.)

Her mother was confused and concerned. She immediately fed her food, cleaned up the blood, and let her sleep in their room.

Mirabel liked it, but…the itch in her throat never stopped. 

She found herself coughing up more bloody flowers. At first, Mirabel thought it was Isabela’s doing. But when she brought it up to Isabela, she gave her a confused stare, before telling her that she wouldn’t waste any time on her and to stop making up lies.

Mirabel also stopped going to her mother once she figured out that her food wasn’t helping at all. It healed any injuries on her body…but the flowers?…they never go away.

Mirabel was confused and lost.

That’s when Dolores came up to her, teary-eyed. She had a book in her hand with the title of Hanahaki Disease .

The victim of Hanahaki Disease coughs up flowers when they suffer from one-sided love. Whether it’s romantic or platonic. It only ends when their beloved one reciprocates their feelings. Or when the victims die. It could also be removed from surgery. But when it’s removed, so are the victim’s feelings.

Mirabel didn’t have a crush on anyone, so that option was out. It was unrequited love. It didn’t take both Madrigals to figure out who it was from.

(“Y-you…you don’t think that we love you?” Dolores didn’t know how to feel. How could Mirabel think that they didn’t love her. She’s her little cousin, family- of course she loved her. Mirabel didn’t respond, looking down, which broke Dolores’ heart even more. “…Don’t do this to me…please.”)

Mirabel didn’t want to be some emotionless girl, so the surgery was out of the question, even when Dolores begged her to do something about it.

Mirabel didn’t want to tell their family and Dolores wanted to respect Mirabel’s feelings, even though she desperately wanted to do something, to tell someone.

It started when Mirabel was eight and Mirabel thinks that it’ll end when she’s fifteen. Not because she believes they love her, no, it’s because it’ll be too late by then.

Dolores sat next to Mirabel as she laid on her bed. Dolores couldn’t stand seeing her youngest cousin like that. She also couldn’t stand her family’s behavior towards Mirabel. 

“You…you should tell them.” She said hesitantly, she couldn’t stand the sight of her weakened prima, who lost weight. Who almost looks like a corpse. The fact that the others, besides Antonio, haven't said anything is concerning. “It’s- it’s killing you from the inside out, Mira. They love you, they really do! Please, tell them…before it’s too late. I don’t want to lose you.”

Mirabel’s stare with blank as she laid on her bed. “D-Dolores…if they..if they really l-loved me—” Mirabel sniffled, before having a coughing fit, Dolores was quick to help, putting a trash bin to her mouth. After a while, Mirabel looked even worse than before, blood dripping from her lips. She wiped her mouth. “Then why aren’t they h-here?” Her voice cracked. “..W-Why haven’t..t-..t-they n-noticed?

Dolores wished she could answer in a way that wouldn’t upset both of them. Mirabel gave her a smile, which told her that she already knew the answer.

“I noticed,” Dolores said quietly, as she cupped Mirabel’s cheeks, not minding the blood. “I noticed immediately. How could I not notice when my cousin is suffering so much?” Her voice quivered, as she cried. “Even Antonio noticed Mirabel. Your suffering should have never gone unheard.”

“Dol…ores,” Mirabel croaked out weakly, laying her hand on Dolores’ arm. “S-smile…you- you don..don’t look g-good f-..f-frowning. Smile…for..me p-please.”

“H-how could I smile when you’re on your deathbed? How can I smile in such a situation?” Dolores asked softly, as Mirabel let out a quiet chuckle. Mirabel smiled, it was weak and frail. It wasn’t the same bright smile as it was years ago. “How can y-you—“ Dolores wiped at her eyes.

Mirabel had a warm look in her eyes despite all the pain she was in. “K-knowing…knowing that I h-had you and A-Antonio on m-my side…it makes m-me…so..h-happy.” Mirabel started coughing and wheezing.

Dolores could hear Mirabel’s heart weakening. Mirabel getting weak.

They both knew that Mirabel wasn’t going to last longer than an hour.

“Dolores, I love you. Can- can you please ..stay with m-me?” Dolores’ heart broke. “I- I…I know that I’m- I’m not making it- that I d-don’t have much t-time left. Please…you’re important to me- you-you’ve always been by my s-side. Be by my side once more…for m-me?”

Mirabel didn’t even have to ask.  Dolores was going to be by Mirabel’s side throughout the whole thing, whether she wanted her to or not. “O-of course,” Dolores sniffled, giving her a watery smile. “I love you too. Out of all my cousins, you are my favorite.” The tears never stopped. “I don’t say it much, I should…b-but I love you, Mira…God, I really do.” Why did you have to leave me so early?

Mirabel closed her eyes, letting out a sigh of relief. “A-ah…that’s nice.”

…

In the end, Dolores never left her side. Not when she started coughing flowers out violently. Not even when her heart finally stopped….Not when Julieta had screamed upon the horrific sight.

Chapter 40: Tired

Summary:

Mirabel doesn't see the cracks so she successfully kills herself a few weeks after Antonio's ceremony, but no one notices because she did it in the surrounding jungle. When she is finally noticed as missing several days/weeks/months panic ensues.

Mirabel always knew that she was the odd one out of her family. It didn’t take rocket science to see that. She didn’t fit in. She was giftless. The worthless Madrigal.

Seeing Antonio getting a gift confirmed it and she felt a piece of her die even more. She didn’t fit in.

Seeing everyone using their gift and boasting made her withdraw from them. It was official, something was wrong with her. She didn’t fit in.

It didn’t take long for Antonio to forget about her. She couldn’t blame him. She was boring and giftless. She blends in with the background. It still surprises people that she's a Madrigal. She doesn’t blame them, she just doesn’t fit in.

Her father and Félix tried to relate, but they couldn't. Not when they married into the family and weren’t expected to have a gift.

Mirabel smiles when she sees her family having fun without her. She’s happy when they’re happy. Even when they don’t notice she’s not with them.

“Are you okay, mi vida?” Her mother asked, a few weeks after Antonio’s ceremony was over. Mirabel wished she would have said that a while ago. Maybe then she would’ve answered truthfully. Maybe then she wouldn’t have smiled and lied to her face. Maybe then she could’ve been saved.

Mirabel smiled at her mother, nobody could see just how exhausted and unhappy she was with them. It was overwhelming. She was glad that they didn’t notice, she didn’t want them to.

“I’m fine, I’m just tired.” Mirabel ends the sentence off with a small chuckle. Something in the back of her pleaded that maybe her mother would understand what she meant.

But when has she ever been so lucky?

“You should rest then, mija.” Her mother tells her. “Not getting enough sleep is unhealthy.”

A part of her wants to cry out for help, to tell her mother everything, how she felt, that she felt so suffocated in Casita. Instead she smiled and nodded. “Of course, mamá, you’re right.”

Mirabel knew that her mother wouldn’t understand.

The next day, Mirabel sobs— breaking down in the nursery. She was so fucking weak and tired. She couldn’t stand it. Her vision blurs, she couldn’t handle any of it. Everything felt so overwhelming.

Later on, Dolores had asked if she was alright. Mirabel was embarrassed at being confronted, but she wasn’t exactly quiet. 

She told Dolores the same thing that she’s been telling everyone else. “I’m just tired.”

…

She wants to die.

It’ll help her escape from everything. They’ll be happier without her. All her problems— she will be gone. 

She’s been tired for far too long. It’s about time for her to get the rest that she’s deserved for so long.

---

Julieta couldn’t place what, but something was off. It was strangely more…quiet? No, they didn’t quite place what’s been going on. It was like something was missing. Something important. She just couldn’t place what.

Everyone was happily chatting with each other. Mariano and Isabela had gotten engaged recently, which was nice. Everyone was happy.

Well…until Mariano brought something up.

“I’m not judging your decisions, señorita Madrigal, but…is it really wise to have Mirabel gone for so long? It’s been weeks and…” Everything else that Mariano said was a blur to Julieta.

…What?

Julieta wasn’t the only one thinking the same thing. Everyone else was looking confused.

“What?” Alma had spoken in confusion, that’s when she noticed that Mirabel wasn’t present with them. When was the last time that Mirabel sat with them?

“What are you talking about?” Agustín asked, he looked at Julieta then Alma. “What is he talking about?” His voice quivers slightly. “Who is he talking to?” 

“Mirabel’s missing?” Camilo repeats what everyone was thinking.

“No no, of course not. She should be in her room!” Luisa exclaimed, standing up quickly, leaving the dining room. The thought of Mirabel being gone for weeks and nobody noticing scares her. When was the last time she saw Mirabel?

Pepa grows more anxious, feeling a strange sense of deja vu. But even then, they noticed Bruno was missing the next day. When was the last time she spoke to Mirabel?

“She’s gone!” Luisa’s voice is shaking, unsteady.

“Surely she’s somewhere in the Encanto!” Isabela tries to reason. The thought of Mirabel being missing and then not noticing is…ridiculous. 

Mariano looked concerned, he had noticed that Mirabel was gone already. In fact, he had met up with her before the day she left. She had told him that she was going on a trip, that she was already given permission from her family. He should’ve questioned her more.

“I-I can’t hear her!” Dolores squeaks out in panic. Out of everyone, shouldn’t she have been the first one to notice if Mirabel was gone? She could still hear her tío Bruno, but she couldn’t hear Mirabel. Why couldn’t she?

“What!?”

“I-impossible!”

Julieta realized that the thing that was missing wasn't something, it was someone. Julieta felt like the worst mother in the world. How could she not notice that her daughter was missing? Her daughter is only fifteen! Who knows what could have happened!? Her daughter could be kidnapped and then treated terribly…or worse, dead! And here she was— eating and chatting happily!

Alma paled, she hadn’t noticed at all. She just thought that Mirabel was finally taking her advice and getting out of the way and letting the ones with gifts handle things.

“We’ll find her.”

The words should’ve brought comfort to their ears, but it didn’t do much.

…

It took two weeks for the Madrigals to get even a clue about where Mirabel could’ve been at. Mariano had told them what happened weeks later and the Madrigals all realized that Mirabel had lied and none of them was ever told that.

It sucked that Dolores couldn’t hear Mirabel at all. Parce couldn’t pick up Mirabel’s scent much to everyone’s worries. 

They came up to a conclusion that Mirabel was somewhere in the jungle. There were no tracks of Mirabel ever leaving. The only sign that Mirabel entered was from Mariano seeing her.

Everyone was on edge the whole time.

What if someone took Mirabel? What if Mirabel left?

…

Julieta didn’t believe it. 

She didn’t believe that Mirabel would actually leave them. She knows it’s been a month, but she knows that Mirabel would never leave them. Not without a letter or something or like that.

Her baby girl was still out there somewhere.

Julieta had a lantern in hand as she explored the jungle. Mirabel couldn’t have left. 

She just couldn’t have.

She searched around the jungle for like an hour and she wasn’t going to give up. 

Mirabel had to be out there.

That’s when Julieta smelled something foul . Like it was rotting. 

Julieta was familiar with that smell.

Death.

Something dead was rotting.

Julieta’s eyes widened in panic, she hoped that it wasn’t what she was thinking. Mirabel couldn’t be dead- why would she be? She’s fine! Mirabel’s fine! She’s okay! She’ll find her and bring her back home! Then they’ll be a happy family! It’s just a dead animal!

She went closer to the smell, the stench getting worse.

…

She finally found it.

She finally found what was making that smell, but she couldn’t see.

Julieta shines her light on the thing that was making that smell, praying that it’s a dead animal or some sort of plant.

What she saw was even worse.

Mirabel.

What shocked her more was that you could tell that the body had been here for a while . Flies and bugs ate at her skin, her skin pale. It was her daughter that was rotting.

“M-my b-ba..baby—“ Julieta collapsed on the ground, sobbing. Her baby has been gone for so long and she hadn’t noticed until Mariano pointed it out.

She noticed a note on the ground, with trembling hands she grabbed it. Julieta’s heart dropped at what was in it. It was a few words, and those words were what Mirabel had said to her.

‘I’ve been so tired lately. This is the only way to rest.’

She broke down even more knowing that Mirabel had said that to her. That she's been tired and it flew right over her head.

…There was no way of preventing this, was it? She was a terrible mother and didn’t even notice her own daughter’s suffering…her missing.

There was no way she could make up for it.

Chapter 41: The Gift Of Seeing The Dead

Summary:

Cool! Ok I was thinking about this what if mirabel got a gift and it's like she has a connection with death and spirits. She's still the candle holder but because of how the family and villagers treat her the candle gives her a gift and it's kinda like the greek goddess persephone the goddess of spring and death. Injust it will be interesting to see how everyone react when mirabel is able to show that Pedro is still around in spirit.

Notes:

I still take requests(no crossovers please.) :)

The candle didn’t like the way that the Madrigals and the townspeople were treating Mirabel. 

It didn’t understand why they would treat Mirabel so differently because it didn’t give Mirabel a gift. They’re all human and most of them are ‘giftless’ anyways. They all bleed red, they cry, they’re all human. The candle knew that humans were hard to understand.

There was a reason why the candle didn’t give Mirabel a gift. Mirabel is the next candleholder and the candle didn’t want to give Mirabel a gift on top of that. It thought that Alma, out of all people, would understand why. The candle had simply overestimated Alma’s knowledge. 

Alma had thought that something was wrong with Mirabel. They all did.

That frustrated the candle.

The candle tried to leave signs- anything to get them to understand that nothing was wrong with Mirabel! That Mirabel was the one to lead the Encanto with an iron fist after Alma passes!

They neglected the poor girl over not having a stupid gift! Why couldn’t Alma understand that the gifts weren’t meant for the townspeople? That they weren’t meant to be slaving off for them? 

The candle wished that it could cry from the frustration that it was feeling. 

The gifts weren’t that great nor were the gifts supposed to make them act like they’re Gods. None of that.

The gifts- powers- whatever they want to call it— it all came from Pedro’s sacrifice. It wasn’t to please the townspeople, it was to protect them, to give them a better life. For joy.

Pedro’s sacrifice wasn’t meant to be used like that. The Madrigals and townspeople shouldn’t have treated Mirabel like that.

The candle couldn’t stand it. So, it waited until the Madrigals were asleep, when Mirabel was asleep to grant her gift.

No matter how much Casita tried to reason that it shouldn’t give Mirabel a gift, since she’s the candleholder— the candle didn’t listen.

Psychic.

The ability to see and communicate with the deceased, the spirits. But the candle limited the gift for Mirabel a little. It limited the gift so that Mirabel can only see and communicate with Pedro. The candle didn’t want Mirabel to suffer by the many lost souls in the Encanto, which might actually cause her to lose her mind.

Maybe Pedro can talk some sense into Alma and the others. And Mirabel will have someone supportive on her side.

Nobody noticed the candle’s flame glowing brighter than ever.

---

When Mirabel woke up, she felt strange. She didn’t know exactly how to describe it, but she felt….warm. It was a good feeling, not the type of sick warmth. It was comforting in a way.

She liked it.

Mirabel got ready as usual, preparing to deal with her family and everyone else. Knowing that, it’ll be a tough day as usual.

She sighed, leaving out of the nursery. Still, the warm feeling never left, in fact, it got stronger when she left the nursery. It didn’t burn. She embraced the warmth. 

“Good morning, abue—“

“Hmm…I still don’t think my eyes were ever that shade of brown. I wonder if they’ll ever have this repainted.” A male voice, making Mirabel turn her head.

What she saw was unexpected, her abuelo Pedro…who was supposed to be dead, standing in front of a portrait of himself!

“A-abuelo!?” Mirabel stammered, her eyes widened at the sight of seeing her grandfather. She rubbed her eyes, he was still there. She wasn’t hallucinating.

Pedro’s eyes also widened, he looked around to see if this was any sort of prank. He realized that Mirabel was directly looking at him. “ You can…you can see me!?”

“Y-you’re alive!?” Mirabel screeched, clutching onto her chest. “When I said good morning, I wasn’t expecting an actual response!”

“How can you see me!?”

“That’s what I want to know!”

The candle was expecting more of a clam interaction, but it doesn’t blame them.

“Okay…we’re not going anywhere with this panicking.” Pedro sighed, running his hand through his hair. “Have you always seen me and just ignored me for ten years? Or have you just started seeing me?”

“No,” Mirabel did her best to stay calm. “I’ve just started seeing you.” Mirabel paused. “…Are you Camilo?”

Pedro shook his head. “Alma had told Camilo to never shift to me. So, no, I’m not. I’ve been roaming around Casita for years, watching everyone grow up. ” Pedro said, before narrowing his eyes. “…How can you see me? Is it possible that you got a gift this late?”

“No…I couldn’t have gotten a gift. I have no door to show. Do you help choose the gifts?”

Pedro shook his head with a frown. “I’m responsible for the gifts being here. But I personally don’t choose the gifts that everyone has. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t give anyone gifts at the age of five.”

Well that’s one theory out.

“Am I hallucinating you?” Mirabel questioned, walking up to Pedro.

“Are you?” Pedro looked at his granddaughter with curiosity. They both stared at each other. He poked her cheeks, only for both of them to watch as his finger went through her check. “Oh,” He said in disappointment.

Mirabel tilted her head, before doing the same, poking his cheek. Instead of her finger phasing through, it touched his cheek. “Huh,” She uses her other hand to grab his other cheek, lightly pinching it.

Pedro felt physical. 

He raised his hands, touching Mirabel’s cheeks again, this time, it didn’t phase through. “Huh,” He muttered as Mirabel stared at him. 

So, Pedro could only touch her when Mirabel touches him.

“Okay, yep, this is getting weird.” Mirabel murmured, pulling back. Pedro blinked, looking at his hands.

“I…I actually touched you?” He whispered in shock. Just a moment ago he couldn’t.

“This is not a figment of my imagination.” Mirabel said in shock. “How the heck can I see you and touch you?”

“It’s a gift, it has to be. There’s no way that you would randomly start seeing me after years.” Pedro said.

“But…but I don’t have a door.”

Pedro tilted his head in confusion. “Yes you do.”

“…No I don’t.”

“The front door.” He pointed towards the entrance of Casita. “You’re the future candleholder, the next one to lead the Encanto. The front door of Casita is your door. You didn’t need a physical gift for that. Did nobody know that?”

Mirabel stared at Pedro as if he just told her that the moon was about to blow up. “What.”

“Oh, you really didn’t know.” Pedro said, giving her a nervous smile. “And I know Alma didn’t speak to you about it because she doesn’t know either.” Pedro muttered to himself. “I’ll help you with that…stuff and this new ability of yours. Okay?”

“Oka—“

“Mirabel?”

Startled, Mirabel pulled away from Pedro, she turned around and saw Antonio. “A-Antonio,” She laughed nervously.

“What are you doing?” Antonio asked curiously, looking around. “Who are you talking to?”

Mirabel glanced at Pedro, who shrugged. Mirabel sighed, realizing he was no help. “I was talking to myself.” Mirabel lied. “I got bored and kept myself…company.” Wow, it really sounded like she was lonely.

“Mmh,” Antonio hummed. “Mamí said that people who talk to themselves are crazy.”

“Ah,” Mirabel looked at Pedro, who was doing his best to stifle his laughter. “I’m not crazy.” She glanced at Pedro, who was now trying to poke Antonio’s face. Her right eye twitched. “Not yet…”

It didn’t take long for Pedro to laugh out loud. Mirabel now realized that the warm feeling got stronger when she was around her abuelo. 

---

One thing that the Madrigals noticed recently was that Mirabel was acting weird. Well, she was already weird, but she was acting even weirder.

They caught Mirabel taking to thin air a lot. She could have a full blown conversation with nobody. She wouldn’t even notice until they snapped her out of it.

They knew that Mirabel didn’t have friends, but this was getting out of hand. They were concerned for her.

This had to put this to a stop.

…

Mirabel tested out her new gift to see what she can do and not do. She realized that she’s actually able to show Pedro. It requires physical contact which is not a problem. The problem is that when she does it for longer than thirty minutes, she gets a massive headache and is tired. 

It turns out that she can only see her abuelo and not other spirits. Which Mirabel found okay. She didn’t want to deal with any more dead people and people might think that she’s even more crazy. If she didn’t know that her abuelo was dead, she would’ve mistaken him for a real person. She didn’t have time to figure out if a person was real or not.

“Y’know…I really wanted a cat for a long time. I couldn’t because your abuela couldn’t stand fur.” Pedro had a mischievous grin on his face that was similar to Camilo’s. “You can probably sneak one. They wouldn’t notice.”

“Nope.” Mirabel said firmly. “I’m not getting in trouble for you. Plus, I think that they would notice.”

“Notice what?” Mirabel turned around to find her mother looking at her with a slightly worried expression.

“N-nothing.” Mirabel laughed nervously, she couldn’t ignore her abuelo laughing at her pathetic excuse. 

“Your mother is very observant. She won’t believe that. You’d be lucky if she decided to drop it.” Pedro said, standing up and watching Julieta’s face, which turned even more worried.

“Well, I know that.” Mirabel told him, before turning back to her mother, with a nervous grin. “Ignore that.”

“Mirabel…” Julieta tried many times to heal Mirabel. No matter what, she always found Mirabel back talking to thin air. It started a few weeks before Antonio’s ceremony, and it’s still going. Mirabel’s a bit too old for an imaginary friend. She knew that Mirabel didn’t have any friends sadly. 

If it was the occasional self-talk then Julieta would’ve brushed it off. But Mirabel was having conversations with air, she even waited a while as if someone was talking before replying. Julieta was afraid that it might’ve been a mental illness, so were the other adults.

“We’ve been worried about you.” Julieta started off softly, she didn’t want to alarm Mirabel or want her to think that something was wrong with her.

“Why?” Mirabel asked, her tone a little defensive. She had been caught talking to her abuelo a few times. But when she actually has a gift, that’s when they decided to be worried about her? Not when she’s been bullied, neglected…talking to herself was out of the ordinary for them? That’s what caused them to put a stop to their day and see if she was okay? Funny.

“It’s just that…” Agustín came into the room, it was clear that he had been listening or waiting, most likely both. “You haven’t been acting like yourself lately, Miraboo.”

“Huh?”

A cough came from behind the door. “He’s saying you’re acting a bit coocoo.”

Mirabel’s eyes twitched. “Who’s all here?”

Pedro hummed, “Everyone.”

“I thought we all agreed we weren’t going to do this! Not like this!” Julieta snapped.

“Camilo got nosey and I tried to stop Camilo. Pepa went to follow me and Dolores got curious, making Antonio curious. Luisa caught all of us and felt left out because she thought we threw a secret party without her. Then Alma found us and was wondering why we weren’t doing our duties, and Isabela was right with her. That’s why we are all here.” Félix explained with a half smile. He didn’t want to be responsible for Julieta’s wrath.

“What are you all talking about?” Mirabel was confused. 

Alma looked concerned, which was a strange look for her usually stern expression. Pepa had a cloud over her head and looked worried. Isabela just looked over it as usual. Dolores was frowning and looked confused. Luisa looked guilty and avoided eye contact with her. Camilo was grinning and Antonio was curious.

“We know that you’re…” Alma started off hesitantly. She couldn’t find the right word for Mirabel. She wasn’t that close to her granddaughter. But she was worried.

“Lonely?” Isabela offered.

“Friendless?” Camilo said.

“Black sheep?”

“Not popular?”

“Everyone out.” Julieta said almost angrily.

Mirabel gave them a blank stare. “Wow.” She couldn’t even be offended because it’s true.

“Well you are lonely and have no friends. You’re popular among the children though.” Pedro said, offering her a sheepish smile.

“You did it again.” Dolores said quietly.

“Did what?”

“It’s a thing where you randomly look off to the side for a while then usually respond.” Pepa told her.

“Oh,”

”They think you’re crazy.” Camilo told her bluntly.

“Camilo!”

“Way to go with subtlety.”

“I’m not…crazy.” Mirabel smiled as Pedro snorted.

“Sorry, sorry, ignore me. I wish I could eat because this is a show.”

“That’s exactly what a crazy person would say with a smile.” Camilo pointed out.

“We don’t think you’re crazy, Mirabel.” Pepa said softly.

“I do.” Camilo said, Isabela nodding in agreement.

“Not helping!”

“It’s just that you’ve been doing…things that concern us.” 

“Like talking to myself?” Mirabel said. “That’s normal.”

“Having a conversation with yourself for hours isn’t.” Dolores muttered.

“This would be a great time for a flashy reveal, wouldn’t it?” Pedro grinned as she phased through the others to get close to Mirabel.

“I agree.” Mirabel responded, it would be fun to scare them and teach them a lesson.

“You agree to what?”

Mirabel’s smile widened. “Nothing!” The way Mirabel smiled at them weirded them out. “I’m listening again…” Mirabel might as well amuse herself and Pedro. 

“Again? You weren’t listening?”

“… He just started talking and I couldn’t ignore him.” She grinned.

…

“…What?” Alma was the first one to speak after a full five seconds of silence.

“Oh God, I knew it. Please don’t try to murder us in our sleep.” Camilo said.

“Mhm,” Mirabel nodded, watching as Pedro moved from in front of her to behind her. It seemed they both had the same idea.

“..What are you looking at?”

“It’s not what, it’s who.” Mirabel grinned.

“Yep, it’s getting too crowded in this one room.” Dolores said, moving back. 

“Hallucinating?” Agustín questioned.

“He says hi abuela.” Mirabel said.

“W-what—“

Just in them, Mirabel grabbed Pedro’s hand from behind her, making the whole room shine brightly, blinding everyone temporarily.

“What the fuck!?”

“I’m too young to die!”

“Please take Camilo first.”

“Dolores!”

“What?”

“I can’t see!”

“Me neither!”

“Who is stepping on my feet!?”

“Oops…”

“We need a priest or something!”

“That’s rude to say about Mira, Cami.” 

“Are all going to die like the telenovelas!?”

“I’m not that capable of doing that.” Came an unfamiliar, but familiar voice to Alma.

The light disappeared.

Standing behind Mirabel was a man. A young man who had facial hair and dark brown hair swept both sides. He wore a long-sleeved white buttoned shirt.

Pedro Madrigal.

“P-Pedro?” Alma stammered, her eyes widened and watery.

“In the fl—“

“Please don’t say anything cringy.” Mirabel told him.

“P-Papá?” Both Julieta and Pepa said, their voice cracking.

“I’m not hallucinating, am I?”

“Pinch me, please.”

“Okay—“

“Not literally!”

“How?” Alma whispered, walking up to Pedro slowly, as if she was afraid that he might actually disappear. Once she realized he wasn’t going anywhere, she shakily touched him. She was in shock that she could actually feel him.

“Turns out that gifts could come ten years later.” Pedro told her, watching as everyone’s eyes widened, looking at Pedro.

“I guess my gift is just seeing and talking to abuelo. I could also make him visible.” Mirabel shrugged as if it was nothing.

“Y-you have a gift!?”

“For weeks.”

“And you haven’t told us!?”

“Didn’t seem important at the moment.”

“This is big news!”

“ Yeah, this is a great reunion and all, but…” Pedro’s friendly tone was gone.“ We need to talk about how you value family.  How you all treated Mirabel. Where the miracle and family stands. And much more. And gifts.”

“…Damn it.”

Chapter 42: Her Diary

Summary:

Prompt: Pre-canon. A furious Isabela goes to confront Mirabel for irritating her or ‘ruining everything and finds out that Mirabel has been bullied in town, through Dolores or by reading Mirabel’s diary. When Isabela asks her little sister why she didn’t tell anyone, Mirabel tearfully tells Isabela that she tried but that Isabela dismissed her with a hurtful remark. Isabela is horrified and tries to convince Mirabel she loves her; but she can see that Mirabel doesn’t believe her. Heartbroken, she hugs Mirabel and promises to be better.

“I can’t believe her! All that effort is gone by one girl!” Isabela grumbled angrily, walking around Casita. She knew that it was only her and Mirabel in Casita. If anyone had seen her like that, she’d be dead. “Mirabel!” She screeched, slamming the nursery’s door open with her vines.

To her dismay, it was empty.

Isabela huffed angrily, she looked around the nursery. The room itself was a total mess. Isabela didn’t know how anyone could live in such a messy room. Clothes on the ground, bed not made, more things on the ground. It annoyed her.

She summoned more vines, using one set to make up the bed and the others to put her clothes up.

She rolled her eyes, here she was- always cleaning up after Mirabel’s messes. Mirabel better thank her once she’s done. She also needs to speak to her since Mirabel ruined decorations that took weeks to prepare. Once she tells abuela, she’s sure that Mirabel will be grounded.

Once the room was less messy, Isabela started picking things off the ground with her vines.

Something caught her attention.

“A diary?” Isabela muttered to herself, in front of it was ‘Do not touch! Mirabel’s property’ in big bold letters. Isabela grinned, Mirabel is always touching her stuff…plus it’d be fun to learn some of Mirabel’s secrets.

She opened it, the first page was filled with crayons, sloppy letters, and a bunch of misspelled words. Isabela could tell that Mirabel started writing in her diary after her failed ceremony. 

Isabela let out a sigh, it was a big diary, she didn’t want to know things about the past. It took her a while to find the most recent written pages.

Her eyes widened at what was contained inside the diary. There were dried wet spots on the page. Was Mirabel crying while writing? Isabela figured that most pages had dried wet spots. 

‘Dear diary,

Today went by as usual. Getting ignored by most of the family—‘

Isabela paused at that, they didn’t ignore her….Isabela remembered something early, she hadn’t spoken to Mirabel at all.

‘I stayed out of the way as told, but I still ended up getting scolded by abuela. It honestly feels like abuela has it out for me. I know that I’m the least favorite grandchild, since I’m giftless. It’s not like abuela tries to hide her distaste for me. It’s not like I can do anything to be better. I tried for years and I know she won’t change her mind. I’m not beautiful like señorita perfecta. I’m the exact opposite of her—‘

Isabela raised an eyebrow, she didn’t think that Mirabel was…jealous of her. Well, she did, but not like that. Mirabel was beautiful in her own way just like everyone else.

Isabela decided to skip a few lines since Mirabel was comparing herself to her. Things were getting more negative.

‘I don’t know how I’m going to explain this bruise to ma—“

Isabela froze. 

Bruise? What did Mirabel mean by bruise? Well, Mirabel is clumsy.

‘—má. I’ve been coming to her with bruises for a long time and I know she’s getting worried. I think I might have to get Dolores to sneak me some. I hope Dolores doesn’t mind doing another thing for me. I owe her a lot. She kept a lot of secrets about me.  I can tell she’s worried about me and wants to tell me. She doesn’t because she respects my wishes. How could I tell my mother that I was getting bullied anyways? I didn’t want to stress her out even more since she already has a giftless kid…having a bullied, giftless kid is even more embarrassing. I don’t want to seem like some snitch either. Even if it hurts me in the e—‘

Bullied? Mirabel was getting bullied and only Dolores knew? Who had touched Mirabel? Why hasn't she noticed? She needed to know more.

‘It hurts. It hurts so bad. Even though mamá healed me, it doesn’t erase the pain I felt from them. The tears. I wish I could let it go. I wish I could just stop it. Stop everything. What if I ended my—‘

“Isabela?” 

Isabela jumped, quickly closing the diary, turning around to find Mirabel staring at her with a confused expression.

“Why are you in my ro—“ Her gaze trailed down to the diary in her hand. Her eyes widened, her face heating up in my embarrassment. “Did you- did you read that!?”

Isabela didn’t know whether she wanted to engulf Mirabel into one big hug or cry. Probably both.

“…Why didn’t you tell me?” She asked with a hurt expression.

Mirabel’s face fell. “You did…” She whispered in horror, not answering Isabela’s question. Her expression quickly changed to anger. “Why are you here!? Why are you even snooping through my stuff!? How much did you read!?”

“I- I wasn’t trying- I was looking for you! Not mu-much!” Isabela sputtered. “Why didn’t you tell anyone that you were getting bullied!? We could’ve dealt with it! It’s not your job to keep everything to yourself!”

Mirabel scoffed, “Why do you care now? You didn’t care before and it’s none of your business. It doesn’t matter.”

“Of course I care if you’re getting hurt!” Isabela exclaimed, angry at the accusation. How dare Mirabel say that she doesn’t care. “It does matter if you’re getting hurt! If you’re crying yourself to sleep! Why the hell are you so stubborn!?”

“Maybe if you weren’t so nosey then this wouldn’t be a problem! Why can’t you pretend like this never happened like our other interactions!? And stop lying to me!”

“It wasn’t like I wanted to look through it! I got curious! And what do you mean by lying to you!?

Mirabel paused, her angry expression changing to neutral. No, that wasn’t Mirabel’s regular expression, Isabela knew that. She just couldn’t place what Mirabel’s expression was.

“You say that you care about me but…you’re lying to me.” Mirabel let out a humorless laugh. She doesn’t bother blinking away the tears, she lets them fall. “You say that you care when I’m getting hurt…Isabela, you never cared when you were the one hurting me. You didn’t care when— when I wanted to tell you that I was hurting. W-Why are you l-lying straight to m-my f-face?” 

“W-What—“

“I-I begged you to listen to me— you refused to!” Tears are now steaming down Mirabel’s face. “You don’t care at all!” She sobbed. “Why— why would you care now!?” Her voice lowers. “…Why couldn’t you say this before…?”

Isabela is frozen in shock at Mirabel’s words. She desperately tried to remember a time when Mirabel came to her.

(“I-Isa, c-can you..can you help me?” Mirabel asked timidly, looking at the ground.

Isabela didn’t spare her a glance. “What for? It better not be anything stupid. I swear if it’s something dumb I’ll—“ Isabela let out a huff of annoyance. “Won’t you go to Luisa or something? She could deal with you and your stupid little problems. It’d just be a waste of my time.

“N-never mind.” Maybe she would’ve noticed the dark circles under her eyes if she just spared Mirabel a glance and would’ve been more concerned.)

Isabela’s eyes widened, remembering what Mirabel said and what she said. “M-Mira—“ There’s no excuse for her bitchy behavior. She takes a step forward, her face apologetic. She wishes she could punch herself because she knows that she deserves it.

It broke her that Mirabel thought that she didn’t care about her, that she didn’t love her. 

Isabela realized that from Mirabel’s perspective, it looked like she didn’t. 

Isabela thought that she was protecting them from their abuela’s pressure by being by señorita perfecta. Isabela could see that her efforts were in vain. It didn’t matter. Mirabel was still suffering and some of it was because of her.

“Oh, h-hermanita, I’m so sorry. I never…I never knew. I love you, Mirabel, I really do. How can I not? You’re my little sister. Just because you’re giftless, it doesn’t mean that I love you any less.” Isabela cupped Mirabel’s cheeks, who averted her gaze. “As your oldest sister. It’s my job to protect my younger siblings. I now know that I failed you.” Her gaze hardened. “Give me names. We can start anew. I can show you how much I love you. How much I care for you. I want to make up for the past years. Mirabel, let me be the older sister that you always wanted. Tell me the names of the ones who dared to bully a Madrigal, my little sister.”

Mirabel doesn’t say anything and that’s when Isabela realized that Mirabel was trembling. She didn’t believe her. She didn’t believe that she actually loves her.

It pained Isabela.

Isabela had always put her abuela before others. But that ends now. How could she follow after her abuela when Mirabel gets hurt in the end?

Isabela’s hand dropped from Mirabel’s cheeks, before opening both of her arms. It didn’t take long for Mirabel to see what Isabela was doing.

Mirabel quickly embraced Isabela back, sobbing onto her dress.

“…Oh, Mirabel, I swear I’ll be better. You’d never have to doubt whether or not I love you.” Isabela said to her. “I swear.”  She repeated softly. She hadn’t even noticed that her eyes were watery until her vision blurred. “I love you.”

Chapter 43: Back To The Past

Summary:

Dolores’ daughter, Adriana had just touched her door. The bad news is that her gift had sent Isabela and Mirabel back in the past. The good news is that Isabela always wanted to talk sense into her past self.

Mirabel blinked in confusion, as she looked at the door. Dolores’ daughter, Adriana, had recently turned the age of five, the start of a new generation.

Mirabel was the candle holder ever since her abuela had retired from that and was getting too old to do it anymore.

Adriana had gotten a gift, they just needed to figure out what it was.

“Uh—“

“Mira?”

Mirabel looked up at Camilo, who was looking pretty alarmed, she noticed that everyone else looked alarmed too. She couldn’t help but get worried. “What?”

“You’re—“

“Isabela, you’re glowing!”

“Thanks, it’s just my natural beauty—“

“Both of you are literally glowing!”

Before they knew it, everything went black.

---

Mirabel woke up with a groan, squinting her eyes and searching for her glasses. Fortunately, they were right next to her. She grabbed them and put them on, her vision fully clearing.

The first thing Mirabel noticed was that they weren’t in Casita. They were in some type of forest, one that Mirabel easily recognized. She wondered why she wasn't in Casita anymore. Could that be Adriana’s gift?

Mirabel looked over to her side, noticing that Isabela was also there. Mirabel stared at her unconscious older sister. 

Mirabel blinked, before smacking Isabela’s face, startling the older woman awake.

“What the fuck!?” Isabela exclaimed, sitting upright, before staring at Mirabel with widened eyes. “Did you just fucking slap me?”

Mirabel did her best to hide her smirk. “I was trying to wake you up. As your concerned youngest sister, it was the only way.”

Isabela’s eye twitched, before letting out a laugh. “You suck at lying.” She grinned. “I’ll get you back but…seriously, where the hell are we? The forest?”

“Yep.” Mirabel said. “I think it might’ve been Adriana’s gift.”

“Damn it,” Isabela cursed, helping both of themselves up with her vines. “She could’ve just taken you, but I had to get included in this.”

Mirabel gave her a blank stare. “Isabela, we just got teleported to a forest- away from the family…and that’s what you say!?”

“Yes, Miraboo, that’s what I say.” Isabela smirked, before looking around. “Do you think that her gift is teleportation?”

“Uhh…I’m not sure. I have a feeling that it’s far more….complicated. I don’t know how you would get teleported when you weren’t near me.” Mirabel replied, fixing her glasses. 

“It seems like fate doesn’t want us to separate.” Isabela chuckled.

“What a nightmare…” Mirabel said dramatically.

“Kill yourself.”

“Isa!” Mirabel laughed in shock. “You know what? I hope that nobody is taking care of your plants right now.”

“How could you say that!?” Isabela gasped. “And I’d have you know that they have names and they’re not just plants! They’re my babies, my soul, my other hal—“

Mirabel really didn’t want to hear this conversation for the millionth time about Isabela’s ‘babies’. 

“I think Adriana’s gift is similar to tío Bruno’s gift in a way.” Mirabel said, interrupting Isabela’s rant, who thankfully was now paying attention to her. “It looks a little light out…so it probably has to do with rewinding time…maybe?” Mirabel guessed.

Isabela let out a groan, shaking her head. “You’re probably right. But, we should probably make her way back to Casita to see if they have any clue about Adriana’s gift. Shouldn’t we, sis?”

“We probably should.” Mirabel said.

…

They both stood there in silence.

Isabela sighed. “Go ahead and get on.” She said, summoning vines.

Mirabel grinned. “Thanks, sis.” Mirabel soon got on the vines, so that they could carry her. “This is why you’re my favorite sister.”

“You literally told that to Luisa the other day.” Isabela deadpanned.

“Did I really?” Mirabel snickered.

Isabela rolled her eyes fondly. “…But, if it makes you feel a bit better, you’re my favorite sister…until you insult my babies then it’s Luisa.”

Mirabel’s grin widened. “Noted.”

“Mhm,” Isabela hummed, before making her out of the forest, Mirabel giving her the directions out.

On a serious note, Isabela really hoped that being put in the forest wouldn’t cause such a problem.

Mirabel, on the other hand, seemed to be having fun riding Isabela’s vines. Maybe a little bit concerned that something bad might happen.

Everything will be fine…right? 

“It’s totally empty around here.” 

“No shit. The ceremony is happening and everyone is invited.”

“Ouch, you wound me with your harsh remarks, Isa.”

“It’s common sense.” Isabela smirked, before dissolving her vines, making Mirabel fall. “You can walk.”

Mirabel lightly glared at her older sister. “You could’ve given me a warning.”

“And where’s the fun in that?” Isabela snorted, as she helped Mirabel stand up.

Mirabel dusted herself off with a groan. “I’m supposed to be the presentable one.”

“Yes, yes, I apologize to my matriarch.” Isabela teased, watching as Mirabel’s face flush in embarrassment.

“Don’t call me that.”

“Well that’s what you are, a matriarch. You’re also the candleholder…which practically is the same thing, is it not?” Isabela asked curiously.

“Eh, you’re right, but you’re also wrong. Well—“

“Never mind.” Isabela interrupted Mirabel before she could finish, ruffling her hair with a smirk. “I feel like you’re going to give me some boring speech which will turn into a history lesson. I don’t want to listen to that.”

“H-hey!” Mirabel sputtered, moving Isabela’s hand away from her hair. “You can’t do that!”

“As your older sibling, I can.” Isabela said with a smug look. 

“Blah, blah, Blah! All I hear is nonsense and even more nonsense!” Mirabel huffed.  

“Real mature…”

“Now that’s funny coming from you.” Mirabel laughed.

“And what is that supposed to mean?”

“Oh you know what it means, oldhead.” Mirabel replied, with a sly grin.

“W-what!? I’m not that old! I’m only twenty-eight! I’m still young!” Isabela exclaimed, almost horrified by the suggestion.

“You turn twenty-nine in two months…Yep, that’s the same thing mamá said and just a second later…she had grey hair.”

“I’m snitching.” 

“Hey, that was a joke! M-mamá doesn’t need to know!” Mirabel laughed nervously.

“Do me a favor later on and then I won’t say anything to mamá.”

“Deal!” Mirabel said quickly.

“Ah…” Isabela looked up, before her eyes settled on Casita. She narrowed her eyes on Casita. “Is it just me or does Casita look…strange?”

“Huh,” Mirabel tilted her head, looking at Casita. “..You’re right. Casita does look strange. I just don’t know what.”

Isabela nodded in agreement.

“Hola, Casita.” Mirabel greeted, as the doors opened for both of them.

“I still call it favoritism.”

“Oh we all know who Casita’s favorite is.” Mirabel said cockily.

“Yeah, you.”

“Mhm.”

Once they entered Casita, they weren’t expecting to hear their abuela’s voice.

“…What?”

Both of them sped up their pace.

“You have to be kidding me…”

“We have a new gift!” Came Alma’s voice as a herd of animals surrounded five year old Antonio.

Isabela and Mirabel stared at the scene in shock.

“What the fuck.” Mirabel said.

“I'm so going to punch my past self!” Isabela said a little bit too enthusiastically for Mirabel’s liking.

It was Mirabel’s turn to stare at Isabela in shock. “What the fuck!?” 

Notes:

Isabela is 28 & Mirabel is 23.

I know that they have a six year age difference. Since Mirabel’s birthday is earlier than Isabela’s, she turned 23. Adriana’s birthday is going to be somewhere in June, two months before Isabela’s birthday month. So currently, Isabela is 28.

Chapter 44: Back To The Past — Part 2

Notes:

I was deciding whether or not I should make this a separate story or not because I know that I’ll have a lot of parts. I decided to keep it on Mirabel’s One-Shots.

“Shit, shit, shit— why the hell are we here?” Mirabel panicked, quickly pushing Isabela back, who wasn’t putting up any struggle against her younger sister.

“Can you mind your fucking language!?” Isabela exclaimed, but Mirabel could tell that she wasn’t serious by that wild grin on her face. “Heh, sorry.”

“We’re in the past, Isabela. The past! Is this her gift!? Taking us to the past!? Oh no, we can’t mess up the future!”

“Holy shit, that’s cool.” Isabela grinned, before settling a hand on Mirabel’s shoulder. “Relax, Mira, it’s not that serious. And you told me that I was the one with a rose up my as—“ Mirabel glared at her. “What?”

“Mind that we’re in public.” Mirabel said with a forced smile, gesturing towards the people in front of her. 

“Yes…yea, you’re right.” Isabela nodded slowly. “But I really don’t give a damn about the people in front of me.” Isabela deadpanned.

“Isa!”

“More than half of these people were assholes to you, Mira.” Isabela said with a scowl. “Like, who the hell gave them the right to be that mean to you?”

“One, you were also mean to me. Two, it was because I have no gift. Then everyone decided that I’m the defective one.” Mirabel pointed out.

“Hey, I’m your sister, it’s alright if I’m mean to you! If I knew that these assholes were mean to you years ago, I would’ve reacted the same.” She scoffed.

“…It’s alright for you to be mean to me, but not anyone else?” Mirabel questioned, looking at Isabela like she’s stupid.

“Pretty much!” Isabela smirked. “It applies to everyone else in the family also. No stranger is allowed to treat you so terribly. Only I.”

“Really assuring.” Mirabel said, her eyes trailing to her past self as the family photo was taken. She watched as her past self walked away. “Hm, it’s about time before I’m getting told that I was drunk in front of everyone.” Mirabel laughed. “Oh man, is it possible to feel bad for myself?”

“Sucks,” Isabela said, making Mirabel stare at her. “…Yeah, what I mean is that sucks. I feel bad for her too. I sometimes seriously can’t believe that you chose to save the miracle after what we’ve done to you.”

“Honestly…” Mirabel frowned. 

“What?”

“What?”

“I’ll choose to ignore that for now and bring it up later.” Isabela mused.

“Good.”

“…What should we do now?”

“You’re the oldest, figure it out.” Mirabel replied.

“I say we go ahead and scare the living daylights out of people.” Isabela grinned.

“No.”

“But—“

“No buts.” Mirabel firmly said. “We’re…responsible Madrigals.” She paused. “Well, I’m a responsible Madrigal, and I have a reputation to hold.”

“What reputation do you have here besides being an outcast?” Isabela questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“First, rude.” Mirabel told her with a light glare. “Second, I know that I need to be the responsible one out of us or else something will be set on fire. Or somebody might be dead.”

Isabela let out an exaggerated sigh, getting closer to Mirabel. “C’mon, Mira, let loose. I know that being the new matriarch caused you to be uptight. But, seriously, don't turn into another past abuela .”

Mirabel looked at Isabela with an offended expression. “I find it funny that you think I’ll turn out like her. Also I’m the second youngest out of the grandchildren. Why the hell would I have so much power over ten people older than me? Not to mention Antonio. Eight of you have gifts.”

“Maybe you become some manipulative matriarch.” Isabela shrugged.

“Most. Of. You. Have. Gifts. I. Don’t.” Mirabel hissed. “I don’t stand a chance against physical gifts.”

“Well—“

“Isabela and Mirabel…?” 

…

They both turned around to find Dolores staring at them. Dolores let out a squeak, realizing that she had mistaken strangers for her cousins.

Mirabel raised her eyebrows as Isabela smirked.

“S-sorry, I thought I heard my cousins over here.” Dolores apologized, although the strangers kinda looked like her cousins. But Dolores knew it couldn’t be them because they were younger. Dolores also realized that she had never seen these strangers.

Both Isabela and Mirabel glanced at each other. Mirabel narrowed her eyes, as Isabela’s smirk widened.

Isabela walked forward to Dolores, making Dolores squeak, tensing up. Mirabel face palmed in the background.

She leaned towards Dolores, “Maybe it’s because we are your cousins.”

“W-what?” Dolores stuttered, looking at the older woman in front of her like she was crazy. Dolores sees the similarities but it makes no sense.

“Shut the hell up, please.” Mirabel said with a smile. “Ignore her…please. She had too much to drink.”

“Oh that’s ironic.” Isabela snorted, remembering when their abuela had claimed Mirabel drank too much that night. “I haven’t drank anything yet.”

Mirabel gave Isabela a blank stare. She knew that Isabela was drinking before Adriana’s ceremony completely started. She knew that Isabela had a few drinks. More than five cups. She just had a strong alcohol tolerance.

“Take my advice and shut the hell up before you do something stupid.” Mirabel told her.

“Nope. You know that I don’t like listening and doing the opposite of what’s told.” Isabela smirked. 

“Yep.”

“Uhh,” Dolores shifted uncomfortably, not knowing whether or not she should leave. The strangers in front of her were talking like she wasn’t even there. Well, the younger woman seemed to want to stop the older woman from doing something stupid. Something told her she really needed to go. “Should I—“

“Leave!”

“Stay!”

Isabela and Mirabel stared at each other. Mirabel looked at Isabela in confusion, while Isabela grinned.

“Don’t listen to my sister and just go.” Mirabel said.

“Oh please ignore my dear younger sister and stay.” Isabela smirked.

Dolores looked conflicted, looking at both of them.

Isabela took another step closer to Dolores, making Mirabel have a small scowl. Dolores took a step back.

Mirabel could only think that she had an idiot for a sister, who played around too much. 

“Dolores—“

“Get away from Dolores!”

Isabela rolled her eyes at the vines wrapped around her. “Oh for fucks sake.” She glanced at Mirabel, who was also wrapped in vines. A grin slowly made its way to her face. Oh this was going to be fun.

Mirabel’s eye twitched, knowing Isabela, this was going to be hell.

Chapter 45: Back To The Past — Part 3

Isabela looked back to see the whole family staring at her and Mirabel. She could just hear Mirabel lecturing her in her head. She bit back her grin. She could easily break out of her younger self’s vines. It’d be too easy. She knows that Mirabel would also be able to. Especially since her past self doesn’t know her true potential.

Isabela glanced at past Mirabel, her eyes widened in amazement. Oh she forgot how cute Mirabel was back then! It made her insane with how much she wanted to pinch those chubby cheeks! 

Mirabel, however, stared at her past self in confusion. Did she not see the cracks yet? She looked at Isabela, who was staring at her younger self. Sometimes, she felt like she was the older one out of the two. She wished that it was Dolores that got teleported with her. At least then it would be someone else responsible with her….Actually, Dolores might be a little emotional since she was teleported away from her daughter and from her true family. Mirabel still thinks that Dolores should’ve been the eldest grandchild since she was the most mature compared to Isabela. Where was her Dolores when she needed her?

If they truly wanted to harm past Dolores, they would’ve done so. Well, Dolores is family, so they wouldn’t hurt her at all. That’s only if. They wouldn’t actually bring harm to their family.

“Really reminds me of old times.” Mirabel whispered to herself, making Dolores raise an eyebrow.

Alma steps up, staring at both of them. “Who are you two and what are your intentions with my granddaughter?” 

“Well, why don’t you ask your granddaughter? We told her.” Isabela said, glancing at Dolores, before glancing at Alma.

Mirabel really wondered how such a perfect person—even if it was fake, turned into that. Such a disrespectful abomination.

Mirabel looked around to see her past family’s reactions.

Alma was staring at them warily, but she held her head up high. Considering that Alma never saw them— well she did, just not from the future. She’s probably wondering who they are and what they wanted with Dolores.

Félix was by Dolores, looking at them with suspicion and wonder. Mirabel knows that if anyone touched his daughter in the wrong way, they’d be dead.

Julieta was staring at both of them, narrowing her eyes. Her mother was intelligent, Mirabel wouldn’t put it above her that she might actually figure it out before they tell her.

Pepa had a cloud over her head, frowning. Mirabel could see why she’s stressed out. She’s stressed out just by being with Isabela. 

Bru— oh yeah, Bruno was still in the walls at this time. Can’t really say anything about him if he’s not present.

Agustín was by Julieta, trying- but failing to match her expression. Yep, her father was always the same.

Isabela was just glaring at both of them. Which was understandable, but also annoyed Mirabel. It was something about Isabela’s past self that pissed her off. Considering that she’s been bullied by Isabela when she was señorita perfecta was probably why. Maybe she would turn a blind eye if her Isabela decided to throw a punch.

Dolores looked confused and lost while staring at the both of them. What the hell was Isabela trying to accomplish with telling Dolores that they’re from the future? Now they’re going to seem insane. Isabela mostly.

Luisa just seemed nervous about the whole thing. Mirabel doesn’t blame her.

Camilo was confused, if not a little bit angry. He doesn’t know what they’re intentions are with Dolores. As said before, Mirabel understands.

Past her was staring at both of them with interest. Mirabel would say that it wouldn’t take long for past her to figure it out. After all, this wasn’t the weirdest thing that happened in the Madrigal family.

Antonio was curious and interested in them. Mirabel thinks that it won’t take long for Parce to tell him the truth.

“Well?”

“Uhm- they say…” Dolores paused, shifting uncomfortably under all the attention on her. “They say that they are Mirabel and Isabela.”

…

“…What?” Past Isabela took a look at Isabela. “You- you can’t be me.” Past Isabela stammered, staring at her future self in shock. “You’re- you’re—“ not perfect. How can that be me if you’re so wild?

“Oh really now?” Isabela grinned.

Mirabel sighed, Isabela was always the one for dramatics.

“I refuse to believe this nonsense.” Alma said firmly. How could that delinquent be Isabela? And the other woman seemed…eh.

“Wait…” Julieta stared at both of them, nobody looked this close to her daughters.

“They do look alike. Maybe older.” Félix pointed out. “They also appeared out of nowhere.”

“So, some future stuff?” Agustín questioned.

“You guys aren’t seriously believing this…are you?”

“Then I’ll make you all believe.”

“What—“

Vines were summoned, restraining all of them, besides Antonio and both Mirabels.

Mirabel scoffed, “Okay, that’s not what we discussed. It definitely didn’t include chaining them up with vines.” Mirabe didn’t make any move to stop Isabela though, knowing that she wouldn’t cause any real harm.

Isabela walked up to her past self with a smirk, ignoring Mirabel. “Do you believe me now?”

All of the Madrigals' eyes were widened. No other person, but Isabela could do that. 

…This person in front of them was actually Isabela, but from the future. They had major differences. Pink and proper to multicolored and messy is a huge change.

Then there was also future Mirabel, who didn’t say much, besides having an annoyed expression. They could tell that they were much closer in the future.

“How- how could you be Isabela?”

“Character development.” Isabela said, Mirabel nodding in agreement. “And therapy. Family therapy.”

“What—“

“Is the future alright—“

“What happens—“

“Therapy—“

“Why did you color your hair—“

“Your gift—“

“Hardy har har,” Mirabel got tired of this, shaking her head and letting out a groan. “Casita, separate everyone.” She said, making everyone fall into silence.

“You’re not going to do that to your dear sister, are you?” Isabela smiled nervously.

“Oh I would.” Mirabel chuckled. “Casita.” Immediately, Isabela’s vines dissolved, dropping everyone and keeping a respectable distance between them. “Let’s have a civil conversation, Isa.”

“I did not agree to this…” Isabela mumbled.

“H-how are you both here?” Past Mirabel stammered, looking at both of the future Madrigals. 

“Why are you both here?”

“The miracle—“ Isabela is interrupted by Mirabel, who purposely lets out a cough.

“We can’t mess up the future, Isa. They don’t know that yet.”  Because how the hell were they going to explain that she destroyed the miracle and also brought it back?

Isabela rolled her eyes. “Us being here is already messing up the future.” 

“Mmh, you’re right…I guess. But that doesn’t mean they need to know what’s going to happen.” Mirabel said dryly. 

Alma now looked extremely worried. “What’s wrong with the miracle?”

“Nothing.” Mirabel answered calmly. “Absolutely nothing is wrong with the miracle in future. Isabela could use her gift so that means everything is fine.”

“You’re lying.” Julieta stated, narrowing her eyes, before her expression shifted to concern. “What happens?”

Isabela chuckled, purposely looking away as their past mother questioned Mirabel. Mirabel was— still is weak to their mother’s voice. Mirabel wouldn’t be able to lie.

Isabela decided to step up. “Nothing happened in the future with the miracle. Even if something happened, we wouldn’t be able to tell in case we mess up the…future.”

Julieta gave them an understanding look. “Ah, okay.” Just another Madrigal day.

“Look, we’re not supposed to be here.” 

“Obviously.” Past Isabela said snarky. 

Isabela’s eye twitched at the remark, fortunately saying nothing.

“I’m not going to say too much about the future. But a future gift brought us back here by surprise. We really need to leave before we affect our future.” Mirabel made sure to glance at Isabela, before looking back towards her past family. “Right, Isa?” She asked. 

“How do we even know that this is our past? We could’ve been out in an alternative dimension for all we know. She didn’t even point out the cracks.” Isabela said, glancing at past Mirabel. “Something already changed.”

The attention was now on past Mirabel.

Agustín turned to his Mirabel. “What cracks?” 

“Cracks?”

“Uhh—“

“I think us being here made her not see the cracks. Or at least distracted her from the cracks.” Mirabel interjected.

“Well damn, that changes everything, doesn’t it?” Isabela laughed. If Mirabel didn’t see the cracks, she wouldn’t know about saving the miracle, helping Luisa, going into Bruno's room for a vision, and reconciling with her. That changes too much. “Oh, uh, excuse my language.”

“Oh please, your language should be the last thing they’re worried about.” Mirabel said.

“W-wait— what happened to you? You look so different!” Dolores asked, looking at Isabela.

“Exactly, you look…well…” Camilo glanced at both Isabela’s. “Too different.”

“As I said before, character development.”

“You also are…”

“She has no respect and is unhinged.” Mirabel commented, ignoring their gasps.

“Doesn’t sound much like character development to me…” Past Isabela muttered to herself.

“How can you talk about your sister like that?”

“I honestly don’t mind.” Isabela shrugged. “It’s true…well from my time.”

“Wait, you said a future gift brought you both here. Could it be yours and Mariano’s?” Alma asked Isabela. She was willing to ignore the… look on Isabela. Especially since 

Mirabel quickly turned away, doing her best to stifle her laughter.

“Uh…” By any means, Isabela wasn't even interested in men. Seeing Mirabel trying to not laugh didn’t make it any better. “….Well, the child is Mariano’s.” Was all that Isabela said, and everyone else could just assume the rest.

“Congratulations!” Pepa beamed.

“Oh, I knew you two would be a great couple.” Alma said with a small smile.

Isabela laughed nervously, her Dolores would have her head if she heard that.

Past Isabela’s smile fell only for a second , before it was back up.

“Uh, congratulations, future sis.”

“Congratulations, mija.”

Mirabel and Isabela took a look at each other, before quickly looking away. Mirabel was doing her best not to laugh, seeing Isabela’s face would only make her laugh. She needed to be the responsible one. 

Definitely doesn’t have to do with the fact that Dolores is the only married Madrigal from the second generation. Luisa and Camilo are dating somebody. It’s just her, Isabela, and Antonio that remained single. Antonio is turning thirteen in a few months and isn’t worried about dating for now.

Past Mirabel figured that it must’ve been some sort of  joke between them two. She was still in shock that her and Isabela would ever get that close.

“Uh…thanks.” And that Isabela’s fiancé is going to be Dolores’ husband in a few years.

Past Isabela felt like she might actually throw up at the thought of having children with Mariano in three years.

Dolores always knew that she didn’t stand a chance against Isabela. She wondered if she remained single since Mariano married Isabela.

“Yeah, congratulations, sis.” Mirabel said, after recovering from her laughter. “Mariano is such a good brother-in-law.”

“Well, I’d hope so.” Agustín said, if Mariano wasn’t good to either of his daughters, he’d be kicked out quickly.

Isabela’s eyes twitched. “Are you going to tell them or am I?”

“Heh, I see what you did there.” Mirabel chuckled.

“I was referencing her.” Isabela said with a blank expression. “I’m so glad our rehearsal for that didn’t go to waste.”

“Rehearsal?”

“You both are in a play?”

“Technically, everyone had a part in the play besides mamá and Antonio.” Isabela mused, her eyes twinkling with excitement. Which was a nice look.

“I was fighting for my life during that time. Literally.” Mirabel chuckled.

“….What?”

“It’s a joke.” Mirabel assured them, when in reality it wasn’t. She quite literally was fighting for her life to save the damn candle. 

Isabela raised her eyebrows, but said nothing.

…

“I’m going to be honest, I don’t give a crap about anyone here but my sister.” Mirabel deadpanned.

…

“…What!?”

“Well that was out of the blue.”

“Aww, wait— you said that I was the one who had no respect!” Isabela gasped dramatically. “They technically still are our family.”

“At the same time they aren’t.” Mirabel stated, before turning away. 

“Well that was rude.” Félix mittered.

“No hard feelings, some of you guys weren’t the…kindest back then.” Mirabel said. “Honestly, it'd be best if you forgot us being here.”

“We don’t even have a way back, Mira.” Isabela said. “We can’t do anything and we might be stuck here for who knows how long. They won’t be able to forget about us if we’re literally staying here.”

“You guys should totally tell us about the future. Forget rules.” Camilo mischievously grinned.

“Well—“

“I wouldn’t if it messes everything up.”

…

“Oh the future is so horrible!” Isabela exclaimed dramatically, as Mirabel glared at her harshly.

“Sis,” Mirabel warned, with a forced smile. “You can’t say much about the future.”

“Oh no, is everyone okay?” Antonio frowned, concerned for everyone is the family.

“W-what?” 

“What happens?”

“Are we alright?

“Yep, everyone dies besides us.” Isabela said, even shedding a tear.

“What!?”

“Please, Isa, for the love of God, shut the fuck up!”

Notes:

This won’t affect their future at all. The past Madrigals won’t remember any of this once Future Isabela and Mirabel leaves, but they don’t know that.

Chapter 46: What If Mirabel Chose To Destroy Miracle Instead Of Saving It?

Notes:

I purposefully didn’t include Antonio, I didn’t want him involved in this one shot.

Mirabel liked to think positive. She loves her family very much and doesn’t know what she’ll do without them. Every decision that she has made so far has been for her family. 

…But when she saw the vision— to either save the miracle or destroy the miracle, she was conflicted.

“Why…why should I save it?” Mirabel asked her uncle, who stared at her with a slightly shocked expression. “Well— n-not like that…but why should I save it? What if I don’t want to? What if I destroy it? What then?”

Bruno looked hesitant. “Well…y-you don’t have to, but wasn’t that your goal at first?”

“I’m not saying I will d-destroying the miracle! B-but, yeah, I want to save the miracle. The cracks meant something, you know that, and it won’t take long before Casita falls!” Mirabel exclaimed, a bit panicked. “It’s just..it’s just that nobody will believe me about the cracks— the house falling. They’ll just think I’m drunk or crazy, probably both. Nobody believed me then, so why would they believe me now? I only want to help them, but…”

Bruno could tell that Mirabel was still bitter about what happened at Antonio’s ceremony. 

“I-I don’t know if I want to if that’s the case. I waited on a miracle for nine years! I’m treated terribly because I don’t have a gift— something I don’t have any control over! Tío, it seems like…like no matter what I do, they just won’t see me.”

Bruno understood that feeling all too well— except, they saw him for the wrong reasons. They saw him as bad luck Bruno, who made curses happen. The outcast. The blacksheep—something that was passed down to Mirabel by their family and the townspeople.

“…So you became something you weren't. Something that you thought would make abuela proud.” Bruno said quietly.

Mirabel looked at Bruno in surprise, before looking away, her eyes glistening with tears. “I did.” She whispered. “I did anything and everything to make her proud— to be seen. Nothing ever worked with her.” A scowl started to form. “With nobody. I’m more of a stranger than a family member. They don’t care. Not once did they defend me against abuela. I never amounted that much to them. I wasn’t worth anything. I’ve been useless for so long—“

“W-what!? You’re not useless! Why would you say that about yourself?” Bruno was concerned, Mirabel was only fifteen, yet she was saying such things about herself. “Is it because of you…not having a gift?” At Mirabel’s blank stare, he grimaced. “W-well, if I could I would give you m-my gift— but I don’t want you to bear the burden of having such a curse.”

Mirabel froze at the word curse, remembering the earlier interactions she had with Luisa. Curse. All it did was make them suffer.

“…Then wouldn’t it be better to get rid of the…source of the curse?” Mirabel asked hesitantly, carefully watching Bruno’s reaction.

His eyebrows furrowed. “It would…” Bruno said. “It’s up to you whether or not you save the miracle. I’m…I’m not going to judge your decision because these gifts have caused too much trouble for us— for everyone.” This ‘gift’ was what caused me to be shunned.

“Right.” Mirabel cleared her throat. It was up to her. Either she goes to hug Isabela to save the miracle or destroy it. The first option wasn’t appealing and it probably wouldn’t happen. Especially since she ruined Isabela’s engagement. “Alright, I’ll go…see you later? You’ll know my decision by the end of the night.” 

Mirabel let out a low groan, remembering how she’ll have to go back. She wasn’t so sure if she was ready to face her family. She’ll have to hide.

“Also Mirabel…?”

“Yeah?”

“….If you were to destroy the miracle, I wouldn’t stop you. I wouldn’t be mad. Not at all. It’s up to you. If you were…I’d agree with your decision. If you do, Casita will collapse. I know that they’ll be angry, I’ll find you before they get you…that’s if you destroy the miracle.” 

Mirabel froze. “You’ll know my decision in an hour.”

---

Mirabel knew that her family was looking for her. She wondered what would happen if they found her. How would abuela punish her? Grounded for eternity? Kicked out of Casita and the Encanto?

A frown made its way on her face. Why should she save the miracle after what they did to her? What they didn’t do to her?

She looked at the candle, it was so tempting. Why was she trying to save the miracle in the first place? Right, it was to prove herself to them. Knowing her abuela, she’ll find some way to make it seem like she’s the problem.

“Casita,” Mirabel muttered, in a second a ladder was placed right under the candle. “Thank you, Casita. I will miss you.” She made her decision.

The miracle is going to get destroyed.

She’ll be doing everyone a favor and opening their eyes.

She grabbed the candle.

“…Mirabel, what are you doing? Get down.” 

Startled, Mirabel turned around to find Dolores looking at her cautiously, staring at her with widened eyes.

Mirabel turned to Dolores with a smile. “What do you think I’m doing, Dolores?” She hadn’t expected Dolores to be the one to find her. She had expected Camilo since she knew he was searching around Casita. “You’re the one with super hearing.” Not for long though. “You’ve seen the vision.”

“I- I heard your conversation with tío Bruno. Mirabel…you don’t want to do this— to destroy the miracle! Why are you even thinking about it? Weren’t you just asking me how to save the miracle?” Dolores questioned. 

“Correction, I was.” Mirabel clarified. “You don’t like your gift, don’t you? You think of it as a curse. I’ll be helping you, Dolores.” After all, she only wanted to help them. Not hurt them. “You understand, don’t you?”

“Mira…” Dolores looked really panicked and Mirabel didn’t like that. “I—“

“Even if I weren’t the one to destroy this candle…I still would be the blame, wouldn’t I?” Mirabel asked. “No matter what I’ll do, I’ll be to blame. I’m only a scapegoat for everyone.” She narrowed her eyes. “Aren’t I—“

“Mirabel!”

Mirabel rolled her eyes, it felt like she was getting interrupted more often.

Great, it was all the Madrigals gathered up.

“Isn’t this awesome? Everyone is here for the show!” Mirabel said with a wide grin.

“Mirabel, put the candle down—“

“Mija—“

“What are you doing with the candle—“

“The vision—“

“She won’t actually—“

“Think rationally—“

“Isn’t it obvious? I’ll be destroying the miracle like the vision showed.” Mirabel said calmly as they gasped. It’ll all work out in the end, hopefully….probably not. 

“What!?” 

“You’re joking—“

“Well the vision did show her—“

“That’s enough!” Alma exclaimed. “Mirabel, put the candle back and come down!

Mirabel’s smile fell. “What if I don’t want to, abuela?” 

“Mirabel!”

“Mirabel…how about you just…calm down? It’s okay, you won’t be in trouble. Get down from the roof, I don’t want an accident to happen.” Julieta said softly. She didn’t want to believe the vision. That her daughter was capable of destroying the miracle, Casita. 

“But I’m calm, mamá. Very calm.” Mirabel said. “I think I like the roof better too.” She chuckled. “Oh and please don’t lie to me, mamá. We both know I’ll be in trouble the moment I step down.” The thing is she won’t be stepping down, the only way she’s stepping down is when everything is crumbling. “I think we all would be better without the miracle, yes?”

Julieta and Agustín glanced at each other warily. They didn’t like this one bit. They knew that Alma didn’t really…like Mirabel. But to push Mirabel this far? There was a limit to how far you can push a person. But this wasn’t the best decision. To destroy the candle? Mirabel was on the roof, but…Isabela could grab her with her vines. And they know that Alma wouldn’t be pleased with Mirabel. 

“Pepí, please…if the roof gets too wet, she’ll fall. It’ll be okay.” Félix whispered as rain fell down. One slip from the roof at such a height would be dangerous. 

“I’m trying!” Pepa whispered aggressively. How was she supposed to calm down? Her niece was practically betraying them! Trying to destroy the candle!

Isabela didn’t know what to think— well she was angry. First, Mirabel messed up her engagement and now she’s trying to destroy the candle!? It’s like she’s trying to destroy everything she gets in contract with! 

Dolores wouldn’t admit it out loud, but she felt like Mirabel had a point. She listened in on their conversation. The way Mirabel switched. She doesn’t blame her. She knows that she can’t stop Mirabel either. If Mirabel does destroy the miracle, Casita would go down with it. She doesn’t like the fact that Mirabel’s on the roof and has more of a chance of getting harmed by that.

When Luisa said that her gift felt weak after talking with Mirabel, she didn’t mean literally! She hates the thought of what’ll happen to her sister once she destroys it. She knows that Mirabel will be in big trouble.

Camilo froze, he knew that didn’t know Mirabel well…but for her to destroy the miracle, he didn’t know what to think. Camilo liked to think that he was best at reading people, and Mirabel hasn’t shown any signs of trying to do anything drastic. Anger, jealousy…nothing like.

“I was treated like crap because I didn’t have a gift. Tío was still treated like crap even when he have a gift because of your abuela. It’s your impossible standards that caused him to leave. Y’know what…I get why tío Bruno left. The difference between us is that I don’t run.” Mirabel said. “I was going to save the miracle, but I realized that there was no point in doing so. So, I seeked out tío Bruno. He didn’t disagree with what I’m doing now. He’s just like me…an outcast…black sheep of the family. He told me that the fate of the miracle was up to me. I don’t think I’m wrong when he agrees. After all, he relates to me best.”

…

It was pure silence for a moment and all eyes widened.

“Br-Bru—“

“We don’t speak about him!”

“Wait…you spoke with him!? How!?”

“Bruno left because of you, Mirabel!” Alma glared. “You do not need to bring up my son in your wrongdoings!”

“If you don’t believe me, ask Dolores!” Mirabel beamed. “I’m sure she’ll give you all the answers you need.”

Several eyes turned to Dolores, who was pale.

“I—“

“She’s lying right, mija?” Pepa asked, surely if Dolores knew where her brother was, she’d say something about it then stay quiet for ten years.

Alma also turned to Dolores. “Bruno left ten years ago.” She said firmly, her gaze hardened.

“Tío Bruno left this family, he never left the Encanto. That’s two different things.” Mirabel piped up.

“Mira—“

“S-she’s right—“ Dolores squeaked, multiple gasps filling the air. “I heard tío Bruno all this time! He never left!” Dolores blurted out, she looked extremely overwhelmed.

“What!?” Both Pepa and Julieta exclaimed.

“Wow….a lot of things are getting revealed today..” Camilo muttered to himself.

Luisa looked uncomfortable, she knew things weren’t going to end well.

“You’re lying.” Alma stated. “Mirabel must’ve put some things in your head! I would’ve known if Bruno was still in the Encanto!”

Mirabel smiled, her abuela was still in extreme denial. “He is. That’s why I was given a choice to either save the miracle or destroy it.” Mirabel smirked. “I know that it is so much easier to break something than save it. What’s the point of saving the miracle? It doesn’t need saving! A curse is what needs to be broken!”

On cue, everyone but Mirabel fell to the ground. Around them, there were cracks on the walls, the ceilings, and on their doors.

“…A curse?” Félix and Augustín sent each other questioning looks.

It was more believable that someone was forcing Mirabel to do this. That someone took advantage of Mirabel’s sad state and sent her to do this.

“How dare you—“

“I told you Casita was cracking, that it was going to fall down! Do I really have to be the reason for it falling down for you to finally open your eyes!?” Mirabel laughed. “How dare I? How dare I do this? You always knew what was best for us, abuela.”

“Miraboo…” Mirabel looked at her father. “This…this isn’t you. If someone is forcing you to do this…you can come down and talk with us. You won’t be in trouble.”

“No…” Mirabel scowled. “Everything I’ve done, it’s been for this family! Including this! Nobody could force me to do this! This is all me, pá. Aren’t you proud?”

Mirabel is slightly offended that he thought she was being forced. Did he not think that she could do this by herself? Oh yeah, she was purposely dragging this. If she wanted, she would've already had that candle out. She wasn’t sadistic, but she loved seeing their reactions.

“Isabela.” Alma only said.

Mirabel’s eyebrows furrowed, she didn’t like this. 

“Mirabel, you’re my sister and I love you…but I’ll need you to hand over that candle.” Isabela summoned vines to her side.

“You love me? That’s a funny way of showing it, Isabela. I didn’t do this to fight. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

Julieta turned to Alma with widened eyes.

“You didn’t seriously just send my daughter to attack my other daughter!?” Julieta exclaimed.

“It’s the only way, Julieta. She isn’t going down any other way.” Alma said.

“But to make them fight!?”

“Isabela will only ‘fight’ if Mirabel decides to struggle.”

“What the hell are you planning to do!?”

“Hah! You hurt me!?” Isabela grinned. “What can you do against me, Mirabel? Just stop this foolishness and hand over the candle! I’ll use force if I have to, Mirabel!”

Mirabel glared at Isabela. “I have the candle, Isabela. I will never hand it over unless it’s gone.” A smile slowly formed. “I have the candle….the source of your gift. It would be funny if I mess with your gift a bit, right?” She asked. “Oh this is going to be interesting! Instead of a hug, it’s a fight?…What a shame.” You don’t stand a chance, Isabela.

Mirabel wasn't planning on fighting with any of her family members. But she knew if she was going to, I’d be Isabela. Dolores, Luisa, and Camilo were out of the question. No adult would fight with a teenager over a candle. 

By all means, Mirabel wasn’t obsessed with power or the power she could get by taking over the miracle. Even though it’ll be easy.

“No hard feelings, sis?” It was clearly sarcasm.

“Of course!” Mirabel said with an equal amount of sarcasm. “Casita!” She grinned, the tiles sneering everyone over. Mirabel made sure that nobody was too hurt. “Everyone out but my abuela and my dear oldest sister!” She cackled.

As commanded, Casita forcefully pushed everyone but Alma and Isabela out of Casita.

Alma was shocked over how much control Mirabel had over Casita. It was dangerous. She was dangerous. They needed to get the candle out of her hands. “Isabela, be careful!” She warned.

“Be careful…of me?” Mirabel repeated with a frown. “That doesn’t seem right. What could giftless Mirabel do to señorita perfecta?”

Isabela rolled her eyes. “You’re taking this too far, Mirabel.” She sneered.

“Oh I’m taking this too far now? I’m the bad guy? Then so be it! It seems like being some sort of a villain is the only way to gain abuela’s attention! You said it yourself, I’m going to destroy the miracle— yet you’re surprised when I actually do it? Abuela, you see me as a villain anyways, fine…I can play the role of the villain well!” Mirabel grinned.

“I’m the one talking to you, Mirabel…not abuela . It’s rude to ignore the person talking to you.”

“But you do that to me on a daily basis, Isabela. It’s different when it’s the other way around, isn’t it?” Mirabel questioned. “If your own family made you feel less, isolated you all because of a candle not giving you a gift…if you were given an opportunity to destroy it, wouldn’t you? I sure as hell took the opportunity.”

Isabela growled, sending multiple vines towards Mirabel to grab her. Or the candle. Isabela wasn’t really sure what she wanted to go for.

“Isabela, you need to be careful! What if I fall? I’ll surely die! Especially if Casita falls soon!” Mirabel laughed as she dodged the vines sent her way. “Are you trying to kill me? Do you hate me that much?”

“You won’t fall if you stop resisting!” Isabela growled. “Give me the candle, Mirabel! Stop this madness! Why must you betray everyone like this!? Give me the candle and you don’t have to keep dodging my vines! Give it up, Mirabel!”

“Now you’re breaking more than my heart doing this, Isabela!” Mirabel exclaimed. “You’re not even listening, you don’t even understand! It was the candle that did this to everyone!”

Both Isabela and Alma looked conflicted at Mirabel’s words.

“She’s trying to deceive you like she deceived Dolores, Isabela.” Alma said sternly.

“You’ve always been abuela’s puppet, Isabela.” Mirabel had a disgusted expression. “She pulls the strings to your every move. To everyone’s movement. I’ll put a stop to this though!” That stupid grin was back on her face. “You all would eventually understand that I’m only doing what’s bound to happen! What’s right! I’m doing you all a favor!” Mirabel said, as debris fell to the ground and Casita cracked even more.

“That’s rich calling me someone’s puppet.” Isabela scowled. She was getting extremely nervous with everything falling around them. It doesn’t make it any better that their family is calling out their names.

“I’ve never allowed anyone to have such control over me like you, Isabela.” Mirabel stated. “I’m free unlike you. That’s a difference between you and I. You allow people to have that power over you.” She rolled her eyes. “I've had enough of our conversation, Isabela. Out.” She sneered at Isabela’s panicked scream, she was sent out of Casita, leaving Alma and Mirabel only.

“…How could you betray us like this, Mirabel? After all we’ve done for you…”

“Betray? You’ve been throwing around that word a few times. If I was betraying this family, I would’ve taken the damn miracle for myself.” Mirabel chuckled. “And what have you done for me, abuela?” She started to get lowered down to Alma’s level with the help of Casita. 

“I—“

“I was treated like crap over something I had no control over! I was never worth your attention, abuela! Did you see what you did to me, abuela!?” Mirabel yelled, before taking a deep breath, talking in a calmer voice. “…But I can play along. I can be good. I can be useful.” Mirabel smiled, before crushing the remaining bits of the candle in her hand. “Do you see me now, abuela?” 

Everything fell.

Notes:

What are some one-shots that I need to continue?

Chapter 47: Jealous Madrigals — Part 2

Notes:

If I had a lot of time, I would definitely rewrite chapters 1-32. I cringe remembering how I used to write.

Isabela wouldn’t put herself as the jealous type. She was perfect and had nothing to be jealous of. She had everything.

…Yet, her stomach turns into knots when she sees that girl near Mirabel. The idea of being jealous of some girl baffled her.

Mirabel was her younger sister and she had no reason to be jealous. She didn’t even like Mirabel much…so why would she be jealous?

Something about that Eliana girl irked her. Something about her got on her nerves.

Her right eye twitched when she saw Mirabel laugh at something Eliana said. Okay…it probably wasn’t that funny.

She watched Eliana say something to Mirabel before standing up and going somewhere. Leaving Mirabel all alone.

Isabela smirked to herself. She’ll swoop in like the great oldest sister she is and accompany Mirabel! Then Mirabel will gush about how much of an amazing sister she is and say that she’s so much better than Eliana! Yes, that sound about right—

“You’re such a weirdo.” Isabela jumped, turning to see Dolores staring at her with crossed arms. “If you want to have your weird fantasies then go do that inside of your room. Also if you’re going to stalk Mirabel, be more subtle.”

Isabela seemed more offended on the stalking part. “W-what!? Stalking Mirabel— why would I do that? I’m only observing her now.”

“You’re literally hiding in a bush.”

In a quick motion, Isabela was standing up, the bush gone. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Y’know… abuela wouldn’t approve of this behavior. Pretty creepy to be honest. I don’t think Mirabel would like to know that her own sister is watching her from behind a bush.” Dolores shook her head disapprovingly.

“It’s totally not creepy! I’m just making sure…that Mirabel is hanging out with the right people!”

Dolores sighed. “Mirabel knew them since she was six years old. She’s fourteen now, that’s a total of eight years. I’m sure if they had any bad intentions they already would’ve done so.”

“You sure do know a lot.”

“I have enhanced hearing and I…occasionally listen to hear what Mirabel's doing. Remember when she ran away? That’s when she first met them.” Dolores told Isabela.

“Wait what? Mirabel ran away?” Isabela was confused, she doesn’t remember any time that her youngest sister ran away. Nor was she informed.

“Yeah, she was six….oh yeah, I don’t think anyone else was told. Only your mother, father, the Lucian’s and I knew about that. I guess it never came to the point we needed to say anything about it.” Dolores shrugged.

“Seriously?” She is Mirabel’s oldest sister and she wasn’t told anything.

“To be fair, it was a year after her ceremony…and you and Mirabel weren’t the closest. I don’t know why tía didn’t tell anyone, but I was also just a child, so I never told anyone…until now.”

Isabela looked sheepish, she knew that she wasn’t the best oldest sister in the world…but she wasn’t the worst! 

“Let’s be honest, Mirabel isn’t close to anyone in this family but Antonio.” Dolores said. It was true. Mirabel had a soft spot for children, Antonio being only four years old automatically made him Mirabel’s favorite.

Yeah, Isabela had to agree with Dolores. Unfortunately, nobody but Antonio was really close to Mirabel. 

“We really shouldn’t be watching her…”

“What the hell?” Isabela exclaimed, watching as Eliana walked back with flowers in her arms.

Dolores stared at Isabela with narrowed eyes. “You’re really…”

Isabela’s eye twitched, watching as Eliana made a flower crown and placed it on Mirabel’s head. “What!? I could literally make flowers without breaking a sweat! She could just ask! Why would she go to some girl instead of me!?” She scowled. “That’s our thing also!”

Dolores gave Isabela a blank stare. “I think you’re just jealous that Mirabel isn’t paying as much attention to you anymore.” Dolores frowned, as Isabela sputtered excuses. “Don’t worry you’re not the only one.”

“What y-you?”

“…Shut up.” Dolores’ cheeks turned a shade of red. “It’s not just us either. Turns out the whole family besides abuela is jealous of the Lucian’s for having Mirabel’s attention…not that most of them would admit it.” She said. “I just…never realized how much—“ Mirabel does for us. The moment she put her attention on somebody else, Dolores realized just how much she enjoyed Mirabel’s presence and attention.

“T-this is…” Isabela started to laugh. “This is fucking hilarious. How can I, the beauty of the Encanto—“ Dolores rolled her eyes. “Be jealous? I don’t compare to that girl. I’m better.”

“You know that you have an ego, right?” Dolores questioned.

“What? It’s true! I’m better than her, aren’t I?”

“It depends in what terms. But I feel better not comparing anyone.” Dolores deadpanned. 

“Unbelievable.” Isabela huffed. “Seriously, I could make her flowers.”

“You two aren’t exactly close.”

“I’m only saying! Why would she need store bought flowers when I’m here!?”

Dolores had a sly smirk. “Then go do something about it.”

“…What?”

“It’s best not to let your jealous get to you—“

“Ironic.”

“As I was saying! It’s best to not let your jealousy get to you and go do something about it. Go talk to Mirabel, ask to hang out or something instead of sulking.”

“I’m not sulking!”

Dolores raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“W-whatever! What about you?”

“What about me?”

“I’m not doing this alone!”

“Didn’t know you were so afraid to approach your own sister, Isabela.”

“You’re also afraid to approach Mirabel.”

…

“Shut up.” Dolores huffed.

---

“I found this one place and it’s really beautiful! I’d like to take you, Mateo and Mária there! We can even invite your parents! We could have a picnic there!” Mirabel gushed.

“How about tomorrow? We’ll have everything planned by then. I’m sure the twins will be excited to come. I’ll just have to see if they’re free— knowing them, when it comes to you, they are.” Eliana grinned. “I look forward to tomorrow then.”

“Good! Oh I wonder if my family will let me bring Antonio with us, hm, I’ll ask my tía later!”

“The more the merrier, right?”

“Yeah!”

“Mirabel…”

Eliana raised an eyebrow at both the older Madrigals, who seemed flustered. She knew that Mirabel noticed that too when they both glanced at each other.

“Isabela and Dolores.” Mirabel greeted slowly. She was confused why they approached her. She had been staying out the way like abuela wanted. “Do you need something?” Overall she was pretty suspicious.

“We…” Isabela started off, her face becoming more flushed. 

“I’m only here for emotional support.” Dolores said.

“Fine, I- I want to—“

Mirabel has never seen Isabela so flustered, it was a bit amusing to her. Though she did wonder what she wanted.

“This seems like it’s hurting your pride to say whatever you want.” Eliana commented, receiving a glare from Isabela. She raised her hands up. “I was only joking….partially.”

“…We can do this another time if you want?” Mirabel hesitantly suggested. “When you’re feeling better.”

“No!” Isabela exclaimed, making Dolores facepalm. “I mean no, we can do this now.”

Isabela was a real social mess when it came to Mirabel. Considering that she puts on a mask almost every day, it’s surprising that she can’t keep it on around Mirabel.

“Okay…?” Mirabel looked beyond confused. Eliana looked amused.

“Okay.” Isabela cleared her throat. “I was wondering…if you wanted to hang out with me?”

Dolores stared at Isabela wondering why the hell she asked her like that? This situation was getting more awkward as seconds passed. It might’ve been the most awkward situation that she was in.

“Oh,” Mirabel looked surprised and sheepish. “I’m sorry, Isabela…but I have plans for today and tomorrow. Maybe next time?”

Maybe next time?

“S-sure.”

Maybe next time?

“Mira, we have to go.”

Maybe next time?

“Uh, I’ll see you both for dinner!”

Maybe next time?

Isabela stood in the same spot, her eyes widened. “Did I…did I just get rejected?”

Dolores couldn’t hold back her laugh.

Chapter 48: Forgotten Quinceañera — Part 3

Summary:

If Mirabel didn’t forgive them immediately.

March sixth.

That was Mirabel Madrigal’s birthday.

Mirabel knew that not having a gift made her different in a magical family, but she didn’t think that she wasn’t worth that much to them.

All of her missed birthdays…her missed Quinceañera.

Yes, she was bitter that they forgot, but she didn’t expect anything less from them. 

So, when Mirabel saw the cracks, her first thought was to save it. That’s why she told her abuela about them. Even when she got humiliated in front of the whole town, she still wanted to save the miracle. She went to Dolores, who sent her to Luisa, who sent her to Bruno’s tower. She found a vision with her in it, she couldn’t put it together yet as she was interrupted by her aunt. That’s when they all told her about Bruno just to not talk about him. She put the vision together and it was her in front of a cracked Casita. 

Her father came in and saw the vision— It was just her luck that Dolores heard. So Mirabel spent the entire engagement trying to make sure Dolores didn't spill. The moment she looked away, Dolores did. It spread around the whole table bedsides Mariano, his grandmother, Isabela, and her abuela. Then of course Dolores eventually blurted it out. Then Antonio’s animals somehow took the vision from her mochila and put the vision together! Then everyone knew! 

Mirabel ended up following some rats and found her tío Bruno in the process. He spilled about why he was in the walls and the vision. She begged him for another vision, eventually he gave in. They prepared in Antonio’s room. Turns out she had to hug Isabela to make the miracle get better. She wasn’t so sure if it was going to work especially after she ruined her engagement.

With no choice, she went into Isabela’s room. They argued for a bit, Isabela spilled about she never wanted to marry Mariano and was doing it for the family. She made a cactus. Isabela was focusing on the cactus more than her, who was still trying to hug her. Isabela opened about how she never wanted to be perfect. They bonded. Isabela got a new look.

Everything was ruined the moment their abuela walked in. She didn’t like how she was ruining the family. They arrived of course and everything cracked. Mirabel immediately went for the candle of course. Isabela and Camilo seemed to also go for the candle. Everyone else got pushed out besides the three. Isabela and Camilo failed and were also forced to get out. Mirabel saw Bruno also leave the house fortunately. The moment Mirabel had the candle, Bruno’s tower fell down on her. Fortunately she didn’t die thanks to Casita.

After a while Julieta came in to see if Mirabel was okay. She turned her back for a minute and Mirabel was gone. Which caused everyone to panic and search for her.

It was hours later before Alma found Mirabel. Alma opened up to Mirabel, saying how things were never her fault. They hugged and Bruno came. He misunderstood the situation, but was quickly silenced by his mother’s embrace. Then they made their way back to their family.

Mirabel was immediately met by her mother, who hugged her right. Then the rest of the family. Soon her abuela revealed Bruno and the triplets reunited. So many conversations were needed.

And they had a house that needed to be rebuilt. The townspeople were more than happy to help them much to their surprise.

First they were seeing if anything could be saved.

“I never realized how big Casita was until all of this wreckage is on the ground.” Camilo groaned, as he pushed some debris over with the help of his cousin, Mirabel.

“Casita is a magical house, Camilo. She literally adds more rooms that’s bigger on the inside. Not to mention Antonio had an entire jungle for a room.” Mirabel smirked. 

“My room was like a theater— oh no, all my beautiful portraits of myself!” Camilo cried out.

“That’s a bit narcissistic, don’t you think?” Mirabel chuckled. “I’m sure that some of your amazing pictures of yourself are still there.” She turned to look at Camilo. “I also didn’t realize you changed some things about yourself.” She stared at his face. It was different from the face that she saw before Casita fell. “I like it.”

“I know.” Camilo grinned cockily.

“I take it back.”

“Hey! No take backs! Once you say it, you can’t take it back!”

“I will.” Mirabel smirked.

“It was so stupidly brave of you to go after the candle. I thought you weren’t going to make it out.”

“You also went after it.” Mirabel countered.

“Hey, I was trying to reach for you. Isabela was going for the candle. She thought that once she got the candle, everything would stop. I was trying to make sure you didn’t fall.” Camilo huffed. “Even after everyone was calling your name, you didn’t stop.”

“Why would I? I was trying to save the miracle. The only way to save the miracle was to save the candle.” Mirabel shrugged. “I mean, I’m not dead, am I?”

“If Casita didn’t have any more energy, you would’ve been.”

“Lucky, Casita did. How lucky am I?” Mirabel hummed in amusement.

“Very. Casita was falling, you would’ve been crushed. What was your plan, Mirabel?”

“This sounds like something my parents would say.” Mirabel laughed, before her expression changed to serious. “There was no plan. It was just to get the candle. If I made it out alive, I did. If I didn’t make it out alive then I didn’t. It was pure luck I survived. I was only trying to get the candle, I wasn’t listening to the yells. I just did what I had to do.”

Camilo frowned, but said nothing more. 

“Nobody also was trying to fix things. I was the only one that wanted to. It’s fine though.” Mirabel smiled.

“Mirabel…” 

Both of them turned over to see their tío Bruno.

“Tío!” Mirabel beamed, her mood lightened up.

“Uh, hey tío.” Camilo was still awkward around Bruno, since he just met him and doesn’t remember him from ten years ago.

It’s fine because Bruno is a socially awkward person. He understands.

“I- I came over because everyone else is huddled up together for some reason….s-so, I came to get you two. It’s probably I-important and I wouldn’t want you two to miss out.” Bruno explained.

Mirabel and Camilo looked up, they saw their family standing together, looking at something.

“Let’s go.”

They made her way over to where her family was standing. Once Mirabel found out what they were staring at, the shine in her eyes dimmed.

Camilo looked confused, before taking a look at Mirabel’s facial expression. “Uh, what’s happening over here?”

The tears in some of their eyes were obvious.

So, they realized.

“Mirab—“

“I don’t want to talk about this.” Mirabel quickly said. “You can throw the dress away, I don’t need it. We still need to check if anything is salvageable.”

“Mira—“

“How could we forget—“

“I’m so sorry, mija—“

“How can we make it up to you—“

“I didn’t know—“

“I’m such a terrible—“ 

“Wait—“

“What’s happening?” Bruno asked, confused. He wasn’t the only one with that expression, Camilo was also confused.

“We’ve forgotten Mirabel’s Quinceañera and we just found her dress!” Dolores blurted out, her face heated up in embarrassment.

“…What?” Bruno narrowed his eyes on all of them. “You’re joking.” 

“Mija… I’m so sorry, I—“

Mirabel scoffed, hardening her gaze. “I said I don’t want to talk about this. It’s old now.”

Bruno pinched the bridge of his nose. “I left for ten years to prevent her getting treated horribly.” Bruno didn’t need to yell to let his words cut deep. “I failed either way because it still ended up happening. Julieta, Agustín, you’re her parents! Out of everyone, wouldn’t her parents remember their own youngest daughter’s Quinceañera? I don’t know— have it written down in a calendar or something!?”

Julieta and Agustín had no excuse. All of it came to head, they didn’t just forget one birthday, they’ve forgotten more. They were terrible parents to Mirabel.

Pepa and Félix knew that they weren’t close to Mirabel. But to actually forget their own niece Quinceañera? Everyone else had theirs, but Mirabel. How could that have happened? They’re supposed Mirabel saved the candle after how they treated her.

Isabela wasn’t close to Mirabel and thought that she didn’t have any expectation from their abuela. She took the part of playing perfect for abuela and that’s no excuse to be a bad sister. How could she forget Mirabel’s Quinceañera?

Dolores felt bad. She was the one with super hearing, she should’ve known. She hears all, she should’ve at least heard something beforehand and remember it. What type of cousin was she? Clearly a bad one.

Luisa was supposed to be protecting her younger sister. How is she protecting her if she only caused her harm by forgetting her Quinceañera? She was the worst.

Camilo knew that he and Mirabel weren't the closest after her fifth birthday. But how could he forget her Quinceañera? He knows that it’s important for women. He was there for his sister and cousins’ Quinceañera. 

Mirabel’s eyes twitched at the sight of her family looking at her. In pity. Oh that was what she hated the most. Being pictured. “I literally went through hell to save the miracle— not to mention I almost died. I just want to relax for a moment without things going wrong. A few of my birthdays and Quinceañera were forgotten. I love thinking positive. You missed my Quinceañera, which was two months ago. So why apologize now? You wouldn’t even notice if it weren’t for Antonio. It’s in the past and I would’ve preferred if it stayed in the past. You all forgot about it and there’s no point in trying to fix things. It’s over with.” Mirabel said with a scowl. “I don’t want another ‘ Quinceañera’ either.”

When Bruno was inside the walls, he wasn’t always listening and watching the family. The more that he’s hearing, the more surprised he’s getting that Mirabel actually chose to save the miracle. If Mirabel said she didn’t want another Quinceañera, it’d be best not to. He knows that Mirabel hates being pitied.

“I was seven and I was thinking, did I do anything useful to be worth celebrating? That’s why I thought my birthdays weren’t getting celebrated. nothing worth celebrating.” Mirabel said bluntly, giving them a blank look.

The Madrigals knew that fucked up. 

They knew about Mirabel’s self esteem and knew that they only made it worse. They felt like the worst family in the world right now. To forget such an important date is unforgivable. How the hell would they make it up to her, especially when she gave them way too many chances? 

Mirabel seemed to read their minds.

“I gave you all a lot of chances. I forgave you all regardless of what you all did to me. Then you do something again then I forgive again. But I was willing to put that aside because we're family! I’m supposed to forgive and forgive, right?” Mirabel paused. “Your actions are so much louder than your words. I’m tired of everyone resorting back to their old ways and telling me lies. I want to be proven wrong…I want to believe that you all will change. Prove me wrong.” Mirabel said, before walking away to the direction of Antonio.

Chapter 49: Post-Canon Madrigals Reacts To Villain!Mirabel

“Where are we—“

“Are you okay—“

“I’m confuse—“

“I’m hungry—“

“Why are we—“

Mirabel interrupted all of their panic. “So, apparently we’re reacting to my villain song.” She said, holding a piece of paper.

“Your…villain song?” Alma repeated slowly, as Mirabel nodded.

“Don’t worry, we’re all safe.” Bruno said, before plopping down in a seat.

“Are we really going to ignore that we just got kidnapped to watch Mirabel?”

“Yep.”

“I was wondering what would happen if Mira didn’t choose to save the miracle.” Dolores squeaked.

“Didn’t both sides of the vision happen either way? Casita still ended up destroyed and she saved Casita.” Pepa questioned.

“Yep.” Mirabel responded. “I just didn’t intentionally destroy it. Casita was bound to fall from all the cracks either way.”

“Yeah, I’m interested to see how this goes.” Isabela grinned. “During the moment, I was surprised that you actually went to save the miracle after what happened.”

“Same. I would’ve been petty and just not saved it.” Camilo chuckled, as Dolores elbowed him. “Hey!”

“Anyways, it’s time to react!”

“We don’t talk about Bruno, No, no, no, no.” The scene started with Mirabel facing away from Pepa.

“This is before…Isabela’s unwanted engagement.” Mirabel said, Pepa nodding. Though Mirabel wasn’t the one saying not to talk about Bruno.

“I’m still not over how you all made a whole diss track on me about not talking about me, which you all did.” Bruno huffed.

“Hey, we sang!”

“Still talking about me.”

“We don’t talk about Bruno…” Mirabel turned around to face Pepa. Her eyes glowed green as she glared at her aunt. “But.”

“Mirabel is tío Bruno’s secret love child?” Camilo questioned.

“No!” Bruno, Julieta, Agustín exclaimed.

“You look like you have something against Pepa there.” Félix commented.

“Are we going to ignore that her eyes glowed green?” Luisa asked.

“I think it’s for dramatic effect.” Alma said.

“You made him walk away.” Mirabel told Pepa, who was thundering. “He left himself or so you say.”

…

“Awfully blunt there, Mira.” Isabela chuckled.

Mirabel laughed nervously. She would never say that to her aunt. Or blame her like that.

“Don’t worry, Mira, I know that you wouldn’t say that to me. After all, you’re a villain there.” Pepa sighed.

“Off to a great start, aren’t we?”

“Shut up, Agustín.”

“But I’ve heard another take.” Mirabel scowled, turning back away. “You hide in your storm and close off from the rain. But don’t see the damage in your wake! From Bruno then you turn on me!”

“…I don’t think I like you there, tía.” Mirabel frowned.

“You low key look a bit scared there, Pepa.” Bruno said.

“Damn that’s brutal.”

“I’d never turn on you.” Pepa said. “I never turned on Bruno either.”

“Yeah, we know.”

“You whisper as if I don’t see.” The scene changes to Pepa whispering something to Julieta. “The fear, the dread, of what I’ll be—“

It showed Bruno in the background then changed to Mirabel in front of a cracked Casita. A yellow butterfly flowing in front of the green scene.

“Me?” Bruno questioned.

“To be honest, you did leave, so yeah..I guess I did have a fear of someone turning out like you— running away and not coming back.” Pepa said sheepishly. “Pretty sure Julieta felt the same.”

“Way to throw me under the bus.” Julieta sighed. 

“The chances of Mirabel turning out like me was about a fifty-fifty chance.” Bruno said. “With the sight of seeing the future came with seeing multiple possibilities.”

“What? Hiding in the walls or running away?” Agustín asked.

“Both.” He answered.

“But we don’t talk about Bruno, no, no, no…” Mirabel crushed the butterfly in her hand. “We don’t talk about Bruno.” Mirabel stared at Pepa, who was looking at her with a scared expression.

“This Mirabel is extremely…bitter. But I can’t blame her.” Alma said, she was truly lucky that her granddaughter was so forgiving. And that she kept positive for so long.

“Let’s be fair..if you were in Mirabel’s situation, wouldn’t you be bitter?”

Mirabel hardened her gaze. “Like I said, I like to think about the positive side. Destroying the miracle intentionally never came to mind.”

“Oh we know, mija.” Julieta said. She believed that Mirabel could destroy the miracle if she wanted to, when she had the chance. Since this took place after the day of Antonio’s ceremony, she would have plenty of reasons to do so.

“Yeah, if I was you, I would’ve destroyed the miracle— no offense.” Camilo chuckled.

“Camilo, keep your mouth shut.”

The scene changes to Dolores shielding away from Mirabel.

“…What a great start.”

“Is she going to be targeting our side of the family only?”

“No.” Mirabel replied. “If I was a villain and this is we don’t talk about Bruno…why would I stop at one side of the family? Mostly everyone was included last time. I just think it’s going in the order of how it went last time.”

“She has a point.”

“Every sound you heard but your silence was deafening. Each decibel dismissable to save yourself from meddling.” Mirabel said, as Dolores tried to walk away from Mirabel. “Or maybe you’re too scared to make a sound at all?”

Mirabel hooked her arm around Dolores’, smirking at her. Dolores’ eyes were widened, looking at Mirabel with fear.

“You’re really scaring her.” Camilo said.

“Hey, it’s not me…technically.” Mirabel glared. “I wouldn’t do any of that.”

“I never imagined a villain Mirabel.” Dolores shuddered.

“You’ll be surprised with how likely this outcome was.” Bruno said.

….

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“She’ll be a danger to us all….” They whispered.

“We’re just going to ignore what Bruno said?”

“Yep.”

“Don’t stand and rock the boat or you’ll risk going overboard.” Dolores jumped back away from Mirabel as she startled her. “Let the others drown ‘fore you reach to pull them back ashore.” Tears were now running down Dolores’ cheeks. “Well now the boats sinking and everyone’s going down.”

“Oh damn, I’m crying.” Dolores cringed, she did feel bad for Mirabel. Back then, even with her gift, she did nothing to stop Mirabel from being mistreated. That Mirabel was right— she was afraid to rock the boat back then.

“She’s going to take everyone down?”

“Isn’t that what villains do?” Mirabel huffed. “Taking people down?”

“I sorta feel bad, but knowing this was us back then…I don’t know how to feel because at the same time we deserve whatever happens.”

The scene changed to Mirabel on the roof, the candle behind her.

“….I think we all know where this is going.”

“The constant sign of all that you lack.”

On the ground were Pepa, Félix, Dolores, Camilo, and Antonio. Félix was holding on to Pepa. While Camilo was shielding Antonio, looking at Mirabel warily. Dolores had her hands over her ears, tears rolling down her face.

“I seem to fear Mirabel there.” Dolores hummed. All of her interactions with Mirabel so far seemed to bring her to tears.

“She did say that she’s going to take everyone down.”

“…I don’t like how Antonio is there.”

“She’s a curse!”

Next was Julieta, Agustín, Isabela, and Luisa. Agustín was holding onto Julieta, who was looking scared. Luisa looked nervous while Isabela looked angry.

“I look like I have something against Mirabel.” Isabela commented.

“Wouldn’t she technically be….betraying us then?”

“It’s not like I took the miracle for myself.” Mirabel grumbled. “Also curse? Really?”

“Which probably would’ve been a better decision instead of Casita falling.”

“Taking the candle is way easier than I thought it would’ve been.”

“She’s to blame!”

“So quick to turn your back.” Mirabel said, looking down at Alma. She moved back, turning toward the candle. “Well I’m done playing nice so maybe think twice when you—“ She grabbed the candle, Alma telling something. “Don’t talk about Bruno no no no.” Mirabel grinned, as she spun around. “We don’t talk about Bruno!”

“No offense, Mira, but you’re crazy there.”

“Offense taken.” 

“You’re doing great on the vocals, Mira.” Bruno said, taking a sip of his coffee. “Multitasking at its finest.”

“Where did you get tha—“

“Don’t ask.”

The scene went black before it changed to Isabela walking.

“Flowers bloom when you walk in the room. But I see all the thorns that you hide.” Thorns with roses on them appeared in front of Mirabel.

“I feel like we don’t talk about how Isabela really used to be before everything collapsed.” Camilo said, as Isabela chuckled nervously.

“I agree.” Mirabel said, Dolores and Luisa nodding in agreement.

“I have no idea what you guys are talking about.”

“What are they talking about?” Alma frowned. She knew that she had forced Isabela to be someone that she wasn’t and with someone she didn’t like.

“Nothing!”

“She used to be a huge bit—“

“Camilo!”

“It’s true.” 

“She just showed her true self when no adults were around.”

“Wow, I thought we left that in the past.” Isabela groaned, her cheeks heated up in embarrassment. “I’m a changed wom—“

“You hung Camilo upside down because he accidentally knocked over one of your babies.” Dolores deadpanned.

…

“I’m a changed woman.”

Mirabel started walking down the stairs, the candle and a rose in hand. “Poison rose, you might think no one knows.” She looked at Isabela. “But I see right through your disguise.” Mirabel said, dropping the rose on the ground, stepping on it, as Isabela stepped backwards.

“The whole family is about to fear Mirabel at this point.” Agustín said.

“…I feel like most of us would win against Mirabel.”

Mirabel rolled her eyes. “Of course, most of you will win. Unless I pull a dirty tactic.”

In front of the current Mirabel was five years old Mirabel. “I suffered all this heartache, I sacrificed for your sake as you ruled and reigned from above.” 

Young Mirabel had tears in her eyes as she stared at her family. 

“You were so adorable.”

“Were?”

Julieta sighed. “This is not going to end well.”

“Well, it’s villain Mirabel, of course it’s not.” Bruno said as Julieta glared at him.

“I’ll put you back in the walls.”

“Well at least she’s getting her revenge.” Félix muttered.

“Now that I’m thinking about it— we’re practically royalty to some of the townspeople. At least they think so.”

“It’s not everyday that you see people with powers.”

“Well now my pain is ending. I’m done with this pretending.” Mirabel scowled. “Finally free from chasing your love.” She looked at Alma. “Free from your love!” Both Mirabels yelled.

The family tried to leave as everything was crumbling around them.

“Hah…I don’t like this at all.” Mirabel laughed nervously. Not once did revenge go through her mind while trying to save the miracle. Even if she thought of it, it’s not like she’ll go through this.

“Good for her?” Luisa was glad that Mirabel was standing up for herself. She really didn’t like how Mirabel was being mistreated back then.

“Hey, this time we’re not getting pushed out.” Camilo grinned.

“I’m not too sure if that’s a good thing while being in a house that’s about to collapse.”

“Time to bring this family down, yeah I’m the villain in your fairytale now. The sands run out and there’s just you to blame. How’s it feel to stain your family’s name!?”

Isabela sent a big vine towards Mirabel.

“Damn.” Mirabel said dryly.

“…In my defense it’s not me and we didn’t even get a chance to make up.” Isabela said.

“And the other you first thought was to send a vine to Mirabel?”

“That would be dangerous if it hit her.” Julieta frowned. She didn’t like the thought of both of her daughters fighting in the end. Isabela’s vine was heading straight for Mirabel’s head and it was sharp. It’d kill her.

“I’ll reclaim all I’ve lost, see you understand what your apathy cost.” Mirabel grinned, grabbing the vine before it hit her face, the vine disintegrating in her hands.

Isabela’s door went dark as she retreated back.

“That’s pretty cool.” Mirabel said.

“We can jump her and win—“

“Camilo!”

“…Well he does have a point.”

“Who’s really going to do that? The house is falling down before our eyes and I don’t think anyone, but Isabela tried to attack.”

“Luis—“

“Don’t include me in that.” Luisa said.

Everything started falling and breaking apart. Félix shielding Pepa, as Dolores stood next to Alma as Camilo reached out for Mirabel.

The Madrigals were panicking as everything was falling before their eyes with nowhere to escape.

Mirabel frowned. “This could go so terribly if they don’t leave. Casita hardly had any magic to protect me last time. It wouldn’t work with so many people.”

“You’re right.” Alma muttered.

“She isn’t planning to…kill all of us, is she?” Luisa asked hesitantly. No matter how strong she is, she can’t survive from having a building collapse on her.

“If Casita fell while we’re still in there, we would most likely die.” Julieta said.

“I thought she was just aiming for revenge, not our deaths.” Dolores said under her breath. 

Alma looked at Mirabel with fear, tears rolling down her cheeks.

“It’s your end of days, and I’ll still hear you say—“ Mirabel walked towards the door, opening the door. “We don’t talk about Bruno, no, no, no, no.”

“Shit—“

“Language!”

“I think we all heard our fair share of language from Pepa already. Including the children.” Bruno chuckled.

“Tío does have a point.” Isabela grinned.

“Wow, I can’t even deny it because I know it’s true.” Pepa groaned.

“We need to pay attention to the video.”

“Well, Mirabel’s going to escape Casita. She’s safe.” Agustín said with a sigh of relief.

“But everyone else didn’t.” Félix pointed out.

“Wow you’re really going for that revenge, Mira.” Camilo said.

“I would never go that far.” Mirabel stated. “Well…the current me wouldn’t do that. If I was to get revenge…destroying the miracle is the best way, right? I don’t know all about that killing stuff though…I don’t want my own family’s blood on my hands technically.”

“It wouldn’t be in your hands if Casita was the one to do it.” Isabela shrugged.

“Huh…yeah, you’re right.”

“Don’t encourage this!”

“Should’ve talked about Bruno.” Mirabel smirked, holding the candle in hand before the candle flame went out.

Everything fell with the Madrigals inside.

Mirabel’s eyes widened in surprise, so did everyone else. “Wait- wait, did I just kill everyone? Including Antonio!?”

“…Well this is not how I expect it to end.” Alma said.

“She really got us all trapped and succeeded in killing us.” Félix bluntly said. He did expect Mirabel to destroy the miracle, but to kill them all?…he didn’t expect that.

“I did say that she’ll be the death of me one day…” Julieta mumbled. The chances of them surviving was like twenty percent.

“I don’t even have anything against Antonio! How could I kill him!?” Mirabel exclaimed, panicked.

“What about everyone else!?” 

“Y’all got this, but Antonio—“

“Wow…you don’t even care that you killed me— everyone else.” Camilo deadpanned.

Mirabel glared at Camilo. “You’ll survive…probably not.”

“Luisa probably had more of a chance surviving than anyone else with the muscles.”

“Hey I’m still human.” Luisa said. “I’m not indestructible.”

“Y’know what…I’m not even mad that I died like that.” Dolores said.

“I just know if this was before Mirabel saved the miracle, we all would’ve lost our minds at the sight of this.” Isabela stated.

Pepa groaned. “Don’t say such a thing before you jinx….if that did happen—“

“I’ll be locked up for life before I even do anything.” Mirabel finished off.

Notes:

Doll On The Music Box — Part 3
Split Emotions — Part 2
Back To The Past — Part 4
Silence Is Always The Answer — Part 2
The Gift Of Seeing The Dead — Part 2
Tired — Part 2
Falling — Part 2
Her Diary — Part 2
What If Mirabel Chose To Destroy Miracle Instead Of Saving It? — Part 2
And more stuff to continue.

Chapter 50: Split Emotions — Part 2

Notes:

I didn’t realize I didn’t write the Agustín, Félix & Sad!Mirabel scene until it was too late.

All four Madrigals stared at each other.

“I think there’s more than one Mirabel roaming around.” Isabela hesitantly said, looking at the Mirabel wearing the orange skirt. “The…the Mirabel that I met said that Camilo took something from a stranger splitting Mirabel into five emotions.” She narrowed her eyes. “Guessing by how that Mirabel is…I’m saying that she’s the lazy part of Mirabel.”

…

“You know what, I can’t even say I’m surprised. When have things not been strange here?” Julieta sighed. “Pepa, I think you need to talk to Camilo about taking things from strangers again.”

“She’s more like a sloth…” Dolores muttered, looking at Mirabel wrapped around Julieta.

“I’m excited that we have five Mirabels! If she’s the lazy one, what others are there?” Pepa asked, looking at Isabela.

“Well….I ran into the angry Mirabel.” Isabela shuddered at the memory. “That’s two so far. I didn’t run into any more Mirabels. If I had to guess, one of the other emotions is obvious joy, right?”

“One of them is crying and the other is whimpering. I think…I think one of them might be sadness. I’m not sure what the other one could be though.” Dolores said.

“So there’s joy, laziness, sadness and anger.” Julieta said. “We’ll figure out what the other Mirabel is.”

…

“Shit, does that mean there is possibility that four Mirabels are outside!?”

“I don’t know we’re going to explain this one to everyone…”

“Uhm…” Dolores tilted her head, trying to pinpoint the Mirabels. Two are here, including…sloth. The other three are outside. Apparently, Camilo is with one.”

“The best way to solve this is to have all Mirabels rounded up, yeah?” Julieta suggested.

“Dolores and I will go get Camilo to bring one of the Mirabels home. That’s three then.” Isabela said. “We could get the other two also. Let’s hope they’re not too far.” She groaned. 

“Should we also get everyone?” 

“Yeah.”

“We probably shouldn’t waste anymore time.”

Julieta stared at the Mirabel in her hands. She didn’t want to leave this Mirabel alone.

“…Are you going to leave me alone, mamá?” Lazy Mirabel frowned, opening her eyes to stare at her mother.

Julieta was quick to respond. “Of course not! I’ll stay with you as long as you need, mija.” She smiled.

Lazy Mirabel closed her eyes, limp against Julieta’s arms as she fell back to sleep.

“That’s not humane…” Pepa muttered.

“Also, there’s another Mirabel in the nursery, tía. You can have sloth lay down and…maybe talk to the other Mirabel.” Dolores said.

Isabela looked at Dolores with a raised eyebrow. “Did you nickname her sloth?”

“Why not?” Dolores grinned. “When all five Mirabels are here, I’d rather not just call them Mirabel…imagine the chaos.”

Julieta’s eyes lightened up, it was clear to the others that she was excited to have more than one Mirabel. 

“…Well then…good luck everyone.”

“I’m going to go find everyone else.” Pepa said, before leaving out.

Soon after Isabela and Dolores left, leaving Julieta and Lazy Mirabel alone.

She truly needed to talk to Camilo about stranger danger. She just hoped that there was some way to get her daughter back in one body. As much as having five Mirabels is exciting, all of Mirabel’s emotions is what makes Mirabel herself. Plus she really doesn’t know if she can call each Mirabel by their emotions every day.

She made her way to the nursery. It reminded her that Mirabel didn’t have her own room. She knew that she needed one. It’s the nursery, not a room. Mirabel stayed there her whole life, it would be a terrible thing if Mirabel stayed there for another five years.

Julieta gently placed ‘Sloth’ on the bed. She looked around, Dolores had said that another Mirabel was here. Unless that other Mirabel already left?

She heard sniffling.

Ah, never mind. 

She listened in from where the sound came from. 

Under the bed.

Julieta crouched down. “Hey, mija.” She greeted as Mirabel quickly averted her gaze. “And which emotion are you supposed to be, dear?” 

Julieta knew that it was either sadness or the other emotion that they couldn’t figure out.

“G-get away from m-me.” Mirabel stuttered meekly, Julieta took notice of Mirabel’s hands shaking. There were also multiple white, thin, jagged lines that wrap around her fingers, hands, and arms. Julieta couldn’t see if there was any more by the way Mirabel was laying.

The voice in Mirabel’s head grew louder and she grew more anxious. She needed to get out, leave. If she stays any longer, she’ll only affect her mother with her curse. She was scared. Afraid that her mother might hate her like the rest. Unless she already does. She wouldn’t blame her. Who would love something so useless as a daughter? And she practically yelled at her. She’s done for.

“Okay, I’ll stay over here. I’m only trying to help, even if you’re one of the emotions that split up, you’re still my daughter. I’m concerned.” Way more than concerned actually. Her healing doesn’t leave back scars. She could tell that the scars on Mirabel’s arms were pretty old. Well, healed at least. She prayed that they weren’t self-inflicted. “Why are you so afraid? Nobody here is going to harm you. Did someone hurt you?”

Mirabel’s lips trembling, picking at her nails. Her mother wouldn’t believe her. She’s going to stare at her with hatred and she can’t stand the thought. She’d think she’s lying and kick her out! What if she finally had enough of her? What if she’s lying to relax her guard and take advantage of her?…But wouldn’t she deserve it? They’re so kind and let her stay at Casita for ten years.

“Hey…you’re younger than the others, aren’t you? Can you tell me how old you are? Your— the other version of you is also here, she’s sleeping.” Julieta said gently. The Lazy Mirabel was fifteen. Why was this Mirabel younger? 

Mirabel looked at Julieta, she did feel better knowing that someone else was with her. But when did her mother ever try to hurt her? Hesitantly, she got up from under the bed.

“I- I am…I’m t-ten years old.” Mirabel said, her voice barely above a whisper, but Julieta heard her clearly. “I’m scared.”

Julieta was about to ask what Mirabel was afraid of and she realized that she was scared. Her emotion— she was scared. 

“Don’t worry, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Everyone here is friendly and wouldn’t hurt anyone intentionally. You don’t have to go out if you feel uncomfortable doing so. Did you…” Julieta licked her lips nervously. There was no easy way to say it.

Julieta didn’t need to finish her sentence because Mirabel had already guessed what she was going to say.

“I…I d-don’t hurt myself intentionally. Never. I don’t remember how I got them either. It’s just…part of me.”

Part of her?

“…E-every one of us has something d-different that’s part of us.”

“Which makes you all unique, mi bebé.” Julieta said hugging Scared Mirabel, who accepted the embrace. “What would I do without my precious daughter?” 

You’d be doing so much better without a worthless daughter like me , she wants to respond.

Instead she hugs her tighter.

---

Luisa was doing her usual duty, rounding the donkeys back to their owner for the second time this week.

It’s only Monday.

“Luisa,”

She turned towards the voice, it was Mirabel.

“Hey Mirabel— you changed your skirt.” Luisa commented, looking confused. It was more of Dolores’ color. “Did something happen to your other one?” She frowned. She knew how much Mirabel liked that skirt which symbolized all their gifts.

“Yes.” Mirabel said through gritted teeth. “Why are people commenting on my skirt so much? It’s not that much of a problem. It’s not like I dyed my hair.” She growled.

“Uh…it looks good on you, but I don’t know if abuela would like the sudden change in the skirt.”

“She’ll just have to deal with it. It’s not like it’s a big issue. If she has a problem with it then she has a bigger stick in her ass than I thought.” Mirabel laughed.

“Mirabel!” Luisa exclaimed in shock. “You can’t say that!”

Mirabel raised an eyebrow. “Why not? It’s true.” She huffed. “She literally got mad at me just because I was standing still and claimed I was doing nothing. Can I not stand still for a second!? I swear she’s just waiting every moment to get on my ass.”

…

“Are you okay?” Luisa asked, unless Mirabel was having a typical teenager rebellion phase, something was seriously wrong with her. Mirabel wouldn’t curse and especially wouldn’t talk about their abuela like that.

“I’m fucking fantastic! I’m just tired of people thinking they can step all over me just because I don’t have a gift! News flash, they also don’t have a gift! They aren’t special either! If one more person decides to rub it in my face, I’m going to punch them straight in their mouth! Maybe then they’ll learn to keep their mouth shut before saying some stupid shit.” Mirabel growled.

Luisa was in shock. For one, she was glad that Mirabel was standing up for herself. Second…she wasn’t so sure if she liked all this cursing. It wasn’t like Mirabel.

“Let me get on your shoulder.”

“What?”

“I’ll feel more powerful and intimidating if I’m taller.” Mirabel grinned mischievously.

“O…okay.” Luisa said hesitantly, before crouching down to let Mirabel get on her shoulder. She wasn’t going to question her sister’s weird behavior any further. “Though it’s going to be…hard to do my duties if you’re on my shoulder. As long as you’re not hurt.”

“Fuck the donkeys!” Mirabel exclaimed angrily, before glaring at the man, Matías, who was the owner of the donkeys. “Hey, fuck you too! You need to learn how to fix a fence! If this keeps happening Luisa isn’t going to help you and you can get your donkeys yourself! You better be thanking her you piece of shit!”

Luisa’s eyes widened at Mirabel’s language. “I’m- I’m so sorry about my sister—“

“But I’m not sorry!” Mirabel sneered. “I feel like he’s doing this on purpose! Or he might just be a damn fool who can’t keep his animals still! I swear if I find out that these donkeys are out again because of their incompetent owner, I’ll fucking bas—“ Only muffled words came out of her mouth.

Luisa laughed nervously, covering Mirabel’s mouth. “….Teenagers, am I right..?” She felt some pressure on hand…Was Mirabel biting her? Oh yeah, she was. It didn’t hurt, it was more like a tickle.

Matías looked like he was about to piss his pants at Mirabel’s angry yelling. “S-sorry— I-I’ll fix the- the f-fence today!”  

“It-its fine, señor!” 

“T-thank you!” Matías took off running leaving Luisa and Mirabel alone, who was still chomping on Luisa’s arm. Strangely enough, Luisa could imagine Mirabel just yelling at people to die just for breathing.

“Are you done?” Luisa asked.

Mirabel glared at Luisa, still biting her muscles.

Luisa pulled her hand away.

“You should’ve let me choke that man! He’s like, what, thirty pushing his fifties—“

“How does that make any sense?”

“It doesn’t need to make sense. He’s just stupid and trying to get free service knowing damn well that his fence is the problem! You should stop getting the donkeys and let him get them by himself! That’ll teach him a lesson!” 

“Please calm down, you’re scaring the people around us.”

“Why would I care about what other people think? They clearly don’t care when I hear them talking about me!”

Luisa officially decided that she’s going to head back to Casita. Something was wrong with Mirabel and she needed help. She probably hit her head and needed healing from their mamá. Yeah, that was probably it.

Luisa started making her way back to Casita as Mirabel was rambling about world domination and how she’ll beat up people that think they’re better than her. She was also cursing at people that asked her for help much to her dismay.

…Everything will be fine, probably.

---

“There’s never a day where everything is normal.” Isabela groaned.

“We’re literal magic. What do you expect?” Dolores asked. “I didn’t expect five Mirabels.” She squeaked. “Oh tía found the Mirabel in the room. She was the scared one. Luisa also got the angry Mirabel. I never heard Mirabel curse so much.” 

“If Camilo got the happy Mirabel…What about the sad Mirabel? Who’s going to get her?” 

“My father and your father will.” Dolores responded. “They’re going to run into her and bring her back to Casita like the rest.”

“I swear…Mirabel is always in the center of everything.” Isabela muttered. “She’s like a trouble magnet.”

“At least she only got split into fifths. It was nothing dangerous…unless we can’t turn her back then that’s a problem.” Dolores said.

Isabela frowned. “That really would be a problem.” She wasn’t sure if she would like to spend her life with Lazy Mirabel and Angry Mirabel, who acted like she hated her existence.

“You’d have six sisters.” 

“Not sure if that’s a good thing though…”

“I’d love to have a sister or two. I’ll take Lazy Mirabel and Happy Mirabel.” Dolores chuckled.

“Just because I said that wasn’t a good thing doesn’t mean you can take two Mirabels.” Isabela said, jokingly glaring at her. “Then you left me with two depressed Mirabels and the chihuahua one.”

“I’m telling her that.”

“She hates my guts either way.”

“Well she is the angry one. After how you treated her, I’ll say that most of her anger is directed towards you.” Dolores said.

“Thanks…”

“You’re welcome.”

“I was being sarcast—“

“Oh it’s Camilo.” Dolores grinned, spotting her younger brother with a Mirabel wearing a yellow skirt. Happy Mirabel. “Camilo!”

Camilo jumped in surprise as Happy Mirabel looked at them with a surprised smile.

“Hey Isabela and Dolores!” Happy Mirabel greeted them.

The first thing Isabela noticed about Happy Mirabel was what she was wearing. Specifically her necklace. It was a daisy necklace. Which was something that she had given Mirabel at her ceremony. She didn’t think Mirabel still had it.

“I’m assuming you want to take me back to Casita, yes?”

“Yea— wait how did you know?”

“Considering that there are five of us out, I assumed that you all would want us all back to fix this mess.” Happy Mirabel replied. “There’s already three of us at Casita.”

Dolores wasn’t about to question how Mirabel knew that.

“…I’m in trouble, aren’t I?” Camilo asked sheepishly.

“Yep.”

“Yeah.”

“Of course.”

“C’mon, it would’ve happened even if I didn’t open it. It was meant for Mirabel anyways!” Camilo countered.

“He does have a point!” Happy Mirabel piped up. “Either way, this would’ve been our outcome. Camilo just happened to be there.”

“See!”

“You’re going to get in trouble either way.”

“Damn it.”

“Don’t worry, in the end you’ll learn a valuable lesson. Everything will be alright.” Happy Mirabel tried to cheer him up. “When I’m back to normal I’m sure I won't be mad. Well…not too mad. But you don’t need to worry about that!”

“So you're just happy? You don’t feel anything else?”

“Yep! Why would I need to feel anything else when I’m happy? Happiness conquers all!” Happy Mirabel laughed. “It’s always better to be happy than sad!”

Strangely enough, the three Madrigals felt uncomfortable by that statement for some reason.

“What’s your happiest moment then?”

“I can’t say! I love every single moment with my lovely family!”

Then and there Isabela decides that Mirabel was too happy for her liking. With how cheery Mirabel was, anyone would’ve called it an act.

“What about your saddest?” Camilo decided to ask.

Happy Mirabel froze for a second, her smile turning into a frown for a split second before it went back to normal. “I can’t say! I love every single moment with my lovely family!”

…

“That’s not what I asked…”

“You think she’s not capable of answering that since she’s incapable of feeling sad?” Dolores asked, looking at Isabela.

“Probably.”

Happy Mirabel was ignoring them with a smile, while humming.

“Are you like a radio?” Camilo asked.

“I believe that I’m human.” Happy Mirabel replied. “And how can a human be a radio? Something that doesn’t have a heart?” 

“I’m just believing that you’re not human even more.”

“You’re funny, primo.” Happy Mirabel laughed.

…

“Let’s just get back to Casita.”

---

When Alma returned back to Casita, she expected anything but five Mirabels.

Alma looked at Julieta, who had two Mirabels clinging onto her. Nobody else but her looked bothered by that.

One of the Mirabels was arguing with the other Mirabel.

The other Mirabel was asleep.

“Welcome to the party. You’re late, abuela. ” Dolores greeted, being the first to notice her entering the kitchen.

“Is my age catching up to me or are there five Mirabels in the room with us?” Alma questioned, her eyes widened.

Angry Mirabel was scowling at Happy Mirabel. “I purposefully left so I don’t have to deal with her!” 

“That’s not nice to say.” Happy Mirabel hummed, a smile on her face. “What if that had hurt my feelings?”

“That’s the point, dumbass!” 

“There’s a child.” Happy Mirabel grinned.

Angry Mirabel’s eyes slightly widened, turning to Antonio. 

“Whatever…”

“No there’s really five Mirabels, mamá.” Julieta said. “Long story short, Camilo took something that was meant for Mirabel, either way whatever was meant for Mirabel split her into five emotions. Happiness, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Laziness.” 

“Oh,” Alma didn’t know what to say. It wasn’t the strangest thing that happened though. She looked at the Mirabels clinging onto Julieta. “Why are they younger than the rest?”

“The only reason they’re ten years old is because everything went downhill after our fifth birthday. She’s physically and mentally ten. The rest of us were before our ceremony.” Happy Mirabel responded, turning away from Angry Mirabel.

“If they’re like that, why does fear have scars and not sadness?” Camilo asked, looking at her arms.

“Camilo!”

“That was insensitive, you just don’t ask that.” 

“No, it's fine. There’s a difference between them. Fear is scared of what could happen. She’s scared that she won’t fit anyone’s expectations. Even her own. The main question of her existence is what if? It doesn’t have to be true, but she’s scared it’ll happen.” Happy Mirabel responded. “Like me, I wear yellow instead of my usual skirt. We all are different from each other. Our minds and what we think are different from each other. Some things just don’t clash well together… like me and her.” She said looking at Angry Mirabel, who rolled her eyes.

“We have different perspectives and opinions on those around us. Little goody two shoes wouldn’t dare speak up or oppose those around her. I will. She doesn’t speak her mind, but I sure as hell would. We don’t get along because we don’t agree on a lot of things. She could say that she loves you all and I could say that I hate you all. We’re all different from each other.” Angry Mirabel explained, with a scoff. “In my case, we hate each other.”

“It’s one-sided.” Happy Mirabel beamed.

“Hah!? You think I’m not worthy!?”

…

“What are we waiting for?”

“Oh we were waiting for you, abuela. But we just have to wait for the day to end, that’s when she’ll be back.” Isabela said. “We decided to gather them so they don’t do anything…stupid.”

“…Is it really wise to let Antonio stay with her?” Félix whispered to Pepa, glancing at Angry Mirabel. 

“He’s not even paying attention to her.” Pepa whispered back as Antonio was playing with Lazy Mirabel’s hair and placing things in her hair. “It’s only for a day too.”

“This is like a dream, five Mirabels!”

“More like a nightmare…” Isabela muttered.

“All we have to do is wait it out.” 

“Wait, where are they going to lay? Not all of them will fit in the nursery.” Agustín said.

“I’ll keep her with me.” Julieta said, holding onto Scared Mirabel, who hadn’t interacted with any other family members but her without flinching in fear.

“Ooh, I want her!” Dolores grinned, staring at Lazy Mirabel.

“But I want her.” Antonio frowned.

“Sleepover?” Dolores suggested.

“Sleepover.”

“I’ll take you, if you’ll have me.” Luisa said, looking at Angry Mirabel. Fortunately, Angry Mirabel didn’t snap at her as much as she did for everyone else. Angry Mirabel cursed too much to be around Antonio.

“Damn right, I’m the best!” She smirked.

“I’ll take her since I went on an adventure with her first.” Camilo sighed, as Happy Mirabel clapped in excitement.

“Hooray!”

“There’s no way that she’s human.” Camilo muttered.

Alma should’ve gone in the kitchen the moment she walked into Casita. She was too old to deal with that. She said her goodbyes, but she was sure that nobody heard her over their own chattering, so she left to her room. She’ll definitely pray before going to bed.

“Since we’re all volunteering, I’ll take the depressed Mirabel.” Isabela said.

Sad Mirabel frowned, but said nothing about it.

“How come we’re the only ones without a Mirabel?” Pepa pouted, turning towards Félix.

“Don’t worry, when Mirabel is whole again, we’ll steal her.”

“You’re not stealing my daughter, Félix.” Julieta glared at Félix. “The same goes for you, Pepa.”

…

“She won’t know when we do it.” Félix whispered to Pepa.

“I heard that!” Julieta growled. “Félix, I’ll never heal you again. I swear.”

Félix chuckled nervously. Which would he rather deal with? Pepa or Julieta’s anger? Both.

“She’ll never know.” Pepa whispered.

“I’m going to chok—“

“Luisa?” Dolores looked at Luisa.

“Don’t worry.” Luisa said, as Dolores gave her a grateful smile. She picked up Lazy Mirabel and on her shoulder.

“So we’re all just collecting our Mirabels now?”

“…Collecting?”

“Technically I collected all the Mirabels before all of you.” Camilo smirked.

Isabela rolled her eyes. “You got her into this mess.”

“You’re just jealous.” Camilo huffed.

“Should we separate those two?” Agustín asked, looking at Félix.

“Camilo and Isabela? Pepa and Julieta?”

“No the angry and happy Miraboo.” Agustín said, who was currently arguing with each other.

“I fucking despise you, you little shit.” Angry Mirabel hissed.

“Love you too.” Happy Mirabel hummed. 

Angry Mirabel puffed her cheeks, looking away with a scowl.

“That’s not really heterosexual.” Lazy Mirabel said before she went back to sleeping on Luisa’s shoulder.

“Did she really just wake up to say that!?”

”I told you she’s inhumane.”

“I swear I got about fifty gray hairs just from today.”

“Let’s all just go to sleep. We’ll talk about this when everyone is feeling a little more sane than we did today.”

“Yeah that sounds great.”

Somewhere in the walls was Bruno sighing to himself. Everyday in the Madrigal family just kept getting weirder and weirder.

Chapter 51: Split Emotions — Part 3

Notes:

I didn’t know how much longer I could go without Ao3. I can’t go back to Wattpad and FF.net again, I refuse. I went through five stages of grief. I resorted to twitter to see when it’ll be fixed. Tumblr can only help for so long. The only thing I could do is write and read my own fics over and over again. I’m so glad I woke up to Ao3 back.

“Please tell me that you’re not going to be talking all night.” Camilo groaned.

“Don’t worry, I won’t!” Happy Mirabel exclaimed, sitting up.

“Why aren’t you laying down?” Camilo eventually sat up, staring at her.

“Why would I sleep when I could be doing a lot of things? Like sewing! Something productive! Anything to help someone else!” Happy Mirabel beamed.

“How about you go to sleep so everything could go back to normal?” Camilo suggested, not noticing the way that Happy Mirabel’s face darkened.

“…What do you consider normal? Why do I have to go back?”

Camilo blinked in surprise. “What?”

“Happiness is our main emotion! Everything would be so much better if everyone was happy! No problems! Just laughter and smiles! Doesn’t that sound great!?”

He looked at her warily. “Wait- what are you saying? Are you saying that you don’t want to go back to one?”

“Of course not!” Happy Mirabel’s smile widened, clasping her hands together. “I’m only suggesting it! We would be better with only happiness! It’s such a shame…” She sighed. “Humans seem like they can’t function with only happiness unfortunately.”

“Humans?”

“Us— we all are humans. We mentally can’t be happy when someone that we love dies. We wouldn’t have truly loved them, right? Unless you wish them to be in eternal happiness from the above. Even then, you would feel something other than happiness from their passing. We’re not made to be stuck in one emotional state.” She hummed. “But it’s not impossible to live without happiness. Don’t you agree?”

Camilo knew— well he wouldn’t say knew as if they’re friendly with each other because they’re strangers. Anyways, he knew people who were consumed by fear, envy, and hatred. People who were called freaks by the rest. He agrees, people could live without happiness. They could be in their sixties and claim that there was never a happy day in their life. 

Or other people whose definition of happiness is not the same as everyone else.  Their happiness is wrapped in a sense of hatred and blackness. Those people can live without it.

Camilo doesn’t think he can.

“There’s a reason why I’m on top, right next to anger. If not sadness. What would we be without each other? We balance each other out.” Happy Mirabel said. “Most people are happy, even if it’s a mask.”

“Are you wearing a mask?” Camilo questioned. If he’s being honest, when he sees Mirabel, she’s happy. There’s times where he wonders if it’s even real. There’s no way that she’s that Bally all the time, especially in the morning.

Happy Mirabel lets out a startled laugh. “W-What?”

Camilo raises an eyebrow at her stutter. “Are you wearing a mask?”

“Uh, I’d like to believe that I’m not..not wearing a mask.” Happy Mirabel responded. “I feel happy now.”

“Can you tell the difference between pretending and actually being happy?” Camilo asked, worried. He knew it was one emotion but he wondered if she could be anything else but sad. Is that possible,

“I’m doing the best I can to stay happy! To be h-happy!” Happy Mirabel stammered. “I’d like to believe that I know.”

“You keep saying ‘I’d like to believe’…do you not actually know?” Camilo asked.

“I…” Happy Mirabel averted her gaze. “The difference between happiness and fake happiness….it falls along between sadness and I. Even if it was pretend…it’s still happiness in a way. If she— I was pretending, I would know. I’m her happiness. Whether it’s a mask or not.”

“Then wouldn’t sadness take over if it’s a mask? If Mirabel isn’t truly happy…wouldn’t she be sad in the moment or any other emotion than happiness? It’s just that particular emotion pretending to be another? That wouldn’t be you, would it?”

Happy Mirabel froze. “I…I can’t answer that.” For the first time in her stay, she started frowning. “I can’t answer a question I don’t know the answer to. I’m sorry— It’s…it’s making me.. confused.” She looked weirded out. “I don’t..I don’t usually get questioned about my happiness much. Well not this much.”

“Uh…it’s fine.” Camilo said, he was getting even more concentrated. Happy Mirabel looked like she was about to cry. He thought that only Fear and Sadness was able to do that. Especially since she’s happiness.

“I’m not usually like this…” Happy Mirabel smiled again, this time it was more strained. “I’m happy. I am happy. It’s better to be happy than any other emotion.” She said under her breath.

“I’ll agree that being happy is cool and all…but, I'm not too sure that being happy all the time is cool. If you’re happy all the time that wouldn’t make a person…a person. People feel all kinds of emotions, not just one. It’s pretty…apathetic in a way. Not really, but yeah.”

“But I’m useless if I’m not happy! I won’t get noticed in a way I want if I’m not happy. It’s better to pretend that everything's o-okay. Is that strange?” She had glossy eyes. “Who a-am I if I’m not happy? That’s the whole point of my existence! I’ll be useless— I don’t- I can’t be useless again!” Even when tears were spilling down her cheeks, her smile never disappeared. “I-I’m sorry—  you’re n-not supposed to- to see me like t-this! I-I’m— I- I am happy!”

“Mira—“

“My life is great right now! I have a loving family! I have good grades! I have hobbies and talents—“ Happy Mirabel paused to take a shaky breath. “What more could I ask for? Anyone would be happy to have a magical house and a magical family! It should feel amazing! I shouldn’t be anything but happy…but- but why do I feel this way? Many people have it worse than me. I’m being ungrateful and overreacting, aren’t—“

“Mirabel, stop. It doesn’t matter that other people might have it worse than you. It’s our fault that we didn’t notice you’re hurting. You can’t undermine yourself and say you aren’t because you are hurting. That’s okay too. You don’t need to be happy all the time. I— nobody expects one person to be happy all the time. That makes you human, Mirabel.” Camilo said, interrupting her. “Doing nothing doesn’t mean you’re useless. Nobody here is useless. You’re not being ungrateful or overreacting.”

Camilo didn’t know how much not having a gift affected Mirabel. Affected them. Looking back, they weren’t the best family to Mirabel. He hardly hung out with her anymore. The others don’t really interact with Mirabel much either….He isn’t the best cousin, is he? He knew that all of them needed to talk once Mirabel is one.

“I…I really needed to hear. We needed to hear that.”

The tears still didn’t stop, they seemed almost endless.

"Hey hey hey, it's okay, you're okay. Take a deep breath- Mira, look at me, everything's gonna be fine—“

“N-no, I’ll be fine! They just won’t stop! I never had this happen before!” Happy Mirabel let out a shocked laugh. She tries to wipe her tears, which didn’t help much. “It’s… fascinating. I’m not supposed to be like this.” She stood up.

“Wait, where are you going?” 

“You don’t need to worry about me anymore.” She grinned. “Thank you…really. I have to leave now. It’s up to the rest to figure it out.” She whispered the last part under her breath.

---

“I haven’t been in your room for years.” Angry Mirabel’s voice was strangely tame. She took a look around. “If it’s the same as I remember…you still have that theme park hidden, right? Besides that, it’s still dull and stone.”

“Uhm…yeah, it’s still the same, including the theme park.” Luisa said awkwardly. She shouldn’t be awkward around her own sister. But she wasn’t used to seeing her little sister angry and snapping at people. She hoped that everything would go back.

“I meant what I said, you should carry less. It’s going to be the death of you…or well, I might just do it myself if you don’t listen to me.” Angry Mirabel scowled. “I— well, when we’re back to one, she won’t remember this. None of it. I’ll believe that you’ll listen to my advice. Or I might just leave myself a note to remind myself of this experience.” Angry Mirabel finished off with a smirk.

Luisa laughed nervously, her face losing a bit of color. Knowing Mirabel, she’s determined and she would do it. Angry or not. “You said you h-hate us, is that true?”

“Do I hate you all? No, I don’t hate anyone. You’re my family. Even if I get frustrated at the dumb things people do, I don’t hate anyone. Especially not you, Luisa. I was only naming an example.” Angry Mirabel huffed. “Though it does get on my nerves when you keep working and forget to take care of yourself.”

“I know that you’re anger and she’s happiness…you both have different views about us. But—“

“It’s because she sees the best in everyone, the world. I don’t. As I said earlier, I’m an emotion that she hardly shows. And anger isn’t an emotion that can be ignored. Like every other emotion, it does more harm to us than the person it’s aimed at.  You get what I’m saying, Luisa?”

Luisa nodded. “It feels like I should be saying this to you.”

“Say it to me once we’re one.” 

“I’ll remember that.”

“You see…I don’t have the best opinion on this family. Especially that old hag and señorita perfecta.” Angry Mirabel hissed. “You don’t need to worry much, I dislike you less than the others.”

“I know that you’re anger and all and you don’t get along with them…but why don’t you like them?” Luisa asked hesitantly.

“Both of them are total bitches for no reason.” Angry Mirabel said bluntly. “I know that I don’t have a gift, but it’s somehow making them frustrated. If anything I’m the one that should be crusted since I’m the only Madrigal born into the family without a gift! They’re making it even more of a problem than it has to be! I’m fine with being giftless but everyone is making it seem like I’m cursed! I didn’t see a problem with me not having a gift at first, but when people keep reminding me, it’s bound to get to me!”

“Oh,” Luisa knew that Mirabel didn’t like being reminded of not having a gift and being pitied. She wasn’t aware of Mirabel getting bullied. Even though Angry Mirabel didn’t specifically say it, it’s still a form of bullying. “Why didn’t you tell anyone?” She didn’t mean to sound insensitive, she was genuinely curious and upset.

“I did, but I was brushed to the side. I’m giftless, I would make these things up for attention. Who would dare touch a Madrigal? Stop lying. It’s only teasing. It’s how kids play around with each other. Stop overreacting and being sensitive.” Angry Mirabel remarked sarcastically. “My words never meant anything to anyone. I’m a liar is what they claim. I’m doing this for attention, they say. I’ve been pushed to the side for too long and ignored…so why the hell would I keep saying the same thing over and over when nobody is going to believe me anyways?”

Luisa was in shock, she never heard of anything like that. Also, she’ll never push Mirabel to the side if she came telling her stuff like that. Who the hell told her little sister that she was doing that for attention?

“The adults.” Angry Mirabel said, answering the question in Luisa’s head. “I went to our abuela, she thought I was lying for attention. I went to mamá and she gave me an arepa and said that she’ll deal with it. It never stopped. Same with pá. Tía Pepa and tío Félix actually did something once…but it never stopped. I went to Isabela, thought I was lying and laughed in my face. So I stopped. No point in trying anymore if they only take me as a fool.” She scoffed.

If Luisa knew about her little sister getting bullied, she would’ve done something about it. She wouldn’t push her to the side or anything like that. She’d actually listen unlike everyone else. 

Which is what she’s doing.

“I can’t express my anger…my negative feelings as- as Mirabel— when we’re one. The others like happiness, fear, and sadness want the approval of abuela. Laziness and I got tired of trying to win the approval of those around us. That’s why I’m held back. If I do or say something out of line that’ll make the others have less of an opinion on me. They don’t want that to happen. So it’s better to hold back and put on a mask for everyone else. It worked well so far and look where it got me.” Angry Mirabel scowled, letting out a groan.

“I know that Mirabel is the kind of person who hides her negative feelings for the sake of others. Unlike happiness or sadness that lose their impact after a while, anger grows and grows and before you know it, a spark turns into a wildfire that burns the forest down. It’ll get worse the more you bottle it in. Before you know it…all of it will just burst out. It never ends well.” Luisa started off hesitantly. “I know it sounds pretty hypocritical coming from me…but you shouldn’t let it build up. You should be able to express yourself freely without being afraid of what others think. You shouldn’t have to hold yourself back in fear of not making someone else proud.”

Angry Mirabel stared at Luisa for a few seconds in silence and for a moment  Luisa thought she said something wrong. She was about to apologize.

That was before Angry Mirabel chuckled for the first time, having a satisfied expression. “You know what, you’re right. We really needed to hear that.” She stood up.

Luisa also stood up. “You’re welcome— wait, where are you going?”

Angry Mirabel smirked. “Just relax for ne. I have to leave now. You promise that you’ll talk to me about this once we’re whole again? I won’t remember this and I need someone to say this to me.” 

“I promise, I’ll even talk to our family about this.”

“Once again, thanks sis.” Angry Mirabel said, before leaving the room.

---

There was a reason that Dolores had chosen the Lazy Mirabel. Out of all Mirabels, she was the quietest. She also knew there must’ve been a reason that this happened to Mirabel. There’s no way a stranger was capable of doing something like that. If anything, she would have suspected that the miracle did this. But a stranger? Yeah, she knew that it was way deeper.

She wasn’t sure if she could have a conversation with Lazy Mirabel. She had only said about four sentences and could barely stay awake.

“You’re sure that Mira is going to be back to normal tomorrow?” Antonio asked, a small frown on his face. He loved all the Mirabels that he saw today, but none of them was the same as his Mirabel.

“We’re not too sure, but we hope that we only have one Mirabel tomorrow.” Dolores replied, ruffling Antonio’s hair. “Your birthday is still next week. Hopefully we’ll only have one Mirabel before that.”

“Mmh, you want me to go so soon?” Lazy Mirabel asked, giving them a half smile. “I’m hurt.” She said jokingly. 

“Oh no, of course not, Mira!” Antonio exclaimed, worried that he had hurt one of the Mirabels’ feelings.

“Unfortunately, yeah.” Dolores said, taking on a joking tone. “We can’t have five Mirabels roaming around, can we?”

“Well I don’t see the problem.” Lazy Mirabel hummed. “I don’t have to leave Casita ever. You all will also have a few extra helping hands around. I don’t see the problem.”

“Yes…a few extra helping hands would be nice. I’m not too sure that everyone likes the idea of having five emotions of their family member here. We like you all combined as one. Mirabel’s emotions are what make her Mirabel.”

“You’re right.” Lazy Mirabel chuckled. “I’m not sure everyone would agree with that statement though.”

Dolores raised an eyebrow. “Not agree with what?”

Lazy Mirabel smirked. “I think you know.” The look in her eyes was challenging. 

Dolores sighed, also smirking. “I didn’t think a Lazy Mirabel would be passive aggressive.”

“I must say that being lazy and tired are two different things. Isn’t every tired person passive aggressive?” Lazy Mirabel asked. “I know that you relate.”

“Passive aggressive and snarky, but you’re right.” Dolores hummed. “Though I disagree with what you said.”

“Disagree to agree?” Lazy Mirabel suggested. “I’m not one of the too negative emotions, but I’m still negative in a way. If you want to talk about that , bring it up with every other emotion but happiness. They’ll tell you something different.”

“I know they would, they all have different opinions of us. I’d expect that.” Dolores mused. “What do you think of us?”

“…What do I think of you all?” Lazy Mirabel repeated, before she shrugged. “I don’t really care about that stuff to be honest…it’s nothing negative nor is it positive.”

“You just don’t care, huh?”

“I just gave up. So, no, I don’t really care.” Lazy Mirabel answered, too quickly for it to go unnoticed. Both of them could hear the bitterness in her voice.

…

“You want to go talk about this somewhere else? Somewhere more…private?” Dolores asked, Lazy Mirabel nodding. “Antonio, we’ll only be gone for a few minutes. Don’t stay up for us.”

It was something deeper.

Dolores wondered if it’ll help them get Mirabel back. There was something that they needed to learn.

“You want me to carry you? Don’t fall asleep while walking.”

“That’ll be embarrassing. I’m awake enough to not go to sleep while walking. That only happened a few times.”

“A few times?” Dolores questioned. “A few times too many.” She said, opening the nursery’s door for her.

“I’ve wondered why I was still laying in the nursery with a four year old, who’s about to be five.” Lazy Mirabel said, sitting on the bed. “I don’t voice my thoughts, but it makes me wonder how much longer am I going to stay here until I get my own room.”

“I’m pretty sure Casita is capable of making a new room if you asked.”

“Would abuela approve of this new room though?” Lazy Mirabel asked, as Dolores stumbled upon her answer. “Right.”

…

“Earlier you said you gave up…what does that mean?”

“I’m just so tired all the time. I sew clothes. I babysit children. I try so hard to make abuela see me…to be proud of me. It’s all just so tiring, so I stopped. I wanted to stop, but I can’t.” Lazy Mirabel groaned. “Not with the others wanting to go forward….Anger and I gave up a long time ago. They didn’t. I want to ask why they still choose to continue on, but I already know the answer to that question.”

“Yeah…I noticed you and anger don’t really like abuela. I know that abuela only want what’s the best for all of us…she’s just—“

“Can’t see that we’re all hurting because she wants the best for everyone.” Lazy Mirabel finished off. “You all want abuela’s approval one way or another…even if you don’t admit it out loud. There’s no point for me to compete with the gifted.” She gave her a tired smile. “All the snarky comments, yelling is making me exhausted. She doesn’t listen or know the pain she’s causing. That her actions and words hurt us all. The only way not to deal with it is to go to sleep. It’s the only way I’m at peace. That I don’t have to deal with any of it. I gave up because I knew it would never happen.”

“…But the other three don’t. Meaning even though you want to stop, you can’t.” Dolores said, Lazy Mirabel nodding in agreement. “…We really suck as a family.”

“Yep.”

“Not even going to sugarcoat it?”

“Nope, you all do suck as a family. All this miscommunication is what’s going to cause it all to fall down unfortunately.”

“Fall down?”

“It’s nothing.” Lazy Mirabel shuddered. “If…those two are already done then it should be next.”

“For what?” Dolores questioned, getting worried.

“They got out what they wanted to say and the people they’re with actually listened. So did I.” Lazy Mirabel said. “If I were to give you advice, I would say that you’re more than just a gossip machine. It’s not your fault that you can hear everything.”

Dolores blinked in surprise. “Uh, shouldn’t I be giving you advice?”

“You’ll give me some advice once I’m whole again, right?” Lazy Mirabel grinned.

Dolores nodded. “Y-yeah, I will.”

“You should go back to Antonio, don’t leave him by himself for long.”

“You’re not coming?”

“Nah, I'm good here.”

Dolores frowned. “You don’t have to sleep in here.”

“I know.”

“Then why?”

Lazy Mirabel shrugged. “Just felt like it.

Dolores shook her head, a small smile forming on her face. “Good night, Mirabel. If you’re not back to normal by tomorrow, I’ll talk to you more about the situation.”

“Good night.”

---

“Why did you choose me?

“What do you mean?”

“Why did you choose me?”

“There was no particular reason, I just didn’t want everyone else to have a Mirabel but me. You’re my sister.” Isabela said. “Is there a problem with that? Or do you have a problem with me?”

“N-no I don’t.” Sad Mirabel stammered. “I just thought- thought that you wouldn’t want me to share a room with y-you.”

“I don’t have a problem with you, Mirabel. You’re not yourself….literally. I don’t want you sleeping in that nursery by yourself either. Though if I didn’t have you in my room, I’m sure tía Pepa would’ve had you.”

“Oh,” Sad Mirabel looked surprised at her sentence.

“Oh?” Isabela frowned. “That’s definitely an oh as a bad thing. Why are you surprised at me for wanting to share a room with you?”

“Most of us don't have a…great view of you, Isabela.”

“…I’ve noticed.”

“Uhm…do you wonder why?” Sad Mirabel asked.

“I had an idea why the angry you didn’t like me, but I’d like to hear about you.” Isabela hummed. Did she feel a bit hurt knowing that some versions of her sister didn’t like her? Yes.

…

“Happiness doesn’t have a problem with anyone. Anger doesn’t really like everyone, but she especially doesn’t like you and abuela. Fear is scared of everyone because of her worries, she just trusts our mother out of everyone besides Antonio the most. Laziness doesn’t really care about anyone anymore. I…” Sad Mirabel hesitated. “Like fear, I’m mostly afraid. Every day I wondered why I didn't get a gift. What made me so different from everyone else? Being picked on didn’t make me feel any better.

“You don’t like me?”

“N-no, I do! It’s m-my fears that h-hold me back from actually being n-normal!” Sad Mirabel exclaimed frantically, tears steaming down her cheeks. “It’s h-hard to get along with y-you without something negative popping up in my mind. I can’t- c-can’t help i-it!” 

Isabela froze when Sad Mirabel hugged her, crying into her shoulder. She didn’t know what to do. She was very awkward with these types of situations.

She awkwardly patted Sad Mirabel’s back. “There…there?”

The cries were louder than before.

“S-Sorry!”

“You s-suck at this.” Sad Mirabel sniffed.

Isabela sighed in agreement. “I know.”

“Just keep your mouth shut and hug me back, please.”

“Yeah I can do that.”

…

“I-I’m the emotional one o-obviously. So, I can’t help my tears.” Sad Mirabel stuttered, wiping at her eyes. “Being the only giftless Madrigal born in the family doesn’t help much. I-it doesn’t help that you hate me either.”

“I’m a bitch I know.” Isabela said, smiling at Sad Mirabel’s gasp. “It’s not an excuse to be mean to you, I know that. I thought if I put myself out there, nobody else would have to deal with the pressure. I guess…seeing you be free and keep trying to gain the approval of abuela just made me even more of a bitch. I just realized that you were never free from the expectations that our abuela holds us at. What I’m saying is that I’m…I’m sorry. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but I swear I’ll be better. I don’t want another incident to happen like this again.”

“I—“

“I also don’t hate you. Do you think that I do? How could I hate my baby sister? Do I seem like I do?”

“You….you give us mixed signals.”

“No, I don’t hate you! Never!” Isabela exclaimed, horrified by her statement. “Crap, I’m a terrible sister, aren’t I?” Sad Mirabel gave her a blank stare. “Fuck, I am!”

“I- I wouldn’t say terrible— it’s just a lot of m-miscommunication and misunderstandings!” Sad Mirabel looked at her with a panicked expression. “A- a lot of miscommunication!”

…

“…You won’t remember this conversation when you’re actually yourself, will you?” Isabela asked, Sad Mirabel nodding. “I’m going to need to talk to Mirabel once this is over.”

Sad Mirabel’s lips curled up into a smile. “Yeah, you should tell that to me once I’m one. Not when I can only think negative things.”

Isabela’s cheeks heated up in embarrassment. “Y-yeah.” She raised an eyebrow at her sister standing up. “Where are you going?”

“To cry in the bathroom.” Sad Mirabel said bluntly.

“What!?”

“I’m just joking.” She chuckled. “I won’t be back for a while and you shouldn’t stay up and wait for me. Hopefully we’ll be normal by then.”

---

“I don’t think she likes me very much.” Agustín whispered to Julieta looking at Scared Mirabel.

“…It’s not that she doesn’t like you, it’s just that she is scared. She’s still our daughter, who loves all of us.”

“I always knew she favored you over me.” Agustín said under his breath.

Julieta rolled her eyes fondly. “Both Isabela and Luisa are daddy's girls. Imagine how I feel.” She said sarcastically. 

“I-I’m not scared of you.” Scared Mirabel said, startling both of them. “I’m scared of what you’ll think.”

Agustín and Julieta glanced at each other.

“We’re never disappointed in you, mija. We’re proud of you on so many levels.” Julieta said, she nudged Agustín, who got the hint.

“We’ll never think anything less of you, Miraboo. No matter what you do. You’re our daughter. We’ll do anything and everything for you. Did we do something to make you think otherwise?”

“N-no.” Scared Mirabel answered after a moment of silence. “Like Happiness said, my whole existence is made of what ifs. It doesn’t necessarily have to be true, I'm scared that I’ll happen.”

“What are you scared of?” Agustín asked bluntly.

“Agustín!” Julieta hissed.

“I’m…I’m scared of being a-abandoned. My n-nerves get to the best of m-me. I’m scared of disappointing anyone even more.” Scared Mirabel said lowly, her eyes watery. “I’m sorry.”

“Mira, don’t be sorry, you did nothing wrong. You haven’t disappointed anyone. If anything, we’re proud of you for opening up to us.”

Agustín and Julieta were even more worried about their daughter. They didn’t know anything about their daughter’s fear of abandonment and much more. It made them wonder what else Mirabel has been hiding and scared of. They thought that Mirabel was doing fine since she always brushed it off with a smile. Looking back at it…her smile seemed more strained.

“What about abuela?”

“What about your abuela?”

“Isn’t she..s-she disappointed in me? I’m ruining the family’s image even more like t-this.”

Julieta couldn’t hide her scowl. She was going to have a talk with her mother after this. The unbelievable expectations that she has on them has gone way too far. It’s done more harm than gone. Bruno was a prime example. 

…

“Your abuela isn’t disappointed in you, Miraboo. Your abuela is a tough woman and wants what’s best for everyone…it just doesn’t execute well. She loves and cares for you all very much. She’s just scared to…lose more. She has good intentions but the wrong action.” Agustín said carefully. “She’s never disappointed in you…she’s just very stern.” Julieta nodded in agreement.

Scared Mirabel frowned, averting her gaze. It was clear to all of them that she didn’t believe his words, but she wasn’t going to say anything more.

…

“S-stay with me..p-please?”

“We will, mi vida.”

They knew that they needed to talk to Alma.

Notes:

Nothing related to this story but Werewolf!Mirabel or Jaguar!Mirabel?

Choose any Madrigal but Alma and Mirabel.

Swap, but it’s not what you’d expect.

Eldritch!Mirabel or Eldritch!Bruno or both?

Vampire!Mirabel or Witch!Mirabel?

Encanto x Spider-Man but Mirabel doesn’t like the Madrigals. I also need Madrigals’ superhero names. I was thinking of having Mirabel’s name being Mariposa, it’s obvious I’m uncreative.

Chapter 52: Her Familiar

Notes:

I don’t think I’ve ever done Bruno actually being the father of Mirabel. Every Papa!Bruno I’ve seen was just Bruno taking Mirabel away after her ceremony. Realistically, the others wouldn’t take Bruno ‘kidnapping’ Mirabel well.

I feel like Alma would know about Bruno being an Eldritch, since she did raise him. I feel she would have suspected it in Bruno’s younger years. She probably just thought it was a part of his gift and didn’t ask him any questions.

I have a slightly even more questionable search history now. I had to search up how long it would take for a human to eat another adult person and more. I learn something new everyday. I should probably put a warning for animal death and cannibalism.

“What are you saying? You got together with this woman and she’s pregnant?” Alma asked, her eyes widened. Bruno was thirty-five and he made it very clear that he wasn’t interested in getting anyone. Julieta already had two children and Pepa was about to have another one.

Both of his sisters were also shocked.

“Y-Yes…she’s pregnant with my child.” Bruno said sheepishly.

“Bruno, you’re not even married.” Pepa pointed oue, you weren’t supposed to get intimate with your partner unless you’re married. The child was going to be born out of wedlock.

“Who is she?” Julieta asked with a confused expression. Nobody in the village had ever expressed interest in Bruno. Unfortunately, they all thought that he was cursed. He doesn’t change the future, he only sees it. “You hardly go out of your room to see us, let alone go outside. Who is the woman that you’ve been seeing?”

“Are you keeping it?”

It?

---

Mirabel Madrigal was born.

The daughter of Bruno Madrigal. The granddaughter of Alma Madrigal and Pedro Madrigal. The niece of Julieta Madrigal, Pepa Madrigal, Agustín Madrigal, and Félix Madrigal. The cousin of Isabela Madrigal, Dolores Madrigal, Luisa Madrigal, and Camilo Madrigal. 

Mirabel.

He named her Mirabel because it meant wondrous. He was sure that she’ll be a wonderful person when she grows up too. He hopes that she’s nothing like him.

His spouse.

His wife.

His girlfriend.

His nothing left and nobody knew who she was or where she went.

His five year old daughter grabbed her doorknob. It faded away.

The whispering started.

It faded away.

I

It fad 

aw 

It faded away.

Bruno felt his heart (?) drop. 

The whispering grew louder.

He knew people were questioning why Mirabel didn’t get a gift. Most thought it was because he was Bad Luck Bruno, so it was automatically his fault.

The beast inside of him wanted to do nothing more, but to get rid of those who dare whisper ill about his daughter. To make them scream out, to cry, and gasp in pain. To protect his daughter from their disgusting gaze.

He held himself back.

He wasn’t going to do anything with children— his kin present.

He doesn’t want them to look at Mirabel like they look at him.

He didn’t need to look at his mother to know that she wanted him to have a vision.

He sighed.

He blocked out his mother’s words to the townspeople. He made his way to his daughter to comfort her. He knew that she was confused and worried she did something wrong. He could read her like an open book. Literally.

He made his way to his daughter, who looked upset. 

He hadn’t looked into Mirabel’s future at all or anyone in his family after Dolores. He hope it doesn’t mean anything bad.

“Papá, is there something w-wrong with me?” Mirabel was crying instead of clear tears, it was black goo. 

Bruno looked at her in horror. He didn’t want Mirabel to turn out like him. He didn’t think it would pass onto Mirabel. This was all his fault.

He didn’t want Mirabel to grow up with thoughts of her thinking she’s a monster like him. To grow up alone. To not control herself. Shunned.

He didn’t want Mirabel to be a monster like him.

…What if he left? Maybe it’s him affecting her. There’s a reason why he chose to avoid his sisters’ children. No matter how much it hurts.

He didn’t want them to see his true nature.

How he’s a monster that deserves to be locked in a cage or killed. He loves his family. To the point that he’ll exclude himself to guarantee their safety from him. He doesn’t want to hurt them. Not like the way he hurt those strangers and animals.

“Of course not, mija, you’re perfectly fine. We don’t know what happened. Maybe it’s a…fluke. It took Julieta a month for her to figure out her gift. It’s just something new…nothing bad.” He picked her up, before anyone saw her tears.

“Why did my door disappear? Camilo’s door didn’t!” Mirabel sobbed. “I won’t have a g-gift?”

“I don’t see anything wrong with not having a gift. Both of your uncles don’t have gifts. Just because you don’t have a gift it won’t make you any different from us.” Bruno tried to cheer her up, taking her to the inside of Casita. “A gift doesn’t define your worth, Mira. You don’t need to worry about things like that.” He said softly, wiping her tears away.

He spotted both his mother and Julieta in the corner of his eye. Julieta mouthed something to him.

Oh.

His mother wanted to talk to him, which was already obvious. Julieta would take care of Mirabel while they talked.

He didn’t want to talk to his mother.

He needed to talk to Julieta.

He could be patient.

He’s been patient all his life.

Bruno sighed, as he made his way over to them. Mirabel sniffled into his chest.

He didn’t want to leave Mirabel’s side, but Julieta was so much better at comforting people than he was.

Julieta gently took Mirabel from him, saying something to Mirabel softly, which Mirabel had agreed to. Julieta soon took Mirabel away from them.

“What do you need, mamá?” Bruno already knew what she needed.

“A vision, Bruno.”

“Mamá…I’ll do a vision for everybody else..but my own daughter? I can’t do that.” Bruno said firmly. “You know that I stopped doing visions for family after Dolores.”

“I know that, Bruno. Please, it’s for the family, for the sake of the miracle. I need to know if there’s something wrong with the miracle.” Alma practically pleaded.

“Even if something was wrong with the miracle- if- what are we going to do? What are you going to do to prevent the outcome? If something was wrong with the miracle, there would be nothing we could do but let it happen.” Bruno said with a frown. “I don’t like having visions about family because it just doesn’t turn out well.”

“Isabela’s vision turned out perfectly fine.” Alma said. “I just need to know Bruno, please. Just have a vision. It doesn’t have to be today.”

Bruno sighed. “I’ll think about it.” Which satisfied his mother.

In reality, Bruno wouldn’t do the vision. He’ll keep true to his promise, no visions for family. It never turned out well. He’ll be damned if he has another vision about his daughter. He saw one of the outcomes. He didn’t need to see anymore.

He made his way back to the nursery. He saw Mirabel laying in the bed, Julieta sitting on her side.

Julieta noticed him, a small smile forming in her face. “She fell asleep from exhaustion.” She told him, standing up.

“Thank you, Julieta.”

…Would it really be alright?

“It’s no problem, really. I enjoy taking care of her. She probably would’ve enjoyed it if her papá was there instead of her aunt.” Julieta joked with a chuckle. “Mamá asked you for a vision?”

Bruno nodded. “Yeah, she wants me to have a vision on Mirabel. Which I can’t control.” He groaned.

“Let’s take this out of the nursery.” Julieta said, before the conversation went any deeper. “I don’t think mamá…understands your gift much. It’s difficult.”

“…Yeah, I know.” He said hesitantly, closing the door behind him. “Julieta, is it alright if I ask you something?”

“Yeah, it’s alright.”

“I need you to do me a big favor…” Bruno said carefully. 

“A favor?” Julieta repeated, looking at him with a confused expression. “Yeah, I can do you a favor. What is it?” She could tell that it was important.

“It's really important. I need you to…to—“ Bruno hesitated, there was no easy way of saying it. It’s not like he wants to do it. He just wants them all to be safe and Mirabel to not turn out like him. “I need you to take care of Mirabel for some tim—“

Julieta interrupted him. “Wait, Bruno, what are you asking me?” A frownformed on her face. “I’ll gladly comfort Mirabel when she needs it, but she needs her father for her, not me.”

Bruno cringed, he knew Julieta wasn’t going to react well. “I need to…leave for a while.”

“Leave!?” Julieta’s eyes widened. “What are you saying? Is this about Mirabel not getting a gift? Surely you’re not thinking about abandoning her because of that, right!? My brother wouldn’t do that!” She examined frantically. “What the hell are you asking me to do, Bruno? Did you have a vision?”

“Please, Julie, relax…I need you to hear me out. You’re already like a mother to her anyways, Julieta. Please. You took the role perfectly ever since…since she left.” Bruno whispered. “I’m not…f-fit to take care of a child. We both know that.” One of the tentacles on his back threatens to show itself. The tentacle gently moved up and down as if trying to comfort him.  “It’s not a vision…technically.”

Bruno made it disappear before Julieta saw.

“You’re…you’re asking me to take care of your child, my niece? To take her as my own?” Julieta shook her head, glaring at him. “I can’t take someone else— especially my brother’s child! What would the family say? What would Mirabel say? What happens if Mirabel finds out that I’m not actually her mother? What then, Bruno!? I’m not going to be able to explain why you abandoned her and gave her to me!”

“It’s- it’s not like that- well, it is—“ There was no way to explain it without making it seem bad. It was bad either way. He wasn’t abandoning Mirabel. He was protecting her!

Julieta interrupted him once again, taking on a softer tone. “Where and why are you trying to leave, Bruno?” 

“I don’t…I don’t know…I just need some time, we need some time. I can’t- I can’t explain to you exactly why I’m leaving…it’s to protect her.” Bruno explained.

Julieta now looked concerned. “Has someone threatened you? If you need anything or need help…you know you can come to me or one of the others. We’re here for you, Bruno. I’m here for you.”

Bruno shook his head rapidly. “No no no, nobody threatened me. It’s…complicated. Just- please, I need you to take care of Mirabel. I’ll come back, I swear…I just need someone to take care of her while I’m gone.”

…

“…What if she starts seeing me as her mother?”

“I guess you’ll have another daughter.” Bruno tried to joke, but that only made Julieta frown. “I’ll have no problem with it, Julieta. I wouldn’t blame her if you took care of her and you two are pretty similar…both look and personality wise.”

Julieta let out a sigh. “I’ll see what Agustín will have to say about this.”

“You don’t..you don’t have any more questions?”

“I have a lot of questions for you, Bruno. But I know you wouldn’t answer them. I trust you. You’re my little brother. I’ll take the fall for you many times if you ask. But…this? If Mirabel figures out the truth and you’re still not here. I don’t know how I’m going to explain your actions.” Julieta turned away. “But, yeah, why not? I’ll take care of her while you take care of your…business. Don’t do anything more stupid, Bruno. Think carefully about what you’re thinking of doing. Don’t do anything you think you might regret.” 

Bruno knew he would regret it. There were a lot of things he regretted in his life, but this is going to be his biggest regret in his life.

It wasn’t like anyone would remember that she was his daughter. They all will forget whether he wants them to or not.

“Thank you, Julieta.”

One thanks wouldn’t be enough.

“And I hope you’re not trying to take the easy way out either, Bruno.” Julieta said, before walking away.

He wasn’t.

They just didn’t understand.

They weren’t safe.

Bruno could hardly consider himself human. He’s a monster wearing a human’s skin. Their minds always refuse to see what he truly is. A man- woman- thing- whatever Bruno is. It’s not human. It’s not normal. No human has more eyes than they should have. No human has too many extra limbs and teeth which shouldn’t be possible. No human has massive green tendrils sprouting from their body.

Bruno Madrigal isn’t human.

  One thought ran through Bruno’s mind, he will not let his daughter turn out like him. A monster. It’s already starting and he doesn't want that life for her.

He went to the forest and never came back.

---

So Mirabel Madrigal.

The daughter of Julieta Madrigal and Agustín Madrigal. The granddaughter of Alma Madrigal and Pedro Madrigal. The niece of Pepa Madrigal, Félix Madrigal and Bruno Madrigal. The sister of Isabela Madrigal and Luisa Madrigal. The cousin of Dolores Madrigal, Camilo Madrigal, and Antonio Madrigal.

The rule ‘We don’t talk about Bruno’ became a thing after Bruno had a vision and left to never come back. Some say that he got into an argument with Alma before leaving.

Mirabel Madrigal, the only giftless Madrigal that was born into the family.

Mirabel liked to consider herself a pretty normal child. If not a little odd. But what child wasn’t odd?

She didn’t take not having a gift too badly. At least she’d like to think so. It just seems like everyone wants to rub it into her face.

She just had a strange appetite.

It was for meat.

Especially raw meat.

It was something that she can’t explain.

It’s the sugary sweet smell of rot and death that smells so disgusting and inviting at the same time. It always enthralls her like no other smell. Not even Julieta’s cooking had her like this. It makes her mouth water.

Her mouth tastes of iron and it makes her desire meat. But she would never tell anyone her weird cravings.

Mirabel would like to blame her younger self’s curiosity.

She was around seven years old and was walking around the Encanto unsupervised.

Which was her first mistake.

She was hypnotized by the smell of blood. She was searching around for the source of the smell. 

It was an injured squirrel.

She felt sympathy for it of course. A wild animal had gotten to it unfortunately and the squirrel managed to escape. She picks it up.

It looked so innocent and small. Just like she was at the time.

She gently rubbed the top of its head, the squirrel flinching away. 

She brings it closer. So inviting.

She opens her mouth, before biting down.

The taste of blood spurting in Mirabel’s mouth was immediate. The squirrel was squirming and trying to escape from her hand and mouth.

She bites down harder, hoping to have more of its blood on her tongue. The squirrel had stopped moving after a while, Mirabel assumed that it was dead, but it didn’t stop her from chowing down. Savoring its blood and meat. Leaving only bones.

Mirabel removes it from her mouth, finally registering what she had done. At least she wasn’t hungry anymore.

She burst into tears, dropping the mangled body of the squirrel and running back to find Julieta, blood around her mouth and chin.

Julieta had assumed that Mirabel had an injury inside her mouth or knocked out a tooth and quickly healed her.

It didn’t make Mirabel feel much better and it didn’t taste as good as the squirrel did.

At that time, Mirabel figured out that normal food couldn’t satisfy her the same way as blood and fresh meat.

Mirabel knows how to keep things a secret, she knows how to hide things. As she got older she found herself desiring larger things. Animals didn’t fulfill her hunger as much as they did when she was younger.

People began to hide their animals after the strange disappearances of the animals in the Encanto. 

Mirabel knew she was beyond strange and if there weren't any more animals, she would starve.  

So, she resorted to her last option. Humans. 

She wouldn’t harm her family of course! She loved them very dearly just like she loved those dear animals! Her family would be the last people on her list!

Mirabel didn’t just pick any random people. She chose the ones that were elderly and sick. They were bound to die anyway. She was only speeding up the process. She also chose the ones who wanted to mess with her family. 

It usually took her ten days to fully eat the body of a person depending on how hungry she was and how big the body was.

Mirabel couldn’t just go on a killing spree though, she likes to think of herself as having a lot of self control. She didn’t want people to get suspicious.

Mirabel knew how to be sneaky. But she knew that she was bound to be figured out by the person with enhanced hearing.

Mirabel knew that she was going to get caught by Dolores sometime. She was actually surprised that she managed to get away with what she does. She suspected Dolores knowing and not saying anything to cover for her. She figured out that Dolores was actually clueless.

It started with her being in Casita.

Mirabel hadn’t expected anyone to be in Casita. It didn’t hurt to show her true form once in a while. It was relaxing. She was certainly surprised when a man busted into the nursery.

The stranger’s eyes widened as he spotted her. “M-monster—“ The man sputtered as he fell to his knees.

Mirabel didn’t feel guilt anymore when she killed alive things and ate the dead ones. Sure, in some eyes she’s considered a monster. But nobody lived to tell the tale. Surely, she wasn’t that terrifying.

“Why are you in my room? Why are you even in Casita? I should be the only one here.” Mirabel asked him, with a raised eyebrow, resorting back to her human form. She watched in amusement as the man tried to get away, but the door closed on his face. Realization came to her. “Ah, Casita lead you here. That’s why you are here.” She grinned, showing off her bloody fangs. “I was getting hungry. Thank you, Casita.”

The man started screaming in horror. Even the other people didn’t scream like this when they first saw her. Maybe it was because she was in her human form when she killed them.

“D-Dolores, an-anyone, h-hel— help m-me!” He yelled. “S-som- someone!”

Mirabel smirked. “I don’t think you understand…no matter how loud you scream, you won’t be saved.”

Mirabel groaned as his screams got louder. How disrespectful.

She doesn’t waste anymore time, impaling through his chest with one of her tendrils, his heart being obliterated by the perpetration, blood gushing around the tendril.

“H-he-help…” He choked out, gargling on his own blood, Mirabel lifting up hiding dying body in the air.

Mirabel watched in amusement as the man tried to pry the tendril out his chest with his weak hands.

After a few seconds of the man struggling, he finally went limp, letting out low moans of pain.

Then she slammed the man’s body to the ground, hearing loud cracks from the man’s body. Completely dead.

Ah, the delicious smell of fresh meat.

She licks her lips in anticipation.

More tendrils come out of her back.

One of them grabs onto the dead man’s arm, ripping it clean off his body, red spraying from his body onto the floor. That vibrant, thick red that she loved so much.

It was perfect.

She was about to take a bite, but she felt another presence that wasn’t hers or the dead man.

Mirabel turned over and her eyes widened when she saw Dolores. Had Casita unlocked the door and let her in? And what was Dolores doing in Casita so early?

Dolores froze in the doorway, her eyes taking over the sight in front of her. The door closing behind her.

“I tried not to hurt him.” Mirabel’s was low, yet so loud. Mirabel’s voice was feminine, masculine— it was pitched, it was deep— “I didn’t want to hurt him. He made me do it. I swear- I didn’t. You believe me, don’t you, Dolores?” She was crying black goo.

Dolores wishes she could believe Mirabel’s words, but her words and tears don't match her grin and the look in her eyes.

It looks like Mirabel, but Mirabel doesn’t have a face with many eyes. Mirabel doesn't have tentacles sprouting out from her back. She doesn’t have many teeth that shouldn’t be able to fit in her mouth. She doesn’t have a gift.

She stared.

Mirabel stares back.

It’s so wro

so

It’s 

Dolores reaches up to find her nose bleeding. 

Dolores feels shivers running down her spine. Her instincts told her that Mirabel was dangerous, that she needed to runrunrun—

“Are you hurt?” Dolores asked, it surprised her. She didn’t even register herself crouching down to Mirabel’s height of her mouth moving. She doesn’t question any longer because it causes her head to ache. “Did he hurt you?

The man is clearly dead, his arm missing— grabbed by one of Mirabel’s tendrils, detached from his body. The disgusting stench of death fills the nursery. She couldn’t avoid the blood that went on her sandals and the edge of her skirt.

“That’s a funny question to ask me, Dolores.” Mirabel mused, opposite from the stammering she did earlier. It was clear it was an act. “He wouldn’t be able to hurt me, even if he tried.” She dropped the arm on the floor right in front of Dolores. 

“Uhh…” Dolores slightly moved back.

“You can have it. I’m glad you weren’t scared like the others that saw me like this.” Mirabel smiled. What a great cousin she was. Not many predators would give up their food. A peace offering.

“I don’t- I don’t eat…human meat, Mirabel.” Dolores said awkwardly.

“Oh.” 

“…Yeah.”

Mirabel takes the arm back. “I’ll…I’ll give you something else.” Yeah, Mirabel knew she was the strange one. Nobody else but her enjoyed the blood and flesh of animals and humans.

“It’s fine. I’ll help you clean up. Nobody has to know.” Dolores said in a hushed tone. She quickly looks away before she could see Mirabel take a bite of the arm.

Dolores could hear it all too clearly, but she doesn’t want to look. It’s considered cannibalism, isn’t it? Mirabel’s human…. isn’t she?

If anyone were to find out what Mirabel did, they’d kill her. Dolores couldn’t let that happen. She loves Mirabel very much, even if she has strange habits and tastes. Nobody needs to know.

“I know…and don’t worry, Casita usually cleans up after me if something happens inside here. But I’m sure Casita won’t mind extra hands helping around.” Mirabel tells her, retracting the tendrils back into her back. “I’ll deal with the body…we just need to get rid of the blood.”

Dolores nods, before she reaches up, she doesn’t know why she expected to see blood running from her nose. 

---

Ever since Dolores figured out what she was and her cravings. Things went much smoother with Dolores covering for her.

Mirabel knew Dolores was uncomfortable with seeing and hearing her eat human body parts. So, Mirabel makes the effort to tell Dolores to go to her room beforehand.

Here they were sitting at dinner with the Guzmáns. Personally, Mirabel made sure to avoid their family when going out for a hunt. Especially since Mariano is engaged with Isabela. Isabela would be upset if her fiancé went missing. She’s such a kind younger sister. 

Mirabel looked at Isabela’s neck. It would be so easy- so effortless to do so. Her hunger would be gone temporarily. If she did it then everyone would be able to enjoy that shade of red that she loved so much.

One of Mirabel’s hands held a fork, the second was placed on her leg, the third picking up a glass.

Dolores could see the bloodlust in Mirabel’s eyes and the extra limbs. She kicked Mirabel’s leg under the table, snapping her attention towards her.

Mirabel smiled sheepishly at being caught as Dolores lightly glared at her, retracting the one extra arm.

Dolores was genuinely wondering how Mirabel didn’t get caught. The only reason she caught Mirabel was because Casita led her to the nursery.

Whatever Mirabel is, she knows that it messes with your memory or alters them in a way.

Honestly, this dinner might’ve been the most awkward dinner she had. Most of the conversations seemed forced and practiced beforehand. 

Mirabel just tuned them out unless her name was mentioned or Dolores needed her attention.

Overall the dinner was boring and awkward. She was glad it was over.

Once the Guzmáns were gone, Agustín offered to do the dishes, which both Julieta and Félix disagreed to immediately. In the end, Félix did them.

Mirabel made her way towards Dolores.

Dolores raised an eyebrow. “Yeah?”

“…Do you ever feel…feel like something is missing?” Mirabel asked Dolores.

“Well, yeah, sometimes. Why do you ask?”

“I feel like something has been pulling me to the forest. It’s not the same way that blood and flesh does to me…it’s stronger. The only reason I don’t go to the forest is because they forbid it. It’s getting stronger to the point that I can’t hold myself back any longer.” Mirabel snarled.

“You’re not about to go on a killing spree, are you?” Dolores asked worriedly. “If so, I don’t know if I can cover for you like that. I’ll help hide the bodies and say that you were with me. But even then everyone would be suspicious and scared. Then you wouldn’t be able to get your meals without breaking into someone’s hom—“

“What? No, I’m not.” Mirabel interrupted. She was happy to know that Dolores would go such lengths for her. “I just need you to cover for me when I go out. I just need to figure out what’s making me so interested in the forest.”

Dolores sighed. “Yeah, I will. Just…be safe.”

Mirabel smirked. “Me out of all people wouldn’t be in danger from anything. I’m going in my regular form anyways…well atleast while I’m in the forest. What harm could a fifteen cause?”

Dolores gave her a blank stare.

“See?”

“Just go already.” Dolores huffed.

“Thanks Dolores! This is why you’re my favorite!” Mirabel grinned, before leaving Casita.

The sun was already setting, the darkness starting to take over the sky. Not many people were out.

The pull was getting stronger.

It couldn’t have been a dead animal or anything. She never felt this way when she smelt one.

And she knew that none of her family members weren’t in the forest. She’s just seen them and they wouldn’t be able to get there that fast.

Unless….

Tendrils started to come out of her back, moving faster.

There was only one family member that was missing.

The smell was getting even more intense. The tendrils assuring her into moving faster.

She only smelt it when one of her family members was injured.

But, this was different.

It wasn’t blood.

It was her….

The leaves were ruffling, sticks breaking, and animals scattering out of her way as she made her way through the forest trying to pinpoint him.

Was he running away from her?

The grin on Mirabel’s face widened.

She was younger and so much faster.

What was this? A game of cat and mouse? She’ll gladly enjoy it then.

She picked up her pace and it didn’t take her much longer to spot him.

She sent some of her tendrils at him, making sure they wouldn’t do any harm, but grab him instead. 

He dodged some of them, but they kept coming. If he was younger, he would’ve been able to escape. He groaned. There was no way to escape his daughter.

Mirabel doesn’t care he stopped struggling. She just wants to hold her father in her many arms and make sure he never leaves.

“Papa, you’re here!” She made sure to hug him tightly. “We have so much to talk about!”

Bruno was stupid to think that Mirabel wouldn’t recognize her own kin. No matter how much he runs, if he denies, Mirabel knows. She’s familiar to him.

Notes:

I’m experiencing writer’s block right now with most of my stories that I’m writing.

Doll On The Music Box P.3. Falling P.2. Silence Is Always The Answer P.2. Back To The Past P.4. If Mirabel Chose To Destroy The Mirabel P.2. Her Diary P.2. I Was Thinking Of My Daughter. To Be A Mother Again.

I feel like it’s because I’m writing multiple stories at once. I have most parts written out and stories like Doll On The Music Box, Silence Is Always The Answer, and Falling are going to keep continuing on. I feel like those three might have to get their own stories.

Chapter 53: The Greatest Gift Of Them All

Summary:

What about one where Mirabel was born sickly and died as a baby during the night but no one noticed because the magic that was going to be used for her gift was used to bring her back and that's why her door dissolved. Because her gift needed all the magic that was available - the gift of life. Then when they lose their powers Mirabel simply drops dead and the family somehow finds out she had a gift all along - the greatest gift anyone could have been given.

Notes:

I had this in my drafts for so long. I don’t think I ever wrote something about pregnancy. This definitely isn’t accurate. I was also born prematurely, I was born weeks earlier than expected. The doctors thought I was going to be deaf, fortunately I’m not. Though I do have problems with my hearing.

Anyways, I’m still working on other stories and one-shots. I don’t know how to explain it, but I have most of the stuff I want written down and the beginning of it. I’m just not satisfied with some things and that caused a delay in getting things done. I genuinely don’t like not posting a story for too long. I need to have something written. Anyways, I enjoy everyone’s comments, they motivate me. :)

Julieta had gone into labor earlier than expected. Way earlier. She wasn’t supposed to go into labor for another two months .

Julieta liked to think that she had a high pain tolerance. The contractions that Julieta was feeling wasn’t like any of her other pregnancies. She felt she was going to pass out from the agonizing pain.

She knew something was immediately wrong.

Thankfully, Dolores heard her in pain and alerted the other adults. Who was quick to make their way back to Casita.

Her water broke.

It didn’t take long for her vision to fade to black from the intense pain.

When Julieta woke up, her vision was surrounded by white. She recognized it as the health center. She was thankful and surprised that they were still in business. There were less than ten health centers and more than half of them stopped operating due to her gift.

Though Julieta was distracted by the immense amount of pain that went through her body.

Julieta was scared to breath, scared to make any sudden movement. 

They told her that there was a huge chance that her daughter wouldn’t be able to make it.

It scared her even more.

Julieta had experienced miscarriages before and it didn’t get any easier as time flew by. The thought of losing another child tore her apart. But she knew the chance was high.

Her daughter was so incredibly small, malnourished, barely three pounds. She was connected to machines to keep her breathing. Which horrified Julieta and the others.

Julieta felt like it was her fault, that she might’ve done something wrong— despite her family’s reassurances that it wasn’t. It takes two to make a baby, and it only takes one to lose it.

Fortunately, God was on their side. They were told that her daughter was going to be fine, but to watch her carefully. She would have a weak immune system and a weak body, but besides that, it was nothing too life threatening. She was very fragile. 

They did everything they could to make sure their baby’s heart didn’t stop. They made sure that she could breathe on her own, eat right, and to maintain her temperature and body weight.

After about three months , her daughter was finally determined well enough to leave the health center. To finally come home.

“Mirabel Madrigal… mi milagro, welcome to Casita.” They smiled warmly.

They made sure to watch after Mirabel carefully. Mirabel was never left alone or without an adult or two by her side.

Three or two times a week, they take her back to the health center to make sure that everything is alright.

It was tiring of course, but that was the part of being a parent. They would risk their sleep for the sake of making sure their youngest is doing well.

They usually took turns sleeping and watching Mirabel.

It wouldn’t take long for both of them to slip up. For both of them to eventually give into their exhaustion and finally go to sleep.

It only takes one slip up to mess up things. To ruin what you worked so hard on to collapse.

At that moment, Mirabel struggled to breathe.

It was a shame that they couldn’t help their daughter in time, that they couldn’t notice her struggling in her crib.  

Her cries weren’t like the other babies due to being a premature baby. Her cries were more quiet and sounded more like a dying animal.

They wouldn’t notice her struggling, nor would they notice when she finally went quiet. When her heart completely stopped.

The only one that noticed the youngest Madrigal lack of heartbeat was Casita. That caused Casita to panic. 

They didn’t expect this outcome or for a Madrigal to suddenly die like this.

No.

The miracle couldn’t stand it.

It wouldn’t let Mirabel die and let the rest of the Madrigals discover that the youngest Madrigal wasn’t breathing anymore.

It was almost like tradition, every Madrigal received a gift when they turned five.

But they could break it.

The miracle wasn’t made or used to bring back the dead. It was impossible to bring back any adult, teen, or child. But with Mirabel, it’s possible.

She’s small.

It’ll be possible to bring Mirabel back. But the candle would have to use most of its energy to bring Mirabel back and keep her alive. It was a price that the candle was willing to pay. 

Though the candle knew that by doing that, she won’t receive a fancy door or room. But that doesn’t mean that Casita can’t build a new room for her when the time comes.

Casita hopes that they’ll understand their actions and be grateful.

The small Madrigal glowed a bright yellow, which was almost blinding. It was almost surprising that Julieta and Agustín didn’t wake up. Though it was the first time in a while they had a peaceful sleep. If only they knew what was happening besides them.

It was fortunate for Casita though. Casita didn’t want them to feel the guilt and it’ll be much easier to do what they have to do.

After a few minutes, the light faded away. Slowly but surely, Mirabel started breathing again. Which quickly turned into wails.

Julieta and Agustín woke up and quickly went to their daughter’s side. Both of them were unaware that their daughter had died and been brought back.

There was only so much the miracle could do and could cover up.

…

As the years passed, nobody knew what happened that night. They had no reason to suspect anything. All they knew that Mirabel magically got better.

When Mirabel’s fifth birthday came around, Casita already knew what was going to happen.

Mirabel already had her gift. The gift of living. 

The Madrigals wouldn’t know that though.

It was upsetting to see them assume the worst of Mirabel after her door dissolved in front of everyone.

Everyone assumed that Mirabel didn’t have a gift, that she did something wrong. All because a door faded.

The miracle uses most of its magic to keep Mirabel living and growing up properly. To make sure that Mirabel didn’t stop aging or randomly drop dead.

Casita wished that everything could’ve gone smoothly. But that night, small cracks formed. Bruno Madrigal went hiding in the walls.

Things weren’t going well.

Casita could feel the candle’s flame wavering for a split second. Mirabel’s heart stopped for a split second. It was dangerous. 

Casita didn’t like it.

The miracle is strong and so is the Madrigals. Their relationships with each other need to stay strong. 

If anything were to go wrong… if they started to distance themselves from each other even more, if they keep going down this path, everything will fall. Including Mirabel.

Casita couldn’t let that happen.

…But Casita didn’t have much control over what the Madrigals do and what they think.

It started out well then everything started going downhill as the years passed.

Alma was too hard on her family. She was running them into exhaustion. Her attempts on wanting the family to be perfect was only ruining them. She had extremely high expectations for all of them. Her need to have things perfect caused them to hide their true selves. She was only pushing them further away from each other. Her treatment towards Mirabel was terrible.

Julieta works herself down to the bone to feed the townspeople. She spends more time cooking compared to the amount of time she spends with daughters combined.

Pepa has to force herself to keep her emotions in check. To hide her true feelings for the sake of everyone else.

Bruno’s gift was more like a burden than anything helpful to him. People, Alma only saw the worst in his visions. He didn’t make the visions happen, he only saw them. That’s why Bruno felt like the only choice he had was to hide away with the vision rather than show Alma. He feared what Alma would do since she always saw the worst.

Isabela’s gift was never supposed to be used as only flowers. She’s supposed to grow so much more. She doesn’t want to marry Mariano and is only doing it for the family, for Alma. It’s never for herself. Alma held Isabela on a tight leash. With the way things are going, Isabela will never be able to see the true potential of her gift. Like Bruno’s vision predicted.

Dolores’s gift was never supposed to be used as a gossip machine. Yes, she could listen out to protect others. But it was overwhelming, a burden. Hearing things you weren’t supposed to hear or don’t want to. Seeing the man of your dreams being betrothed to her cousin.

Luisa felt the need to carry everything. To be the strong one, to be the one to shoulder the burden. She knew that if nobody else was going to do it, she had to be the one. That affected her greatly. She’s constantly working, even if she wants to have a break, someone is needs her help. 

And so on.

Each Madrigal in Casita was struggling in their own way and it was affecting everything around them badly. They didn’t acknowledge that something was wrong with their family. Refused to.

The only one who did was Mirabel.

Mirabel was the one to notice the cracks on Antonio’s ceremony.

Mirabel was the one who came up with the idea of saving the miracle.

Mirabel was the one who sought out the Madrigals to see what was hurting the miracle. If they were okay.

Mirabel was the one who got Luisa to open up about how she truly felt.

Mirabel was the one who went into her missing uncle’s room to find the vision that caused him to leave. Despite the near death attempts, she made it through.

Mirabel was the one to piece the vision together and finally get them to talk about Bruno.

Although difficult, Mirabel was the one to find Bruno in the walls. Even after what happened, she wanted to save the miracle and thought positively.

Mirabel was the one who got Isabela to open up about how she truly felt, how she didn’t want to marry Mariano. How she didn’t want to be señorita perfecta. Mirabel was the one who got Isabela to see the true potential of her gift.

It was getting better! They were reconciling and the miracle was even brighter!

Then….then Alma came.

She assumed the worst.

She assumed that it was Mirabel’s fault. 

She blamed Mirabel for their family’s problems. 

She blamed Mirabel for the cracks. 

She blamed Mirabel for Bruno leaving.

She blamed Mirabel for Luisa losing her gift.

She blamed Mirabel for Isabela being out of control.

Casita knew that everything wasn’t going to go well. It couldn’t handle it. Alma’s fear of losing her family, her home again caused her to make irrational decisions. She was blinded by how she wanted the family to be or appear that she was ignoring their needs and refusing to see who they truly were.

Everyone was cracking and that is why they’re breaking down.

Still….Mirabel was the first to rush into action. She was the first to go for the candle.

Caista couldn’t handle it.

Casita pushed most of the Madrigals out and tried to help Mirabel reach for the candle. Fortunately, Bruno was already making his escape.

Casita was aware that Isabela and Camilo were still inside. It wasn’t good and Casita felt the candle waver once more. A few seconds later, Casita forced both Madrigals out the house, leaving only Mirabel inside.

Casita did it’s best to help Mirabel get the candle, to make sure Mirabel wouldn't get hurt.

If the candle went out….Mirabel wouldn’t be breathing anymore.

It was almost impossible to avoid.

Casita knew that there was less than ten percent chance of Mirabel living after. Casita is going to fall and so is the candle.

It didn’t hurt to try to help Mirabel, to give her hope.

In the end, Mirabel had the candle then Bruno’s tower fell down.

---

It was dead silent when Casita collapsed.

It only lasted a second, before they regained their senses.

“Mirabel!” Julieta was quick to rush into the debris, hoping that her daughter was breathing, that she wouldn’t find her deceased.

Mirabel looked at the candle in a daze. She didn’t feel well, something was wrong with her. Mirabel knew that she didn’t get hurt anywhere. She hadn’t hit herself on anything, besides her back. But she was sure that it would only leave a bruise.

“Mirabel, are you okay!?”

Mirabel hadn’t noticed her mother was on her side until her mother had grabbed her face.

“The candle.” Mirabel had said, and watched as her mother’s face scrunched into confusion.

“What? 

“I- I saved it.” Her voice slurred, gesturing towards the barley lit candle.

Julieta’s eyes slightly widened. “I don’t care about the candle. I care about my daughter, who had an entire house fall on top of her. Are you hurt somewhere?”

Mirabel shook her head. “No…I don’t think so.”

“Your hands are trembling.” 

Mirabel chuckled quietly. “I….well, uh, I don’t know why.”

“Lets…” That didn’t ease Julieta’s worries, her eyes were searching for something. “Let’s move away from the rubble. It’s not healthy to inhale all of this dust. You can move, right?”

Mirabel wiggled her fingers, letting out a cough. “…Y-yeah, I can. Why wouldn’t I- I be able to?”

“Are you—“

“Julieta, come quick!” Pepa yelled.

Julieta glanced back but made no move to leave Mirabel who still seemed to be focusing on something else.

“Julieta!”

“…I’ll be right back, mi vida, it’ll be quick. Don’t make any sudden movement, please.” Julieta placed a kiss on Mirabel’s forehead, not minding the dust, before getting up to check on Pepa in case someone else was injured.

Mirabel desperately wanted to leave, to move. No matter how hard Mirabel tried, she couldn’t move. She couldn’t breathe .

“Everyone okay? Is everyone okay?” Came her father’s voice.

Mirabel started gasping for air, the candle eventually dropping out of her hand. Why couldn’t she breathe? What was happening? She was supposed to be fine!

What was left of the candle rolled in front of her, the flame burning weakly, barely there at all.

Mirabel’s eyes rolled back, the candle coming to a stop just like Mirabel’s heart. 

---

Fortunately, nobody was majorly injured. Nobody was unscathed due to being forcefully removed from the falling house. Especially Isabela and Camilo, who both fell roughly after their gift failed them.

Everyone seemed to be in some sort of daze. The adults tried to take control of the situation and calm everyone down, but they weren’t doing so good themselves.

Her mother, Alma, was frozen. She was staring at the ruins of her beloved home. Julieta tried to feel some sympathy for her, but she couldn’t. Not after how she treated Mirabel. 

Félix was trying to comfort Dolores, who was having a panic attack. Julieta didn’t know how it felt to hear everything so loudly then for it to suddenly be quiet. She knew that Dolores had her gift when everything was falling. She could see dried blood stains by her ear. That wasn’t good.

Pepa was dealing with Camilo and Antonio. Well, Camilo was more focused on Antonio than his own wellbeing. Even though Pepa wanted Camilo to sit down after Camilo fell on his arm roughly.

Agustín was with both of their daughters. She heard that Isabela had hit her back on the railing before falling next to Camilo. Now that she got a good look at Isabela, she noticed the change in Isabela’s appearance. It was new, unexpected, and she liked it. But it wasn’t the time to be complimenting her appearance. Luisa, oh poor Luisa, she was trembling. She knew that Luisa had a terrible habit of wanting to shoulder everything. To protect everyone. Knowing Luisa, she’d be blaming herself for not being able to protect her. Agustín also knew that.

“What about Mirabel, Julie? Is she okay? She isn’t…” Félix didn’t finish his sentence as he turned to his sister-in-law.

That question caught the attention of mostly everyone.

“…Yeah, I was just…just talking to her earlier. I thought someone was injured. Mirabel isn’t dead.” Julieta said. 

“That’s good.”

Agustín looked at Julieta, concern showing in his eyes. “…I don’t think it’s alright to leave Mirabel there alone. It’s alright, I’ll watch after the others.”

“Hm, you’ll hurt yourself more than the others.”

Julieta nodded, turning around and walking towards the rubble. “…Mirabel?” In the corner of her eye, she spotted her daughter’s limp body laying in the ground. “Mirabel!?”

Julieta didn’t waste any time running up to Mirabel. She was quick on her side. Julieta was beginning to regret that she had left Mirabel’s side.

Julieta had hoped that Mirabel had only fainted, which really wasn’t good either. But she couldn’t stand the thought of the other option. 

Julieta quickly checked for a pulse.

To her horror, there was none . Nothing at all.

“No…no…no, M-Mira—“ Julieta whispered in horror at the results. Mirabel didn’t have any injuries when she had left! She left only for a minute! And that minute had cost her daughter’s life. Was it an internal injury? “Mirabel! M-Mija- w-wake up, please!”

As expected, there was no response. Nothing. 

Julieta’s horrific cries were heard around the Encanto.

Notes:

The thing is that they wouldn’t believe that Julieta had talked to Mirabel before she went to talk to them.

I’m looking at my old fics and My New Family had so much potential and I ruined it. I regret the way it went and I love the beginning of the first ten chapters or so. That’s something I want to rewrite but I have other stuff to do. I’m just putting more work on myself at this point. I honestly thought that I had deleted You’ll Love Me Even If I have To Force You to for a long time. I’m glad I didn’t.

Chapter 54: Replaced Miracle

Notes:

I can’t believe that this is 9k words and that I got inspired by a couple of images. I got this idea from @Laynore_X.

Here’s a little info about Replaced Miracle Au. Antonio doesn’t have a gift. Mirabel had Bruno’s gift. Please don’t ask what Bruno’s gift is because even I don’t know that. Félix is dead and Pepa is the matriarch. I also killed off Alma. Mirabel left when she was fifteen.

Mirabel’s eyes widened when she saw Antonio’s door disintegrate. Her hands and mouth trembled.

She didn’t need to look around to tell that people were staring at her. That they were whispering about her. She didn’t need to look at their accusing gaze.

Mirabel didn’t want to see their faces, so she turned around and walked away from the crowd. She went inside of the kitchen, sighing.

Well, it might be time to start hiding in her room for a while again.

Mirabel’s thoughts were interrupted by the wind around her blowing harsher.

Pepa.

She turned around.

“…Did you know?” Pepa asked, her voice devoid of any emotion. “Did you already know that this would happen? Did you have a vision?” A scowl began to form.

…Of course Mirabel expected this. She had a vision about Antonio when he was younger. She couldn’t do anything to prevent it. But finally having it happened scared her. 

Hesitantly, Mirabel nodded. “I- I…I did. E-Everyone told me not to show any m-more bad visions…So, I didn’t show it.”

Pepa’s eyebrows furrowed, she let out a groan. Mirabel could tell by the cloud that she was upset. Even without her gift, Mirabel could tell. “I want you to have another vision.”

“W-what?”

“I want you to have another vision.”

Mirabel was nervous. Nothing good came out of having visions about family. “I…I can’t.”

“Mirabel, please, it’s for the sake of the family. I need to know if anything is wrong with the miracle. The only way I could know that is by going to the person who sees the future. Do you really want something bad to happen to the miracle?”

After a moment of silence, Mirabel nodded. “Okay…okay, I’ll have a vision.” She said. “…And if it’s bad?”

Pepa stared at Mirabel with an unreadable expression. “Just don’t.” That was all she said before walking back outside with the rest, leaving Mirabel alone.

Mirabel didn’t know what she expected. She doesn’t control what she sees in her visions! No matter what happens, she’s to blame for everything going wrong.

She made her way towards her room.

She doesn’t like having too many visions about her family. She had one about everyone in her family. 

Mirabel liked knowing if anything was going to go wrong in the future. If they’ll be okay. 

She looked around the room, it was disintegrating and getting worse. It could hardly be called a room, a place to sleep in. 

She couldn’t do anything about it. 

It got worse as she was pushed away, the outcast. After both of their deaths, the pointing fingers…everything just went downhill. It got worse with her mental state.

“Please…..just this once, show me something good.” Mirabel said under her breath. “Don’t be anything bad. Let them be happy.” She closed her eyes.

…

She was stupid to think that her wish would be granted. Mirabel looked at the vision, biting the inside of her cheek.

….She knew what they would think. She won’t let them find out about it.

She shattered the vision and walked away, not looking back.

Why does she even bother to try?

---

Antonio was now fifteen. He took an interest in embroidery and animals. Although he’s giftless, he’d like to think that he was as special as everyone else in the family!

…Even if the townspeople thought the opposite.

He wasn’t really close to anyone in the family due to the age gap. Isabela and Camilo didn’t like him. Dolores and Luisa tried to make an effort to talk to him. It seemed like it pained his tía Julieta and tío Agustín to even look at him. His other uncle, Bruno, didn't live in Casita anymore. He lived in the outskirts of the town, despite the protests of his family. His mother….he loved her, why wouldn’t he? His mother, Pepa, was just overprotective of him. It was very overwhelming at times. 

Today was one of those times, he just turned fifteen.

Of course he didn’t get a big birthday party like the rest. Antonio wasn’t jealous, but he was a bit bitter. He chose to ignore it and think of it as his family looking out for him.

For some reason, the townspeople were gossiping even more on his birthday than usual. 

Everyone in his family seemed to be off today. It didn’t happen on any of his other birthdays. What was so different?

He was naturally a curious boy and wanted to figure out what happened.

He hid behind a building and listened to some people talk.

“….Today is the day…”

Antonio was confused. It was his birthday. Did something else happen on this exact day?

“….Antonio turned fifteen…”

So, it was about him in some way!

“…Think he’ll turn out like… her?”

Her? Who’s she? And why do they think that he’ll turn out like whoever they’re talking about?

“…Probably, it’s always the youngest Madrigals. First, Bruno….second, Mirabel… it’s obvious who’s next.”

Mirabel? Youngest Madrigals? Yeah, he knows that tío Bruno is technically the youngest of the triplets. But whose Mirabel and why are they calling her a Madrigal? His mother or aunt doesn’t have any other children. Luisa is the youngest out of his tía’s side. As far as he’s aware, his tío Bruno never had a child.

“…Shh! We don’t speak of that name! What if Dolores heard? We don’t want to upset the Madrigals!”

Dolores?

Antonio stopped eavesdropping, making his way to find Dolores. If anyone would know who Mirabel is, it’ll be Dolores. 

As he walked by, he could hear some people whispering the name Mirabel. But they stopped their conversation when he walked by.

It seemed like most people knew who Mirabel was but him.

…But, one specific conversation caught his attention.

“Poor kid, he still doesn’t know that Mirabel is his older cousin yet? I see why the Madrigals hide it.” Osvaldo spoke rather loudly, making people turn to him with widened eyes and shush him.

Antonio’s eyes also widened and he picked up his pace. Older cousin? He had an older cousin and the others hid it from him? How much older is she? That means that either tía Julieta had another child or tío Bruno had one.

His tío Bruno did say that he didn’t date anyone. That left his tía Julieta. Does that mean that Luisa wasn’t the youngest? They did say that it was always the youngest Madrigals. So, Luisa is a middle child? Whoever Mirabel is, she’s younger than Luisa. Antonio suspects that Mirabel may also be older than him. He would have known if he had a cousin five years ago or less.

Maybe this was a prank that everyone was a part of but him?

That did seem cruel.

Those thoughts disappeared when he spotted his older sister, Dolores.

“Dolores!” He called out, gaining her attention.

Dolores looked surprised by his sudden appearance. As if she wasn’t expecting him. “Antonio, do you need something?”

He lowered his voice. “Who’s Mirabel?”

Dolores’ eyes were widened by the name Antonio uttered. “…Where did you hear that name from?”

“Mirabel?” Antonio repeated, his eyebrows furrowed. “I heard the townspeople talking about her. They say that she’s my older cousin…that’s not true, is it? I’d know if I had another cousin, right? My cousins are only Isabela and Luisa.” 

He only received silence.

He didn’t need an answer as Dolores’ expression told him everything. She was looking at him in shock and horror.

Antonio was also shocked. He had another cousin and he didn’t know about her. “Sis?”

“We don’t speak about her!” Dolores hissed through clenched teeth. “Please…toñito, just…forget whatever you heard about her.”

“But- but she’s our cousin. Why haven’t I heard about her until now? I didn’t even know tía and tío had another child. Wouldn’t I see her room?”

“Let’s go somewhere where we won’t be interrupted.” Dolores said. “We don’t speak of her. If we do, everyone gets upset.” 

Antonio wasn’t sure if Dolores was talking to him or herself. “Why?”

…

Dolores didn’t reply, she looked around. Once she made sure that nobody would interrupt, she looked back at Antonio.

“…Her room was moved out of sight.” Dolores replied after the seconds of silence. “Nobody wanted to remember her or see her door. They were sure that’s she’s…she—“ Dolores shook her head, not finishing her sentence. “Her door lost its glow. She left for a reason.”

Antonio frowned, he still didn’t understand. He didn’t know about having another cousin for ten years. Also, a door losing its glow? That could only mean two things? They’re out of the Encanto or they’re…dead. His abuela’s door lost its color. Dolores seemed reluctant to talk about her. But wouldn’t his sister with enhanced hearing know more about his missing cousin than anything? 

“How was she like…?”

“Mirabel….” Dolores sighed sadly, looking down. “I was never that close to her. None of us really were.” She answered. “But she is the sweetest girl ever.”

“Then why…?” Antonio was confused, Dolores wasn’t the type to compliment people randomly or all the sudden. His older sister mostly kept to herself.

“Her gift held her back.” Dolores paused. “No…it was her gift that held us back. She could see the future. We didn’t understand her, nobody did. I could see and hear that she was trying to help us understand. Tía Julieta tried…we tried. It never worked out. They wouldn’t admit it but- but something about Mirabel’s gift scared them.”

“W-what? Scared them?” Out of all the gifts, seeing the future scared them? All of their gifts were dangerous in some way.

“They didn’t know what she was capable of. That scared us.”

“We don’t know what any of our gifts are capable of…” Antonio said, the whole situation didn’t make sense to him. “Everyone’s gifts are dangerous. What made her so different?”

“Our abuela, she had a vision about her death.” Dolores said, averting her gaze.

Antonio frowned. “…Isn’t that a good thing though? We could’ve known beforehand and spent all the time with abuela.”

“She had a vision about our…father’s death also.” Dolores let out a bitter chuckle as Antonio’s eyes widened. “It wasn’t the fact that she had the vision. No, she hid it. She only came clean after they were dead. It wasn’t her fault of course. But nobody was thinking rationally at the time. Words that nobody meant were said to her. It was the spur of the moment. They blamed her. I blamed her. I should’ve seen it coming.”

Hesitantly, Antonio asked. “W-what happened next?”

“Mirabel began to distance herself from everyone. She wasn’t on good terms with anyone, well, maybe besides tío Bruno and Luisa. I could hear just how much guilt Mirabel felt and how she also blamed herself. She left the night of your ceremony. They couldn’t find her and her door faded and was moved out of sight. You can only assume what everyone else thought.”

His ceremony? His cousin who just figured out existed left the night of his ceremony? Could this possibly be his fault in some way?

“It wasn’t your fault.” Dolores answered as if she could read his mind. “The reason our mama and tía Julieta don’t get along isn’t because mama got the place of being matriarch. Tía Julieta could care less about that title. Tía Julieta doesn’t talk to mama as much because she was the main one that accused Mirabel. She blamed Mirabel for their deaths. The Don’t Talk About Mirabel rule did come from tía though. She didn’t want anyone talking about her daughter or how much of a good person she was. She was aware of how much they disliked Mirabel. Julieta would rather them not talk about Mirabel at all then hear them lie about her daughter.”

Antonio didn’t know how to feel. He was feeling a bunch of emotions at once. First, he had a cousin who could see the future? She saw his abuela and father’s death. They blamed her. He didn’t understand that. But she also left the night of his failed ceremony. Why?

“…I have the gift of enhanced hearing, but I never looked out for Mirabel the way I should’ve. I might as well have been deaf by the way I ignored her suffering.” Dolores said, startling Antonio “…If you want to know more about Mirabel. Go to tía Julieta, tío Bruno, Luisa, and Camilo. Not all of them will be willing to talk about Mirabel so easily.”

“Camilo!?” Antonio screeched, making Dolores cover her eyes and lightly glare at him. “…Sorry. But, Camilo, really? Do I have to?”

“He’s our brother. If you want to know about Mirabel, you’ll have to go to him. He and Mirabel were close. Only months apart. They were close enough to call each other twins. They both fell out with each other shortly….”

“Camilo hates me. He wouldn’t want to talk to me, no less talk about our missing cousin.”

“First, he doesn’t hate you.” Dolores said. “He just sees too much of Mirabel in you. We all do.” She said softly. Antonio felt a bit uncomfortable. He wasn’t used to being compared to his cousin that everyone else disliked…at least he thought so. “You don’t remember but you and Mirabel were also close. She made your first waistcoat. She has a talent in embroidery. You two couldn’t be separated. It came to a point where you even called Mirabel mamá at one point. That’s how close you two were.” Dolores remembered fondly.

“What about Isabela? You didn’t mention her.”

Dolores took a moment to respond. “Isabela doesn’t think rationally when it comes to Mirabel. At the time, Isabela and Mirabel did not get along at all. I would even go as far to say they hated each other from an outsider’s perspective. But that’s far from the truth. If you want to seek out Isabela about her missing sister then go ahead. I won’t stop you. But be aware that there’s a chance that they will try to stop you from talking about her. It’s up to you.” She said firmly.

Antonio sighed, shook by the information Dolores was giving him. He realized that he didn’t know much about his family as he thought so. “…Did you ever receive a vision from her?”

Dolores flinched, which didn’t go unnoticed. “I did…we all did.”

“Was it- was it bad?”

“I keep it in my room till this day. It’s the only thing that I have left of her…” Dolores sighed wistfully. “It wasn't really a bad vision. It worked out well for me in the end.” She smiled sadly. “It’s the others that took it as a bad vision.”

“What was it—“

“Sorry, but that’s something I can’t tell you, hermanito.” Dolores said, before tilting her head to the side. “Oh! Our gifts have been getting weaker ever since tío Bruno and Mirabel left. That’s why I was surprised when you approached me.” Dolores squeaked, before walking away quite fast.

Antonio stood there, stunned. What? Their gifts have been getting weaker? Does that mean that the miracle is fading? He knows how much his mother cares about the miracle. Why would Dolores suddenly tell him that? He suddenly felt obligated to help the miracle. Does that mean he has to bring tío Bruno and Mirabel to Casita? He doesn’t even know if Mirabel is alive and how she looks. 

He hadn’t seen any pictures of her around the house. Dolores did say that the vision was the last thing she had of her. Wouldn’t it be a picture? Antonio frowned, he realized that his family may not be as great as everyone else claimed.

…Who should he go to next?

It was between his tía Julieta and Luisa.

He didn’t want to go all the way to the outskirts of town. He also knew that his mother wouldn’t let him.

Camilo and Isabela were people that didn’t like him. Both of them seemed to snap at him when nobody else was around.

He was walking around Casita, he spotted his tía cooking in the kitchen and in the corner of his eye, he spotted Luisa hurdling up donkeys.

Tía Julieta it is.

He really didn’t think he could catch up to Luisa when she’s working.

“Hey tía Julieta.” Antonio greeted, with a friendly smile. Antonio took notice of the way that her hands tightened.

“…Oh, happy birthday, Antonio. I can’t believe you’re fifteen already…it’s just like you were fiv—“ Julieta stopped mid-sentence, she didn’t intend to finish that sentence and continued focusing on cooking. “Happy birthday.” She repeated. 

Antonio also noticed that she didn’t look at him once during the conversation. It became a normal thing for his aunt to not look him in the face while talking. It did hurt, but he got used to it.

Just be smooth.

“…So… tía… you wouldn’t happen to have another daughter named Mirabel, would you?” Antonio asked, trying to appear nonchalant. Inside his head, he was scolding himself. That was not smooth! If anything it was blunt! Abort the mission! Abort!

Julieta froze, she finally turned around and looked at him. She wasn’t paying any mind to the food anymore. “M-Mirabel?” Antonio couldn’t tell whether it was anger or sadness that he saw in his aunt’s eyes. Either way it surprised him. “…Why?”

His aunt, Julieta, was a quiet person. He didn’t see her much unless she was cooking or at her stand. She was always composed. Yet, right now, she looked a second from breaking down.

Antonio wasn’t sure if he wanted to continue.

“Why are you asking about her? Who told you about her?” Julieta’s voice raised a bit, Antonio wasn’t used to that.

“A-ah, I heard from the t-townspeople.” Antonio stuttered nervously.

“Of course…” Julieta said under her breath, but it was very clear to Antonio. “Yes, I have another daughter, Mirabel. I could never forget my own daughter. That’s my youngest.” Her voice was distant. “Why are you asking about her…?” Julieta asked once again.

“I- I was c-curious!” Antonio stammered. Well, it was the truth. He wanted to know more about her. What better way to know more about Mirabel than talking to her mother? “H-how was she like?” Antonio hesitantly asked. He knew he was stepping over a boundary.

“She…Mirabel was a bubbly person.” Julieta’s gaze softened. There were two people who described Mirabel sweetly. “She liked embroidery, just like you. She loved butterflies. She’s creative, it was just….just her gift that- that—

“Held her back?” Julieta’s eyes widened at what Antonio said, before it turned to anger. “W-wait, I didn’t mean it like that! I just heard from townspeople!”

“Mirabel loved her gift. She liked having visions about us, about the townspeople. Things took a turn suddenly. People started to b-blame her for the visions that were bad, it got to her. I tried to cheer her up, to tell her that it wasn’t her fault. But…but those two visions were what got to everyone else. I had never seen my daughter so upset before and I couldn’t do anything about it. It was all too sudden. She locked herself away…and I, her m-mother, couldn't help her. They turned on her.” Julieta’s eyes were blurry, she was vaguely aware of the tears forming.

She looked back, turning the stove off. Antonio didn’t know what to say, he felt a bit awkward and at fault.

“I-I’m sorry—“

Julieta stared at Antonio for a while, not saying anything. This might’ve been the longest time she stared at Antonio after what happened. “You…you just remind me of her so much. You both were so close and attached to each other. Why- why a-am I not surprised that you have similar t-traits to her?”

…Okay, second time being compared to her. If he was so close to her then why doesn’t he remember her? It’s probably because it's supposedly been ten years. Wouldn’t she also be twenty-five since Dolores told him that Camilo  and Mirabel were only months apart?

“…Please, let me h-hug you.”

Antonio was taken by surprise by his aunt’s request. She was looking at him strangely. He only walked up to her and accepted her embrace.

Julieta held him tightly to the point it was uncomfortable. “M-Mirabel… ” Julieta wepted, as Antonio froze in her arms.

Huh?

That wasn’t what Antonio expected. He wasn’t too good at this comforting thing. He sucked at it. Probably because he didn’t have any friends and it never came to the point where he needed to.

“O-oh, m-mija…. won’t you come h-home to u-us? D-don’t you know ho- how much we mi-miss you?” Julieta sobbed.

Antonio didn’t think he looked anything like a girl. Did he look like a girl in other people’s eyes? He didn’t like seeing his family like this. It went deeper than he thought. Just how was his family before…?

He doesn’t remember too much about his father. He remembered his mother not being overprotective and closed off. Dolores was always quiet, but they used to hang out more when he was younger. Camilo was never the quiet type and he remembered hanging out with Camilo a lot. Camilo was loud and enjoyed pranking people. He would never snap at him like he does now.

His aunt and uncle. He vaguely remembers his tía Julieta’s warm voice and laughter. He didn’t hear that anymore. His tío Agustín is still clumsy. But he was more quiet and never seemed out to him, unless he was the one to. Mirabel's disappearance caused them to be more closed off. Isabela, she was always the same to him. She didn’t talk to him, it seemed as if she didn’t talk to anyone in the family much. There’s times when he remembers Isabela’s comforting voice when his ceremony started approaching. He hardly sees Luisa anymore, when he does, she’s working. Every time he sees her, she’s working in some sort of way. Antonio never saw her take a break.

Mirabel…. he also remembered hanging out with her. Sticking to her side. It’s just that her voice and face was blurred in his mind. He doesn’t know what she looks like or what she sounds like. He forgot. He probably wasn’t the only one either. 

All of this made his heart ache.

Agustín soon walked in, looking at both of them with a surprised expression. His expression soon changed to something sadder. “…I’m sorry, Antonio…” He walked up to both of them, wrapping his arms around his wife, who was still sobbing. “You just….remind us of her so much.” He smiled bitterly. “….Please excuse whatever she said at that moment. She…she’s not well. We both aren’t….”

“I-it’s fine.” Antonio stammered. He felt bad for both of them. He didn’t know how it felt for them to lose their daughter, who was only fifteen. Antonio wasn’t sure if she was dead or not. Most of them just implied that she ran away. But also most of them implied that she died since her door faded and she wouldn’t be able to survive alone.

Agustín stared at Antonio somberly. “You’re a good kid, Antonio. I don’t think I can say it any other time…but I’m sorry for how we treated you. We never meant it to seem like we’re ignoring you. We don’t blame you for Mirabel leaving or anything like that. We just can’t- can’t—“ Agustín shook his head, letting out a sigh. “We still can’t do it to this day. It’s not your fault, it’s ours. Don’t burden yourself with something you weren’t capable of knowing.”

Antonio was speechless. Just as Agustín was about to walk away, Antonio finally mustered up the courage to ask. “T-tío, do you have any photos of M-Mirabel?”

Agustín looked at Antonio blankly. “No, we don’t. We didn’t realize until that day that we didn’t have many photos of her. Not how she would look when she left. The only photo we have is when she got her gift. That’s it. I’ll show it to you when Julieta is feeling better.” He had a small smile before he walked away.

Agustín walked past Pepa with Julieta in his arms. He realized that Pepa must’ve been eavesdropping.

“I’m sorry…” Pepa mumbled.

“Sorry isn't going to bring her back, is it? It’s not going to take back all the hurtful things you said about her, is it, Pepa?” Agustín barely held back his scowl. “You have all your children.  Appreciate them.”

“I’m not….going to let them go down the same path she did.” Pepa sneered, clenching her fist.

“Who was the one to cause her to walk down that path in the first place?” Agustín questioned with a glare.

“…I’m not responsible for her actions.”

“If it were up to me I would’ve taken Julieta and the kids out of here. You’re getting more like your mother everyday, Pepa.”

Pepa glared back at him. “And what is that supposed to mean?”

Agustín couldn’t hold back his scowl. “You know exactly what that’s supposed to mean. Keep this cycle up and there’s going to be more than four Madrigals gone.”

“B-Bruno didn’t leave.”

“He left Casita. It’s close enough.”

“I’m not the only one to blame for what happened to her and what she did. You can’t blame only me and act as if you both and your children didn’t have some part in her leaving.”

Agustín’s gaze hardened. “I acknowledge that we weren’t there for her like we should’ve been. But I didn’t blame her for either of their deaths unlike your side of the family. She was only fifteen….she was just fifteen.” He shook his head in disappointment. “You need to stop smoking. It’s unhealthy for your body. I could smell it on you. Please….just drop it.”

That was what he said, before walking off with Julieta, leaving Pepa alone with her thoughts.

Pepa sighed, a cloud above her head. She was only protecting the family. Why couldn’t they understand that? What would Félix do in her position? What was she doing wrong?

For the first time in years, she began to stroke her braid. “Clear skies….clear skies. Félix…if only you were still here…this could be easier.”

---

Antonio didn’t know what to think. 

His family wasn’t the best family towards Mirabel. Hearing what they said about her made him wonder….just how did Mirabel feel about this? Was she sad? Was she angry to the point that she ran away?

…No, it sounded as if she loved them too much and they didn’t reciprocate it. It led back to Mirabel and her gift. She was blamed for things she had no control over. Antonio was mad on her behalf. How could they? Just seeing them now made him aware that they were feeling guilt from how they treated Mirabel. If she left when he was five…his father died when he was three, nearly four. Wouldn’t that make Mirabel around…thirteen? Maybe fourteen.

They blamed her for both of their deaths. Did they ignore her? Keep her away in her room? From what he heard, she wasn’t popular with the townspeople either and probably had no friends. It wasn’t her fault.

Her gift held them back, Mirabel loved them deeply and that’s what held her back. Her love.

Antonio left the kitchen, heading upstairs. He needed to know more about Mirabel. Her disappearance is a part of the miracle fading. Her disappearance was what caused everything to fall a part. Not that he’s blaming her! If he was in her position and was practically hated and the outcast, he also would’ve left! Just where was her door…?

Wouldn’t it be by Luisa’s door? 

Nope, no door by Luisa’s door.

What if Casita just erased it? Actually, Casita isn’t capable of that. Casita still kept his abuela’s door, it just lost its glow. 

Then wouldn’t it be—

…

Mirabel.

How had he not noticed this? All these years he lived in Casita and he just noticed her door? 

It was the farthest away from the other doors.

As told, her door lost its glow. It wasn’t boarded up or anything like that. It was just…. there. Untouched. Nothing to prevent anyone from entering. Or was there just no reason to enter? It was left as it is.

“What are you doing?”

Startled, Antonio turned around and found Camilo glaring at him.

Wow, out of everyone.

“Ah…just admiring the view. Yep! Just admiring the view! Wow, when did this door get here? It’s so very, very dark!” Antonio dropped the act when Camilo only sharpened his gaze. “Mirabel.” Was all that he said.

“M-Mirabel?” Camilo repeated in shock, before it turned to anger. “We do not speak of that name, Antonio.” He spat out bitterly.

Antonio was already regretting speaking to Camilo. “C’mon….I just want to know more about her. I heard that you two was clo—“

“We were not close! Not after she caused our father’s death!” Camilo snapped, making Antonio take a step back. Camilo soon calmed down, still scowling. “We are not close.”

“I heard differently. I even heard that you two shared the nursery for a few years.” Antonio didn’t hear that from anyone, he just assumed. If he’s wrong then that’ll be embarrassing. “I was told that you were close enough to the point you called her your twin.”

Camilo’s eyes widened. “Who told you that!?”

“Does it matter? You didn’t deny it though.”

“Fine, we were close at one point. But not anymore! Either way, we do not speak of her. Just drop the topic and get away from her door. Nothing good comes out of entering her room or even mentioning her name. All it brings is grief and anger.” Camilo hissed.

“Who was Mirabel to you?” Antonio asked, ignoring Camilo’s demand.

“Antonio—“

“You also blamed her for their death, didn’t you? From what I heard is that she only sees the future and not causes it.” Antonio didn’t hesitate to glare at Camilo. “It’s not like she murdered our dad. Death is a part of life, she’s only seen in. She couldn’t prevent it.”

“But—“

“I have a feeling she would’ve still been blamed even if she didn’t have the vision. You know why?” Antonio questioned. “It’s because you all would ask why she didn’t have a vision, that if she did, something could’ve been prevented. Vision or not, she would’ve been blamed. You all just needed someone to blame and you used Mirabel as a scapegoat out of sadness.”

“What do you know!?” Camilo sneered. “You were only three!”

“She was only thirteen! She would be twenty-five by now! Yet you still blame her! She isn’t even here now!” Antonio felt the tile underneath his foot slightly rise. “She was only thirteen, Camilo. You were also thirteen. You’re now twenty-five. Your anger is not justified and you know it.”

Camilo’s stance faltered for a bit and his eyes twitched. “Who else am I supposed to blame then!? I was thirteen at the time and all of sudden our dad died! Then it turns out that she already knew! If I had known I would’ve spent all of my time with him! Of fucking course I know that my anger is not justified! But I was just so- so angry and sad that I lashed out on her! I could never go back! She’s gone now because of me! And it tore me open till the end! Even now! She was my cousin, my twin! I don’t even remember what she looks like!” Camilo laughed, tears pricking the corner of his eyes. “How can I forget her face!? Her voice!? What’s wrong with me!?”

Just then, Antonio realized that Mirabel’s disappearance had a greater impact on them than they expected. Way greater than anyone would like to admit it. It was tearing them up, it was hurting them all. If Camilo was like this, he couldn’t even imagine how the others felt.

Tears were now flowing down Camilo’s cheeks.

Antonio knew he stepped too far and he most likely needed to stop asking around about Mirabel to his family. He hated seeing them cry.

“I’m….”

Camilo was still glaring at him. Antonio noticed that Camilo was partially shifted. Half of his body was his and the other half was someone else. 

Half of his hair was darker. He was wearing dark blue round glasses. Half of his ruana was longer and a dark blue. 

…Was this Mirabel?

It was weird staring at someone that looked like half of his brother and the other half didn’t.

“We don’t talk about Mirabel.” Camilo said firmly. His voice was odd. It was constantly switching between his voice and ‘Mirabel’s’ voice. Was Camilo not aware that he was shifted?

For people who don’t talk about Mirabel, they surely talk about her a lot. Maybe it was because he was the one getting them to talk about her.

“Milo…”

“It only hurts us.” Camilo’s voice began to pitch. Antonio noticed how one of his eyes changed to a bright purple. Purple? As far as he knew, purple isn’t a common eye color. He hadn’t seen anyone with purple eyes. He doesn’t even think people with purple eyes naturally exist. Camilo still wasn’t aware of how he was shifting. “…Let her stay in the past.”

He couldn’t. They couldn’t let it stay in the past even if they tried.

‘Where are you, Mirabel? You can’t possibly be dead, can you?’ Antonio wondered.

Antonio suddenly fell when he was pushed on the ground by Casita’s tile.

“A-Antonio?” Camilo looked at him in confusion.

“Caista?” Antonio muttered, suddenly Antonio was getting dragged away by Casita’s tiles, really, really fast.

Camilo watched as Antonio was dragged away with a panicked expression. “W-Wait, where are you going!?” 

That’s when Camilo noticed.

He looked down at his hands, before he began touching his face. “No…no…” He whispered to himself, running to find a mirror.

When he finally found a mirror and saw how he looked, he gasped.

Mirabel.

“Antonio!” He yelled out, looking even more panicked and worried than before.

---

“Casita!” Antonio yelled as Casita’s tiles grabbed him somewhere. He couldn’t stop the tiles from moving him.

Antonio’s eyes widened when he saw that he was about to hit a wall. He thought that Casita would’ve turned, but no, Casita kept going straight.

Was Casita about to kill him? For talking about Mirabel was talking about Mirabel really that dangerous? If he had known it would’ve gotten him killed, he wouldn’t have gone this far!

Suddenly the painting on the wall moved out the way to reveal a hole and Antonio was launched into that hole and the painting closed behind him. Leaving him in the dark.

…

“Casita?” Antonio muttered angrily. He didn’t understand why Casita would do that. He could’ve gotten seriously hurt and he didn’t want to bother his tía Julieta.

He got up, dusted himself off, turned around and tried to move the painting.

To his surprise, it wouldn’t budge.

“…Really Casita?” He tried to use his full strength.

Yep, still didn’t budge.

He turned around, it seemed like Casita wanted him to explore.

…Was this the walls? Was this always there? Who knows about this? He passed by this painting many times and he never thought something was off. Casita isn’t planning to kill him, is it?

Antonio continued walking, as he did, Antonio noticed that it seemed more like a hideaway.

He continued to walk further, it was remotely empty and well….cracks. At least he thought they were cracks. It was everywhere on the wall.

Where the heck was Casita trying to tell him?

As he passed through the walls, he noticed that there were some rooms. One was his room, the nursery. Then Camilo’s, Luisa….it went on. Even his tío Bruno’s abandoned room. Just what was this?

It was about three minutes before he stumbled upon a hole, which he almost fell in. He looked really deep and ominous. If he fell in, he wasn’t sure if he'd be able to get out.

He needed to get past to see what was ahead, right…?

All he needed to do was jump.

Whatever Casita was trying to tell him was important.

Before Antonio could make the jump, he heard a female voice.

“…Please don’t make that jump. You’ll fall.”

Antonio looked up and his eyes widened. “M-Mirabel?” He stuttered, looking at the woman, who’s supposed to be his cousin in front of him.

The first thing he noticed about her was the purple she wore. She had purple glasses and a…hooded purple poncho. He noticed the darker purple patterns and the hourglass prints. The purple stood out. The only one who wore something remotely close to purple was Isabela. Even then, Isabela had lavender. He expected Mirabel to wear some sort of blue. He always thought that the purple was an Isabela type thing.

“…Uhm, yeah…that’s me. You’re not supposed to be here…how did you get here?” Mirabel looked at them in confusion. She didn’t seem that caught off guard by his appearance. Could she have already seen that he’ll arrive?

“Casita helped me.” More like forced him. Without Casita, he wouldn’t find Mirabel at all.

Mirabel didn’t seem surprised at all, she only sighed. “Casita…Casita, of course. I can’t believe my favorite house would betray me like this.” She shook her head. 

“Uhm…”

Mirabel looked down at his clothes. “Did you- did  you make that yourself?” Antonio’s clothes were full of embroidery. From flowers, candles, dumbells…to animals. Antonio nodded after a while. “It’s…nice. You have talent. Also happy birthday.”

Antonio beamed at the compliment. “Thanks!”

Mirabel soon turned away. “It was nice seeing you after ten years but you need to go. Bye.” She began to walk away.

“Wait!” Antonio exclaimed in shock. He just met her and she already wants him gone!? Mirabel was still walking away. “Wait- no- hold on—“ Antonio couldn’t chase after her, not with the hole in front of him.

Antonio took a deep breath in, slowly exhaling. 

He prepared himself and took a few step backs. Then he ran towards the hole and jumped. To his surprise, he actually made it. “Aha—“ The floorboard beneath him gave out.

Screw his luck.

He fell to his ground, straight on his butt.

To his surprise, it wasn’t a pit of doom. It was just filled with a lot of fog. The problem is that he couldn’t make it back up by himself. Was he about to die here? 

“I told you not to make that jump because of the fall.” Mirabel commented, looking down at Antonio.

Antonio felt like if it was anyone else, they would’ve been offended and took Mirabel’s comment as cockiness. Antonio saw the worry in her eyes.

He stood up on his feet. “Uh, can you help me up? Pretty please?”

Mirabel stared at him for a moment, crouching down. “…Will you leave me alone after?” 

Antonio scratched the back of his neck. He wasn’t so sure if he could do that. “Well…”

“Just grab my hand, Hombrecito.” Mirabel held her hand out to him.

“Wait, little man? Hey! I’m taller than you!” He still grabbed ahold of Mirabel’s hand though as she pulled him up with a little struggle. “Your hands are sweaty…no offense.”

“I’ve been told that a lot. ” Mirabel mused. “Now…as much as I enjoyed talking to you. You really need to go.”

Antonio looked back. “…But then I’ll have to make the jump back. I already messed up the first time. I don’t think I can do it again.” He said innocently.

Mirabel looked behind him. “How sly…” She said under her breath. “…Why are you asking around about me?” Mirabel started to walk ahead of him, Antonio took it as a sign to follow her.

“W-well— everyone else was talking about you and I naturally got curious.” Antonio admitted sheepishly. He didn’t know how he was talking to her so comfortably when he just met her after ten years. All of it was natural to him. “Your disappearance is what everyone is talking about. They thought I was going to turn out like you or something like tha—“

“Like me?” Mirabel repeated, stopping her movements and looking back at him with a tilted head. “What is that supposed to mean?” Antonio was taken back by her sudden seriousness and was afraid that he might’ve offended her by that. “I’m just joking! I know what they mean by that. Stuff like that from the townspeople doesn’t faze me like it used to. I don’t take offense to that. You’re fine. Speak your mind.”

“Ah…o-okay, Dolores said that their gifts have been getting weaker ever since you and tío Bruno left…no matter who I go to, everything leads back to you.”

“…Me?”

“You.” Antonio nodded. “Supposed there was cra…cracks..” Antonio’s voice trailed off as he noticed they passed an area with tons of cracks, which was horribly patched up. A for effort though. “Cracks.” He whispered. “Wait, have you been here…patching up the cracks?”

Mirabel looked at the horribly patched cracks. “Me? No, pft, of course not. I wasn’t taught to patch up cracks. I don’t think I can even reach them. I stay away from them. Mariana is the one patching up the cracks. Though she sucks at that. But it helps since she’s not scared of them…like me.”

Antonio blinked in surprise. “Mariana? Someone else is here—“

“I’m Mariana and I’m scared of nothing.” Antonio looked at Mirabel with a startled expression. Mirabel had put the hood over her head. After a few seconds, she took it off. “…Actually it’s me. I just didn’t want to get too lonely.” Mirabel soon spoke in a higher pitched tone. “I’m María, I make the spackle.”

…

“….How long have you been back…here?”

Mirabel didn’t answer, only taking Antonio to her ‘room.’

Antonio looked around, noticing the green slabs that were set up around. As he got closer, he noticed that each individual slab had one of their family members. Even the deceased ones.

“I didn’t want to forget how they looked. I couldn’t always look through the cracks to see them. I’ve always liked watching them thrive from a distance.” Mirabel stood up, grabbing one of the slabs. Antonio noticed that it was abuela. In the vision she was smiling. “I liked to think that we are a happy family and this isn’t reality. That I’m surrounded by a l-loving family. It makes things better.”

…

Antonio gulped. “You…you never left.”

“…I was never the most popular Madrigal.” Mirabel laughed nervously. “If they had the rate of their favorite Madrigals to last, I’ll surely take last place.” She said. “Plus, I get free food! I even got free entertainment! I left my tower because it sucked…I definitely couldn’t stay there. Nobody goes inside of my room. I don’t even want to.” She sighed. “So, are you still interested in animals? I could tell you all about the telenovelas I made! Oh it would be great to have an opinion on the stuff I made! Don’t be afraid to say that it sucks.”

“I don’t understand…”

“Telenovelas? I obviously can’t use real people since people don’t like me. The ones I could use are rats. God, I used to be scared of them so much. They’re actually pretty fun! They’re my second favorite. Butterflies are obviously my first! Nothing can top butterflies!” Mirabel exclaimed proudly. “Anyways, back on telenovelas, I—“

“No, I- sorry for interrupting, but I don’t understand why you left…but didn’t actually leave.”

Mirabel’s face fell. “Of course..” She said under her breath. “I couldn’t bring myself to actually leave. I love everyone way too much to do that. And…the mountains are also pretty tall. I had a vision about that, I wouldn’t make it and….uh…it’s just my rats and I. Rats can’t speak, but I feel like they’re less judgmental than humans. People didn’t like me and my gift. Bad things always happen because of me. For example….their deaths. Bad things happened because of me.”

Antonio was quick to shut that down.

“I didn’t even know that I had a cousin…no offense. I don’t blame you because it’s not like you murdered my father. Or our abuela. You only saw it in a vision and hid it out of good will.” Antonio said confidently as Mirabel’s eyes widened.

“You’ve grown so much…” Mirabel smiled sadly. “If only they could understand what you said.” She said. “My gift…it didn’t help the family as much as they liked. But, uh…I love them too much to just give up on them.”

“Why—“

“Look, it’s Camilo Jr!” Mirabel gushed with a wide smile, holding up a rat wearing a yellow rag. 

Antonio felt extremely bad for Mirabel, something in his heart ached for her. He felt like crying for her. The things she endured from this family was unfair. He can’t believe that she stayed. He wasn’t sure if he would after what happened. He wasn’t sure if he was as strong as Mirabel.

Mirabel’s smile almost fell when she saw Antonio’s face. “I…I can never bring myself to hate them. No matter what they did. They’re my family. You’re my family. I love them, that's why I couldn’t bring myself to fully leave. Even if they don’t love me, I could love them from a distance.” She smiled bitterly.

Antonio felt pity for Mirabel. “But…but tía Julieta, tío Agusín, Bruno, Isabela, Dolores, Luisa, Camilo— we all miss you. Even if they won’t admit it out loud. Your disappearance affected them all greatly.”

Mirabel was shocked by hearing Isabela’s name. “I-Isabela?” Mirabel stammered. “…Yeah, I don't think Isa would like to see me again. She hates me.” Mirabel shuddered, laughing nervously. “They all do. I took the reputation of being the worst.”

“Why…why does she hate you?” Antonio was sure that his question was straightforward and insensitive.

“She was…very close to our abuela. So when I told everyone about the vision, everything blew up. She told me that she hated me. It was a shocker, I know. I had a feeling she didn’t like me way before that. I also…kinda ruined her engagement with Mariano. I hid in my room for days like a coward. I couldn’t face anyone.”

“W-wait— Mariano? But he’s with Dolores.” Antonio frowned. Mariano and Dolores were married to each other. 

“Ah…well, you were four at the time. You don’t remember much about me and wouldn’t remember much about that either.” Mirabel said. “Originally, abuela set up Mariano and Isabela together. I don’t know if you heard, but I had a vision about both of them. Dolores loves Mariano, Mariano loved Isabela, and Isabela loved nobody at the time. Nobody knew that of course.”

Antonio was shocked. His brother-in-law was with his señorita perfecta before? What? He didn’t understand how anyone can actually like her like that. She was too perfect. It was honestly uncomfortable. 

“Yeah, everyone was like that when they found out the truth. I eventually told the truth and ruined the engagement.”

“Wouldn’t you be doing them a favor—“

“I did it as Mariano was about to propose to Isabela.” Mirabel blurted out, as Antonio cringed.

“Oh.”

“Yeah, that wasn’t the right time to do so. But it worked out well in the end. Dolores got her man and Isabela didn’t have to marry a man she didn’t love. And abuela was very angry at me. I was grounded. Even when abuela was alive, I was always the least favorite.” Mirabel sighed. “She didn’t like me at all. Didn’t even try to hide it either at that point.”

“How did the others feel about that…?” All the stories Antonio heard about his abuela were great. But from what he’s hearing, they were quite the opposite.

“Isabela was understandably upset. Dolores was embarrassed from her crush being blurted out, also probably angry. Mariano was shocked. Señora Guzmán decided to stop the engagement there and have a talk with abuela about the meaning of love. My parents were upset because if they had known Isabela didn’t love Mariano, they would have never agreed to the arranged marriage. Everyone was just shocked. The blame landed on me again by the townspeople.”

“Wa-wait, when was this?”

“You only were about to turn five in a few months. That was after the whole vision fiasco. I was already the most hated Madrigal.” Mirabel frowned. “But, let’s go to your gift ceremony. When you didn’t get a gift, all eyes turned to me. They said I was to blame.” She smirked at Antonio’s shocked expression. “Even I was surprised. I blamed myself too. It was because I’m bad luck and I was close to you.”

Antonio remembered that he was told that Mirabel left the day of his ceremony. “Then…why- why did you leave?”

…

“Because of you.” Mirabel said after a moment of silence. Both of their eyes widened at her words. “W-wait, not because of you! That’s not what I m-meant to say!” She blurted out.

“I-it’s fine!” Antonio smiled nervously.

Mirabel groaned, her cheeks heating up in embarrassment. “I was already the Madrigals’ outcast at the time. But your mother came to me and wanted to know what it meant. She wanted to know if the miracle was dying. She wanted me to have a vision. I couldn’t say no. I thought at the time that maybe I could go back to being liked at the time. That maybe I could be…loved again. I was incredibly naive.”

“Uh…what did you see? Was it bad?”

Mirabel looked away. “It was about you.”

“M-me?”

“I’ve seen two visions about our family deaths already and I was on thin ice—“

“You saw me dead!?”

“No!” Mirabel exclaimed. “…The Madrigals always assumed the worst of me. Everyone did. If I showed them the vision, I knew something bad would happen. But nothing good came out of hiding a vision. Whether or not I hide it, something bad will happen. So, I left…w-well they think I left, b-but you k-know what I mean.”

“…The vision…”

“I shattered it. It’s somewhere in my room, it’s lost in the sand.” Mirabel replied. “The miracle is very dear to Pepa. To everyone. Especially to our abuela. It was the only thing that could be remembered as abuela’s. She left nothing behind. Her death was sudden to others…that’s why Pepa doesn’t want anything bad to happen to the miracle.”

“…Why do you keep calling her by her first name?”

“She didn’t see me as her niece as much as I saw her as an aunt. She hates me. She thinks I killed tío Félix and Alma. Anyways about the vision…I saw you in front of the destruction of Casita….Please don’t interrupt me because I don’t think I’ll be able to ever say this again.” Antonio quickly shut his mouth. “A-and it wasn’t just that! You were in front of a regular Casita too! It had another side but- but they wouldn’t understand. I didn’t want anything bad to happen to you. So I l-left with the vision.”

…

“You left for m-me?” Antonio was near tears.

Mirabel smiled sheepishly.

“Please don’t cry because if you cry, I’ll feel bad and blame myself and I’ll never be able to bring myself to look at you without feeling guilty.”

“O-okay…I’ll try not to.” Antonio wiped at his eyes as Mirabel looked at him with a concerned expression. He cleared his throat. “Also…you seem well despite living here alone for ten years.”

Mirabel perked up. “Oh! Well sometimes I have to sneak food in all. But most times, your sister helps me out. She’s like, really, really helpful. She makes sure that I won’t rot in the walls. Wouldn’t want a rotting corpse in the walls. That’ll be a handful to clean up and the smell- yuck.”

“Dolores!?” Antonio was shocked. “Dolores knows!? I was even asking about you and she knew where you were at? She made it seem like the opposite!”

“She’s a good actor, she takes after Bruno.” Mirabel said, she grabbed one of her rats that was on her shoulder. It was wearing a red bow. “Isn’t that right? You take after tío Bruno, don’t you? What a good cousin you are. Oh yes you are.” She cooed to the rat named Dolores. 

It honestly seemed like Mirabel took after their tío Bruno more than Dolores. Especially with the rats. One thing was certain that they all is strange.

Antonio knew that what Dolores was saying to him was real. How she felt, how the others felt. Immense guilt.

“…Won't you come back?”

Mirabel stopped talking to little Dolores and looked at Antonio with a strange expression. “What? I can’t.”

“You plan on staying here until you die?”

“Probably.” Mirabel replied as Antonio’s eyes widened. “Just kidding! Ahah….not really. Anyways, I can’t go back. I kinda ruined things with nearly everyone there. Way too awkward and too many people. I’d rather stay with my rats. But, hey, you can always visit!”

Antonio looked at Mirabel with a sad expression.

Mirabel’s face fell. “Hey…don’t look at me like that. I can’t come back. We both know that. They hate me. In a way, I’m still with them! They just don’t know that! It’s fine though!”

“…That doesn’t explain why your door lost its glow…”

“Oh, I just stopped having visions. I guess the glow just gave out after I wasn’t using my gift anymore.” Mirabel shrugged. “I’m not dead or left the Encanto…nothing like that. I’ve had visions about everyone in this family. I wanted to make sure they were okay. I didn’t show them all when I got older….but when I was younger, I would do anything to please them. My visions were…” She gave a thumbs down. “You know that already though.”

“…I don’t think you made bad things happen. The others should see that too.” Antonio said firmly. The moment that they lost Mirabel was the moment that they lost themselves. Mirabel averted her gaze. “This might be the best birthday present ever…meeting you.”

“You don’t remember much about me.”

“I don’t, but I know that you and I were close when we were younger. I know that we hung out a lot. You made my first waistcoat, it’s my favorite, and comforted me before my ceremony. I don’t know much about you, but I’d like to know more. It doesn’t hurt to create new memories with you, Mirabel.” Antonio smiled warmly.

“Wo—“ Mirabel was interrupted by a loud bang. Both of them jumped. “Pepa?” Mirabel said in confusion, recognizing it as lightning striking down. “You suddenly left on your fifteenth birthday. Without a word. Not a good look for you, bud. Don’t want another me happening.” Mirabel said bluntly, looking at Antonio with a blank stare.

Antonio looked at the chaos outside through the cracks. “I never should have talked about Mirabel…” He chuckled nervously as Mirabel rolled her eyes.

Notes:

Pepa isn’t a bad person, she’s just coping badly. Just like the rest of them. Communication is practically nonexistent to the Madrigals. And that’s the main problem for them.

Chapter 55: Replaced Miracle — Part 2

Notes:

The frustration I felt when I was 3k words in on Vampire!Mirabel One-shot just for everything to be deleted is unimaginable. It’s really the heat that’s taking me out.

He needed to find Antonio to make things right. Unless…

Isabela exited her room. “What the hell are you yelling about? I shouldn’t be able to hear you in my ro…” Her voice trailed off as she stared at Camilo, her eyes widening.

Camilo looked at Isabela with a worried expression. “Isa…”

“What the fuck?” A scowl was forming on Isabela’s face. “Change back.” Isabela started walking close to him.

“You think that if I could I would.” Camilo replied, with a frown. “It’s not working! I can’t shi—“

Isabela narrowed her eyes. “She doesn’t sound nor look like that. She doesn’t have purple eyes.”

“I literally said that I can’t control my gift!” Camilo exclaimed, frustrated. “How the hell am I supposed to know what she looks and sounds like!? It’s been ten years!” He sneered. “…Anyways, have you seen Antonio!? He just suddenly left and I can’t find him!” 

“…What are you talking about? I’ve been in my room all day and I didn’t even get to say happy birthday to him.” Isabela huffed, crossing her arms. “What…?”

“Antonio!”

Both of them jumped, startled by Pepa’s lightning.

“If you want to find Antonio, ask your sister who has enhanced hearing.” 

“Do you even care!?”

“I’m not jumping into conclusions that Antonio might’ve— might’ve…whatever. If you had seen him earlier, he wouldn’t be far. I’m not the one who can hear a pin drop.” Isabela rolled her eyes. “He’s your brother, not mine.”

“Oh as if this scenario isn’t familia—“

“Familiar enough to the point that it could happen again?” Isabela scowled, giving him a sharper glare. “Don’t pull that crap with me, Camilo.” She clenched her fist. “Don’t get all hypocritical with me. Don’t you dare say any of that stuff to me. Whether or not you’ll admit it, but you’re turning more like me. Every. Single. Day.”

Camilo forced a smile. “Oh and I suppose that it’s not a good thing, is it?”

“What do you think?” Isabela scoffed. “You see her in Antonio because of the way you treat him now. That’s the exact same way I treated her. Look where that ended her. You know how I treated her, yet you’re following my footsteps. How far are you going to push him until something similar like this happens?”

“It won’t happen.”

“You treat Antonio the same way I treated her years ago. My parents can’t stand to look Antonio in his face. I don’t even talk to him much. Tía Pepa is constantly over his shoulder. Oh and here’s a bonus, he doesn’t have a gift. Antonio can’t keep up this positive attitude. It’ll be that one shove that’ll make him leave.”

Camilo pushed Isabela, making her stumble backwards. “I hate you.” He sneered. “You’re sounding like you want him to leave, Isabela.”

Isabela could only chuckle humorlessly. “I can admit how I treated her. It was never right. Unlike you. Antonio…however…it’s not like I’m hoping he’ll leave. He’s my youngest cousin. I’m saying that we could prevent all of this from happening. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did the same thing she did. Her absence changed everything. Still, in the end, we didn’t didn’t change. All of this is happening all over again.” She stared at him for a moment. “Also, don’t say things that you don’t mean, Camilo. It’ll be your biggest regret.”

“Right…like all the stuff you said to Mirabel.”

Isabela’s expression changed to anger at the mention of her youngest sister. “I never hated Mirabel!” She snapped. “When did you ever hear me say such things out of my mouth!?” Isabela growled.

“You didn’t need to say it, your actions proved it already.”

Isabela scoffed. “Oh then I might as well just say that you hate Mirabel and Antonio. After all, actions speak much louder than words.” She mocked. “Unlike you, I never told Mirabel that I hated her. I remember clearly you screaming at Mirabel that you hated her after you found out. Along with other cruel things.”

“I was dumb back then…” Camilo muttered, he regretted what he said to Mirabel when he was younger. “I didn’t mean it—“ His rage is just another form of fear.

Isabela cut him off. “She didn’t know that.” She said. “Mirabel didn’t know that. I don’t blame her for thinking that we hated her after what was said and done to her. What’s the point in apologizing when the person that I want to apologize to isn’t here? What’s the purpose of feeling…feeling regret when the person isn’t here to see. To see how sorry I am. I can’t erase the past.” Isabela’s voice shook.

“Isa…”

He immediately regretted it.

“Mirabel told me that I would get the life of my dreams and it’ll someday be mine.” Isabela suddenly said. “Mirabel told me that I didn’t have to build things that were always so exact and that my powers would grow. She promised me that one day that there'll be no complications and we’ll all be together and happy.” A small smile started to form. “For the past ten years I wondered how that could be possible if she isn’t here with us?”

…

“Our happiest time was when we all were together. Well….if we were to compare us now and when Mirabel was still here…I’ll definitely say that we were happier then. That vision…maybe one day…” Camilo hesitated, he couldn’t get the sentence. Something that he desperately wanted to believe since Mirabel’s visions always came true in one way or another.

Isabela clenched her fist. “I’d never say this to anyone, not even you. But…it’s that damn candle that ruined things.” She scowled. “Our abuela too.”

Camilo looked shocked that someone besides himself finally thought the same. He was a little bit relieved that Isabela out of all people would say that. Considering the fact that she was closest to their abuela.

“I agree…if it weren’t for the miracle…these expectations from our abuela . Maybe…just maybe, we all could’ve been happy together. Just a normal family.”

“…That was what Mirabel wanted.”  Her gaze softened. “Find your brother, Camilo. I couldn’t find my baby sister and it was already too late by then. I was terrible to her before she left. I fear that she thought I hated her before she left….where ever she is…That’s my biggest regret. Don’t keep making the same mistakes that I did, Camilo.” Isabela admitted. “I was the worst, I still am. That’s why I want to change.”

Camilo averted his gaze, opening his mouth before closing it.

Isabela noticed. “What?”

…

“Do you…do you believe that somewhere…anywhere that Mirabel is alive?”

Isabela paused, she didn’t expect that. “If- if Mirabel is alive?” She repeated, her eyes widened. That’s a question that Isabela always asked herself. It’s been ten years. She doesn’t want to believe that Mirabel died out there cruelly. She wants to believe that wherever Mirabel is at, she’s living her life to the fullest. If Mirabel left the Encanto…their abuela always said that the outside world is dangerous and that it’s separated from the Encanto. So, if Mirabel left, she wouldn’t be able to return so easily. It’s not like Mirabel would want to after how they treated her.

The chances of Mirabel being fine while living out there with nothing to defend herself is slim. She’s only fifteen years old with many creeps out there. She wants to believe that nothing bad happened to her. 

Dolores said that she couldn’t hear Mirabel. Which means that Mirabel left the Encanto or Mirabel isn’t able to make a sound anymore, meaning she’s gone.

…Did Mirabel even make it out of the Encanto alive? Did someone hurt her? Did Mirabel hurt herself? Is Mirabel alive? Did Mirabel celebrate her twenty-fifth birthday? Was she alive when she did so?

…

“I…I know that Mirabel isn’t the type of person to give up so easily. So, yes, I believe that Mirabel is somewhere out there alive. God, I hope so. I want to see just how much she’s grown. To shower her with love and apologies. Mirabel’s visions always come true. I believe that one day that she’ll come back.” Isabela let out a trembling laugh. “You think so too, no?”

“Mirabel is a tough person.” Was all that Camilo said. “If anyone were to survive out there, it’ll be her.” A small smile started to form on his face. “I got to go find Antonio now.”

“…Good luck. I’ll be looking too. Also…it’s never too late to change, to admit your wrongdoings.”

“You’re telling me that?”

“I didn’t have the chance with Mirabel. You have the chance with Antonio.”

“…You also have a chance with Antonio. None of us really treated Antonio right….we can’t lose another family member. You should also probably go get Luisa.”

“You’re right…”

Neither of them noticed the cracks starting to spread.

---

Mirabel leaned back in her chair. “Hmph, this is like one of my telenovelas. Ooh, the drama! The suspense! How will it end? Find out on the next episode o—“

“…I think I need to go back before they think I actually left.”

Mirabel nodded in agreement. “Yep.”

“Is that—“

“Not a vision, doesn’t need to be. You said it yourself, they’ll think the same.” Mirabel huffed. “Your lives are boring anyways. You all need to spice it up a bit, add some drama.” She grinned. “Wouldn’t your sister be able to cover for you?”

“The gifts are messing up. Dolores didn’t even hear me walking up to her earlier.”

“Hm, I haven't had a vision in a while. So, her hearing range is shortened, right? She wouldn’t be able to hear us. Well, she wouldn’t be able to tell where you’re at. Wow, that sucks. You’ll be in big trouble when you go back.” Mirabel said, as Antonio gave her puppy eyes. “…Stop that. I can’t go back with you. You already know why. Your mother will strike me dead with her lightning the moment she sees me next to you. I’m going to be burnt if I go out there! Especially if she finds out that I was talking to you!” Mirabel’s voice rose in panic. “I can see it now! See, this is why I can’t go back! I’ll be dead! I’d rather die in the walls than go back out there!”

…

…Was Mirabel afraid of his mother?

“Me, scared of Pepa? Pftt…why would I be scared of her? There’s no reason to fear her besides that she could strike you with lightning! Yep, that’s a totally reasonable fear! You know how people are scared of lightning! Perfectly rational fear! Not Pepa! Nope! Not at all! That’s family! Only lightning!”

Antonio mentally facepalmed when he realized he spoke out loud. He was feeling even more bad for Mirabel. She was also a bad liar and wanted to avoid his mother. She mostly seemed to freeze up when the topic of his mother and their abuela.

“…Maybe I am a bit squeamish when it comes to Pepa. No offense to you! Pepa is like cool in all, just- just not my…not in my favor. She’s strict and always keeps me on my toes.” Mirabel sighed in exasperation, shaking her head at Antonio’s expression. “You don’t look like you believe me. What reason would I have to fear Pepa? It’s the same as getting scared when somebody is yelling at you. It’s nothing serious.”

“That’s not- that’s not normal or okay at all. I’m not really good at- uh, doing this. But I don’t think it’s normal to be scared when someone yells at you…”

“Hah…maybe it’s not a bit normal. But it’s perfectly fine! You’re making it sound as if I was abused. I wasn’t. I was honestly more scared of being a disappointment.” Mirabel laughed, she stopped once she realized Antonio wasn’t laughing. “Sorry, bad joke. Seriously, it's fine. I just see too much of your abuela in Pepa. Which is probably not a good thing to say— well, I know that Alma genuinely wants what's best for everyone…just didn’t do it well. Ended badly because of me.”

“…Mirabel, what happened to you wasn’t right nor was it your fault.” Antonio said softly. “I don’t remember much from ten years ago, but what happened wasn’t right. You weren’t to blame either. It’s just…just u-unfair…” Antonio sniffled.

Mirabel jumped, looking at Antonio with widened eyes. “H-hey, it’s okay, I’m here. You don’t need to burden yourself with this.” She tried to comfort him. “Yeah it’s unfair, but…”

“This wouldn’t have happened if they treated you right. A-and it’s just not f-fair. It w-wasn’t your fault either. I don’t know how they can just b-blame you.” Antonio started wiping at his eyes, as Mirabel tried to calm him down. “H-how could they do that to you? Over a vision? Something that you had no control over?”

“Shh, shh, it’s okay, Antonio.”

“It’s not okay! If they didn’t treat you that way, you wouldn’t be staying in the walls because of them!”

“Well….yeah, that’s true in all. But—“

“How can you not hate us!?”

…

“I….”

---

“…I see too much of Mirabel in Antonio.” Julieta whimpered.

“I know.”

“Why….why is it so hard? If I were a good mother, M-Mirabel wouldn’t have left….Agustín, I miss her s-so m-much.”

“I know…” Agustín rubbed his wife’s back soothingly, he needed to be strong for her. “I miss her too. I regret every single moment when I saw how down she was and how her gift affected her, but couldn’t help her. Every single day, it eats me alive…knowing that…maybe…maybe she still would be here if I was there for her…If I had shown her that she wasn’t alone in this…that we had her back and would be there for her…she would still be here.”

“B-But, Agustín… I saw how she was suffering and I didn’t help her enough! I- I’m a terrible m-mother! What type of m-mother doesn’t help their d-daughter when t-they’re struggling!? What type of m-mother has a daughter r-run away from them!? That says it all! I-I’m a bad m-mom.” 

“If you’re a bad mother then I’m a bad father.” Agustín mumbled. “You’re not all to blame. We both should’ve been there for her. Mirabel should have never endured any of that alone. She should have n-never thought that she was alone in this house. We should have never let it go that far.” It was harsh but it was the truth.

“I-I’d do a-anything to go back in t-time and make things r-right.” Julieta said lowly.  “Why… d-didn’t we h-help her when she m-most needed I-it? I could’ve prevented this- I could’ve done something! I don’t even even know if she’s alive or not, Agustín! What if my baby is hurt somewhere!? What if something terrible happened to her!? All because of us!”

“Julieta….I wish I also knew that answer.” Agustín smiled sadly. He didn’t want to lie to his wife. How could he lie to Julieta when he didn’t know the truth himself? If something did happen to Mirabel, it would no doubt be their fault. “Let’s say that Mirabel is out there, alive…what would that change for us? We wouldn’t know. It’s harsh but…Mirabel wouldn’t want to contact us after what happened to her….so…”

Julieta looked at Agustín with watery eyes. “S-So…?” She repeated in confusion.

Agustín gulped, looking nervous. He soon held Julieta’s hands.

“We failed with Mirabel and we can’t…can’t always drown ourselves in misery because of what we did and couldn’t do. We still have our family, two daughters. We can’t neglect them the same way we did with Mirabel. We can’t keep making the same mistakes. We can’t lose Isabela and Luisa. As long as both of us are alive…as long as we’re willing, we can heal. All of us.”

“Are you saying that—

“I’m not saying we should forget about Mirabel and move on. I know that both of us can never forget Mirabel.” Agustín interrupted. “I’m saying that we should focus on what’s around us. We can’t lose anyone else. We need to see someone. Everyone else is struggling, not just us, even if they try to hide it. We can take the first step into helping them.”

Julieta looked reluctant as she stared off into space. She knows that Agustín means well and she knows that she can’t spend the rest of her life dwelling on what happened to Mirabel while not being there for her other daughters. Who are also struggling. She suddenly feels guilty for not being there for them. She’s supposed to be the adult. Even if she’s still in grief, she’s supposed to be there for them. She’s supposed to help them and comfort them. Losing their sister, who was only fifteen years old, has been shocking and devastating.

It’s not too late to make things right, is it..? They can still heal, right…?

“Okay…” It felt as if she was reliving a bit of pressure at least. “Okay.” She repeated more firmly. “I’ll do it. We’ll do it.” The question is, who to start with? There’s a chance to heal, to make things better. There was still part of Julieta that just couldn’t face Pepa without getting angry. She couldn’t face Pepa’s side of the family normally. They all definitely needed therapy.

…

Agustín glanced away from Julieta, looking behind her. “Julie…” His grip around her hands tightened.

“…Hm?”

“We need to get out…I don’t think it’s normal to have cracks in the roo—“ Before Agustín could finish, the inside of their room started shaking, things getting knocked off the dresser. It only lasted for a few seconds. “…Yeah, that’s not normal. Let’s go.”

---

Bruno looked at the sky, noticing it getting darker. He let out a sigh. He was already on his way to Casita, so he could wish Antonio a happy birthday. What could have possibly upset Pepa on her son’s birthday?

A man named Arturo walked up to Bruno.

“What’s wrong with Pepa today? I thought there would’ve been at least one day without any rain. Honestly, I should’ve known that I was hoping for too much. Well, since you’re on your way. I like the sun more than the rain. Tell Pepa to get the rain under control.”

Bruno wasn’t fond of Arturo. Arturo also didn’t like him either. It was like he was never satisfied. No matter what. With any of their gifts actually. He only seemed to put up with Isabela, since she was close to his mother. He blamed Mirabel for their deaths and everything else.

One thing that Bruno didn’t tolerate was disrespect to his family.

Bruno glared at Arturo. “I don’t care what you like more. I also don’t control Pepa, she’s her own person. I haven’t spoken to her in a while either. If my sister’s upset, I’ll go see what’s making her feel down and ask her about it. When you’re sad, you don’t see me telling you to stop crying because it’s souring everyone else's mood. Deal with the rain.”

Something inside of Arturo snapped. “If Doña Alma was alive, she wouldn’t let this happen! Pepa shouldn’t have been matriarch! It should've been Julieta! Not that weather witch!” He yelled. “All you do is talk to animals! Nothing useful besides getting kittens out of trees! Julieta or Isabela should’ve been matriarch! Not someone who could make a hurricane just because she got upset from tripping on a twig!”

“I don’t recall you being so close to my mother. I’m her son. I think that I’ll know her better than a stranger.” Bruno sneered. “Also my sister isn’t a weather witch or whatever you’d like to call her. Julieta was the one who stepped down and Pepa was willing to take over. I’d know my family better than you. You better watch your mouth!” He exclaimed. “Have you forgotten who you are speaking to? Just because I moved out of Casita doesn’t mean I’m not a Madrigal. I’m still a Madrigal whether you like that or not. You’re someone who took advantage of our gifts for far too long! Don’t ask for our help any time soon unless you’re on the brink of death!”

Arturo blinked in surprise as he didn’t expect Bruno to actually say something back. Just then Arturo registered Bruno’s words about not being able to ask for help from the Madrigals. “W-wait!”

“There’s other doctors in town, you can heal naturally. You don’t need Julieta for every single bruise. Water the fields regularly. People weren’t always using a woman to rain on their friends. Buy or plant flowers yourself. You don’t need Luisa for everything. You don’t see people outside of the Encanto moving their bridge every day because they didn’t like the lightning. Actually take care of your children instead of having Camilo take your place. That’s your child, not his.” Bruno looked down at Arturo with a disgusted look. “I don’t like people who think they can use my family however they want.” Bruno began walking away, not paying attention to the crowd and making his way to Casita.

Bruno was pretty annoyed and the rain didn’t look like it’ll stop anytime soon. 

Arturo’s eye twitched, his blood boiling from anger. “Fuck! If only one of you Madrigals had the gift of bringing back the dead! At least when Félix was alive, she had someone who could calm her down! God, this is so annoying! If only that fre—“

He didn’t get to finish as a jaguar pounced on him, making him scream.

Well that escalated quickly.

Bruno sharply glared at him. “Finish that sentence. I fucking dare you to. Even Julieta’s food won’t be able to heal you. Finish what you were about to say. You’re not a Madrigal, you’re not even anyone important either. You don’t have any rights to input your dumb thoughts in our business. You don’t know my family personally. So stop acting like you’re close with them. Our business has nothing to do with you.” He hissed out. “Don’t mention any of their names. It’s not respectful to have such a vile man speaking of the deceased…well, not unless the certain vile man is also deceased…”

“Y-y-you w-wouldn’t!”

“I wouldn’t?”

“Y-you’re a M-Madrigal! Y-You’ll g-get— get i-in t-trouble! Y-you w-won’t!”

“Let’s see what’ll get done faster. My dear friend biting down on your neck or any of my family members arriving. It’ll take you less than five minutes to bleed out if he took a bite out of your neck. Hm, I know that most of my family is inside Casita. They wouldn’t be able to get you in time. As far as I’m concerned, Luisa is the only one out. I have nothing to lose.” A grin slowly crept on Bruno’s face. “So, let me ask you again…do you think I won’t do it?”

Arturo looked around frantically as people began to step back.

“Even if someone was to stop me, they can’t stop a jaguar. You’ll be a goner before anything happens to me.” Bruno hummed in amusement. “I don’t think my family would take this so kindly if the town started to hurt one of their own after everything we’ve done for you all. You wanna start a riot? We’ll win, no questions asked.” He grinned.

Bruno wasn’t serious. He didn’t want to get charged with murder. But he was serious when it came to his family. Arturo doesn’t know anything about his family. So how dare he speak of their names so carelessly?

“W-wait- I-I-I’m sorry!” Arturo looked as if he was about to piss himself. Considering that there was a jaguar on top of him, he couldn’t blame him for that.

“About wh—“

“Tío Bruno! What’s wrong?”

Bruno turned around to see Luisa moving through the crowd, looking at him with a concerned expression. She clearly didn’t notice— never mind.

Luisa glanced down, noticing Bruno’s personal pet jaguar, Parce on top of a man, baring its teeth at him. Pretty threatening. “Uh…what’s happening here?” 

“H-help me! He’s fucking crazy!” Arturo screamed, making Parce growl at the man. That shut him up quickly.

Guess he didn’t mean that apology either.

“Uhm…” Luisa stared at Arturo with a slightly irritated expression. One thing that she and Bruno had in common was that they didn’t tolerate disrespect towards family. “What?” She then turned to Bruno, not wanting to hear any more from Arturo.

“C’mon, Parce, get off him.” Bruno said, the jaguar immediately getting off Arturo at Bruno’s words. Arturo took the chance to run off. “I was just heading to Casita and…”

“You want me to walk you there?”

“I can walk on my own….sure.”

Once they started walking away from the crowd, Luisa started speaking.

“…I don’t think our family would like you threatening people now.”

“Yeah…I know. I was bluffing about the killing part, but they didn't know that. That’s what he gets for trying to act like he knows it all. Let that be a lesson learned. Not just to him, but the people around.” Bruno said. “…Please don’t do what I just did…I don’t want you going around threatening people because of me. I can’t be a bad influence…you think I went too far?”

Luisa was quiet for a moment. “A little bit, yeah. I wasn’t there to see what happened, but I know it’s out of your character to send Parce at someone. He did something to get on your nerves, did he not? Actually, I doubt you would send Parce at someone because they annoyed you. Must’ve been something serious.”

“Mhm…”

“Why are you headed towards Casita— not that you’re not welcome! It’s just…that you haven’t been there in a while.”

“It’s fine, I know what you mean. It’s Antonio’s birthday, so I wanted to wish him a happy birthday.” Bruno told her. “…Though I’m also trying to figure out what possibly could have upset Pepa today. Do you know why?”

Luisa shook her head. “I thought tía was fine before I left out.” She shrugged. “Hm…there’s still things that need to be done in town. After I walk you to Casita, I’ll head back out. I don’t think tía Pepa needs me to comfort her.” 

“You’re not close to her?”

“Uh, I wasn’t really close to her at all.” Luisa said sheepishly. “I don’t really see tía much because I’m doing my duties and we don’t talk when we do.” She admitted.

Bruno went silent for a moment. It was strange. “Alright….I don’t go out of town much. Every time I do, you’re working. Why don’t you take a break?

“Take a break? No no, I can’t do that. I’m far too busy and people need help. I take a break when I eat, shower and eat. That’s enough breaks. Anyone could need my help or be in danger.” Luisa said. “I also don’t want to disappoint….never mind.”

“Disappoint who?”

Luisa shook her head. “It’s nothing. A slip of tongue. Don’t pay any mind to it.” She seemed a little nervous. She saw her uncle’s expression. “Really, it’s nothing!” 

Bruno still didn’t believe her. “You’re not going to escape this conversation later on.” Bruno saw that she wasn’t going to budge anytime soon.

Luisa sighed. “Oka…”

“Hermanita!”

Both of them turned towards Isabela waving at them.

“Isabela?” Luisa murmured, she was looking at Isabela strangely. Isabela hasn't personally called her that in years. She looked at Bruno. 

“Seems like your sister needs you. I’ll go check on Pepa, you see what Isabela needs. I’ll be fine.” Bruno smiled softly, before he began to walk away.

“Bru— “ Luisa repeated, before stopping mid-sentence. 

Bruno turned around just in time to see Isabela tackling Luisa in a hug.

That made Bruno smile.

He hadn’t seen that kind of affection from them in years. It was nice. It made him wonder, where did that sudden change come from?

He turned away, continuing his walk inside of Casita.

Did something terrible happen? Pepa was always a bit…sensitive. Ever since Pepa became matriarch, she became more stern. She hid her emotions more. More like their mother. 

“Pepa!” He called out, hoping that he’ll be able to locate he— nevemind.

He found her fairly easily.

Well, when Pepa’s upset, it’s pretty easy to find where she’s at.

Bruno noticed the small storm surrounding Pepa. His sister still hadn’t noticed him and was fanatically muttering to herself and moving around. “Pepa!” He wasn’t sure if she would be able to hear him.

Though, Pepa was always good at listening to her family’s voices.

Pepa’s movements briefly stopped. “Bruno…?” She muttered though Bruno couldn’t hear her due to the weather. “Bruno, what are you doing here!?” She raised her voice, so he could hear her.

“What? I can’t show up to Casita anymore?” Bruno asked jokingly, trying to calm Pepa down. “I came here for you- well, Antonio, but I noticed that you’re upset! What’s wrong!? It’s not like you to get so upset on Antonio’s birthday!”

“I can’t find Antonio!” Pepa practically yelled.

Bruno’s eyes widened. “…What?”

That only seemed to worsen her mood.

“I’m scared that he’s gone! That he left like her! I can’t let that happen a-again! I can’t calm down either because I’m panicking so much meaning that Dolores can’t listen out for him! And it’s all my fault!”

“Her…?”

He knew who her was.

Bruno could see the tears welling up in Pepa’s eyes. Mirabel’s situation….there was a reason that he moved out to the outskirts of the Encanto after Mirabel left. He never was well liked by the townspeople and by his mother. He didn’t agree with his mother’s decisions at all. Once his mother and Félix died and Pepa took over….he knew things were going to go bad.

He did his best to comfort Mirabel, to be there for her after most of their family blamed her. It never worked out. Mirabel’s gift and their family’s mistreatment took a toll on her. He doesn’t know what exactly went down at Antonio's ceremony. All he knows is that Antonio’s door faded and Mirabel left somewhere and never came back.

His biggest regret was not checking on her. He suspects that Pepa said something to her, since he saw Pepa go where Mirabel went shortly after Mirabel left. 

“Mirabel!”

…

Bruno sighed.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat anything and say that you weren’t at fault because you were. What you did and said to Mirabel was wrong and she was only a child.” Bruno said bluntly. “You can’t erase what you said and did to her. Forget your pride for a moment.”

“Bruno…”

“What makes you think that Antonio will do the same thing that Mirabel had done? He isn’t Mirabel.” Bruno questioned, he hardened his gaze. “I haven’t been in Casita for a while. If you treated Antonio like he should be treated then there should be no reason to think that he ran away. That he went down the same path Mirabel did. Answer me, Pepa. Why do you think that Antonio ran away if you all treated him just right? Surely you all wouldn’t want to make the same mistake twice.”

Pepa froze, her hands trembling.

Bruno looked behind Pepa, noticing cracks across the wall and ceiling.

What..? That wasn’t always there, was it?

“I’ve been a terrible sister, mother, and aunt!” Pepa cried out, startling Bruno from her outburst. “I know that Mirabel isn’t at fault! She wasn’t to blame when Félix died and she brought up that she hid the blame! I was just so- so angry and I wasn’t thinking clearly! I’ve never had control over my own emotions! I’m not trying to say that I’m not at fault because I know it’s my fault that Mirabel left! The way I treated her wasn’t right!”

Bruno had to agree with those words. The way Pepa treated Mirabel definitely wasn’t right. Bruno still felt like he was at fault in some way. He could’ve prevented it. Done something.

“I’ve— I’ve b-been so w-worried about l-losing someone e-else! That I l-lost myself completely! I thought I was doing the right thing! I thought that I was protecting A-Antonio! I—“ Pepa stopped talking, tears streaming down her cheeks. “…I caused t-them even more p-pain, d-didn’t I? I caused so much pain to Julieta and everyone else.” Pepa broke down. “It’s all my fault.”

Bruno crouched down. “Not all your fault. I’ll admit it, the way you treated Mirabel wasn’t right. After Mirabel left, the way that you dealt with everyone else wasn’t right. The same goes with the others. The way they treated Mirabel wasn’t right and how they dealt with it wasn’t right. You’re not completely at fault, Pepa, but you do play a part in it. We all did.”

“Bruno….” She whimpered.

“I’m going to be blunt, feel free to smack me later on. Mamá played a major role in this. Mamá didn’t like Mirabel nor did she like her gift. Well, mamá thought that Mirabel’s gift was going to be great for the town until they started getting ‘bad’ visions. Mamá was the one who always criticized Mirabel for giving out those visions and letting the rumors spread. Mamá was the one who purposely ignored and excluded Mirabel from the rest. She was the one who wanted to separate the others from Mirabel due to her being bad luck.”

Pepa always knew that her mother didn’t have a favorable opinion on Mirabel. Out of everyone, her mother seemed to have it out for Mirabel. She never questioned it. At the time, she was glad it wasn’t her. It was a selfish thought.

“Yes, you lost your way, Pepa. We all did. I didn’t need Mirabel’s gift to see that everything will go wrong from our mamá’s actions. I just didn’t expect this outcome….though I am glad that Mirabel left because of the way she was being treated.” Bruno said. “But….Whatever you said it Mirabel that night was just the tipping point. Like I said, Antonio isn’t Mirabel. It’s not too late to make amends with that and become a better person. Sure, Julieta might not forgive you, but you can’t really blame her. You can’t always be stuck in the past while focusing on the future. You need to focus on what’s right in front of you now. Not what will be or what used to be. If you keep going the way you’re going, you’re going to lose someone else. And it won’t be Antonio either.”

…

After a few seconds of silence, Pepa responded. “…You think so? You r-really think that it’s not too late for me? That I can change? That I can make things rig— “ Pepa was interrupted by a loud creaking. “Was that—“

Both of them were startled when Casita began shaking and a pot fell over, the glass shattering.

---

“I…”

Antonio and Mirabel froze as they heard Pepa. Antonio looked at Mirabel, just then did he realize that Mirabel’s body was shaking. Mirabel’s eyes were widened at Pepa’s confession and hadn’t comprehended the tears that started to form.

“M-Mirabel…”

“I- I hadn’t realized just how much hearing this would affect me.” Mirabel’s voice trembled, a shaky smile on her face. It was something that she always wanted to hear.

Antonio just realized the similarities between her and his aunt, Julieta. Mirabel took after Julieta in appearance. That same sad expression. She really takes after her.

“I’d forgive them in a heartbeat. It’s stupid, I know. I shouldn’t forgive them after all they’ve done to me, but they’re our family. I was always taught to forgive and forget. I can’t erase that part of me so easily.”

“Y-You don’t h-have to—“

“I know I don’t have to. I should resent them after all they’ve done to me. I shouldn’t forgive them at all. I should hate them like you said. But…but that just isn’t me. I just can’t… no matter what. I’m not naive, I’m not gullible either. I’m just weak in the heart. I tried to be angry at them, but it only lasted a short period of time. It wasn’t worth it and I always thought that I was at fault. So I cling to that one strand of hope and pray that one day it’ll all be over. That we all will be happy one day regardless of what happened in the past. I’d rather ignore what they did to me than resent them. In the end, it’ll hurt me even more…I know.”

…

“…What if it was me?” Antonio sniffled.

“What…?”

Antonio cleared his throat. “What if I was treated badly because I don’t have a gift? If I was ignored? Pushed to the side and mistreated? Would you let that happen to me?”

“I would never let that happen to you! I—“ Mirabel paused, staring at Antonio in shock. “You…you got me there.”

“That’s exactly what happened to you, Mirabel.” Antonio frowned. “You would want to help me. You would never let that happen to me. I want to help you, Mirabel. You mean so much to me.”

Mirabel stared at Antonio in silence.

Antonio felt his cheeks heating up in embarrassment. Maybe it was a bit too sudden.

“Oh.”

“Oh in a bad way or a good way?” Antonio questioned, feeling panic rise within himself.

“Oh as in I’m about to cry because you’re way too sweet. Oh as in I’m wondering what did I do to deserve such a sweet little cousin.” Mirabel wiped away her tears. “Definitely in a good way.” She said. “Can I…can I hug you, Toñito?” She asked, looking awkward.

“Yeah, you don’t even need to ask.” Antonio said, welcoming Mirabel into an embrace.

Mirabel seemed a bit uncomfortable, before she relaxed into the hug.

Antonio looked up, seeing cracks that weren't patched up. “Hah….those cracks weren’t always there, were they?”

Mirabel took a step back. “What?” She looked where Antonio was pointing. “Fuc…funny! That’s funny, it wasn’t there earlier.” Mirabel laughed nervously. “I think that this is a definite sign that you need to go. Like actually go.”

“What? Why?”

“Well, not to cause panic, which I’m totally panicking right now, but my vision is happening right now.”

“…Meaning…?”

“Meaning that Casita is going to fall!”

Notes:

I don’t think I’ll have any of them have the argument with Pepa. Originally it was going to be Antonio with Pepa. But since Bruno had that conversation with Pepa, I decided to change it. It’s not all set to stone. But they all will have the conversation that they all needed. Mirabel is going to be forced to make an appearance soon.

Chapter 56: If Isabela & Mirabel Swapped Bodies

Summary:

For an idea, you did Mirabel and Bruno swapping bodies not what about Isabela and Mirabel swapping bodies? Pre-movie. Mirabel wants Isabela’s gift and admiration and Isabela wants Mirabel’s freedom and both make a wish to the candle for what the other has. So the miracle has them walk in each other’s shoes and they realise it’s not what it seems.

Notes:

I honestly need more bitter Mirabel prompts

Mirabel watched Isabela from a distance with an unreadable expression. She watched as their abuela looked at Isabela with an adoring expression. It was an expression that hadn’t been directed towards her from abuela in years.

She’d do anything to get her abuela to look at her like that. If her abuela just gave her one chance, she’d show her that she’s more than that giftless Madrigal. That she amounts to more!

Mirabel found herself apologizing for this she didn’t start, found herself helping around and looking for something productive to do. She found herself doing things she shouldn’t have to do. All to prove her worth.

It was tiring.

She tried to keep to herself. To ignore how much it hurts. She tried so hard, yet it never stopped.

…Just one chance.

She’d shine brighter than ever.

If only she had a gift.

A gift like Isabela’s.

She knew that things would’ve been different. She would’ve been treated better by everyone, by her abuela.

Mirabel wondered what it would be like to be in Isabela’s shoes just for a day. To be showered with affection and actually seen. To have a gift that’s admired by everyone. To do nothing and be loved by all.

Mirabel let out a laugh. It was stupid. She doesn’t know what she’s thinking.

She couldn’t do anything about her life. She was overreacting. She’s sensitive and exaggerating things. There’s no way that she’s being treated badly. She’s being fed, she’s living in a house. Being ignored for a while is nothing compared to other people.  

Even if she was treated badly by the people around her, she must’ve been at fault.

She turned around, walking back to Casita. She’ll go to sleep earlier. It’s not like anyone would notice that she’s not out.

…

Isabela nodded to whatever her abuela said with a smile on her face. It’s obvious that she’s expected to play a role, always, and she was expected to do it forever when marrying Mariano.

Well, if it was obvious then everyone would’ve known how much Isabela hated being perfect. How she didn’t have her own life and only did what was told to maintain perfection.

She watched as Mirabel walked off, she suppressed her scowl. Mirabel was probably on her way to cause even more trouble.

She just didn’t understand why Mirabel kept trying so hard. All she had to do was stay out of the way. Yet she kept managing to get in the way and bothering everyone. 

Since Mirabel doesn’t have a gift, she’s free from everything yet she chooses to not use her freedom wisely. Unlike her, some people can’t roam around freely without being judged. She can’t simply get in trouble and walk away with a slap on the wrist.

Honestly, if she was in Mirabel’s shoes. She wouldn’t be doing anything that Mirabel does. She’d be enjoying her freedom, getting a hobby, and having a relationship with someone that she actually loves. Mirabel could do all of that yet she chooses to get in the way and cause more problems.

“That’ll be nice, no?”

Her day goes the same.

Wake up. Smile. Eat. Agree to everything her abuela says. Smile. Go on a date with Mariano. Eat. Smile. Shower. Go to bed.

Repeat it.

“I think it’ll be absolutely wonderful.” Isabela smiled, she wasn’t paying attention to anything being said, but that doesn’t matter.

She couldn’t wait for this day to be over with.

Only for the cycle to repeat.

---

When Isabela opened her eyes, she didn’t understand where she was. She immediately sat up.

Why was she in the nursery?

Isabela doesn’t remember walking to the nursery to go to sleep. She knows that nobody besides Luisa is capable of picking her up.

If her abuela found her in the nursery, she’d be in trouble.

She looked around.

Wouldn’t Mirabel wake her up since she took the bed?

…Wait. Did she get shorter? There’s no way that she’s able to fit on the bed in the nursery anymore.

Her vision was also blurred, it was probably because she just woke up. Very blurred.

She stood up.

Wait, she actually got shorter. Too short.

What the hell was happening?

She looked around, searching for a mirror.

There—

…Mirabel?

Startled, she turned around only to find nobody behind her. What? She looked at the mirror once again. The reflection staring at her with widened eyes.

…

Was this one of those dreams? Wait, could someone even be aware that they’re dreaming in a dream?

Isabela reached up to touch her- Mirabel’s face. It was very realistic.

“What the hell?” Isabela murmured, instead of her own voice coming out, it was Mirabel’s.

Isabela looked around, it was night. She quickly opened the door and rushed towards her room.

This can’t be happening.

When she went inside her room, she found herself asleep peacefully.

She couldn’t hold back her scream.

Fortunately the door was closed and their rooms were soundproof.

She immediately sprung up, looking at her. “What’s with the- the— me? This isn’t some weird dream, is it?”

“Wait, hold up…Mirabel?” Isabela questioned, looking at herself, who was looking at her with a weird expression.

“Yes, of course I’m Mirabel- wait, why do I sound like Isabela?” Mirabel frowned. “Camilo?”

“Wrong Madrigal. Try the name of the body you’re in.” Isabela said dryly.

“Isabela!? Why are you in my body!? Why am I in your body!?” Mirabel exclaimed.

“Hey, that’s what I would like to know! I wouldn’t purposely be in your body! What did you do!?”

Mirabel scoffed. “As if I would want to be in your body! I literally just woke up to you yelling.” 

“This is a disaster…” Isabela mumbled, before looking at Mirabe— herself. “Hey, don’t make that expression on my face.” Isabela scowled.

Mirabel rolled her eyes. “What expression? That’s my resting face.”

“You’re making me look stupid. You look like a stupid little kicked puppy.” Isabela said.

“Stupid little kicked puppy?” Mirabel repeated. “Okay, ouch, that’s just not nice.”  She said. 

“You’re ridiculously short too.” Isabela said, as she literally had to look up at herself. 

“You all are just tall. I consider myself at an average height.”

“You’re five foot two.”

“Hey! That’s average and I’m still growing.” Mirabel huffed.

“Whatever. We tell nobody about this. Nobody needs to know and we just figure out how we can change back. I do not want to be stuck in a fifteen year old girl’s body.” Isabela hardened her gaze. “Meaning that you need to act like me.”

“What? How am I supposed to act like you?”

“Do what you’re told. Straight posture. Be polite. Be graceful. Smile all the time, even when you’re upset. Don’t do or say anything stupid. I don’t need my reputation being ruined because you’re in my body.” Isabela listed off. “Just don’t be yourself. Simple as that.”

“Oka—“ Mirabel paused, staring at Isabe— her face.

Isabela’s eye twitched, as a flower was in her mouth. She spit it out. “Mira—“

“That was an accident! I swear! I don’t even know how to control your gift!” Mirabel exclaimed, defending herself.

Isabela sighed. “That’s also a problem. You’ll need to learn how to control my gift. If you’re going to act like me.”

“How?”

“You ask too many questions.”

“Was I not supposed to ask how because I don’t know how to control your gift!?”

---

Pretending to be Mirabel is going to be easy, Isabela thought. All she had to do was just stay out the way and do her own thing.

That’s easy enough!

…It’s Mirabel pretending to be her that’ll be tough. Hopefully, Mirabel won’t screw it up.

She glanced at Mirabel, who was in her body as their abuela was telling them their chores for the day. 

Surprisingly, Mirabel seemed to be doing fine. She sat up straight, a smile on her face as she listened to their abuela talk.

“Ah, and of course, mi flor, you’ll be with me today. You know señora Mónica, don’t you? She’s getting married soon and she wants everything perfect.” Alma said.

“Yes, I’m pretty familiar with her, abuela. I’ll make sure that nothing is out of place. It’ll be the most enchanting wedding for her.” Mirabel smiled politely. “I’m more than pleased to help señora Mónica with her wedding.”

Isabela was surprised with how well Mirabel responded with that. Though she could still see that Mirabel was nervous. 

Under the table, Mirabel’s hands were fidgeting, her leg silently bouncing on the floor. She’s not sure how Dolores didn’t snap yet.

Mirabel can not ruin their cover.

Thankfully, their abuela’s attention was directed to someone else, as she gave out the rest of their duties.

Well, everyone but her.

Isabela was confused. Did abuela forget to mention her? No…she couldn’t have. It seemed like it was intentional. Her abuela didn’t even give her a glance. Did their abuela always exclude Mirabel from duties? Lucky her.

But Isabela couldn’t ignore that sharp pain that ran through her chest. It was sudden. It wasn’t too painful, but it was definitely something that she felt instantly.

Was Mirabel hurt somewhere?

She took a bite of her mother’s cooking. The aching pain still didn’t disappear. 

What?

Was this how Mirabel’s morning went?

Her abuela soon dismissed everyone. 

She didn’t miss how her mother shot her a concerned look.

She wasn’t jealous because her mother hadn't sent her a look like that in years. Definitely not. Her parents made it obvious that Mirabel was their favorite. They don’t even bother to spend much time with her and Luisa anymore.

Yeah, Mirabel’s giftless. So what? She’s not fragile.

She went outside.

What does Mirabel even do— oh yeah, just get in everyone’s way.

Isabela would be lying if she said she wasn’t a little excited. The things she could do! She probably should be figuring out how to turn back. But she’d be damned if she doesn’t enjoy her freedom for a day!

What should she do? She’s obviously going to avoid getting in the others’ way.

What was there to do?

She personally didn’t know what to do with her freedom now that she has it.

She was stuck up with being perfect and preparing herself for marriage and everything else.

She never had the time to think for herself.

Why should she enjoy this freedom when it’ll be taken from her sooner or later?

“Look, it’s the giftless Madrigal.” Someone snickered.

Isabela didn’t really pay attention to it at first, before she actually realized what they said. “Excuse me?”

She recognized him and not for good reasons. In her body, abuela told her not to interact with him because of his reputation.

Dante was around Mirabel’s age, a year older. He managed to tarnish the little reputation by messing around with girls and drinking.

She doesn’t understand how someone could let their kids get out of hand.

“You heard me, you giftless freak.” Dante smirked, as he eyed Mirabel . 

Oh come on, the day just started.

“Hah?” Isabela wouldn’t be mad if it was directed towards her. She was taught self-control. But Mirabel? Her baby sister? As much as Mirabel is annoying and gets on her nerves. She wouldn’t allow anyone else to mess with her. Was Mirabel getting bullied and she was unaware of it? “If I remember correctly, you also don’t have a gift.”

“W-what?” Dante sputtered, not expecting Mirabel to say anything back before reclaiming his cool. “Hm, but I wasn’t expected to have a gift.”

“Yeah, I know. You weren’t expected to have a gift meaning that my status is none of your business.” Isabela replied. “And if we really were to call someone a freak, it’d be you….I mean, what type of person cheats on his girlfriend with no remorse? Not to mention underage drinking. It makes me wonder how someone like you is roaming around with no shame. You really have no self-respect….I dislike people like you the most.” Isabela scowled.

“Hah! Looks like you finally grew a pair!” Dante laughed, as Isabela looked at him with an unamused expression. His expression turned serious, as if he was trying to intimidate her. “You think you’re better than me, you worthless Madrigal? I honestly don’t know why the Madrigals kept you around for so long. If it was me, you would’ve been thrown out. Oh, nevermind, I know. It’s because they pity you.”

The ache in Isabela’s chest was growing.

“I honestly don’t know why your parents kept you around for so long. If it was me, you would’ve been thrown out.” Isabela mocked. “Seriously, being giftless is better than being like you.” 

She shouldn’t be starting arguments. Well, she didn’t start the argument, Dante did. She wouldn’t be in trouble for defending herself.

Dante had a wide grin on his face. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but it won’t end well for you. All I have to do is snitch on you to your grandmother and you’ll be in trouble!”

“Really—“

“She’ll believe me too.” Dante cut her off. “It’s known that she doesn’t like you. Doesn’t matter the reputation, you’ll always be in the wrong. And you’ll accept it like a good little girl.”

Isabela rolled her eyes. Oh man, he was cocky. “Yeah, but I also have a cousin who can hear everything. You’ll be the one getting in trouble once the truth comes out.”

Instead of backing off, Dante cackled. “Yeah right! She didn’t listen or help you out before. Why do you think she’ll help you now? You’ve gotten bold, but even more stupider.”

…What is he talking about? He was insulting Mirabel this entire time. She couldn’t stand it any longer.

Isabela’s eyes twitched. “I’m going to fucking kill you—“

---

Mirabel didn’t know why, but being Isabela, she felt strangely empty. Like a part of her was missing.

Mirabel’s smile began to strain from smiling so much.

She should be happy, but all she was doing was following her abuela around and making flowers to show off.

Being in Isabela’s body was just…boring. She was more like a puppet for their abuela to show off.

…Was this how Isabela felt?

Of course not, Isabela has the best gift and had it the easiest out of everyone. Well, Antonio had it the easiest. Still her point stands!

Yeah, this was already boring.

“You’re excited to get engaged? Our perfect Isabela deserves the most perfect man.” Alma smiled warmly. “Ah, I can’t wait. Thinking about future children is exciting. Love is truly an amazing thing.”

Mirabel didn’t think being in Isabela’s body would affect her feelings. Mariano is older than her and she has no desire to get in a relationship with him. Right now, Mirabel feels trapped.

It wasn’t her own feelings of course. If anything, she’d be feeling disgusted instead of trapped. Why would she be feeling trapped?

“Yes, Mariano is a wonderful man.” Mirabel’s mouth was just moving at this point. She didn’t even have to mean it. But…What she was saying doesn’t match how she was feeling. “I can’t wait to finally get married to him.”

Though she hardly sees Isabela and Mariano together without one of their abuelas by their side. She doesn’t even know how they started dating. It honestly seemed like Mariano was too much of a dork for Isabela. Well she thinks that Mariano deserves better.

“Are you thinking of any names?”

“Names?”

“For your children.”

“Ah, isn’t it a bit too early to decide names? We’re not even fully married yet.” Mirabel smiled sheepishly.

“It’s never too early to decide names for your children, Isabela. Would you rather be unprepared and stressed when it comes to that time instead of prepared? Though I suppose you’re right. It’ll probably be better to decide that with Mariano.” Alma hummed.

Yeah, Mirabel didn’t want to get married any time soon. The boys around her age were either total jerks, didn’t like her, or would marry her for the Madrigal title. Mirabel knew that she was going to be single for a while unless her abuela arranged a marriage for her.

“Yes, you’re right, abuela. It’s not harmful to start planning early. Better early than late.”

“Right.”

“Uhm, abuela…”

Both of them turned to Dolores, who was looking sheepish.

“Dolores, what are you doing?”

“Ah…well Mirabel got into a fight.” Dolores said, before shaking her head. “Well, not a fight but an argument with Dante Rivera. Some unpleasant words are being said to each other and they’re getting kind of…loud with each other. And…Dante Rivera doesn’t hesitate to put his hands on…women.” She finished off hesitantly. “It’ll end in a fight if they keep it up.”

Mirabel’s eyes widened. She recognized Dante as one of her bullies. The first thing Isabela did in her body was get in a fight!? Absolutely great.

“Ay, that girl. Just when I thought she finally was doing what she’s being told. She steps out of line again.” Alma clicked her tongue in displeasure. “Where is she, Dolores? Is anyone else aware of what’s happening?”

“She’s near town square. No, not many people are aware yet. Dante always made sure that people weren't around to hear him. Though, they will be if they get any louder.” Dolores answered.

Mirabel felt slightly annoyed. Out of all the times she gets bullied, Dolores doesn’t do or say anything. The one time she switches bodies is the moment Dolores decides to be a good cousin?

Dolores must’ve noticed her staring because she squeaked, looking more nervous.

Oh she was glaring at her. Oops.

“We should stop them before it goes any further, shouldn’t we?” Mirabel suggested, turning her attention to Alma. “Or…cause a scene.”

“We should.”

It’ll only take a five minute walk, shorter if she used Isabela’s vines.

Though Mirabel had a feeling her abuela would say that it’s not ladylike or something like that.

What a disappointment.

Why? Just why did Isabela have to bump into one of her bullies? It feels like the world is against her at this point.

Let's hope that when they switch bodies back, the punishment is already over. She can’t get in trouble for something that isn’t her fault.

It’s not like they’ll believe her.

When they made it there, right there was Mirabel arguing with Dante. Both of them looked equally angry at each other.

“Wow…” Mirabel never saw Isabela— herself so angry. Yep, she was getting in trouble.

“Mirabel!”

And that was embarrassing.

She— Isabela looked at their abuela with a shocked expression. Which turned into a guilty one.

Dolores soon walked around, deciding not to deal with any of that.

Dante looked smug.

Mirabel was just…disappointed.

“Abuela…”

“Mirabel, what you’re doing is unacceptable.”

“Wha- defend myself?” Isabela frowned, as she looked at her abuela. If her abuela was aware of the situation, she would have known that she was in the right. She simply defended her— Mirabel from him. Why’d she automatically assume she was at fault? “He was the one making fun of me, abuela. He called me rude names and I stood my ground.”

Alma shook her head, looking at Isabela with a stare that Isabela was unfamiliar but so familiar with. Right, abuela thought that she was Mirabel. Well, she is, but she doesn’t know that she’s in her body. But why is she looking at with a disappointed expression? She simply defended herself from him.

“Yes, what he said may have not been kind. But you should know better than to let someone provoke you like that and cause a scene, Mirabel.” Alma said firmly. “It’s immature. I don’t need you ruining our reputation because some boy said some rude things. There are better ways to handle it than lashing out.”

“Yeah Mirabel.” Dante snickered, but Alma paid no attention to him.

Isabela’s eyes widened as her abuela harshly spoke to her. All she did was defend herself. So why is she getting scolded? She didn’t even cause a scene. “But—“

Alma gave her a look, making her stop mid-sentence. “No buts, Mirabel. You should know better. I want you to apologize to him.”

Isabela’s eyebrows raised. What? Apologize to that jerk? She wasn’t even in the wrong! Is this what Mirabel had to deal with?

“We are the Madrigals. No matter what anyone says, we must not let them get to us. You will not ruin our reputation by arguing with some boy.”

Isabela looked at her as Mirabel stared at Isabela with an unimpressed look. This is what she had to deal with.

“Well?” Dante smirked. 

“I—“

“How about I deal with this, abuela?” Mirabel suggested, turning their attention to her and not letting Isabela apologize yet. “Surely, you’re busy. I’ll make sure that Is— Mirabel apologizes. No harm is truly done yet. You don’t need to waste your time, abuela. I’ll make sure nothing happens. It’ll only take a few minutes.”

Alma hardened her gaze. “Isabela—“

“Think about it.” Mirabel interrupted, making Isabela’s eyes widened and glare at her. “Mirabel wouldn’t try anything in front of me. You have so much more important things to worry about then this. I’ll report it either way. Don’t you trust me?”

Alma looked reluctant only for a moment, before she nodded. “Make sure to report to me if Mirabel refuses to apologize.” Was all that she said before walking away.

Leaving Isabela, Mirabel and Dante alone.

“I’m….” Isabela couldn’t stand his condescending smirk. It was making her annoyed seeing that smug expression.

No doubt Mirabel would’ve apologized with the way that she has no backbone then went on with her day as if nothing happened. As if she was in the wrong.

“You’re what?” Dante smirked, as he raised an eyebrow.

“Oh don’t push it, Dante.” Isabela scowled.

“Not so tough in front of the others, are you?”

Mirabel looked at them both with an unimpressed expression.  “Mirabel….”

“Yeah, Mirabel.” He mocked.

Oh fuck it.

Isabela punched the smirk right off his face.

“What the hell!?”

“This is not what we agreed on!”

“I can’t say that I’m sorry for that…”

“You bitch!” Dante yelled, holding his bloody nose. “I’m going to kill you! I’ll tell your grandmother, you stupid fuck!” He soon ran off.

Isabela rolled her eyes. “God, he has no manners. Someone was bound to get him.” She noticed the stare Mirabel gave her. “What?”

“Isabela, you punched him in my body! You broke his nose! I’m going to be in so much trouble!” Mirabel exclaimed worriedly. “Why would you do that? You should’ve apologized and it all would be over.”

“Yeah, that’s what you would’ve done.” Isabela said dismissively, as she looked at her fist. “Hm, I can throw a good punch in this body. It’s definitely going to be bruised if I don’t get healed.”

“You wouldn’t need to get healed by mamá if you didn’t hit him! He’s going to tell abuela and I’ll be grounded forever!”

“They won’t believe him.”

“He literally has a broken nose!”

“You’re with me. You’re also in my body.” Isabela pointed out, making Mirabel look at her with a confused expression. “Just make up some lie. What reason would I have to lie for? They also wouldn’t think that I would lie about that. They’ll believe you if you just make something up. Do it then you won’t be grounded.” Her gaze hardened.

“Honestly, what do you get out of fighting people younger than you?” Mirabel whimpered, thinking about how she’s going to get grounded forever.

“Calm down, there’s no witnesses. Plus, who would believe that brat? In the end, it’s up to you anyways.”

Mirabel frowned. “What about Dolores? Did you forget about our cousin with superhearing?”

“Knowing her, she’ll ignore it.” Isabela said dryly.

“That’s pretty accurate.”

“Also, do you usually deal with any chest?” Isabela asked curiously, still upset from what happened a few minutes ago.

“Chest pain? No…not that I know of.” Mirabel replied. “Why?” No doubt, Dolores would be confused hearing their conversation. Well, that’s if Dolores is listening in. They can’t hide much from someone with enhanced hearing.

“When we first switched, I felt alright. As I talked to that jerk and abuela, my chest began feeling tight and ached a bit. It still does now. I’m confused why though. I thought you would’ve known the answer, since….you know.” 

“No…I don’t deal with chest pain. Maybe it’s because we switched bodies. But I haven’t felt any chest pain from you. I just feel strangely empty at most times.” Mirabel said. “Maybe it’s a side effect or whatever.”

“Then wouldn’t we be feeling the same thing?”

Mirabel shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m not an expert at this.”

“Mhm, really helpful.”

“Thanks!”

“It was sarcasm.”

“I know.”

“So, how was it like being in my bod—“

“Boring.” Mirabel interrupted. “Your gift is also boring. I don’t know what I expected with flowers. It hasn't even been a full day yet, but I’m pretty unsatisfied.”

Isabela looked pretty annoyed. “Really?”

“What? You asked and I gave you the truth. What about you?”

“The first thing I get is being ignored and bullied.” Isabela huffed. She wasn’t used to not being praised and admired. Especially by people like him. She hates people that think just because they’re better that they can pick up the weak.

“A normal day in my life.” Mirabel murmured. “Not a big fan of this whole thing. We could just tell an adult about what’s happening and everything will be fine.”

“Then I’ll be the one getting in trouble.”

“What? You can’t handle the consequences of your actions?” Mirabel questioned. “You were the one who decided to let him aggravate you. You punched his nose in my body. If you didn’t want to get in trouble then you shouldn’t have punched him, no less argue back.”

“Of course someone who always gets in trouble and has no spine is giving me advice.” Isabela rolled her eyes.

“Wha— I’m only saying that there’s no point in doing something if you can’t handle the consequences. I prefer to keep things peaceful. That’s different from having no spine.”

“Whatever. You would’ve let him step all over you if you were in my position.”

“So? I wouldn’t have gotten stupidly in trouble.” Mirabel responded. “You’re in my body, it would’ve happened to me. What I don’t understand is why you’re getting so angry. I should be angry since you’re punching people in my body.”

“I didn’t know that my little sister was getting bullied

“Isn’t that what you do to me? I don’t see the difference.”

“I do not put my hands on you!”

“You call me such rude things, you hit me with your hair, mock me. You don’t need to put your hands on me to be a bully.” Mirabel huffed. “What makes you so different from Dante?”

“One, I don’t cheat on women. Two, when I was his age I wasn’t underage drinking—“ Mirabel raised an eyebrow. “I was drinking a bit, but I was responsible for that and only Dolores knew.”

“…I don’t see the point of this. I just want to be in my body.” Mirabel groaned. “We should tell mamá or abuela. They’ll know what to do. I also don’t want to deal with this any longer than necessary.”

“What!?”

“I don’t want to stay in your body forever. We need to tell an adult, like I said. You don’t plan on staying in my body forever, do you? It’ll suck.” Mirabel told her, unfortunately setting off something inside of Isabela.

“Suck? I don’t get what you’re complaining about. You literally could be free and all you do is complain!” Isabela snapped. “You don’t have a gift meaning you’re free from any of these ridiculous expectations!”

Mirabel looked at Isabela with a shocked expression which changed to anger. “What are you talking about? What is your problem with me!? Why are you getting angry at me!?”

“All you do is cause problems and I bet this is your fault!”

“W-what!? What you’re saying makes no sense! Why would I switch bodies with you and how!?”

“I don’t know but you’re always up to something! You’re so needy and causing trouble just for the sake of it! Which leaves us to pick up after you!” Isabela exclaimed, Mirabel staring at her with widened eyes. 

“Pick up after me!? You don’t have and I don’t need anyone to pick after me! What mess did I cause to have everyone pick up after me besides being myself!?” 

“That’s exactly the problem! All you need to do is one simple thing and yet you still manage to cause problems!”

“Is this really about us switching bodies!?” Mirabel yelled. “Your first immediate thought is that I have something to do with this! Everything that goes wrong is my fault! I’m obviously the scapegoat! Okay, I get that I didn’t get a gift but it’s not always my fault! I don’t know why you have a problem with me!”

Isabela didn’t like the expression on her face. The glossy eyes told her that Mirabel was near tears. “I don’t have a problem with you- I, Ugh!” Isabela let out a groan, trying to calm down. “All you have to do is stay out of the way, Mirabel. What’s so hard about that?”

“…I’ve been told to stay out of the way too many times. All I want to do is get along with everyone and not get pushed back.” Mirabel frowned. “How can I not do something, anything when nothing I ever do isn’t good enough?”

“Don’t you want abuela to see you in a better light? Just listen for once. You don’t have any responsibilities. Wait—“ Isabela paused. “Not good enough?”

“I’m never good enough no matter how much I try! You saw and experienced how abuela treated me. You tried to defend yourself- me and I still somehow get scolded. Abuela doesn’t like me and she makes it clear. Like I said, I’m the scapegoat. However, you can do no wrong. You get blamed for nothing.” 

“And that’s the problem.” Isabela said quietly. “Do you think that I can do no wrong?”

“I…”

“I’m human like everyone else, Mirabel. But the person you see, that everyone sees, isn’t me. It’s what everyone else wants to be. It’s the family image that I’m stuck with. The perfect woman that everyone wants me to be.”

“Wha- what? You’re not…not…” Mirabel looked away, not finishing her sentence.

“I’m so sick of pretty. I want the feeling of something true, don’t you…?”

“You just seemed like you were so happy. That you had no problems in life and that you had something against me for no reason at all. You just…just looked like you have everything I wanted. To be seen….to make abuela proud. I had no idea…”

“I knew that I was too deep into that act when even you couldn’t tell the difference between the real me and the mask that I put on….But…I also couldn’t see you…I thought you were just being annoying on purpose—“

“Wow—“

“But you were just trying to be included. You were being pushed to the sidelines….you’re right…you are everyone’s scapegoat as much as I’m the golden child.” Isabela let out a defeated sigh. “And….”

“Isa…”

“…In the end we both want the approval of abuela.” Isabela admitted hesitantly. “We just…just go about it differently….I can’t do what you do. I do what I’m told and have to be more cautious about my every move. While you….”

“…I do what I think will help.” Mirabel finished off. “We’re both afraid of being a disappointment. Though…I’ve seen that from abuela most of my life.” Mirabel chuckled lightly. “This whole time…I thought you were a perfect pretty princess and could get anything you wanted. That you were happy this whole time. Yet you’re sacrificing so much and yourself…..”

“And I had the wrong idea of you, Mirabel. And a lot of misplaced anger.” Isabela grabbed ahold of Mirabel’s hands. “I didn’t see how you were struggling. I took my frustrations out on you. It wasn’t fair to you. I didn’t realize that the freedom I thought you had was just…wrong. The way that not having a gift was affecting you and how others were messing with you…the way that they mistreat you. I didn’t see or know any of that…”

“We both are struggling. We just didn’t know and assumed things and a lot of…miscommunication that we hold of each other. It wasn’t right. The way you acted towards me wasn’t right. But the way I acted towards you wasn’t right.” Mirabel said, a small smile forming. “…But, now that we understand each other’s situation better than before…it’s never too late to start anew…to build a better relationship.”

“I’m the older sibling, I should be saying that.”

“Does it really matter though?”

Isabela’s expression softened. “…No, of course not.”

Chapter 57: A Tale Of Dark Possession

Summary:

Ohh what if after mirabels ceremony she had a spirit following her and it's not a good one (kinda like the kdrama revenat) she gets possessed and at first nobody notices until bruno come out to say something Antonio kinda does but he's confused... the spirit makes her act almost differently

Mirabel after her ceremony a ghost (spirit) gets a hold of her and the family doesn't know or seem to care.. so this goes on for a while.... and it ends up getting worse where she just doesn't respond to anything....for days... until Pedro comes and saves the day like her saves mirabel because ofnthe fact that the spirit was literally eating away her life and soul and the family not caring enough....or at all mirabel passes out and wakes up after the house falls.

When Mirabel’s ceremony went wrong, his mother begged him to have a vision. To see if anything was wrong with the miracle.

Hesitantly, he did.

What Bruno saw was….no, it wasn’t what he saw, it was what he didn’t see.

It was an older Mirabel, she was on her knees. There was a guy behind her, his hands covered her eyes. Well, strangely, his hands were seen through. Mirabel’s eyes were dazed, she held no emotion.

He wanted to see more.

Yet…the guy, it seemed as if he could see him. It shouldn’t be possible because it was a vision!

The thought didn’t last any longer as he blacked out.

…

In the nursery, it was the youngest Madrigal, Mirabel, who was crying. She didn’t understand what she did wrong. Why did her door disappear? Why didn’t she get a gift?

“How disappointing…”

“H-huh?” Mirabel immediately looked around for the voice. It didn’t sound like any of her family members. She still didn’t find anyone in her room.

“It must suck…having your door disappear in front of everyone. That dam— the miracle denied you. Your family didn’t even come to comfort you either. Hah, what an amazing family you have there.”

“H-hey, don’t talk bad about my family! Where are you?” Mirabel questioned. Was it in her head? Was this possibly her gift?

“It’s true though. I can be your gift.”

Mirabel’s eyes sparkled. “Really? Y-you’re my gift? How come I can’t see you? Ooh, I got to tell my abuela I got a gift so she won’t be angry at me!”

“Alma Madrigal…just you wait.” The voice laughed to themselves. “No, you can’t tell your abuela about me being your gift. Nobody needs to know. It’s our special secret meaning you need to keep it between us. You’ll see me…eventually. You just got to grow more.”

Mirabel looked hesitant. “But…my mom did say not to talk to strangers. You are a stranger.”

“Ah, I am, aren’t I? But…everyone in the Encanto is friendly, aren’t they? What would I get from a little girl like you? Don’t you trust me?”

“I just met you…and you still won’t let me see you. You haven’t told me your name either.”

“I’m confident in riding horses….Though, you may call me Isai. Now you know my name and a little something about me. What about you?”

“Well, my name is Mirabel! I really like butterflies!”

“…And the youngest Madrigal.”

“Huh?”

“It’s nothing. Just listen to me and I’ll be the one helping you as long as you help me when the time comes.”

“Okay!”

“Good.”

As Mirabel grew older, nobody noticed the change that was happening. Nor did they suspect that there was a spirit following behind her.

“Your family doesn’t pay much attention to you. They don’t care about you. I’ll be here for you. As long as you follow through with what I say.”

What reason would they have to believe that something is wrong with her?

“I’m the only one that truly cares about you.”

That a dangerous spirit is preying on Mirabel. That a harmful spirit is working on destroying the Madrigals from the inside out?

“All you need to do is give in…”

Every single Madrigal has a gift. 

“Don’t you see? They ignored and neglected you all because you don’t have a gift. I’ve never done that to you.”

Why would they believe that a spirit could possibly possess Mirabel? It’s extraordinary.

“Just trust me.”

…

Mirabel was watching the Madrigals with a glare on her face. It truly disgusted her seeing the Madrigals be so happy. She couldn’t wait to destroy them. To get revenge on Alma Madrigal, to finish the job off. To take the miracle for herself and rule the town over. The townspeople don’t need to love her or like her. She’ll crush them to the point they’ll mindlessly obey her.

“Mira?”

Mirabel immediately stopped glaring, taking a step back and looking down at Antonio. “Antonio…” She smiled. “Yes, what do you need?”

“Are you okay?” 

“Hm?” Mirabel hummed. “What do you mean? Of course I’m okay.” The smile on her face got wider. “Do I look upset?”

“You’re just…acting strange.” Antonio frowned, as he looked away. Almost as if he was afraid.

“I’m…I’m acting strange?” The smile on Mirabel’s face was still there. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about, Antonio.” She laughed.

“You…you—“

“Mirabel’s already strange enough.” Camilo laughed, hearing part of their conversation. “It’s nothing to worry about, toñio. She’s the same as she used to be.”

“Right.” Mirabel agreed, though her voice sounded a little strange. “Camilo’s right.” She chuckled.  “Don’t worry about me. If anything was wrong with me, you’d be the first to know.”

Antonio looked like he wanted to say more, but didn’t under Mirabel’s stare.

All of them soon went to the kitchen for breakfast.

Breakfast went as usual. 

Make your plate.

Sit down.

Wait for everyone to make their plate.

Say their prayers.

Eat.

Listen to Alma give out their duties, excluding Mirabel. 

The same old, stay out the way.

Finally, breakfast was over and everyone went their own way.

Mirabel walked out of Casita, picking at her nails. The annoyance was clear on her face. Hearing what Antonio said had ruined her mood. 

She’s acting strange? She?

She’s acting completely normal!

That shouldn’t have annoyed her as much as it did.

Then Alma Madrigal…just seeing her got on her nerves. She couldn’t wait to—

“Hey, Madrigal, what got you so upset? Woke up on the wrong side of the bed?” A guy named Sergio laughed.

“Don’t call me Madrigal. I have a name.” Mirabel said firmly. “It doesn’t concern you whether I’m upset or not.” 

“Oh you’re right!” Sergio grinned. “You’re not a Madrigal, they have gifts. You don’t.”

“You’re so funny to the point I forgot to laugh.” Mirabel smiled, as she walked up to him.

Sergio took a step back. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing.” Mirabel replied, as she walked passed him. “Do you want to find out?”

Sergio raised an eyebrow. “Find out what?”

Mirabel glanced at him, tilting her head. “What do you think?” She smirked.

Sergio’s eyes widened, his cheeks heading out. “W-wow, I didn’t expect a Madrigal- you to be so bold.” He grinned. “Well, then, I’ll be delighted to find out.”

Mirabel chuckled. “Of course…”

“Don’t you think your cousin will hear?”

Mirabel didn’t respond as one of her eyes twitched at his words.

“Oh would you li—“

“That’s enough from you.” Mirabel hissed out, resisting the urge to punch him in his mouth. “Let’s not…say stuff like that.”

Sergio raised an eyebrow. “If that’s what you want.”

“It is.” Mirabel said dryly.

“Anyways…are we headed to the forest?”

“Mhm…” Mirabel hummed. “What? I can’t do any of this at my home or in public. There’s a reason why I asked if you wanted to find out.”

Sergio only grinned.

Once they reached the forest, Mirabel stopped.

Sergio looked confused. “Here?” Mirabel suddenly grabbed him by his collar.  “O-oh?”

“I only have one question for you.” 

“Uh, yeah, what is it?”

“Hey bastard, do you think I’m acting strange?” She smiled sweetly.

“W-what?”  Sergio stammered, staring at Mirabel with widened eyes. He never heard Mirabel use such language.

“Don’t make me repeat myself.” Mirabel sharply glared at him. “I’m not even into men. You disgust me.”

Sergio’s eyes widened even more as he stared at Mirabel in shock. “W-wait, what are you t-talking about?” Mirabel’s hands slid from his collar to his neck. “H-hey!”

The grip around his neck tightened making him struggle to breathe. Sergio tried to push her off, only to realize he couldn’t. Holy shit, she was strong. Or was he just weak? Either way he was in trouble! Fuck, was she trying to kill him for saying some harmless things?

“What’s wrong?” Mirabel chuckled, looking at him with an amused expression. “Scared?” She questioned. “Hey, you still haven’t answered my question.”

Wait, what was it? Was she acting strange? Obviously! As he looked into her eyes, he realized that saying the truth might’ve been the wrong answer. She looked like she'd actually kill him. He’s still young and has a life ahead of him. What’s wrong with her?

“N-no, of course not! You’re ac-acting normal.” Sergio responded after a moment of silence.

That seemed to satisfy Mirabel temporarily. “If those idiots and you can’t tell then how dare a mere child say that I’m acting strange?” Mirabel laughed to herself. She paused. “Unless…”

“U-unless?” 

“You’re lying to me?” Mirabel asked, hardening her gaze. 

Sergio immediately began stuttering excuses.

Fuck!

He can’t die like this!

Where’s her crazy super hearing cousin at!?

“Oh you must think that I’m crazy or I have some split personality…right?” Mirabel asked, feigning an innocent expression. “Do you? Answer honestly this time. I won’t hesitate to choke you to death right here and now. It’s crazy what you can get away with for being a Madrigal.” Mirabel grinned, as her eyes gleamed. “Being giftless is a plus.”

“F-fuck, you’re crazy!” Mirabel rolled her eyes at his yell. “Let me go! Now!” He exclaimed. “Please, I’m sorry for whatever I did or said! Just let me go, I won’t tell anyone! I—“

“Why should I?” Mirabel interrupted him, looking displeased. “The last bastard that tried to negotiate with me had a machete through his chest.” Mirabel growled.

…

“W-what?” Sergio’s face lost its color, as he searched Mirabel for any dishonesty. To his horror, she was being completely serious. She killed someone?

Mirabel’s face lit up. “If you don’t believe that, ask Alma. She’ll know the truth. I should’ve fucking killed her too.” Mirabel said under her breath. “I wonder how Alma will react if someone was murdered in her beloved Encanto. She would never suspect me.”

“D-D-Dolores!”

Mirabel grinned. “She would be a problem, wouldn’t she? A few threats will work with her.” Mirabel’s grin faded away once she realized Sergio wasn’t looking at her. “Oh?”

Mirabel turned around to find Dolores staring at them.

“Haha, we’re just joking!” Mirabel laughed, holding her hands up and away from Sergio. He immediately began coughing. “It’s a joke. Jokes make people laugh, right?”

Dolores was staring at them both with widened eyes. Sergio was on the ground, his neck was beginning to bruise. Mirabel didn’t look very innocent.

Tears were formed in Sergio’s eyes.

“Y-you—“

“Dolores, there’s nothing I’ll get out of this. He’s older and stronger than me. I don’t have any gift to defend myself. Even if I were to hurt him…that’d be kind of embarrassing, wouldn’t it?” Mirabel interrupted with a grin, lowering her voice a bit, yet Sergio still heard.

Sergio had a feeling that Mirabel wanted him to hear. “D-Dolores, I know she’s your c-cousin, b-but you h-heard, didn’t y-you?”

“Hey, aren’t you supposed to be a man? Well, you’re a boy, male, whatever. Yet you’re crying as if I just murdered your entire family.” Mirabel said, crossing her arms as she stared at Sergio with disinterest. She turned back to Dolores. 

“…What’s wrong with you, Mirabel!?” Dolores rushed to Sergio’s side. He definitely needed to have some of Julieta’s food.

“Hah…” Mirabel’s face fell, clearly caught. “I guess I’m busted. You don’t believe me no matter what I say, do you?”

“I heard everything you were saying!”

Mirabel looked shocked. “Really? How surprising.”

“How could you say such things!? Even if it was a joke, you went too far! Joking doesn’t include taking people to the forest and choking them! Nobody’s laughing but you! What’s wrong with you!?”

Mirabel looked furious. “All these years, when I’m getting made fun of, when I’m getting bullied, you don’t bother to pay attention to me! Why, out of all days, did you decide to listen to me!? You could’ve continued minding your business and not care! Why the change of heart!?” Mirabel yelled, making Dolores hold onto her ears from the sheer volume of Mirabel. “…Wow…” Mirabel laughed. “I didn’t mean to lose my cool, but I have a point. You don’t care. There’s no reason for you to be showing up in front of me like this. If you could listen to this and help some stranger and not help your own cousin…how does that work? All these Madrigals care about strangers more than their own blood.”

“W-what- n-no, it’s not like that!”

“You have enhanced hearing, Dolores. You’ll only help someone when it favors your situation. Or rather, it’ll please our dearest grandmother.” 

“O-of course not! I’m n-not— it’s not like that!”

“Oh please, let’s be honest. I’m your scapegoat. If you helped me from my bullies, you’ll be getting nothing out of it. Maybe expect getting in trouble from defending me. But now… you defended some guy from me. If you saved him from me, you’ll be in people’s good graces. You’ll be in hers. Dolores Madrigal saved Sergio from the psychopath Madrigal! Oh the news! I’ll be sent away while you’ll be praised. Who knows…maybe you’ll escape that dumb title of town’s gossip and it’ll be replaced with the town’s savior.” 

Dolores was beyond shock at Mirabel’s mocking and harsh words. Of course she wasn’t doing this for the benefits! She just happened to hear Sergio struggling and what Mirabel was saying! She didn’t mean to make it seem like she ignored Mirabel when she got bullied! She was aware of kids picking on her, but she didn't think it was anything serious. She hears everything. The badmouthing of her and their family. It was nothing new. Even if she were to defend Mirabel, nothing will change!

Mirabel was glaring at her.

Dolores started taking step backs as Mirabel started walking towards her.

“Hey….what are you doing?” As far as she’s aware, Mirabel didn’t have any weapons. Mirabel wouldn’t seriously harm her, would she? They’re family!

“I just really…” Mirabel’s expression changed to disgust, a scowl on her face. “Hate you.”

“W-what?”

“Nobody will know what’ll happen here and I can’t let you go quietly.” Mirabel sneered. “Another Madrigal being gone will surely catch them off guard.”

“ Wait!”

Chapter 58: A Tale Of Dark Possession — Part 2

Notes:

I personally haven’t kidnapped and tortured a person. Let’s hope I did well.

When Dolores woke up, she was tied up. She immediately noticed the restraints around her arms and legs. She was bound to the chair. She looked to her left to find Sergio in the same situation as her, but unconscious. She noticed the blood that was dripping down his head. His mouth was gagged by rope and hers wasn’t.

“I was wondering when you were going to wake up. I didn’t even hit you that hard.” Mirabel’s voice came from behind her. Mirabel walked in front of her, smirking. “Morning, sleepyhead.”

Dolores’ eyes were widening as she processed the situation. Did Mirabel actually knock her out and kidnap her? Both of them? No, it can’t be.  The pain to her head was overbearing. Can she escape? Also, what the fuck? Dolores was panicking.

“Heads up, Dolores. No matter how loud you scream, you’ll only hurt your ears. There’s a reason I didn’t gag you. You can’t escape. I’m rather good at tying people up.” Mirabel narrowed her eyes. “Ah. Are you wondering why I’m doing this?”

Dolores rapidly looked around, hoping for some sort of way to escape. She never expected this from Mirabel. To kidnap her.

Mirabel followed her gaze. “You can’t escape.” She said. “Like I said, I hate you. But I hate Alma even more. I wonder which one she cares about more…you or the miracle?” Mirabel questioned. “Who do you think she’ll put first? You or the miracle? Will she give me that damn candle or will she let you die? I want your answer.”

“O-of course abuela will choose me! What’s wrong with you!? Let me go, Mirabel!” Dolores exclaimed angrily.

“So you can go snitching to Alma? Not a chance.” Mirabel chuckled. “You know the saying…snitches get stitches.”

Just then did Dolores notice that Mirabel was hiding something behind her back. Mirabel wouldn’t possibly harm her…would she? But she did knock her out. Why? What did she do to deserve this? What’s wrong with Mirabel?

“W-wait! Why are you doing this!? What did I do to you!?” 

“You’re a Madrigal. That’s enough reason to kill you.” Mirabel scowled. “Don’t pretend to be innocent, Dolores. It’s not a good look and I’m not falling for your act.” Dolores went silent. “…Hey, why the long face?” She smiled. “You’re too calm for me. I want to hear you crying and screaming.”

Dolores’ face fell. “W-what?” 

“Well, you’re not scared enough. I need to leave an impression.” Mirabel revealed a knife that was behind her back. “Don’t worry, I won’t kill you for now. I’m just going to have my…fun.”

“W-wait! No! You’re- your not a-actually going to- to do that…are you!?” Dolores shrieked as Mirabel got closer to her with the knife. “M-Mira, pr-primita! Wai—“

Dolores let out a scream as pain shot through her body. The sharp knife was in her thigh. Mirabel stabbed her. Mirabel smiled as blood slowly seeped from Dolores’ body. Blood pulsed in Dolores’ ears and it felt like she couldn’t breath.

“You know, knives aren’t really my personal preference. Nor are they something I use often. A knife doesn’t have any reach and once you stab, it’s over with. All you can do is slash, which isn’t as effective.” Mirabel told her. “But if the victim is tied up…that’s a different story. They can’t do much but scream and take it. That’s the good part.”

Mirabel grabbed the handle of the knife, twisting it deeper in the wound, making Dolores scream. This time startling Sergio awake.

“Oh and he’s finally awake. What a deep sleeper.” Mirabel commented, Sergio immediately began screaming against the gag, his eyes widened upon the sight. She rolled her eyes. “You’re weak. You’ve never been stabbed before? Hah, this is nothing.” She glared at Sergio. “Why are you screaming like you’re the one that got stabbed? I should just kill you.” Mirabel’s eyes gleamed. “Oh! How about I give you both weapons and fight to the death? Whoever kills the other first can escape!”

Dolores was still focusing on the fact that she got stabbed, while Sergio was staring at Dolores with widened eyes.

“You’re considering it? Yeah, that’s more like it. As long as you escape alive, it’ll be fine. When you’re in a life or death situation, you become desperate. Even if it means betraying your loved ones or having to get your hands dirty. That’s just life. It’s cruel and unfair. It’s filled with death. Murder. People who’ll do anything to survive. That’s the wonderful truth about life!” Mirabel beamed, before her face went blank. “Though it wouldn’t be fair if only one was injured. That’d be such an unfair fight. I want to see you both struggling while slowly bleeding out.”

Dolores’ eyes widened even more, her face losing its color as she realized what Mirabel was going to do. “W-w-wait! N-no!” She cried out, struggling against the ropes, which was no use.

Mirabel looked at Dolores in amusement, a smirk forming. “I’m glad that you know what to expect. Still, it won’t hurt any less.”

There was no warning, not like she expected any.

Mirabel just yanked the knife out forcefully, as Dolores screamed in agony. The mix of the stab wound and her bleeding ears was overbearing. She wasn’t much of a fan of blood either. The loss of blood made her feel lightheaded. Her eyes rolled back as her consciousness faded away.

“Hm, I expected her to last a little longer.” Mirabel hummed, before turning to Sergio, who was trembling and crying. “Your turn.” Sergio immediately began shaking his head, pleading with his eyes for her to let him go.

Mirabel looked at the blood on the knife in annoyance. “I hope you don’t mind a little blood on you. Oh who am I kidding? You don’t have a choice and there won’t be a little blood.” Sergio shut his eyes tightly making Mirabel scoff. “I haven’t even done anything yet.”

Sergio could only hear the sound of Mirabel’s footsteps, before she stopped right in front of him.

He gasped as he felt the knife slash through his shirt, his eyes shot open.

“Ah. I know what to do with you.” Mirabel continued slashing at his shirt until it was only torn ragged. Then she pulled the rest of what could be called a shirt off, leaving him without a shirt. “You’re going to remember this day forever. Well that’s if you live through this.”

Sergio felt the knife press against his skin, a surge of pain gushed through his body when the knife sliced his skin.

“Oh you’re going to fucking love this.” Mirabel grinned, as she continued cutting through his skin. Once she met the end of the line, she dragged it down. Blood was trickling from the cut. This was only the beginning.

I

Mirabel continued similar cuts into his skin as he cried against the gag, his face pale.

S

“You’re crying like a bitch. She got stabbed, this much is nothing.” Mirabel sneered. “I wish I had a mirror for this or a camera. I wanna remember this moment forever.” She laughed.

A

“It’s so easy to cut into skin when it’s not yours. People usually hesitate to hurt themselves because they’re afraid of pain. But…” Mirabel trailed off. “When it’s someone else's body…it’s so easy. You don’t have to worry about hurting yourself. You don’t feel the pain. The satisfaction of life fading out their eyes is truly out of this world.”

Sergio only cried against his gag, the pain overbearing. He wasn’t used to anyone hurting him with a knife. The Encanto was supposed to be a safe place. There was never a time where he had to worry about someone kidnapping and torturing him.

I

“Twelve lines.” Mirabel said under her breath, taking a step back and looking at his chest.

Isai.

Mirabel smirked, looking at his name carved into his chest. “Look at you. You look better than before.” She knew this was going to leave an impression. “How are you feeling?”

…

She got no response as Sergio was gagged and crying. Blood ran down his chest. He was breathing heavily, shaking.

“Right. I should do more to you. But that’s enough for today. The longer I take, the easier it’ll be to break you both.” Mirabel said. “I’ve got to go now. Why don’t you just stay here? Oh right, you have no choice.” Mirabel grinned, as she stared at them both. “Don’t you worry about food. I’ll feed you in a few days. It’s truly amazing how long humans can last without food. This is nothing.”

Mirabel looked at Dolores, who was still unconscious. There was a pool of blood under her and soaked in her skirt. Then back at Sergio who looked like he was about to faint any second.

Mirabel walked up to him, Sergio flinching violently. She crouched down, tugging at the ropes that bound his legs together. She began untying them, Sergio staring at her in shock.

Once his legs were fully freed, he kicked Mirabel in the face.

“Oh you fucker!” Mirabel laughed out, rubbing her face. “You’re lucky that I don’t slice your throat open!” She grinned, standing up and moving the gag out of his mouth, throwing it on the ground. 

Tears and snot ran down his face. “I’m gonna- I-I-I’m g-gonna—“ He gasped out, as Mirabel held the knife in front of his face. “N-no—“ His cry was weak.

“I never took brats telling me orders nicely.” Mirabel said, holding the knife against his cheek.

“P-please!” He screamed out.

Mirabel began carving similar cuts into his skin, as he screamed and cried, kicking his legs.

It was only about thirty seconds for Mirabel, but to Sergio, it felt like hours.

“There, now you look like the piece of shit that you are.” Mirabel laughed at her own joke, moving the knife away from his skin. Blood dripped down his cheek.

Carved on his cheek was another name.

Pedro.

“Come on, even Pedro didn’t scream this much. Grow up.” Mirabel scoffed, moving behind him. She cut through the ropes that bound his hands together. Sergio was too scared, screaming out pain. The metallic taste of blood was left on his tongue.

Mirabel kicked him in the back, making him and the chair fall over. Sergio cried out as the dirt mixed with his cuts. 

After a few minutes, Sergio was weeping and whimpering, still on the ground.

“Get up.” Mirabel said, kicking the chair out of the way and grabbing a fistful of his hair, forcing him to look up at her. “Get the fuck up or I’ll actually kill your pathetic ass.”

Sergio shuddered, as he tried to stand up. He was hardly conscious and on the verge of passing out. Hearing Mirabel say something like that made him forcefully get himself up. He now knew that Mirabel wasn’t bluffing.

Finally, he was standing up. He didn’t make any sudden movements, aware of the bloody knife in Mirabel’s hand. He was afraid that she'd stab him if he tried anything stupid. He didn’t want to end up like Dolores. He glanced at her, who was bloody and unconscious. He really hoped that she wasn’t dead. That he wasn’t looking at the dead body of a Madrigal. He relaxed for a little bit when he saw her chest rise up and down.

“Good.” Mirabel praised. “Now I need you to do one more thing for me.”

“Wha-what?” He whimpered, barely able to stand up. He prayed that he wasn’t telling her to finish off the job. Or to kill Dolores. Please.

“I want you to run.” Mirabel looked at him with an insane smile. 

Sergio stared at her with widened eyes. Was she joking? Was this a trap? If he actually ran, she would catch him and kill him!

Mirabel walked up to him, holding the knife tightly. “Do you not understand my words!? Run like your life fucking depends it and tell them what I did! If I catch you, you won’t live to see another day!”

Sergio didn’t waste a chance to run.

Mirabel watched as Sergio staggered as he ran, screaming as he did so.  She could easily catch up to him since he’s injured.

“No matter what I do. I’ll just fix you back up with Julieta’s healing foods.” Mirabel chuckled to herself, she turned to the unconscious woman. “I wonder how long it’ll take before they notice. Don’t bleed out on me, Dolores. I’ll be gone for a moment only.”

Notes:

Poor Dolores. :c

Anyways, I’m already working on part 3.

Chapter 59: A Tale Of Dark Possession — Part 3

Notes:

Part 4 will be a thing.

Sergio felt like he was going to pass out. His own blood overwhelmed his senses. He tripped on a branch falling face first into the ground.

He starts hacking and coughing, throwing up. More tears build up and fall down his cheeks. The mix of his salty tears and blood mixing up make him hiss in pain.

His throat burns.

He got up again, remembering that Mirabel is chasing him and that she’ll actually kill him. He knew that she could catch up to him at any moment. She was doing this on purpose, she was toying with him.

He ran like his life depended on it, which it really did. Covered in blood, dirt, sweat, and his own vomit.

He wasn’t even stabbed, yet he felt like he was dying. His heart was pounding against his chest and felt like he was going to burst out of his chest any second.

He needed to get someone. A Madrigal. Anyone! Mirabel Madrigal went insane. He couldn’t believe that she kidnapped him and her own cousin. Not only did she stabbed Dolores, she pulled the knife out of the wound. He wasn’t an expert, but he knew that was a dumb thing to do. 

But, it was on purpose. Mirabel wanted to inflict pain. Dolores could bleed out from that and die. Mirabel is only fifteen!

“Fuck—“ Sergio cursed through clenched teeth. How could she hurt them like this? How does a fifteen year old have such a mentality? How could she not feel regret? Why him? He shouldn’t have messed with her this morning! “D-damn it- fuck! Help! Anyone!” He cried out.

How did a fifteen year old drag them deep in a forest? She also tied them both to chairs, gaged him. How could they both not wake up within that time? Did she plan this? God damn it! How did a fifteen year old overpower them both!?

He didn’t deserve any of this! 

He just needed to escape this crazy psychopath!

Sergio heard the sounds of leaves crunching making him panic. Mirabel was nearby. Did she hear him yell?

Then the sounds stopped as he stopped moving, holding his breath in.

Fuck, she was actually toying with him.

More tears fell down his face.

She didn’t want him to live. Why else would she let him go free?

“Please! Help me!”

How far did Mirabel have them in the forest?

“Anyone! P-please, I need h-help!”

Is Dolores alive now? 

“I need Julieta’s help!”

Did Mirabel finish her off before she went after him?

“I’m hurt!”

What made Mirabel do this?

“Dolores has been stabbed! She also needs help! She’s bleeding more than me!”

As expected, he got no response. The only sound being the sound of him stepping over sticks and grass. The sound of his own labored voice.

“Please!”

He tripped once again, sending him tumbling to the ground.

“P-please…” He pleaded quietly. “Anyone…”

As he tried to get up, his body just wouldn’t let him. He was far too exhausted.

God, why can’t someone help him?

Is he going to die like this?

Sergio was breathing heavily as he laid on the ground. He closed his eyes for a second, wheezing in pain. When he opened them, his eyes widened.

He couldn’t look up because his entire body ached, but he knew those sandals. “M-Mira…Mirabel—“

Mirabel crouched down to get in his view. “Hey, I thought I warned you what would happen once I caught you. It seemed you didn’t take it seriously.”

“W-w-wait—“

Mirabel showed him the knife. “I wonder what sounds you’ll make when I stab you since you already overreacted earlier. I can’t wait to see the light fade from your eyes.”

“N-no—“

A bloodcurdling scream was heard throughout the forest.

---

Julieta didn’t know what but something felt off. She didn’t know what to describe it as. It wasn’t like she was forgetting to do something or left the stove on. She didn’t forget anyone’s birthday or left anything.

Julieta looked at the line in front of her then back down. She had the food that she needed. She was wearing her apron. 

She shook her head, it must’ve been nothing if she can’t remember it no matter what. It’s just an eerie feeling.

Surely nothing could go wrong—

“Julieta!”

Julieta was startled by the yell of own name. She wasn’t the only one as the others looked at him as if he was a madman. “Yes?” He didn’t look injured.

“You’re daughter- Mirabel is seriously hurt! She looks like she’ll lose a lot of blood if we wait any longer! We need you immediately!” The man yelled.

Julieta’s eyes widened. Mirabel is seriously hurt? She will lose a lot of blood if she waits any longer? What happened? How did Mirabel hurt herself badly? “W-what?” She didn’t want to waste any time.

“I- I don’t know- I just saw blood and- and- we just need you! I’ll lead you to her!”

Julieta wasn’t the only one shocked as the people stared at the man nearby, whispering among themselves, most of them expressing concern.

…But the people.

“Señora, don’t worry about us, please. Go attend to your daughter, she sounds seriously injured. Nobody here is seriously hurt. We’ll survive without your help. Don’t worry about anything but helping Mirabel.” An elderly woman said softly, the others nodding in agreement. “Don’t hesitate in situations like this when someone’s life is on the line. Especially someone who is your youngest daughter. Nobody is going to blame you for just missing one day. It’s an emergency. We understand.”

That was all Julieta needed to hear to continue. She felt ashamed that she even hesitated because she was worrying about what the townspeople and her mother would think.

Mirabel takes after Agustín’s clumsiness and usually comes to her to get healed. It was never anything serious, anything that could cost a life. Yet….this time, Mirabel wasn’t able to come to her. Someone else had to come for Mirabel to tell her. She really hoped that they were exaggerating.

Julieta followed after the man.

It seemed as if they ran to the other side of the Encanto.

The outskirts.

It’s where Pepa and Luisa usually do their duties. Both of them are on opposite sides.

Mirabel shouldn’t be near here.

Mirabel doesn’t have any specific duties, but she stays near Casita and the middle of Encanto like Dolores and her.

There’s no reason for Mirabel to be out this far.

As Julieta got closer, she heard yelling. There was a crowd of people.

“Please, Mirabel, stop moving, you’ll hurt yourself even more! Please, we need to wait until your mother arrives!” A guy named Zavier exclaimed. “Shit! When the fuck will she arrive!? Her daughter is fucking bleeding out! Surely she could take a damn break away from those oversized brats and help her!”

Julieta’s face was losing its color as she got closer, her heart dropping at the sight.

Mirabel was covered in blood and sobbing. “I-I didn’t mean t-to h-hurt him!”  The most noticeable thing was the knife in her abdomen.

“Mirabel!”

Slowly, Mirabel looked at Julieta. The pain didn’t fade away, but she felt some relief. “M-Mamá…” A small smile formed on her face.

“Ay, mi vida, how did you- what- what happened!? Why is there- there—“ Julieta had come across her fair share of people being dangerously injured as she grew up. 

But…a knife in her abdomen? Usually when she comes across people with sharp items inside them, it’s either accidental or self-inflicted.

It was never a reason to believe that someone stabbed anyone or it was intentional. The Encanto is a safe place full of safe people.

…Mirabel’s situation? How would Mirabel come across a knife accidentally? Did she trip and fall on the knife making it lodge deep inside of her? No, that couldn’t be possible. Self-inflicted? There was a possibility because Mirabel seemed more withdrawn. She didn’t understand why Mirabel would let herself get caught if so. No less, by a stranger. Why was she informed by someone that wasn’t Dolores, who could hear anything? Maybe she’s in her room.

Mirabel just let out a pained groan at her mother’s question. Zavier frowned, his clothes and hands were covered in Mirabel’s blood. He didn’t mind, since someone was seriously injured. It was Julieta that was getting on his nerves. He knows it’s hard, but she needs to put aside her personal feelings and treat Mirabel as a patient. If she stutters, that’ll just mess things up. Mirabel will still be in pain. She needs to be helped immediately.

The only reason he didn’t grab an arepa and just heal her was because he was worried. What if it wrapped around the knife? He couldn’t leave her alone. He sent someone else to get Julieta. Just who would stab Mirabel Madrigal…?

“Ah- does anyone have scissors or anything sharp on them!? I need to get her blouse out of the way!” Julieta yelled.

Zavier raised an eyebrow. “You’re not thinking of stripping her free of her shirt, are you? Today proved that not everyone is trustworthy. People hide their true intentions. I wouldn’t recommend doing that if so.”

Julieta scowled, as someone nearby handed her a pair of scissors. “I’m not planning on taking her whole shirt off. I’m only trying to remove the cloth around the wound.” She explained, as she began cutting at the bottom of Mirabel’s shirt and going around the knife.

“I get what you’re saying, but the knife was stabbed through her shirt. Even if you cut around it, the part you cut will still be connected with the knife.” Zavier said. “It’s useless doing that. You’ll only be messing up her shirt. Well, it’s already messed up with blood. I’m saying that it won’t help the situation, señora.”

Julieta paused, he was right. But Mirabel was in pain. She looked at the knife then back at Mirabel’s pained expression. She grabbed an arepa. There was only one way.

Zavier sensed what she was about to do.

“Wait- do we- don’t tell me you’re going to pull the knife out? Isn’t that going to cause her to hurt more?”

“I can’t just heal her up with the knife inside of her! I don’t like seeing my daughter in any pain like everyone else! I’ll have to pull the knife out! If I don’t, it’ll just heal around the knife, reopening the wound, and causing even more pain!” Julieta snapped. “I’m the healer here!”

Mirabel let out a shaky groan. “It’d…I-it’d be n-nice to be h-healed by n-now. Arguing isn’t- isn’t going to h-help.”

They both looked at Mirabel.

She looked pretty annoyed. “P-please…just pull it out already. I’m already in p-pain, let this be over w-with.”

“O-okay…okay, I’m going to put a small piece of an arepa in your mouth. But I don’t want you to eat it just yet. Okay? The moment I pull the knife out is the moment I want you to swallow it.” Julieta said softly, as Mirabel stared at her, nodding.

Mirabel opened her mouth, letting her mother put the piece in her mouth.

Some people finally started leaving after hearing that. They definitely didn’t want to see that or a lot of blood.

“Well, shit, I can’t watch this.” Zavier muttered under his breath. He was surprised that Mirabel was still conscious. 

Julieta put her hand on the handle of the knife, Mirabel closing her eyes tightly.

“Alright…” Julieta whispered, holding it tightly. Never did she think that she would be holding a knife deep inside of her youngest daughter.

It’ll need to be quick.

It won’t be painless, but it’ll be quick.

Julieta let out a breath.

With all her strength, she pulled the knife out of Mirabel’s abdomen with little struggle, Mirabel jerking up from the pain. Blood flowing from the wound.

After a second, Mirabel began chewing the piece and swallowed it.

Julieta lifted up Mirabel’s blouse to see if she swallowed it or not. The blood was in the way.

“Hey, you okay? You feel lightheaded, don’t you? Don’t worry, let go. When you wake up, you’ll feel much better.” Zavier said softly.

Thankfully, no more blood was flowing out. Mirabel ate it.

Julieta looked at Mirabel, who was in a dazed state, which was understandable. 

“Mira—“

Mirabel suddenly shot up, startling them both.

“D-D-Dolores—“ Was all that Mirabel said before she passed out, Zavier making sure she didn’t hit her head back.

“What?”

---

When Mirabel woke up, she was laying on the nursery's bed. She didn’t need to open her eyes to tell by this little bed. 

She didn’t feel any pain from the wound. Maybe a bit of discomfort. Nothing too concerning.

She opened her eyes to find Julieta sitting by her side. Fortunately she wasn’t in bloody clothes.?She stared at her for a while, before Julieta finally noticed she was awake.

“Mirabel!” Julieta exclaimed, immediately turning to aid her. “Do you feel alright? What happened? Do you remember what happened?”

Mirabel was on the verge of scowling. She’s been stabbed many times. On purpose or not. It was for the sake of not getting caught. She’s sure that if a victim just woke up, you don’t need to ask them a million questions. “I…” Mirabel hesitated. “I do. He…”

Julieta’s eyes widened when Mirabel said he. So, it was intentional. Somebody stabbed her daughter on purpose. Someone stabbed Mirabel. “Wait, what happened? Who’s him?”

Mirabel began to tear up. “I- S-Sergio Jimenez- I don’t know how but when I woke up, I was tied up and- and—“ Mirabel whimpered, wiping at her eyes.  “D-Dolores was also tied up.”

“What!?” Julieta’s eyes widened. Somebody kidnapped Mirabel, not only her but… “Dolores!?” Someone was capable of kidnapping two Madrigals? She knows that he’s around Mirabel’s age. Dolores does her duties near Casita and the middle of the Encanto in case she gets overwhelmed. 

There’s no way that Dolores wouldn’t be able to hear someone sneaking up on her and Mirabel.

“Were you- were you with Dolores?”

“I don’t…I don’t know.” Mirabel responded hesitantly.

Drugged possibly?

Wait, Mirabel came back stabbed. “What about Dolores? Did she come back too or- or—“

“No- Dolores was also stabbed!” Mirabel cried out.

…

“What…!?”

Around the corner came Pepa and some of the other Madrigals.

“Wait- wait- stabbed!?” Camilo yelled, baffled.

“Also!?” Agustín exclaimed.

“…Is that why I’m hearing that Mirabel has been seriously hurt?” Alma frowned, peaking in the room. “Julieta, what happened?”

“I just…I just got called and told that Mirabel was injured. When I arrived, there was a knife in her abdomen.” Julieta explained, gasps were heard through the room.

“Miraboo, are you okay!?”

“Purposely!?”

“Isn’t everyone safe!?”

“…And Dolores…” Julieta looked hesitant. “Dolores was involved, she’s also injured.”

“Where is she?” Pepa panicked, a cloud above her head.

“That’s the thing, I don’t know. I can’t heal her if I don't know where she’s at.” Julieta replied. “Mirabel and Dolores were kidnapped and attacked.”

“Kidnapped!?”

“How!?”

“I—“

Alma’s eyes widened as her family continued to shout. Kidnapped and attacked? The Encanto is a safe place. No…this can’t be true. Who would dare touch her family. Out of everyone, they’re one of the defenseless Madrigals. Especially Mirabel.

She looked at Mirabel, surprised to find that Mirabel was already staring at her. Mirabel didn’t back down, continuing to stare at her. It was unnerving and creepy.

“…You managed to escape and left Dolores behind when she could be bleeding out?”

That snapped Alma out of her mind and out of their uncomfortable staring match.

Mirabel suppressed herself from glaring at Pepa. “I was only lucky. He didn’t plan for me to survive when he let me go. He chased after me. It was only pure luck that such a…wild animal was there. It smelt the blood in him and I….and it went for him.” Mirabel responded. “I barely managed to escape.”

The Madrigals was scared.

It showed how easy it was to take someone and they wouldn’t notice. How they got taken and public and nobody noticed. Tortured. To take the one with enhanced hearing, so that nobody will be alerted.

“I’d rather…it be Dolores who managed to escape. Even then, she’ll be able to hear me. She had an injured leg though…” Mirabel admitted hesitantly. “We both were tied up and gagged. And…and…I’m sorry.” Mirabel sniffled.

“Injured her leg?”

“…When I woke up, Dolores had a knife through her thigh and was screaming. He…h-he pulled it out and Dolores fainted.”

Julieta knew this wasn’t good at all. The attacker is dead, but Dolores is bleeding out at this moment…and…

Alma was suspicious. It seemed like Mirabel didn’t tell the whole story. “…You didn’t look where you’re at?”

“Are you seriously suspecting Mirabel, mamá!?” She was stabbed. Stabbed!” Julieta exclaimed angrily.

“No, mamá, it’s fine. I was barely able to keep conscious when I ran. The knife was digging deeper in my skin and my vision was blurry.” Mirabel said with a sad smile. “I would never harm this family.” 

Chapter 60: A Tale Of Dark Possession — 4

Notes:

I’ve been awake for 19 hours, I need to get some sleep ^^

Mirabel always felt off.

Ten years ago when she met him. 

Isai.

Now that she’s older, she’s aware of what Isai really is. 

A spirit.

A spirit who has something against her family. She shouldn’t have given in, but his offer was tempting. His words are the truth.

It’s harsh, but it’s the truth.

Mirabel doesn’t watch when he’s in her body. It’s nothing worth paying attention to in her opinion. Why would she pay attention to the world when she willingly gave her body up?

Here, she can’t be judged. She can’t hear her abuela’s disappointed voice and her disappointed gaze. She can’t listen to Isabela’s mean comments. She doesn’t have to listen to any of her bullies.

The only time that she’s actually in her body is when she showers and changes clothes.

She can’t find herself caring about them as much as she would ten years ago. She knows that they probably feel the same about her. If they really cared then they would’ve noticed that something is off. Maybe she hoped for too much back then.

She just feels empty most times anyways. 

The feelings, the love that she had for them faded for them overtime. How can she see them as family anymore when she hadn’t seen them or personally talked to them?

It’s a little depressing now that she’s think about.

That’s when Isai showed up.

Mirabel raised an eyebrow. “Why are you here?” The only time both of them could be here is when her body is unconscious. “It’s night already?”

Isai looked pissed. “No, it’s not night. I just fell asleep.” He grunted. “What are you doing nowadays?”

“I’m just…drawing and sewing. I have an unlimited amount of time to do whatever. I really improved.” Mirabel said with a small smile.

“You have.” Isai said. “I’m not going to stay here for much longer. I’m going to wake your body up soon.”

“Anything interesting happened yet?”  

“No, nothing interesting that you should know happened.”

Mirabel let out a chuckle. “…I hope you know that you can’t lie in my body, my mind.”

“And here I was hoping that you’ll ignore that.” Isai sighed. “Can’t really escape anything when I’m here.”

“I’m not going to question you because I don’t really care.” Mirabel narrowed her eyes. “I should just ask for the sake of it, knowing that you can’t lie.”

Isai scowled slightly. “That would make things more annoying, wouldn’t it?” He shook his head slightly. “Back in my days I’d never been questioned by a child like this.”

“I didn’t even ask a question yet.” Mirabel looks at him with an amused expression, despite his scowl. “You know it’s been over fifty years. It’s nice to have a change once in a while. Don’t you think so?”

“Change is annoying.” Isai sneered. “If you do things in a specific order for years and someone just messes it up. Things get irritating. People would’ve gotten killed over messing up something that’s been there for years.”

Mirabel rolled her eyes. “I kind of just gave up on reasoning or listening to you when you rant.” She smiled. “Hm, so what was the interesting thing that happened?”

“I’ve been here for ten years and you question me? You think that I’m going to do something out of line? How disap—“

“Yes.” Mirabel deadpanned. “Let’s not forget whose body you’re in, who let you in control.” She said. “You’ve convinced me when I was child, but you should know I’m smarter than that now. I’m not an oblivious innocent child anymore. I’m the only one that can see you. This child was the one that let you get this far with whatever you have in mind.”

Isai’s eyes twitched. “You—“

“You may not like it but that’s the truth.” Mirabel shrugged. “I’m not going to ask what happened since you’re clearly against it. I should, but I won’t. I’m having a fun time with what I’m doing right now.”

“Drawing and sewing…” Isai’s eyebrows furrowed. “How…lame.”

“I’d like to see you get some hobbies besides trying to take my family down. Like do you have anything else to do in life besides that? Get a life.”

Isai gave her a blank stare.

“Oops, forgot you’re dead.” Mirabel grinned. “Stop judging me and wake up.”

The thing is that at any moment, she could take back control of her body. She just chooses not to.

“You’re so lucky, kid.”

“Don’t care, didn’t ask.” Mirabel glared. “I can’t be scared of you with all the embarrassing stuff you did for me as a child. Just get on with it.” She huffed.

---

Mirabel quickly shot up, her eyes twitching. Did  she literally get kicked out of her mind? Her cheeks heated up. How embarrassing.

She shook her head, at least they believed what she said. Well mostly everyone.

Alma isn’t exactly subtle.

She’s suspicious of her. Which shouldn’t even happen because she doesn’t know what really happened. If she was really kidnapped and randomly implied that she was lying about being able to escape.

They sent out a search team for Dolores, the adults coming along. She knew that they’ll find her in two days max. At most by this night.

While the adults are gone, including Alma. That leaves the miracle unattended.

Oh this better be fun.

Mirabel left the nursery. Sure being stabbed and kidnapped should be traumatic or even whatever. She’s been stabbed millions of times. It’s nothing special or new. Maybe being stabbed for the first time is eh. Normal people would’ve had more of a reaction. It’s as if they barely cared. Hilarious.

If she shot herself in her face she wondered what type of reaction they would have. They won’t let her die because she had Julieta here. And she obviously wouldn’t kill such a useful body. Now the idea of trying something like that is appealing. Too appealing.

Soon as she stepped out, all eyes were on her.

“Geez Mirabel, how do you end up in such situations—“

“Are you okay—“

“So, how was it like being stabbed?” Camilo blurted out.

Immediately Luisa glared at Camilo’s bluntness, as Isabela groaned. “Camilo!”

“What? I’m sorry for trying to lighten the mood.”

“That’s not lightening the mood!”

“It was pretty painful.” Mirabel replied dryly.

“Sorry…” Camilo said sheepishly.

“You can’t just say that, Camilo.” Luisa scolded. “Sorry, Mirabel, you know how Camilo is. Are you feeling better? You’re not in any more pain, right?”

“Hey!”

“No…mamá’s food healed me, i'm good.” Mirabel smiled. “You?”

“Ah—I’m just worried about you….I’m not the one that got hurt.” Luisa frowned, looking at her sister in concern.

“Sure, let’s just ignore the elephant in the room.” Isabela looked annoyed, as she glared at Mirabel.

“Isa, stop it.” 

Isabela clicks her tongue. “Well…I can’t be the only one thinking this.”

“I think it’s best if you don’t say what you’re thinking until the adults are back.” Camilo piped up.

“In private at least.” Luisa murmured.

“Hey…” All their eyes turn to Antonio, who’s riding on Parce’s back. Mirabel raises an eyebrow once she realizes that Antonio was directly looking at her. “Why do you smell like Dolores?” All of them were now looking at her. Fortunately Antonio wasn’t informed on the situation due to being five years old.

“We’re…family. That’s why would I smell like her—“

“Are you hurt? Did you hurt Dolores?” Antonio frowned, looking at Mirabel. “Parce said that you hurt Dolores and that guy. He can smell their scents on you. Why would you hurt them?”

Mirabel placed a hand over her mouth to cover her smirk. Right, Antonio, he can communicate with animals. She did all of this in a forest where animals are everywhere. From jaguars to ants. Why would she not suspect that he can’t hear her? That her cover might be possibly blown.

This is getting irritating.

“Wait—wait, what?” Luisa looked at her youngest cousin in confusion. Why would Mirabel hurt Dolores? What was Antonio implying?

“What are you talking about, Antonio?” Luisa asked.

Mirabel let out a hum to hide her annoyance. She wasn’t above getting rid of a little kid. She wanted to do nothing more than to strangle that brat. But she can’t exactly do so with these four here. One that could use vines on her, she could easily impale her. One with super strength, she could also easily kill her. One with shifting, she could proby overwhelm him, but if he shifted into someone stronger, there’s a chance. Than that damn jaguar.

Mirabel has her experiences with killing. They don’t. They won’t be able to easily kill her. Maybe the jaguar will. But everyone else is a different story.

“Well, isn’t it a bit suspicious that Mirabel got away and had no idea where Dolores is?” Isabela huffed.

“Who would stab themselves for such a thing!? Our little sister got kidnapped and stabbed, yet you’re accusing her of faking this? Of harming Dolores? I don’t know what your problem is, but you need to stop.” Luisa hissed.

Camilo rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.  He didn’t know what to say after hearing both of their statements. It was suspicious that Mirabel didn’t know where Dolores was. But what would Mirabel get out of stabbing herself? Or did Sergio actually stab her? Nobody can confirm it but Dolores, who is currently missing. There was truly nothing to get out of this besides wanting to get in deep trouble.

Mirabel watched as they argued. She really wished that they would fight. Now that would be something that she’ll like to see. It’s clear who’ll win. But she’s interested in seeing that bitch get messed up. The red over the pink would look lovely on her. Luisa could take them both down. Oh if only Luisa wasn’t a Madrigal, she would’ve been very worthy years ago. 

Mirabel looked at the cracks forming on the wall in amusement.

Interesting.

“Mirabel….are you—you hiding something from us?” Camilo was the one to interrupt their arguing.

Luisa looked at Camilo in disbelief at what he was implying. Why are they suspecting Mirabel when she was literally kidnapped and stabbed!? What’s wrong with them!? Why is it always Mirabel that they have barely any trust in!?  “Cami—“

Mirabel smiled. “I am.”

…

“Wait—“

“Isn’t everyone hiding something? I’m fifteen. Of course the answer is yes. If you want to know about something else then you’ll have to be specific.” Mirabel responded.

Isabela narrowed her eyes. “You’re playing around too much, Mirabel. You know what he meant. If you know where Dolores is, now is the time to say something. There’s no need to waste everyone’s time.”

“They’ll find her.” Mirabel laughed. “The Encanto is limited. Nobody needs to worry much. I don’t know where she is. She’s my oldest cousin. I have nothing against her. I feel hurt that you think I’ll do such a thing.”

Antonio looked at Mirabel. “Parce says you’re…. lying.”

…

Mirabel’s expression cracked, she really forgot about that brat. How the hell can a jaguar tell that you’re lying anyways? She’s going to fucking kill it and use it as a rug.

“I’m lying…?” Mirabel repeated, a smile reappearing on her face. “About what exactly?” The other three stare at each other. “I’m sure that they’ll find her.” I want them to.

Mirabel sees vines forming by Isabela’s side.

“Seriously, Mirabel, tell the truth!” She could tell that Camilo is getting angry by the way he’s sneering. She’d also be pretty offended if something similar happened to her.

“I don’t know if I feel like it.” Mirabel sighed. “There’s nothing I’m going to get out of this.” Mirabel could see the hurt in their expression and she liked it.

“Did you—did you really do all of this by yourself, Mirabel?” Luisa asked hesitantly, staring at her with widened eyes.

…

Mirabel sighed, looking disappointed. “I can’t really do anything if I’m caught. Talk to you later!”

“Wha—“

Mirabel’s vision fades to black as her body goes limp.

“Mirabel!”

Notes:

Mirabel doesn’t care about Madrigals and wouldn’t really care if one of them were to die. They’re like strangers to her. If anything, she would pity them.

Chapter 61: A Tale Of Dark Possession — 5

Mirabel blinked in surprise. “You’re back quick.”

“I am.”

“Why?”

“You sure do ask a lot of questions.”

Mirabel crossed her arms. “I’m trying to maintain my peace and you keep coming back. You’re bothering me.”

“I hardly said anything.”

“Your presence is.”

“You smartass.”

“I’m glad you think I’m smart.”

“Mhm, proved my point.”

“If you’re so offended by my smartness then go in the corner.”

“I know you did not just tell me to go in the corner as if I’m a child—“

Mirabel laughed. “It’s my mind, everything bends to my will. This place is practically a dreamland to me. I could have you sitting in the corner like a sulking child if I wanted to. I’m only joking.”

“How funny. You sure do have me laughing.”

“You could’ve at least pretended.” Mirabel narrowed her eyes. “Seriously, what are you doing in my body?”

Isai knew that he wouldn’t be able to hide it from Mirabel if she kept pestering him about it. So, he just told her the truth.

If Mirabel got angry at him for doing such a thing, all his plans would go straight down the drain. Though, if she were to take back her body. There’s genuinely no way to cover it up, she’d seem even more crazy. And the worst part is that his plans would be ruined. He wouldn’t be able to do anything anymore.

“You really kidnapped her?” Mirabel’s eyes widened as he nodded. “Wow, I—that’s just impressive. You know, with the enhanced hearing I thought that she would’ve countered it. But you are stronger than her. She really shouldn’t have come to the woods alone after hearing that. I can’t say that neither of them didn’t deserved it.”

“I just knocked her out and…wait—“

“You know that I don’t really care about them, right? Nor do I care about what you do to them. It’s none of my business.”  Mirabel huffed. “The only thing that I’m annoyed at is that you stabbed yourself— me for the sake of everything.”

Isai was pleased that Mirabel didn’t put up a fuss or things would’ve been difficult. “I must say….it’s a waste of her gift. The potential she could have if she wasn’t such an idiot. That’s what got her in this mess. For being a Madrigal and being in the way. If only she didn’t pretend to care and ignored me. She wouldn’t have been stabbed.”

Mirabel stifled her laughter. “Aren’t you a warlord or whatever? You literally killed my abuelo and many more. How’d you even get caught? Seems pretty immature.”

“I didn’t think the jaguar would be a fucking lie detector.” Isai hissed. “I should’ve finished her off—fuck, I should’ve cut her ears off but I missed my chance. It doesn’t matter that I got caught. I purposely let myself get caught. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have let her live.” A twisted smirk formed on his face. “Something… interesting happened. It seems that the magical house isn’t so stable.”

Mirabel arched her brow. “Meaning?”

“Oh my fucking—“ Mirabel glared at him, making him clear his throat. “…Nevermind. Meaning that the house might collapse. It’ll be great to have the house collapse on them, burying them alive. It’ll be even greater to kill them myself.”

Mirabel sighed. “You’re just making things difficult on purpose. I say just kill them. That’s not a waste of time and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”

Isai cackled. “Look at this, a Madrigal advising me to kill their own family! If they knew this, they’d lose their minds! Pedro’s sacrifice was in vain and was useless for someone like Alma. If only they knew….”

“As I said, I don’t really care what you do. As long as you don’t bother what I’m doing. Or potentially have us in a situation where we have to die.” Mirabel said firmly.

“As if they’ll kill us. They’re far too weak for that.” Isai scoffed. “They’re mentally weak and that’ll give me the advantage. If any of my family tried to do this, I’d personally cut off all their limbs and feed them to the dogs and make them a human vegetable. The Madrigals wouldn’t. It is not as if they encountered a murder and kidnapping in such a safe place. And Alma….” He began laughing. “She’ll do anything to cover this up. She can’t do anything. There’s no downside in this situation for me! They can avoid me all they want! I always get what I want!”

Mirabel rolled her eyes.

“And they wouldn’t let you die.” Isai added. “No matter what you do, those bastards will cover it up. They won’t let you kill or harm yourself either. Not with that caring mother of yours.” Isai said in a mocking tone. “You’ll only be seen as crazy by the Madrigals, but that’s fine. I’ve been called worse.”

“No, you’ll be seen as crazy by the Madrigals. I had no part in this and I don’t intend to. Sure, you’ll be feared by Dolores and avoided by the others. Maybe you’ll be put on a leash and locked up in case you lose your mind.” Mirabel chuckled. “You have the advantage. But, don’t get too cocky because if you do, you’ll mess everything up.”

“How can I not get cocky if I’m close to victory?”

“Be cocky when you actually win.”

“Hm, debatable.”

“Anyways what are you planning to do after you wake up? Or are you planning to not wake up for a while and give them a little scare?” Mirabel offered with a smirk. “Maybe stay here for two days or so.”

“Sounds like a good idea.” Isai hummed.

“It’ll be unfortunate if you’re tied up when you wake up. It’ll be funny though.”

“Sounds kinky, don’t like it. I certainly can’t play the innocent girl act anymore. I’ll make a fool out of the Madrigals. Just watch.”

“Oh? Does that mean I should be paying attention to the outside world now?”

“You should.”

---

“I just…don’t understand. You’re saying that it happened in plain daylight?” A man asked.

“Clearly. She came back with a knife inside of her. Damn, I don’t understand how she ran like that.”

“It is a bit suspicious, isn’t it?”

“The way she came back or?”

“Why are you all suspecting her? Sure, things like this aren't common at all. It’s a miracle that he managed to get two Madrigals. He’s still a teen and clumsy. He must’ve been planning this for a while, but it can’t be perfect. He had let Mirabel escape with the intent of chasing her and not letting her live. We don’t even know if Dolores is alive. Adrenaline is a thing. That’s why she got as far as she did. Let’s just be grateful that someone made it out alive and pray for the other.”

“Hmm, you think that we’ll fin—“

“Be quiet for once, please.”

“…Okay.”

“I don’t understand why everyone is so—“ Agustín whispered to Julieta, who raised an eyebrow. “—Erm…suspicious.”

Julieta stared at the back of Pepa’s head. “Me either and I don’t like it.” She sighed. They really shouldn’t have brought Pepa along. Her emotions are out of control and…

“Don’t worry, señora, we’ll find Dolores.” Mariano smiled warmly at Pepa.

Alma watched them all with a lantern in her hand. She truly hoped that Dolores was alright. Dolores was stabbed in the thigh. It takes her back and she doesn’t like it. Mirabel’s story isn’t adding up and she knows that others think so too. It wasn’t the full story. Julieta, however, thinks the opposite. Nobody ever should’ve gotten hurt.

The way Mirabel stared at her, it was so familiar. She just couldn’t make it out. It was a cold stare full of hatred. She doesn’t know what she did to have Mirabel staring at her. It went so much deeper. Mirabel had been acting off. But would Mirabel really do such a thing?

“This is the direction I saw her run off from.” Zavier said. 

“You really think that she ran off in a straight line?”

Zavier shrugged. “Who knows? It’s better than no information at all. If you were in a life or death situation and injured…would you really think of ways to get your killer off your track?”

“Ah, you do have a point—“ He cut himself off when he inhaled a foul smell. “Shit.”

“Well….we certainly have a lead now.”

“Definitely the smell of blood.”

As they got closer, the stench of blood got stronger.

“Oh fuck…”

“Please let that be a dead animal and nothing else.” 

“Not looking forward to seeing a dead body.”

Pepa was furious. “She’s not dead!”  Pepa bit on her bottom lip as her nerves began to take over her. She doesn’t want to find the body of her daughter, but at the same time she does. Mirabel said that Dolores was stabbed in her thigh, but never dead. 

“Of course not, Pepa.” Félix had said, he was as nervous as Pepa. He didn’t want to believe that something really bad could happen to his daughter. “Dolores will be okay.” Did he believe his own words? 

In just two minutes, they found the source of the smell.

Dolores was tied up to a chair, her face pale. She was unconscious, her skirt was a mess. Threads and layers missing. The most noticeable was the no so dried up blood. It ran down her leg and was pooled under her seat.

“Dolores!” Pepa had yelled upon the sight of her daughter. The others behind her.

Mariano immediately went behind Dolores to get the ropes off her legs and arms. When he got them off, her skin was bruised.

“Julie—“

“I can’t heal her if she’s unconscious.” Julieta said before anyone could tell her to heal Dolores. “I can’t force any food down her throat with the chances of her choking. The same with drinks.” She felt guilty, but it was the truth. Dolores is alive in pain, but Julieta needs Dolores to be awake for her healing to work.  She moved part of Dolores’ skirt up, some people averting their gaze. There was indeed a stab wound. “The most we can do is clean the wound as soon as we can until Dolores wakes up.”

“Wha—but Dolores is hurt and we have to wait for her to wake up just to be in more pain!?” Pepa snapped.

Julieta frowned. “Pepa, your daughter wasn’t the only one stabbed today. Please….let’s stop the yelling and be rational right now. It’ll only be temporary.” 

Julieta was startled when Dolores jumped. Dolores let out a groan, her eyes unfocused as she stumbled. She let out some incoherent words as she held onto her ears. She seemed confused overall.

“Dolores, are you okay—“

Dolores fell forward, Mariano catching her before she could hit the ground.

“She’s obviously not okay.” Was what Mariano had said, holding Dolores closer. “She’s exhausted and most likely thirsty. Who knows what happened here and what she went through. We need to take her back.”

Chapter 62: Moonlight Secrets

Mirabel stumbled as she ran into the forest, breathing heavily. Her vision was fading in and out as the forest was unusually quiet.

She ran until she reached a cave that she was familiar with. She desperately hoped that Dolores wasn’t paying attention to her at the time.

Mirabel grabbed the hem of her sleeves, her hands fumbling as she struggled to take her blouse off. 

She knew that she needed to take off her clothes to make the transition easier. Unless she wanted her clothes shredded or walking home to Casita naked. Something that wasn’t worth the humiliation or embarrassment.

When she first transformed, it was unexpected and she didn’t know what to do. Her clothes had unfortunately been ruined and thankfully it happened when she was in Casita alone.

Mirabel let out a deep breath.

No matter how many times she experienced it, she just couldn’t get used to it. It wasn’t comfortable for her.

She sat outside the edge of the cave, looking up as the sun set. It was such a beautiful sight.

Mirabel didn’t need to worry about finding or looking for her because they wouldn’t notice that she was gone. Nobody goes into the forest when it’s becoming late.

Mirabel let out a low grunt, her senses heightened. She could hear the faint voices of people talking, the wind blowing the leaves around. She could see miles away, her glasses useless for now. She could feel the scratches that she got from running slowly closing and healing up. 

As the sun finally set, she looked at the perfectly round moon. 

She took off her glasses.

It was only a second before the pain shot up in her body like fire. It exploded in her head with a blinding whiteness. It made her vision blur and her head dizzy. It was as if she was being stabbed everywhere all over again. Then pouring salt water into the burn.

Mirabel collapsed to the ground, her entire body shaking violently. A low growl escaped her throat, staring as her nails slowly lengthened into claws. Her claws dung into the ground from the pain, leaving marks into the ground.

Mirabel let out a cry of pain, forced to open her mouth, drool dripping out of her mouth, she felt her teeth become sharper.

Her ears began twitching, becoming pointed and tracking to the top of her head. 

It felt as if her body was being torn apart and being put back together in her new form. Every bone and muscle rearranging itself to its limits. 

If Dolores was listening, Mirabel was sure that it'd be the most uncomfortable thing to listen to. Especially with all the cracking, popping, being rearranged.

Mirabel watched as fur began sprouting all over her hands and arms. Her palms began to puff out and change into something similar to a wolf. The same thing began to happen to her below.

Mirabel felt the tingling sensation in her lower back. Something began growing from her spine, poking out of her skin, becoming more defined as moments passed. Her tail became long with tufts of hair growing at the end. 

Fur was spreading all over her body, her hair blending in with her mane.

“Mirabel?”

---

Dolores had her suspicions and followed Mirabel after she kept leaving out at the same time. Dolores didn’t want to be a bother, she was curious.

She heard strange sounds from Mirabel, before it eventually faded away. Mirabel had an irregular heartbeat. 

She did and Mirabel hadn’t noticed her.

Dolores quickly averted her gaze as Mirabel began stripping off her clothes. Perhaps this was a bad idea? If Mirabel enjoyed…whatever she was doing in this cave then it wasn’t her problem. Although it was weird.

That’s when Mirabel let out her groan.

…Maybe this was a bad idea. She shouldn’t be eavesdropping like this and quickly return to her room.

Dolores realized that it was a groan of pain. She watched as Mirabel fell to the ground. She was about to go and see what was wrong with her but…she realized quickly that something was wrong.

She could hear everything and it was very disturbing.

She could hear Mirabel’s bones cracking, things popping and moving around. 

Dolores froze.

It lasted for a few minutes and Dolores felt overwhelmed already.

It was silent.

“Mirabel?” Dolores called out.

The thing—Mirabel turned to her and Dolores got a good look at her prima. 

Mirabel looked like a very huge dog.

Taller than her.

Taller than Luisa, who was the tallest person in the Encanto.

Mirabel looked at her, her eyes glowing through the dark. She didn’t look like she was making any move to attack her, only observing her.

“Primita?” Dolores repeated, tilting her head. Mirabel did the same, tilting her head. Her pointed ear flopping to the side.

Dolores slowly walked up to her, she couldn’t hide her smile as she stared at Mirabel.

Mirabel sat down, panting as her tail wagged back and forth in anticipation. 

Dolores couldn’t hold back anymore.

“Oh my God, you’re a big puppy!” Dolores squealed, as Mirabel leaned her head down, so Dolores could rub her face. “Mira—“ She instantly moved back as a large tongue tried to lick at her face. Nevermind, Mirabel succeeded.

Her face was wet.

She wiped at her face. “How can I be mad at you?” Dolores cooed, as Mirabel began circling around Dolores.

Was this what Mirabel was keeping a secret? Being an oversized puppy?

How could she keep this a secret?

Mirabel was sniffing and nuzzling her hand.

Dolores’ eyes practically shone at Mirabel. It was like a child actually seeing Santa Claus.

“You’re so cute!”

Mirabel let out a happy bark.

“Yes, you are!

Dolores stayed with Mirabel the entire time and didn’t comprehend that Mirabel is a werewolf.

Mirabel was just happy with the affection that she was receiving.

Notes:

I’m sure my two favorite characters are obvious. Yes, Dolores does figure out that Mirabel wasn’t an oversized puppy, but a werewolf. She still adores Mirabel.

Chapter 63: Werewolf!Mirabel Snippet

Notes:

I needed to write some fluff after all the angst I’ve been writing

“Hey, Mirabel, catch!” 

Just as Mirabel looked up, a toy was aimed right at her face. She quickly caught it.

She examined it, a bone. 

A bone toy.

Her eye twitched.

“Camilo, I love you and all, you’re my mellizo. But I swear to god if you throw another dog toy at me, I’m going to punch you straight in the face!” Mirabel growled in annoyance, even as her tail thumped against the ground.

Camilo laughed. “You can’t tell me that it’s not funny!”

“I’m not a dog! Werewolves and dogs are two different creatures!”

Dolores’ lips quirked upward. “Actually, dogs and wolves belong to the same genus.”

“Dolores!” Mirabel looked at Dolores in betrayal, who smiled sheepishly. “You can’t prove him right or else it’ll go to his head.”

Camilo grinned. “I told you so!” He teased. “I’m right and you’re wrong!”

“Look at what you’ve done, Dolores!” 

“Sorry,” Dolores didn’t look sorry at all.

“We should make her wear a collar.” Isabela smirked, as Mirabel let out an offended gasp. “Oh and a leash! That way we don’t have to worry about her running off again.”

“It was one time.” Mirabel snarled, her fangs baring at Isabela.

“You somehow ended up on someone’s roof.”

“Well…”

“Not to mention the time you ended up in señora Guzmán’s house and she hadn’t noticed.”

“I—well, that was also an accident. Mariano knew I was there.”

“We can make it yellow!” Pepa suggested out of nowhere.

“Oh you’re right, mi sol, it’ll look good on her. Especially with our color.” Félix grinned.

“I think my daughter would look best with our colors.” Agustín had interrupted. “Right, amor?”

Julieta huffed a quiet laugh.

“No, mamá, not you too.” Mirabel whined. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“Oh I’m not l-laughing at you, mi amor.” Julieta said, even as she was laughing. “I’m on your side.”

Mirabel narrowed eyes. “Your laughter is saying otherwise.”

Antonio hugged onto Mirabel’s leg. “I’m not laughing at you, Mira.”

Mirabel smiled widely. “This is why you’re my favorite cousin!” She ruffled Antonio’s hair, who giggled. 

Camilo gasped. “Why is it that you’re saying that everyone else is your favorite cousin but me!? Did our five years together mean nothing!?”

Antonio grinned cheekily. “I also spent five years with Mira.” He stuck his tongue out at Camilo.

Dolores sighed dramatically, holding a hand over her chest. “Let’s not forget the time you said that I was your favorite cousin just to get what you want.”

Mirabel groaned. “Why does everyone have such a memory?”

“It’s hard to forget some things that you do, mija.” Alma said fondly, as she walked into the chaos. 

“Yes, you make them very memorable.” Félix agreed.

“You all are bullies.” Mirabel huffed. “All of you are ganging up on me.”

“Do you want your chew toy?” Isabela teased.

“Isa—“

“Or do you want a belly rub?” Pepa grinned.

“No—“

“I can pat your head if you want.” 

“Oh my—“

“Don’t worry, mija, I’ll cook your favorite meal if you want.” Julieta joined in.

Mirabel couldn’t take it anymore. “I’m going to run away and make friends with the birds seeing as nobody here takes me seriously!”

“Oh no, Mira, w-we do. Just n-not now—“ Dolores chuckled.

Luisa peeked her head around the corner. “What’s happening?”

“Mirabel needs her chew toy.”

“She wants her belly rubbed.”

“No, she wants her head patted.”

“I think she wants her loving mother to make her favorite meal.”

“I don’t think she had enough sleep.”

“Oh,” Luisa blinked, staring at Mirabel, who was staring at her intently. She was holding her hands behind her back. “Is this a bad time?”

“Yes.” Mirabel eyed Luisa suspiciously. “Don’t you da—“ Before she could finish her sentence, Luisa had thrown a stick away. 

In a blink of an eye, Mirabel was gone.

…

Bruno soon walked in, holding a cup of coffee, looking behind him. “You all should probably go chase after Mirabel before she breaks anything.”

On cue, they could hear something shattering, followed by other things breaking.

“Too late I suppose.”

Chapter 64: Moonlight Secrets — Part 2

Notes:

I’m having way too much fun writing about werewolf!Mirabel

“Shh, primita, everyone is sleeping.” Dolores said in a hushed tone, as she rode on top of Mirabel’s back. She was having way too much fun with Mirabel. “Be quiet and I’ll make sure nobody sees us.”

Mirabel huffed, her tail wagging as they strolled through town. Thankfully nobody was out this late.

“Wait…how are you going to fit through Casita’s door? You’re way too big.” Dolores frowned, as she leaned against Mirabel’s fur. Oh, she was very warm. “I’m sure Casita can make some adjustments. All we need to do is not run into anyone and we’re good.”

Dolores watched with widened eyes as Casita’s doors opened on their own and the entrance became wider and taller until it was big enough for Mirabel to fit.

“…There goes the answer to my question.” Dolores murmured, as Mirabel walked through the door.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

“Why are you so excited?” Dolores questioned, with a laugh. “I don’t think we can make it inside quietly if you’re this excited.”

Dolores could tell that Mirabel was trying to calm down. It was less louder, but her tail was still swaying.

“Eh, better than nothing.” Dolores grinned. “Now let’s hope that nobody is awake and make it to my room.”

As they started to make their way to Dolores’ room, they both froze.

In the kitchen was Bruno Madrigal, who currently had food in his mouth. He swallowed upon the sight of them.

Bruno stared at both of them.

Dolores and Mirabel stared back.

“Yeah, I think I’m just going to head back into the walls. I’ll panic and question my life choices later. See you!”  Bruno was gone just like that.

Dolores blinked. 

“Understandable, anyways let’s get you to my room—“

---

When Dolores woke up, she didn’t expect to find Mirabel staring at her, wrapped around in her blanket.

“…Good morning?” 

Mirabel smiled sheepishly. “You know.”

“I do.” Dolores looked at Mirabel. “At least you’re back to being human again.”

“What was tío Bruno, who claimed to have left ten years ago doing in Casita?” Mirabel asked, as Dolores mentally cursed. She was hoping that Mirabel forgot.

“I guess I can’t hide it from you anymore.” Dolores said under her breath. “Truth is, Bruno never left. He actually has been hiding in the walls. Nobody knows but me…and you now.”

Mirabel looked surprised. “I—oh wow. That’s a lot to take in but…” Mirabel looked embarrassed, her cheeks heating up, pulling the blanket closer. “…I left my clothes, sandals and glasses in that cave. I need all of that back. I’m kind of….n-naked.”

“You’re….naked under there?” Dolores blinked in surprise, as Mirabel hesitantly nodded. “I know that you have other clothes in the nursery. Do you have another pair of glasses?”

“Yes, I keep an extra pair in case anything were to happen to them. Just look in my dresser, it should be there.” Mirabel replied. “After breakfast, I’ll just go get them.”

“Oh,” Dolores got up, looking back at Mirabel. “What was with the whole…puppy thing?”

“Werewolf.” Mirabel corrected. “Something that happens every night unfortunately. It started somewhere around my…seventh birthday. Fortunately, I don’t do anything to stupid and I keep my memories in wolf form.”

“You’re so big.” Dolores grinned. “You’re so…short, but bigger as a werewolf.”

“Wow.”

“…No offense. But how does that work? Did you get bit by a wolf like a vampire? Or did you touch something that made you like that? Did you fall asleep looking at the moon? Maybe wishing to be taller?”

“You don’t see me asking about how everyone's gifts work.” Mirabel huffed. “No, I didn’t get bit. I didn’t touch anything. I fall asleep looking at the moon, but that’s not it. I wished for some sort of gift, so that is kind of right. This is my gift…I guess.”

“I don’t get how I didn’t notice until now. You would think that I would’ve noticed you like this. How come nobody noticed you?” Dolores asked with a frown on her face.

Mirabel’s face was flushed. “I’m not exactly…small and I wasn’t as smart as I was when I was younger. Casita knows and I know that I get hunted.”

Dolores’ eyes widened. “Hunted!?”

“I’m a big wolf, bigger than Luisa. I wasn’t careful as I am now. Some people were searching the forest and saw me. They got scared and ran away. I was surprised that they didn’t tell anyone. The next day, they came back to the forest with guns. I think they wanted to please abuela or something like that by protecting us from danger.” Mirabel mocked, looking annoyed. “I—I may have or…may not have lost control and accidentally injured one of the men. Don’t worry, he’s alive. Mamá did heal him and he kept coming back with his friends even after what I’ve done…”

“I didn’t see anyone in the forest yesterda—“

“—I bit his arm clean off. That scared him off.” 

Dolores’ eyes widened even more. “Oh…oh wow. Well, I guess he did deserve it for coming back even after the first warning. A-actually, how about I get your stuff, so you don’t have to be naked anymore? Good? Yeah!” She got up, leaving out the door.

Mirabel looked amused.

…

Dolores couldn’t blame Mirabel.

But she doesn’t understand how anyone could think of hurting a big pup—werewolf. Mirabel’s cute as a werewolf. Just for what? A praise from Alma Madrigal?

He deserved getting his arm bit off. Her tía Julieta couldn’t heal severed limbs or put them back together. 

The thought of people hunting her little cousin if they ever found out that she was a werewolf is scary.

The thought of having a big werewolf cousin isn’t as….surprising as it should be. They all have gifts. Mirabel’s gift just came a little late. She won’t say that Mirabel’s gift is dangerous because everyone’s gift is dangerous in their own way. 

It might be just her, but Mirabel is really cute. Both forms.

Dolores opened the nursery’s door. It was clean as expected and neat.

Dolores looked through Mirabel’s closet. She grabbed out a white blouse. She knew that Mirabel probably wouldn’t want to wear any color that’s not from their side of the family. 

She looked through Mirabel’s skirts.

There was a yellow skirt that got darker as it went down.

There was a red skirt with two blue stripes at the bottom.

There was a blue skirt with a yellow and cyan stripe.

…

Dolores tilted her head, looking deeper in her closet. It seemed as if Mirabel had more skirts with their color.

A smile made its way on her face.

Though she had to grab the blue skirt with a darker pattern on it. She had to stick to their colors.

Dolores paused, she stood up straight and turned around.

Isabela was staring at her from the doorway.

“Isa…”

“Why are you going through Mirabel’s closet?” Isabela asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Do you usually come check the nursery?” Dolores decided to ask.

“No, I don’t. I thought Mirabel might’ve overslept, since she hadn’t knocked on my door.” Isabela told her. “Though that doesn’t explain why you’re in here.”

“Mirabel didn’t oversleep, she’s in my room right now. Her other clothes…are currently messed up, so she needed me to give her some clothes.” Dolores replied.

“She’s in your room?”

“…Yes.”

“She needed you to grab her some clothes? An entire outfit at that because her clothes are messed up?”

“…Mhm.”

“She can’t get them herself?”

“…Yep.”

“Dolores—“

Dolores cut her off. “It’s not what you’re thinking.” She hurriedly said before Isabela could come up with her own conclusions. “Mirabel’s clothes, glasses, sandals are messed up and she needed someone to grab them. She wasn’t able to get them herself, so I went to get them…ending me up here. I don’t think I should keep her waiting.”

Isabela crossed her arms. “You know what…It’s way too early for this. I’m just going to go and keep my thoughts to myself.”

Then she walked away.

Well, that was easy.

She looked in Mirabel’s dresser to find a pair of glasses. Black ones.

She grabbed one and grabbed a pair of sandals.

She left the nursery and made her way back to her room.

She opened the door.

Mirabel was still wrapped around the blanket, looking around Dolores’ room.

Dolores smirked. “I got all of your stuff, Mirabel.”

Mirabel turned around. “Thank you, I appreciate it.” Mirabel smiled, even as she squinted her eyes at Dolores.

“It’s practically my fault that you forgot everything.” Dolores sighed. “I’ll set them on the bed and leave. You won’t be late to breakfast and I’ll tell tía that something happened.” 

“Thank you.”

“It’s no problem at all.” Dolores said, leaving out her room and closing the door behind her.

---

“Tía, Mirabel may be a bit late to breakfast because something happened with her clothes, so I was helping her.” Dolores explained to Julieta.

Julieta’s eyebrows raised. “I was wondering why she wasn’t awake yet being one of the first people up after me.” She looked concerned. “What happened?”

“Well…Mirabel and I happened to be messing around and her clothes got messed up.” It technically wasn’t fully a lie.

“Oh?” Julieta looked at her strangely. “Oh…alright, uhm, don’t let it happen again?” It was more of a question than a statement. She seemed more confused than anything. She regained her composure. “I’m glad that you two are getting along again. I’ll make sure to tell abuela about Mirabel.”

Dolores smiled. “Yes, thank you, tía.”

Julieta smiled back. “It’s nothing.” She laughed warmly. “Go make your plate.” She smiled softly.

Dolores did as told, making her plate.

The adults soon came in, saying their good mornings and greeting each other.

Dolores watched as Julieta went over to Alma, telling her something. Dolores didn’t need to listen in on them to know what Julieta was telling her abuela.

Alma looked at Julieta with a confused expression, glancing at Dolores then back at Julieta. Her tía said something again, making her abuela have an understanding expression.

The adults started making their plate, the grandchildren grabbing their drinks.

In a few minutes, everyone had their plate ready. They began talking amongst themselves, while waiting for their second youngest.

After a while, Mirabel appeared.

“Ah, sorry I’m late, something…happened.” Mirabel smiled sheepishly.

…

Alma blinked in surprise at Mirabel’s attire. She was used to Mirabel’s green glasses and her creative skirt. She knew how much pride Mirabel took in that skirt. Seeing her in something that’s not…that was strange.

She could tell that she wasn’t the only one thinking that by her family’s puzzled expression.

“Good morning?” Mirabel offered, her cheeks heating up as she took her seat next to Luisa.

“Good morning,” Most of them repeated.

“I already made your plate, I know what you like.” Julieta said in a hushed tone.

“Thank you.” Mirabel said gratefully.

“I like your new look.” Julieta also said, before returning to her seat.

Camilo was looking at her curiously.

“Yes?”

“What happened to your skirt? The one with all of our symbols on it?” Camilo asked her.

“I…I messed my clothes up.” Mirabel lied. 

“Different glasses too?” He looked under the table. “And different sandals. What happened?”

Mirabel blushed. “It’s only for today. I’ll be wearing my original outfit tomorrow.”

Camilo looked as if he didn’t really believe her, but let it go. He started another conversation with her, Antonio also talking to her.

Well, that was until Alma said something…

“Last night…I heard something strange.” Alma started off, making Dolores and Mirabel pale. Mirabel looked at Dolores with a questioning look, as Dolores shook her head. 

Isabela and Camilo noticed their interactions, making them look at their sisters with a confused expression. Julieta, however, raised an eyebrow and stared at Dolores.

“What a way to start off…” Mirabel muttered to herself, making Luisa give her a concerned look as Dolores held back her laughter.

“There were loud noises coming from the kitchen. I want to confirm, were any of you down there?”

…

“I was down there.” Dolores and Mirabel said at the same time.

The Madrigals looked at them.

“Hm?”

“We both were down there.” Dolores smiled sheepishly. “I had hurt myself and Mirabel happened to be awake and grabbed something so I’ll feel better.” Mirabel nodded in agreement.

“Well that would explain the missing food.” Julieta said under her breath.

Julieta didn’t need to know that it was actually Bruno.

“Were you two making…loud thum—“

“I tripped.” Mirabel interrupted before Alma could finish that sentence. “I fell and dropped some things. That’s all. Nothing more.” Her face was flushed. “That was my fault, I’m sorry if I woke you up.”

Both Madrigals would rather just leave the table at this point.

“…right.” Alma said.

“You know what…may I be excused?” Dolores asked. “I realized there is some stuff that won’t be named that needs to be done. It’s important.”

“Oh my God…kill me now…” Mirabel mumbled. “May I also be excused?”

Chapter 65: Mirabel’s Timeless Sacrifice

Notes:

Sorry, but Mirabel can’t be happy for too long >:)

Mirabel thought that she didn’t have a gift. She had no door and everyone said it. Even her abuela said that she didn’t have a gift, so she must’ve been right.

Yet…some would consider her gift a curse. Mirabel considered it as any other gift, a blessing.

Wouldn’t you want to go back in time to fix your mistakes? To make everything right? Multiple chances.

But, nothing ever comes for free.

Without a certain twist.

Would you go back in time to fix everything with the price of dying? Every time you die, you’ll be brought back.

Would you risk your sanity?

Would you get tired of not being about to die?

Why would you keep going back in time knowing you’ll be sent back?

Mirabel didn’t know at first.

She simply took Luisa’s advice and went to Bruno’s tower for a vision. 

She climbed up every single stair. You’d think that he would’ve had something magical to go up since they’re Madrigals.

It was the bride that caused her to stop.

She thought she could make it.

She thought that nothing could go wrong.

She didn’t need to think about anything going wrong.

The rope didn’t make it across and she fell all the way down to her death.

When Mirabel had first died, she woke up shaking. Mirabel thought it was a nightmare, a weirdly realistic nightmare before everything began happening in the same order.

She realized that something was off.

Why was she repeating the same things over? 

She discreetly asked Dolores if she had a strange sense of deja vu.

Dolores only looked at her strangely.

So, she did the same thing over again.

The only thing different that happened was that she didn’t fall to her death like in her dream.

She made it to Bruno’s vision cave, at least that's what she thought it was. It was filled up with sand and Mirabel can see green shards lighting up the dark room.

Bruno’s vision.

She quickly grabbed some  shards of the vision, only one question running through her mind.

What’s hurting the magic?

She pieced the visions together, she gasped. 

“Me…?” Mirabel said under her breath, her eyes widened.

How could she be hurting the miracle when she wanted to save it?

That’s when Mirabel realized that the entire caven began to shake, falling apart. The room was rapidly filling up with sand, covering the shards.

Mirabel needed that vision.

Mirabel tried to dig out the remaining shards while panicking and shoving them in her mochila bag. 

Mirabel’s eyes widened even more as sand and rocks began to block the entrance. 

She decides to grab the last piece instead of escaping. She went back for the door just to find out it’s locked.

She tried to force the door open, but it just wouldn’t open. Was she going to die like this?

She began banging on the door, trying to force it open.

Her movements become restricted as the sand reaches above her waist.

Her chest suddenly feels much tighter.

Was she really going to die like this? From sand?

Mirabel lifted her chin up, as the sand fell on her face.

Her eyes were forced shut as she choked on sand until she didn't have the strength to react anymore.

With her throat closed, no air was able to reach her lungs as sand covered her body whole. Nobody would find her body and only Dolores and Luisa would have a clue on where she went. Dolores wouldn’t be able to pinpoint her because she’s surrounded by sand and doesn’t have a heartbeat.

Mirabel realized that falling to her death is much better.

Her vision faded to black.

Mirabel woke up gasping for air, clutching onto her chest.

What was happening to her? What was wrong with her?

The door creaked open.

It was Dolores.

“Hey, are you okay? I can hear your heart racing and—and… oh, Mira.”

Dolores walked up to her, staying by her side and comforting her until she calmed down. She never once asked what was wrong while she was with her.

“T-thank you, Dolores.” Mirabel was pretty embarrassed.

“It’s nothing, really.” Dolores’ eyes softened. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Mirabel smiled nervously. “N-no, it’s fine. If I need you, I’ll call out to you.”

Dolores offered her a small smile. “Right, I’ll be listening. Just call out my name or if I hear something off, I’ll be here.” She said, before she walked off, giving Mirabel a small wave.

Mirabel sat on her bed, nervously chewing at her lip. 

Why is she going back to the day after Antonio’s ceremony after she dies?

Is this her gift?

Is this a gift?

Mirabel got up, there was only one way to prove. She looked in her dresser, grabbing one of her sharpest scissors with a safety cover because Antonio used to be in the room with her.

She took the safety cover off, going to close the door.

Mirabel gripped the scissors, holding it against her throat.

She hoped it would bring her back to life like the other times.

Falling to her death wasn’t painful at the moment because she only felt it for a second. No, everything came crashing down on her in a second. She was alive for a few minutes, before she eventually lost consciousness. She cringed when rats came to her.

Suffocating from sand was overwhelming. She literally had to wait for her death. She tried to escape, but couldn’t do anything about it. Suffocation was the worst….well she could be proven wrong in the future.

…If not, she just dies.

Mirabel let out a sigh, before she slit her throat. Her blood jetted out her throat like a waterfall. It hurt, it hurt so fucking badly. She did expect it to hurt though.

Mirabel didn’t die immediately, but when she lost consciousness, she could only see somebody’s sandal. She knew that it was too late, they wouldn’t remember anyways.

Mirabel woke up again.

Mirabel shot up immediately, holding onto her throat tightly. She couldn’t hold back the tears that fell.

At least she knew that she could be brought back to life by dying. It was painful, but she just wanted to help.

The things she did to save the miracle.

At least she had multiple chances.

She knew what to do and not to do.

So, she repeated everything again.

She talked to Dolores, who actually turned out to be Camilo. Dolores tells her about Luisa’s eye twitching.

She went to Luisa and asked her what was wrong. Luisa vented to her about how she felt too stressed and wanted a break. Luisa told her about the vision in Bruno’s room that caused him to leave.

She went to Bruno’s room.

She climbed those stairs.

She safely made it pass his bridge again.

Now it was the cave. 

She had to make sure it wouldn’t close on her again.

She blocked the entrance, so it wouldn’t close on her again.

She went to grab all the vision shards even as the room filled up with sand.

This time, the entrance wasn’t shut yet.

Mirabel made it out.

Mirabel was happy that she made it out alive.

One thing she was forgetting….Isabela’s engagement!

She put the shards in her bag, exiting out of Bruno’s room.

She ran into her abuela, who was questioning where she had been and the sand in her hair. Then Luisa came crying in, saying that she felt weak.

Alma told her to stop doing whatever she was doing.

She is trying to save the miracle! She was literally dying to save the miracle!

She quickly went to the nursery to put the vision together. 

It was her.

It was her in front of a cracked Casita.

Was she destroying the miracle?

No….

This can’t be.

That’s when her father came in and saw the vision. He was quick to say that the vision won’t happen, that she wasn’t in the vision, that nobody has to know.

Besides Dolores.

Mirabel knew that it was going to go wrong. She wondered if she should just kill herself.

She decided to see how it would play out instead.

Dinner was smooth in the beginning…if you didn’t count the staring contest between her and Dolores. 

The very obvious-not-obvious awkwardness.

The moment she looked away, Dolores was whispering to Camilo.

Can she not keep a secret just this once!?

Camilo told Félix.

Félix told Pepa.

And Pepa told Julieta.

You’d have to be an idiot to not notice what was happening.

The cracks were spreading.

Antonio’s animals somehow got the vision shards out of her father’s pocket and actually put them together.

What type of luck was this!?

The vision was for everyone to see now.

This dinner was a disaster from the beginning.

Everyone’s gift was out of control.

It looked as if Isabela broke Mariano’s nose.

Alma looked at her as if it was her fault….which it technically was.

She couldn’t explain herself at all.

So she ran.

She followed some weird rats which led her to a strange hole behind the painting.

She’s going to kill herself after this anyways, what happened won’t matter.

She caught sight of a man.

She followed him through the walls.

Long story short, she thought she almost died from faking through a hole, she didn’t. The man turned around to grab her and turned out to be her tío Bruno, who apparently left ten years ago.

She asked him why she was in his vision. Why he left but didn’t actually leave. She got the answers to both of those questions and she didn’t like them. She felt bad for him.

So she asked him for another vision, but he refused. Also because she destroyed his vision cave. Then Antonio came and offered his room to have the vision.

They couldn’t refuse.

For the first time she met Bruno and she saw the way he used his gift with the help of her.

She needed to…hug Isabela!? 

Well, that’s great.

She had to hug Isabela to save the miracle. How does this make sense?

It doesn’t matter anyways.

So, she went to Isabela’s room to apologize.

She didn’t expect Isabela to be easy anyways.

Isabela always managed to get her riled up, the same could go the other way around.

Things didn’t go well.

Well…at first.

Isabela snapped and told her the truth on how she truly felt.

To say that Mirabel was surprised was an understatement.

She was pleased, but not really because she was getting dragged around a lot.

That’s when she could finally see Isabela.

Not the mask that she always wore. Not señorita perfecta. No, she could finally see Isabela Madrigal, her older sister.

Good things didn’t last long either way.

Their abuela came in and started yelling wild accusations at her.

Mirabel wasn’t going to let her yell at her without saying the truth. Nobody defended her, it’s not like she expected them to.

“The miracle is dying because of you!”

Mirabel had gone for the candle as everyone else was pushed out. 

She could see Isabela and Camilo on both of her sides. She saw both of their gifts given out and them following. She saw Casita pushing them out like the rest.

She saw tío Bruno escape out the other side.

It was up to her now.

She grabbed the candle, it was still lit! The candle can be saved! They can be save—

Everything fell.

…

Mirabel woke up sobbing. God, she was getting tired of this. She was so close. It was in her hands. Why is she failing so much? She died from Casita falling on her this time.

What could she do differently this time? How can she survive and save the miracle?

What if she didn’t do anything?

Dolores looked as if she expected Mirabel to say something, to search for his vision. Mariano actually managed to propose to Isabela without anything going wrong. 

Nobody was happy because Mirabel didn’t come up to them. Casita cracked much faster. Mirabel killed herself and started over.

What if she didn’t run after ruining the proposal?

She immediately got grounded and blamed for everything that happened. Casita fell with her inside. She didn’t even have time to do anything. She heard her name getting yelled.

What if she did everything much earlier?

Isabela and the others gained the courage to go against Alma, but that didn’t go well at all. Casita fell and Mirabel wasn’t the only one to die that time.

What if—

What if—

What if.

She fell in the hole and Bruno wasn’t there to help her. She died of dehydration and hunger.

She…she didn’t understand. Mirabel looked at her bloody hands. Isabela wanted a hug before and didn’t outright attack her last time.

She didn’t feel like going after the candle and died inside of Casita.

She died by—

She died because—

It was an accident—

Would she really—

Why did she—

She killed herself—

It was inevitable—

She didn’t want to—

How could this—

Mirabel cried into her arm, holding the lit candle in the other.

She finally did it.

Notes:

Every once in a while, I think about how sad Isabela’s situation with Mariano would’ve been if Mirabel never went to save the miracle.

Chapter 66: The Gift Of Hera

Summary:

mirabel got a gift because she deserves it and it's related to greek mythology!! (I'm obsessed with it) mirabel gets a gift of hera who is the goddess of women, marriage and birth... (she can sense if someone is being unfaithful or has been assaulted by touching then ) alma at first likes it but then ends up not being happy because mirabel does what she wants she blesses people who she can sense is good and she doesn't when they aren't ( those who are alma's favorite villagers) and this causes a problem because she ends up curing them when they start something)

Notes:

I’m not too familiar with Greek Mythology, but I did my best for this chapter

Mirabel loved her gift more than anything. She believed that if you truly love a person, you wouldn’t go behind their back and touch another person. 

Her abuela liked her gift at first. 

That was until people started complaining. The main people complaining are the unfaithful ones.

“No.” Mirabel said firmly as a guy named Dante asked for a blessing. It couldn’t even be considered him asking, more like demanded.

Dante’s eyes widened at her saying no. People around them started whispering. It was known that Mirabel strictly doesn’t bless unfaithful and bad people. 

“W—what!?” Dante sputtered as Mirabel gave him a blank stare. “You have to listen to Alma!” Mirabel’s eyebrows raised at him using her grandmother’s first name. “Bless me! You’re useless if you don’t use your gift!”

Some people were about to step in after that.

“I don’t use my gift on unfaithful people. How many times do I have to repeat that?” Mirabel asked, tilting her head innocently.

Teresa, Dante’s wife, eyes widened as she heard Mirabel’s words. Her eyes began to water up. “I—I knew it. I k-knew it this entire time but I just didn’t want to believe it! How can I be so stupid!?”

Dante looked at his wife in shock. “You seriously can’t believe this child! She’s lying on purpose! She just wants to ruin our relationship, baby! Don’t tell me you actually believe her!? After everything we’ve been through!? Why are you so dramatic!?”

Teresa glared at him. “I can’t even…I can’t do this right now with you. Who’s the other woman?” Dante went silent. She turned to Mirabel, her eyes softening. “I’m sorry that you have to deal with our problems. If it’s not too much to ask…who is the other woman?”

“It’s fine, señora.” Mirabel’s smile faltered. “There is no other…woman.”

“Excuse me?” Teresa repeated, confused.

Dante’s cheeks heated up as he began stammering.

Mirabel beckoned Teresa closer, which she did. Mirabel whispered in her ear. “There’s no other woman because it was a man. I didn’t want to put that business out there.”

Teresa gasped, looking at Dante with a shocked expression. 

“D-don’t believe her!”

“You—you cheated on me- not even with a woman, but a man!?” Teresa exclaimed, looking at him in horror.

“N-no, of course not, dear! I’m not one of those freaks!”

Teresa let out an even louder gasp. “Dante! I don’t care that you prefer men over women! People have their own preferences and they’re not freaks for that! I’m angry because you cheated! It doesn’t matter which gender you cheated on me with, you still cheated! If you didn’t love me then talk to me about it for a divorce! Yes, I would still be upset! But I wouldn’t be as upset as I am now because you didn’t cheat on me!”

Mirabel looked away from the scene, feeling a little awkward as they argued. Mirabel couldn’t take it anymore and grabbed both of their arms.

They both paused.

“Calm down….please.” She said.

Teresa sighed. “Right, let’s calm down and not make a scene. We’ll talk about this at my house, Dante. You should start packing your bags also. I’m sure your….boyfriend would let you stay at his place.”

“Mi amor, please!” Dante exclaimed, only for Teresa to shake her head.

“I’m not your love. Not anymore. You said you’ll love me till death do us apart. Did our vows mean nothing to you? What was it? Did you fall out of love or was it because you got tired of me and wanted to try something new?” 

“I—I—“ Dante gulped. “I’m sorry…” He muttered, before walking away. He’ll meet her at the house later. Maybe something would change. He scowled, it was all because of that brat.

Mirabel looked at Teresa, who was currently crying. She held onto her hands. “I’m sorry, señora. Things may be rough now, but I know that it’ll get better for you. In the future, you’ll have a faithful husband, who treats you like you’re his world. You’ll have two beautiful healthy babies, which you both cherish. You give and give, but never expected anything back. Just know that all your good deeds will be paid back. It’ll be rocky at first, but it’ll happen.”

Teresa let out a shaky breath, before nodding. “T-thank you. If it wasn’t for you, I still would’ve been deceived. I know things will be better.  H-have a good day, Mirabel.” Was what she said before she walked, feeling lighter than before.

Mirabel watched Teresa walk away with a sad expression. She wasn’t lying when she said that things are going to get better for her. That’s how her gift worked. She helped the hurt. She helped the good.

Mirabel decided that it was enough for today, so she started to make her way back to Casita.

Her gift wasn’t hated, but it also wasn’t loved.

The people that didn’t like it were usually the unfaithful people. The people who did like it were the people with only good intentions.

So, that was that.

She blinked in surprise when she bumped into her tío Félix. 

“I—oh, sorry, tío.”

Félix was also surprised and turned around. “Oh, it’s fine, Mirabel. I needed to talk to you anyways. How was your day so far?”

“It was…fine so far. You?”

“My day is also going okay for now.” 

“What was it that you needed to talk about?”

Félix looked apologetic. “Whatever happened today…. abuela wants to talk to you. she doesn’t look too…happy.”

Mirabel resisted the urge to groan. “Is that a heads up or a warning?”

“…A little bit of both.” Félix smiled apologetically, patting her shoulder.

“Right, thank you, tío Félix.” Mirabel sighed.

Mirabel made her way to her abuela’s room, she gave a knock.

“Mirabel,”

Mirabel jumped, turning around to see her abuela’s disapproving expression. What was it with people startling her?

“…I heard you needed me for something, abuela.”

“Yes, I’ve been hearing some things surrounding you and your gift.”

“Yes?”

Alma hardened her gaze. “People are coming forward and telling me that you’re not using your gift rightfully. Some even said that you won’t use your gift at all for them.”

Mirabel knew where this was going.

“I don’t see the problem, abuela.” Mirabel began saying, looking relaxed. Before Alma could say something, Mirabel continued talking. “You said to use our gifts for the community. Which I am doing. I’m helping the women and men. You’re only disliking what I’m doing because your favorite villagers aren’t so faithful to their partners and they’re becoming wary of me. They don’t want the truth to come out.”

Alma’s eyes widened, she wasn’t aware of that part.

“I go through my life by touching. Whether I’m trying to use my gift or not, it’s always on. I don’t have a choice in seeing who’s unfaithful or not because they decide to use contact with me.” Mirabel told her. “I do have a choice on who I bless, which requires contact and my will. I won’t give any of my blessings to anyone that’s unfaithful. I don’t care what you say, even if it’s your best friend from childhood. I’m helping them and you don’t understand that.”

Alma gave Mirabel a stern look. “You’re supposed to be helping everyone. You don’t get to pick and choose. Don’t you see how that looks?”

Mirabel almost rolled her eyes. Alma sure didn’t pick and choose favorites. Definitely not. “As I said, I don’t help the people that can’t or choose not to help. They were in the wrong and won’t see their own mistakes unless there are consequences. I know how it looks.” She said with a small scowl. “Those people actually decided to pick the people that they cheated on their partner with. They were in the right stage of their minds and knew what they were doing. They thought that there were no consequences. They thought they could get away with being unfaithful. That’s they’re fault if their partner decides not to be with them anymore after getting cheated on. Oh it isn’t the consequences to your own actions. How unexpected.”

Alma grimanced. “Yes…cheating is wrong, but—“

“Cheating is wrong, that’s it. If my father was to cheat on my mother and he was in the right state of mind, he knew exactly what he was doing and thought he could get away with it. I wouldn’t be happy at all. It’s wrong. Would you still be with abuelo Pedro if he decided to cheat on you?”

Alma’s eyes widened. “Mirabel! You do not speak of your abuelo like that!”

“I’m only saying.” Mirabel shrugged. “You wouldn’t be happy and you wouldn’t be with him. We wouldn’t be here if that happened. There’s no excuse for purposely cheating.”

“Mirabel—“

“I can’t help people that refuse to own up to their own mistakes. I can’t help people who refuse to believe that they’re wrong. I help people when I can and when I know that they can be helped. I can help people who recognize their faults and want to change and will accept their consequences. Those are the people I can help, abuela.”

Chapter 67: “I Heard It Too.”

Summary:

That one short horror film was insane.

Notes:

I uploaded three chapters today :)

“Mirabel, mi vida, can you come down? I need your help in the kitchen! It’s only one simple thing then you can go back to sewing!”

Her mother’s voice came from downstairs.

Mirabel smiled at her voice.

It’s only been her and her mother.

Her father, Agustín had unfortunately passed away in a fatal car crash. Isabela went to pursue her dream, which was far away from them. Luisa went to college.

That left her and her mother.

Just them two.

Mirabel was only fifteen and she could just see how lonely her mother would be if she left. Mirabel couldn’t do that to her.

So, she stayed.

“Coming, mamí!” Mirabel called back out, setting down her supplies and exiting out her room.

“Mija?” 

Mirabel could hear the confusion in Julieta’s voice.

As she got to the stairs, Mirabel was quickly pulled back making her gasp.

Her eyes widened when she caught sight of her mother looking at her with equally wide eyes. 

Julieta quickly closed the door behind her. “I heard it too.” Julieta’s voice shook as she stared at Mirabel.

“Mija!?”

Mirabel stared at her mother in shock. It didn’t make sense. She was hearing her mother’s voice downstairs when she was here. “W-what was that!?”

“Shh, please, I don’t know…” Julieta said in a hushed tone, locking the door. “Whatever is down there is mimicking me while calling out your name. I thought you were messing with me but…then I saw it.”

“M-mama…what?” Mirabel felt scared.

“It’s pretending to be me.”

Suddenly there was a loud bang against the door, the door crackin on impact.

“Mirabel!?”

Both of them were startled.

Julieta quickly helped Mirabel up and rushed her to the closet. “Stay here and don’t make a sound.” She gave Mirabel a quick peck on the forehead, before shutting the closet door. 

Mirabel could still see through it.

Julieta ran to grab the phone. First, she moved the dresser and heavy objects to block the door. To keep whatever was outside, out.  

Julieta sat against the dresser, dialing the police.

The door broke.

The thing was a deranged version of Julieta. It couldn’t even be considered human besides the face.

Julieta gasped as the thing walked up to her, dropping the phone in the process.

“Mirabel?”

Mirabel held her hand over her mouth, watching as the thing got closer to her mother.

Mirabel could hear the frustration in the thing’s voice, before it dug its hand right through her mother’s chest.

Before it took its hand right out, blood was spraying everywhere. Even on her face.

“Mira?”

Mirabel trembled as she fell to the ground.

The thing heard no response and got angry.

“Mirabel!”

It began destroying everything in the room. Glass was shattering, things were getting thrown and broken. 

Mirabel held her breath as the monster’s hand claws on the closet. It looked as if the monster was crying. The monster wearing her mother’s face was crying.

Mirabel knew that the only reason she didn’t get caught was because the phone began ringing.

It was completely silent besides the sound of the phone ringing.

The monster walked up to the phone, grabbing it with its claws before it left the room in a blink of an eye.

“Mi amor!” The monster called from downstairs.

Mirabel had tears streaming down her face, forced to be quiet as she stared at her mother’s dead body.

Hesitantly, she opened the closet door. She did it as quietly as she could. Her entire body was shaking.

She walked slowly, letting out a low gasp as she got a close view of her mother’s body. She crouched down, the moment she put her hand down, she let out a shriek.

A glass shard went through her hand.

She gasped as she heard footsteps.

Footsteps that got gradually louder and closer.

She started to get up.

“Mirabel!” It cried out.

She stood no chance as the monster tackled her.

She thought it tackled her, only for her to realize that it was embracing her. The thing that killed her mother was hugging her and smiling.

Out of fear, Mirabel smacked it away making it drop her.

The monster ran around her, before it dragged her.

The only thing that could be heard was screaming.

Chapter 68: Mirabel’s Timeless Sacrifice — Part 2

“And…I am sorry—“ Alma paused, suddenly staring at Mirabel’s throat. It was the first time that she got a good look at her. “Mirabel,” Mirabel turned around to see her abuela shooting her a concerned look. “What happened to your throat?”

Mirabel gave her a confused look. “What do you mean?” She felt fine. She was sure that she didn’t hurt herself this time.

Alma was staring at Mirabel with widened eyes, her face pale.

“She didn’t do this! She didn’t do this! I gave her a vision! It was me! I was like go! She was like fttt! She only wanted to help. I don’t care what you think of me, but if you’re too stubborn to…to…” Bruno’s voice trailed off as he stared at Mirabel. “H-how did you get that?” Bruno was sure that the scar on her throat wasn’t there earlier when they talked.

“B-Bruno?” Alma stuttered, looking between Bruno and Mirabel. She really wanted to run up to Bruno and hug him, apologize and much more. But she also wanted to know how Mirabel got that scar. Julieta healed up everything.

Mirabel’s eyebrows furrowed as she stared down at her arms. She could see the cuts that started to form. She realized what her abuela meant by the scar on her throat. From when she slit her throat. She wasn’t going to get every injury from all the times she died, right? “Crap…”

At least she wasn’t going to experience the pain of every death.

…right?

“Tío Bruno, I didn’t know that you could ride a horse or even had one!” Mirabel exclaimed, trying to get the attention off of her.

Bruno looked embarrassed. “…It’s not mine and I don’t know how to ride it either.”

“You stole somebody’s horse!?”

“Eh….”

---

“Mirabel’s back, but she’s…hurt!” The children exclaimed, but sounding confused.

“What?” Julieta murmured. Mirabel was hurt? Her daughter was hurt and ran off. She saw Agustín looking at her through his swollen face. “Where is she!?” 

Luisa was helping Isabela up. 

“Primas, I heard that Mirabel is back!” Camilo told them, making their eyes widened.

“Really!?”

“You’re not joking, are you!? If you are, I’m going to seriously kill you!”

“No, he’s telling the truth. The bell is going to ring any minute now. But…I also heard that Mirabel is hurt.” Dolores said, her voice louder than usual ever since she lost her gift.

“Oh,”

“Why did you believe her so easily but not me? I wouldn’t joke like that!”

Isabela shrugged, half-apologetic. “Sorry,” 

Camilo looked Isabela up and down. “Also, what’s with the look, Isabela? I didn’t think you’d wear…that. What happened to your dress?”

“You’re going to see me in this kind of stuff more often.” Isabela said. “Though what’s this about Mirabel being hurt?”

“I’m not sure, we haven’t seen her yet. I heard that she’s with abuela and…nevermind that—“

“Is she seriously hurt?”

Dolores looked slightly annoyed at being interrupted. “Nobody really got a good or close look at her. She’s awake, but…they just say that she’s kind of hurt.”

“How did you even hear about this? Even without your gift I mean because we didn’t.”

“People gossip all the time.” Dolores huffed. “I don’t need my gift to hear all of them talking.”

“Did she hurt herself when Casita fell?”

“How can she not?”

“Mamá said that it looked like Casita protected her afterwards. Mamá was the only one that saw her, but she didn’t say anything about Mirabel being hurt….”

“Does it look like I know? I don’t hear everything now.”

“Geez…sorry…”

“Oh is Antonio alright though?”

“Physically, yeah. Ah, well, he’s upset like all of us that Mirabel is gone and doesn’t understand why. He’s going to be happy to see her again.”

“Yeah, all of us are.”

…

Julieta was getting even more worried and desperate. “Mirabel!” She wanted to see her baby girl.

She heard that Mirabel was with her mother. Oh she’s so lucky that Mirabel was found. She also heard that both of them were with some…stranger? They said that the person was covered in a hood and was on a horse so they couldn’t see their face.

She couldn’t wait to see her.

“Mamá!” 

Julieta heard Mirabel’s voice and quickly ran around to find her daughter. Her daughter that’s been gone for a day and a few hours. 

“Mirabel!” Julieta called out, as she turned the corner she was met with an embrace from Mirabel. “Mija, oh how I missed you…”

“Mamá, I-I’m sorry for running away- I- I—I just didn’t—“

“It’s fine, Mira, I got you. As long as you’re here now. I’m here—“ Julieta leaned back some, inspecting Mirabel’s throat. It was a scar, it wasn’t new, it was healed up. It went across Mirabel’s throat. When they still had their gifts, Julieta could heal up anyone and leave no scars. How come she never noticed this?   Something sharp did it and…whatever caused this should've been deadly. “What happene—“

“Miraboo!” She heard her father call out as he ran around the corner. “You’re alive…” His eyes softened.

Soon enough the rest of her family members came, each of them giving her a hug and lightly scolding her. All of them were happy to see her. 

They were even more surprised when Bruno came out. Turns out that Pepa was more sad than angry at Bruno for being gone for so long. 

A reunited family….

But there was one question that was on all of their minds.

What happened to Mirabel?

Mirabel laughed nervously. “Funny story actually…”

They didn’t look amused or laugh.

“Turns out I did have a gift!” Mirabel exclaimed with jazz hands.

All of their eyes widened.

“W-what?”

“You had a gift!?

“But you didn’t have a door though…”

“What was it?”

“Really? When did you figure it out?”

“I figured out my gift in tío Bruno’s tower.” Mirabel told them.

Isabela slightly narrowed her eyes. “That doesn’t explain the scars, Mirabel.”

“Be patient, Isabela.”

“I wasn’t sure at first, b-but—“ Mirabel began stammering. “You- you know that bridge in your room, t-tío?”

Bruno nodded hesitantly. “Y-yeah, the bridge of doom…”

“I sort of…kind of met my doom there.” Mirabel smiled sheepishly.

“What?” Camilo laughed in confusion.

“W-wait, I’m not understanding this.” Luisa said.

Bruno’s eyes widened at Mirabel’s words. “Y-you’re j-joking—“

Pepa looked at them in confusion. “Wait, what’s wrong?”

Julieta looked worried. “What happened?”

“I may have or may not have—have, uhm…died there.” Mirabel said, everyone staring at her with a shocked expression and it went pure silent. “B-but it’s fine! It’s not as bad as it sounds! It turns out when I die that I get brought back to life! That’s my gift! It wasn’t even that painful!” Mirabel laughed off. “So—so, I don’t r-really die!”

“You—you died in my r-room?” Bruno was looking at Mirabel in horror.

“I-I only died like two times in your tower!”

“H-how many times did you die?”

Mirabel went quiet for a moment. “I…I don’t know. It was too many to the point I lost count.”

…

“You killed yourself so many times to the point that you don’t remember!?

Mirabel’s hands were shaking. “The first two times weren't on purpose though! When Casita fell, it wasn’t my fault either. Some of my deaths weren’t because of me either!” Mirabel tried to explain herself. “T-though,” she pointed to her neck. “This one…this was the first time I killed myself. I just needed to test it out!”

Julieta felt like the worst mother in the world. How could she not notice this? How can she not notice how her daughter was feeling? What she was doing?

“You….you slit your t-throat?” Dolores stuttered as Mirabel nodded. At first, Dolores was happy to hear that Mirabel had a gift. But for Mirabel to die? That isn’t exciting. To the point that she doesn’t even remember. Just what has Mirabel been through to save the miracle?

“Y-yeah, tha-that doesn’t matter but—“

“Doesn’t matter!?” Isabela practically yelled. “You slit your throat! You killed yourself and that doesn’t matter!?”

“I-Isabela, let’s—let’s calm down…” Agustín said, still in shock and worried for his youngest.

“I didn’t do it anymore after that and—and I did everything over again. Except I didn’t die! I went to Luisa, Bruno’s tower, ruined your engagement, found tío Bruno, I connected with you and even the argument went the same. I- I didn’t know what I did wrong, but after I got the candle, I died there! I kept going back to the same day! So I kept trying until I got it right!”

“Oh my God…” Pepa said under her breath, her eyes watering as she stared at Mirabel. Specifically the scar on her neck. She glanced down and just knew that there’s more scars under her clothes. She looked at the scars that littered across Mirabel’s arm. 

“I-I wouldn’t—wouldn’t be able to save the miracle if—if I didn’t—“ Mirabel swallowed, feeling much smaller. “…You all didn’t remember anyways.”

Alma felt like it was her fault. She was the one that pressured everyone. She was the one that Mirabel felt the need to save the miracle. Even if it meant dying.

The Madrigals were speechless.

They knew that the way they treated Mirabel was bad. But to hear that Mirabel died multiple times and went back in time to save the miracle—to make things right was heartbreaking. How do you even process that? To know that the second youngest Madrigal died. If she didn’t have that gift, she would’ve originally died in Bruno’s room. Nobody would even know. Not only did she die multiple times, she also killed herself many times. 

They could see a scar that started from her collarbone and went down. They don’t know what happened or what caused it. It scared them that she didn’t seem to see the problem with killing herself and dying like that.

“I’m—it’s not like I’m going to kill myself! We all are okay, there’s no reason for me to—to…to do anything like that.” Mirabel said, the smile on her face trembling. Her jaw ached. “Don’t you trust me…?”

“M-Mirabel…it’s not that we—I don’t trust you. It’s nothing like that. I’m only…concerned for you like any mother would be after hearing that.” Julieta said softly, her voice shaky. “You’ve also run away after Casita fell on you…I want to spend time with my daughter and make sure that no harm happens to her.”

“The miracle is gone….if I die…I die.” Mirabel said. “I don’t want to die now.”

“Now?”

“I mean, there’s no reason to die. It’s over now.”

…

“We need to get you therapy…”

Chapter 69: Mirabel's Day of Liberation

Summary:

Can you do one where mirabel just stops helping the family and takes a self care day and she treats herself she doesn't really care enough to grace them with responses or anything and she leaves to go chill out with her friends in a secluded area in the village where Dolores can't hear..

Notes:

Pre-Canon is definitely going to be the more serious version of this.

Mirabel felt exhausted. She needed a break, specifically away from her family. They were overbearing ever since she brought the miracle back. 

She loved them, she really did. But she couldn’t just have a minute to herself. Someone was always by her side. Maybe she would’ve appreciated the attention if it was a year ago.

She’s sixteen and they act like she’s about to run away the moment she’s out of their sight. She only ran away one time and now everyone is holding it against her! 

“Sis, don’t you think it’s cute?” Her eldest sister, Isabela grinned as she showed off another one of her plants, which honestly looked deadly. “I was reading more books about plants and I wanted to test it out! What do you think?”

“I don’t think she wants to hear about those things. I don’t understand how you think your plants are cute.” Camilo said. “They look like they are about to chomp off my hand any moment now.”

“Hey—“

“—I personally think that you both are being obnoxious.” Dolores narrowed her eyes at them. “Tone it down a bit. You both are going to bore Mirabel with your dumb antics. Right?”

Mirabel nodded along, not really paying attention to what they were saying or doing. 

Luisa soon walked in. “Mirabel, I’ve been taking your advice on how I take on too much and to get a hobby. I think I really enjoy reading. You want to hear about the story I’ve read? It’s really interesting and I think you’d like it.”

Soon the adults came in.

“Oh it looks like everyone is here.”

“What are you all talking about?”

“Oh we’re just talking to Mirabel.”

They say all their greetings to her, Mirabel simply smiling in response.

“So, Mirabel, how are you doing today?—”

“—Do you want to help me in the kit—“ 

“—Oh I can’t wait till you’re matriarch. You’ll make a wonderful leader, Mirabel. It’s a shame I won’t be there to s—“

“—Do you think that you could—“

“—I needed your help with something and I was wondering—“

“—Camilo, that’s not—“

“—Leave it alone—“

“—Antonio’s animals are quite—“

“—I can’t believe that you’re already—“

“—Do you need with sewing or anything—“

Several voices are talking at once, Mirabel’s eyes slightly twitched at all of their voices.

Bruno looked at Mirabel with a concerned expression. “Uh…”

Mirabel suddenly stands up, making the voices stop. “I gotta do something.”

“Do you need help?”

“You want me to come with you?”

“You never know when you need someone taller or shorter.”

“If you don’t mind, I can come with you.”

All of them besides Bruno offer ways to accompany Mirabel and help her.

Bruno could tell that Mirabel is one second away from snapping away.

Mirabel’s jaw clenched. “I…I can do it by myself. It’s a one person thing. I don’t need any of you to help me.” Mirabel could tell that they got a little upset by her reply. She just walked out before anyone could say anything.

“Do you think it was something we said?”

Bruno almost facepalmed.

…

Mirabel was speed walking out of Casita. Not only were they overbearing, they were also overprotective now. It was adoring at first, but now it’s just annoying.

She just needed a break to herself. Just for a few hours at least! That’s all she’s asking for.

She made her way through the Encanto, greeting everyone who greeted her. 

She went to the one place where she knew that she wouldn’t be bothered by her family.

A waterfall.

Dolores can’t hear meaning that she won’t be able to find her or say anything to her. It’s on the other side of the Encanto, deep in the forest. Nobody goes out this way. 

Only she and her friends know about this.

It’s the only place that she could truly relax at.

No overbearing family.

Just herself.

It’s a dream come true now. 

As Mirabel made it pass the entrance, she heard voices. She recognized them easily.

Mirabel peeked her head in. “Felipe and Sylvia?” A smile started to form on her face as she spotted two of her friends there.

Both of them looked surprised to see Mirabel there. They both got up, making their way towards her.

“Mirabel!” 

They both wrapped her in a tight hug, Mirabel couldn’t help but laugh.

“It’s like I don’t see you enough nowadays.” Felipe whined dramatically. 

“Right,” Sylvia said in an equally dramatic voice. “Every time I see you, you’re just so busy. We don’t have enough time to hang out. I can’t even keep you to myself anymore.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to leave you guys alone.” Mirabel smiled apologetically. “I didn’t realize how much work I’ve been doing until now.”

“You’ve always been someone who overworked yourself, Mira.” Felipe said, Sylvia nodding in agreement. “Not that I’m not happy to see you, but you don’t usually show up here on your own unless you’re stressed. What happened? I thought you and the Madrigals were doing good now.”

Sylvia leaned closer to Mirabel. “Do you want me to talk to them?” 

“You’d lose.”

“Hey!”

“Well she didn’t lie there.”

Mirabel let out a sigh, shaking her head. “Things have been going great actually. Our missing uncle is back after ten years. My abuela is better. Everyone is just doing better now and focusing on themselves.” 

“You know how surprised I was when I heard that an entire house fell on you and you weren’t found!?” Felipe exclaimed widely. “I honestly thought you were dead!”

“Same!” Sylvia agreed. “Then you were gone for the entire day and…and nobody had any idea where you were or if you were under a pile of rubble. Until you came on a horse with your crazy abuela and uncle!”

“Trust me, at the time, I was also surprised that I had survived. Thankfully Casita had a little more magic left.” Mirabel said. “It was pretty embarrassing though…especially at dinner…”

“Everyone was about to congratulate your sister for getting engaged…only for things to turn left.”

“I’m starting to think that every time Mariano comes over your house, something goes wrong.” Felipe huffed.

“Oh and but?” Sylvia questioned.

“Hm?” Mirabel looked at her in confusion.

“There’s definitely a but to what you said. Everything’s been going well, but…?” Sylvia said.

“But they’re overbearing.” Mirabel groaned. “I can’t have a moment to myself. I used to be happy, but now it’s just annoying. It’s like I don’t even get a say in this. They just assume that I always want to be surrounded by them and helped.”

“Yikes…”

“Yikes?”

“Yikes.”

“I can’t even have privacy in my own room. It’s called a room for a reason! They just walk in and out of my room as if it’s not mine. I could’ve just stayed in the nursery if I knew I wasn’t going to have my own privacy!” Mirabel huffed. “On top of that, I’m preparing to become a matriarch. I can’t even study in private.”

Both of her friends cringed.

“Yeah, that sounds overbearing.”

“It sounds like you need a break from them. Good thing you came here. We’ll make sure that you’re very relaxed.” Felipe winked. “On a serious note though, you should probably speak to them about how you feel. I’m sure they’ll understand if you bring it up.” 

“You’re right, but…I genuinely don’t know what to say. They all just seem so…happy now—“

“—But you’re not.”

Mirabel nodded. “I don’t want to ruin things by being sensitive.”

“First, you’re not being sensitive. The Madrigals are clearly overstepping your boundaries and overwhelming you. It’s completely understandable. I would feel the same.” Sylvia said firmly. “Second, you won’t be ruining things. If they get upset because you told them how you felt about this then they truly haven’t changed after the miracle was brought back. And you know that my parents will always welcome you in our house.”

“Same here,” Félix said. “I agree with everything she said. If they’re upset because you set your boundaries then they aren’t so different from how they were before. Your feelings are valid. Never the opposite.”

Mirabel’s eyes watered. “Guys…”

“See, I knew that my parents should’ve kidnapped you.” Sylvia groaned. “This never would’ve happened if so. It’s never too late.”

Mirabel smiled sheepishly, her cheeks flushed. “Oh stop it.” She laughed.

“What? I can’t keep you all to myself?” Sylvia grinned mischievously. “I missed you so much, Mirabelita.” She blew her an exaggerated kiss.

Mirabel let out an exasperated sigh. “Oh my God, don’t call me that.”

“Mirabelita?” Felipe smirked. “Sounds cute.”

“You both are about to watch me walk off in a second.” Mirabel rolled her eyes playfully. “I missed you both too. I’ll put more effort into trying not to overwork myself and hanging out with you too. I need to take more breaks anyways.”

“This counts as a break, doesn’t it?”

“We have you to ourselves for a couple of hours, yeah?” Sylvia hummed. “Your family won’t mind.”

“They probably will, but it’s not our problem at all.”

“A few hours of relaxation. They can survive without me for a few hours.” Mirabel said to herself. “This sounds great.”

---

Mirabel looked outside, the sun was already set. 

“Hm, you told your parents that you’ll be out, right?” Mirabel questioned as they walked back to Casita.

Felipe and Sylvia looked sheepish.

“We didn’t expect you and weren’t planning to stay out this long. They don’t mind though since we’re hanging out with you. They know how much we tend to lose track of time.” Felipe told her.

Mirabel looked at them with a blank stare. “…Anyways, I’m happy that I hung out with you two today. It’s the break that I needed.”

Sylvia playfully bumped Mirabel with her shoulder. “Thanks, you sap. I enjoyed hanging out with you too.”

“Yeah, we both enjoyed hanging out with you. Maybe take a break every once in a while? Or else we’ll be forced to drag you out of Casita because we know how you tend to overwork yourself.” Felipe said jokingly, well, half jokingly. They probably would if needed.

Mirabel grinned, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Of course, it’s not like I’m going to be dead. I’ll be free tomorrow.” 

Mirabel waved them both goodbye, both of them doing the same.

Felipe and Sylvia waited until Mirabel went inside before they started going their separate ways.

When Mirabel walked inside, she didn’t expect to hear yelling.

Mirabel blinked in surprise as she made her way further into Casita to see chaos.

Her parents were apparently arguing with each other. Pepa was thundering while sitting in a corner, Félix with her. Luisa was crying…also in a different corner…okay. Isabela was trying to keep Antonio’s animals away from her plants, while yelling at Camilo. Dolores was nowhere to be seen as Bruno held Antonio.

She glanced at Bruno. “What happened?”

Bruno visibly let out a sigh of relief as he saw Mirabel. “Disaster happened,” He said. “You were gone for the entire day and nobody could keep it together. Turns out that if you leave too long, chaos ensues. Arguments started from a simple question. And oh…oh the chaos. All because you weren’t here.”

Antonio pouted, “I missed you and I couldn’t hang out with you.”

“Sorry, bud, I just wanted a day to myself….which clearly was a bad idea.” Mirabel said. “Every day I remind myself that if I can survive a day here, I can survive anything.” She muttered to herself.

“Honestly, same, kid.”

She looked at her parents, who were still arguing.

“I genuinely don’t understand why I’m getting yelled at!?”

“Oh this is a disaster! It’s all your fault—“

“—My fault!?”

“Yes! Maybe if you don’t fall down the stairs she would still be here!”

“…I’m still alive.” Mirabel said confused as she watched her parents argue with each other. Neither of them noticed her.

“I literally tripped over Isabela’s cactus!”

“Now you’re blaming Isabela for our daughter being gone!?”

“Are you bipolar!?”

“Excuse me!?”

Bruno let out yet another groan. “They’ve been going like this since they noticed you were gone.”

“Shouldn’t you be stopping this?” Mirabel asked.

“Trust me, I tried. They started yelling at me too…” Bruno grimaced. “I’m not dealing with that again.”

“Sounds like them.”

“Listen, Mirabel, you’re the only one that can stop this chaos. This can not go on for any longer. Please, stop them. I’m literally begging you.”

“Guys,” Mirabel cleared her throat. She put on her best concerned expression. “Everyone, what’s wrong?” She asked louder.

…

It was a mistake.

“Mirabel—“

“Miraboo—“

“Mira—“

“Mi nube—“

“Camilo being the immature kid he is, told Antonio that it’ll be funny if his animals ate my precious babies!” Isabela snapped. “Now my plants are crying out in pain! I’m going to kill him! Where were you!? I was calling out your name only to receive silence! Antonio is a little shit just like his siblings! He doesn’t listen to me like he does to you!”

“Hey!” Camilo exclaimed, offended. “It’s funny!”

“I’m going to choke your thin little nec—“

“—Shut up you prickly bitc—“

“Oh now you’ve done it!”

“Today has just been the worst! Everything kept going wrong and nothing has been done! People just kept complaining!” Luisa cried out. “I couldn’t do anything because you’re my stress relief, Mirabel! Without you I’m weak—“

“I—“

“I couldn’t comfort Pepa since you were gone, so the only thing I could do is sit in the corner with her! I’m so pathetic!” Félix exclaimed.

“Oh—“ 

Julieta looked extremely relieved. “Mirabel, oh no I missed you but it was a disaster! Nobody knew what it meant to stay tidy! I missed your help in the kitchen!”

“Excuse me!? I’m tidy!” Pepa said.

“You literally rained on the dinner! Is that tidy!?”

“You can’t blame me for my gift!”

“I can blame your emotions, can’t I!?”

“What did I do to deserve this…?” Alma muttered, startling Mirabel, who hadn’t even noticed her presence. “I’m too old for this.”

“Uhm…” Mariano began to say.

“Shut up, Mariano! Every time you’re here for dinner, something goes wrong!” Isabela yelled.

“Ok—“

“Not a word! Who even let you in our house!?”

“Dolores—“

“Damn it, I knew I should’ve locked the doors!”

“What!?”

“I hate this family!” Dolores suddenly cried out.

…

“I was only gone for a few hours!?”

Chapter 70: Mirabel’s Mentor

Estrella thought of Mirabel as her own blood. She knew Mirabel for years and knew how the Madrigals treated her from behind the scenes. Mirabel is her apprentice.

They didn’t appreciate Mirabel. They pushed her in the shadows. They excluded her.

It made her want to do nothing more but take Mirabel from them and leave them with nothing. Not kidnapping wise of course.

She’ll be doing it the legal way unfortunately.

Estrella looked at the Madrigals, who were all doing their own thing or chatting amongst themselves. Then she glanced over at Mirabel, who just seemed out of place. She looked uncomfortable.

Estrella walked up to them.

Mirabel’s eyes lightened up as she saw her.

“Estrella?” Alma looked confused when she saw her.

“You don’t mind if I steal her from you guys, right?” Estrella didn’t even wait for a response as she led Mirabel. “Thanks,”

“Oh hey, Estrella. How are you doing?”

“I’m doing better now that I’m with you. What about you?” Estrella didn’t need to turn around to know that the Madrigals were watching them walk away. “I hope you didn’t mind me taking you away from them.”

“Oh no, it’s okay.” Mirabel smiled. “I’m actually pretty…happy that you did. Don’t tell anyone I said this, but it was getting boring.”

Estrella’s lips twitched into a smirk. “You have my word. Nothing will go out of this conversation.”

It started out small before it began to grow out.

When Estrella spotted Mirabel with the Madrigals, practically alone, she just led her away and hung out with her. The Madrigals don't notice her disappearance for a while.

The Madrigals would be really stupid to not notice that Estrella was dragging Mirabel away from them. They hardly see Mirabel anymore without Estrella on her side.

They just didn’t didn’t understand why.

Why would someone so well known and respected within the Encanto want to hang out with the giftless Madrigal?

Alma didn’t know why and she didn’t like not knowing things.

“Hm, what’s wrong?” Estrella held back a sly grin that was threatening to form, as she placed her hands on Mirabel’s shoulder.

“I’ve noticed that you’ve been hanging out with my granddaughter more often.” Alma began to say.

“Is that a problem?” Estrella asked, trying to look innocent. “I didn’t think you’d mind. I’m quite fond of Mirabel and look forward to hanging out with her more. She didn’t seem busy here and it’ll be such a shame for her talents to go to waste.”

“Oh,” Alma looked baffled at the idea of someone actually wanting to voluntarily hang out with Mirabel. That someone acknowledged Mirabel’s talents. “It’s just that…well, you’ve been hanging out with her too much. We don’t see her often and you…” Alma trailed off.

Mirabel was surprised, she didn’t think they cared or paid attention. 

“I’ve been taking too much of her time?” Estrella couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “Excuse me for that, but I don’t see the problem with that. She always seemed lonely, even while she was working. No offense.” She added, Mirabel simply smiling. “Every time I saw her, she wasn’t surrounded by any of you. There weren't any issues then. What changed?”

“I…”

“Mirabel is my apprentice, Alma. Sure, most of it was from her hard work, but I’m the one looking out for Mirabel.” Estrella sent Mirabel a smile. “Mirabel, why don’t you go back to shop? This will only take a moment. If you want, you can look through my designs. I’m sure you’ll enjoy them. Hm?”

Mirabel had a big smile on face. “Okay, I’ll see you later, señora!” She exclaimed, turning away and making her way towards the shop, leaving her abuela and mentor alone with each other.

“Apprentice?” Alma was surprised, she didn’t know about that. Estrella was the one to make her granddaughters quinceañera dresses. Estrella was excellent for her age. Her shop was one of the best. Especially since she worked alone. Estrella taking someone, Mirabel in is surprising. Very surprising.

“Yes. Did you not know?” Estrella feigned confusion. “I know that the exact day that I appointed Mirabel as my apprentice, your family was informed. Mirabel isn’t the type to lie for something like that.”

Alma had the audacity to look a little ashamed. “It seems that it might’ve slipped my mind if I was told. I truly didn’t know or remember.”

“Seems so.” Estrella didn’t show much interest in Alma’s excuse.

“Why her?”

Estrella gave Alma a baffled look. “Excuse me?”

“I’m not doubting your choices in choosing an apprentice, but are you sure? Mirabel out of all people?” Alma asked, Estrella realizing what she was getting at. “You’ve always worked alone, Estrella. If you were to choose an apprentice, it shouldn’t be a fifteen year old. I don’t know what you see in her. You could’ve chosen some far more talented—“

“—As her mentor and an adult that actually cares about her, I’m going to stop you right there.” Estrella said with a forced smile. “You’re her abuela, but I’m not going to let you keep underestimating and bashing her with your sly remarks. Alma, you’re well respected, but I advise you to stop that. Mirabel is talented and I won't let anyone stop her from shining because someone can’t accept the truth. Specifically anyone who refuses to see how much of a diamond she is until it’s far too late.”

Alma was shocked by Estrella’s words. “I—I didn’t mean it like that, Estrella! Sure, Mirabel is talented. I do care about her too. Where did you get the idea that I don’t?”

If Estrella wasn’t so respectful, she would’ve torn into Alma at that exact moment. Well, Mirabel thought they didn’t care about her. Do they truly not see what’s wrong with the way they’re treating her? 

Oh screw it.

“With all due respect, Alma. I must say that I don’t like the way you and the others treat Mirabel. I was there for her when your family decided not to be. You and the other Madrigals certainly didn’t care when they excluded her. I’m not as kind as Mirabel. I don’t stay silent out of respect and take it.” Estrella said with a small scowl. “I’ll go as far as even forgetting our interaction today. I won’t stop helping Mirabel. I won’t stop hanging out with Mirabel either. It’s not my fault that your family can’t stand the sight of losing something that they under-appreciated greatly.”

Alma’s eyes widened even more. “Estrella, we don’t mistreat Mirabel at all. Is she telling you these lies? That girl, when I—“

“I’m not blind, Alma. Mirabel doesn't need to tell me anything for me to know how you all neglect her.” Estrella said firmly. “Excuse me if I’m being irrational or not as respectful. But, whatever you’re trying to do with Mirabel. Just stop it.” Estrella smiled. “It won’t work and it’s quite annoying. Mirabel isn’t naive nor is she five years old. Don’t think you can easily get her back from a few interactions. I only step in when I have to. Keep this up and you Madrigal will be banned from my shop.”

“I—“

“It’s your call, Alma.”

Chapter 71: Mirabel’s Mentor — Part 2

When Mirabel returned to Casifa, she didn’t expect to find her abuela waiting for her. She just knew it wasn’t going to be good.

“Abuela,” Mirabel was confused, she could tell by her abuela’s expression that she’s disappointed. “What’s wrong?”

“You’re grounded and you will stop working under Estrella.” Alma said firmly.

“What?” Mirabel was shocked, she just came back just to get in trouble and told this. Estrella did say she needed to stand up for herself more. “What am I getting grounded for? I didn’t do anything wrong. I minded my business all day. And no, I won’t stop working for Estrella even if I did do something wrong. I’ll accept being grounded, but not that. You don’t get to choose what I do or not.”

“You’re telling her some lies about us! It’s unacceptable! You will stop working for her!”

Mirabel snapped. “I don’t need to tell her anything! She said it herself! The others might be blind, but she’s not! You don’t control my life!”

“As long as you’re living here, you will listen to me, Mirabel!” Alma exclaimed. “I don’t have time to deal with your petty little tantrums! You will stop telling lies to people at this once! You will apologize and stop working under her!”

Mirabel looked annoyed. “Petty little tantrums?” She scoffed. “Nobody is throwing a tantrum, I’m only arguing back for what’s right! You’re the one throwing a tantrum because I’ve finally stuck up for myself and had enough! You don’t get to make demands of me either. I don’t owe you anything! I don’t want to listen to you because you won’t even listen to me! What’s the point of having a conversation when I can’t even be heard!? If I have to listen to you like this then I’ll just leave!”

Everything and everyone went silent.

“I will.” Mirabel glared, she turned around and started walking towards the front door.

“Mirabel, if you leave this house, you’re dead to me! You won’t be welcomed back!” Alma exclaimed as the other Madrigals gasped. Yet nobody said anything to stop Alma. “Stop this nonsense!”

As if this situation wasn’t familar.

Mirabel rolled her eyes. “As if I weren’t dead to you already! You sure didn’t treat me as family or human! I might as well just walk out the door either way!” Mirabel opened the door, nobody stopping her or trying to get her to stay.

She didn’t expect them to.“What a great family this is…” Mirabel muttered, only Dolores hearing, who flinched.

The door slammed as she left.

The first thought in Mirabel’s mind was to go to Estrella. She really hoped that Estrella would let her stay with her. She couldn’t go back.

She was getting punished for something stupid and she wasn’t going to let that happen. 

Fortunately, Estrella was still in her shop. She seemed to be tidying up the store, before she could close it.

“E-Estrella?”

Estrella turned to Mirabel. “You’re back.” She said slowly. “Not that I’m not okay with that. What happened?” She looked at the distressed expression on her apprentice.

So, Mirabel told Estrella everything that went down and what was said.

To say that Estrella was angry was an understatement. She did her best to calm down.

“I knew I hated them, but didn’t want to say anything out of respect for you—“

Mirabel blinked in surprise, Estrella was usually composed around her. “What?”

“—What’s wrong with her—“

“That’s what I want to know.”

“—I wish I could just—“ Estrella grunted, making a strangling motion.

“…nice?”

“You’re staying here with me.” Estrella stated, scowling at nothing.

Mirabel smiled. “Oh that’s also nice.” She was happy that Estrella was letting her stay with her. She really didn’t want to return back to Casita after that.

“You don’t need to talk or interact with any of the Madrigals if you don’t want to. They won’t force you to go back to Casita if you don’t want to while I’m here.” 

“Thank you…”

“It’s nothing, really. I just care about you and want the best for you.”

Mirabel was near tears. “It means a lot to me.”

Estrella hugged Mirabel.

---

After a few days, the Madrigals realized that Mirabel wasn’t going to return. Nearly everyone noticed how Mirabel didn’t enter Casita again.

Rumors began to spread.

Alma showed up to Estrella’s shop, right outside the door. She needs to get Mirabel back and put a stop to the rumors.

Estrella looked displeased at the sight of seeing Alma. “Yes?” She smiled, it was anything but pleasant.

“Is Mirabel here?” Alma asked, as she peered into the shop.

Estrella walked up, blocking the door so that she wouldn’t enter. “Why?” The smile was replaced with a small scowl. “If I remember correctly…your words to Mirabel was ‘if you leave this house, you’re dead to me.’ That doesn’t sound appropriate for someone way older, who’s supposed to be their grandmother to say to their granddaughter. Even if Mirabel was here, I wouldn’t tell you. You Madrigals are banned from my shop. I don’t want any of you coming here.”

Alma was shocked that Mirabel told Estrella, she doesn’t know why she didn’t expect Mirabel’s to not say anything. “I…” She didn’t have much of an excuse. “Mirabel’s my granddaughter.”

“That didn’t seem to matter when you practically kicked her out.”

“I didn’t kick her out, she ran away!”

“You gave her no choice, Alma.” Estrella glared sharply at her. “It was either to be punished when she did nothing wrong. Alma, get your head out of your ass. You don’t treat Mirabel like a granddaughter. Who the hell says that to their own granddaughter!? You can’t expect Mirabel to come running back to you.”

“Mirabel needs to come back to Casita immediately. People are being to question—“

“—Oh screw their questions!” Estrella cut her off. “You fucking kicked her out! That’s that! You sure as hell didn’t think about that when you kicked her out! You only care about your reputation!”

“No I didn’t, she walked out the door.” Alma said firmly.

“Let’s say that she did walk out that door. My answer is still no.” Estrella said.

“I don’t believe Mirabel is safe there if she goes back, Alma. She also thinks the same. I don’t want to think about what you’re going to do if Mirabel comes back. She’s staying with me. It’s final.”

“You make it sound like I abuse her!”

“You think you don’t!? Especially after what happened to Bruno!?”

“Bruno made his decision and chose to leave! I don’t abuse her! She’s just being dramatic.”

“Sure.” Estrella glared at her, her tone clearly sarcastic. “Alma, I never said anything at first because our relationship isn’t personal. It’s strictly business. Now I just have to say it. I don’t like any of you Madrigals.” Estrella hissed, as Alma looked at her in shock. “Especially you.”

“W-what?” Alma stammered. She never heard that before. Someone not liking them? It was never her. She’s the head of the Encanto. The matriarch. “Why?”

“Let’s start with Julieta and Agustín.” Estrella laughed. “What a sorry excuse for parents they are! Mirabel told me everything! Including how they just fucking stood there and didn’t do anything! They never were there for Mirabel when she needed them! They think that a few reassuring words will stop the bullying! That Mirabel will magically be better because of their words! Only for them to forget about it the next day! What a useless pair of parents if I say so myself?”

Alma gasped, having an angry expression. “How dare you—“

“Oh I dare! It’s the truth! Julieta is hardly in any of her daughters’ life despite living in the same house! Both of them are the same! You’re practically Isabela’s mother with the amount of time that you hover over her! Luisa might as well live in the barn because she has to return those donkeys everyday because of their owner! When is she not working because of you!? And don’t get me started on Mirabel!”

“That’s not true! I will not stand for you talking about them like this!”

“Then sit down! I’ll go grab a chair right now if it’ll make you listen for once! Your other daughter, Pepa literally handed her son to a ten year old at the time! What mother does that!? She’s fifty now! Mirabel doesn’t need to be spending more time with Antonio then his own mother! She shouldn’t have the responsibility when she’s only fifteen years old! Ten at the beginning! You let it happen too! Did nobody see the problem with letting a ten year old be left alone with a baby? Surely your duties aren’t more important than being a parent? I would think that if I hadn't met Mirabel because I already knew the answer to that. Félix is just there to make sure she doesn’t snap.”

“Mirabel was the one that offered!”

“So!? It’s okay to let her hang out with Antonio, but not let her take care of him as if she’s his actual mother!”

“Pepa is there for Antonio!”

“Barely! Her gift and constant mood changes made it difficult to be around him when he was just a baby! She’s far too concerned with watering the fields than taking care of her child!”

“It’s not her fault! She needs to get her emotions under control!”

Estrella rolled her eyes at Alma. “Let me get started on Isabela! Her oldest sister is twenty-one yet she bullies her youngest sister! She’s fifteen! How immature can she be!?” Estrella exclaimed. “You’d have to be stupid not to know what’s happening behind the scenes in your own house! Oh right…I keep thinking that you’re smarter than… this. Isabela isn’t perfect, Alma. You spoil her too much. Keep this going and she’ll be a spoiled brat taking out her frustration on Mirabel….as if she isn’t already doing it.”

Alma hadn’t known that. She didn’t see them interact at all despite being sisters. Isabela has better things to do than messing with Mirabel. She just thought that it was a simple little sibling rivalry. That Mirabel was the one causing problems for Isabela.

“Let’s talk about your little listener next. With all the things that she hears, she doesn’t do anything about the others bullying her youngest cousin. No, she stays quiet. She’s eager to blurt out everything, but the fact that Mirabel is getting bullied. She doesn’t even help her.” Estrella scowled. “She chooses to ignore her. Doesn’t even say anything about it. If she didn’t want to blurt it out, she could’ve at least helped Mirabel privately. Then that could’ve been something. Things would change from that point on. Mirabel would know that she has someone on side.”

Alma realized that Estrella was going to talk everyone down.

“I don’t really have anything to say about Luisa besides that I wish she could spend more time with her sister. Which isn’t her fault because you and the town want her to constantly work. At least someone actually tries to be there for Mirabel.”

“It’s her job to help the town! She doesn’t need to waste any time because Mirabel wants to bothe—“

“—Don’t care. Next, Camilo. It’s Camilo and his little group of minions that bully her. That’s his cousin and he has no shame. What would I expect from the son of Pepa? Pepa clearly didn’t have any problem talking bad about her brother.” Estrella let out a laugh. Clearly humorless. “None of your family members stop him. It’s just harmless teasing. Calling Mirabel names is teasing. Pushing her down is teasing. Making Mirabel cry is teasing. He was already banned from coming near my shop after that prank he pulled. He doesn’t care as long as he impresses and makes his friends laugh. Even if it meant leaving Mirabel behind in the dirt.”

Estrella was looking at Alma with an expression of disgust and anger.

…

“…Mirabel is a Madrigal.”

“Of course. Mirabel is a Madrigal. How dumb am I to forget such important information?” Estrella grinned. “You certainly didn’t treat her like family. You didn’t think of her as family when you excluded and neglected her. You didn’t think of her as a Madrigal when you ignored her. You sure as hell didn’t think Mirabel as a Madrigal when she had enough of your bullshit!”

“No—“

“You still don’t see Mirabel as a Madrigal! The only reason you’re here today is not because you regret what you said and done and wanted to make things right—no! You came here because people are noticing that Mirabel isn’t in Casita anymore and is with me! They noticed that Mirabel refuses to interact with anyone but Antonio! You don’t care about Mirabel, so don’t show up to my shop and act like you actually care about her!”

“Mirabel’s just throwing a tantrum! She needs to act right and stop being dramatic and causing a scene!”

“God…I wonder how she dealt with you for so long.” Estrella didn’t bother to lower her tone. “Mirabel isn’t going back to Casita.”

“You don’t get to make decisions for her.”

“The same applies to you.”

“Well—“

“Alma, we can do this the legal way. This is abuse. You did the same thing to your own son. I’m not going to look stupid and surprised when Mirabel actually runs away.” Estrella said harshly. “Get that stick out of your ass, Alma. You made your call and I told you I would step in when I have to. Mirabel’s not returning back to Casita. That’s final. If you want her back then, let’s speak to the council. With all the evidence, we’ll see if Mirabel is safe to stay in that household. I’m not sure you want that to happen, hm?”

“…Are you—are you threatening me!?”

“Yes, I am. That shouldn’t be surprising. If the council doesn’t believe that you Madrigals are capable of abuse. Then I will ruin your reputation. I’ll fucking drag your name through the mud. You and your family members. With no hesitation either.”

“I—“

“Would you rather have Mirabel back with a ruined reputation and nobody that likes you and your family? Or would you rather have Mirabel’s stay with me and still have a ruined reputation and nobody likes you and your family?”

Alma was baffled by Estrella’s boldness. “T-that’s not fair!” There wasn’t even a reasonable option.

“Life isn’t fair.” Estrella had a sharp smile on her face. “You won’t have an easy time either way. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Y-you…”

“Personally I would go for the second option. It’s your call, Alma.”

Chapter 72: What Changed?

She never wanted it to go this far. She didn’t know when or how she lost herself.

When Mirabel didn’t get a gift…

When did they start reacting so badly? When did they start neglecting her? When did they start pushing her to the side? When did she start caring more about the miracle’s wellbeing than her?

Why did smiles change to frowns? Why did laughter turn into mockery? Why did hugs turn into shoves? 

It all started when she didn’t get a gift.

She could feel her anxiety spiking. She could feel their stares—their eyes burning a hole into the back of her neck. She could feel her eyes burning with tears. She could feel the disappointment coming from her abuela. Most importantly, she can feel nothing.

Mirabel shook her head and before she knew it, she was in the nursery. Blood was on the floor and still spilling. Red scissors were also on the ground, blending in with that beautiful red. Things were knocked over. Her hands, oh, her hands. Her vision faded in and out.

She was losing her cool.

The rest of her life was like a blur.

Next thing she knew that she was sitting at the table with her family. 

She couldn’t ignore her abuela’s disappointed glare. (What did she do wrong?) She couldn’t ignore Isabela’s mocking words. (What did she do to deserve this?) She couldn’t ignore Camilo’s teasing. (Why couldn’t they leave her alone?)

She can’t stand it.

(What is it that she’s running from? Why can’t she stop and acknowledge what really is happening? Why can’t she do anything?)

She’s cold.

She feels cold more often.

Mirabel cried in her room.

Her hands tremble, her face losing its color, nearly losing her unconscious. She feels sick to her stomach. Her tears mixing in with her blood.

She smiles, laughs, and sings the next day. She ignored the way that her smile strains. How her throat feels hoarse and how her wrist stings.

When she gets told off by her abuela, it’s fine. When nobody stood up for her, it’s fine. She just wants to be loved.

Weeks later, Antonio got a gift.

She let out a laugh, ignoring the way that tears built up in her eyes as she did so.

It was just her. 

She was the only Madrigal that didn’t get a gift. That meant something was wrong with her, right?  It wouldn’t take long for her to be completely forgotten.

She’s tearing herself apart. She’s an empty shell of what she used to be. (Or was she always like this?) Every smile is fake. She doesn’t have the courage to speak because nobody talks to her. She doesn’t want to interrupt because she’s always spoken over.

She can’t see clearly with her glasses anymore. She can’t think straight.

Her mother’s food isn’t working on her. At least that's what she thinks. If it was working on her then she wouldn’t feel so broken and exhausted. She would love herself again. She would be useful. 

She’s terrified.

It feels like everyone is watching her after Antonio’s birthday and judging her for being the only giftless Madrigal. 

The taste of copper on her mouth was sharp as she continually bit her lip.

When would they kill her? When will they finally get rid of her? When are they going to come up with an excuse to abandon her? All of those thoughts make her paranoid.

…

Mirabel should’ve known that when she was labeled as giftless that her chances of being normal were gone. That her chances are belonging and being loved were gone. 

Mirabel climbs up the roof, looking into the dark sky.

She couldn’t help but wonder what changed?

“Hey…don’t do it…please.”

Startled, Mirabel turned around.

In the end, things don't go as planned.

(Then again, when does it ever?)

Notes:

An ambiguous ending.

Chapter 73: Unforgivable

Summary:

This is probably one of the shortest chapters that I made. There’s genuinely no plot and I randomly just came up with the idea.

“I’m not—I can’t do this right now, abuela!” Mirabel exclaimed, as she tried to walk away from her grandmother.

Half of the Madrigals turned to Mirabel’s yelling in confusion. They thought they were doing better ever since Casita fell. What happened that caused Mirabel to be yelling?

Alma was following behind Mirabel. “Mirabel, I don’t understand why you’re so upset!”

Mirabel looked angry. Extremely angry. “You’re still lying until the end! You know exactly why I’m so upset! I can’t believe—no, I can! You did this exact stuff before!”

“I apologized already! What more do you want from me!? I apologized for that also! I thought we were doing okay! I thought you were okay! Why are you suddenly acting like this!?”

“You lied in front of everyone that I was drunk when you knew about the cracks! You lied just to make yourself feel better!” Mirabel sneered. “You have no right to tell me that I should be feeling okay! That I should act like I wasn’t always humiliated by you! I forgave you because I thought you would change!”

“I did change!”

“If you changed, you wouldn’t have humiliated me in front of all those people! You did it again! There’s no cracks this time! It was so damn embarrassing while everyone laughed at what you said!” Mirabel glared at her abuela. “You didn’t change at all.”

Alma went silent.

Mirabel just turned away.

“Wait— Mirabel!” Alma called back, before Mirabel could leave. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I didn’t mean to humiliate you. At Antonio’s ceremony I knew you were right, yet I still lied for the sake of reputation. I thought we were enjoying ourselves!”

“We were!” Mirabel screamed. “I thought—I thought you changed, but you keep…acting like how you used to act! I thought you wanted to change for the better! Yet you’re doing all of these things all over again! Why are you acting like none of this happened!? It did! Why do you keep pretending that it’s fine!? What you did was fine!?”

“M-Mirabel—” Alma was stunned.

“I can’t do this with you. Abuela, I honestly don’t think I can anymore. I can’t pretend as I weren’t neglected and emotionally abused for all those years.”

“I apologize, Mirabel! I’m sorry, what do you want me to do? What else can I do to make you feel better?”

Mirabel stared at Alma, going silent for a few seconds. “Me or the miracle?” Mirabel asked quietly.

“You of course!”

…

“A year ago, you couldn’t even answer that.”

“I—“

Chapter 74: A Tale Of Dark Possession — Part 6

Notes:

After twelve chapters, part six is here

“She still hasn’t woken up yet?” 

Isabela rolled her eyes. “The moment she does, she’ll be in big trouble. Trouble doesn’t even describe what’s going to happen to her. What’s going through her head!? She’s fuc—she’s crazy! Stabbing herself and Dolores!? Who knows what she did to that guy!”

Luisa was still looking at Mirabel in concern. “It’s strange that she just passed out, isn’t it?”

Isabela scoffed. “You heard what she admitted and you’re still concerned about her!? Luisa, I get she’s our little sister but you baby her too much!”

Camilo was furious. “She didn’t even feel guilty! She’s so lucky that the adults are out!”

“I just—just don’t know… why she would do something like this…” Luisa mumbled, she couldn’t comprehend that Mirabel would actually hurt someone. She doesn’t want to say that Antonio is lying but….it’s just so hard to believe.

“Oh my God, she’s crazy….I have an insane little sister.” Isabela was saying under her breath as she paced around the room. “Who the hell stabs themselves to seem innocent?! Who goes out of their way to make it seem like they’ve been kidnapped and tortured!? An insane person!”

“L-look maybe it’s a…misunderstanding.” Luisa knew that it sounded pretty stupid. They looked at her as if she was stupid. “It’s just…out of character.”

Isabela huffed. “Definitely.”

“You think it’s because she didn’t have a gift? Is that why she suddenly went mad?” Camilo had asked.

“Mad?” Luisa looked offended on Mirabel’s behalf. “Mirabel isn’t insane.”

“Really!?”

“She fucking stabbed my sister and herself! Is that not insane!? She probably got jealous that she was the only one without a gift!” Camilo yelled.

“If she was, she would’ve sabotaged Antonio or something! She literally walked him to his door!”

“And she shouldn’t have!”

“Clearly the rest of you couldn’t see how nervous he was! So he obviously went to Mirabel, since he’s the closest to her!”

“Who knows what she’s planning! She’s mentally ill, okay!?”

Luisa groaned. “Oh my…I’m not going to argue with you anymore, Camilo. Why don’t you go help Antonio or something? Clearly, you’re not up for watching Mirabel.” 

Isabela narrowed her eyes. “Why is she not waking up?” 

“I made sure she didn’t hit her head when she fell.” Luisa said quietly. “I think she’s just passed out.”

“She’s breathing.”

“But we don’t know if Dolores is.”

“Camilo.”

“What!? I’m rightfully angry! I don’t care that she’s my cousin and that she’s your little sister! She fucking stabbed Dolores and we don’t know if she’s okay or not!”

“Whatever…”

…

Luisa looked at Mirabel, who was still unconscious. She was breathing, but she really looked as if she wasn’t.

Oh Mirabel, what have you done?

---

The adults returned after an hour.

To their surprise, most of the children were in the kitchen.

They knew that they'd feel better if they heard the news about Dolores.

“We found Dolores, but we’re waiting for her to wake up. How’s Mira—“

Camilo cut them off. “Mirabel is the one that stabbed Dolores, herself, and whatever she did to Sergio!” He said angrily.

All of the adults’ eyes widened at Camilo’s outburst.

“…What?” Julieta was the first one to speak up after a moment of silence. “Wait— Mirabel did what!?”

“I knew it!”

“Excuse me!?”

“Mirabel was the one that did that!?”

“That also means—means that she killed that boy!”

“And you still want to defend her!?”

Félix frowned, carrying Dolores and leaving to go put her in the bed. He didn’t know how to feel after hearing that. It felt like a fever dream, the entire day.

“Oh forgive me for being like a concerned mother!” Julieta exclaimed sarcastically. “Why would you even suspect something like that in the first place!?”

“Come on, you think that Mirabel would escape and not have a clue where Dolores is!? Julieta, I thought you were smarter than that!” Pepa argued back.

“There’s truly no reason to suspect that! I was just grateful to have Mirabel back! Admit that you have something against her, Pepa! It’s always been like this!”

“My daughter is injured and unconscious because of her! Of course I have something against her now! It—it was never before this!”

“Oh really Pepa!? Let’s be honest here!”

“You two are arguing about the wrong thing.” Alma said, trying to cut in between their voices. To her dismay, they paid no attention to her.

“I think they’re arguing at the wrong time.” Agustín stated firmly. As much as the truth pains him, something needs to be done. Arguing isn’t going to get them anywhere.

Félix came back, still more upset.

“…Where is Mirabel anyways? She didn’t leave out, did she?” 

That at least caused the yelling to stop.

The Madrigals’ grandchildren went silent, glancing at each other awkwardly.

“…Mirabel isn’t waking up.”

“What?”

“You—You all didn’t hurt her, did you?”

“What? No, of course not! She just randomly…passed out after admitting what happened. She won’t wake up.” Luisa answered. “We just laid her down in the nursery waiting until she woke up. She’s just been like that for a while now.”

They started making their way to the nursery.

“She didn’t hurt her head, did she?”

Pepa scoffed. “You seemed more concerned about her after what she did than the victim.”

Julieta almost rolled her eyes. “I can’t exactly heal unconscious people unless I want to take the risk of them choking. You want me to pour some fluid down Dolores’ throat with the chances of her choking? Hm? Especially when she’ll wake up in a few hours? She’ll feel pain only for a moment. I’ll be by her side.”

“You two, it’s not the time to be doing this. Stop it.”

“Right.”

“Did Mirabel consume something or?”

“My food cancels out any type of poison. Or anything that’s ingested which can cause harm to the body. The person would throw up after eating my food.” Julieta answered, looking at Mirabel’s calm face despite the chaos that she caused. “Which she did eat.”

“No, she didn’t.” Isabela replied, looking very pissed off. “She just passed out on the floor. She didn’t have enough time to take anything. Unless she had something hidden in your room that’s not from you.”

“Are we sure that it’s not a…mental illness?” Félix asked hesitantly. “I’m upset, yes. It’s odd that Mirabel would do something this extreme out of nowhere. She seemed fine, it’s just…”

…

“I mean, it’s the only possible answer. Mirabel was okay before. This is…sudden. Out of her character.”

“What do you think, Julieta?”

“I—“

Julieta was interrupted by the sound of things shattering. She looked over to see multiple cracks on the walls.

“What was that?”

“An earthquake?”

“Earthquakes don’t happen here and it sure doesn’t cause cracks on the wall.”

“Wait—“

The floor of the nursery caved in, sending all of the Madrigals down.

Notes:

Things are not looking good for any of them. Especially Dolores.

Chapter 75: Blood Bound

Notes:

I was inspired by Britt30 on Madrigals being vampire hunters while Mirabel being a vampire. I couldn’t get this idea out of my head.

“Isn’t that interesting? The famous Madrigals have a vampire in their family and actually hid it from everyone? The same Madrigals that hunt vampires?” Vincent grinned. “Oh wait…this is the youngest that was declared dead, isn’t it? You kept her all hidden.”

“You have no business with her.” Alma said sternly. 

“Oh but I do.” Vincent hummed. “How can you kill our kind, but can’t kill her? How unfair.” He reached his hand out, but didn’t make any attempt to do anything else.

The Madrigals were confused.

As soon as he closed his fist, a wooden stake struck Mirabel’s chest, making her immediately kneel down from the pain. The Madrigals looked startled at the stake in Mirabel’s chest. They knew that wooden stakes to the heart are fatal to vampires. Even if they were concerned about Mirabel, they couldn’t take their eyes off the vampire in front of them. The one that they’ve been hunting for a long time and couldn’t kill.

“The boss had his eyes on her for years.” Vincent told them. “He just told me about her. I could tell that he wanted her badly. How can I refuse an order from my boss? Now I have her right where I want her. You Madrigals brought her to me on a silver platter for my boss.”

Mirabel let out a groan, her face had cracks on it, blood dripping down from them. The disgust was clear on her face even through the pain.

“…What?”

“Not like that, of course. Us vampires were once humans and have standards. My boss is way too old for her. She’ll be a great asset to us vampires.” Vincent had a crazed look in his eyes.

The Madrigals were shocked. They never considered that.

Well, Alma did. Vampires were what killed her husband and son. Once Mirabel was turned, she was afraid that Mirabel might turn on them and attack them out of hunger. It wouldn’t take much. That Mirabel would betray them for the other side. 

“Mirabel Madrigal…” Vincent had a knife in his hand, which was very odd for a vampire. They don’t carry weapons on them since they’re strong enough. He shocked them when he sliced his palm blood gushing out. “You know what the most dangerous vampires are?” Vincent asked, as the Madrigals raised their guns. “It’s the ones with the most self control. The ones who refuse to drink blood. You know why? It’s because the moment they taste blood, they lose control. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a human, animal, even a vampire. Those vampires will go for you out of bloodlust and go on a rampage.”

“You’re crazy.” Pepa sneered.

“When did I ever say that I wasn't?” Vincent laughed loudly. “Look at her, she’s going to go insane. It won’t take long for her to burst.” 

They looked at Mirabel, taking steps away from her. She looked in pain, especially with the wooden stake in her chest. They could see flakes of her skin peeling off by itself and the red glint in her eyes. They could see the hunger in her eyes. The thirst for blood.

“Kill her,” It wasn’t a demand, it was as if Vincent found the whole situation amusing. “Would you kill her before she kills you? She already died once, let her die again.” 

“Wait—“

Alma had the gun pointed to the back of Mirabel’s head.

“Mamá…” Julieta whispered in a shocked tone.

“You have to understand, Julieta. Mirabel was gone the moment she got bit. She’s not your daughter anymore. That thing is right, Mirabel is dangerous. She needs to be killed before she causes any danger.” Alma said firmly. Mirabel let out a growl, her fangs bared, but made no move to attack or get out of the way. “She was going to die anyway with the stake in her heart.”

The other Madrigals looked conflicted. They understand what needs to be done, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Their granddaughter-daughter-sister-niece died years ago. The only thing that remained is a monster wearing her skin. They didn’t make any move to stop Alma from killing her.

A loud bang was heard throughout the forest as Mirabel fell limp to the ground, her head blown off.

The Madrigals looked away as Vincent smiled.

“Go,” He said. “If you don’t want me to kill at least one of you before getting killed then I suggest you all leave. Leave the girl here.”

It took a while before the Madrigals finally left.

No tears.

Vincent walked to her body, seeing bits of her brains on the ground. He crouched down next to her. “They’re gone. Stop pretending.”

…

Vincent watched as Mirabel’s head was being put back together, as the younger girl pulled the wooden stake out of her chest.

Vincent was pleased. “Good.” 

It was on purpose, Vincent didn’t aim for her heart. Mirabel realized that and didn’t make any move long ago. The bullet did little effect to her body because her heart wasn’t harmed. Vampires could regenerate easily.

Tears ran down her cheeks as she realized her family would’ve let her die. They would’ve killed her. They did. Her abuela shot her. She knew that they didn’t like her ever since she was turned, but this? She’d rather be killed than have to experience that again.

“Even vampires wouldn’t betray their family like that. They’d kill anyone who dared touch their family. They’d never stoop that low. With us, you’ll succeed. You’ll shine much brighter than when you were with them.”

“W-what?” Mirabel coughed, as she stared at him with widened eyes.

“The Madrigals, you can tell that they didn’t like you. Even if you were turned, they should’ve treated you like family. But, no, they turned you away. They didn’t see you as Mirabel Madrigal anymore. It’s not fair, is it? After all you’ve done for them, for how long you held yourself back…they don’t appreciate you. They abandoned you and stabbed you in the back.”

Mirabel glared at him. “What do you want?”

“I want you to join us.” Vincent smirked. “All of us vampires have one goal. It’s to be normal. We can’t be normal with us being constantly hunted. We defend ourselves against the ones that attack us or we get hungry. The only way to be normal is to get rid of the rest of humanity.”

It didn’t seem so bad, but the way they executed the plan was terrible.

“My family…”

Vincent rolled his eyes. “Betrayed you. We’ll even let you turn them into one of us. If you want. That way they’ll never leave and be like the things that they hunt. If you join us right now, together things will change. What do you say?”

“I….”

Notes:

After this, I’m thinking of torturing Mirabel a little bit for the spooky season.

Chapter 76: Blood Bound — Part 2

“Follow me.”

Mirabel narrowed her eyes. “What?”

“The Madrigals are already abandoned, they won’t take you back. If you return, they’ll actually kill you.” Vincent said bluntly. “My boss is waiting for your arrival. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want.”

Mirabel’s lips pursed. “…Fine.”

“Great!” Vincent grinned, clasping his hands together. “Just keep up, which I know you will.”

In a blink of an eye, Vincent was gone.

Mirabel was shocked for a moment, before she followed Vincent’s scent. It was widely known that vampires had inhumane speed.

She could tell that Vincent was slowing down his pace, so that she could keep up.

“You never ran like this?”

Mirabel shook her head. “No, I’m always in Casita. I don’t get a chance to explore my abilities.”

Vincent grinned. “Well, you’re going to when we arrive.”

“When—“

“Here.” 

All of sudden, Vincent stopped grabbing Mirabel by the back of her blouse. Mirabel looked sheepish, she knew she would’ve ran straight into a tree if he didn’t grab her.

Mirabel’s eyes widened when she looked in front of her.

It looked like a mansion.

Mirabel wondered how they hid it.

“Humans don’t get this far. There’s vampires guarding this area and will stop any human that tries anything.” Vincent said as if he read her mind. “We didn’t exactly hide this. No humans made it this far to see it. That’s all.”

Mirabel could sense the other vampires in the area. There was a lot.

He started leading her inside.

And…

It was most certainly bigger on the inside .

As she walked through what seemed like the main hall, a lot of vampires were bowing. She never saw so many vampires in her life in the same place.

All of them gave her similar greetings.

“Greetings, mistress.”

“Welcome, Mirabel.”

“We’ve been expecting you.”

“We’ll give our all to serve you.”

“We’re glad to have you here. I hope you have a comfortable stay.”

She gulped, wondering just who was the boss.

As Vincent opened the door, she definitely didn’t expect a banquet. 

She was more surprised to see who the boss was.

“Ab-abuelo? Tío?” Mirabel looked at her dead family members with a shocked expression.

Both of their expressions brightened at the sight of you.

“Nieta—“

“Mariposa!”

“Oh how glad I am to see you—“ Pedro paused, staring at Mirabel’s clothes, which were stained with blood with an unreadable expression. Pedro glared at Vincent. “I told you to not harm her.” He growled. “Not put a wooden stake in her chest, which could’ve killed her if it hit her heart. Nor did I say let her get shot.”

Bruno was also glaring at him.

Vincent paled dramatically as he shuddered from Pedro’s glare. Pedro was one of the first vampires and the strongest. Right next to him was his son, Bruno. His gift combined with him being a vampire made him the second strongest.

“W-wait—“ Mirabel waved her hands, before they could possibly hurt Vincent. They stopped at Mirabel’s voice. “I—I thought you two were dead—well…not vampires.”

Vincent gulped, looking down and avoiding everyone’s eyes as he left.

“I was one of the first to turn.” Pedro replied with a smile. “I bet Alma was the one to tell you I was dead, wasn’t she? She held a gun to my head before and she wasn’t afraid to do it to you. She thought it would be better to tell everyone that I was dead than I was a vampire. I truly didn’t mean any harm at the time…but I do hold grudges.”

Mirabel blinked in surprise. She did have a feeling that her abuela was hiding a lot from her since she was a vampire. “Oh,”

“Alma isn’t the same woman that I married. When we were attacked, I was infected. Alma didn’t see me as human anymore, she didn’t see me as her husband anymore. I was dead to her. She tried to kill me. No reason she said I was dead.” Pedro huffed, before a smile reappeared on his face. “I met Bruno later on, in his twenties. He couldn’t stand the mistreatment from Alma and the village. He wanted to get away from her, to be turned. How can I ever turn away my son like that?”

“Pá…” Bruno’s cheeks flushed, looking embarrassed. 

“What? It’s true.”

“We’re glad to have you here.” Bruno redirected the conversation. “We’ve been waiting for you. We were told that you were dead, like actually dead. But they couldn’t hide your scent. You were turned and cooped up in Casita. We knew about the other’s mistreatment towards you. We desperately wanted to have you back, but we didn’t have the opportunity.”

Mirabel was shocked, nobody ever wanted her. “U-uhm, I’m glad to be here too…” Mirabel cleared her throat. “Wow, I’m just—just still shocked seeing you two.” Mirabel looked at their appearance. She looked at the white streak in her abuelo’s hair. Bruno also looked older with his thin beard and mustache. She didn’t think—

“Vampires are immortal. As you know we can shapeshift. I’m assuming since you turned when you were five, you just adapted to how everyone else around you grew up.” Pedro said softly. “It’s not a problem at all. Most vampires prefer to stay in an age under fifty or the age they were turned. The ones that choose an older appearance are stronger than they appear. The children, however, there aren't many that like the appearance of a child. They’re sly and like to manipulate others in that form. But you don’t need to worry about that. They wouldn’t dare do anything to harm you.”

Mirabel blinked in surprise. It’s as if everyone is reading her mind. “Oh,”

“Yep,” Bruno grinned. “I can go back to any of my younger forms if I want to. I just prefer this one because of the beard and mustache. I don’t want to look any older. Dad only stays in that form because he likes that one streak of white hair. He thinks it makes him look badass.”

“He—“

“Hello!”

They all turned to the woman.

There was a woman, who looked around her age. Mirabel suspected that the woman was older than how she looked. Considering what her abuelo said.

Pedro’s eyebrows raised at the sigh of the woman. “I’ll be back. Bruno?” Pedro glanced at Bruno, who nodded. “After you relax, Mirabel, we all will hang out together. As a family.” 

“Y-yeah, that sounds nice.” Mirabel smiled as Pedro gave her a quick hug, before walking away.

“I can’t wait.” Bruno chuckled to himself, before turning to Mirabel. “Oh, and this is Lilith.”

Mirabel gave her a small wave. “Hey, I’m—“

“Mirabel!” Lilith exclaimed excitedly as Bruno gave her a blank stare. “I’ve heard so much about you from your tío and abuelo. All good things of course. I also heard what happened to you. What type of family would do that? Don’t worry, dear, with us you’ll get your revenge. You don’t need to worry about them.”

Bruno shook his head with a sigh. “…Don’t do anything weird.”

“Of course not! Who do you take me for?” Lilith grinned.

Bruno turned back to Mirabel, his expression softened. “We’re glad to have you here, Mirabel. Lilith is going to show you around. If anyone gives you any problems, upsets you in the slightest way, don’t be afraid to tell me or your abuelo. We’ll deal with it. You have a lot of potential Mirabel. You rank third, right under us.”

“Rank?”

“Right, it’s for the strongest. Your abuelo is first, while I’m second. You’ll be third, well, you already are. We decided to rank you early on. Once you get used to your abilities, you’ll see what we’re talking about.”  

Mirabel looks conflicted. “I’m not that strong though…”

“Don’t underestimate yourself. Let’s say that you weren’t as strong. You’ll still be ranked third because you're my niece and my father’s granddaughter. Nobody will mess with you either way.”

Mirabel blushed, she wasn’t used to this kind of attention. “T-thanks,”

“It’s nothing, really. You’re my niece, this is the bare minimum.” Bruno chuckled, before glancing over at the banquet. “Are you hungry?”

Mirabel also looked at the banquet. At Casita, she couldn’t drink any blood. Nothing satisfied her hunger. Yet looking at the table that had a lot of blood infused with the food made her mouth water.

Bruno grinned at Mirabel’s expression. He remembered having the same expression when he met his father. “Drink, Mirabel. I know that they held you back from drinking blood. Drink to the amount that your heart desires. Say my name If you need me. Lilith will be your guide.” Bruno grinned, patting her head, before walking off.

…

As soon as he turned the corner, he saw his father. He already expected him to be listening in.

“You know that you didn’t have to wait around like this, right? We have enhanced hearing.”

Pedro had an angry expression, not paying attention to what his son was saying. “They’ll pay for this.”

Bruno smirked. “Send the others out to town to cause havoc?”

Pedro’s expression changed, looking at Bruno. “Yes, let’s do that. It’ll be a little warning for them. Mirabel still needs some more help with her abilities. When she does, that’s when we all will strike.”

“Perfect.”

Chapter 77: To My Dear Daughter

“….I didn’t know at first. I thought I was doing good. I thought that I was a good mother.” Julieta’s voice trembled as she spoke. “I should’ve known. I should’ve known that something was upsetting you. That you felt as if you didn’t belong. It was in plain sight. I just chose to be blind to your situation. Your suffering.”

Julieta let out a breath, the grip around the flowers tightening. Mirabel’s voice replayed in her head.

“And I know…I know that you won’t forgive me. And I’m…I’m fine with that. I can’t force you to forgive me after what happened. What I didn’t do for you. After what you’ve been through.” Julieta chuckled bitterly. “You were right that day. How can I call myself a good mother when I don't know how to comfort my daughter? How can I call myself a good mother when I can't help you? I failed as a mother….not just with you…no, I struggled to realize the suffering what your sisters were going through too. All of this because of the candle. I’m glad you destroyed it….but it won’t bring both of you back. It won’t erase the pain and memories that everyone went through.”

She closed her eyes, letting out a sigh.

“Everyone got their gift when they were five…except you. I always knew you were a special case. Pepa’s gift wasn’t that hard to figure out. Bruno and mine on the other hand…it was a tad bit difficult to figure out what it was. Bruno figured out his gift when he randomly had a vision. I was the last to figure out my gift, it took me months. Imagine how scared your abuela was when her children got magical powers.”

Julieta remembered everyone being confused and scared from their gifts. Mostly confused. She remembered them being excited about their gifts.

“We didn’t go outside often and the townspeople didn’t know of our situation. Your abuela was overprotective of us, she still is….She just went the wrong way about it. Anyways, they were aware of the sudden shift in weather and I could picture their confusion. Your abuela was already well known since a literal house came from a candle, which saved everyone there. They didn’t see her much, since…since papá had sacrificed himself. They understood. They didn’t expect much out of her.”

It wasn’t always like this. They didn’t start helping the community at first. Julieta hadn’t used her gift, since she was still young and didn’t cook. Pepa’s gift was unfortunately connected to her emotions. But it wasn’t as strong as it was now. Bruno’s gift wasn’t as bad either. He hardly had any visions.

“She was hesitant at first…but your abuela wanted to help everyone, so they didn’t have to suffer. We received a blessing. The miracle. Was our gifts not meant to help and protect everyone there? Why else would we suddenly have a magical candle from our father’s sacrifice? He sacrificed himself to protect us. It was our time to protect everyone else, right?”

At the time, it was the right thing to do.

Wasn’t it?

“I just didn’t know…I didn’t know when I had lost my way. Was it when I began devoting my life to the town? Was it when Bruno left? Or had I already lost my way the moment I touched that doorknob?”

Just when did her vision become so clouded?

“Enough about me, you probably don’t want to hear that. It’s not about me, it’s about you. You already knew that I wasn’t good enough. Yet you still tried and I—“ Julieta let out a low gasp. “—And I didn’t see how you were hurting. I started seeing Bruno in you.”

Julieta placed the flowers down in front of her.

“I shouldn’t have, but it’s true. It wasn’t the things that you did, no, it was the look in your eyes. Before Bruno left, he had that same knowing look in his eyes. He knew something that we didn’t and he couldn’t bear to stay. That’s the same with you, isn’t it…? I should’ve seen the signs, I could’ve stopped this. I could’ve helped you. But I ignored them. I brushed it off. I kept telling myself that if you were feeling down, you would come to me or your father. I don’t know why I told myself that. You’ve seen how we couldn’t help you and stopped coming to us.”

Julieta blinked back her tears, knowing that this could’ve been prevented. That all of this could have been prevented if she was just there for her. Nobody should have struggled like that alone. Not when there are twelve people in the house.

They used to have a house.

“Mirabel…I didn’t know what you were doing at first, but you had no plans of making it out alive after. It broke me knowing that you thought death was your only way out. Then, Isabela, your oldest sister. I’ve seen the way you both interact. Out of everyone, she was the only one that managed to push through. I knew that she was trying to get you out alive. To save you. You two weren’t responding to our yells and I just knew that Isabela was trying her best to help you. I just didn’t expect our home to fall on both of my daughters when I didn’t see either of them make it out. It was silent. Too silent.”

It takes her back to that day.

“Then I saw both of my beautiful d-daughters together, h-holding onto e-each other. I haven’t s-seen both of you l-like that in y-years. You b-both weren’t responding a-and was surrounded by b-blood.” Julieta choked back a sob. “I- I knew it was too late. Even without my gift. But I’d be damned if I didn’t try to help you both. You two must’ve been in so much pain and I wasn’t there to soothe your hurt. I failed you both.”

Julieta’s eyes were watering as she shook.

“I never thought that two of my daughters would—would p-pass before me. It was impossible to me…but with you…you made any impossible thing possible.”

Julieta grasped the picture frame resting against the stone. It was new. The stone might’ve been new, but the picture wasn’t. It hurts so much knowing that Mirabel wasn’t in any pictures of her current age.

“I’m sorry— I-I’m so sorry you couldn’t have a childhood. I wasted the time we could have had together. I’m sorry for not loving you properly. Like all the mothers did with their child. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to lift you up when you’re down. All these years, I didn’t know how my own youngest felt. I know how much you mean to me. How much your voice means to me. I a-always know. I was wrong to let your abuela do that to you. To let her step all over you. It shouldn’t have gotten this far. I could’ve stopped it. B-but I didn’t.”

Tears were freely flowing down her cheeks.

“I am so…so sorry that it took all this time to say this to you. You should have never gone through this. This shouldn’t have been your last resort. I’m sorry that you thought you weren’t enough. I’m sorry that I made you think you weren’t enough. You always are enough. It turned out…I was the one who wasn’t enough for you. I couldn’t be the mother that you desperately needed. It’s funny how it took all this time to figure it out. To finally see you snap to figure out how you felt….Isn’t it? You always made me proud, Mirabel Madrigal.”

She was a mother without two of her children. She wanted to go back and apologize for everything and make things right.

But it was too late.

Julieta sobbed. “Let me start over. Give me a second chance.”

Notes:

I already have the part before this. Technically this is part two. I just had this sitting in my drafts for way too long when it’s almost down.

Yes, both Mirabel and Isabela died. I also have that in my drafts, which is almost done too. I don’t know why but I stopped working on it in the middle of July.

Chapter 78: What If

“Are you okay?”

Mirabel felt overwhelmed. 

“I’m…fine.” Mirabel forced a smile. “I got lost in my thoughts. I’ll just be in my room.” 

As Mirabel walked away, she didn’t notice them giving her looks of concern.

…

“Did we say something wrong?” Alma asked, looking worried.

“I thought we were having a good time.” Camilo murmured.

“Yeah…”

“She did seem a little bit off then.” Agustín said, as he looked at Julieta.

“You think so?”

Dolores tilted her head, frowning. “It sounds like she’s crying in her room.”

“What?”

“Isn’t her room soundproof now?”

“…That’s what you’re worried about?”

“I’ll go check on her.” Bruno said, as he stood up, ready to go to Mirabel’s room. He had a feeling that she might not open up with anyone else.

They all looked at Bruno with a slightly relieved expression.

Julieta’s eyes softened. “Thank you, Bruno…” 

Bruno nodded, making his way to Mirabel’s room. When he made it upstairs, he knocked on her door.

…

He could hear her sniffling. 

“C-come in…” 

Bruno opened the door, finding Mirabel sitting on her bed, wiping her face.

“It’s me, your favorite tío.” He gave her a small wave. “Are you feeling alright?”

“I’m feeling…” Mirabel shrugged, offering him a half smile. “…peachy.”

“You left abruptly, they were afraid that they might have done something to upset you.” Bruno smiled sheepishly. “…We didn’t, right?”

Mirabel shook her head. “O-oh no, of course not. It’s just…me being dramatic.”

“I don’t think you being upset is dramatic. If you want…you can tell your old tío about your problems and I’ll give you my best advice?”

“You’re practically calling mamá and tía Pepa old.” Mirabel said quietly. “But…if I were to talk to someone….I-I think that you w-would understand…more than anyone else.”

Bruno was increasingly getting more worried. “…Is it about us?”

Mirabel waited a few seconds, before nodding.

“Did we do something wrong?”

Mirabel shook her head.

“…Your abuela?”

Okay, it was a pretty big accusation, but it was pretty reasonable.

Mirabel hesitated. “…Some of it.”

“Did she say something to upset you?”

Mirabel winced. “No, abuela didn’t say anything to upset me…kind of…but it’s just me overreacting and—and I feel selfish.”

“You’re far from selfish, Mira. Nor are you overreacting. Your feelings are important. Especially if whatever this is bothering you so much. If you don’t want to talk about it then—“

Mirabel’s eyes slightly widened. “No no…If I don’t say it, I won’t be able to say anything at all. I—I’m going to try to ignore t-this. It’s—it’s best that I say it now.”

“H-hey, no pressure.”

“I…” Mirabel gulped. “I feel like this is all a dream. That they still don’t care, but I know they do.” Mirabel brought her hands over her face. “I never explicitly said that I forgive her and—and I don’t like it. It’s as if what happened to me before Casita fell wasn’t important to them. It didn’t matter. I know they mean for the best. But—but how can they ignore what they’ve done to me? How can I move on? I know that it’s only me thinking this. They’re happy…yet I’m feeling like this.”

Bruno’s eyes widened at Mirabel’s words. 

She looked at him through the cracks of her fingers. “How can you forgive them after everything they’ve done to you? You’ve been through worse.” Mirabel’s eyes watered as she stared at Bruno. “I want to forgive them. I want to move on. But I just can’t ignore what I’ve endured. What they did to me. What happened back then.”

“I understand that feeling all too well…” Bruno said lowly. “It’s difficult to forgive someone who caused you a great amount of suffering. Remember, Mirabel, a literal house fell on top of you. I—I think it’s better to focus on yourself than—than worrying about them. Forgiving doesn’t mean that you will forget what they’ve done to you. To us.” 

“I know.” Mirabel cried quietly. “I’ve always been an over-thinker. Every time I go to bed, I always think the same thing.” She inhaled sharply. “What if this is all an act? What if they’re only acting kind because they don’t want the miracle to be destroyed again? What if they get tired of me? All these what ifs…it keeps me up at night. It scares me.”

Bruno didn’t realize how badly this was affecting Mirabel. He didn’t expect her to be fine at first either way. He knew that she always takes care and think of others before she even take care of herself. 

“I can assure you that it’s not an act. One of the reasons is because they all suck at acting.” Bruno tried to joke. “…You’re family, Mirabel. None of them are pretending to be nice to you because they don’t want Casita to fall again. They all know that the miracle, our gifts, isn't as important as family. They’ll never get tired of you. They’re not the same as before…and—and if they do something to make you uncomfortable or think something bad, you can come to me. I’ll teach them a lesson.”

“A lesson? You’re still sticks and bones, tío. You’ll lose.” Mirabel snorted, wiping her tears. “You need to get stronger for that.”

“You don’t have any faith in your old uncle?” Bruno grinned. “My visions come in handy.” 

“They do…”

Bruno’s grin slowly faded. “Anyways….If you feel like this you’re welcome to come talk to me anytime. Or if you want…maybe you can talk to Julieta or someone about this if you don’t want to talk to me. I know that our family is trying to be better than they were before. To make up for their mistakes. They’ll understand how you’re feeling if you talk to them about it.”

“I’ll think about it…”

Chapter 79: Standing On The Side As You Shine

Any person in the Encanto was treated better than Mirabel. All because she didn’t have a gift. She stood out. Even her own family didn’t like her. The townspeople didn’t want to talk or interact with her.

All because she didn’t have a gift like the rest of them.

She’s glad that Antonio got a gift either way.

She would rather fade in the darkness than let Antonio go through what she went through. The mere thought of Antonio being excluded and ignored makes her heart ache.

The way that they’ll slowly push themselves away from Antonio, before fully avoiding him. The empty reassurances. The fake smiles.

She wouldn’t let that happen to him.

A small smile formed as she watched the fireworks set off with the sound of cheers.

The night sky was full of bright twinkling stars, and the night air was crisp and cool. The stars glow with greater intensity and beauty.

It was spectacular. 

She wanted nothing more than to be among the stars. To shine brightly when everything is dark. Even when there’s so many, each one is unique in their own way. They don’t outshine each other. They beautifully compliment each other.

Casita rumbled worriedly.

“Don’t worry, Casita, I’m not going to do what you’re thinking.” Mirabel said, patting the roof’s tile. She wouldn’t. “I just like the view. It’s so…beautiful.” Mirabel smiled, her jaw aches from smiling so much.

If Mirabel wasn’t happy then someone would’ve noticed, right? They would’ve noticed that something was wrong with her, wouldn’t they?

Mirabel wouldn’t harm her body or kill herself. Thinking and doing it are very different things. She would never burden her family like that.

If she were to die, she’d want to look at the night sky forever. It’s comforting. It’s relaxing.

She doesn’t have to worry about them looking for her. She’d always like to look after her family from above. 

Maybe one day instead of looking up at the stars, she’ll be the one looking down at everything else with the stars.

Just not today.

Chapter 80: The Other Casita

Notes:

Remaking one of my first Encanto fic. I wonder how many people in the Encanto fandom had a wattpad phase

Mirabel watched with an unreadable expression as the shutter of the camera went off. She should’ve expected this. They made it pretty known that she wasn’t a part of the family. They didn’t have to say it aloud, but the way they treated and avoided her said it all.

It was already too late. She couldn’t ask for them to retake the picture. It’ll ruin things and make it awkward.

It shouldn’t have hurt as badly as she did. 

She turned around, tears welling in her eyes as she went back inside of Casita. Unaware of the cracks that started to form.

It didn’t matter if Dolores heard her crying or not.  She wouldn’t do anything about it. She wouldn’t even care. If she did then she would’ve at least checked if she was alright the other times.

All she ever wanted to do was to make her family proud. To make her abuela proud of her. No matter what she did, it didn’t work. When she tried to be useful, she’d only get pushed out the way.

Mirabel looked up, noticing a doll sitting on the counter. A doll that looks a bit too much like her. Scratch that, it is her.

She picked the doll up. 

She wondered who it was and who made it? The doll was made out of yarn. It even had the details on her skirt on it, which was very impressive for something this small. Mirabel took note of the button eyes and poked them.

She observed the doll some more, turning it around to find a tag.

“To Mirabel, by anonymous.” Mirabel read aloud, the corner of her lips curling up. She was silent, before she let out an amused laugh. “Cute,”

She was even more curious about the person.

In the corner of her eyes, she saw something glowing.

Very curious.

She made her way upstairs, not paying any mind to Casita’s attempts to try to stop her. She checked inside of the nursery, when she did, she gasped.

“A- A door?” Mirabel stammered, taking a step back out of reflex. She was too focused on the door to notice the nursery’s door shutting behind her.

It was small and had the letter M carved into the doorknob. The thing that caught her attention the most was the design. It was interesting.

It was her and someone else was standing behind her. The person’s face was blurred out, but definitely a man. Butterflies and moths were scattered across the background. 

The weirdest part was that she had button eyes, like the doll. She had a big smile on her face. The man had one hand on her shoulder, the other hand on one of the button eyes. Despite all of that, she looked happy and loved.

Should she tell her abuela?  

Mirabel chewed her lip anxiously. She stayed a certain distance away from the small door. As if she gets too close, it’ll just disappear.

She quickly shut that idea down in her mind. It’s a bad idea. They would think she’s doing this for attention.

She would sound delusional, despite the door being right there, in front of her. Her door.

But it’s impossible.

She saw her door disappear ten years ago, her entire family besides Antonio also saw. 

…

Maybe she drank too much?

Definitely not, she didn’t touch any drinks. She’s too young to drink either way.

Still, the door was in front of her, shining in a bright gold glow. As if it was taunting her to go inside.

Should she?

…Who’s going to stop her? It is her door. The answer is nobody. They’re far too focused on Antonio and celebrating.

Hesitantly, Mirabel took a step forward, crouching down towards the door. She took a deep breath as she twisted the doorknob.

She blinked in surprise, when she saw what was inside. 

It was a swirling vortex of purple and blue, stars scattered everywhere. It was almost like the door was welcoming her to crawl through. To find out what’s on the other side.

She crawled through the vortex.

Why was this so complicated yet so easy?

Mirabel couldn’t hold back her shriek as she started sliding down too fast. 

It took about a minute, before she saw a bright light.

…

When Mirabel opened her eyes, she didn’t expect to be in someone’s arms. Specifically her abuelo Pedro.

“Oh thank you, abuelo. I thought I was going to die.” Mirabel let out a sigh of relief. At the time not fully processing that her grandfather caught her. That her dead grandfather caught her. 

“It’s no problem at all. I didn’t expect you to go that fast either. I had to catch you before you got hurt. Anything for my sweet granddaughter!” Pedro smiled warmly, putting Mirabel down.

Mirabel froze. “I—“

Pedro smiled. “Yes?”

“Y-you’re—you are my a-abuelo! As in the p-portrait abuelo Pedro—Pedro!? But—but, you’re supposed to be d-dead! Oh God! Am I dead!?” Mirabel panicked, as she looked around. She was still in Casita. She would have never opened the door if she had known this was going to happen.

“Took you a while to figure that out.” Pedro chuckled. “No, of course not. You’re not dead. You’re only fifteen and have a life ahead of you. You’re far too young to need to worry about that! We’re inside of your door! I’m your abuelo Pedro….well your other Pedro.” Pedro let out a laugh, Mirabel’s eyes widening even more.

“I—other a-abuelo? B-but, you have—“ Mirabel pointed at the button that replaced his eyes. Fortunately, Pedro didn’t seem to take offense to it.

“Button for eyes? Hm, I guess it is a bit weird to you.” Pedro grinned, tapping his golden button eyes. 

“A bit weird is an understatement….no offense.” Mirabel smiled nervously, making Pedro let out another laugh.

“None taken, nieta. I understand that this entire situation is unusual. But we welcome you with open arms into our home.”

Mirabel looked even more confused. “We?” She questioned. “As in more people? Is it like—like dead people? I don’t think I could process another dead person.” She murmured.

“No no, certainly not! There is no other dead person here than me! The people here are me, your family, and the residents of our beloved Encanto.”

Mirabel raised an eyebrow. “Right…do I have, uhm, another family?…Like—uh, my family, but with…button eyes?”

“Yes, that’s correct!” Pedro looked excited. “Think of it this way, Mirabel. The buttons keep our souls connected with one another. Even if one of us were to go to the other side, we still would be connected.” Pedro pretended to be deep in thought. “You still seem confused. Do you want to know more?”

“Well…not much, but…what exactly is my gift? Why are there buttons in your….eyes?” 

“Your gift is something extraordinary and simply something that only you can get. A gift as special as you are.” Pedro answered, Mirabel had an annoyed smile as he didn’t answer her question the way she wanted. “These buttons can see way beyond what a regular human eye can possibly see.” He tapped one of the golden buttons.

“Way beyond a…human eye?” Mirabel repeated, staring at Pedro with a suspicious look. “What!? Are you saying that you’re not—not human? I mean, sure, you have…uhm, buttons for…you know.”

“Well I certainly consider myself human! I don’t know if you consider me one though. After all, I’m supposed to be asleep for a very long time. Your door brings you closer to your family, us.” Pedro’s eyes softened. “I have the ability to hold this family together. Alma and I are the matriarch of this family. Both of us had been waiting for your arrival. You may not notice this, but people rely on you. Without even noticing, you’re the glue that keeps the others together. My Alma and I are thinking of passing the role of candleholder to someone else. And I know the perfect person for that role. Your door is something that you’ll only have. Something that’s far above the others.”

Mirabel was stunned. “Wow— I-I’m not sure what to s-say or do…I actually have a d-door? It’s not a dream? Like—like this is real?”

Pedro held his hands behind his back in an non-threatening way. “Of course it’s real. You’ve always had a door. Though I am confused why it decided to show up now and not ten years earlier. Hm. Well that doesn’t matter now! You have a door now and must explore it!” He clasped their hands together, his eyes glowing in excitement.

Mirabel looked hesitant, but agreed once she saw the look on his face.

---

Dolores hated parties. Too loud. She had no chance, but to attend Antonio’s ceremony party. She had no say in it anyways even if it wasn’t Antonio’s birthday. 

She froze, realizing something is missing—

“Dolores, are you okay?” Señora García asked in concern. She was a few years older than Dolores and spoke to her occasionally.

“Mhm, yes, I’m fine, sorry.” Dolores apologized.

“Maybe you need to go somewhere quieter?” García suggested softly. “I know that your gift is sometimes too….overwhelming.”

“I would love to, but I can’t.” Dolores chuckled bitterly. “It’s my youngest brother’s fifth birthday, his gift ceremony. I’d hate to miss something importa—“ Dolores flinched in pain at a particularly loud noise.

Crack.

“Dolores?”

Thump.

Dolores froze, it was coming from the inside of Casita. Or outside? It’s far away, yet she could hear it so clearly over everything else. As if it was inches away. It’s so loud, it actually hurts her ears.

“I think you need to go somewhere quiet, your room.” García said more firmly.

“I will be fine—“ Dolores started off, but got interrupted by her younger brother’s voice.

“The house is in danger! The house is in danger! The tiles were falling and there were cracks everywhere! The candle even almost went out!” Camilo yelled, gaining everyone’s attention. She winced at the volume of his voice.

…

“Show me.” Alma’s stern voice breaks through the uncomfortable silence. Her expression never wavering as she kept her eye on Camilo.

Crap.

This can not go well for anyone.

Chapter 81: Shattered Reflections

Summary:

Mirabel admitting that she was the one who has been destroying her family's reputation in the village after Casita had been rebuilt, saying that she wanted to pay the family back for everything that they put her through

The Madrigals heard the whispers about them.

“Did you know that Doña Alma lied about Mirabel being drunk in front of everyone? That there were actually cracks during the party?”

“Did you know that even her parents didn’t believe her? That they’re cowards…if they were my parents, I would’ve just left at that point. Actually, If I had an entire family like that, I would leave.”

“I always knew that it was a bit…iffy seeing a ten year old taking care of a baby. I thought she was just taking care of him just for a little while, until I just kept seeing her with little Antonio. Seriously, what type of parent leaves a newborn to a ten year old, who hardly has experience!? If I had a gift, I wouldn’t listen to Alma like that! I would’ve taken care of my children and forgotten the fields! Fuck it! No wonder Antonio sees Mirabel as a mother!”

“I heard that the perfect act that Isabela had was also fake. She was actually rotten underneath all that fakeness. She went out of her way to bully her sister six years younger than her. Poor Mirabel….I don’t know how she dealt with them for so long.”

“Not to mention, Dolores. What’s the point of listening to everything else, but when your youngest cousin needs help? That just seems…personal. If I heard my family getting bullied, I would’ve sent them to hell myself. I didn’t think that anyone would think to do nothing in a situation. She could’ve at least told an adult…never mind, the adults there are cowards.”

“Don’t get me started on Camilo and his lackeys. I heard them messing with her and one of the Madrigals was nearby. Guess what? They didn’t do anything and I know they heard them bullying that poor girl like that.”

“How could I have been so blind back then?”

“…These Madrigals are just—“

“Awful—“

“Abusive—“

“Ungrateful—“

“Bullies—“

And a bunch of other names.

The Madrigals didn’t know how they knew about what happened within Casita. Nor were they aware of what happened with the other family members.

“I don’t understand…who would spread such rumors—“ Alma paused, it wasn’t rumors if it was true. “How do they know and who spread it out?””

Mirabel walked into the room, looking at them with an unreadable expression.

“Mirabel, do you knew who—

“I did,” Mirabel said, she didn’t look sorry in the slightest. If anything, she looked pleased.

The Madrigals were shocked. 

“What!?”

“You did what!?”

“…Are you joking?”

“Why would you do such a thing!?”

Mirabel rolled her eyes. “Let’s not act like you all didn’t destroy my reputation before I became the Encanto’s savior!” Mirabel exclaimed mockingly. 

“M-Mirabel, wait, I don’t understand—“

“Then for once, actually listen to me!” Mirabel yelled. “Abuela said that I was drunk in front of everyone when she knew that I wasn’t and lied! And guess what, nobody did anything! You excluded me! I wasn’t even included in the thing called the family photo! I was the Madrigals’ embarrassment! You care more about your reputation than my wellbeing! The only time you actually cared is when I had to almost fucking die to save the miracle!”

Alma looked apologetic, but she couldn’t deny what she did was wrong. She did treat Mirabel wrong in the past. She didn’t realize that it affected her so much.

“Mirabel, language—“

“My language is the least of your worries.” Mirabel glared at Julieta, making her look at her in shock.  “What’s so great is that if anyone was to believe me, I’d trust my parents! But, no, I can’t even trust you two! Abuela this, abuela that! Since I’m the giftless one, I’m obviously trying to get attention! Let’s just brush her to the side! Oh, Mirabel, we’ll talk about this later! Then you both just end up forgetting later on that day! Doing nothing to defend your own daughter! All because you’re scared to stand up to your own mother! All to please abuela! You’re fifty! Grow a spine! You both are adults!”

Julieta and Agustín were startled by Mirabel’s outburst. They knew that they weren't the best parents, but not the worst. But to know that Mirabel didn’t even trust them? It hurts them. But it couldn’t have been as much as they hurt Mirabel.

“Not to mention that you thought I was trying to ruin Antonio’s ceremony! I’m more of a mother than you are to him! You were barely there for him! I took care of him for five years! But, yes, watering the fields for some spoiled adults is more important! Grab a bucket and get water yourself! Then I get in trouble just for wanting to know about tío Bruno! He’s your brother! For someone who hates talking about him, you didn’t waste the chance to slander his name! All because of some stupid joke! It looks like rain!? Yep, that’s a vision right there! Bad luck Bruno caused a hurricane by telling a joke!”

“I-I didn’t—“ Pepa stammered, as it was raining down on all of them. She couldn’t find the words because it was the awful truth. She blamed everyone but herself. She wasn’t there for Antonio either, unfortunately. She practically dumped him on Mirabel, who was only ten years old at the time.

Isabela gulped, she knew she was next.

“Every time we were alone, you went out of your way just to bully me! You are six years older than me, yet you were bullying me with your friends! Just because you were pressured into marrying a guy you didn’t like and being perfect doesn’t make it okay for you to take your anger out on me! I wasn’t the one making you be perfect and arranged a marriage between you and Mariano! The flowers to my face and hair! The vines to trip me! Everything! I ruined your engagement to a guy you didn’t even like! If anything, I expected you to be happy! But, no, you said that you hated me! That’s the first words you said to me!”

Isabela looked ashamed, as she averted her gaze. She was right, she had no excuse. She had no reason to take it out on Mirabel. All because she thought that she was free and was angry because she was wasting her time.

“Let’s not act as if you’re innocent! You heard everything, yet you did nothing! Not a single thing! You weren’t there for me when I was bullied! Talked about! Never! You kept your mouth shut about that and didn’t comfort me or anything! You kept the secret about tío Bruno being in the walls for ten fucking years! But you don’t waste time to burst out what happened in that vision! Yes, let’s not waste the chance to throw Mirabel down the bus! With your hearing, I expected at least something good from you! But let’s not rock the boat when it could benefit Mirabel! Let’s rock the boat when Mirabel could be my scapegoat like always!”

“I-I’m sorry—“ Dolores stuttered even though she knew it wouldn’t mean anything. She regretted it. Not saying anything when she needed to. Blurting things out when she didn’t need to. She knows that she probably could’ve stopped Mirabel from being bullied if she just said anything.

Mirabel turned to Luisa, who was looking on the verge of tears. “I don’t have anything to say to you, Luisa. You being busy all the time wasn’t your fault. At least you didn’t go out of your way to be mean to me. You even protected me. So, thank you for being a good sister.”

Luisa looked really relieved. “I-it’s really no problem, it’s what I was supposed to do.”

“Good,” Mirabel smiled. “You should probably go though.”

Luisa didn’t need to be told twice.

…

“Now Camilo,” The smile disappeared on her face with a scowl. “You also bullied me with your group of friends for laughs! To be popular! It was more embarrassing than anything! Just to be made fun of for doing nothing! To be called the false Madrigal! Miracless Mirabel! Jinx! All those nicknames you made up! Over something I had no control over whatsoever! Is that your only way to make friends!? To put others down for validation!”

“I—“ Camilo didn’t even get a chance to say anything. He had nothing to say to defend himself.

Mirabel turned away. “What I said and did was nothing compared to what you all did to me. I was humiliated every single day. I was excluded. I couldn’t even help because I was giftless. Now that I saved the miracle, everything is magically better. As if those ten years of my life didn’t happen. I don’t regret what I did.”

“Mirabel—“

“Am I going too far? Nobody thought that they went too far when I was the one being yelled at and scolded.” She scoffed, before she walked off.

The Madrigals were stunned as they stood there in silence. They took in all of Mirabel’s words. They thought they were doing good. They didn’t realize just how badly it affected Mirabel. 

That was their fault for thinking that Mirabel was going to keep being positive. That she would just brush it off with a smile. That she would just forget the way they all mistreated her.

Notes:

I’m rewriting My New Family

Chapter 82: The Bad Ending

Notes:

Should I make my new family its own story or just post it here?

First was Mirabel.

It had happened the night of Antonio’s fifth birthday.

It was clear from the next morning that Mirabel had run away. All of her things were packed, her room was empty and Dolores couldn’t even hear her. 

It was terrible news for everyone, especially since the day before had been festive.

Next was Isabela.

Nobody knew how she truly felt. How she was doing this for family. How she didn’t love Mariano.

In the end, it was all for her abuela. Even when she said yes to Mariano. Even when tears streamed down her face as her fate was sealed. When she knew that she’ll have to sleep with him for five children.

Alma just didn’t know it was the beginning for everything.

Then it was Dolores.

Dolores laid in her room, wrists slit, blood pooling around them. Her eyes were lifeless, it was clear that she was already gone. Dried tear marks stained her cheeks. A note on her bed.

The note revealed how she has had feelings for Isabela’s husband, Mariano, since she was a teenager. But she knew she couldn’t be with him since Bruno’s vision. She didn’t want to live because she didn’t have anything worth living for. She will always be in Isabela’s shadow, no matter what. That her death will be brushed off easily as Isabela takes the attention. She also revealed that Bruno Madrigal was living in the walls.

Every Madrigal was in anguish at Dolores’ sudden death. Julieta couldn’t save her, which resulted in Pepa getting into a screaming match with her.

Isabela blamed herself for Dolores’ death, while Mariano was stunned.

They needed to see if what Dolores wrote was true.

It couldn’t be…

Bruno has been gone for twelve years.

When Alma walked in the walls, she was instantly smacked in the face with a putrid smell.

The familiar smell of death.

She didn’t want to go any further, but she just had to.

When she did, she just wished that she hadn’t and could’ve prevented this outcome.

Laying on the ground was her son, Bruno. Rats chewed on his body, pieces of flesh missing from his body. It was clear that he had been dead for a while.

How could she have missed this? How could she not have smelt this?

…

Two Madrigals were buried the same day.

The weather was terrible as expected. Dolores’ death was suicide, while Bruno’s death was unknown. To Pepa, she lost her brother and daughter the same day.

Nobody could come to terms with what happened that day.

If only Alma knew just how worst things were going to be. How they were fated to be doomed the moment one Madrigal left.

Pepa was next.

Alma wasn’t aware how their gifts could cause harm to themselves and couldn’t be healed. 

Not until she caught Félix crying over her body. Pepa’s eyes dazed, her head was bleeding. Her body was covered in lightning strikes. She was alive in pain until the very last second. Alma and Julieta couldn’t help her as Pepa cried in pain.

Pepa was buried next to Bruno.

Alma could see that Julieta was slowly cracking. She lost her siblings, but put on an act for the rest of them.

She could see all of them breaking and she couldn’t do anything to help them.

Julieta lost her brother, sister, niece and youngest daughter.

Agustín lost his siblings-in-laws, his youngest daughter, and niece.

Félix had lost his wife and oldest daughter. He only had Camilo and Antonio left.

Isabela lost her youngest sister, her uncle, aunt, and cousin.

Luisa lost her sister, her uncle, aunt and older cousin.

Camilo lost his mother, his sister, his little cousin, and uncle.

Antonio lost his mother, his sister, his older cousin, and uncle.

Eight Madrigals remained.

Next was Luisa.

The miracle was fading while she was carrying a building and overworking herself. She didn’t die instantly, it would’ve been better if she did.

She bled to death before Julieta could’ve come and saved her own daughter.

Seven Madrigals remained.

Antonio’s animals were getting more aggressive and Antonio couldn’t control or try to reason with them.

Félix had protected Antonio when Parce had tried to bite him. Félix couldn’t win barehanded against a Jaguar. He died trying to save Antonio.

Antonio was frozen as he watched his own dad die in front of him.

Antonio died soon after.

Five Madrigals remained.

It was quiet after that.

Camilo lost his parents and siblings. He lost himself while shifting. They only found him because they could hear his distorted cries. Voices lapped over other voices.

He looked… terrible.

He didn’t look like himself. 

He was in pain.

His limbs were bent the wrong way, blood seemed to come out of everywhere from his body.

He was only alive for a moment.

Julieta had to finish him off. She knew that Camilo couldn’t let him leave like this. Not when he was in so much pain. She fed him a piece of her food that would kill him painlessly and quickly.

Four Madrigals remained.

They couldn’t do anything to prevent Isabela’s death. They checked up on her everyday, they thought that she would’ve been fine since she had Mariano.

They should’ve known that even Mariano couldn’t stop her.

Isabela had killed herself with her own vines. Even when the remaining Madrigals saw her. Isabela had made vines to prevent them from getting closer and stopping her.

When her vines dispersed, they saw Isabela’s body on the floor. Unlike the rest, she had a smile on her face. As if she was happy that she died.

Only three Madrigals remained.

She could see the dead look in Agustín’s and Julieta’s eyes. They lost all of their daughters and family. 

Alma should’ve checked up on them earlier.

Maybe then she would’ve had time to prevent their death. They both hung themselves. Double suicide.

She was the only Madrigal remaining.

She never thought that she would be the last one standing. If anything, she thought that she would be the first one gone.

…How could everything go so wrong? How did things end like this? Why?

She was an old lady, who had lost her family too soon. Who had her family taken away from her right in front of her eyes again. She was an empty shell of what she used to be.

Her entire family was dead.

Antonio was only seven.

Alma held onto the candle, tears freely flowing down her cheeks. Wasn’t this supposed to be a miracle? This was supposed to protect them, not harm them.

She heard low humming, making her turn around.

Her eyes widened, looking at her family in horror. They looked the exact same way they died.

Julieta and Agustín stood side by side. Both of their necks had dark bruises. Their hair and clothes were a mess.

Pepa’s eyes were misty as blood pooled from her nose, ears, and mouth. The red lightning scars covered her entire body. Half of Félix’s face was unrecognizable as he bled. He had bite marks everywhere. One of his hands and legs was missing.

Bruno was hunched over, one of his eyeballs out of its socket. Alma could see the muscle and bones from the parts where his flesh was gone. Some of his hair was gone and the entire flesh of his right foot was gone. The only thing there was his bone, which seemed to be chewed on and a nasty chunk of skin.

She looks at Isabela, who covered herself in thorny vines, blood piling down from the wounds. She was still in her wedding dress stained in red. She still had a smile on her face.

Then to Dolores, whose face lost its color. The bleeding from her wrist seemed to be infinite. She had a sad, but accepting expression. Her eyes were dull.

Luisa was bruised everywhere and both of her arms were gone. Blood gushed out of the wounds as if her arms were chopped off somehow. Her hair was out of her usual bun. Her head hung low as she looked at the ground.

She couldn’t even recognize Camilo. He was different. His hair was a different shade. His eyes were two different sizes. Oh and his body, it was mangled. Bones stuck out from under and out of his skin. Some flesh looked as if it didn’t belong there.

Antonio was also unrecognizable, but she knew because of height. His entire jaw was gone, one of his arms was gone and more.  

Then finally, Mirabel. Her glasses were hanging off of one side of her face, her eyes devoid of any light. She was covered in bruises and scratches. Some pieces of her skirt and blouse were ripped. A small smile was on her face.

They all asked this in a sickening, desperate voice. Alma felt as if her heart dropped.

“Please, tell us, are you finally proud of us now?”

Notes:

Mirabel and Bruno — Death Unknown
Dolores, Isabela, Julieta and Agustín — Suicide
Pepa, Luisa, Antonio, and Camilo — Gift Malfunction
Félix — Mauled by Parce

Death order: Mirabel, Bruno, Dolores, Pepa, Luisa, Félix, Antonio, Julieta and Agustín

Chapter 83: Mirabel’s Harem

Notes:

All of Mirabel’s potential love interests that I had written about before are here. This chapter is honestly pretty tame and ironic.

“I met her first!”

“That doesn’t mean anything! I was there for her when she was feeling down about being the only Madrigal without a gift! She also met my family and I met hers!”

“So did I! She also literally met each one of our family! Not to mention that the Madrigals dislike your ass!”

“The same goes for you!”

“So!?”

Mária and Katrina glared at each other.

“Guys…can we please calm down?” Sylvia smiled nervously. “Sure, we all have a crush on Mirabel, but she wouldn’t want us doing this.”

Leon nodded. “She has a point there. Mirabel hates fighting.”

“Yep.” Ruben agreed.

Mária and Katrina turned their glares to Ruben, who paled. “Aren’t you literally friends with Camilo, who bullies her?”

Leah sighed, shaking her head. “Can’t we be mature about this?” She asked. “Yes, some have a better history with Mirabel than…others.”

Miguel raised an eyebrow. “We also dropped Camilo the moment that he tried to bully her with us. We weren’t aware of it at the time. You can’t use that against us.”

Mateo smirked. “I think I will.”

“Yeah, I know you will.” Miguel narrowed his eyes.

“So much for being civil.” Felipe said under his breath.

“Right,” Sylvia huffed. “Can’t we all calm it down a little?”

Leah snorted. “As if. They’re after each other's throats.” She looked at Katrina and Mária then Miguel and Mateo. “I love the drama.”

“Not everyone is a fan of drama.” Ruben glanced at her. “Or arguing at that.”

Leon looked at the four arguing then back at Ruben. “Same.”

“I’m certainly a fan of drama when I’m not included.” Felipe let out a frantic sigh. “I do wish I brought popcorn if I knew all of us were going to be in the same spot.”

Leah chuckled. “Yeah, you should’ve. Would’ve made things more interesting.”

“This is a disaster.” Sylvia mumbled. “Either you four make out or fight it out!”

…

Leah and Felipe bursted out laughing. Leon looked like a disappointed dad while Ruben sighed. The four blushed.

One of Katrina’s eyes twitched. “How about I choke you out?”

Sylvia grinned. “That’s kinky.”

Mária raised her eyebrows. “You set yourself up for that one.” 

“Shut up.”

“I’m not even interested in men.” Miguel groaned.

“Same here,” Mateo said. “I’m more interested in fighting, but Mirabel wouldn’t like her friends fighting like this.”

“You never know if Mirabel is interested in more than one person.”

“…wait.”

“You think so?”

“Alma Madrigal is strict, she wouldn’t allow a marriage between more than two people.” Ruben said. “Even if Mirabel did like more than one person.”

“Ugh…I hate her.”

Mateo smirked. “Shouldn’t say that when there’s a superhearing Madrigal. I definitely agree though.”

“Okay, I think we all can agree on that.” Felipe grinned.

“Mhm,”

“I genuinely don’t think that Mirabel knows that we’re courting her.” Leon told them.

Leah couldn’t even deny that. “She’s a bit…oblivious.”

“What if she’s not romantically interested in anyone?”

“…That’ll just suck.”

“But it’ll be fine because I’m happy being friends with her.”

“Yeah,”

“I’m more familiar with Mirabel, so she’ll probably choose me.”

“Yeah yeah, Mirabel likes all of us. Wouldn’t it depend on if the Madrigals like us or not?”

“That immediately gets Mária, Katrina, Mateo, and Miguel out.”

“Fuck—“

“Hey guys, are we all talking about courting Mirabel without me?” A guy named Sebastian asked, walking up to them.

They all turned to Sebastian, immediately going quiet.

Katrina was the one to speak next, looking at him with a scowl.

“Now who the hell invited this creep?”

---

At that exact moment, Dolores spat out her drink. The Madrigals were startled by Dolores’ outburst. Camilo handed her a napkin, which she took.

Alma was on guard. It was an unusual thing for Dolores to do. Unless she heard something that was alarming. “What did you hear, Dolores?” 

Dolores’ cheeks flushed, looking flustered. “Did anyone know that Mirabel has people courting her at this moment?”

“What!?”

Alma was shocked along with the rest of them. They didn’t know that anyone even liked Mirabel. To the point of courting her. And they hadn’t noticed.

Dolores nodded. “Yep…apparently they have been for a while too.”

Julieta and Agustín looked at each other. Neither of them was aware of anyone courting Mirabel. Without any of them noticing either.

“So who’s courting he—“ Alma closed, when the person they were talking about came in.

Mirabel came in looking confused, but still had a smile on her face. “Who's courting who?”

Notes:

What a nice short chapter for today. Unfortunately, Mirabel can only be happy for a while.

Chapter 84: Burden Of Magic

All the Madrigals were out of town besides Dolores, Mirabel, and Antonio.

Mirabel was sick and Dolores had offered to take care of her. Antonio also wanted to stay.

If only the Madrigals didn’t agree to that and maybe things could’ve gone a different way.

Mirabel’s hands fell from Dolores’ wrists, her eyes losing its shine as she stopped struggling.

“I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry—“ Dolores apologized with tears streaming down her cheeks, a wide smile on her face. “You understand, don’t you!? If you didn’t bring back the miracle, you’d still be living! If you didn’t come back, you’d still be alive! We would be happy! I would be happy!”

Mirabel didn’t respond, as her heart had stopped beating already.

“Why’d you come back!? You never had a gift! You don’t understand what it’s like to hear everything and get overwhelmed by every single little sound! I was so fucking happy when you finally destroyed the miracle! Why did you have to play as the hero!? You made me do this!” Dolores screamed at her, even as her ears bled. “You caused your own demise, Mirabel!”

…

Dolores inhaled, before letting out a deep breath. “You made me do this, primita.” She said calmly, as she removed her hands away from Mirabel’s throat. “It’s your fault that I killed you. You need to die so that the miracle will die.” She cupped Mirabel’s cold cheek. “You understand, don’t you?” She stared at Mirabel’s blank eyes, receiving no response. “Right,”

Dolores pulled away, excitement flowing through her body. Mirabel was finally dead. The miracle will die with her. She won’t let her children experience the same pain that she and her family went through.

It reminded her of Bruno.

…

“Dolores, what you’re going to do is wrong! You don’t have to do this! You’re better than this!”

Dolores is quiet, staring at the vision in her hands. It shows her over Mirabel’s dead body. It was clear that she was the one that killed her. Her lips twitched upward, resisting the urge to smile right there.

“…You want to stop me?” Dolores asked, her voice didn’t hold any emotion.

Bruno stared at her with a hurt expression. “Dolores, you don’t need to do this. I understand the pain of having gifts that don't help you more than anything. Killing Mirabel isn’t the solution to this. It won’t help anyone. It won’t help you.”

“No you don’t.” Dolores suddenly glared at Bruno. “You hid in the walls like a fucking coward. These gifts are a curse. I can never turn off this curse. Mamá’s gift controls her. Camilo can’t even use his gift without it eating him alive! The miracle needs to be gone! Mirabel is the solution! If she dies, it will help us!”

Bruno knew at that very moment that there was nothing that was going to get through her. “Mirabel isn’t the miracle…you can’t kill her. It won’t bring the miracle down.”

“Yes the hell it will!” Dolores exclaimed. “You know and that’s why you’re trying to stop me! You’re acting differently because everyone is seeing you in a different light! I thought that you would agree with me on this!”

“I- I—“

“Mirabel is the miracle! How else would she bring back the candle and control Casita!?”

“She won’t—“

“Are you going to help me or not!?”

“N-no— Dolores, you can—“

“Then you need to die.”

…

Dolores opened her eyes, letting out a sigh. Things could’ve gone smoother and he wouldn’t have to die if he just agreed.

She looked at Mirabel’s dead body, who looked strangely peaceful. Yes, Mirabel looked better off dead. So did Bruno.

She grabbed the knife sitting on the dresser, wrapping Mirabel’s hand around it.

A second later, Mirabel’s throat was slit.

Her death would be a suicide, just like Bruno.

Dolores stood up, walking out of her room and closing the door behind her. Tough luck for whoever finds the body. Or she can pretend that she found Mirabel’s body. She is a pretty good actor.

She was already feeling better. She couldn’t wait to see the miracle fall once again. 

They’ll be better.

She stared at the candle, wiping the blood from her ears. She despised the candle so much. She couldn’t wait any longer, but she knew she had to.

Dolores rubbed her round belly, she didn’t acknowledge the tears streaming down her face. She couldn’t have her children going through the same thing they did. She wanted them to be happy and not suffer.

With her gift, she didn’t want to go through the same thing her mother did. She didn’t want to have someone else taking care of her children because of her gift.

They’d understand, wouldn’t they?

She heard footsteps making her turn around to see Antonio. “Antonio, how are you?” She smiled.

Instead of Antonio responding as he usually did, he looked horrified as he stared at her. Dolores was confused, until she glanced at the small rat on his shoulder.

Dolores walked closer to him. “What are they telling you?” She crouched down. “Tell me.”

Antonio’s eyes widened even more, Dolores was aware of him slightly shaking. “M-M-Mira—Mirabel—“ His eyes were watery. “D-did y-you?”

Dolores smiled. “I did.”

Antonio took a step back in fear, which clearly was the wrong move. It’s as if she could tell what she was thinking.

“I did this for us!” Dolores snapped at Antonio, making him flinch. Dolores saw, her expression changing into something dark. “Antonio….”

“Y-y-you’re scaring m-me…” Antonio cried as he trembled. Did Dolores really kill Mirabel and their tío Bruno? Why? What did they do to deserve this? What was wrong with her?

“Oh Toñito,” Dolores ruffled his hair with a smile. “The miracle is a curse. I needed to get rid of Mirabel to get rid of the curse. Tío Bruno tried to stop me and…I couldn’t just let him get in my way. Don’t you see how these gifts hurt Camio? Hurt mamí? Don’t you see how much pain we went through because of that very candle? I did this for all of us.”

Antonio was still crying as he had his eyes shut. 

Dolores frowned, she could hear Antonio’s heart racing. She pulled away from him. “Keep this between us, Antonio. I’m doing this for us. Don’t tell anyone…unless you want one of your little animal friends to disappear?”

Antonio froze.

Dolores lets out a laugh as if she just heard the funniest joke. “I’m just kidding.” She grinned. “Seriously, don’t tell anyone.”

With that, she walked away, closing the door behind her.

Antonio could see that his older sister had lost the moment the miracle came back. The crazed look in her eyes.

He’s terrified of her now.

Notes:

Nothing more exciting than one of my favorite characters killing my other favorite character.

Part 2 of this is explaining the reason Dolores went down this path and the aftermath.

Chapter 85: Disappearing Gifts And Unseen Worth

If Antonio’s door disappeared, she was afraid that Antonio would be treated like her. She feared for him, she believed that they would treat him the way they treated her.

Only, it did not turn out that way.

When Antonio’s door disappeared, Alma didn’t look disappointed. They were not cruel to him like they were to hear.

They were supportive, reassuring, and caring. They gave him pats on the backs and even gave him reassuring looks. Mirabel was confused, they hadn’t treated her like that when her door disappeared.

They took a family photo without her, Mirabel lost in her thoughts.

As Mirabel went through the crowd, she could hear the whispers about her around her. Nobody tried to stop her, she didn’t expect them to.

Mirabel knows that even she can’t be included in the family photos. At first she thought it was because she was giftless.

Mirabel couldn’t help but wonder what made her so different.

Why not me?

---

Mirabel saved the miracle. She brought back Casita. She brought back Bruno. She helped Isabela be her true self. She helped Mariano and Dolores get together. She helped Luisa not overwork herself. 

She made everything better.

So why does everything still feel the same as before? 

Why was she still not enough?

They’re still ignoring her, unless they want to ask something from her. It feels the same as it was ten years ago.

She did everything to make it better. To make them better. To make herself better.

The Madrigals took another family photo without her once again. Bruno also wasn’t included in the family photo as he stood besides her.

They don’t care about her. It’s as if all of those kind words during the rebuilding meant nothing. As if they were meaningless kind words to her until the miracle came back.

She can feel the anger bubbling inside of her. Bruno was staring at the other Madrigals in shock. He had thought they changed, he thought that they were better. 

“…It was never about me not having a gift, was it?” Mirabel asked, her voice quiet.

She realized something that she chose to stupidly ignore years ago. It was so obvious.

They didn’t care when Antonio didn’t get a gift. They didn’t even treat him any different. If not better. It was never about her not having a gift.

The other Madrigals are smiling, but confused.

“Huh?” Camilo said.

“What are you talking about, Mirabel?” Agustín asked.

“Why do you look upset? We were having a good time.” Alma said, which was the wrong move as Mirabel scowled.

Something inside of her snapped.

“ You all were having a good time, I never was.” Mirabel corrected. “I thought that you all changed! I was dumb enough to think that everything could’ve been better since I brought the miracle back! I knew this already, yet I convinced myself otherwise! You all never cared about me!”

Bruno grimaced as he held Antonio, covering his eyes and ears. 

“Woah, woah, wait. What do yo—“

Mirabel wouldn’t let them get a sentence in. “What was the point of me bringing back the miracle if you all don’t care about me!? It was never about me not having a gift!” Mirabel exclaimed angrily. “I was always the problem. No matter what! Just admit it rather than pretending to actually care about me.”

The Madrigals went silent and that told Mirabel what she needed to know.

“Mirabel…” Julieta said her name hesitantly. She looked guilty. “L-look, it-it’s just that we planned for a boy instead of a g-girl. It’s fine though, we can start over!”

…What?

Bruno looked confused as he turned to Julieta. That he didn’t know about.

“I don’t want to start over.” Tears fell down Mirabel’s cheeks. “I can’t start over. I won’t let you all continue to treat me like shit because I’m not a boy! I was neglected because I wasn’t a boy! My entire life! I don’t want a family who doesn’t even care about me staying here!”

“Wait, Mirabel—“

“I should’ve let the miracle die instead of saving it!” Mirabel’s eyes were glowing as she cried. The candle began glowing brightly along with Mirabel’s words. “The miracle should’ve died along with your gifts! What’s the point of giving birth to me if you all don’t even like me because of my gender!? What type of family does that!? I want you all gone! Out! I don’t want any of you here! You all don’t deserve gifts! You all don’t deserve to stay here since you don’t even care about me! Since you still think I’m useless!”

Casita’s tiles began rumbling, slowly pushing the Madrigals besides Bruno and Antonio out.

Isabela tried using her vines to move forward and grab Mirabel. Neither of it worked because she couldn’t even use her gift. She looked at hand in shock, staring at Mirabel with widened eyes. “My- my gift is gone!” The familiar feeling she had when Casita fell.

Alma looked at the doors, seeing how cracks covered them and how their glow was fading away. “Stop this, Mirabel!”

“You never stopped anyone from bullying me! You didn’t stop anyone from badmouthing me! You didn’t stop the rumors! You don’t care about me! So why should I listen to you!?”

“No—“

“Since you love the townspeople way more than me! You treat them like they’re your family member and I’m not! Why don’t you just stay with them!? I’m sure they’ll love having giftless Madrigals staying with them!” Mirabel screamed. “They’ll treat you way better than any of you treated me!”

Bruno could see the despair and realization in their eyes. They fucked up badly. He couldn’t say that they didn’t have it coming. Their actions have consequences. Mirabel just happens to be the new candleholder and has way more control of Casita then Alma did. It was dumb on their end. Really. He didn’t even know what to say. He wanted to comfort Mirabel, that was it. After his situation, he thought they changed. Clearly not.

Alma turned to Bruno, seeing that he wasn’t getting pushed out. “Bruno, stop her!”

Bruno shook his head, narrowing his eyes. “When I left, I thought I was protecting Mirabel. That’s the most petty and disgusting reason to neglect her. I expected better of all of you! You still don’t see that you’re in the wrong! You just thought that Mirabel would’ve gone along with all of this! You didn’t care then and even now you don't care. My answer is no.”

“Bruno, ple—“

“Casita!”

Notes:

There will be a part two

Chapter 86: Disappearing Gifts And Unseen Worth — Part 2

Notes:

I really can’t bash Luisa no matter how much I try

“Casita, I don’t want any of them near you. I want them at least ten feet away. If they get any closer, make sure they learn their lesson.” Mirabel growled, the tiles rumbling in agreement. She wiped the tears away from her eyes. She knew that they’ll be swollen. “Good.”

Bruno looked at Mirabel in concern, before looking down at Antonio. He removed his hands away from Antonio, who looked confused. “How about you go to your room for a while? Mira and I need to talk.”

Antonio pouted, but made his way to his room. Parce following behind him.

Bruno turned to Mirabel with a hurt expression. “I had no clue,” He sucked in his breath. He felt guilty as if this was his fault. As if he could’ve prevented it if he had only known.“I had no clue that they were like this.” He hadn’t known that they acted like this to Mirabel because she wasn’t a boy.

“I know you didn’t.” Mirabel sighed, her hands trembling. She knew that Bruno wasn’t involved with them. It was damn obvious with the way he acted. Especially when she met him in the walls. “I just—I just can’t believe them. Actually…I can, I just refused to open my eyes. It was so…so obvious, but I just didn’t know the reason. It was stupid of me to believe that they even cared for a second.”

“H-hey, you’re not stupid.” Bruno took a deep breath. “What they did is beyond wrong. The way they treated you and handled the situation is wrong. Boy or not, they should’ve loved you unconditionally. I don’t—I don’t even know w-why they would act like that over you not being a boy. I know that— that… Alma is obsessed with perfection…but t-this? I don’t know what’s going through any of their minds…I’m sorry. I would’ve never hid in the walls if I knew they were going to be like this. That they were going to mistreat you no matter what.”

Mirabel waved it off with a smile. “It’s not your fault, tío. It was their actions and was their fault. You didn’t play any negative roles here.” Mirabel bit the inside of her cheek, she glanced away. Her smile was dimmer. “I can’t say that I didn’t expect this. That they would change.” Her mouth felt dry. “I just— I wonder what would’ve happened, what would’ve changed if I was a boy. If Antonio wasn’t.”

Bruno looked vaguely disturbed. “I’ve…I've always hated what ifs.” His voice was low, his eyes distant. “What if the miracle didn’t exist? What if Alma didn’t meet my dad? What if he survived? All these what ifs could’ve made my life better if one tiny thing didn’t happen.” Bruno frowned. “But, we can’t change what already happened. We can’t keep predicting what will happen or possible scenarios for the future. Or what could’ve happened in the past. It happened to me and it dedicated itself to my life.” He holds Mirabel’s hands gently. “Boy or not, it shows just how messed up Alma is in the head. How messed up they are in the head. You didn't deserve to be treated like that over something that you had no control over. Their preference. I don’t think it would’ve mattered if you were born male either. Someone else here would’ve carried the burden that you shouldn’t have carried. The same mistreatment.”

Mirabel’s eyebrows furrowed, letting out a humorless laugh. “I know,” It’s unfair, but Mirabel knows that he’s right. What ifs won’t change anything. It won’t make anything better. It would only hold her down. “I know.” She repeated softly. She knows that she can’t always dwell on it. That one day, she’ll get over it. That she’ll fully gain the confidence and self respect. That one day, she won’t feel sympathy for them when she knows that they were in the wrong. “It won’t make anything better. If not worse. But…what about Antonio? What do we tell him and how is he going to take this? What do you think?”

Bruno cringed, he knew that the others weren't allowed in Casita. Antonio is a smart kid. He’ll know something is up. They can’t let him out, but they also can’t lock him up. Bruno knows that they’ll be desperate for their gifts back, for the miracle. That the people are far too lazy to do things for themselves. If Antonio goes out, they’ll take advantage of that. Antonio will miss them and they can’t make him not see them. 

“We can’t tell him the truth…not yet. But I also don’t want to just lie to him like that.” Bruno grimaced. “We can’t tell him the entire truth, but we also just won’t lie to him. That’s not right.” Bruno moved away, letting out a sigh. “I don’t want him going through a childhood like…that. Without his parents.”

“He didn’t even see them as parents.” Mirabel blurted out, catching Bruno off guard. “I was the one that took care of him most times. I changed his diapers while they were too busy taking care of their overgrown children. He literally called me his mom before, he still does. The only reason he didn’t continue that was because of Pepa and Dolores. He clearly didn’t trust them enough to let them walk him to his door.”

Bruno didn’t look surprised, only disappointed. He remembers his childhood, it wasn’t always like this. What caused them to change? What happened? Why did she thrive for perfection?

“Oh,” Bruno glanced at Mirabel’s eyes, which had stopped glowing moments ago. “How did you…”  Bruno looked confused, before making wild gestures. Mirabel looked at him in even more confusion. “How did you do that? None of them could use those gifts. What happened to their gifts? Is that your gift?”

“Ahh…when the miracle came back, I noticed something different about myself. Like I felt while. That whatever was missing was finally there. I talked to Casita and I did have a gift. So, I tested it out when everyone was asleep.” Mirabel told her, playing with her hands.  “Turns out that I can actually steal gifts and give them back at will. I guess that’s the perk of being a candleholder. Even though Alma couldn’t.”

Bruno’s eyes widened, unblinking. “What?” He sputtered, surprised. “Actually, I didn’t expect anything less. Can you use them or is it just gone until you want to give it back?”

On cue, Mirabel shifted into someone that looked like a boy version of her. “Funny, isn’t it?”

“Oh,”

---

All the Madrigals were shocked by getting kicked out of their own home. The gifted Madrigals realized that their gift wasn’t working and they couldn't use it.

“Did we—did we just get kicked out?” Camilo asked.

Dolores glared at him. “What else?”

Alma was stunned, she didn’t think Julieta would admit it. Or that Mirabel would catch up. “Why would you tell her!?” She sneered at Julieta. “Look at what you did!”

“W-well, what was I supposed to do!?” Julieta exclaimed frantically. Tears of frustration fell down her cheeks. “I wasn’t going to lie any longer! Mirabel was going to find out either way! You can’t just put all of the blame on me! You’re as much, if not more at fault!” She screamed at her, angry that her mother thought all of this was her fault. “You played a major role in this and you know you did!” 

Alma began stammering. “Look at us now! Your daughter kicked us out of the house! We’re practically homeless! You shouldn’t have said anything!”

“Mirabel isn’t blind!” Julieta snapped. “She sure as hell isn’t stupid either! She was going to find out sooner or later!”

“She didn’t need to!”

Julieta glared at Alma. “And that’s one of the reasons we got kicked out.”

“We got kicked out because she’s throwing a tantrum.” 

“How cou—

Isabela looked away from their argument. “She overreacted.” Isabela huffed. “It was never that serious.” She felt the same emptiness without her gift. A part of her fears that she’ll have to be señorita perfecta again. She needed Mirabel back.

Camilo nodded in agreement. “We can’t even go back in either.”

“Antonio isn’t here.” Pepa looked angry as she stared at her husband. “She took Antonio!”

Luisa didn’t say anything, staring at her family in disbelief. She never realized how entitled her family was until now.

Agustín placed a hand on her shoulder. “Julieta, let’s calm down.”

“Would’ve never happened if she was a he.”

“We’ll get her back.”

“We’ll also get our gifts back,”

“How are we going to start? We aren’t even allowed near Casita.”

Alma looked at her home. Her home and miracle that Pedro sacrificed himself for. “I know a way.”

She wouldn’t let Mirabel destroy what they worked so hard to achieve. It was clear that Mirabel was the next matriarch. 

Mirabel just needed discipline.

Chapter 87: Roots Of Regret

Notes:

The 100th anniversary of Disney almost made me cry

Mirabel gasped as the vines went straight through her chest. She didn’t move an inch.

As the vine withered away, blood began pouring out of Mirabel’s chest like a waterfall. Isabela let out a sharp gasp, looking at Mirabel in horror. Her sister’s blood was spraying on her.

Mirabel looked more confused than anything as she stared at Isabela. As if her older sister hadn’t impaled her with the vine. She simply didn’t process it well. “I—I’m sorry, I didn’t—didn’t m-mean to…t-to r-ruin your—your l-life.” Mirabel splattered from her lips as she talked.

She fell to the ground, limp. She didn’t even scream, not once.

“O-oh G-God— Mirabel! I’m—I didn’t…I didn’t mean to—to—“ Isabela crouched down, next to her sister’s body, sobbing. Her own sister’s blood stained everything. Her skin. Her dress. “P-please! Mirabel! I’m s-sorry! I’m—I’m s-so fucking s-sorry— please!” 

She killed her sister.

Mirabel’s eyes were uncharacteristically dark.

She didn’t mean to.

She doesn’t know how it came to this.

She’s a murderer.

She killed her little sister.

She was only fifteen.

“You didn’t ruin my life! Never! I was angry— I- I didn’t mean it!” Isabela was hysterical. “Y-you wanted a hug, didn’t you? I’ll give you as many as you need, just—just please wake up! Open your eyes! I’m sorry! I never hated you! I love you so fucking much! Mamá! Dolores! A-anyone! Please!”

She clung onto Mirabel’s body, paying no attention to the blood, her sobs getting louder.

“Mirabel!” 

Her screams echoed throughout her room.

It didn’t take long for someone to finally answer her cries.

The door opened.

“Isa—” Julieta let out a gasp when she looked at them. It was Isabela and Mirabel, they were hugging. She could hear Isabela’s sobbing. The blood that covered them was so wrong. 

“Mamí…” Isabela looked at her, her entire body was trembling. “I—I…please, h-help M-Mirabel….I don’t—I don’t…I’m so sorry…I didn’t mean to— I’m sorry!”

Julieta was horrified, but she knew that she couldn’t waste anymore time. She grabbed a vial from her apron. The smell of blood filled the air. Hee youngest daughter’s blood.

Mirabel’s eyes were blank, she was unresponsive. Julieta noticed the hole in Mirabel’s chest, she could see through her daughter’s chest. There was a hole in Mirabel’s chest.

She opened Mirabel’s mouth, pouring the liquid down her throat. Mirabel didn’t make any movement. There was just another thing she couldn’t heal. It’s like a finger that got cut off. She can’t reattach it. 

Julieta quickly felt for a pulse, her breathing frantic. She didn’t register the tears falling down her cheeks. Nothing. Mirabel was dead in her arms. Her fifteen year old daughter is dead in her arms. There was no way to heal Mirabel with a hole in her chest.

“C-come on, mija.” She refused to accept this. That she could do nothing. That her daughter died when she saw her alive just moments ago. “Please,” She was aware of how she sounded and how her hands were trembling.

Isabela’s sobs got even louder as she realized that it was too late.

She killed Mirabel.

They heard footsteps.

“What’s happeni—“ Alma paused, the stench hitting her nose. That oh so familiar smell of blood. She looked at what seemed to her daughter and granddaughters. Julieta was covered in blood, so was Isabela and Mirabel. Tears ran down both of their faces. She couldn’t tell who was hurt at first, until she realized that Mirabel hadn’t made a single sound or movement. Her eyes widened. “No…”

Alma never realized how bad she messed up until she was standing in front of her youngest granddaughter’s grave.

When Bruno left, she thought he was being irrational. Now she can see that it was her fault. She hates that he left because of her. The arguing that she had with him.

The same thing happened with Mirabel. She blamed Mirabel and she ran away. The vision, she assumed the worst. She hid away, afraid of what she'd do.

It was her fault.

She knew it.

It ended the same.

The moment she yelled at them, they had run away, she had turned her back and moments later…something bad happened.

How can she be better and how can she prevent this?

---

Nobody expected to hear crying, to find out that Mirabel had died. Isabela did tell the adults what happened, while breaking down. 

She hated herself.

A funeral was held and Isabela’s engagement was postponed, eventually it was broken off. Isabela later on revealed that she didn’t have feelings for Mariano.

Why did she react so badly?

Isabela wasn’t able to use her gift as a punishment. Isabela didn’t care, she wasn’t planning to after she killed her sister. She was scared of hurting someone else.

She should’ve just accepted her apology and hugged her.

Nobody blamed her for Mirabel’s death, claiming it was a freak accident and she hated it. Why aren’t they angry at her? Why aren’t they shouting at her for killing her fifteen year old sister, who had an entire life ahead of her? Why? Why don’t they hate her? Why can’t they say what they’re feeling to her face? Why does she always go away unpunished like this?

It was her fault.

Her parents were distant…but not as distant as they used to be before everything happened. Isabela couldn’t help but wish she knew what they were thinking. What do they think about their oldest daughter murdering their youngest daughter?  They’re trying their best to be there for her and Luisa. Assuring that it wasn’t her fault. Why can’t they be angry at her or send her away? 

She would give anything to just hug Mirabel.

It seemed like Luisa couldn’t look her in the eyes sometimes. That she avoided having a conversation with her. It’s fine. She understands. If that happened between someone else, she wasn’t sure if she could keep eye contact with a murderer, that’s roaming free.

To apologize.

Dolore was quiet, but she was on her side when the others couldn’t. Dolores let her vent out her emotions to her. She didn’t tell Isabela that she didn’t do anything wrong and that it was a freak accident. But she also didn’t tell Isabela that she was a murderer. She listened and that was exactly what Isabela needed at that moment.

To tell Mirabel that she doesn’t hate her.

Camilo just stared at her. She could see the anger in his eyes, but never said anything. The distraught. He avoided her entirely, if he wasn’t saying some nasty comments about her. She didn’t blame him.

To tell Mirabel that she loves her.

Antonio was confused about Mirabel going underground. It broke her heart so much. If he knew the truth, she knows that he’ll actually hate her.

To not blame her for her problems.

Isabela stayed in her room most of the time. She couldn’t bring herself to face them after what she did. She couldn’t bring herself to see Mirabel’s grave again. 

Killing her…it hadn’t felt real. It felt like a nightmare that she would never wake up from. 

“I’m sorry…” Isabela cries, the flowers in her room wilted, reflecting her room. How she felt. “Forgive me, please.” She broke down.

Things will never be the same.

Everyday she’ll have to live with the knowledge that she killed Mirabel. That her family will never see Mirabel grow up because of her. That they won’t see Mirabel with a spouse and children because of her. That her anger got to the best of her.

She was told that she can’t always dwell on the past. It’ll ruin her life.

“Isabela,” Her mother, Julieta said softly. Her hair was noticeably more white. It’s apart of aging. “We’re here for you.” Isabela never understood how her mother can be so kind.

It’s been years since Mirabel’s death. 

“I know.”

She had cut her hair neck length. She knows that Mirabel would’ve loved to see her not be perfect.

She knows that now.

Things will never be the same again.

That she’s not alone anymore. 

She doesn’t want it to be the same again.

That none of them are alone anymore.

A small smile formed. “Just give me a second.” Isabela placed down white tulips and Marigolds on Mirabel’s grave. Mirabel’s favorite. She deserved the absolute best. “I’m done. I’ll see you later, sis. Happy birthday.” She got up and walked away, her family waiting for her.

At a time, she was consumed by pain. She was consumed by hatred for herself. The blood on her never washed off her skin. 

She glanced at the butterfly that settled on top of Mirabel’s grave.

The weight has lifted greatly. Not all of it, but she feels better. She knows that Mirabel wouldn’t want her to be consumed by darkness. 

And maybe…maybe it was time to forgive herself. Just like Mirabel would. Isabela would hug Mirabel a million times, if she ever saw her. She would never deny a hug from anyone if they look distraught.

Not again.

She hopes that Mirabel is watching over her.

Notes:

At this point, I might just have every Madrigal get their turn to kill Mirabel. I don’t know if I can miss that opportunity

Chapter 88: Mirabel's Secret Sanctuary In The Sky

Notes:

Red Bull gives you wings

Mirabel’s back had been hurting a lot. It felt like someone was personally stabbing her repeatedly. It was a never ending cycle.

She even ate her mother’s food. It stopped the pain momentarily. The next moment, the excruciating pain was back. Her abuela told her to stop wasting Julieta’s food.

It came to the point that she didn’t even feel like getting out of bed.  But her abuela complained about her not getting out of bed and being lazy.

Mirabel tossed and turned in her bed, letting out moans of pain. It took everything in her to not just scream. It felt like her bones were being rearranged, painfully.

Her cries got louder as the pain got more intense. She could faintly hear the sound of ripping.

And finally—

The pain was gone.

Besides the strange heaviness on her back.

Mirabel stayed still for a few minutes, catching her breath.

That’s when she turned around, her eyes widening.

Attached to her back were wings.

---

The Madrigals were quietly chatting amongst themselves as they ate. Dinner was strange. As if something was missing, but they couldn’t figure it out.

It was too quiet.

It was Camilo who noticed.

“Where’s Mirabel?” 

That caused the Madrigals to pause.

“Yeah, she’s usually one of the first people up.” Agustín said.

“I hope she’s not sleeping in.” Alma said disapprovingly. “Julieta,”

Julieta stood up, already on her way to the nursery.

It was unlike Mirabel to get up late, for an eight year old, she always got up early. 

But she wouldn’t blame Mirabel for sleeping in for a day. If she’s tired, she could convince her mother to let Mirabel sleep in. It’s not as if her mother even let her do anything.

When she opened the nursery’s door, she didn’t expect to see the inside of a room. The room was filled with clouds and what seemed to be floating islands. 

It was similar to Pepa’s room, besides the floating Islands.

“Mirabel?”

It took a few seconds, before she called her out again.

“Mirabel!” She was getting a little more worried.

“Mamí!” From one of the floating islands came Mirabel, flying down. Julieta immediately took notice of the wings sprouting from her daughter’s body. They were fluttering.

“Mirabel!?” Julieta exclaimed in shock, as Mirabel landed in front of her. Mirabel has a gift?

“I have a gift, mamí!”

Behind her was Agustín, who shrieked.

“…Mirabel has a gift!?”

…

The townspeople were immediately informed of the news. A party was also thrown for her, everybody invited. They didn’t understand why her gift came three years later, but they didn’t care as long as Mirabel had a gift.

Almost as if they didn’t care how they treated Mirabel for those past three years.

Seven years have gone by.

Mirabel was popular among the residents of the Encanto. Nicknamed the Angel. Mirabel was quite embarrassed by the nickname, but she’ll never say anything about it.

Being able to fly was helpful for a lot of things. Getting a cat out of a tree. Don’t need a ladder. The same goes with her other abilities.

One of her abilities is healing like her mother. She didn’t need to make anything. All she needed to do was pluck out her feather and place it on the person. 

She didn’t use it much, but it did come in handy when her mother wasn’t able to get there in time.

For example—

“Mirabel!”

Mirabel turned around, she could see the desperate and worried look in Natalia’s eyes. “What happened?” Her eyes were watery.

“M-mama—“  Tears fell from her eyes as she hiccuped. “Mama is giving birth.” Mirabel’s eyes widened, she wasn’t aware that Natalia's mother was pregnant. “The baby was unexpected and she didn’t even know about it until now.” That made more sense. “She’s hurting. There’s so much blood. P-please, Mira, I need your help. Your mother won’t make it in time.”

Mirabel’s wings rose, wrapping her arm around Natalia’s waist. “Pregnant?” She murmured, as she flew over to Natalia’s house. This wasn’t good. “She’ll be fine, you don’t need to worry. I’ll help her.”

When she arrived, she could hear Gabriela screaming.

“Get it the hell out of me! Please! It hurts! It’s been too long! The baby won’t survive!”

Mirabel rushed into the room, Gabriela was crying. Blood coated her thighs and the sheet below her.

Natalia sent her a panicked look, before she walked out the room. She couldn’t bear to see her mother in such a state.

“Gabriela,” Mirabel walked up, giving her a peck on her forehead, plucking out one of her feathers, and placing it on the mark she kissed. The feather went droopy and faded away. The feather regrows a second later. “It’ll be okay, señora. You and your baby will be alright. You can count on that.” She could see the tension releasing from Gabriela’s body. The pained expression changed into something more tamed. “Now push.”

And Gabriela did.

“It’ll be a healthy girl or boy.” Mirabel said soothingly. She briefly wondered if Gabriela never had any cramps or felt the baby kicking. “You both will make it.”

Gabriela was crying and cursing. She felt much better than she did earlier. But she was just panicking and so unprepared for another baby. Especially at her age.

“I can see the baby’s head. That’s it. You’re doing so good.”

Minutes later, Mirabel was holding the baby, a blanket wrapped around it. Gabriela visibly relaxed with a tired smile on her face.

“It’s a boy.” Mirabel said, plucking another one of her feathers out and placing it on his chest. His chest was glowing for a moment. “A handsome and healthy young boy.” She grinned. “Do you want to hold him?”

“My son…” More tears fell from Gabriela’s eyes. “Of course.” She breathed as Mirabel walked closer.

---

It took about an hour for Gabriela to relax, Mirabel gave both of them an extra feather for good luck.

Mirabel stayed just in case, until Gabriela called both of them.

“Oh he’s beautiful—wait, are babies usually this quiet?” Natalia began to ask.

“My gift has a healing and calming effect.” Mirabel said. “It’s normal under the effects of my gift.”

“Oh that makes more sense.” Natalia went quiet. “Mom…were you—“ Natalia glanced at the baby then back at her mother. Gabriela’s cheeks flushed. “You know…”

“I’m sorry, Natalia. I- I just didn’t expect this. Ever since your father left, I’ve just been…just lonely. I- I mean, you’re here, but sometimes it gets stressful being alone. It was only supposed to be a one time thing and nothing else.” Gabriela admitted hesitantly. “But I don’t regret this. I don’t regret meeting my son. I just don’t know how I got through it. It was unexpected. I didn’t feel any pain until now. I wasn’t showing. Nothing. I didn’t mean to seem like I’m….”

“I genuinely don’t care about that stuff. I mean, it’s not any of my business. I was just so scared. You were fine a second before and the next you were screaming in pain, bleeding. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to leave you alone. But…I’m glad I did. Luckily, Mirabel was nearby.”

“Mija…”  

Mirabel felt bad for interrupting. “Ah…I think that you’ll still have to see my mother. Just to make sure. She has more experience with this than me.”

Gabriela blinked in surprise. “First time?”

“Yep.”

“You did amazing for your first time. I couldn’t even tell.” Gabriela chuckled. “I don’t know if you don’t realize this, but your gift did heal me and make me feel better. Same for him.” She smiled. “But, I do need to go to the doctor to make sure that nothing is wrong.”

“You okay, mamí?” Natalia asked. “Maybe you should just…relax.”

“Mhm, I’m fine.” Gabriela waved her concerns off. “How about you two go talk? I’ll be deciding what to name your little brother.”

“We’ll be in the next room over.”

“Scream if you need anything.”

“Natalia…”

“Sorry!”

With that, they went to another room.

“Baby brother, huh?” Mirabel looked proud. “I wish I had a little sibling.”

“I’ve been an only child for so long. I hope he doesn’t grow up to be an annoying little brother like everyone claims about their sibling.” Natalia sighed.  “…Mira, you saved my mother and baby brother’s life.” Natalia looked extremely grateful as she held Mirabel close. “I don't know how to thank you. I can’t thank you enough.”

Mirabel was taken off guard by Natalia’s gratitude, only a little. “It’s fine, really. That’s what my gift is for. I’m supposed to help people.” Her cheeks are warm.

“Yes, I suppose that’s true.” Natalia hummed, her eyes softened. “But you were the only one fit to save my mom. You did save her life. Both of them. I realized that your mother’s food wouldn’t have helped in that situation. The only thing that she’ll be doing is…closing my mother back up. Then she’ll have to repeat the process.”

“I—“

Natalia held her hand. “Stop being so humble and accept that you saved their lives.” Mirabel blushed, nodding slowly. “That’s better.”

Mirabel playfully glared at her, smirking. “Now I’m going to let the compliments get to my ego.”

Natalia smirked. “No you won’t.”

Mirabel tilted her head, placing a hand on her hip. “You think that I’m not capable of being cocky?” 

“Of letting it get to your head, yes.”

Mirabel crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow as Natalia leaned closer. “Huh?” Her wings flexed out.

“This—“ Natalia kissed Mirabel on her cheek, Mirabel’s face burned. “—is my thanks to you.” She winked, pulling away. “I’ll see you later, my savior. Don’t let it get to your head.”

“Oh, o-okay.”

“I knew you wouldn’t.” Natalia let out a laugh, before she walked back into her mother’s room.

Notes:

I missed the triplets birthday :c

Chapter 89: An Endless Nightmare

“I’m sorry…is it my fault? I made it all worse?” Mirabel’s face began cracking, Casita shaking and cracking even more. “I thought…I thought that I was making everything better.”

Alma stared at Mirabel in shock, she looked around in shock. Casita was falling again. She looked back at Mirabel in shock. She was bleeding. She was hurt.

Alma approached her. “Mirabel, what happened? Did someone do this to you? Where’s your mother?” When Alma tried to touch her, Mirabel pushed her back.

“No!” Mirabel suddenly screamed, flinching back as if Alma had burned her. “W-Why would you hurt me like that?”

“I—“ Alma was stunned, taking a step back. She hardly touched her. How badly was Mirabel injured? Just what was happening? “I’m sorry,” Alma apologized, genuinely feeling bad about what just happened. “How can we fix this? I can go get your moth—“

“No, we can’t! You know that we can’t. We tried everything.” Tears mixed with blood as she stared up at Alma. “Mamá can’t fix me. No matter what. I’m broken. You broke me.” 

Alma had no idea what Mirabel was talking about. “I—I did what?” 

That only made Mirabel more upset. “You can’t even remember what you did to me. Am I that important? What was I thinking?”

Alma blinked, and before she knew it, she was back. She was standing in front of Mirabel in a defensive position. She could see the family around them. She could see Isabela, it didn’t make sense, she looked exactly how when Mirabel first confronted her. When Mirabel helped Isabela be her true self.

It was the moment that she blamed Mirabel for every single one of their problems.

She would change everything if she could go back in time.

“It’s okay, everything’s—we’re going to save the miracle—the magic!”

“M-Mirabel, I didn’t mean it. I know that you were only trying to help us. To make me proud. You didn’t need to. Never. I’m sorry for making you feel like you’re worth nothing. That you had to prove yourself to me. I am the wrong in the wrong. Not you. Not Bruno. Me. I’m the one that’s tearing this family apart.” 

That’s what she wants to say, but her mouth moves on its own.

“What are you talking about? Look at our home. Look at your sister!”

“Isabela looked the happiest she has ever been.”

“Please, just—it’s just that Isabela wasn’t happy and—“

“I know that she wasn’t happy because of me. I’m glad that you were there for her. To help her become her true self and explore her gift.”

“Of course she isn’t happy, you ruined her proposal—“

“I’m glad you ruined her proposal. I didn’t want to force her into a marriage and I was so dumb back then.”

“—no, no, she needed me to ruin her proposal and we did all of this and the candle burned brighter and the cracks—“

“I know that you only want the best, Mirabel. I’m sorry it took me so long to see you.”

“—Mirabel—“

“Mirabel Madrigal, you are special.”

“That’s why I’m in the vision, I’m saving the miracle!”

“If anyone was to save the miracle, it’d be you.”

“You have to stop, Mirabel! The cracks started with you. Bruno left because of you. Luisa is losing her powers, Isabela’s out of control, because of you. I don’t know why you weren’t given a gift, but it is not an excuse to hurt this family!”

“I knew about the cracks for years and didn’t do anything about them. It was my fault and I humiliated you. You brought Bruno back. You helped Luisa when she was overworking herself. Isabela isn’t out of control, she’s herself. You never would hurt this family.”

“I…I will never be good enough for you. Will I? No matter how hard I try. No matter how hard any of us try. Luisa will never be strong enough. Isabela won’t be perfect enough. Bruno left because you only saw—“

“You will always be good enough for me. Good enough for us. Everyone. You’re my family, my granddaughter. I shouldn’t have expected anything like that from you. I’m proud of you.”

“—Bruno didn’t care about this family—“

“I pushed Bruno too far. I’m glad that he stayed. I can tell that he loves us too much. Only he would do something so stupid, yet courageous like that. That’s my son.”

“He loves this family— I love this family! We all love this family! You’re the one that doesn’t care! You’re the one breaking our home!”

“I know. I never meant for it to seem like I didn’t care. That I hated you. I’ve always wanted the best for everyone…and that’s where I went wrong.”

“Don’t you ever—“

“I’m thankful that you were the one that told me that. I don’t think I ever would’ve opened my eyes if you didn’t.”

“The miracle is dying because of you!”

“I know.”

In another blink of an eye, she was sitting beside Mirabel at the river.

She turned to Mirabel, who was looking down.

“Don’t talk to me like that. I’m not sick. I’m fine.” Mirabel sniffled. 

“It’s okay to not be fine, nieta.” Alma said softly. “And I never, ever wanted you to feel like that you always had to be fine.”

Mirabel was silent.

“Can you let me go?”

Alma looked surprised by her question. She certainly wasn’t touching Mirabel at all. “Huh?”

“You need to let me go.” Mirabel pleaded . “I need to work on myself.” Mirabel held onto her face. “I don’t want this—“ Alma looked around to realize that they were in Casita once again. “I would rather you kill me than go through that once again!”

“W-what?” Alma was startled by the sudden mood change.

Everything has been confusing.

Casita fell with everything going the same way, Mirabel going for the candle—

—And Alma woke up in a cold sweat. She had to make sure that Mirabel was okay. That the candle was fine.

Notes:

I’m wondering what I should write for chapter 100

Chapter 90: The Urban Legend

Notes:

I watched What Else Can I Do by MilkyyMelodies. Crying inside.

Mirabel was walking throughout the forest. She was looking for a specific flower. It didn’t help that Isabela only grew roses and perfect flowers. She didn’t know what she did wrong.

The forest was silent and still, and the faint smell of wildflowers and greenery filled the air. 

Suddenly, a wolf pounced on her.

Nobody heard her screams.

---

Where’s Mirabel?

Dolores couldn’t hear her and nobody knew where Mirabel was at last.

Everyone was aware that Mirabel was missing, so they searched.

The forest—

The only thing they found was a bloody sandal and a wide blood spot. They could only use their imagination to figure out what happened.

Mirabel Madrigal was officially declared dead a month later. Her death was unknown, but everyone knew that she had been attacked. They just didn’t know what.

The weather was a mess and the Madrigals took almost a year off. Julieta just made a big batch of food for the others to rationalize. She didn’t worry about them, she was only worried about her daughter, who was only six years old, who was most likely dead.

Nobody blamed the Madrigals.

Though they made sure to keep their children close, since nobody knew what happened to Mirabel and her body wasn’t found.

Antonio was born four years later. 

The Madrigals were very overprotective of him.

Antonio didn’t know why, but he didn’t question it. He just felt loved. Maybe a little suffocated. He didn’t mind that much.

When Antonio got his gift, he didn’t notice the pained look on Julieta and Agustín’s face.

His ceremony felt like everyone was walking on eggshells. He didn’t know why they were acting like that either.

….

Antonio is a curious little boy.

An urban legend began spreading across the Encanto. It was about a girl wailing in the woods, searching for a flower and her family.

Antonio was very curious.

Yet his family seemed to pay no mind to it.

So he went to the woods to see if it was true or not.

He really shouldn’t have been at the time. Maybe then, things wouldn’t have gone the way it did.

Maybe it was a hurt animal?

He could hear what sounded like someone whimpering and he couldn’t make it what the person was saying. The person sounded pretty young.

“Hello?” Antonio called out, walking towards the voice.

It was the back of a girl.

She turned around.

The first thing Antonio noticed about the girl was her eyes. Rather the lack of one of her eyes. Her glasses were shattered and hanging off her face. She was very bloody and around his age.

The girl noticed him. “…C-Cami...?” Her voice was hoarse as she squinted her only eye. Her eye lightened up as she got closer to him. “Cami!”

“D-do you need help? I can call for my tía, she’ll help you!”

“T…tía,” The girl repeated slowly, looking confused. “Mamí! Take me to mamí!” She suddenly started crying. It was hard to tell with all of the blood and dirt on her. “I got l-lost a-and I—I—“

Antonio grabbed her hand. “Don’t worry, we’ll find your mother! Just—just need to get you healed up by my aunt. She’ll help you!

The girl went silent as Antonio dragged her forward.

“U-uhm…what’s your name?”

“Mirabel. You already know my name.” Mirabel said quietly. “Why are you asking me that?” She stared at him blankly.

Antonio wished that one of his friends was here. He spent a lot of time with animals, it became easy to read Who’s the predator and who’s the prey. Right now, he didn’t feel safe around her.

“Are you lying to me? Are you not Camilo?” Antonio’s eyes widened as he stumbled back. “Mamí says it is not nice to lie.”

“C-Camilo is my brother!” Antonio stammered. “I’m Antonio…Camilo’s little brother.”

…

Mirabel looked angry. “No you’re not.” 

“Ye—“

“They didn’t replace me! You’re lying to me!”

“R-replace?”

“They’re looking for me!”

“Who—“

“You will never be one of us! You can’t replace me! They’re looking for me! I still have to find Isa, her flower! Don’t lie to me!”

Antonio tripped on a stick as the girl glared at him with her one eye.

“Wait—“

She suddenly screamed.

Antonio screamed too.

Antonio was declared missing from that day onwards.

Chapter 91: Replaced Miracle — Part 3

Notes:

I feel like the only reason Isabela and Camilo stepped up was because Mirabel went for the candle. I don’t think anyone would’ve gone for the candle otherwise.

It didn’t take long for them to see Julieta and Agustín coming out of their room.

“What’s happening to Casita?” Agustin asked, once he caught sight of Bruno and Pepa. Casita was still trembling and shaking dangerously.

Bruno helped Pepa up. “I don’t know- I, uhm, everything just started shaking. It’s not an earthquake either. Cracks are spreading throughout Casita. It doesn’t sound good either.”

Bruno looked at them. What’s up with everyone crying?

“Let’s go. We all need to get out.”

“What about the miracle!?”

“Oh yeah let’s get it— fuck the miracle! Nobody here is risking their life for a candle! It’s never that important!” 

Yeah, no life was worth risking for a candle. 

All of them soon left the house, as Casita continued crumbling.

“Wait, they’re still in there!” Pepa screamed in panic.

“Who!?” Bruno asked in disbelief. There was no way that anyone would survive an entire house falling on them. 

“The children! Who else!? I haven’t seen any of them leave!”

“Fuck!”

“Wait, no, I saw Isabela and Luisa leave out!” Bruno exclaimed.

“And the others!?”

“I don’t know! I haven’t seen the rest! Wouldn’t you know since you all live in the same house!?”

“It’s not the time to be arguing!”

“Pretty sure they’ll be screaming if so!”

“And if they’re in their room!?”

“If our room is falling apart then the same is with the same!”

“If they’re asleep!?”

“Do you want them to die!? No way that Dolores would sleep through that! The same goes with the others!

“The more that I’m hearing about the situation, the more that I’m concerned about what happened in this house while I’m gone….”

“Can you lay off for a second!?”

“Geez…my bad.”

---

“No no no, you need to get out of here! If you’re still here then you’ll be squashed and it’ll be my fault!” Mirabel exclaimed, as she crouched down, looking for something. She looked frantic, looking everywhere.

“Yeah, I don’t like the idea of being inside of a falling house. But what about you? You’re leaving too, right?” Antonio asked, worriedly. He really hoped that Mirabel wasn’t planning on staying and dying. Especially since he just met her.

“Of course I am! I’m not crazy!” Mirabel looked at him as if he said something stupid. She turned back around. “I need to find all of my rats! They can’t stay here or else they’ll die! I named them all already! I’m too attached!” 

Antonio gave Mirabel a blank stare.

“What?”

“Uhm, they’re on you. All of them.” Antonio pointed out to the rats on her poncho and hair.

“Oh,”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I need to get my visions too.” Mirabel frowned, hurrying back to her room. “If Casita falls, they’ll see my visions! Then they’ll know that I’m here!” She quickly grabs all the vision slabs, putting them in her arms.

“Do you—“

“You need to hurry!” 

Mirabel rushed him out, pushing him.

When the painting opened, Antonio didn’t expect to find his older sister. “Dolores?”

“Look, it’s great to see you. I know it’s not the best birthday, but Casita is falling, not to panic. We’ve been searching for you and couldn’t find you. We need to leave now.”

“Yeah…I know.” Antonio was shocked for a second then he remembered that Dolores knew that Mirabel didn’t leave. 

When Mirabel left out behind Antonio, Dolores’ eyes widened. “Mirabel,” She knew that Mirabel was in the walls, and she gave her food and other things to survive. But she never had the time to actually look at her. “Hey…” She said awkwardly. It was much better talking with a wall blocking them from seeing each other.

A small smile started to form on Mirabel's face. “Oh hey, Dolores. As much as I enjoy talking to you. I’d rather not do it now when we could possibly die.” She glanced at the cracked walls, before looking back at Dolores.

“Your vision is happening, isn’t it?” Dolores asked, Mirabel wasn’t shocked that Dolores had known. She couldn’t hide everything from someone that hears everything. “I didn’t know what was in your vision nor did I take the time out of my day to look for it. You seem pretty panicked and—and…we don’t have much time left.”

“Yeah, I know that.” Mirabel responded, crossing her arms. “The thing is that I can’t just go out there. Too many people and everything else. I can’t just show up like nothing happened.” She could hear shouting coming from outside.

“Mirabel,” Dolores looked at her little cousin with a concerned look. Mirabel seemed pretty unbothered. “We can exit through the back. Everyone is going to exit out the front. That’ll—that’ll make sure that nobody sees you.”

“Hey, what about me?”

“Antonio, you exit through the front. Everyone is worried about you. Don’t have them thinking you’re dead.” Dolores told him firmly, before turning back to Mirabel. “…Do you want to follow me? I’ll lead you away.”

Mirabel looked back at Dolores. “Yeah, uhm, that sounds nice. Sounds great.”

Antonio watched them with a blank expression. And here he thought that he was having an awkward conversation with her. He imagined what the others would be like. That’s if Mirabel decides to come back. “Alright, I’m going.”

“Get out safely!” Dolores called out, before looking down at Mirabel’s arms. “Do you want me to carry some?” She looked at the green vision slabs. “I’ll give them right back of course, I’m not stealing them from you. I only want to make it easier for you to escape. Well, erm, not that I’m eager for you to leave! I just want you to…to…” Dolores’ voice trailed off as Mirabel stared at her with an amused stare.

“Sure, you can carry some.” Mirabel thankfully stopped Dolores’ awkward ranting. She handed some of the vision slabs to her.

“These are…us?”

“Yeah, there are some things I don’t want to forget.” Mirabel looked pretty embarrassed.

“Mirabel, you’re about to make me cry.” Dolores blurted out. “You’re way too forgiving. How can you not hate us?”

Mirabel’s cheeks were flushed. “…I love you all way too much to do that.”

“…Oh God, Mirabel, that’s too sweet. People are going to take advantage of that. I…I wouldn’t do the same thing as you. I—“ Dolores sighed, shaking her head. “I don’t know how you do it. I’m sorry.”

“Well, I didn’t exactly put you all in a good position with my vision.”

“And you weren’t to blame. We didn’t put you in a good position. You were only thirteen and the way that we blamed you wasn’t fair at all. I’m sorry and please don’t say you forgive me so easily.  As much as it is nice to hear that you’ll forgive me and that you don’t hate me. I’d rather you hate me or atleast resent me a little because then I’ll feel less guilty. I can’t pretend that nothing happened either because then it’ll just seem like I’m trying to avoid what I did wrong and like I don’t care.”

“A-ah, uhm, let’s talk about that where we can’t get crushed?” Mirabel suggested, a bit flustered.

Dolores blinked in surprise. “Okay…okay, let’s go.” She led Mirabel out of the back of Casita. She hoped that Antonio told them that she was alive.

It was an awkward silence as they made their way out the house. Fortunately, nobody was in the house, everyone made it out.

…

“You don’t blame me?”

“You’re going to have to be specific, Mirabel.”

“My vision.”

“…A bit more specific.”

“You and Mariano.”

“Oh,” Dolores squeaked, a little surprised that Mirabel had brought it up. “Of course not. You said that the man of my dreams would be betrothed to another. Not married. I was the one that assumed. It worked out well for me anyways, since I’m with Mariano now. Though…it was surprising that you blurted it out during their engagement.”

“…Don’t remind me of that. I get embarrassed every time.” Mirabel’s cheeks heated up. 

Dolores let out a laugh. “Sure,”

---

“For fucks sake, the moment I turn around is the moment that the house decides to fall.” Isabela murmured, as she looked upon the destruction.

“Isabela, language! Also, Casita fell! Our house fell! We’re going to be homeless and people could be hurt!” Luisa hissed.

Isabela shook her head with a sigh. “Who’s dumb enough to stay in a falling house? Surely not this family. The homeless part is true…but I’m sure we’ll come up with something. Dolores could stay at her big hunk’s house.”

“Why are you acting like this is a normal occurrence!?”

Isabela glanced at her younger sister. “One of us has to be calm.” She replied. “Trust me, I’m worried. I know that everyone made it out. I got to be the more…rational one out of us.”

Luisa raised an eyebrow. “Are you calling me not rational?”

Isabela shrugged. “No….not necessarily. I only said more, it doesn’t mean that you’re not.” She looked at the sorry excuse of what they used to call a home. “Though I can’t say the same for everyone else. Let’s go make sure that they don’t think we’re dead.”

“Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. We’re not dead.”

“Is that sarcasm?”

“Hm, of course not.”

“Mhm,” Isabela narrowed her eyes, before walking around to find their family. The first thing she noticed was the amount of people that surrounded the destruction. Isabela sighed, this is going to be annoying. “Mamá!” She called out. No doubt her mother would be worrying the most. 

“Isabela?” 

She turned around to see Camilo. “Oh, you’re alive, that’s great.” Isabela grinned.

“That’s all you have to say?” Camilo groaned. “Oh hey, Luisa.” He gave her a small wave.

“Why are you two talking as if this is a normal thing?” Luisa questioned. She couldn’t possibly be the only sane one.

Camilo frowned. “Have you seen Antonio?”

“You still haven’t found him?” Isabela asked with a concerned expression.

“What?”

“Isabela, I didn’t leave for that long. I couldn’t talk to Dolores either because she ran off back in Casita.” Camilo told her. “I really hope that she went back to get Antonio and made it out.”

“I haven’t seen either of them.” Isabela said, Luisa nodding in agreement. “But, I’m sure that they’re fine.”

“Right.”

They didn’t want to think of the alternative. They didn’t want to lose another family member.

“Maybe they’re with the others?” Luisa suggested with a hopeful expression.

Camilo nodded absentmindedly. “Yeah—“ In the corner of his eye, Camilo spotted Dolores dragging someone away. He first saw the purple in them. He would’ve suspected Isabela, if he hadn’t already seen her already and that it was a darker shade of purple. “Who the hell did Dolores just run off with?” Camilo asked aloud, making the others turn around. It wasn’t Mariano. 

…

“What are you talking about?”

Chapter 92: A Tale Of Dark Possession — Part 7

Notes:

No matter the situation, I’m always rooting for a villain Mirabel.

All the Madrigals groaned in pain, scrambling to get off of each other. 

A loud crash startled all of them and they could hear things breaking.

Félix quickly got up. “Antonio!” He ran out.

“W-what’s wrong with Casita?” 

“Is everyone okay!?”

“The miracle!”

“Casita is collapsing!”

The Madrigals were making their way out.

Unknown to the Madrigals, Mirabel had snuck off, not paying any attention to the house destroying itself.

“Dolores,” Mirabel saw Dolores’ door flickering in and out. She opened the door. “Aren’t you supposed to help the injured first?” She glanced at the still unconscious Madrigal. “Guess we’re not important.”

How selfish.

She looked at the things crashing down in Dolores’ room.

She was pretty impatient.

“Wake up, Madrigal!” Mirabel exclaimed loudly, as she shook Dolores. No response. She got closer and screamed in Dolores’ ear, making the older woman immediately jump up. Though she winced in pain.

She grinned.

“M-M-Mirabel?” She stammered.

Mirabel pulled her out of bed as Dolores grunted in pain. “If you stay here, you’ll die.”

No, Mirabel wasn’t saving her. Of course not.

“W-what?” Dolores was confused. She didn’t know what was happening.

“Shut up and wipe that dumb look off your face before I do it for you.”

Dolores’ face flushed.

Both of them could hear the Madrigals yelling.

Mirabel was literally dragging her around.

A chunk of the roof fell in front of them.

Dolores squeaked, while Mirabel grinned.

“That’s not so safe.”

“W-wait! What about Mirabel and Dolores!? Has anyone seen them!?”

“Both of them are still unconscious!”

“Nobody made sure to get them!?”

“I’m fine with Mirabel going—“

“Camilo!”

Mirabel had a blank expression. “They didn’t think to grab the unconscious ones first. How…pitiful.” She chuckled, making Dolores shudder. “Seems like your brother really wants me dead. What do you think about that?”

Dolores didn’t respond.

Mirabel suddenly pulled Dolores by her hair, making her shriek.

“It’s not too nice to ignore me when I’m talking to you.”

“S-sorry—“

Dolores expected Mirabel to move her hand away from her hair, she didn’t. She kept a tight grip on her hair the entire time.

“Can’t you keep your eyes on me?”

Dolores saw the annoyance on Mirabel’s face when their name got called again.

“I should go, shouldn’t I?” Mirabel looked at her.

“Uh…” Dolores didn’t know what to say. She knew that Mirabel wanted a reply of some sort. But she didn’t know what Mirabel’s was fully capable of doing.

Mirabel looked disinterested, turning away. “Don’t answer that.” Their name got called once again. “Don’t run from me. I’ll kill you.” Dolores could tell that Mirabel would actually do it if she did. So she sat still. She doesn’t even think she’ll be able to get far either way.

“A-ah, yes…”  

“Good girl.” Mirabel let go of her hair, looking pretty satisfied. 

She walked away, leaving Dolores alone.

“Mirabel! Dolores!”

Mirabel specifically followed for Alma’s voice.

…

“Mirabel…”

Alma saw Mirabel standing in the middle of the courtyard, everything around her falling apart.

Mirabel grinned as she spotted her, her eyes lightening up. “I was wondering when you were going to show up. When I would talk to you one on one.”

“I—“

“Were you going to leave me to die?”

Alma hardened her gaze. “Where’s Dolores?” She asked. “I know that you have her after what you did. Where is she?”

Mirabel’s grin grew. “You think that she’s not dead yet?”

“You wouldn’t.”

“I will.” Mirabel said firmly. “I already killed Sergio. What makes Dolores any different? I hate her more than Sergio. She can be dead and you wouldn’t know either. I would do it again.”

Alma’s eyes widened, she didn’t expect Mirabel to just admit it so easily. To even say that she’ll do it again. What was wrong with her?

“I really want to kill you.” Mirabel said bluntly, “But I can’t. Not because I won’t be able to. It’s because that if I got after the other Madrigals, it’ll be even more painful for you. You’d rather die at that point, wouldn’t you? But you won’t be able to.”

Mirabel was actually threatening her?

“Mirabel, what happened to you?” The disbelief was clear in her voice.

Mirabel smiled. “Why couldn’t you ask me that ten years ago? That would’ve been so much better and maybe something could’ve changed.”

“You’re crazy.”

“I never said that I wasn’t.”

“You….you did this! I knew that the moment your door disappeared that something was wrong with you!”

…

Mirabel went silent for a few seconds. “You still haven’t figured it out, have you?” She asked. “Actually, I didn’t expect you to.” She scoffed. “I certainly hope that it’s because of me that the miracle is falling.”

“Figured out what?” Alma glared at Mirabel. She wanted nothing more than just to throw her out. Julieta should’ve agreed with her when she suggested to have Mirabel live somewhere else.

“Why won’t you open your eyes, abuela?” Mirabel placed both of her hands over her chest as she walked closer to Alma. The look on her face was pitiful. “Can’t you see how you’re hurting? Please, take my life instead of my family.”

…

Alma froze, those words were so familiar. She knew who said them. She just didn’t know how Mirabel knew. “Y-you—“

“I’ll let you kill me. Please, no more. Don’t hurt them. My wife had just given birth to my three beautiful children. Kill me instead.” Mirabel said in a mocking voice. “Pedro would be disappointed.”

“Wh-who are you?” Alma didn’t realize her hands were trembling as she stared at Mirabel with a frightened expression. She never repeated Pedro’s last words. She never specified how Pedro died. She wasn’t even close to Mirabel. So how did she know?

Before Alma could get a response, she was being forcefully pushed out of Casita by the tiles.

Mirabel laughed loudly. “You Madrigals never fail to disappoint me!” 

She didn’t pay any mind to Casita falling apart. She looked around for Dolores.

“Dolores—ah, there you are. It would’ve been so much fun if you escaped.” Mirabel grinned, as she saw Dolores leaning against the wall for support. “You’re not dying yet, are you?”

“N-no—“

“Good.” Mirabel grabbed Dolores by the hair, making her wince.  Dolores was far too weak and hurt to fight against her. Even if she wasn’t, Mirabel had a very strong grip. “What can you do for me?”

“M-Mira…Mirab—“

“Shut up. I don’t want to hear you crying out my name.” Mirabel sneered, tugging harder making Dolores groan. “You know, I expect someone like you to know a lot of things. To hide a lot of things. You get what I’m saying?” She let out a low chuckle. “Tell me something that I’d like to hear. Remember, I can kill you if I want to.”

Dolores’ eyes widened even more.

“What? That’s your motivation. It’s either to kill or get killed. It’s your choice. Tell me something or I’ll leave you to die.” 

Dolores was sure that she was seeing and hearing things. Mirabel wasn’t sounding like herself. It sounded like two people were talking when Mirabel opened up her mouth. Not to mention that she was seeing someone behind Mirabel.

“I—ugh…” Dolores exhaled sharply when Mirabel pulled her hair once again. She felt like she was going to die. She would rather die. “B-Bruno!” She blurted out.

“Bruno Madrigal?” A cruel smirk formed on Mirabel’s face. “What about him?” She lifted up Dolores’ chin. “This could be less painful if you just spit it out.”

“H-he’s still—still h-here!” 

“What?”

“H-he never l-left—“ Dolores sputtered, her body trembling. She held back her tears. “W-walls!” She exclaimed. “He was—was…in the w-walls!”

“Oh my…how pathetic!” Mirabel laughed loudly. “He stayed in the walls? For what? Not to mention ten years! That’s some damn dedication! Tell me why, Dolores!”

“F-f-for you!” And it was a grave mistake.

“Me?” Mirabel blinked in confusion, before scowling. “That’s actually really pathetic. I couldn’t care anything about him. That’s so fucking dumb. Ten years of his life. At least Pedro was worth something. I know that Pedro would be disappointed in his coward of a son.”

Dolores felt like passing out.

Mirabel smacked her face, making Dolores hiss in pain.

“Pay attention to me.” Mirabel glared at her, she forced Dolores to stare at her.

Dolores looked Mirabel in the eye. She didn’t want to, she found looking Mirabel in the eye like that uncomfortable.

“You’re one of my easiest victims for an adult. Truly, it was your gift that caused me to get you so easily.” Mirabel cooed. “All I had to do was smack you around a little bit to give me the information that I needed to know. That’s all. Nothing needed to be so difficult.”

“Ugh…” Dolores groaned, her chest felt tight. 

“The miracle is gone.”

Dolores didn’t know what to say. One moment she was kidnapped by Mirabel, stabbed in the thing then unconscious. The next moment, she woke up in Mariano’s arms, only to pass out again. Then she woke up because Mirabel screamed in her ear and the house was crumbling.

“The Madrigals left you.”

“N-no—“

“They did and you gave me the information that I needed to know.”

“Y-you’ll—you’ll let me g-go, rig-right?” The desperation was clear in Dolores’ eyes.

Mirabel only let out a haughty laugh.

Dolores felt like her life was falling apart. “W-what?”

“Why did you trust me? You should know better.” Mirabel got in her face. “Who knows when I might need you again? You’re making a great hostage.” She pressed the heel of her hand into Dolores’ wound, which had stopped bleeding a while again.  Dolores screamed in pain, she still hadn’t gotten healed. “Should’ve forced something down your throat or something. It doesn’t matter. I would’ve made another one either way.”

Dolores was sobbing as she collapsed to her knees. Mirabel didn’t do anything, but crouched down.

“I want to kill you so badly.” Mirabel grinned. “But I can’t. You’re useful for now.”

“P-please—“

“Do you know that Pedro had pleaded for us to not touch his family? To let them and everyone else go? He sacrificed himself for them. It was so stupid of him, but bold. I’ll give him that. His boldness was what got him killed. Will you also be bold?”

“M-Mir-Mirabe—“

“Do you really think that they’d find you?”

Do you really think that I’d let them?

Notes:

It would be funny if this is the last chapter.

Chapter 93: A Deceptive Game of Amnesia

When Julieta had called out Mirabel’s name, she hadn’t expected to find her daughter on the floor, bleeding from her head.

Mirabel was unconscious.

“Mi amor…” Julieta went to Mirabel's side, crouching down. She wondered what had happened. If it was serious, she could heal it. She opened Mirabel’s mouth, pouring her vial down her throat.

She grabbed a piece of cloth, wiping the blood from Mirabel’s head. Whatever the wound was, it was gone. Julieta didn’t expect anything less. She just had to wait until Mirabel was awake.

Could Mirabel have tripped and fell, knocking herself unconscious? Mirabel is clumsy. She doesn’t think that anyone did this or it was self-inflicted.

“Julieta, what are you doing?”

Julieta turned around to see her mother looking at her with a confused expression. “Ah…Mirabel got hurt. I found her on the ground.”

Alma looked worried. “What?”

“Yeah, I’m just waiting for her to wake up now.” Julieta tried to remain calm. She didn’t like seeing anyone hurt.

“It’s not anything serious, is it?”

“I didn’t get a chance to really look at the injury to see if it was deep or not. It did knock her unconscious…so that’s something.”

“Hm.”

So they waited.

…

“Ugh…” Mirabel let out a groan, slowly sitting up and clutching her head.

“Mirabel…”

Mirabel’s eyes widened, staring at the two Madrigals in front of her. She looked around, she had no clue where she was. She didn’t even know who these people were and how she got here.

“Are you okay, Mirabel?”

“How do you know my name?” Mirabel had an expression of fear on her face. “W-who are you?” She manages to ask, leaning away from Julieta.

Julieta’s face twisted in confusion, before her eyes widened. “What?” 

“What?” Alma turned to Julieta then back to Mirabel. “What game are you playing, Mirabel?”

“I…I don’t…” Mirabel stammered, averting her gaze.

“You don’t remember me?”

“Seriously, who are you?” Mirabel frowned, standing up. “Why am I here? Where is here?” She looked around. “I-I’m sorry, but I don’t remember who you are…neither of you.” Mirabel’s voice is shaky.

“I’m your m-mother.” Julieta said, her voice quivering. “We’re in Casita. Our home.”

“Oh,” Mirabel’s eyebrows furrowed. Yeah, she can see the similarities with her and her mother. “It…it still doesn’t ring any bells.”

Julieta does her best to hold back her tears.

Alma swallowed. “What do you remember, Mirabel?”

Mirabel stared at the older woman. She could only assume that this is her mother’s mother. Probably. “Well, I know my name and age. The basics. I like sewing and making things. I just…” Mirabel trailed off as she stared behind them. “Just—“

Behind them was Pepa.

Mirabel screamed when she saw a cloud above Pepa’s head.

Pepa was startled by Mirabel’s scream, she stared at Mirabel with widened eyes. Julieta and Alma were also startled. “I—what’s wrong?”

“C-c-cloud!” Mirabel pointed out with a shaky finger.

Julieta and Alma had a pained expression, while Pepa was confused.

“I have a cloud.” Pepa said slowly, she turned to Julieta. She waved the cloud away. “What’s wrong with her?”

“T-that’s not normal!” Mirabel exclaimed. “This isn’t normal! Who really are you people!?”

“What—“

“Mirabel forgot about us after she had hurt herself.” Alma explained, the hurt clear in her face. “This is all new.”

“M-mija, calm down. I know that this is surprising and not…normal. I’ll explain everything to you. Just…don’t run away.” Julieta said, as Mirabel stepped away from them. “Please don’t run away from us.”

Mirabel stopped, slowly nodding. “Explain.”

Pepa was still in shock by this information. Was they pranking her? No, this seemed too real. Rain lightly fell on them.

Fortunately, Mirabel didn’t scream that time.

“Long ago…your abuelo and I were forced to flee our home. We were put in a situation where your abuelo was lost. During our darkest moments, we were given a miracle. The candle became a magical flame that could never go out. We were blessed with a home, which came alive. When the children came of age, the miracle blessed them with a magical gift to help us.”

Mirabel blinked in surprise, taking in all of the information. “What’s your gift?” She looked at Alma and Julieta.

“Oh- I’m the candleholder, not much of a physical gift.”

“I can heal people with my cooking.” Julieta said.

Mirabel glanced at Pepa.

“My emotions control the weather.” She murmured.

“Then what about me?” Mirabel asked. “What’s my gift?”

The three Madrigals grimaced.

“You see…you didn’t get a g-gift.”

…

“Oh,” Mirabel frowned, but she didn’t seem really upset. “Why? I mean, I’m your daughter, aren’t I? Shouldn’t I also have a gift?”

Good questions which they didn’t have the answers to.

Mirabel sighed, she still looked as if she didn’t trust them. “Are there…more of you?”

All of them looked at each other.

---

The entire family was informed of Mirabel’s condition much to their surprise. They sugarcoated the truth to Antonio. Though it didn’t make it hurt any less.

Mirabel is fifteen years old. They didn’t want to start over with her. To recreate new memories. It just wasn’t the same.

A lot of things were postponed because of Mirabel’s condition, not that they really minded. They went to the doctor and were told that Mirabel had amnesia. Well, it was obvious. But when she fell, she hurt her head. The doctor also said that there’s a possibility for Mirabel to regain those lost memories. That they shouldn’t try to force her to remember.

They were glad that Mirabel knew the basics. She just seemed to have forgotten her family and the entire Encanto. 

It took a lot of time for Mirabel to get used to their gifts and Casita.

Mirabel still looked awkward when being around them. 

She was also more bold.

“Look…I know that I don’t have a gift and all. But would it hurt to have my own room and not a nursery? I can barely fit in the bed.” Mirabel complained one day in the morning. “I wonder how I dealt with sleeping there. A five year old literally has a jungle in his room. I don’t know what’s the harm in giving me a room.”

The Madrigals didn’t know what to say. Mirabel did have a point.

A week later, Mirabel got her own room.

They didn’t think anything more of the situation. Though they did their best to stay around Mirabel, in case she regains her memories.

“I genuinely don’t see the point in having Camilo shift into other people for their sake. He’s only fifteen years old, right? The children’s mother should be taking care of their own child, not him. They need someone taller? Just get a ladder. It only takes a few extra steps. It’s not that difficult.” Mirabel criticized them, looking annoyed. “I may not be familiar with these gifts. But it’s just a waste of time for people that’s actually in need. You just have him work to work. Not to help.”

Alma and the other Madrigals were stunned. What Mirabel said did make sense. Later on, Camilo was still seen babysitting children, but not as much or transforming into someone else to help people.

“Luisa is my older sister and I don’t even see her much. It’s like she’s more of a sister to the donkeys than me. Someone needs to fix that fence for the donkey owner or have him fix it himself!” Mirabel scowled. “Seriously, what’s wrong with people? You’re supposed to be my abuela and you’re allowing this? If she’s not with those donkeys, she’s helping someone. You’re going to overwork Luisa to death! Is that what you want?”

“I—“ Alma stammered, Mirabel was never this straightforward with her or anyone else.

Luisa looked embarrassed. “M-Mirabel, it’s fi—“ Mirabel glared at her, making her shut her mouth.

“Why does it feel like I’m the only one with common sense?”

They knew that this wasn’t the beginning.

“Do you like him?” Mirabel asked Dolores bluntly, taking everybody by shock.

“W-what?” Dolores squeaked, her cheeks heated up as her eyes widened. “N-no, I don’t like Mariano. That’s Isabela’s fiancé!”

Mirabel narrowed her eyes. “She doesn’t even seem to like him. You do.” She turned to Alma. “What’s up with arranged marriages anyways? Just let them marry who they want to marry.”

“Uh,” Isabela smiled nervously, everyone looked at her. “Mirabel is right. I don’t love him. He’s not my type and is boring to me. I only said yes because of you, abuela. Dolores, if you like him, I’ll gladly let you have him!” She blurted out.

“What!?”

Dolores’ entire face was red as she glared at Mirabel, who smirked.

Alma knew that she had a lot to discuss with her family. She wasn’t even aware that Isabela didn’t like him. How can Mirabel tell? 

…

“So,” Mirabel started off.

“I’m next.” Isabela sighed. What was up with Mirabel knowing all of these things after she lost her memories?

“Yep.” Mirabel grinned. “Every time I see you use your gifts, I only see flowers. For someone who makes plants, not flowers, I expected more from you. I am a little disappointed. Why do you only make flowers when you can make more?” She asked. “Not to mention your acting…I don’t know how anyone couldn’t tell. It seemed like you’re doing a lot of this for our abuela. What can you do without listening to her?”

“…There seems to be a lot that I’ve done wrong.” Alma admitted hesitatingly, much to the Madrigals’ shock. “I apologize, which I know isn’t enough. Is there—is there anything else that anyone wishes to say to me before Mirabel says it?”

Mirabel crossed her arms, staring at the adults, who looked pretty nervous. “I’ll be willing to spill secrets if nobody wants to say anything.”

“Why is she so bold?” Isabela murmured.

“Right?” Dolores chuckled.

“Might as well confess now.”

“I—I have nothing to say.” Félix said quickly, Agustín nodding in agreement. Mirabel raised an eyebrow. “Maybe…that I’m not too fond of the way you overwork our family. I don’t get to spend much time with my children. That’s what I don’t like.”

“Oh,” Alma frowned. She had to mentally prepare herself for what she would hear. 

“I…I don’t like my gift.” Pepa admitted. “I don’t like having to control my emotions for the sake of the weather. No matter the emotion I choose, it’s never enough. I especially hate being reminded of a cloud over my head. And that’s only the beginning.”

Julieta looked sheepish. “Well, I like my gift. I love helping people. What I don’t like is staying in the kitchen or at my stand for hours. I’m a patient and understanding person. Even I have my limits when people come to me with paper cuts. I agree with Félix, I don’t have much time to spend with my daughters. Our family. I also don’t really…agree with your ways, mamá.”

Alma’s eyes widened, she wasn’t aware that her family felt that way. Was she really causing this much harm to her family when she meant to protect them? “I’m so sorry. I had no idea—no, I refused to believe that I was wrong. That what I was doing wasn’t right. I know that it’s my fault that you all feel this way. And I know that me apologizing won’t make up for all the years of me hurting everyone. And Mirabel,” She turned to Mirabel. “I know you don’t remember what happened, but I’m sorry. I neglected you. I ignored you. It took you losing your memories for me to finally open my eyes. To see that I was causing more harm than good. I want to do better. I don’t want to continue on like…this.”

Mirabel looked shocked by what Alma said to her. “It’s fine…well, I don’t remember anyways. So, it probably wasn’t okay. I'm glad that you’re willing to see through your mistakes and make up for them.”

“I’m sorry everyone.” Alma apologized once again.

“Everyone’s problem was their communication skills.” Mirabel couldn't help but chuckle. “I feel like things could’ve gone a better way if everyone just talked. Nobody needed to feel the need to hold the burden by themselves.”

The Madrigals looked embarrassed, but they did agree.

“Oh!” Mirabel suddenly exclaimed, clasping her hands together. “We’re not done. Not everyone confessed something.”

The Madrigals looked at each other.

“Not Antonio, right?”

“Nope!” Mirabel said. “He’s only five years old. We’re missing just one Madrigal.”

Dolores hid her sly grin as she turned away. “Yeah.”

“Just who…?”

“Bruno Madrigal!” Mirabel exclaimed. “Let’s skip all of the small stuff. Bruno Madrigal is still here in the Encanto. He’s a Madrigal and hasn’t confessed. I will drag him out of the walls if I have to.”

The Madrigals, besides Dolores, eyes widened.

“What!?”

“Bruno!?”

“He’s—he’s still in the Encanto!?”

Dolores and Mirabel looked at each other.

“Yeah to that too.” Dolores began laughing nervously. “I kept quiet and kept my promise. Not like anyone would’ve believed me.” Dolores quickly said, before anyone could question her. “Mirabel will get you if you don’t come and confess, tío.”

“Why don’t you become a priestess, Mirabel?” Camilo suggested with a grin. “You sure are doing a good job of having people confess.”

Mirabel shrugged. “Just doing what needed to be done.”

“Surely.”

Mirabel looked off to the side. “I’ll give him ten seconds.”

“You’re serious!?” Pepa squeaked.

Mirabel nodded. “As serious as Dolores feels about Mariano.”

Dolores glared at Mirabel, blushing. “You could’ve used a different example.”

“The point came across, didn’t it?”

“Oh shut up.” She huffed.

Five seconds had passed before they could hear footsteps that weren't their own.

“I’m here!” They heard the voice of Bruno Madrigal, before they finally saw him. Oh and Antonio, he was following behind him.

“Look who I saw!”

The Madrigals' eyes widened.

“Mijo…”

“Bruno…”

“Tío?”

“Hold up, he’s not seven-foot?” Camilo asked, ruining the moment.

Dolores face palmed. “He’s shorter than tía. You need to stop listening to rumors.”

Bruno was wrapped in a tight hug by his sisters and mother.

“You’re skinner. Like skin and bones.” Julieta murmured, taking a look at her little brother’s face. “Have you not been taking care of yourself?”

“Where have you been?” Pepa had glared, even though tears were streaming down her cheeks. “It’s been ten years. I just want to strike you down with lightning. If you leave again, I’ll kill you and bring you back.”

“Actually, I don’t think that’s possib—“ Bruno began to say.

“Just don’t.” Pepa sobbed into his ruana, making him close his mouth. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too.” Bruno awkwardly patted her back as he hugged her back.

“What is this favoritism?” Julieta let go of Bruno, glancing at the stove. “You need to eat something, hermanito.”

“We’re literally triplets.”

“Those fifteen and ten minutes count.” Julieta winked, making Pepa and Bruno groan.

“I just came back and she still says that?”

“Right?” Pepa elbowed Bruno, turning to him with a smirk. “Though I’m older than you by five minutes.”

“Not you too…”

Alma smiled at their bickering. “I missed you, Brunito.” She said as Bruno looked at her. “I have so much to apologize for—“

“Can we all just enjoy this good moment?” Mirabel called out with a grin. 

“I say this calls for a celebration and food!” Camilo exclaimed.

“That does sound nice.” Luisa murmured.

Isabela and Dolores looked at each other.

“I don’t have any complaints.”

“Good luck with Mariano.”

“We don’t even know if he likes me.”

“He’s a fool, who has a big heart. Trust me, once he gets to know you. How can he not fall in love with you?”

Dolores looked flustered.

“It’ll work.” Isabela smirked, before hooking her arm around Dolores’ arm. “Trust me.” She dragged her over to her sisters and other cousins.  

Isabela still hadn’t had the chance to apologize to Mirabel the way she wanted to. She will eventually. Just not today, but later. Right now, they all are having a good time.

The Madrigals did celebrate in Casita. Nobody outside of Casita knew what was going on or why the Madrigals weren't helping around. Though they could hear laughing inside of there. They didn’t complain.

The Madrigals knew that they would be better than before. Alma didn’t like that it took Mirabel losing memories for this to happen. She wished that it would’ve happened a different way. 

When the Madrigals stopped celebrating and finally let Bruno get some air. The moon was already outside by then and the sky was dark.

They all said their good nights to each other. Pepa threatening that she’ll drag him back if she doesn’t find him in the morning.

The grandchildren decided to have a sleepover in Dolores’ room.

“You guys can go without me! I’ll be there in just a minute!”

It was just Bruno and Mirabel in the kitchen.

…

“So…”

“Yeah?”

Bruno looked at Mirabel with amusement. “Are you ever going to tell them that you faked the entire thing?”

“Are you ever going to tell them that you were actually in the walls?” Mirabel grinned.

“Nope.”

“That’s my answer.” Mirabel laughed. “I also think that Dolores might’ve known. Her gift came in handy when detecting lies. She just never said anything.”

“Most likely.”

She glanced at the candle, which seemed to be burning brighter.

“In the end, things got better. Didn’t it?” Mirabel smirked. “Hey, I’ll even say that I’m a great actor.”

“Definitely.”

Chapter 94: So Very Cold

Notes:

Yeah, Mirabel can’t be happy for long.

It’s cold.

Mirabel can’t feel her hands, she doesn’t even know if she’s moving her fingers right now. Actually, she can’t even feel any of her limbs.

All she knows is that she’s cold.

Mirabel doesn’t know how long her tía has been feeling like this, she doesn’t know how long she’s been walking, to get to warmth.

It doesn’t bother her much.

It didn’t bother her as much as seeing her family’s dead bodies. They all weren't together when the temperature started dropping greatly. The snow covered the entire of the Encanto. You could feel the coldness even inside of your home.

Mirabel was sure that people were frozen entirely in their own home. Everyone. Adults to babies.

She saw Antonio’s frozen body when she was at the Plaza.

Mirabel could only wonder just what was wrong with Pepa? What emotion caused this? Was Pepa still alive?

It was so silent.  

Maybe, it was loud. Maybe there was screaming and she wasn’t able to hear correctly. 

She could only hear her own thoughts.

But she has to keep going. This isn’t some kind of fucked up nightmares of hers. It’s real. They’re dead.

 Her entire body was damaged, her nerves screaming. The extreme coldness burned her. Was this what others felt?

The blizzard continued.

Mirabel gets what Bruno meant when he said that he thought his gift was a curse. She gets what Dolores meant when she said she felt like her gift was more of a curse than anything. 

Why?

Why did such a thing happen? They were doing well.

She didn’t blame Pepa for her emotions.

Félix tried to calm her down, but things only got worse.

Even Pepa didn’t know what she was feeling at the time.

Mirabel wondered if it was a gift malfunction like the time when Isabela was still engaged with Mariano.

Mirabel shivered.

“I’m—I’m s-s-so sorry!” Pepa wailed, Mirabel immediately took notice of Pepa’s appearance. It was hard to keep her eyes open. The snow coating her eyelashes, close to forcing her eyes shut.

Most of Pepa’s hair was lighter, taking a shade of white. Pepa’s lower half was covered in a thick layer of snow. 

“P…” Mirabel’s lips were blue and chapped. She had the strange urge to lay down or go into the warm embrace of her mother. She was tired, so tired. It was too much energy to even think about how tired she was. “P-Pe…Pepa…” Her voice was hoarse, her hands were shaking viciously—not that she could tell.

Pepa stared at her with widened eyes, instead of her usual dark green eyes, it was an icy blue color. “Mirabel…” Pepa stood up shakily, she made her way towards Mirabel. She moved through the snow easily, as if it didn’t burn her. “Mirabel,” She uttered once more.

“T-tía…” Mirabel stopped moving as she stared at her, frozen tears in her face. Patterns of frost were all over her face. 

Pepa’s entire body was covered in frost. “I-I’m sorry— I—I didn’t mean to.” She touches Mirabel’s cheeks. It hurts, but Mirabel can’t say anything. It was as if her jaw froze shut. Pepa’s fingers feel worse than anything else. Mirabel wouldn’t say that to her. Not because she can’t. It’s because she wouldn’t want to hurt her tía like that.  She pressed their foreheads together. “Forgive me, mi nube.” Her voice is desperate. “Stay with me, please.”

Mirabel knew that Pepa knew that everyone else was dead. That she was the only survivor for now. 

Mirabel hated that look. She hated it because  Pepa’s so desperate, begging her for something that’s not possible. She hates herself for not being able to help Pepa. She hates the miracle for doing this to them. 

…

Mirabel collapsed.

Pepa closed her eyes. Her entire body was trembling. Her body was numb, she was looking wrong. 

She got up, searching around the Encanto. It was hard with all this snow. She was looking for her family.

One by one, she eventually found them.

She sat them in the kitchen, in their usual spots.

When she opened her eyes, she was staring at her entire family. All of them stuck with one expression. Forever unmoving.

She’s so warm and tired.

Pepa let her consciousness drift away. At least she’ll be with her family.

The Encanto was no more, simply covering the bodies in a sheet of snow. 

Nobody would be discovered.

Notes:

I need Mirabel to be dead or heavily injured for the next five chapters. I already have sewn back together, cannibalism, burned and decapitation. I need one more for Mirabel.

I did say that I’ll have the Madrigals kill Mirabel.

Chapter 95: Clipping A Butterfly’s Wings

Alma thinks what she’s doing is not necessarily wrong, but not right either. If Julieta saw her, she’d actually kill her. Or she might help her. Maybe not.

“I’m only doing this to help you, Mirabel.” Alma murmured to herself, blood was on her hands, on Mirabel’s mouth and ran down her throat. 

Mirabel let out a few distressed noises, it wasn’t loud and sounded like a dying animal. That was what she might as well be.

Alma took a pool of thread, unwinding a portion. She had a needle in her hand. “You’re falling apart, so I have to fix you, Mirabel. You’re out of control. If I make you anew, maybe you’ll be better.”

Mirabel’s stomach churned, she watched as the needle pierced through her skin. Mirabel’s mind went blank. She could taste the blood on her tongue for her lips being sewn shut. She could feel the needles piercing her skin with each stitch.

She was aware of the blood that coated her body. The blood moving through her limbs. Every time her abuela pulled the needle and thread, tightening its form.

“Maybe that was your mistake. You weren’t better. Maybe that’s why you didn’t get a gift.” Alma seemed so sure about that to the point it scared Mirabel even more. “I should’ve done this earlier. That way I wouldn’t have to wait this long. Bruno still would’ve been here. It would’ve been easier to do this if you were younger.”

Mirabel cries.

“Don’t worry, it’ll only hurt for a bit. Afterwards, you’ll be better and have some of your mother’s food.” Alma said it in a comforting way as if it was supposed to make Mirabel feel better. To be told that something was wrong with her. To forcefully watch as her skin was being seen. To see her own blood on her. To feel the physical and mental pain.

Mirabel closed her eyes, maybe this is all a nightmare. Maybe this isn’t real life. Her abuela totally isn’t doing this to her.

Her ears rang as the needle dung into her skin once again. 

She briefly wondered— anything to get her mind off of what was happening. To pretend as if she’s fine.

How would she be better? How would she look? She would be a monster. Why? Why her? She didn’t want this. She didn’t deserve this.

How long was she going to be here? Was anyone going to discover how in time before it’s too late? Would they stop Alma or would they let her keep going? Do they have the same beliefs?

Do they want Mirabel to be perfect?

How would the others look at her when Alma is done with her? Disgust? Horror? Would they think that she’s better than before?

What type of logic was going through Alma’s mind?

Mirabel is terrified.

Just not for herself, but for Antonio.

If Antonio turned out like her, would Alma do the same? Would she have tied up and made him brand new? Would she do it days before his ceremony or after?

The door opened.

Both of them look over, though Mirabel more slowly, looking with her eyes. Standing in the doorway was Julieta, staring at them with an horrified expression.

It twisted into anger as she rushed over. “W-what have you done!?”

Mirabel could barely register Alma’s voice, she could feel her consciousness fading away.

She would rather die than continue on like this.

Notes:

It was a tough decision between Alma or Julieta. I ended up doing Alma. Julieta definitely killed her mother.

Poor Mirabel.

Chapter 96: Intrusive Thoughts

Notes:

For totally unrelated and non suspicious purposes, I just need random fun questions for all the Madrigals besides Antonio.

I also need a game between never have I ever or truth or dare. I might do both.

This is a totally not suspicious request.

Julieta doesn’t play favorites. She finds the idea of favoritism annoying and unfair to everybody else.

Julieta stared at Mirabel, she looked wrong. She wanted to see Mirabel bloody and beaten up. She wanted to see the life drain out of her eyes.

Julieta’s stomach twisted as Mirabel looked at her with a smile, saying something that she couldn’t comprehend, that she couldn’t hear.

She didn’t like how their family treated Mirabel. It was unfair and her mother played favorites. She hated seeing Mirabel sad.

A strange thought went into her head, which was normal. Her thoughts had never not not been strange.

If she ate Mirabel, she would always be with her.

Wouldn’t she?

There would be no chance for Mirabel to run away like Bruno or kill herself. It dreaded her when she knew there’s a high possibility of Mirabel leaving because of Alma.

She wondered, what Mirabel would do if she even suggested such a thing? 

Would Mirabel look at her in horror? Would she let her? No no, she wouldn’t. Who would let their own mother take away their precious life? 

She always wanted her children safe.

Mirabel was turned away from her.

Julieta’s hands twitched as it wrapped around the knife.

She hesitated.

She really shouldn’t be holding a knife while thinking such things.

She put the knife down, putting her hands behind her back. She didn’t trust herself.

She didn’t realize Mirabel was staring at her in concern.

“Are you okay, mamí?”

Julieta looked at Mirabel, imagining broken glass sliding into her skin at once. Knives, razors, or something sharp digging into her flesh.

Julieta’s mouth waters at the thought. Oh how she wanted that so badly. Julieta was glad that nobody in her family had a mind-reading gift. 

She loves her so much. She wants to consume her until she’s nothing but bones, but even then, Julieta would savor her. Mirabel wouldn’t be dead, not even with how much she’s eaten and taken apart. She’ll make sure that Mirabel lasts long, she’ll have her in a freezer. Maybe she’ll take her piece by piece and heal her back up, so Mirabel will know how much her mother loves her.

She’ll save her heart for last. 

It’ll be an experience that she had never tasted before. She could just taste the explosion of flavor in her mouth.

Julieta wants Mirabel dead.

She swallowed.

Julieta pulls back hastily, aware that she was spacing out for too long. Aware that her thoughts got out of control. Her mind is in scrambles again, the screeching endless. She doesn’t want this. This isn’t her. She needs to distance herself from Mirabel, it’s getting way too overwhelming. She doesn’t want to succumb to those thoughts.

Oh God, what’s wrong with her?

“Of course.” Julieta responded, it was a lie, but Mirabel doesn’t know that. She briefly wonders if Dolores could hear how much she lies. 

Julieta can only pretend like those thoughts aren’t there at all and nothing is wrong with her. So that she didn’t feel sick with herself.

She is fifty, and she was terrified.

Notes:

I don’t think it’s really that bad of an ending for Mirabel, since she doesn’t know that her mother wants to kill her.

Chapter 97: Open Your Eyes (Now Tell Me What You See) — Part 2

Notes:

Uploading all the chapters but 100 today

Dolores sniffled, holding her head up, a tissue pressed against her nose. She already used most of the tissue and the blood just didn’t seem to stop. At least it slowed down a little. 

Dolores felt a chill run up her back, she didn’t want to turn around. She didn’t need to look around to know that they were watching her.

Mirabel and Antonio were watching her.

She couldn’t even call them her little cousin and little brother anymore. She just couldn’t. Especially after Mirabel fixed them. She could hear Bruno letting out a strangled noise within the walls.

She didn’t want to look at them.

Ever since Antonio was turned, she had a lot of headaches and nosebleeds.

She doesn’t want to see what they have

she doesn’t ne 

what?

“Dolores,” She heard the distorted voice of Mirabel. What used to be Mirabel. She didn’t even know that Mirabel could even speak anymore.

Dolores had to turn around. It’s as if she had no choice. Mirabel was smiling at her. It was unnatural, like someone had placed it on.

Dolores doesn’t look Mirabel in the eyes for too long.

Her heart pounds against her chest.

She hates looking at them. Her skin crawled. She feels like clawing her eyes out. She wanted to pull her hair out. She felt like she was going insane just from that moment. She was bleeding from her nose, ears, eyes and mouth.

They’re not human.

She just couldn’t look away.

She was falling apart.

“Have you forgotten your purpose?”

Yes.

Hell looked more inviting than she expected Mirabel to be.

She did say that it wouldn’t take long for all of them to reunite again.

It hurts.

She just didn’t expect it to be this soon.

Mirabel ripped so many bits of herself off and replaced them with new pieces, fixing her up. Making her brand new.

Dolores Madrigal was no more.

Was she?

Chapter 98: The Prank

It was only to be a joke, a prank.

Camilo let’s tears stream down his cheeks as Julieta was sobbing over Mirabel’s coffin. It was his fault.

Julieta couldn’t even look at him.

The whole family couldn’t.

They hated him.

…

It was supposed to be a prank. 

A simple prank, where everyone laughs about it at the end of the day. Mirabel had just seemed so uptight lately ever since she became the candleholder. Camilo wanted to give her something to laugh about. To cheer her up.

He had lured Mirabel into an empty house.

It was supposed to be funny.

The house was empty for a reason. It was practically unfinished and years old. No windows installed either. It was on the edge of the Encanto. Nobody went inside of it and, Luisa and others didn’t repair the house.

It wasn’t supposed to go so terribly wrong.

When Mirabel went inside of the house, he had shut the door on her.

Thinking back on it, it wasn’t as funny if it was from Mirabel’s perspective.

It didn’t make it any better that it was night.

Mirabel had thought that Camilo wanted to hang out like they used to. She didn’t think that he was going to prank her, she wasn’t thinking that tonight was going to be the last time she would see her family.

There was no reason to think that.

So when Camilo locked the door from the outside, shutting her inside of the dark house. It made more sense, especially when he handed her a candle to light the way.

Mirabel screamed.

She wasn’t afraid of the dark, no. She was just afraid of being alone even though she knew that Camilo was outside. She was alone in the dark. The candle hardly did anything to light up the room.

She didn’t like this at all.

“Camilo, let me out! I don’t want to be here! This isn’t funny!”

Camilo remembered Mirabel yelling from the other side and he remembered laughing in response.

He had thought it was a joke.

He thought it was so funny at the time.

He left her there.

He was a cruel, selfish bastard for doing that. He left her behind in a barely lit house. He shouldn’t have left her. Why did he think it was a good idea to leave her? What the hell is wrong with him?

He was awoken by yelling.

The house was ablaze with flames and smoke.

Camilo covered his mouth, choking back a sob when he saw Mirabel’s body.

She was barely recognizable.

…

He didn’t know that Mirabel’s clumsiness was going to strike!

He didn’t know that she was going to knock over the candle when she fell!

He didn’t know that he had trapped Mirabel in the burning house!

He didn’t know!

So, please….

Stop treating him as if he wanted to kill Mirabel.

As if he was the one that set the house on fire.

As if he murdered his own cousin.

He didn’t mean to.

He didn’t know that his prank would cost Mirabel’s life.

Chapter 99: The Greater Good

Bruno’s eyes widened as he stared at the vision. It showed an older Mirabel in front of a cracked Casita. Mirabel was going to destroy the miracle.

This is exactly why he doesn’t do visions!

It always shows something bad happening!

He needed to see something else and—

Nothing.

Mirabel was going to destroy the miracle.

Bruno couldn’t let that happen.

What would their family think?

What would his mother think?

Bruno could just hear his heart racing, looking at the vision in his hand.

Should he show his mother?

Should he not?

His hands are trembling and he almost drops the vision.

He remembered one time when he did and Pepa yelled at him because Dolores had accidentally stepped on a shard, it went deep inside of her foot—

That’s it.

He went out of his room.

The vision won’t happen if Mirabel isn’t here.

If she isn’t alive.

Yes, that would make everything better.

They will be fine without her.

Something had to be wrong with her, right?

That’s why she didn’t get a gift.

He made his way into the nursery, ignoring his thoughts screaming at him to turn back around and go back to him.

Bruno wasn’t present, Hernando was.

Bruno would’ve been too scared to do such a thing, Hernando wasn’t. Hernando would do such a brave thing and take the fall for him.

He entered the nursery.

It was night, so he knew that everyone had to be sleeping and he wouldn’t get caught.

Even if he did, he would explain his situation.

Bruno let out a deep breath, looking at Mirabel’s relaxed sleeping expression. He could see her puffy eyelids, presumably from crying after her ceremony went wrong.

His vision slabs are sharp.

It’ll be quick.

He’ll be doing all of them a favor.

He held the vision slab to Mirabel’s neck.

He slashed her neck with it.

…

A second passed before the wound began to open and blood began to pour out.

The cut was wide and open.

Warm blood sprays from the wound, some of her blood staining his ruana and on his face. Mirabel remains unmoving, the same as he walked in. Only more pale.

He could see blood dripping out of the five year old’s mouth.

He watched as the blood began to slowly flow out of his neck.

He knew that she was dead.

Blood was dripping down his vision slab. Blood covered the five year old’s throat, blouse and sheets. 

“It had to be done.”

At least the miracle wouldn’t die now. 

He prevented something bad from happening.

He did something good.

Maybe his mother would finally be proud of him.

He did it all for her after all.

Bruno left out of the nursery, closing the door behind him. He didn’t even try to hide what he did, the blood in his clothes.

He didn’t dare look in the mirror.

He knew that he wouldn’t recognize the man staring back at him.

Notes:

Finally, Chapter 99.

Chapter 100: Game Night

“Erm,” Mirabel fidgeted with her skirt, smiling nervously. “Maybe for a split second when I saw Bruno’s tower falling that I should get out. It was already too late at that point and I was close to the candle. So I grabbed it. No, I didn’t really think about leaving.” She said with a shrug.

“I swear, I’m going to put you on a leash.” Isabela said. “That was bold.”

“You say that as if you also didn’t go for the candle.”

“For the record, I went for you. Not the candle, my dear little sister.” Isabela said cheekily. “I was technically risking my life for you.”

“What’s up with people risking their lives for stuff like this?” Alma murmured. She knew that it was her fault for making Mirabel feel like her life was worth less than the miracle. “Especially jumping off a roof.”

Pepa was giving Mirabel a high five, grinning. “That’s mi nube!” She exclaimed. “She gets that after her best and favorite aunt!”

“You are her only aunt.” Julieta said dryly, narrowing her eyes.

“Still her favorite!” Pepa cooed. “Isn’t that right, Mira?”

Mirabel nodded with a matching grin. “Yeah! You’re my favorite aunt!” She held Pepa’s hands.

“Do not encourage this behavior. She’ll let it get to her head.” Bruno groaned, rubbing his face.

“Please.”

“We should just switch her to yellow at this point.” Pepa smirked, making Julieta roll her eyes.

“Yeah, no.” Julieta huffed. “Mi bebé will always be my baby.”

“And blue!” Agustín added.

“That would be a good idea, wouldn’t it?” Camilo nudged Dolores, who grinned. 

“It would.”

“Definitely not.” Luisa said. “Always blue.” She looked at Mirabel. “Not that I’m denying that you wouldn’t look good in any color.”

“Especially my color, mi melliza.”

Mirabel looked a bit flushed under the attention, but nodded. “I know that’s right.” She glanced at everyone. “Okay, I know I’m not the only one who has done stupidly brave things and jumped off a roof.” She coughed. “Ahem, Isabela and Camilo.”

“I don’t think Camilo even needs an explanation. He seems like the type just to jump off the roof for fun.”

Julieta narrowed her eyes at Isabela. “What?”

Isabela laughed nervously. “Before everything went down and my whole new look. Mirabel and I may or may not have jumped on the roof and jumped down.”

“I fell off the roof before if it counts.” Agustín said nonchalantly. 

“Yeah, we know.”

“I broke my leg from a dare before.” 

Luisa sighed. “Better question is who hasn’t jumped off a roof?” 

Dolores smiled. “Luisa, I think it’s just you and I who haven’t jumped off a roof once in our life.”

The others looked sheepish.

“Next question.” Bruno said. “Dolores or Luisa?”

They looked at each other.

“You can ask.”

“Well…” Dolores began thinking. “Hm, maybe the most embarrassing moments from your gifts?” Dolores sent Alma, Félix, Agustín and Mirabel an apologetic look as she asked.

“I’m glad you didn’t just ask for the most embarrassing moments. Good thing I’m sitting out for this one.” Mirabel smirked, as Agustín grinned.

Alma hummed in agreement. “Fortunately, I’m also sitting out.”

“It’s not too late to change your question, Dolores.” Isabela whispered to Dolores.

“It is too late. No take backs.” Mirabel hit Isabela on the side. “I can’t wait to hear your story.”

Isabela blushed.

Julieta looked amused. “Maybe when I almost burned Casita down when I was cooking arepas by myself.” Julieta laughed at the memory. “I don’t have many embarrassing memories. None of them really stood out or I just can’t remember. Almost burning down Casita definitely stuck out.”

“Ay, I remember that.” Alma sighed fondly. “I woke up smelling smoke, I thought something bad was happening. I came downstairs to find my daughter trying to cook by herself.”

“Though my gift did get better afterwards.”

“Hm?”

“What do you mean?”

“I couldn’t heal mysel—“

“What!?”

Julieta blinked in surprise, when her family looked at her with widened eyes. Bruno and Agustín didn’t look shocked. “You all didn’t know? I couldn’t heal myself with my own food, but I could heal everyone else.”

“You’re telling me that—that you spent so many years being the healer and the healer couldn’t even heal herself?” Luisa gasped.

“Oh the irony of that.” Félix said to himself, making Pepa elbow his side. 

“You don’t have any scars either.”

“I’m not clumsy.” Julieta chuckled lightly. “When I was young, it was only cuts. I never got injured so badly. I only needed bandages, nothing serious. It was mainly my hands. After Casita was rebuilt, I could heal up the old scars. It wasn’t anything worth mentioning. Especially when I was younger.”

Alma felt guilty, she knew that she was part of the reason why Julieta didn’t say anything—rather she was afraid to say anything to her back then.

“Enough about that.” Julieta saw how everyone looked down, she didn’t want to ruin the mood. A mischievous smile formed. “Pepa and Bruno have a lot of stories revolving around their gifts though.”

Alma nodded. “Oh most definitely.”

“Mamá!” They both whined, their faces flushed.

“Oh I can’t wait to hear this.” Félix laughed.

“A lucky question for us giftless ones, right?”

“Yeah!”

“Hm, I don’t think there’s anytime where my gift malfunctioned like that. My gift hurt me when it got too loud, but everyone knew that. I don’t think it was much of a secret.” Dolores hummed, leaning against Luisa’s side. “No story from me.” Her eyebrows raised. “Well I guess the most embarrassing thing is hearing my siblings and cousins be made.”

The adults muttered apologizes, as their faces flushed.

“When I was younger, like when I just got my gift, I used to break a lot of things by accident. I broke down a lot. I even went as far as thinking I’m crazy and wanting to run away.” Luisa groaned at the memory. “I guess that’s my most embarrassing moment. It’s imprinted in my mind.” She put her hands to her cheeks, groaning. “Oh my God…it was embarrassing thinking back on it.”

“It’s okay, Luisa. You’re not the only one.” 

“My most embarrassing moment with my gift….is when I misinterpreted them.” Bruno sighed, his cheeks heating up. “Eh…I used to show my visions willingly a lot. I thought someone was going to die when in reality they were just giving birth. I kind of…sort of messed up their life from that.”

“That’s not that embarrassing, tío.” It was clear that Camilo wanted some over the top embarrassing story.

Bruno raised an eyebrow. “What about you then?”

“I don’t have any embarrassing stories! I’m Camilo and I’m always so cool!”

The grandchildren gave him a blank look.

“Definitely Pepa’s…”

“Well…sometimes when I shift, people mistake me as their lover and try to get all touchy with me. I think that might be embarrassing, especially when I turn back.” Camilo shook his head. “And when I thought you were seven feet tall.”

Bruno scoffed. “The audacity.”

“I did tell you to stop shifting into other people. I thought you learned your lesson when you turned to me and your papá thought you were me.” Pepa said, rolling her eyes.

Mirabel snickered. “Mhm, it sucks to be you.”

Camilo groaned.

“It could be worse is what I mean.” Mirabel offered him a smile.

“You don’t mean that.”

“I don’t.”

“Knew it.”

“I personally struck myself with lightning multiple times. We all know that Julieta can’t heal magical injures unfortunately.” Pepa said.

“Oh yeah?” Julieta crossed her arms. “Not really embarrassing for you.”

Félix kissed Pepa, making the children groan. “The scars make you look even more dashing, mi Vida.” 

Bruno groaned. “Get a room.”

Dolores also let out a groan “Right. I hear enough when I’m everywhere else.”

Isabela leaned over to Mirabel. “She’s talking as if she’s not the same with Mariano.”

Mirabel laughed.

Dolores glared at Isabela. “I have my gift, you know.”

Isabela held both of her hands up. “White flag, Lola. You know that I was only joking.”

“She wasn’t.” Mirabel said. “She’s lying to you.”

“Mira!”

“I can tell.”

“You and Mariano are the same.” Camilo smirked. “All lovey-dovey together.”

“See, you can’t escape romance.” Agustín grinned.

“As if the couples isn’t holding hands already.” Luisa murmured.

“When the rest of you are in love and in a relationship. You all will understand.” Alma said, she looked at Isabela, Luisa, Camilo, and Mirabel. “That’s if you aren’t already.”

Bruno did his best to hide his grin, knowing that his mother did that on purpose.

The four Madrigals blushed as the adults went silent.

…

“Wait, really?” Dolores looked at all of them.

“I expected the one with enhanced hearing to know.” Bruno said.

“I don’t always listen to them. I have other things to do then focus on my family’s romantic interests. Though I’m curious.”

“I’m single!” Mirabel exclaimed before it could go any further.

“You four all are single.” Dolores pointed out. “I think.” She added with a smirk.

“You just made it worse.”

“I know.”

“What.”

“I—well, I’m also not saying anyone.” Camilo stammered.

Félix raised an eyebrow. “Any crushes?”

“I—“

“Change of question.” Dolores suddenly said. “Who had their first kiss?”

“What—you can’t just do that.” Isabela blushed. “Well, we all know that I already have my first kiss. I have nothing to say about that.”

“Uhm…” Luisa hesitated.

“Oh I already had my first kiss.” Mirabel was aware of how much chaos she caused from that one sentence.

“What!?”

“That I know of.” Dolores hummed.

“That I didn’t know of!” Julieta exclaimed in shock.

“You had your first kiss already!? You’re only fifteen!”

“To be fair, that’s a normal age to be kissing.” Pepa muttered. “But, you had your first kiss already!?”

“My baby can’t grow up!”

Camilo looked at them all. “Well…I also had my first kiss.”

“Luisa!?”

“I also did.”

The horror on the adults’ faces was hilarious.

Camilo grinned. “Mira and I are pretty popular with the ladies.”

“I can’t even be surprised at that one.” Isabela said to herself.

“The first kiss though!?”

“It wasn’t like I was a loner or a big outcast. I was still popular. Being giftless didn’t change a lot of things when I got older. I’m also very helpful. People tend to like helpful people.” Mirabel smirked. “Especially after I saved the miracle.”

“I hope you’re not just accepting kisses from anyone.”

Mirabel exaggerated a gasp. “Of course not! I have standards.” She held a hand over her chest. “I don’t let strangers just kiss me.” She said, before blinking in surprise at what Camilo said. “Yep, women. My friends kissed me a few times for practice. Also a few others like to show their…appreciation.”

“I don’t think friends just kiss for practice.”

“Lucky you.” Isabela let out a wistful sigh.

Dolores couldn’t hold back her laughter.

“Are we going to skip over the fact that Mirabel is interested in women?”

“I honestly thought that I was pretty obvious.” Mirabel let out a light chuckle. 

“Oh yeah, I knew, mi vida.” Julieta smiled, amusement clear in her eyes. “You can never hide things from your mother—“

“—She kinda did—“

“Bruno, shut up.” Julieta hissed, before turning back to Mirabel, ignoring the stifled laughter. “As I was saying, it was like a mother’s intuition. I see the way you look at boys and girls. What I wasn’t aware of was that mi bebé had a lot of admirers. I knew that you were popular, but everywhere I go, someone is asking about you.” Julieta shook her head fondly. “Just like I knew that Isabela was interested in women.”

Isabela gasped. “I feel called out, mamí. The question wasn’t even about me.” She blows a raspberry. “And I wasn’t that obvious.”

The grandchildren gave her a blank stare.

“You definitely were.” Dolores smirked.

“After Mariano, you had your eyes set on too many women.” Camilo sighed dramatically, shifting into one of the town’s residents. “Oh mi flor, I love you so much~” He blew Isabela a kiss.

Isabela’s face heated up, a second later, Camilo  was coughing up flowers. “Stop that.” She glared, embarrassed. “I wasn’t too obvious. Better?”

“I always knew that you were a bit—“ Bruno gestured to all of them. “—Actually, everyone in this room had their own experiences or crushes with the same gender. I think that some people were more obvious than others.”

Isabela arched an eyebrow. “This seems a bit targeted.”

“If it makes you feel better, I didn’t think you were into women, Isa. The same goes with you, Mirabel.” 

“It’s because you’re oblivious.”

“Eh.”

“At that point, I didn’t think Mirabel was interested in anyone.” Agustín smiled sheepishly. “Thought you wanted to be like your tío.”

“What happened to your father’s intuition?” Mirabel questioned. “I literally wear a bisexual rainbow pin on my blouse. I wasn’t even trying to hide it. It just never came up.” She narrowed her eyes at Julieta. “I also remember when you all went around asking if I was straight or not.” She grinned.

Dolores snickered behind her hand. “She does have a point there, tía.”

“Ay, Mira, why must you do this to me?” Julieta complained good-naturedly, as she held a hand over her hurt. “Dolores, you take after your mother too much.”

“I’d hope so.”

“Right!” Pepa exclaimed, pride clear in her voice.

“Anyways,” Mirabel looked at Luisa and Camilo. “You two first kisses?”

“The same thing as you.” Camilo said, as they gave each other high fives. “You really are my twin.”

“I may…” Luisa blushed, looking embarrassed. “Be in a relationship with Matías.”

“The donkey owner!?”

In the background, Camilo and Mirabel were exchanging pesos.

“I know you two didn’t bet on her relationship.”

“We did.”

“You know,” Alma said thoughtfully. “I kind of expected that.”

“My babies are growing up so fast!” Agustín playfully cried out. “In five years the children will be in relationships.”

“We’ll be twenty.” Mirabel gestured to Camilo and herself. “I’m not trying to be single and lonely my entire life. No offense, tío.”

“It’s oka—hold up, I’m not lonely!”

Félix looked at Isabela, Camilo, and Mirabel. “Any of you three in a secret relationship?”

“I stand by what I said, I’m still single.” Mirabel said.

“You kissed more than a few people though?”

“Actually I was kissed—“

“Too much information.”

“I have a crush, that’s all.” Camilo said, Isabela nodding in agreement. “Not in a relationship.”

Dolores tilted her head, but said nothing.

…

Isabela and Camilo turned to her. “What?”

Dolores chuckled. “Nothing, continue on.”

“That’s suspicious.” Pepa narrowed her eyes.

“How about we continue on?” Camilo smiled nervously, Isabela looking equally as nervous.

“We’re just going to skip past this—“

“Yep.”

“Then the question is still on Isabela.” Alma said.

“Huh?”

“Most embarrassing moment from using your gift.” Mirabel reminded her. “You didn’t answer.”

“That, Señora Madrigal—” Isabela poked her sister’s cheek, she was obviously struggling to bite back her smile. “—Is a secret.”

Mirabel huffed, narrowing her eyes at Isabela. “And this is supposed to be a game night. Spit it out, Señorita Perfecta.” She feigned an angry expression as Isabela let out an exaggerated gasp. “It wouldn’t be fair.”

Pepa grinned, laying her head on Félix’s shoulder. “She does have a point, querida.” Pepa is looking at Isabela with an amused expression, as Isabela looked like Pepa stepped on one of her plants. “You have to answer the question. We all did but you.”

“I’m good. Wait, you also didn’t say anything, tía and Bruno!”

“—This doesn’t count!”

Notes:

Finally, Mirabel being happy and the Madrigals being a good and loving family. Mirabel and the Madrigals are going to be happy for the next ten chapters.

Chapter 101: Protective Mirabel

Notes:

I just realized that I have trouble writing happy one-shots. I was struggling with this. Any happy Mirabel with loving Madrigal family requests are welcomed.

“I’m just saying, every time he joins for dinner, something goes wro—“

“Camilo!”

“He has a point.”

“Isabela!”

“You literally broke his nose. Not once, but twice.”

“Second one was on purpose.”

“Oh my God…” Dolores let out an exasperated sigh, as she rubbed her face. “This is embarrassing. I’m so sorry about them.”

“It’s okay, mi vida. Your family is never

Mirabel soon walked into the room, staring at them. “Oh hello, Mariano.” She waved. “I didn’t know you were going to be joining us today. It’s time for dinner. I wanted to tell you all.”

Camilo was out of the room at the word dinner.

Isabela narrowed her eyes at Mariano. “I’m watching you.” She followed after Camilo.

“Good luck, Mariano.” Was all that Luisa said before she left.

Mariano sighed. “I have a feeling that they don’t like me.”

Dolores frowned. “Oh no, don’t say that.”

“Camilo is just like that, you have nothing to worry about. I think Isabela is just being protective of Dolores and doesn’t like you after the engagement fiasco. She’ll warm up to you. Luisa doesn’t not like anybody. She’s way too soft for that.” Mirabel told him reassuringly. “They all will warm up to you. They’re just wary because you went from one woman to another. Don’t worry, anyone with eyes can tell that you love Dolores very much. They’ll see it too.”

Dolores blushed as Mariano looked sheepish.

“Thank you, Mirabel. You always know what to say.” Mariano said softly.

Mirabel hummed. “It’s nothing really. I’m just saying what needs to be said.” She glanced at Dolores. “Oh and Dolores?”

“Hm?”

“Is it alright if I talk to Mariano for a quick second?” Mirabel asked.

Mariano was confused by what Mirabel could’ve wanted. He could feel his hands getting sweaty. 

“You don’t need to ask me for stuff like that. You can do what you like.” Dolores said. “Don’t be late for dinner though.” She looked at both of them, before walking away with the others.

…

“I’m not in trouble, am I?” Mariano asked, breaking the silence. “…Actually, you’re not Camilo….Right?”

“It’d be impossible for Camilo to do this. You just saw him.” Mirabel chuckled. “Of course I’m Mirabel. Don’t worry, you’re not in any type of trouble.”

Mariano visibly relaxed as Mirabel looked at him with a warm smile.

“…Then what do you need to talk about?”

“Dolores.”

“Dolores?”

“Dolores.”

“Yeah?”

“More specifically your relationship with her.”

“…Yeah?”

“I didn’t mind that you broke it off with Isabela because neither of you loved each other.” Mirabel said in a sweet tone. “I harbor no Ill feelings for that.”

Mariano looked at Mirabel, confused by her bringing up his relationship with Isabela. “Uh—“

Mirabel loved her sisters and cousins very much. She couldn’t wait to see her sisters and cousin’s partners one day.

It was a little strange seeing Mariano go from Isabela’s fiancé to Dolores’ boyfriend. The Madrigals eventually got used to it after the situation was explained.

It would be an understatement to say that she was a little aggressive when it comes to people who have feelings for her family members. She had to make sure that they actually loved them and wasn’t using them for status. That they wouldn’t do anything to hurt them.

Yes, she had threatened Mariano when he was with Isabela.

They don’t need to know that though.

“I do believe that Dolores is very loveable. You would be an idiot to not love her.” 

But now he’s with Dolores.

Mirabel suddenly glared at Mariano, startling him. “But if you ever break mi prima’s heart, I’ll break your neck. It’s not a threat or a warning, I swear I’ll make it happen if you do. I’ll make it painful too and nobody will believe you if you tell them about this. I’ll hide your body and just say that you left the Encanto. Good?”

Mariano’s face paled. “G-good.” He gulped.

“Good!” Mirabel clasped her hands together. “Anyways, what are you planning for your anniver—“

That was his second time getting threatened by her. It didn’t scare him any less.

It’s going to take Mariano a while to get used to Mirabel’s mood change and protective behavior. 

He didn’t have to worry about anything because he loved Dolores with his entire heart.

And Dolores didn’t believe him when he told her what happened.

Claiming that—  

“Threatening you? Are we talking about the same Mirabel? Mirabel Madrigal? Mirabel is too sweet for something like that.” Dolores laughed off.

…Mirabel was right on that.

Chapter 102: Falling — Part 2

Notes:

After a year, part 2 is finally here. Anyways, I can’t write that many happy Mirabel one-shots. I’m trying to get so many parts done. Until then, requests are closed.

It had been a mistake.

Mirabel had invited Dolores to the waterfall because it was peaceful, had a great view and wanted to hang out with her. Out of all the grandchildren, Mirabel spent least time with Dolores then everyone else and wanted to spend more time with her. Just them without anyone interrupting.

“You know, you’re the first person that I took to this place.” Mirabel said, filling in the comfortable silence. 

“Aw, I’m flattered.” Dolores’ lips slowly curled up into a grin. “And why is it that I’m your first and not anyone else?”

“Well…I am pretty selfish and didn’t want someone to take my place.” Mirabel looked a little embarrassed as she told Dolores. “If I were to take someone, it was going to be you anyway. If not mamá. It has a beautiful view and nobody will interrupt us. It isn’t that noisy either.”

“How considerate of you, primita. You’re making me blush.” Dolores said teasingly, leaning forward.

“I’m starting to regret this decision.”

“You can’t take it back though! You already have everything prepared.” Dolores smirked.

Mirabel let out an exasperated sigh. “This is a nightmare. Someone help me.”

“Oh please, I can’t be worse than Isabela and Camilo.”

“We’ll see—“ Mirabel yelped as she fell forward. Dolores held Mirabel back before she fell face first into the grass. 

“That’s one way to embrace mother nature.” Dolores mused. “Watch your step.” She helped Mirabel up, who looked thankful. 

“That’s one way to ruin my mood before we even start anything. I’m glad that you caught me.” Mirabel laughed, composing herself as she placed the picnic blanket down. “Look at the view, it’s truly amazing.”

Dolores rolled her eyes fondly, humming. “I don’t like that we’re this close to the waterfall. But, yes, I agree, it’s…breathtaking. Where did you find this place again?”

Mirabel shrugged with a small smile. “Oh well…I was just exploring the Encanto and wandered off and found this place. It was nice and nobody interrupted me. It’s a relaxing place when I want to get away.”

“Hm, I see. I certainly can’t interrupt you if I can’t hear you.”

“Is that sarcasm?”

“Nope.” Dolores waved her off. “If I were to listen to you go out, I wouldn’t be able to hear you even if I wanted to. This waterfall blocks my hearing from anything near its range.”

“That’s good to know in case I ever wanted to sneak out.” 

“Mhm, I’ll know where you went if I can’t hear you anywhere else now.”

“I could have left the Encanto or been dead.” Mirabel raised an eyebrow. “That’s two ways you wouldn’t be able to hear me.”

“You should’ve left the Encanto when Casita fell.”

“You’re hoping for me to leave?”

“Of course not. It would’ve made more sense for you to leave during that time than now. And here I thought we made some progress together. Did that mean nothing to the point that you’ll leave us again?” Dolores sighed dramatically. “The only way you would die is by Luisa. If she heard you say that, she would have hugged you to death.”

Mirabel shuddered. “I know. You can’t tell her that.”

“Who do you take me for?

“Who knows?” Mirabel smirked. “You might be Camilo in disguise.”

“Yeah yeah, as if.” Dolores mock-scowled, placing her hand on her hip. “How do I know that you’re not Camilo in disguise?” She asked teasingly.

“Sounds like something Camilo would say.” Mirabel insisted with a giggle.

“Hmm.” Dolores pursed her lips, before she shook her head with a snort. “Maybe you’re not Camilo.” 

“Maybe.” Mirabel smothered a laugh. “I don’t think you’re him either. After all, Camilo couldn’t come up with something as brilliant as this.”

“Should I be offended on his behalf?”

“You agree with me, so I don’t think you should be offended when it’s true.”

“Well, I certainly can’t disagree.”

“I know you would.”

A mistake that should have never happened.

The waterfall was rushing in the distance, filling the air with its soothing sound and the mist in the air was thick and warm. The sun was setting, the water was illuminated and it was a calming sight.

Such a calming sight before a tragedy would occur.

“Wait—“

Mirabel loses her footing as Dolores reaches out for her.

“Mirabel!”

A fatal mistake that cost the accident of her cousin’s life.

---

Julieta was getting concerned. Dolores and Mirabel went somewhere for a picnic without informing anyone where they’ll be going. They said that they’ll be back by the time that dinner is served. The sun was already setting.

The worst part is Dolores left, meaning that they can’t use her help if it was just one person.

“Still not home yet?” Agustín frowned, he hated having Julieta worry. But he would lying if he said that he also wasn’t worried about his daughter and niece.

Julieta shook her head with a sigh. “No.” She looked out the window. “The sun is already set and they’re still not here.”

“What if something happened to them?”

…

That was the worst thing to ask.

“The Encanto is a safe place, nobody is stupid enough to go after two Madrigals.”

“But we don’t know where they’re at. Anything can happen and we wouldn’t know where to look!” Pepa exclaimed. “They’ve been gone for too long! They said they were going to be back hours ago!”

“Maybe they fell asleep and lost track of time?” Camilo suggested hopefully. He didn’t like to think of the worst that could happen to his older sister and cousin.

“That could be true…” Agustín muttered to himself.

“Do Dolores and Mirabel seem like the type to go somewhere without telling us and falling asleep!?”

“Dolores wouldn’t let that happen. Should we send out a search party?” Félix suggested, he was also worried about them. But panicking wasn’t going to get them back or have them magically appear. Even if he would like that to happen.

“We can wait an extra hour and if they’re not back, we can send one.” Alma told them. “Then we’ll know if something is truly wrong and we’re not panicking over nothing.”

“And if they’re not?” Luisa asked, she looked very upset. “What then?”

Isabela crossed her arms. “I say that we start searching now before it gets too dark. We’ll miss a lot of things with only lanterns and torches. I can use my vines to travel faster. It’s better than foot.”

“Why not have Antonio’s animals follow their scent?”

“That’s if Dolores didn’t already hear this conversation.”

Pepa stroked her braid. “Give it ten minutes.” She let out a low sigh. “If they’re not here in ten minutes or less, we need to start looking for them.”

“Pepa…” Bruno came in, saying his sister’s name gently. If something happened, he would’ve had a vision or he will have a vision. They’ll give it ten minutes. “Should I have a vision?”

“Yes—“

“No—“

“You shouldn’t.” Julieta said softly. “Well…not now. Like mamá said, we could be panicking over nothing. Neither of them are the type to do something like this. Or maybe they’re having fun and lost track of time? You shouldn’t go through all the trouble of having a vision when we’re not sure what’s wrong yet. Ten minutes. If they’re still not here in ten minutes and you feel the need to have a vision…I won’t stop you. I know how you feel about making sure that everyone is safe.”

Bruno nodded, but he just felt so uneasy. He knew that something wasn’t right. They needed to find them. Bruno had multiple visions about his family, everyone. There’s some that he understands and some that he doesn’t. Some visions show their deaths and some show everyone alive. His visions are unclear and not really exact. Just like Mirabel’s vision with the miracle. In the end everything with well.

Just what would happen now?

“…Please, return home safe. Both of you.”

Chapter 103: Silence Is Always The Answer — Part 2

Notes:

I just read an Encanto fic where Agustín got Pepa pregnant and Julieta and Félix were betrothed. Then Agustín also got Julieta pregnant during the time. And the aftermath, I feel bad for Julieta. I hate that I love cheating fics so much.

Out of everything I write and read, that’s something I’m terrible at handling.

Nobody is created equal. Some were born more fortunate than others. Nobody is born equal in talents especially. You can work at talent, take lessons, but love, love either works or it doesn’t. You love someone or you don’t. You can’t change it. You can’t undo it.

It was Antonio’s ceremony.

His fifth birthday.

But Mirabel knew that the ceremony was more important than his fifth birthday. Everyone knew.

Mirabel could also tell that they’re nervous that he'll turn out like her. It hurts, but that’s what her family is thinking.

She gently shook him awake.

“Mira?” Antonio mumbled, as she nodded. Excitement quickly took over his tired expression. “It’s my birthday!”

Mirabel’s smile widened, it felt like it was yesterday when her tía Pepa announced that she was pregnant. 

She patted him on the shoulder, looking towards the closet. 

“Alright, alright, I’ll get ready!”

Mirabel chuckled before leaving the nursery to the kitchen. Fortunately she wouldn’t have to deal with her family crowding the nursery.

---

Mirabel waved Casita goodbye as she left out.

As she walked by, the townspeople greeted her.

It was nice.

The familiar scent of roses and other flowers overwhelmed her nose.

She sneezed.

“Bless you.” 

Mirabel turned over to see Mariano, looking awfully love-sick.

Mariano watched as Isabela walked past with puppy-doe eyes. “Wow, she’s amazing.” He sighed dreamily. “I can’t believe that I’m actually courting her.” He turned to Mirabel. “…She could do so much better.”

Mirabel gave him a blank stare. Not even a hello? She didn’t really want to hear about Isabela.

“Yeah, you’re right.” Mariano smiled nervously as he fixed his hair. “I shouldn’t put myself down like that and you probably don’t want me talking about your sister like that in front of you.”

Mirabel honestly felt like Mariano could do so much better. He doesn’t know that he’s marrying someone who’s not even true to themselves. Her true personality either.

“Are you nervous?” Mariano asked, making Mirabel raise an eyebrow. She didn’t need him to specify, she knew what he meant. “About the ceremony, are you nervous? You don’t need to worry, everything will be fine. You know why? Because I am here!” He dramatically flexed his arms. 

Mirabel let out a groan. She sees Mariano more as an older brother. She wouldn’t mind him being her future older brother. She certainly wasn’t attracted to his muscles.

“I’ll have you know that many women would swoon over these.” Mariano teased, as Mirabel rolled her eyes playfully. He sighed dramatically. “But these muscles are only for one person.”

‘Yet you showed them to me.’ Mirabel signed, giving him a deadpanned look. ‘I have a feeling you were talking about my older sister though.’

Mariano looked sheepish. 

‘I’m not really interested in muscles though. I think Isabela might be more interested in personality than muscles.’

“Yeah I know.” Mariano shook his head, he looked a little more upset than earlier. He covered it up with a sad smile. “Sometimes…it just, uh, it just feels like Isabela isn't interested in me.”

‘I can’t speak for Isabela because I’m not really close to her as much as I was ten years ago.’  

To be honest, she wasn’t close to any of her family members as she was ten years ago. They didn’t even notice her lack of talking. They simply thought that she was still going through a shy phase. She was only close to Antonio.

As years passed, she just didn’t care anymore. Why would she? There’s nothing to dwell on. Regrets are something that she knows she should’ve done differently. There’s nothing that she regrets in her life so far. 

“Hm, I thought everyone was close, since everyone lives in one house together.” Mariano mumbled under his breath. Now that he’s thinking about it, he has never seen Mirabel interact with the other Madrigals, but Antonio. That was strange, wasn’t it? Maybe it’s just him overthinking these things.

‘Why not speak with her about your feelings? That seems to be the most reasonable thing to do.’

“I don’t want to seem like I’m…weak in front of her.”

‘Weak?’

“I don’t want to come off as too insecure and emotional.”

‘If Isabela thought that then she doesn’t deserve you. You’re allowed to express your feelings freely. It won’t make you seem weak. The key to a healthy relationship is communication after all. Love is too precious to be ashamed of.’

“You don’t think it’s stupid coming from me?” Mariano asked hesitantly.

Mirabel hummed softly. ‘Feelings are never stupid to me. They just make us feel stupid sometimes.’

Mirabel gave good advice. It doesn’t mean that she always takes them herself.

Mariano looked at Mirabel with a warm expression. “You could be somebody’s therapist with what you’re sayi…uh, signing!” Mariano laughed. “Sorry,”

Mirabel looked at him with an amused expression.

“Mirabel! Delivery!”

Both of them turned to Osvaldo, who was holding a basket.

“Oh hey, Mariano.” Osvaldo greeted.

Mariano nodded. “Good day to you too.”

“I gave you the special since you’re the only Madrigal kid without a gif—“

Mariano looked at Osvaldo disapprovingly, cutting him off. “Señor Osvaldo, that wasn’t kind to say.”

Osvaldo’s eyes slightly widened. “Ah- I didn’t mean it like that! My wife always said that I was blunt. I’m sorry, Mirabel, I didn’t mean to hurt or offend you in any way.” He smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I got this, uh, for you. I know you like to decorate and help around. It’s for you and the kids. I know that you all would enjoy it, so I bought it.” He holds the basket out to them.

A smile forms on Mirabel’s face, making Osvaldo let out a sigh of relief as Mariano grabs the basket.

‘Thank you.’

“Thank you. We appreciate it.” Mariano smiled.

Osvaldo also smiled. “You’re welcome. I hope everything goes well and you two enjoy the rest of your evening. I’ll see you both later.” He waved before walking off.

As soon as Osvaldo walked off, Mirabel narrowed her eyes at Mariano.

He knew what she meant.

“You’re my future sister-in-law, of course it is my duty to protect you! Well, even if you weren’t, I would’ve done the same.” Mariano told her. “Yeah I know that he’s blunt, but he did unintentionally hurt your feelings. It’s better to tell him now than to let him keep going on. “

"You're as good a friend as a smooth talker.”

“Thanks,” Mariano paused, staring at Mirabel. “Is that a good thing?”

Mirabel gave him a shrug. ‘We should give these to mamá.’ She smirked.

“Wait— I have to know if that’s a good thing!?”

‘You’ll have to ask Isabela about you being a smooth talker.’

“As her little sister, you’ll be more honest. What do you think?”

‘As her little sister, I won’t comment on you being a smooth talker or not. If anything, I’ll cringe at it. I’m just a teenager after all.’

Mariano mocked a sad expression as he let out an exaggerated sigh. “I guess so.”

‘Let’s just head back to Casita. Unless you’re willing to carry it all day?’

“Maybe.” Mariano grinned wolfishly.

‘Be my guess.’ Mirabel folded her arms, raising an unimpressed eyebrow. She began walking ahead of Mariano, knowing that he'd catch up.

“You were really going to leave me there?” Mariano gave her a playful glare.

‘Of course not. I knew from your muscles and knowledge that you’ll be able to do it. What is Mariano Guzmán not capable of? I see why Isabela would fall in love with you.’

Mariano snorted, his eye having a mischievous glint. “Thanks for the ego boost.” He smirked. “I really needed that. And just because of that, you’re forgiven.”

Both of them entered Casita.

Everyone looked busy and was working on something. The Madrigals used their gifts to help around in their own way.

Mariano looked around. “That’s a lot for you guys to take on. Sometimes it seems like you guys never take a break.”

Mirabel couldn’t speak for all of them, but she agreed. ‘My mother should be in the kitchen.’

Mariano nodded in acknowledgement as he made his way to the kitchen, Mirabel following behind him.

Like Mirabel said, Julieta was in the kitchen.

“Hello, Señora Madrigal.” Mariano greeted with a smile, carrying the basket with Mirabel by his side. 

“Oh, hello, Mariano! How’s your day going so far?” Julieta asked warmly.

“It’s good.” Mariano replied. “How are you?”

“I’m also doing good, thank you for asking.”

“It’s common courtesy.” Mariano was about to say something also, but Mirabel nudged him. “Oh! We got some decorations that'll make Casita look more lively and festive.”

Julieta’s eyes lightened as she turned to look at her daughter and future son-in-law. “That would look good. I’m sure that Casita will appreciate the feeling of being dressed up.”

Casita clicked in agreement.

“Sounds like a yes.”

“One hour!” Alma called out.

Julieta looked back. “One hour.” She repeated, she wasn’t looking at either of them. She was looking behind them.

---

All the Madrigals and everyone was ready. Unfortunately, Mirabel couldn’t stay by Mariano’s side the entire time.

Mirabel had found Antonio and gave him the courage and advice to go through this. It felt nice having someone worried about her. But she didn’t want Antonio to worry about her situation.

“Fifty years ago, in our darkest moment, this candle blessed us with a miracle. And the greatest honor of our family has been to use our blessings to serve this beloved community. Tonight, we come together once more, as another steps into the light, to make us proud.”

The curtains opened, revealing Antonio. 

Everyone started clapping for him.

Even when they stopped, Antonio didn’t move.

Mirabel’s face scrunched up in confusion, before it changed to worry. Anyone can tell that Antonio was nervous.

Antonio was looking around, before he finally looked at her.

He held out his hand.

Mirabel frowned, she felt really bad. As far as she’s aware, nobody walked any Madrigals to their door, they walked themselves. What if it ruins things?

‘I can’t.’ She signed.

“I need you...” Antonio whispered, a pleading look in his eyes.

Mirabel couldn’t say no to Antonio. She could just see how nervous he was. She wouldn’t leave him alone. No matter what they think.

Mirabel came out, holding Antonio’s hands. She didn’t want to look at her family’s face or want to know what they’re feeling. 

She looked over to the side to see Mariano silently cheering her on and giving her thumbs up.

One thing that Mirabel had taught him unintentionally is that being brave isn’t not being scared. No, it’s being terrified and still doing it.

Mirabel is the bravest person he knows.

Mirabel let out a low sigh of relief as she finally made it to Antonio’s door. She didn’t need to look at her abuela to know the disapproving look she was giving her. Mirabel’s hands were sweaty as she stepped over to the side, allowing Antonio to go to his door.

Mirabel regained her composure, ignoring her family’s low whispers. The people in the crowd didn’t say anything, they didn’t even raise an eyebrow. Sometimes it’s the inside of her head that’s the problem.

Mirabel watched as Antonio held his door and a toucan landed on his shoulder. 

“Ahuh-uhuh, I understand you. Of course they can come!”

Antonio’s ceremony went well.

“A gift just as special as you. Ah, we need a picture! Everyone! Come, come, come! It’s a great night! It’s a perfect night! Everyone, together!”

Antonio’s ceremony went well.

Mirabel was pushed to the side as usual. She didn’t have the voice to speak up. But, Antonio looked so happy.

How could you love someone and not want them to be happy?

Mirabel took a step back, blending in the background. She wasn’t angry. Maybe she was a little upset, but not angry.

The party was getting stuffed anyway.

Mirabel let out a sigh, making her way to the courtyard.

In the corner of her eye, she could see Mariano looking for something, probably her. She caught his worried gaze, and she gave him a reassuring smile.

She went where it was more quiet, she could still hear distant talking and fireworks.

…

A tile fell.

Mirabel stared at the tile that just fell in front of her.

Casita?

Mirabel looked around, cracks were spreading all around, from the walls to their doors. The floor was shaking slightly. It wasn’t really noticeable, unless you were paying close attention.

Mirabel bent down, tracing the cracks with her fingers.

She glanced at the candle, which was flickering.

A house without love would always fall. Maybe not today or tomorrow. But in the end without love nothing can endure.

Chapter 104: Yandere!Mirabel — Part 2

“…I don’t understand.” Leah looked Mirabel in the eyes, who was still smiling. She feels a crushing sensation of fear. Both of them were watching her, one looking less excited than the other. “Why—“

“What don’t you understand?” Pepa cut her off harshly, as it thundered dramatically. Leah shuddered as she looked away from Pepa’s wild eyes.

“Tía,” Mirabel smiled, making Pepa look at her. She looked much better after Mirabel called her name.

“Right, she’s yours.” Pepa had a smirk forming on her face. “I was asking a simple question. I didn’t expect her to get so scared.” She laughed. “Though it’s understandable since it’s her first time. Do you know that your father and Félix were also like this when we first met them?”

Mirabel’s eyes lightened in excitement. “Really?” She loved hearing stories about her family and how they were when they were younger.

“They were terrified when we first got them. Of course they warmed up to us eventually. Look at the beautiful and wonderful children that were made.” Pepa beamed, as Mirabel had a wide smile. 

Leah didn’t understand how Mirabel didn’t see anything wrong with that sentence. To hear how her father and uncle were kidnapped and forced to love them. It was clear that they actually fell in love with them. The Madrigal men didn’t seem to see any problem with their family’s methods. They didn’t even seem to mind their first meeting. No wonder Mirabel didn’t see what was wrong with that sentence. She lived with psychopaths and was a psychopath herself.

Mariano Guzmán wasn’t even forced to be with Dolores, he willingly got with her. Who would ever be with that freak? That psycho?

“How romantic!” Mirabel swooned, before turning to Leah. “I want us to be exactly like that. You’ll love me so much.” She grinned. “I already got rid of her parents and friends. I don’t understand why she’s acting like this.”

“That’s my girl!” Pepa looked extremely proud of Mirabel. “You’re just like me. It still surprises me that you’re Julieta’s. She’s more of going straight for her target, way too soft for my liking. You have to take everything and everyone from them, leaving them with nothing. You’ll have to be the only one they’ll rely on until you have a family.”

Leah cringed, she would never fall in love with Mirabel. Not after what she did to her. They’re crazy.

Mirabel was walking behind her and Leah definitely didn’t trust Mirabel. Especially not having her in her line of sight.

She felt Mirabel’s hands on her back. “H-hey!” Leah struggled as she was forced into an uncomfortable position, Pepa watching. “Get your fucking hands off of me!” She yelled, yelping when lightning struck near.

Mirabel looked at her as if she’s a toddler. “Oh why are you acting like a brat? I just need you to stay over there.” Mirabel shook her head in disappointment. “Maybe I should’ve duct taped her mouth. But I just love her voice.”

“Mirabel, are you sure about her?” Pepa showed her dislike and disgust for Leah. “You could always find a new one. Someone more…obedient.”

“I would’ve hated to kill her family and friends for nothing.” Mirabel chuckled. “Out of everyone, she caught my eye. I sure as hell don’t want to let her go. Someone struggling like this is amusing to me.”

Pepa fondly rolled her eyes. “Félix certainly struggled less.”

Mirabel pouted. “Am I doing something wrong?” She looked at Pepa for advice, as if Leah wasn’t there. “I think it’s about me being giftless. Maybe that’s why I’m being underestimated.”

Pepa frowned, looking upset. “Is that so?” She hardened her gaze at Leah. “What did you say to her?” She sneered. “You’re so lucky that Mirabel loves you or else I would’ve killed you already.”

Mirabel stared at Leah, before looking at Pepa. “What do you think I should do?”

Pepa let out a hum. “I would’ve roughed her up a little bit then she’ll learn. If she doesn’t, make her. That’s what you should do. It works all the time for me and everyone else. That’s if they’re not dead by them.

Leah said nothing, not even acknowledging just how bad she was trembling in fear.

“Do you want to keep her for a while?” Mirabel asked. “Give her back to me better.”

Leah never felt so scared. She would rather be with Mirabel than with Pepa. Pepa doesn’t hold back to get what she wants.

A wicked smile was on Pepa’s face, a crazed look in her eyes. “Really now?” She laughed excitedly. “I’ll bring her back brand new and ready for you.”

“W-wait!” Leah exclaimed, making the two Madrigals look at her. “I-I’ll be g-good!”

Pepa scoffed. “You’re saying that you don’t want to stay with me?”

Mirabel grinned. “You will?”

“Yes! Just don’t let me stay with her!”

“That’s the best choice you made.”

Chapter 105: What If Bruno & Mirabel Switched Bodies? — Part 2

Notes:

I’m having so much fun writing these.

When Mirabel woke up, she didn’t expect to be in someone else’s body, but here she was. In Casita’s walls, in a man’s body.

Mirabel screeched, instead of her own voice was a stranger’s voice. Was someone watching them in the walls? How creepy was that? Wouldn’t Dolores know or was her gift limited?

“Oh my God…I got to tell someone.” Mirabel muttered, whoever this man was sounded like he hadn’t drunk water in days. Not to mention he was like skin and bones.

Why wouldn’t Casita alert them that someone was in the walls?

Mirabel was walking around the room or whatever this could be called.

She heard squeaking and moving around the ruana.

“Don’t tell….don’t tell me that’s what I think it is.”  Mirabel said to herself, trying to calm herself down from panicking. She turned over and right on her side was a rat.

…

“Kill me now.” Mirabel was open to animals, but rats? Rats? She didn’t mind them, but them on her? That’s a no. 

She wasn’t going to throw them off of her or go crazy.

She needed to calm down.

A stranger in their walls and they liked rats?

How bizarre.

Today has been full of surprises.

But how does she get out?

She needs to tell someone.

Who knows what this person is doing in her body?

Would they believe that she’s Mirabel and not the person?

Mirabel passed what looked to be a mirror. It was a shards of glass.

Mirabel looked in the glass, using it as a mirror.

…

This face and color scheme was familiar.

Wait.

No.

Definitely not.

The stranger in the walls isn’t her missing uncle.

The stranger whose body she’s in isn’t the person her abuela made a rule about.

The person that we don’t talk about.

Her mother’s and aunt’s brother.

These skins and bones definitely weren't Bruno Madrigal.

…Right?

Oh who was she convincing? She didn’t even believe her own words.

Why would her uncle be in the walls when they claimed he left ten years ago? Why wouldn’t he come back if he’s this close?

The important question is—

Why did she switch bodies with him?

Is this some dream?

Did he switch bodies with her?

This might’ve been the weirdest thing that ever happened to her and she lives with a magical family.

Can she use his gift?

---

“I don’t—I don’t know what’s wrong. Why is this happening?” Bruno mumbled to himself. He didn’t have a vision, no warning, nothing. He certainly didn’t expect to find himself in his niece’s body one day. Will he turn back? “I can’t face them.”

That definitely wasn’t the way to approach Pepa after seeing her face to face. It was worth it though.

Maybe he could hide in his room— the nursery until it wears off. Hopefully.

There was a knock on the door.

“U-uhm…come in.” Bruno—well, Mirabel’s voice sounded less confident, more upset.

When the door opened, it was Dolores.

“Tía wanted to come instead, but I insisted on coming. Not everyone can heartbeats.” Dolores said softly, staring at “Mirabel”. “Did mamá actually scare you?” She asked. “She didn’t mean it. She would never harm you purposely. Please don’t take it to heart.”

“Pe— tía… she didn’t scare me. I was just surprised. I’m fine.” Bruno told her. Though he would have to disagree with Dolores saying that Pepa would never harm him purposely. Maybe not Mirabel. But back in their teenage years, Pepa used to go on strike with hurting people who messed with him or her. She would also strike him when he got on her nerves. It never hurt and Bruno knew that she would never actually hurt him. “…This isn’t a dream, right?” Bruno looked at Dolores with pleading eyes. 

Dolores was stunned as she stared at “Mirabel”. She had no idea what she was talking about. Dolores blinked in surprise. “You’re…scared.” She was listening to “Mirabel’s” heartbeat, which was beating oddly fast. Different from excitement. She looked at her with a worried expression. “You said that she didn’t scare you. What’s wrong? What happened?”

Bruno said nothing, Dolores didn’t know. Not that he really expected her to, but his hopes were higher than usual. Which was already low.

“Are you sure that you’re okay?” Dolores asked worriedly when she didn’t receive a response.

“I—I have to go.” Bruno stammered, as he backed away from his niece. He hoped that Mirabe wasn’t planning on leaving the walls in his body. “S-sorry, it’s important. I don’t mean to worry you.”

Dolores stared at “Mirabel” with a startled expression. “W-wait, you should calm down first. You don’t sound or look well.” She placed a hand on “Mirabel’s” shoulder. “Is it serious?”

Bruno avoided her gaze. “N-no…well, I don’t know.” Was switching bodies with his niece seriously? Probably. “I’m not in any danger.” He had to clarify that or else Dolores would think the worse. “It’s just a me thing. I have to figure it out by…myself.”

That didn’t ease Dolores’ concern. “I’ll keep an ear out for you.”

Bruno didn’t expect Dolores to drop it so easily either. That was just how Dolores was.

“O..okay.” 

She’ll probably find out later anyways.

“I’ll be back…maybe.” Bruno muttered the last part, as he backed away from Dolores.

Dolores narrowed her eyes. “Maybe?” 

“I will.” Bruno smiled nervously. “I will be back. No worries.” Bruno slowly exited the nursery, Dolores watching “her” every move.

“You’re going to bump into a wall—“

Bruno fell and got back up. “Ignore that and enjoy your day!”

“And I thought that I was the weird cousin…?” Dolores murmured, walking off.

Bruno quickly ran off. He couldn’t do this in his body. He got tired way too easily compared to Mirabel’s body. She’s way too energetic.

When nobody was looking, he moved the painting aside to reveal a hole.

He couldn’t imagine how Mirabel was feeling. She was probably taking it worse than him. She had nobody to help her and had his horrible gift. She probably doesn’t even know who he was.

She’s probably so scared right now.

When Bruno entered the walls, he didn’t expect to see himself surrounded by vision slabs and rats.

He heard himself— Mirabel laugh. “Yes! Isabela finally gets rid of that horrendous dress!”

Nevermind.

Chapter 106: Remember When — Part 3

Mirabel was confused when she found herself in Casita. Don’t get her wrong, nothing should’ve been out of the ordinary, but something was off. Mirabel stared at the family tree to the plates.

It oddly looked like Casita before the miracle was destroyed. It was strange.

Mirabel paused, a sudden realization came to her. “Oh my God…don’t tell me that I got hit with Adriana’s gift again.” Mirabel groaned, rubbing her face. “At least Isabela isn’t with me this time. Though…I wonder which reality is this. It certainly isn’t our past.”

She’d just wait for them to come.

“Casita?” Mirabel watched as the tiles clicked in amusement. Casita was happy. “And here I was wondering why you weren’t responding.” She chuckled.

Mirabel watched as Casita was pushing a lot of food and drinks on the table for her. Mirabel was confused. Casita wasn’t done. Casita wrapped a blanket around her.

It certainly wasn’t cold.

She’ll just let Casita do what she wants.

She’ll just wait for a Madrigal to arrive.

…

“M-Mirabel?”

Mirabel turned around to see her mother looking at her with a horrified expression. Mirabel frowned, she didn’t know what caused that reaction. Even another one of mothers’ didn’t react in such a strange way.

Julieta’s hands were trembling as she stared at her daughter. Her dead daughter. “You’re not real…” She mumbled. “You’re not real!” She said louder.

Mirabel’s eyes widened as she looked at her mother. “I’m real, mamá.” She made her way towards Julieta. “Why wouldn’t I be—“ Just what happened here?

Julieta collapsed to the ground, tears falling down her face. “You’re not real.” She repeated. “I know you’re not real…y-you’re just one of my hallucinations. P-please, just g-go. L-leave me alone.” She struggled to tell her daughter to leave.

Mirabel was on Julieta’s side, crouching beside her. She held Julieta’s hands. “If I weren’t real, would you be able to touch me? Can’t you feel how warm I am? I’m real, mamá.” She told her, as Julieta’s eyes widened. “I’m not a hallucination.”

Julieta went silent as she stared at Mirabel, sobbing silently. During all of her hallucinations, she never was able to touch Mirabel. She would disappear. “Y-you can’t—c-can’t…I saw y-you d-die. Your b-body in C-Casita—“

Mirabel’s eyes widened. She died here? Crap, this isn’t good. She should’ve avoided meeting any of them then. It was already too late, wasn’t it?

Mirabel swallowed nervously, slowly pulling back. Would it be rude of her to convince Julieta that she was indeed a hallucination? Definitely.

Julieta held her hand tightly as she stared at Mirabel. “W-where are you g-going?” Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet she sounded so loud. 

“Julieta, what’s taking you so lo…” Agustín’s words trailed off as he stared at his wife and daughter. He gasped, along with the others. He could tell that he wasn’t the only one seeing her by their reaction.

Mirabel stared at them all, it was definitely too late to go now. “That’s me.” She smiled  nervously. What’s wrong with her? That was genuinely one of the worst things to say. Actually, she could’ve said, ‘I’m a ghost and I’ve come back to haunt you all!’ That would’ve been hilarious and sad. Mostly sad. Maybe not as funny. Very cruel. Mirabel watched as tears streamed down their faces and their eyes water up. “I’m right here.” Mirabel said softly.

Nobody made a move.

As if she was going to disappear the moment they got closer.

As if this was some sort of fucked up dream that they never wanted to wake up from.

They all were aware that they were seeing the same person.

“M-Mirabel?” It was Antonio who said something first, breaking the silence. “Y-you’re actually b-back?” He sniffled.

Mirabel held out her free arm. Oh this was a terrible idea. Out of all realities to go to. Antonio rushed to her, hugging her tightly.

The Madrigals took the incentive to go up to Mirabel.

“H-how—”

“We saw your b-body—“

“Y-you’re real—“

“Y-you—

“Died.”

Mirabel watched as all of them spoke over one another. Her eyes settled on Alma.

“H-How are you here? You shouldn’t be here.” Mirabel knew that Alma didn’t mean to come off as harsh, that was just how she spoke. She knew what Alma meant. “Did you—“

“No, I didn’t fake my death. Not a ghost or in the past either.” Mirabel said, before anyone can come up with their suspicions. 

“T-then how?”

“I’m not Mirabel.” Mirabel could see their eyes widening and the confusion and panic. “W-well, I’m Mirabel Madrigal. Just not your Mirabel.”

Alma looked confused like the rest of the Madrigals. “I’m not—I’m not understanding y-you.”

Mirabel never thought about how close she was to dying and that she could’ve died. It was a close situation. She was lucky, the other her wasn’t so fortunate.

“A-ah, so…I survived when Casita fell.” Mirabel explained her situation. “Though it was a close situation. Yours…didn’t. I forgave my abuela and we reconciled. Tío Bruno came back. We rebuilt Casita although the miracle was destroyed during the time. It took us almost a year to fully get Casita back. When I touched the doorknob, Casita was back.” She averted her gaze. “Dolores’ daughter has the gift to travel through realities. She doesn’t know how to control it and I just happen to be the main target…now I’m here.”

They stared at her with widened eyes.

“So…you’re not our Mirabel.” Camilo said quietly as she shook her head.

But that wasn’t the problem.

Frankly, they didn’t even care that she wasn’t their Mirabel. They were just glad to have Mirabel back. To finally see and hear her voice again. 

They didn’t want to let her go either.

“Uhm…I c-could just leave if you all like. It’d be like I was never here.”

Their reaction was immediate.

“No!”

“Please …s-stay.” Isabela said softly. “Don’t leave us a-again. Don’t leave me again.” Isabela’s tone was desperate. 

Mirabel blinked in surprise.

“I missed you so m-much…”

“I—“

“I c-can’t.” Mirabel muttered.

Bruno stared at Mirabel, before shaking his head and turning away. She could see him holding back his tears. She knew that he understood.

“…I can only stay here for a week maximum before I’m back to my world. I-I can’t stay here forever. I’m sorry.” Mirabel told them, much to their horror. 

“N-no!” Antonio cried out. “You can’t go! I just got you back!” He clung onto her skirt tightly. “How can you be so c-cruel? I—I didn’t even get to say goodbye to you l-last time…I don’t want to say goodbye to you, M-Mira!”

Mirabel was speechless, as she stared at her little cousin. 

“W-why can’t you stay here?” Julieta had asked, looking at Mirabel with a hurt expression.

“I have my own family.” Mirabel said. “They’d be terrified to find out that I’m gone. Adriana would blame herself if I never returned. I can’t let that happen.”

“She’s right…” Bruno said sadly. “We can’t just make her our Mirabel. We can’t pretend that our Mirabel isn’t gone and have her replace Mirabel. She has her own family. I don’t want them to go through what we went through. It isn’t right.”

“…But we just got h-her back…”

“She’s not ours.” Bruno swallowed. “Our Mirabel died two years ago.”

The Madrigals went silent. It was a cold truth, which none of them wanted to truly accept. But it needed to be said. They couldn’t take someone and have them be Mirabel. It will never be the same. Different reality or not. 

“…I’m s-sorry.” Julieta apologized through sobs, looking away from Mirabel. “Then…can we at least take photos with you? For M-Mirabel, we never had mu-much photos of her. Please?”

Mirabel’s expression softened. “Of course.”

They’d make sure that this week counts.

Chapter 107: Her Diary — Part 2

Isabela liked to think that she could compose herself well. Especially her anger.

Right now she was fuming.

“Isabela—“

Alma.

Just the person she wanted to see.

“What’s the matter? Why are you walking like that? It’s unladylike.” Alma scolded, she looked displeased as she stared at Isabela.

Isabela’s eyes twitched. “I don’t care.”

“Excuse me?”

“I don’t care what you think is unladylike or not.” Isabela hissed. “It’s my body, not yours.”

Alma’s eyes widened. “What in the world are you talking about?”

Isabela scoffed, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. “There’s no point in listening to you spout bullshit when it’s doing nobody good but you. I thought I was doing good, that I was protecting Mirabel. There’s no use in pretending now.” 

“Protecting Mirabel?” Alma repeated, with a frown. Protecting Mirabel from what? Just what did Mirabel put in Isabela’s head? “Ay…this girl again. Whatever Mirabel said is just lies. The miracle didn’t bless her and she has to make herself seen somehow—“

“To hell with that miracle! I wasn’t even saying anything about the miracle! Mirabel didn’t put any lies in my head! She just helped me realize the truth!” Isabela snapped, making Alma gasp. “I was fine being your little puppet as long as nobody else was put up to such high expectations! It definitely didn’t help anyone! Mamá is constantly overworking! Tía has to keep her emotions in check because some spoiled brats don’t like a bit of rain! My father and tío Félix are unappreciated. We don’t even talk about my other tío. Who's also your son! Dolores is your gossip machine! Luisa works like a mule! Camilo is having an identity crisis because everyone wants him to be someone else that’s not himself! It wasn’t even helping Mirabel—“

“What has gotten into you, Isabela!?” Alma was beyond shock. Mirabel was going to be in so much trouble once Isabela is back to normal.

“What? You don’t like that I’m aware of what you and these other people are doing to this family? That I’m calling you out on your crap?” Isabela yelled. “This family is a wreck because of you!” 

“This family isn’t a wreck!”

“Then what do you call the things that I’ve just said a moment ago!? That surely doesn’t seem healthy! Oh and whose fault is it that we’re all like this!? Oh my, what a shock— you! You’re the one pressuring these expectations on us!”

“I’m not pressuring anything! You all got these gifts to help the Encanto!”

“Every once in a while I don’t mind, but every single day!? No breaks! You can’t possibly think that it’s humanly possible for us to do all of that without getting exhausted!” Isabela rolled her eyes. “You don’t understand what we’re going through because you don’t even have a gift! I don’t know why you’re always irritated with Mirabel when you also don’t have a gift! Holding a candle doesn’t make much of a difference!”

“How dare you speak to me like that, Isabela!?”

“It’s true, is it not!? You taught me not to lie, abuela! You don’t have a gift, you’re miracless, useless according to your own standards!” Isabela laughed. “You want me to keep pretending that everything is fine!? I’ll tell you the truth! Right here! Right now!”

Slowly, all of the Madrigals arrived on the scene because of the yelling.

They would put a stop to it or interrupt them. But it seemed more one-sided and Isabela looked pissed. It wouldn’t hurt to let Isabela get out what she has to say.

“…Shouldn't we be stopping this?” Luisa asked, turning to her family.

“I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m enjoying this. I should’ve bought popcorn.” Camilo let out a dramatic sigh.

“I’d have to agree with Camilo here.” Félix commented. “I certainly don’t disagree with Isabela. I just didn’t expect her to be the one snapping.”

“Right?”

“We’re not good influences at all.”

“Yeah, I can’t even deny that.”

“I’ll step in if it gets out of hand.” By any means, Julieta wasn’t planning on stopping them. Sure, she’s supposed to be the responsible one. But she had to agree with Félix. Isabela has control of the situation. She’ll step in when needed. “I’ll also need to have a talk with mamá after this.” 

“Ah, mi amor, when you’re like that, it never ends well for the other party.”

Pepa shrugged, grinning. “Well, I like seeing Julieta like this. Like mother and daughter. It’s a rare occurrence.”

…

“I’m not you! I will never be you! You can’t mold me into what you wish you had!” Isabela yelled. “I was fine with being your little puppet! Even if I wasn’t happy with it! I thought that you would’ve left Mirabel alone! That you wouldn’t put the same pressure on her like you did to me! I took the attention off of Mirabel! But no, it wasn’t enough for you! Nothing she did, what I did, what anyone did was enough for you!”

“…We all need to talk.”

“Agreed.”

“Mirabel only got in the way!”

“She never was in the way! Mirabel only wanted to make you proud, which is impossible! You’re never satisfied!”

“Isabela—

“I don’t even love Mariano! I only agreed to marry him for the family! For you! I don’t like poetry at all and I’m disgusted at the thought of having five children with him! Dolores loves him more than I do! If anything, you set up the wrong Madrigal with him! But you shouldn’t be arranging marriages anyways! Just let us date who we want to date! I’m only twenty-one! What’s the rush!? Let me live my life! I haven’t been my true self for sixteen years!”

“What!?”

“Well damn.”

Camilo looked at Mirabel. “This is the best drama I have had in my life and I’m Camilo Madrigal.”

“Shut up.” Mirabel deadpanned.

“Wait, Dolores!?”

Dolores blushed, saying nothing.

“If you didn’t want to marry him, you could’ve said something! I wouldn’t have let you if you didn’t want to!”

“But would you have listened!? You care more about making new Madrigals! You care more about the miracle than us!”

“No, mi flor, of course I don’t! I care about you more than the miracle!”

“I’m not referring to only me! What about the others? What about Mirabel!? You’d choose the miracle over Mirabel anytime!” Isabela fumed, not paying any mind to the cracks forming. “You’ve already done it! It’s nothing new! The miracle is put above all of us and you know it! You don’t care about us! Our wellbeing! As long as the miracle is alright— that’s all that matters to you! And our reputation!”

“Don’t you ever—“

“—Look around you! Look at us! The miracle isn’t dying because of me! It isn’t dying because of tío Bruno! It sure as hell isn’t dying because of Mirabel! The miracle is dying because of you.” 

That's all it took as a huge crack spread between the two.

The rest of the Madrigals watched with widened eyes. Though, they felt a bit more relieved than they felt earlier. Isabela said the things that they wouldn’t dare say to Alma. 

Bruno watched inside of the walls with popcorn and a satisfied expression. His mother did have it coming.

Mirabel was shocked, she didn’t think Isabela would go to this extent to defend her. She didn’t know how to feel. Happy? Grateful? Relieved? Confused? All of the above?

Isabela’s scowl deepened. “Unlike you, I don’t put gifts above family.” She made some vines. “I’d choose family over that damn candle anytime. I’d choose Mirabel over the candle any day.”

…

“Uhm,” Dolores squeaked, catching everyone’s attention. Her cheeks flushed at being the center of attention. “I’m glad Isabela got that out and I agree with her, but we really need to leave Casita. Immediately. If we stay here any longer, we’re going to be crushed. I don’t think any of us like the idea of being squished.” 

“That honestly sounds like a great idea.”

Chapter 108: The Rise Of A New Matriarch

Notes:

Oh my God, fluff???

At the age of five when Mirabel didn’t get a gift, her life changed. Not negatively of course. She was treated the same, well, if not a little better.

Her family did their best to include her in their tasks, no matter what the townspeople said and thought.

In turn, Mirabel gave her family suggestions and advice about the way they work. As a five year old, she was blunt and honest. She didn’t see the point in her mother healing everyone every single day from small cuts to broken bones. She didn’t see the point in having her aunt water the fields everyday when there’s a river nearby. She didn’t see the point in them getting upset with her uncle when they asked for a vision. She didn’t see the point in Isabela making flowers everyday when they could grow some naturally or buy some. She didn’t see the point in having Dolores listen in to people and gossip. She didn’t see the point in making Luisa move everything for no reason. She didn’t see the point in having Camilo, who is the same age as her, babysit adults’ children.

Fortunately, Alma didn’t see the problem with what Mirabel was doing. She was actually unaware of the residents of the Encanto taking advantage of her family like this.

She saw what Mirabel was doing as a good thing.

Her family is least overwhelmed with work and they’re spending more time with each other. They also seemed happier. It’s great. 

Alma knew that the moment Mirabel’s door disappeared she was going to be the future matriarch and candleholder. She didn’t need to ask Bruno for a vision. She had faith in Mirabel. 

When Mirabel got older, the candle was moved into her room. Alma had no problem with that either. It wasn’t like she could be the matriarch and candleholder forever. She did feel guilty that Mirabel might’ve taken on too much when she was younger and still does.

Mirabel was going to need practice for when the time actually comes.

…So when Antonio Madrigal only turns five in a day, Alma knows that will be the day to see how well she’ll do.

…

“It’s your birthday tomorrow.” Mirabel looked at Antonio with a warm expression. “You’re turning five. Is there anything that you’d like for your fifth birthday?”

“Uhm,” Antonio looked pretty nervous, but the reassuring look that Mirabel gave him was calming. “Is it alright if I just have a small party?” His voice was low. “Just with you all?”

Mirabel stared at Antonio for a second, during that second Antonio was already regretting that he asked.

“I—“

“Yeah, that’s fine! I don’t see the problem and I’m sure the others will agree.” Mirabel tilted her head. “I’ll tell Dolores, who’ll inform the others. There’s no need to be nervous. Everything will be fine. It’ll just be us.”

Antonio’s cheeks heated up. “T-thank you, Mira.”

Mirabel grinned, nudging him. “Anything for my favorite cousin!” He squealed. “It’ll be just the way you want it. Animal themed, everything. Just you wait.” She kissed him on the forehead. “Night, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Mirabel closed the door behind her with a smile.

Someone cleared their throat, startling her.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Dolores said apologetically, smiling sheepishly.

“Oh no, you’re fine.”

“Anyways, I wanted to tell you that I already heard and will tell them. You don’t have to find me. Though you will have to tell abuela though.”

Mirabel already expected that. “Yeah, that’s no problem.”

Dolores smirked. “Also favorite cousin?”

Mirabel blushed, saying nothing.

“Don’t worry, anyone would be blind to not know that Antonio is your favorite.” Dolores laughed. “I take no offense to that.”

Mirabel smiled. “You’re my favorite older cousin.”

“Camilo?”

“He doesn’t have to kn—“

“I heard that!”

…

The conversation with her abuela went well. Mirabel didn’t expect anything else.

“Yes?” Alma hummed.

“Antonio said that he wanted a small party with just us. No townspeople. Family only.” Mirabel told her, Alma looked pretty surprised.

“…Really? Well, I suppose that there’s no problem with that. Does he have any friends that he wants to invite?” Alma asked.

 

Mirabel shook her head. “Maybe, I’m not sure. I’ll ask him about that. Besides that, it’s strictly family. Everyone else already knows, family wise, I was just the one to tell you.”

Alma nodded. “Alright, it is Antonio’s birthday. Though it’s different from how we usually do it, everything will be fine. I’ll inform the town.”

“Thank you, abuela.”

Alma smiled warmly. “Hmm, there’s nothing to thank me for, I’m only doing what my grandson wants.”

“I’ll go prepare.”

“So will I.”

---

Mirabel looked at the clock. “It’s almost time, isn’t it?” Casita clacked its tiles.

“It is.” Alma was walking ahead of her. “This will be great practice for you.”

Mirabel nodded.

Dolores squeaked. “Mirabel says it’s time.” 

Mirabel peeked her head in, grinning. “You know that I’m right here, right? There’s no need for all of that. It’s just going to be us. No townspeople to put a mask on for.”

Pepa looked amused, she leaned on Félix. “This is going to be so much better than the time we got our gift.”

“Our?” He smirked.

“You know what I mean.”

“Are you ready for this?” Camilo shifted into Antonio. “Imagine you get the gift of flying? Or shifting like me? Imagi—“

“Save your theories.” Mirabel chuckled. “We’re about to see his gift soon.”

“Yay!” Antonio didn’t look nervous as he did yesterday, he was more happy since there weren't a lot of people watching. 

“Do you want me to walk you?”

“I don’t see why we all can’t walk up with him.”

“I mean…yeah, you have a point there.”

“What if it’s like wings and we all just fall down the stairs?”

“…Don’t jinx it and Casita will save us.”

“I say that we talk about his gift when he gets his gift.” Mirabel held onto Antonio’s hand, holding the candle on the other.

Julieta held a hand over her chest, looking at Mirabel proudly. “Oh mija… look at how you’ve grown.”

Mirabel chuckled. “Thank you, mamá. As much as I love this, we can’t delay his ceremony.”

They nodded.

“Let's go, Toñito.”

They began walking up the steps, until they reached Antonio’s door.

They all looked at her expectantly.

Mirabel glanced at her family then back at Antonio. “I’m not going to say the formal speech that abuela always said.” Mirabel smiled. “When the townspeople ask, you don’t have to answer their questions about your gift if you don’t want to. You’re not going to be helping them because you’re still too young. Enough of that—“ Her expression softened. “Antonio, are you ready?”

Antonio nodded as he began to walk up to his door. 

He held the doorknob, the family watching in anticipation.

A toucan landed on his shoulder.

Mirabel’s smile widened as Antonio turned to it, talking.

The other Madrigals began clapping, congratulating Antonio.

“Talking to animals…why am I not surprised about that?” Mirabel said, stepping to the side as more animals began to rush in. Mirabel looked inside of Antonio’s room, which seemed to be an entire jungle. Way bigger on the inside.

The other Madrigals were walking with Antonio inside of his room. Pepa panicking over the Jaguar.

“I still don’t understand why they get gifts at five years old. Abuelo could've at least waited until they were older, before giving them gifts.” Mirabel muttered in annoyance.

Alma snorted. “I’ll have to agree with that.”

“Do you think that they have to open their door exactly at the age of five or…?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think the door will disappear if they don’t immediately open the door. It’ll just be here. Are you trying to change things again?”

“Maybe.”

“You do what you think is best.”

Chapter 109: Drowning — Part 2

Bruno was panting, he was exhausted. He desperately searched around for Mirabel. Please, before it’s too late. “Mirabel!” He yelled out, he wasn’t expecting a response, but he was praying for one.

He was shivering and cold. 

He didn’t know.

He thought he was protecting Mirabel.

The vision was sudden.

He didn’t think that she was suicidal.

He thought she was fine, just like everyone else had thought. That it was his fault to think she was okay. Especially when she’s going through something.

Her own abuela pushed her to the side. Her parents don’t have enough time for her. She doesn’t talk to her aunt and uncle anymore. Her other uncle went missing because of her. Her oldest sister hates her. Her oldest cousin avoids her. Her older sister is always busy and never had time for her. She had drifted apart from her other cousin and they don’t hang out like they used to. Her younger cousin…she knew that it wouldn’t take long for him to forget about her.

How can anyone be fine in such a dysfunctional family? How can anyone be so happy even after they’re neglected? How can anyone be so optimistic when they’re the only giftless one?

Unless they’re faking it. 

Faking it until they can make it or when they can’t take it anymore.

That’s what Mirabel did.

“Oh God…” Bruno said under his breath, his eyes widened. The water was above his ankles, his eyes stung and vision was blurred.

It was just like his vision.

He fell to his knees.

There was no point in trying to fix something that’s incapable of being fixed.

That was already far too broken.

He held her as he stared at the body of his niece, Mirabel. She looked exactly as she did in the vision. Her glasses were missing, her face was pale. “Oh mi m-mariposita…” He cried, his tears falling into the pool of water. 

Things weren’t supposed to end like this.

Mirabel wasn’t supposed to die.

Not like this.

How can he be so stupid?

Why didn’t he think of any other possibilities if Mirabel didn’t save the miracle? Why did he think that Mirabel would be so happy to save the miracle? Why didn’t he think that she’ll blame herself and try to get rid of the supposed problem?

Most importantly—

Why couldn’t he save her in time?

---

Isabela was confused when she couldn’t spot any of her family members in the crowd. She had seen them a moment ago and the next they were gone.

Brief annoyance flashed through her face as she kept an eye on Antonio, who was excitedly talking to children his age.

It wouldn’t take long to notice that nearly all of his family members left to go do something. Isabela couldn’t help but wonder what was that something? Even her abuela was nowhere to be 

It wasn’t like them to just leave, especially since it’s a great night. Antonio’s ceremony went well, it was better than Mirabel’s ceremony. There was no reason to be upset.

Water splattered on her.

Isabela looked up, her eyes widening.

Rain?

It wasn’t the typical rain, it was pouring. It got even more aggressive. Everyone was getting drenched as they exclaimed to get shelter.

It was a total disaster.

Isabela frowned, what had gotten her tía so upset? She hadn’t rained like this since tío Bruno left. 

It was supposed to be a happy day.

Isabela grabbed Antonio.

He was also confused. “Why is mamí upset?”

Isabela didn’t know the answer to that, but she didn’t want her five year old cousin to worry too much. “Don’t worry about it. It’s just…happy rain. How about you just go to your room, Toñito? It’s getting dark anyways. We also don’t want the birthday boy getting sick.”

She ushered Antonio into his room.

Thankfully, he didn’t question it much.

Isabela sighed, shaking her head. Her entire body was soaked as she walked through Casita. She took off her sandals, setting them off to the side. She’ll have to dry them off later.

She was looking around for her family. She should’ve brought an umbrella. For her and Pepa.

In a blink of an eye, she was on the ground.

Isabela let out a yelp when Dolores literally crashed into her, sending them both to the ground. “Dolo…res…” She trailed off as she noticed the tears and panicked look on her cousin’s face. “What happened?” Whatever it was, it wasn’t good. “Are you hurt? Do I need to go get mamá?”

“Isa—“ Dolores suddenly broke down. “—M-M-Mirabel—“ Dolores sobbed, her entire body trembling as she held onto Isabela. “—I can’t—I can’t.”

Isabela held Dolores back, ignoring the uncomfortable feeling of wet fabric pressed against each other. “What happened to Mirabel? What can’t you do, Lola?” She looked at her in concern.

Dolores froze.

“Dolores?”

“I-I can’t hear h-her…she’s—she’s gone. It’s too l-late.” Dolores whimpered, covering her ears.

“Too la…” Isabela stared at Dolores with widened eyes. “What do you mean by Mirabel is gone? Y-you can’t possibly mean that. I literally just saw her earlier today, t-there’s no way…m-maybe Mirabel is just—just sleeping and you can’t identify her?”

“N-no,” Dolores sobbed harder. “She’s dead. I—I saw the v-vision. She’s d-dead, Isa…she won’t—I can’t—it’s too late. H-he found her body.”

Isabela felt as if her heart stopped. She took in Dolores’ words, she didn’t want to believe it. She just saw her a while ago. Who was he? How did Mirabel die? What happened during those few hours? A vision? Please, let this be a cruel prank. Please.

“What?” Isabela’s voice cracked as she stared at Dolores with a stunned expression. Dolores was still crying. This wasn’t a prank. 

This was real.

Chapter 110: Blood Bound — Part 3

It’s been months, almost a year since Mirabel joined her grandfather and uncle. She was getting trained during that time.

“Lilith will be leading with you, Mirabel. Vincent will also accompany you, leading the others.” Pedro announced, folding his arms. “Bruno and I will join in later and—“

“—make a dramatic entrance?” Bruno grinned.

“That too.”

Mirabel had a matching grin. “It’s been years since they last saw you two. It would be a waste to not have a dramatic entrance.”

Pedro chuckled. “Us, Madrigals always had a thing for making things much more dramatic and entertaining.”

“Definitely.” Lilith agreed, standing by Mirabel’s side. “Do you want us to go now?”

“Yes, the sooner the better.”

With that, Pedro and Bruno disappeared.

Mirabel looked at Lilith. “Are we killing or are we just capturing them? Or both?” She asked curiously.

“That’s for later. Right now, we’re here to just capture them. Harm them when needed. We’ll show them that they made a huge mistake.” Lilith grinned manically.

“Well then, everyone split up. Lilith, I want you to be with me.” Mirabel looked upon the Encanto with an angry expression. “Nobody goes after the Madrigals, they’re mine. If you encounter them, go find someone else to take. If you can’t, fight back, don’t kill or injure them badly. Don’t go after Antonio at all. Don’t let him see what you’re doing either.”

“Yes, mistress.” They chorused.

Mirabel scanned all of them. “It’s time to hunt.”

In an instant, all vampires took off besides Lilith.

“Oh I can imagine the bloodshed, I’m already loving it!” Lilith exclaimed in excitement. “Are you ready?”

“Yes, of course I’m ready. I had months to prepare and get better.” Mirabel smiled. “It would all be a waste if I wasn’t.”

“We’ll win, no doubt. The Madrigals are going to be far too focused on everything else to be in guard of Casita, the miracle. That’s when they’ll strike. They would have to split up. They’ll have no choice, but to protect different parts of the Encanto. Truly, there’s nothing to worry about. They all are going to be unprepared.”

Mirabel nodded along, as they looked around the Encanto and searched for them. No Madrigals in sight.

“Mm…would’ve been better if we had their blood or something. That way we’ll be able to track their scent.” Lilith murmured to herself.

Mirabel found herself having a short temper.

Mirabel was running around, Lilith on her side. “What the hell are they doing!?” Mirabel was getting more agitated. People were crying and screaming. “Surely the Madrigals wouldn’t let people die!”

Lilith glanced around, placing a hand on her shoulder. “They’ll come. Do you want me to go check around? I won’t go too far, but I know that they’ll come soon. If I spot her, I’ll alert you.”

Mirabel let out a sigh, composing herself. “Alright, you could do that. I’ll wait here. I don’t need to find them, they need to.”

Lilith ran off, leaving Mirabel alone.

Mirabel didn’t need to move or make any more unnecessary searches. Like she said, they’ll find her.

She watched as people ran past her, screaming. Nobody truly was getting hurt, they just needed everyone captured. If they struggle too much, that’s when they’ll get hurt.

Mirabel waited a couple of minutes.

Mirabel was so tempted to go inside Casita and steal the candle. 

She wouldn’t be the one doing that though.

…

“…M-Mirabel?”

Mirabel grinned, showing off her sharp teeth at the sight of her family. Less than half of them were there. She assumed that they had split up like they planned. “I was wondering when you were going to arrive. I was almost afraid that this trip would’ve been a waste.”

They looked horrified at the sight of her. As if she’s supposed to be dead. Well, yeah, they pointed a gun to her head with the intent to finish her off.

Especially Alma.

“You…” Alma stared at Mirabel with widened eyes. She was sure that Mirabel was dead. “How are you alive?” She killed her. She knew that vampires could shift into other people. But she knew this was Mirabel. 

“You know…if I were to kill someone. I would make sure that they’re actually dead before leaving.” Mirabel chuckled. “I know the reason why Vincent purposely didn’t aim for my heart. I wholeheartedly agree with them.” 

“Mirabel…” Julieta whispered in horror. She couldn’t believe it. It’s almost been a year. Mirabel was alive. The guilt was still strong for letting her mother do what she did. That she let it happen.

“You are working with them!?” Agustín gasped.

“You shouldn’t be focusing on me while people are dying.” Mirabel replied. “Even if I did, it shouldn’t matter to any of you. You all made it clear that I was never welcomed.”

Alma narrowed her eyes, raising her gun. “So you are.”

“You never saw me as a granddaughter anyways.” Mirabel sneered. “You don’t know how it feels to be abandoned. To be neglected for something that you don’t have any control over. For something that I didn’t want.” 

“You died that day.”

“I have and will always be Mirabel Madrigal. I always had my own consciousness. Nothing changed about me besides the fact that I’m a vampire. I didn’t die that day. You all just refused to accept me. Especially you.” Mirabel glared at all of them. “You can’t die twice.”

Alma had an expression of anger and horror. “You have that same look in your eyes like the rest of them.”

“All vampires are the same to you. Family or not. They must die.” Mirabel said, eyeing the gun. “Would you kill yourself if you were turned? What about Isabela?”

Alma was silent.

Julieta and Agustín looked at each other.

“Mirabel…we’re sorry, we never knew you felt that way. Having you…having you change into one of them was different. We thought you were dead. You looked as if you were suffering. It—it was better to end it off quickly.”

“…Now that you’re back, you can come back to us. We’ll be better. Just what do you know about the other vampires?”

One of Mirabel’s eyes twitched. “Of course I won’t be accepted back without giving something in return.” She laughed. “All I can say is that vampires are faster than bullets. And that I won’t be killing anyone, that’s not why I’m here. I wouldn’t dare harm anybody.”

“Then why are you here, Mirabel? You may not be harming anyone, but these other vampires are.” Alma sneered.

“Nobody is dying today.” Mirabel grinned, an unknown glint in her eyes. “I can’t tell you the purpose of me being here now. But you’ll eventually find out. I know you will. Actually…would you believe me if I say that I’m here to distract you?”

…

“What?”

Mirabel laughed. “Would you believe me if I said that I needed you to find me?” She looked at Alma. “That I needed you to separate from the other Madrigals.”

“Mirab—“

“—Mirabel,” Lilith arrived by her side, her eyes widening at the sight of Alma Madrigal, a grin forming. “You found her.”

“Y-you—“

“You’re gathering more people to turn into vampires?” Alma sneered, pointing her gun to Lilith. “All of you are the same.”

“Shoot.” Lilith said, taking a step forward. “Shoot me. You’re wasting all this time talking, Alma Madrigal. Your gun won’t do me any real harm. You’re so lucky that we need you alive for now. You don’t know me, but I definitely know you. If it were up to me, you’d be dead already.”

The three Madrigals look at Mirabel in horror. They took a look at their surroundings, they noticed it was quiet. The screams from earlier were gone. The other vampires were staring at something, but they made no move to attack the Madrigals.

“Accept your loss.” Mirabel wasn’t focused on them anymore as she stared in that direction. Her lips curled up into a grin. “Vampires won.”

“Mirabel,” Alma was stunned, her voice was shaky. She had never seen the vampires do this before. To completely stop their attacks to look at something. As if they were waiting for something. “What’s happening?”

“They’re here.” Was all that Lilith said as she stepped back.

Chapter 111: Disappearing Gifts And Unseen Worth — Part 3

“…What?”

Mariano and Señora Guzmán looked at the Madrigals in shock. Both of them were processing the information that was told. They looked at each to see if they really heard what the Madrigals told them. And the way that the Madrigals explained it made it seem like they were wrong at all. Was they not hearing themselves?

“Get out of my house.” Señora Guzmán said firmly, watching as their eyes widened. “All of you. I don’t want to associate with any of you.”

Mariano looked hurt. “When I was in an arranged marriage with Isabela and found out that she didn’t love me and was forced…I was okay with that. I didn’t want her to be with someone she didn’t love. Then I meant you, Dolores. I thought that I might’ve just married the wrong Madrigal….I just—I just don’t think I’m meant to get with any of you Madrigals, if this is how you truly behave.”

Dolores looked at Mariano, stunned. “W-wait…you’re not saying what I think you mean…right?” A trembling smile made its way on her face.

“Dolores…what if we had a baby and you wanted it to be a boy instead the baby was born a girl…would you treat her like you treat Mirabel? Would you neglect our daughter because she isn’t a boy? What if she didn’t get a gift? I’m a family guy, Dolores. I can’t—won’t be with someone who’ll treat their family member like that. No less someone who’s only fifteen. It started when she was born.” Mariano looked disappointed. “What I’m saying is that I want to call off our engagement.”

The Madrigals were startled by what Mariano said.

“You—You can’t do that! Don’t you love Dolores? Why would you break it up over something so… small?” Alma asked frantically. Señora Guzmán was there for her when Pedro died, she was there for her before she was with Pedro. She couldn’t lose her relationship with the Guzmáns because of Mirabel. She always wanted to set up one of Señora Guzmán’s children with one of her daughters’ children. Since Isabela didn’t work out, she was glad that at least Dolores loved him.

Señora Guzmán hardened her gaze. “He can and he will.” 

“I thought I knew her…I—I didn’t expect her to be like this. I didn’t expect any of you.” Mariano stammered. “How can you consider this situation small? You’re in the wrong here, Alma. You all are.”

That sentence seemed to enrage some of the Madrigals.

“What—“

“How could you sa—“

“It’s clearly Mirabel’s fault—“

“We did nothing wrong—“

“Stop.” Señora Guzmán glared at Alma. “You’re my friend, but you have changed ever since Pedro died, Alma. You changed for the worst. If Pedro was alive, he would never let this happen. He would never neglect a child over its gender or if they didn’t get a gift.”

“How could you say that—“

“—How could you do that to your own granddaughter, Alma?” Señora Guzmán countered. “If you think that we’ll help you, you’re wrong.”

“Are you choosing her over me? Us?” Alma questioned. “She kicked us out of our own home! She took their gifts! She took the miracle! She also took Antonio! Bruno betrayed us!”

Señora Guzmán shook her head in disappointment. “Out.” She began walking towards them, making them walk backwards.

Eventually the Madrigals were out of her house, Señora Guzmán shutting the door. 

Mariano and Señora Guzmán looked at each other.

“This is not going to end well.”

For the Madrigals.

…

“Well…that did not go well at all.”

“Camilo!”

“What? I’m right. It didn’t go well.”

“Not now.”

Alma glared at them both, causing them to shut up. “We will get the miracle back.” She let out a sigh. It was obvious that Mirabel was the new candleholder. She can’t do anything to Mirabel because she’s the candleholder and Casita favors her. “We’ll get Mirabel too and make her see the truth. We meant well…it was just full of misunderstandings. She overreacted.”

“How?” Agustín asked. “We know how Casita is and how Señora Guzmán reacted…not well. Mirabel is stubborn. How are we going to get through her?”

“Through Antonio.”

Pepa turned to her mother. “What are you thinking?”

“She’s probably holding him hostage or something…” Camilo grumbled.

“We don’t have our gifts, so I don’t know what she’s saying or thinking.” Dolores’ eyes were red from crying. She loved Mariano a lot and she was happy that they were finally together…only for him to break things off because of Mirabel. Maybe if they get Mirabel back, Mariano will want her back.

“Mirabel is only fifteen. She’ll regret this.” Isabela growled. “She’ll see how wrong she is. She’ll come back to us. She has to.” The desperation was clear in her voice.

“Calm down, everyone. We’ll have them back. Everything.” Alma sounded so sure that Mirabel would come back. Crawling back even.

Julieta glared at her mother, eyes glossy. “And you’re saying that as if it’s easy. As if we didn’t fuck up.” She let out a shaky sigh. “But something is better than nothing. Whatever idea you’re thinking of better work.”

Luisa said nothing. Her family couldn’t possibly be this delusional. Right?

Luisa knew that this was only the start.

Alma being the matriarch, well, the old matriarch—not like the townspeople knew. Alma gathered nearly all the townspeople and told them what happened. It’s not lying if you tell some of the truth and mix some things up. All she needed to do was tell them sweet words. She knew that the townspeople relied on their gifts. Without them, they’ll be lost.

The first thing they needed to do was catch Mirabel or Bruno’s attention, preferably Antonio. They weren’t allowed ten feet near Casita, so they couldn’t even get close.

They had to do something to get their attention.

The three Madrigals weren't seen at all despite all of the noise outside.

---

“They’re really desperate, aren’t they?”

“I say that they're not desperate enough. They don’t know I took their gifts. Dolores’ gift does come in handy for this.” Mirabel looked disappointed, but she was used to this. “Camilo’s gift will be even more useful when I need to go out.” She looked out the window. “I don’t want Señora Guzmán and Mariano to get involved with them since they don’t agree with their ways. You never know if the townspeople might resort to violence because of that.”

Bruno looked alarmed. “Do you think that they’ll resort to violence if they don’t get their way?” He doesn't know what he’s expecting.

“When people are desperate…they tend to not think rationally and do extreme things. You know that all too well, don’t you?” Mirabel smiled sadly.

“You’re right…but I don’t want you going out now. They’re watching Casita. They’ll notice if you were to leave. I say just wait until it’s night to get them.”

“If they don’t want to go?”

“Kidnapping?”

“Your idea, not mine.”

“Just kidding…a little bit. But it’s not safe for the Guzmáns to be in their house when things are going like that.”

“Mariano broke it off with Dolores. I feel bad, but I don’t expect anything less from Mariano.” Mirabel hummed.

“I did have a vision of something similar to this.” Bruno told her, making Mirabel’s eyes widen slightly. “It—it wasn’t anything like this. If I saw things turning like this, I would’ve done everything to prevent an outcome like this. I saw an older you…you were surrounded by their gifts. I didn’t understand what it meant. I think…I think I understand what some of it means now.” He let out a sigh. Mirabel wasn’t going to forgive the Madrigals.

“And…I’m assuming that you’re not going to show me the vision?”

“That’s if I can find it. If I do, I’ll show you it…or I can have another vision to see how things will go.”

Chapter 112: The Village’s Embrace

Did you know?

It only takes a village to raise a child.

When the Madrigals weren't there for Mirabel, the residents of the Encanto weren't hesitant to step up. They weren’t hesitant to be the family that Mirabel couldn’t have. They weren’t hesitant to shower her with love and affection.

The Encanto isn’t a big town, but by no means it also isn’t small. Everyone knows each other.

Ten years ago, when Mirabel’s door faded, the townspeople saw how it was affecting Mirabel, the Madrigals especially.

Everyone saw how the Madrigals slowly drifted away from the five year old. They saw how none of the Madrigals offered her comfort. Instead they were focused on using their gifts for other things then helping the youngest Madrigal.

The townspeople took it upon their own hands to be there for Mirabel. It was unspoken about, but everyone did their part to take care of Mirabel when the Madrigals excluded her.

They were there for Mirabel when Alma declared that Mirabel’s birthday would only bring bad memories and didn’t choose to celebrate it.

The townspeople decided to throw Mirabel a party, fortunately without Dolores hearing.

They were there for Mirabel’s quinceñera when the Madrigals had forgotten about her once again. To say that the townspeople were angry was an understatement with what they felt towards the Madrigals.

The Madrigals are stupid to think that Mirabel will ever think of them as family, especially for what they did— didn’t do. She was neglected, ignored, pushed to the side.

But, Mirabel didn’t care.

She stopped caring years ago.

Why would she waste her feelings on them when they don’t care how she feels? 

The residents of the Encanto showed her more love than they ever will.

Nothing can make up for that.

Nothing.

“And where are you going?”

Mirabel looked at Alma strangely. “Outside. Where else would I be going?”

“Dinner is about to start, Mirabel.” Julieta called out from inside of the kitchen. “You can wait after you’re done eating to go outside.”

Mirabel blinked in confusion. She didn’t understand, but she didn’t want to be rude. “…Okay.” Mirabel went into the kitchen, sitting down. All of the other Madrigals were already sitting in their seats. They seemed to be waiting on her. They shouldn’t have. They didn’t last time.

“Took you long enough…” 

Mirabel could’ve sworn that Isabela muttered. She didn’t even want to show up! If anything, blame Alma and Julieta for telling to wait until she’s done eating to leave. She has much better things to do than to sit here in this awkward atmosphere.

Mirabel looked bored, picking at her food and taking occasional bites. Overall, it looked as if she didn’t want to be here. Mainly because she didn’t.

“Are you okay?” Agustín whispered to her. He noticed that she was acting off.

“…Mhm…” Mirabel forced a smile. She would rather be with her family than be with them. “Just…peachy.” It was very boring being here. It was practically silent besides the occasional announcement from Alma. With her family, it wouldn’t be anywhere near this awkward. 

Agustín frowned, but said nothing else. Mirabel was usually talkative at the table. Right? It was odd for her to be like that. He wondered what was bothering her. He would ask about it later— He knows that he’ll forget— maybe Mirabel will tell him what’s bothering her. Hopefully not Alma.

Dinner went on as usual.

Mirabel still didn’t see the point of her being there. The other day, they didn’t even notice that she was gone. There was no emergency, nothing. 

To be honest, it was a waste of her time.

At this point, she shouldn’t even show up to Casita if she has to deal with this again.

She was so glad when dinner was over, she could finally leave.

“Mirabel,”

Nevermind.

“Yes?” Mirabel smiled politely at Alma. Why today out of all days did Alma want to actually do something with her and talk to her? She was just ready to go. “Actually…I’m sorry, but I really have to go.”

“What possibly is more important than what I’m about to say?” Mirabel could hear the annoyance in Alma’s voice.

“You didn’t have a problem with me leaving last time. What’s wrong now?” Mirabel was genuinely confused, but that seemed to make Alma even more frustrated. “I don’t understand why you keep insisting I stay when there’s nothing important going on. I’m done eating and I could go outside. Mamá said that I could and you agreed.”

“I’ve changed my mind, Mirabel. I’m your grandmother and I don’t know why you’re acting like whatever you need to do is so important.”

“It’s not about it being important or not. I have plans, I made plans already . I can’t cancel it for whatever you need me for. Not to mention you changed your mind last minute. That’s just not fair either way. I was going to leave earlier and I’m already late. I’m sure that any of the other Madrigals will be a better help than I am.”

“I don’t know what’s gotten into you. It’s like every time you come home, you’re having an attitude. It’s not acceptable. I know that you're fourteen, but—“

“—I’m fifteen.” Mirabel cut her off, she didn’t even look surprised that Alma got her age wrong.

“…What?”

“I’m fifteen,” Mirabel said, hardening her gaze. “My birthday was months ago, it passed already. I’m fifteen, not fourteen. If you’re going to scold me, at least know my age.” She rolled her eyes. “Do you want to start over?”

…

“I—I—“ Alma stammered, shocked. She missed Mirabel’s birthday, her quinceñera? It was months ago. She was sure that Mirabel’s birthday wasn’t for another month. Mirabel didn’t seem upset about having her special day of becoming a woman forgotten by her family. “I didn’t…” Maybe—

Mirabel let out a laugh. “You don’t think that I care, do you?” She looked at Alma as if she was stupid. “I already knew that you all would forget. I had no hope that you all would remember. There’s genuinely no reason for me to feel upset.”

Alma was stunned.

“I already celebrated my quinceñera with my friends and my family. I don’t expect anything less from you. I don’t see any of you as my family anymore. You really can’t be surprised by that.” Mirabel huffed, then she walked away.

There was no point in telling Alma what the townspeople did for her. Alma would end up blaming her or accusing her of getting pity just to make things easy.

Alma will just have to see through her own problems.

So will the rest of the Madrigals.

Chapter 113: Veiled Bloodline

Summary:

Another Vampire!Mirabel One-Shot

Alma and Pedro were happily married. Nothing came in the way of their relationship. Not even Alma’s parents, who disapproved of their marriage.

Alma didn't think their opinions mattered on love when they were forced into an arranged marriage. At least she and Pedro truly had the time to know and actually loved each other.

Their wedding was small with close friends and Pedro’s family. It didn’t matter whether the wedding was small or big. As long as it happened and they were happy.

Alma wasn’t aware that her husband was a vampire until that day.

…

Alma’s eyes widened in horror as she spotted her husband covered in blood. Pedro’s eyes also widened for different reasons.

“P-Pedro!” Alma screamed in panic as she approached him. “Are you hurt!? Did you hurt someone!? Why do you have blood on you!? Pedro, please tell me it’s paint! Why are you walking through the house like this!?”

Pedro stammered awkwardly. He couldn’t say anything dumb like it’s not what it looks like. He definitely couldn’t say it’s paint with the smell. He knew that he couldn’t hide the truth from her forever.

“Do I have to hide a body!? I know how to hide one if so—“

“N-no—no, you don’t have to hide a body, mi amor.” Pedro chuckled nervously. He was glad that she was willing to go that far for him. “I didn’t…kill anyone.” Alma raised an eyebrow, Pedro could tell that she saw through his lie. “Maybe…b-but, you don’t need to hide a body. I already dealt with the…body.”

Pedro thought Alma honestly should've been more surprised or something. Why was she okay with the thought of him being a murderer? He is, but he’s a vampire. Would she be okay with that? 

“Oh,” Alma looked him up and down. “Did you get caught?” He shook his head. “I’m surprised you didn’t with all of this blood on you.” She looked at Pedro, narrowing her eyes. “…and that’s not all, is it?”

“…Would you believe me if I told you that I’m a vampire?”

“I would believe you if you told me that birds sang to you and made us breakfast.”

“Oh—“

“You thought that I would think differently of you since you told me that?” Alma’s eyebrows furrowed. “I don’t care if you’re a vampire or not! You could be a ghost and I still wouldn’t care! You’re my husband and I love you! What I care about is you cleaning this mess!” Alma exclaimed. “And if you’re going to kill, don’t mess up the house! I love you, but this carpet is expensive!”

Pedro didn’t know why he thought that his wife would look at him differently or divorce him after he told her. She loves him. He felt stupid for thinking otherwise.

Later on, they had children.

Fortunately, Pedro’s genes didn’t seem to pass through their children. All of their children had a heartbeat and thankfully wasn’t going to go on a killing spree for hunger.

But…

Pedro knew that it wouldn’t take long for people to figure out that he isn’t human. That he’s different from the rest of them. That he’ll be hunted.

He just wanted to protect his family.

A wooden stake to his heart.

He did his best to keep the hunters away from his wife and children. His family. He wouldn’t let them kill his family, even when it cost him his life.  He’ll kill them all.

“Pedro!” Alma cried out.

…

“Mamá!” Julieta cried out as she held onto her newborn baby, who wasn’t breathing no matter what they tried. There was no heartbeat, nothing.

She looked at her mother, as if she could help her. As if she could magically bring her back. Alma stared helplessly, there was a limit to how much the miracle to help.

Julieta had a stillborn daughter.

---

Mirabel does not question her existence much. She knows that she’s not human and normal. She doesn’t pretend that she is.

She has already accepted that she wasn’t human years ago and that she doesn’t fit in. She will kill to survive. But doesn’t everyone else?

She’s been lonely for around eight years.

She wasn’t alone because she’s surrounded by humans. There’s a small village where she gets her food from. She can’t go in the village because she knows that she’ll be killed. She doesn’t want to die just yet.

They’ll have to come to get her.

She smelt the familiar scent of metallic and slightly sweet blood.

Someone was hurt in the forest.

It wouldn’t hurt to have another meal.

Mirabel found the source of the smell.

A little boy.

Mirabel looked at him with interest. Not often does she see children in the forest. Especially with the death that happens within here and alone at that. It was because of her, but they don’t know that. “Hello, what are you doing in the forest all alone?” She asked. “Where are your parents?” She didn’t see anyone else in sight. He really was alone.

The boy didn’t even look at her. “They’re in town and I got bored.” He pouted. “I wanted to explore nature! It’s so cool and nobody wanted to come with me! They think that it’s all lame…but it’s not.”

Mirabel scanned him for any possible injuries. “Hey, are you possibly hurt somewhere?” She asked, walking up to him.

“Oh,” He looked down. “I tripped and hurt my knee.” He gestured towards his scraped knee. “It's fine though!”

Mirabel’s lips‘ twitched upward. “Don’t you know how… dangerous it is out here?” She shook her head with a grin. “You’re tougher than the others that I know when they hurt themselves. And you’re only what? Four?”

“I’m five!”

Mirabel wasn’t all that interested in draining the life of a five year old boy. He’s better than all those other idiots who scream upon seeing her. She prefers her victims to be older. “What’s your name?” It wouldn’t hurt to scare him.

“Antonio Madrigal!”

“Antonio,” Mirabel repeated with a hum. “Haven’t your family taught you not to talk to strangers?”

Antonio looked confused. “No? Everyone in the Encanto is friendly!”

“Encanto?” Mirabel’s eyebrows raised, so that was the name of the town. She wondered who and why someone taught a kid that. That’s how he’ll get kidnapped or die. You never know a person’s true intentions. “Friendly? Hm, that’s such a dangerous thing to say. What would happen if I took you right here and now? That would teach them that everyone isn’t friendly.” She chuckled to herself.

Antonio finally looked at her, his eyes widening. Just then did he notice her blood-stained clothes. Her smirk, showing off her bloodstained fanged teeth. “I—“

“You’re scared of me?” Mirabel questioned. “Didn’t you say that everyone here is friendly? Are you lying to me?”

Antonio was trembling now.

Mirabel was about to back off, but she heard a pair of footsteps. So, people were searching for him. She wondered how they pinpoint his exact location.

…

 In a second, vines were wrapped around her.

Mirabel watched in amusement as vines wrapped around her body. Tightly. “My…this is a bit intense for our first meeting.” She grinned, testing out the vines' endurance. She could easily break out of it if she wanted to. But she was far too curious about these people. Perhaps they weren’t human like her? That’ll be exciting. 

“Mamí!”

She watched as two people approached her. Mirabel looked at the cloud above the ginger’s head in confusion. Antonio running up to her, crying. “Surely, that isn’t norma—“

“Shut up.” The one in the lavender dress sneered. Vines wrapped around Mirabel’s mouth, making her roll her eyes.

Seriously?

She wasn’t even going to kill him or anything like that. She was just going to give him a little scare.

Lightning struck near her.

What the hell?

Okay, but Mirabel knew she didn’t look any better herself with blood on her. She looked like a serial killer, which she is, but she didn’t want that to be their first impression.

“Take her to Casita first or?”

“Casita.”

Would they kill her?

Public execution?

If that’s the case, Mirabel is going to make a run for it.

…

Mirabel watched in amazement as they approached a huge house. 

Oh—

The house could move by itself.

That definitely wasn’t normal.

Just who were these people?

As soon as the door opened, a bunch of people approached the women.

“Antonio, are you okay—“

“Pepa, what happened—“

“Who is she?”

Félix stared at the girl wrapped in Isabela’s vines, she seemed near Camilo’s age. That wasn’t what caught him off guard, it was her similarities to Julieta. He wasn’t the only one to think that, as he looked at the others’ expressions.

Mirabel was watching them with interest. Especially the older one, mainly the one wearing blue. She looked like her. 

“I don’t know. Found her near Antonio, she’d covered in blood and Antonio was scared. We wanted Antonio to be safe.”

Julieta looked at her. “And you didn’t assume that she was hurt?” She turned to Isabela. “Mija,” in an instance, the vines covering her mouth were removed. “Are you hurt?”

“My feelings are hurt, but I had a feeling you weren’t talking about that.” Mirabel said, making Julieta let out a sigh of exasperation and the others shake their heads. “No, I’m not hurt.”

“…Then why are you covered in—“

“It’s not mine.”

“Oh,”

“Wait what—“

Mirabel narrowed her eyes. “What do you think I am?”

“Excuse me?”

Dolores was staring at Mirabel with a weird expression. Mirabel wasn’t the only one to notice.

“Hey, Dolores, is everything okay?”

Dolores looked seriously creeped out. “Why…why can’t I hear your heartbeat?”

“What?”

A grin formed on Mirabel’s face. “That’s because I don’t have one. I’m dead.” She showed her teeth. “I thought it was obvious that I’m a vampire. I can’t truly die unless it’s with a wooden stake to my heart. Fire could also kill me.” 

Alma’s eyes widened, so did the rest of the Madrigals as she stared at Mirabel in shock.

“You’re just…just going to tell us that easily? Your weakness?”

“You all don’t look like you’ll kill me.” Mirabel mused. It looks like they don’t have the courage to do so. She looked at Alma. “You’re familiar with vampires, aren’t you?” 

Alma only nodded. “Just… how?”

“How what?”

“I knew that there weren't any more vampires.” Alma said. Pedro was the last one that she saw. “It shouldn’t be possible…how old are you?”

“Fifteen.”

“Wait, I feel like we’re brushing off that she said that she was a vampire too easily.”

“We’re magical. How is someone not having a heartbeat and drinking blood any different? We’re all not normal.”

“We don’t drink blood though. We don’t kill.”

“Same difference.”

“Unbelievable.”

“Do…do you know who your parents are?” Alma asked hesitantly. Whoever her parents were had to be a vampire or vampires. Someone that was within the Encanto. Who was pregnant fifteen years ago?

“I don’t…remember my parents well. I don’t have much memory of them at all. Two people did take me in and took care of me after that.” A frown formed on her face. “…But they called me a monster and disgusting names. They tried to sell me off. I got hungry and so angry so…” She grinned. “You can only use your imagination for the rest.”

“We can’t possibly keep her in the house. She’s dangerous. She’s dangerous to everyone here, especially the children.” Pepa groaned. “Why am I the only one thinking that?”

Mirabel rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t even trying to kill or harm Antonio. I was only scaring him a little. It’s not wise to tell your children that everybody is safe.”

“She has a point there…”

“Félix!”

“Sorry,”

Julieta was still staring at her with a dazed look. She looked so familiar, she knew her…she just didn’t know how. The way that she’s thinking couldn’t be right. “…W-What’s your name?”

Mirabel turned to Julieta with a smile. “I have a feeling that you might know my name. I want you to say it.”

Agustín turned to her wife. “Julieta, what is she talking about?”

“Mirabel.” Julieta and Mirabel said together.

Mirabel’s smile grew as Julieta’s eyes watered.

Chapter 114: Werewolf!Mirabel Snippet — Part 2

“You should tell someone.”

“I will.” Mirabel let out a sigh, she knew that she’ll eventually have to tell them that she transforms into a werewolf. She’d rather tell them than let them freak out when they see her.

“Why not tía Julieta?” Dolores suggested with a warm smile. “She’s your mother and I have a feeling that she wouldn’t care. You’re her daughter.”

“You’re right.”

“I always am.” Dolores chuckled as both of them left her room. “Tía is in the kitchen. You got this.” She nudged Mirabel, before walking away.

“Wait, you’re just going to leave me?”

Dolores smirked in response. “It’s your gift, Mirabel, not mine.”

“You’ll regret this.” Mirabel glared, her face flushed, walking in the kitchen. As said, Julieta was in the kitchen. 

Mirabel took a deep breath.

“Mamá,” Mirabel announced her presence, making Julieta turn around.

“Yes?” Julieta smiled.

“Can I talk to you, in private?” Mirabel was already anxious. What could be the worst thing that could happen? It’s her mother. It’s not like she’ll kick her out. Right?

“Of course.” Julieta smoothed out her arpon, taking it off. She could see how nervous Mirabel was. It was definitely serious. “My room or yours?”

“Y-yours please.” The nursery wasn’t soundproof and she didn’t want anyone that’s not Dolores listening in.

Julieta nodded. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

Mirabel shook her head. “Uhm, no, I’m not. I’m fine.”

“You’re not in any danger, right?”

Technically, she could be. But she didn’t want her mother to worry about that. “No.”

Julieta visibly relaxed. “Okay, good, I just needed to clear that out of the way first.” She opened her room’s door for Mirabel. Agustín should be chopping wood. Fortunately she left out food for him.

Julieta sat down on the bed, patting the spot next to her.

That suddenly reminded Mirabel that she was actually telling her mother.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you this for so long and I—I just need to get this off of my chest.” Mirabel stammered, sitting next to Julieta.

“Mija, you can talk to me about anything. You don’t need to be nervous.” Julieta smiled. “We can talk about this another time, if you want.”

“I feel like if I don’t tell you now, I’ll be too nervous and back out any other time. I’m getting so nervous.” Mirabel laughed nervously, wiping her hands on her skirt.

“You can,” Julieta said, holding onto Mirabel’s hand. “You can come tell me when you’re more comfortable.”

“I want to tell you.”

“And I’m listening to whatever you have to tell me. It’s no rush.”

Mirabel nodded slowly. “Okay…okay, so, I…I don’t even know how to say this because I only told one person. Dolores. Well she found out, but I’m actually telling someone. It’s you I’m telling. And—and I don’t want this to ruin things. To make you look at me differently because this…it happened when I was around seven years old. Like—like I don’t think that I would be here…like this now.”

Julieta smiled softly. “No matter what you say to me, it won’t ruin anything. I won’t ever look at you differently, you’re my daughter. Don’t stress about it. That’s why you’re with me now. When you talk about it, it makes things better.”

Mirabel nodded letting out a shaky breath. “Okay—okay—“

“Take your time.”

Mirabel gave her mother an appreciative smile. “Okay, thank you, mamá. I’m…” Julieta gave her an encouraging look. Screw it. “I’m a werewolf!”

“I support you no matter what—“ Julieta paused, realizing that Mirabel said something else. Her cheeks flushed.

“What?”

“What?” Julieta blinked in surprise, she began laughing. “Oh my God, I thought you were coming out to me. I was about to prepare a cake and everything.” She smiled. “I still support you either way. You said you found out that you were a werewolf when you were around seven? Is that a gift or?”

Julieta had a calmer reaction than Mirabel expected. Mirabel doesn’t know why she thought that her mother would ever react badly. It was dumb now that she thought about it. “I think it’s a gift. It just happens every night or so.”

Julieta looked disappointed in herself. “And I didn’t know? Better yet, I didn’t figure it out? How did you hide that?”

“I don’t even know how I didn’t get figured out sooner.” Mirabel shrugged. “Dolores did figure out that one time when I was wearing an entirely different outfit.”

“Ah, that explains some things.”

“Oh and, since we were on that topic. I’m bisexual.”

“I knew it.”

“What?”

Julieta laughed nervously. “Nothing—I still support you, mija. I’m glad that you told me.”

“You knew?”

Chapter 115: Intrusive Thoughts — Part 2

Mirabel blinked back her tears, a hand over her mouth. Her other hand was in her mother’s mouth. She shut her eyes tightly.

The pain was almost unbearable.

She could hear the sound of ripping flesh.

She was shaking.

Red. The chewing.

She was getting her flesh torn off from her mother.

It hurts so badly , but Mirabel is okay with it. It makes her feel loved. It makes her feel special that her mother always wants her with her. Nobody else would show her this kind of love.

Bite after wet bite was taken from her. Mirabel’s own blood dripping down her skin and puddling on the floor. Blood flooded out the wound.

Mirabel’s sobbing, she doesn’t think she’ll ever get used to the pain. She doesn’t want to complain and ruin things for the both of them.

Her skin was ripped off from Julieta’s teeth, blood flowing in her mouth. She enjoyed the euphoric taste of Mirabel’s blood that she easily drank. It was as good as she expected. She felt insane. She wasn’t insane, right?

Julieta is glad that Mirabel didn’t look at her in horror or scream when she told her the truth. To have her dead.  The thoughts of wanting to eat her and always keep her with her. She expected Mirabel to be creeped out or horrified. Instead, Mirabel offered her arm to her. She offered all of her but the neck and above. 

Julieta was fine with that.

Mirabel also said that she didn’t want to die. Not that Julieta expected her to say the opposite. Mirabel told her that she couldn’t take too much of her body. 

Julieta was also fine with that.

Julieta did tell Mirabel that she could just tell her no or back out of this whole thing when she felt things were weird or too much for her.

It was their little secret.

If Dolores knew, she didn’t say anything about it. Or maybe she actually didn’t? Surely, Dolores would’ve said something or told her to stop if she knew.

Julieta’s eyes burned as she pulled away. She felt full for now. No matter how many times she does it, she can’t stop the guilt.

The copper smell of blood filled the air.

She fed Mirabel an arepa, watching as the wound closed as her flesh slowly restored. It looked as if it never happened. That’s if you didn’t look at the blood that coated their clothes and the floor.

Julieta had tears in her eyes as if she was the one hurting. As if she was the one getting their flesh bitten off and eating then fixed. “…I’m so sorry.” Julieta murmured as she pulled Mirabel into a hug. Blood around her mouth. “I can’t c-control myself. I’ll do better. You don’t deserve this.”

It always ended that way.

Julieta would apologize and shower Mirabel with affection as an apology then she would do the same thing the next day.

It was a never ending cycle.

“I love you.”

Mirabel is barely conscious, but she hugs her back. “I love you too, mamá.”

Notes:

Julieta should’ve made it so that it wouldn’t be painful for Mirabel. At least she isn’t dead yet.

Chapter 116: Remember When — Part 3

Summary:

Rewritten version because I messed up the other one.

Mirabel was confused when she found herself in front of a crowd. Actually, she had only walked out of a door, which led to here. Mirabel watched them with mixed emotions. Most of them were crying.

This….this wasn’t her family.

“Uhm…what am I doing here?” Mirabel asked, her voice echoing throughout the entire crowd. She looked at the little girl, before she turned around and looked at a door. “I just came out of a…door. A magical door. A…Madrigal door.” She said slowly. She looked at the Madrigals once again, who were older. 

“M-Mirabel—“ Isabela stammered, nearly dropping the candle, thankfully she didn’t. “You’re…you’re h-here.”

Mirabel looked at Isabela with a concerned expression. This definitely wasn’t her family.

Alma was the one to speak up. “Everyone out.” Although her voice was shaky and Isabela was the new matriarch, everyone listened. They were still in shock.

“I’m confused…” Mirabel murmured.

“You died.” Antonio said bluntly, much to everyone’s dismay. 

“Antonio!” Dolores hissed for his bluntness.

“W-what!? No, I’m not dead!” Mirabel exclaimed, staring at Antonio then the Madrigals with a stunned expression. “W-wait, I died?” She shook her head. “No, that’s not right… your Mirabel died?”

…

“She did.” Julieta said, trembling as she walked up to Mirabel. “My b-baby died that day trying to save the miracle.” She reached out for Mirabel, who also reached out for her. She allowed Julieta to touch her face, which was warm. Unlike when she found her. She smiled sadly. “You’re right. You’re not her.”

“I’m not.” Mirabel repeated softly. Though she was still confused. She died trying to save the miracle? What?  

“How…how old are you?” Agustín asked. “Fifteen right?” Mirabel nodded. “Did Antonio’s ceremony pass yet?”

“Uhm, no, not yet. It’s in a few weeks.” Mirabel replied.

“Don’t— don’t try to save the miracle. No matter what. Your life isn’t worth a candle.” Alma looked guilty. “Don’t listen to me—no, what other me says to you.” Her eyes softened. “I couldn’t say it to my Mirabel, but I am so sorry for how I treated you. You did nothing wrong, it was just me being stubborn. Even without a gift, you’re just as special as any of us. A gift doesn’t refine your worth. And I deeply regret letting my Mirabel think that she wasn’t a Madrigal. I don’t want you going through the same thing.”

“Oh,” Mirabel wasn’t expecting an apology from her abuela— other abuela. “Okay…”

The most shocking thing was that Alma hugged her. Mirabel definitely wasn’t going to deny a hug from her abuela. Maybe she is a little touch starved.

It didn’t just end at her abuela.

She got a lot of hugs from her family.

Mirabel wanted to stay there. Her family never looked at her with such soft eyes and loving affections.

Mirabel looked at them. She would say from seeing a dead family member, they’re taking it pretty well. She looked at the young girl, who was about her Antonio’s age.

A new Madrigal.

“Mariano and Isabela’s?”

“Dolores.” Isabela answered. “Mariano and Dolores had a child together.” Isabela didn’t look upset, only amused. Nothing bad happened between them. Good.

She turned to Mariano. “You married Dolores?” Mirabel asked Mariano in shock. “Weren’t you engaged to Isabela?”

Mariano had a small smile on his face. “We broke it off. Actually, you helped me see that there was someone who actually loved me. You and Isabela were the ones that set us together.”

“Oh wow… I never—actually, I did. Dolores wasn’t as subtle with her stares.” Mirabel said, making Dolores blush.

“Hey!”

“She has a point.” Camilo grinned.

“And she’s….”

“Adriana,”

“Your daughter?”

Mariano and Dolores nodded.

“Congratulations…although I’m five years late!” Mirabel exclaimed.

“Thank you.” Dolores smiled warmly. “I’m glad to see you again even if it’s not…her. Your voice is still soothing.”

Mirabel didn’t even know what to say or do. She died, no, she would’ve died if she went for the candle. Her family cared about her, it’s terrible that it took her dying for them to act like this. But in some twisted way, she’s glad because they would have never gotten this close.

It was pretty selfish.

Mirabel’s expression softened. “I’m sure your Mirabel would feel the same.”

Alma walked up to her.

“Oh and Mirabel?”

“Hm?”

Alma whispered something in her ear, making Dolores smirk. The other Madrigals were curious, but didn’t pry.

Mirabel chuckled. “Yeah, I’ll make sure to tell her that. Though…how am I going to get back?”

“Crap.”

“Might as well enjoy the time you’re here.”

Chapter 117: What If Mirabel Chose To Destroy Miracle Instead Of Saving It? — Part 2

Mirabel wiped the dust off of her face, coughing into her arm. Being in a falling house wasn’t a good idea. The drama was a good idea. For the first time in years, she felt proud of herself. She was satisfied after seeing Alma’s and the others’ expressions. It was worth it.

Mirabel moved the pieces of furniture that were covering her, standing up. She definitely needs to go. She can’t, not just yet, she needs to find Bruno.

She saw him escape, she just didn’t know where he could be at. She didn’t want to leave without him.

She couldn’t stay in the Encanto.

She knew that.

She destroyed the miracle, which she didn’t regret.

She moved to the back of what used to be Casita. She knew that all of the Madrigals were in the front. It wouldn’t take long for the townspeople to come too.

“Mirabel!”

Mirabel jumped, startled by the hiss of her name. She looked over to see Bruno, he was also covered in dust, just way lesser.

“Mirabel,” Bruno said in a softer tone as he approached her.

“Tío…” Mirabel wrapped him in an embrace, Bruno accepting it quickly.

…

“So…you chose to destroy it.”

“I did.”

“You didn’t get hurt, did you?” Bruno’s eyes scanned for any injuries on his niece. 

Mirabel shook her head slowly. “Surprisingly, no, it’s just a lot of dust.” Bruno helped her walk away from the rubble, Mirabel felt like she could walk on her own, but she let him. They were out of what they used to call a home. Mirabel had a feeling that Bruno didn’t think of it as a home a long time ago. “Casita protected me before everything fell.”

“I don’t doubt that. Casita always favored you ever since you were just a baby. Even more than Alma.” Bruno let out a low chuckle, ignoring the calls for Mirabel’s name. They made sure to go to the opposite direction of the voices and to be unseen. “There was always some sort of special connection between you two.”

“And?” Mirabel stared at Bruno, knowing that he knew more, but didn’t say anything about it. Bruno withheld a lot of information that nobody knew about.

Bruno gulped, looking more nervous. He couldn’t hide it forever. “Would you…would you change what you did if you could?”

“Would I change what I did if I could?” Mirabel repeated, letting out a thoughtful hum. “Maybe…but, definitely not. I don’t see the point of going back and trying to fix things. It’s already too late. It’s not like anything I said to them was wrong. Either way I can’t go back. Why do you ask?”

Bruno let out a shaky sigh. “In an alternate timeline…a different reality, you would’ve saved the miracle…But here, you didn’t. As much as I hate to say it, it was all up to you. It didn’t matter what you did, Casita was going to fall either way.”

“No matter the path I took, Casita would’ve still fell.” Mirabel let out a laugh. “And I bet that I still would’ve been the blame.” She looked bitter. “Also if you knew about these…alternate realities…why didn’t you encourage me to save the miracle instead? Or do something that wouldn’t have made you like…this. No offense.”

“None taken.” Bruno knew what Mirabel meant. “I can only see certain parts of the future. Whether it’s ours or not. I don’t always understand my visions or what I’m supposed to do.” There are some things Bruno wishes he could change, but it was already too late. “I was young and didn’t know much about my gift or what to do with it. I was always the shy one out of the three. If I saw a future where I wouldn’t be in a situation where I’m named as Bad Luck Bruno…I think I would’ve taken it. But, every vision that I had about myself, I’m always Bad Luck Bruno. There was nothing I could do to change my childhood, my teen years. People had already decided my gift was a curse. That it only shows bad things happening.”

“I still don’t see why people get upset when they literally ask for a vision.” Mirabel huffed. “The vision you had about me wasn’t bad. It was the others that made it seem like it was bad. They wouldn’t even listen. Even when I didn’t understand it either at the time.” Mirabel was irritated. “But out of every outcome…you knew that it would come down to those two?”

“…I was in the walls for ten years. I saw how worse those cracks were getting and how tense your relationship with the others was getting. After they saw the vision, I knew that it would be you choosing one of those two. It isn’t really an…outcome since it technically isn’t the end. Casita would’ve fallen anyway even if you didn’t do anything.” Bruno’s face slightly paled. “I’ve seen…seen another reality where you didn’t immediately come to me and—and you got grounded and locked in the nursery. Casita fell.”

Mirabel grimaced. “And—and I died?” That sounds like something that would happen, excluding the dying part. “…Damn.” She cringed. “My point still stands in saying that no matter what I would’ve done, Casita would’ve fallen…I would’ve been to blame. Casita was going to fall today…either way.”

Bruno nodded.

“And…this—this was a bad thing?…well, something like that. Things would’ve been better if I chose to save it…?”

“It wouldn’t have made much of a difference.” Bruno said. “And no…of course not. It’s not a bad thing.” A smile slowly formed on Bruno’s face. “No matter the path you’ve chosen, you always get your happy ending in life. Even when times are tough, you made it though. Whether you're alone, with someone, or the other Madrigals. You will be happy.”

“…Really?” Mirabel blinked in surprise. “That’s…crazy. Yeah, that’s crazy if I really think about it. No matter what I do, I’ll have my happy ending. What is my happy ending?”

Bruno shrugged. “It’s up to you, kid.” He stared at the mountains that had split in half. “Whatever you choose, I’ll follow.”

Mirabel was still young.

Way too young to be dealing with all of this in Bruno’s opinion.

But she wasn’t stupid.

She could build a new life.

They could build a new life.

Without the Madrigals.

Chapter 118: Whispers of the Enchanted Manor

Alma always suspected that something was off with Casita. Besides the entire magical thing. Even when her grandchildren weren't born and the triplets only had their gifts for a week, she felt like someone was watching her . Them.

Alma never really questioned it aloud because she had no proof. Even when she could see her in the corner of her eye, watching her. She was never actually there, but Alma could see her. She didn’t do anything but watch them. Occasionally, when Alma was very tired and her triplets were always fussy. They magically were quiet for the entire day, besides the low babbling and excited giggles coming from them. She once caught her sitting near her triplets. 

Alma didn’t have a problem with her. She just seemed to watch and help when things got overwhelming. A helpful ghost is better than an angry ghost.

Alma thought that she was the only one that could see her since the others didn’t say anything about it.

Until now…

“You mean you can’t hear it?” Dolores asked out of nowhere.

Alma looked at Dolores with a confused expression. “Hear what?” There were a lot of things that Dolores could hear that she couldn’t because of her gift. “You’re going to be more specific, so that I can know what you’re talking about.”

Dolores’ lips pursed, looking slightly shocked at Alma’s face. “It’s…” Dolores looked as if she was listening to something. “Humming,” She finished off. “Very loud humming. It’s overbearing. I thought that everyone heard it. But never spoke about it. You can’t hear it, abuela?”

“…No, I can’t.” Alma looked at Dolores strangely. “Inside Casita or outside?” Humming? There could be a lot of people humming. For one, she knows that Julieta and Félix like to hum when they’re focused on something.

“Yes,” Dolores answered quickly. “It never leaves Casita. It just….lingers around. Kind of. I can hear it now.” She lowered her voice. “It’s weird. It’s like it’s there, but not there at the same time. At first, I thought it was someone in the family, but…it’s not. I think Casita might be haunted, abuela.”

Alma was taken back from Dolores’ bluntness. Alma did find the way Dolores word things odd somedays. Today is one of those days. “Are you sure it’s not someone messing with you? I’m sure you can get things co—“

“I’m sure.” Dolores said firmly, cutting Alma off. “I hear everything, even the things I don’t want to hear. This sound…this humming, it’s different. It’s something out of the ordinary. It follows us every day, it won’t stop either. It usually follows tía Julieta, Isabela and Antonio around. Every time it’s near, it’s humming gets louder and louder. It’s not real. It’s inhumane. I can’t stand it eith—“

“…Are you okay?” Alma interrupted Dolores’ creepy rant. Alma always knew there was a ghost inside of Casita, she just didn’t want to scare the younger ones. To know that the girl follows Julieta, Isabela and Antonio around is pretty interesting. The ghost didn’t cause any harm, if anything she seemed interested in taking care of them all. Alma wondered if the girl had died below Casita. Or was the girl Casita? Alma doesn’t think she’ll have the answer to that.

Dolores blinked, her cheeks flushed. “Oh yeah, I’m fine. Thank you for listening.” Then she walked off.

That wasn’t the end of it.

---

As Antonio sat down, they could feel the bubbly energy radiating off of him. They expected him to be pretty nervous since his birthday was the next day. Instead, he was in a very good mood. Not like it’s a bad thing.

Antonio looked at Julieta with a wide smile. “Tía, I just wanted to say thank you for last night. I didn’t get to tell you yesterday because I fell asleep.”

“For last night?” Julieta looked at Antonio with a confused expression. She tried to remember anything that she did last night that could’ve caused Antonio to thank her. She didn’t do anything out of the ordinary that she could recall. “I’m sorry, but…what are you thanking me for, Toñito?”

The Madrigals all were having their own conversation with each other. Everyone was in a good mood. Julieta, Pepa, Bruno, Félix, Agustín and Alma who were currently the only ones paying attention to what Antonio was saying.

Pepa nudged her older sister’s side with a grin.“The food that you cook is amazing. Maybe that’s it?” She snorted.

Bruno playfully rolled his eyes. “We eat everyday. I don’t think one meal will make a difference—not saying that you don’t deserve gratitude, Juli—because you totally do. But last night?”

Julieta was equally confused as the rest of them.

“I was a little bit scared when I woke up and you were standing over my bed—“ Now that caught everyone’s attention. “—Then I realized it was you!”

…

Julieta’s eyes widened as she began sputtering. She looked as shocked as everyone else. Well that was one way to get everybody’s attention. “Excuse me?” 

“Julieta?” Félix turned to Julieta with an alarmed expression. “What is he talking about?” It was way out of the ordinary just for someone to be standing over someone’s bed. Not that he’s accusing Julieta of doing anything wrong. It just startled him.

“What?”  

“Well that’s creepy.” Camilo murmured, looking at his little brother.

“Yeah, when I woke up you were just standing there!” Antonio gushed, oblivious to how wrong his sentence sounded.

So, she wasn’t just standing over his bed. She was watching him sleep. Totally not alarming if creepy.

“Why were you in his room…just standing there?”   

“I wasn’t in Antonio’s room at all last night. I’m not a sleepwalker either. I was with Agustín all last night.” Julieta was quick to say, before she got accused of anything. “Antonio, was someone in your room?” She was concerned. It was pretty hard to mistake her for someone else in the family.

She’s also sure she would remember going to the nursery and just standing there. It sounded creepy. Who would go into the nursery and just stand there?

That set off many alarms for the Madrigals.

“Antonio, are you sure it was your tía who was in your room?” Pepa asked. The thought of someone in her son’s room and her son thinking it was Julieta creeped her out.

“Uhm…”

“Casita wouldn’t let a stranger inside.” Félix stated. “Was anyone here in the nursery last night?” His gaze shifted to Camilo. Well, it was obvious he’d get picked out, he can shapeshift.

“I was mostly outside, when I came back to Casita, it was already late. I showered and went straight to my room.” Camilo responded. “Also, why would I try to scare Antonio when his birthday is tomorrow, well, today?”

“I look nothing like mamá.” Luisa said, Isabela nodding in agreement.

“Too much noise at night. I wouldn’t do anything like that.” Dolores said. She doesn’t think that Bruno could be mistaken as Julieta. He also would’ve said something. The humming got louder, making Dolores’ hands twitch.

Antonio was still oblivious to the panic that was rising. “Well, I did think it was weird that you were wearing glasses.”

“Nobody wears glasses in this family, but Agustín. I don’t think he could get mistaken for a female either.”

“Definitely.”

Julieta shook her head. “…Yeah, I don’t wear glasses. Casita wouldn’t let anyone in that would potentially harm him.”

“But would Casita let someone in that could possibly help Antonio when we’re sleeping? The person obviously didn’t mean harm.”

Alma was silent, she had a feeling she knew who it was. The ghost obviously liked helping children and everyone else in Casita. That’s probably why she’s doting on Antonio, since he’s about to get his gift soon. But…Antonio said that the girl looked similar to Julieta but with glasses? Alma didn’t ever get a good look at the girl, it was always blurry to her and she’ll forget what she saw no matter how hard she wants to remember the girl’s appearance.

She should say something before they believe strangers could just come to Casita if they mean no harm. After all, the girl was here before any of them.

“I have something to announce.” Alma said, making them turn to her. “And no, I wasn’t the one in the nursery last night. But I do know who was in the nursery.” She clarified. 

“You do?”

“Yes.” Alma cleared her throat. “Casita may be haunted…for years now.” She watched her family’s expression change to shock. “The ghost… girl has been here the day that the miracle was formed. She truly doesn’t mean any harm.” For once, Alma looked pretty flustered. “I never got a clear view of her. But I have a feeling that she was the one watching—well comforting Antonio.”

Nobody was aware of the candle burning brighter.

“Wait—wait, an actual ghost?”

“We all literally have magical gifts, this shouldn’t be that surprising.” Bruno murmured. “Also  Pepa’s scared of ghosts.”

“Bruno!” Pepa hissed, her cheeks warming up.

“She’s here now.” Dolores squeaked.

“Totally not ominous.”

“This is totally normal, right?”

“Have you seen the ghost?”

“Do you really want to see me?”

Notes:

I love making cliffhangers

Chapter 119: Back To The Past — Part 4

“Nobody dies!”

“Oh my dear sister is still in denial after their deaths!” Bela exclaimed dramatically.

Mariposa sighed, shaking her head. “You’re such a liar. Out of everyone, I got stuck with you.” Maybe if she prays hard enough, they’ll be back? Yeah, probably not.

“Don’t believe her, it’s such a tragic story!”

“You all can’t seriously believe, Isabela.”

The Madrigals stood there in silence.

Could they all have seriously died in the future? Even Antonio? What event would have caused them all to die besides Isabela and Mirabel? It scared them to a certain degree. Would future Isabela lie to them like that? But future Mirabel was saying the opposite. Who should they believe?

Mariposa glanced around Casita. “You know what, forget it. I’ve got somewhere to go anyways.” She looked unamused. “I need to figure out a way for us to leave. We need to go back to our family.” She turned to her sister. “Isabela, you can keep playing around or whatever.”

“And where is that somewhere?” Bela asked. “You’re just going to leave me here?”

They both stared at each other for a few seconds.

“You’ll know.” Was all that Mariposa said before disappearing around the corner. Bela frowned, knowing that Mariposa did that on purpose. Now she’s stuck here to deal with them. What happened to teamwork?

“Well…we won’t see her for a while.” Bela muttered to herself.

…

“So, do we actually die?” Agustín was the one to ask after a moment of silence.

“No, I was joking.” Bela grinned, taking a seat. “Nobody in this room is dead yet. You’re all alive and well.”

“Why would you joke about that?” Alma frowned. It was unacceptable behavior coming from Isabela. Just this Isabela is something that she’ll never expect.

“Because it was funny and I wanted to see everyone’s reactions.” Bela replied bluntly. She was quite the opposite of her past self. She would never say the things that she’s saying now. She wouldn’t even think about it.

Bela glanced at Mirabel, she wondered how could she ever bully her? Mirabel was really adorable back then. How could anyone bully a girl with such an adorable face? What was she thinking?

“Anyways…”

“Are you the candleholder there?”

“No.” Bela said much to Alma’s surprise. “I'm not the candleholder or matriarch. Somebody else is.” She smiled. “Truthfully, I’m not fit for that. It wouldn’t have worked anyways. There was someone already set to be the candleholder at their ceremony.”

Alma was shocked, she planned for Isabela to take over when she’s not able to. If not her then who? “Your mother?”

Julieta raised an eyebrow, she wasn’t fit to be the candleholder or matriarch. She’d be in her late fifties by now. Not too old, but not exactly young either.

Bela shook her head. “Nope.”

“Dolores?”

Should Pepa feel offended that her mother skipped over her? Nope. She knows that if Julieta isn’t taking over things then she’s not. She’s also not fit for that.

“Not her either.” Bela had an amused expression. Though she did feel like Dolores would make a great matriarch. But Dolores already had enough on her plate.

Dolores let out a sigh of relief. She wasn’t sure if she could handle those people out there.

“….Then Luisa?” Alma hesitantly asked as Bela shook her head once again. Alma was confused. She’d planned for her first grandchild to take over for her. Which was Isabela. If Isabela weren’t suitable, it’d be Dolores. She never thought anything could happen to them. That’s why she never went further than that.

Bela laughed nervously. She didn’t exactly believe that this was their past. It was Antonio’s ceremony, a day before everything went down. If this was their past then a lot of tunings could’ve gone wrong.

It wouldn’t hurt to reveal things.

“Mirabel took over all that stuff.” Bela eventually admitted much to their shock.

“W-what me?” Mirabel was confused, her abuela made it very clear that she wanted Isabela to take over when she’s unable to do so. She’s not good enough to do so! 

“Mirabel?”

“No offense but Mirabel?” As much as Isabela was glad, how could it have been that Mirabel was the candleholder and matriarch? 

“Wait what happened?”

“Did something happen to you that caused yourself to be unavailable to take over that role?”

Bela didn’t like how they were doubting Mirabel being a good leader. “It’ll all make sense in the future. A year from now actually.” Considering that today was the start of everything.

Félix was concerned. “What happened?”

“Are you even able to say anything about that?”

Bela stayed silent for a moment.

“I don’t believe that you’re our past. Even if you all were, we changed things that would have changed the future already. Our stay here won’t be affecting us or anything that could potentially change what we’ve worked so hard to get. I’m not sure if my Mirabel knows that yet. But she’s smart enough to figure that out eventually though.” Bela answered. “The only thing that I’m worrying about is how to get home. Which Mira is already dealing with. No offense, but we would rather deal with our family than the past versions of them.”

“So, there’s no problem in saying anything, right? No holding back?” Camilo grinned, as Bela nodded. “What about me? Who am I dating?”

“You haven't met them yet.” Bela mused. “I could tell you their name, but that would ruin the fun.”

“You keep referring to today…something big happened that changed things. What happened?” Alma asked.

Bela didn’t see the point in hiding things anymore.

“The cracks…well, I wasn’t there to see them. But today, Mirabel was supposed to see them and tell everyone about them. She got accused of being drunk by abuela and she went back to the nursery. After eavesdropping, she got the great idea of saving the miracle. That’s only for today.” Isabela explained. “The next day, she went to Dolores first, who sent her to Luisa, who sent her to Bruno’s tower. You guessed it, she went inside of his tower to go find the vision that he hid. She almost died a few times but she’s fine. She found the vision shattered and went to put them together, unfortunately the room started to fill up with sand. Escaped death once again. But my engagement with Mariano was also about to start. Mirabel did manage to put the vision together and—“

“Vision!?”

“Died a few times!?”

“The name we do not speak of!?”

Julieta frowned, looking at her Mirabel. She always felt like Mirabel found herself in such impossible situations and danger, that she always managed to escape. She doesn’t want to be one of those overprotective mothers, who keeps a leash on their kid. But….she really was about to reconsider that.

Mirabel was speechless, she didn’t know what to say. First off, Cracks…? Casita never cracked. She also knew very well that she got accused of being drunk by her abuela. Saving the miracle? Sounds fun. Escaping death multiple times? Also sounds fun. Huh, she’s in for an adventure. 

Bela looked amused by their reactions. “That’s only the beginning. So Mirabel put the vision together. Long story short, our father found out about the vision, the Dolores did. Then my engagement was happening. No offense, but Dolores was terrible at keeping secrets. It didn’t take long for almost everyone around the table to know. Antonio’s animals somehow put the vision together and it ended up on the table. Everyone that didn’t know about the vision now knew about it. My proposal was ruined, it was raining. Everything was ruined.”

“What was in the vision?” Luisa asked worriedly.

“Although this isn’t our past, I don’t think I should reveal what was in the vision. Especially after last time, I don’t know what would’ve happened if she was found. For the sake of everyone, I can’t say what was in the vision.”

“It was bad, wasn’t it?” Alma was the one that. If the vision wasn’t bad, it wouldn’t cause such a reaction out of everyone. “Bruno’s visions are always bad.”

Bela’s eyes twitched. “I didn’t receive a bad vision.” She reminded her. “The vision that Mirabel found…it wasn’t necessarily bad. It was a good vision. She just happened to find it at a bad time. The vision that she found needed to happen, so that everything can be better in the future. It is. I’m just glad things turned out the way it did. Even if things didn’t go the exact way Mirabel did it, the vision still would’ve happened. She’s not to blame for what happened.”

“…It was going to happen either way, regardless of what I was going to do?” Mirabel repeated, looking conflicted. Future Isabela said that it wasn’t necessarily bad. That still meant it was bad to some extent. It was going to happen either way.

“Wait…the only time Br— he had a vision about Mirabel was her ceremony….before he left. That was the vision…wasn’t it?” Pepa asked.

“Yeah, it was the exact same vision. Mirabel found it, put it together, and everything went downhill from there.” Bela answered with a sigh. Bela almost forgot that the rule of them not talking about Bruno was there. It was honestly stupid. Especially considering that Bruno was in the walls and that her Mirabel went to have a conversation with him. “And Mirabel did find tío Bruno.” 

“What!?”

Dolores looked nervous. She knew Bruno was living in the walls. Not once did she ever think that Mirabel would find their uncle. Was future Isabela about to reveal that she knew that Bruno was hiding in the walls for years? That’ll cause even more chaos.

“Yep, surprised me too.” Bela responded nonchalantly. “I didn’t expect her to come back with our uncle that was missing for ten years after our house collapsed and the miracle died.”

“What!?” It was even louder than last time.

Bela chuckled nervously. “Oops…I probably wasn’t supposed to say that yet. Oh well, it was bound to get out anyways.” She didn’t look embarrassed or ashamed that she revealed that.

“The miracle dies!?” The Madrigals exclaimed loudly.

“I still got my gift, don’t I?” Bela grinned.

“But…but you said that the miracle died. Unless our candle gave you your gift back?”

“Nope.” Bela shook her head. “How about I continue my story? That way, you all will understand what happened.” They went silent, making Bela continue. “We….well, none of us was majorly injured when Casita collapsed. Only a few scratches and bruises. Mirabel was the only one in there when everything fell. Supposedly, Casita used the last of its magic to protect her. I wasn’t there to…see her after Casita fell for a while. I was sure that she didn’t come out unscathed though.” Bela’s tone softened. “Honestly…I don’t think any of us believed that Mirabel survived at that moment. She didn’t die though, don’t worry.”

That was a lot to take in.

“Mirabel ran off, abuela found her and apologized. Blah blah blah, the power of love, Bruno shows up, they hug it out. Mirabel comes back, shows everyone that we’re more than just our gift, Bruno comes back, Dolores gets with Mariano, everyone is happy. We rebuild Casita and some dumbass forgets the doorknob. Mirabel puts the doorknob in, the miracle is back. The end. Any questions?”

A bunch of hands rose.

“Good.” Bela clasped her hands together, ignoring the hands in the air. “That’s about it. Mirabel’s the matriarch and the candleholder. Pretty much the same.”

…

Soon, Mariposa walked down, everyone's eyes were on her. She immediately knew that her sister said something that she wasn’t supposed to say. She narrowed her eyes onto her sister. “What did you say?”

“Nothing!”

They could tell that Mariposa clearly didn’t believe her. “Anyways I know how we’ll get back.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, we’ll just have to wait for Adriana to come to us.” Mariposa paused, letting out a thoughtful hum. “At most, we’ll be stuck here for a week. Her gift would eventually pull us back in our time if we stayed here longer than necessary.”

The Madrigals were too stunned to say anything.

“Oh and…” Bela’s eyes lightened, turning to Isabela. “You don’t mind if I take this Mirabel in the meantime, do you? Mines don’t seem to cling onto me anymore. It’s quite boring.”

Mariposa rolled her eyes. “I’m going to get something to drink. I can’t be sober for this.”

“You don’t even drink!”

Chapter 120: Deja Vu

“Mirabel!”

“Mirabel, where are you!?”

“She couldn’t have gotten that far!”

“Julieta, are you sure you saw her?”

“Of course I saw her! I was literally talking to her! Do you think I was talking to myself!?”

“I—I didn’t mean it like that!”

“What else do you mean then!? Mirabel is alive! I just don’t—don’t know where she could’ve ran off to!”

Alma watched as her family argued with each other, calling out for her granddaughter’s name. With hope that Mirabel would hear them and come to them.

Julieta claimed that she saw Mirabel. Which Alma really did believe. She doubts that Julieta was seeing things. Though the possibility of Mirabel not making it was high.

Alma gulped, she knew that it would be her fault. She was the one in the wrong. She blamed Mirabel for things that weren’t her fault. She put too much pressure on all of them.

Alma didn’t know she was trembling until Dolores placed a hand on her shoulder. She looked at her second oldest granddaughter.

“We’ll find her.” Dolores swore, having a distant look in her eyes. “We’ll find her.” She says breathlessly, her breath hitching.

Alma looks Dolores in the eyes, her usually stoic expression was changed into something more emotional. She was a minute away from breaking down.

“What are we…what are we going to do?” She hears Camilo ask.

Alma finally got a good look at how Isabela looked. Isabela actually looked happy before she ruined things. “…What if we d-don’t find her?”

What had she done?

She thought that she was doing good.

She was the one that caused the miracle to die.

She was the one that ruined things, not Mirabel.

Why couldn’t she see this earlier?

Why had she become so stubborn?

When had she lost her way?

This was Bruno all over again.

A second Madrigal left because of her.

There was no other person to blame but herself.

It’s her fault.

Mirabel could be injured and passed out somewhere and they wouldn’t know.

Mirabel could’ve left the Encanto out of fear and they wouldn’t know.

But…

Why is this situation so familiar?

The way that they all look at her, hoping that she’ll give them an answer. Hoping that she’ll know what to do. That she’ll know how to fix it.

She doesn’t.

For the second time in her life, Alma doesn’t have an answer. She’s helpless and couldn’t protect her loved ones once again.

Alma finally broke down.

Chapter 121: Mirabel’s Timeless Sacrifice — Part 3

The Madrigals tried, but really couldn’t come to terms with Mirabel’s gift. They weren’t okay with it and Mirabel didn’t seem to see the problem with dying.

She did tell them about some of her scars, not all of them. Scars mixed with other scars, which had confused Mirabel. Sometimes she doesn’t remember how or what happened.

One noticeable scar is on her chest, which was also on her back. Mirabel refused to speak about it. They knew that wasn’t that Mirabel forgot about how she got it. They wondered what could cause a scar like that and it was fatal. It impaled her. Whatever happened would’ve killed Mirabel in a matter of seconds.

The scar is always covered by her blouse. The only reason that they knew about it was because Mirabel was telling Julieta about her scars.

“Are you okay?”

Mirabel looked at Antonio in confusion. “Why wouldn’t I be?” She smiled.

“You’re hurt.”

The Madrigals turned their attention towards them. 

“Ah…” Mirabel wasn’t going to explain what she went through to Antonio. He was too young. She definitely wasn’t going to say that she died multiple times. “It’s makeup. I’m just…working on a project right now. You don’t need to worry.” She lied easily.

Antonio’s face scrunched up in concern, but didn’t say anything.

“…How about we talk about those animals that you liked, Antonio?” Alma asked, changing the conversation.

“Okay!”

Both Alma and Antonio walked out of the room.

The Madrigals looked awkward.

Mirabel’s hand was placed over her chest, she looked a mixture of sad and nervous. 

“Mija, are you okay?” Agustín asked. Mirabel never mentioned anything about her scars hurting. He really hoped that they wouldn't. “Is it…is it your chest? Does it hurt?”

“Uhm, no, it doesn’t.” Mirabel said quietly.

“Do you—do you want to tell us what happened?”

“Agustín!”

“It’s fine.” Mirabel chuckled nervously, avoiding all of their gazes. “It…it was an accident. Beside my throat…scar, this one is the one that I remember the most. I hate it.”

They looked at Mirabel with a worried expression. When Casita fell, it could’ve been possible that something fell and impaled her.

“I’m sorry,” Mirabel said quietly, she looked guilty. “I went to you again for a hug. I—I don’t know what happened, how it went so horribly wrong.” Mirabel began to say. Isabela’s eyes widened as she knew Mirabel’s was talking about her. The other Madrigals were confused. “Your vine…it struck me, but—but I knew you weren’t trying to hurt me. It killed me in a matter of a few seconds once the vine was out of my chest.”

Isabela’s face went pale as her eyes widened even more. “W-what?” That couldn’t be possible. She didn’t want to believe it. She actually killed Mirabel? Her baby sister? A vine through her chest? She killed her sister. This can’t be. “O-oh, I—I d-did— me!?”

Mirabel looked extremely nervous. “B-but it’s fine! I wouldn’t even have remembered if it weren’t for this scar! I know you didn’t mean to do it at the time! I didn’t exactly have a good approach!”

“What!?” Camilo screeched.

The others were also shocked as they stared at Isabela. 

“I—I wouldn’t—“

“Kill Mirabel,” Dolores finished off. “You killed Mirabel.” She squeaked.

Julieta was in disbelief, she didn’t know what to say. Never did she ever think that her oldest daughter would do that to her youngest daughter. It just reminded her how dangerous their gifts could be and how fragile Mirabel can be against them. Her Isabela didn’t kill Mirabel, but somewhere in the past, she did. Or at least she would’ve done it. 

“Oh….” Bruno muttered as he looked away. In his visions, he had never seen Mirabel’s death before. He did suspect that Isabela was the one that gave her that scar. No other object would cleanly go through her body in that shape.

Luisa was in shock like the rest. She knew that Isabela and Mirabel didn’t get along well in the past. Well…how much could Mirabel change to prevent that outcome? To prevent their bad relationship? Right, it was a loop for the day after Antonio’s ceremony. Isabela killing Mirabel before? The possibility? Did she kill her more than once? Or—

Mirabel saw Isabela panicking.

“It’s fine, Isabela. You killed me, but you also didn’t. You wouldn’t do that to me. I know you wouldn’t. You didn’t.” Mirabel said with a strange firmness to her voice. “It’s fine, really! It’s not just me…brushing it off. I know it’s not, uhm, okay. But it doesn’t affect or hurt me anymore. I don’t blame you.” Mirabel wasn’t going to mention that she had died by accident from other family members. That would just make them feel worse. “I don’t hold a grudge and I know it’s wrong—“

“You’re practically brushing it off! I k-killed you—even if I didn’t, there was a time where I did! I just don’t—don’t understand why you’re so okay with t-this!”

“She has a point, Mirabel. This isn’t okay or healthy.”

“I just don’t see the problem anymore.” Mirabel frowned. “What technically happened wasn’t any of you. You shouldn’t feel guilty. I…I shouldn’t have said anything. I didn’t want to make things like this or make you feel at fault.” Things would’ve been better if she didn’t have her scars.

The Madrigals went silent.

…

“Hypothetically speaking, we’re not your real family since you died a while back. The real us probably doesn’t even know what happened. We’re practically clones and our original selves are left with the aftermath of your death. Isn’t that crazy—“

“—Camilo, shut up.”

“Okay.”

“…We need to talk to our therapist again. We also need to pay him more.”

“Please, don’t feel guilty for what happened.”

Isabela scoffed, the tears in her eyes was clear. “It’s hard not to, especially after what you just told me.” She doesn’t understand why Mirabel is brushing off her killing her so easily. She has a point in saying that it’s not her, but she did do it.

They need to start teaching Mirabel what’s okay and what’s not okay. They also need to have someone watching her in case she tries to use her gift again.

Slowly but surely, everything will be okay one day.

Chapter 122: Bitterness That Lurks Underneath

“I don’t…I don’t understand.” 

Alma looked at Mirabel in confusion. “Huh?”

Mirabel narrowed her eyes. “I just don’t understand what that has to do with me. It surely doesn’t excuse the way that you and everyone else treated me. How miserable you all made me.” Her eyes were glossy with tears. “How can you make this about you as if I didn’t go through all of this just to make you proud? As if you weren’t the one in the wrong?”

“I—no, it’s not like that, Mirabel. I wasn’t trying to make it seem like I’m…I’m innocent. I just wanted to—to tell you what happened. I’m not blaming you.” Alma stammered, shocked by what Mirabel said. “And when I apologize, I really mean it. I want to make it up to you. All of you.”

“Yeah because apologies make everything better.” Mirabel said sarcastically.

“Mirabel!”

“What? It’s not as if I didn’t say anything that's not true. You can’t magically expect everything to be better because you apologized. It’s hard to break out of the habits that you’re so used to doing.” Mirabel scowled, standing up. “I’m not going to smile and pretend that everything that happened to me was okay and forgive you. I bet you wouldn't be here, telling me about this if the miracle didn’t fall.”

Alma’s eyes widened, suddenly quiet. 

Mirabel glared. “This is exactly what I mean.”

“W-wait—“

“You neglected and ignored me because I didn’t get a gift. I was only five years old and didn’t understand what I did wrong. You’ve always put the miracle above us. It’s funny isn’t it? You thought that the miracle was dying because of me…instead it was because of you.” Mirabel chuckled humorlessly. “It was easy for you to neglect me, to make me the new town’s black sheep. This is your first time you ever apologized to me. And even now, it’s like you don’t mean it. You didn’t even acknowledge it. You just told me a story about your life. And really…I don’t care what you went through because it was no excuse for the way you treated me. It’s clear that the candle is way more important than I will ever be to you.”

“That’s not—not—“ Alma was speechless as Mirabel ranted. She couldn’t even deny it because it was true. She doesn’t know what she would’ve done if Casita hadn’t fallen at that moment. “But…I do mean it when I say that I’m sorry.”

“I do mean it when I say that I won’t accept your apology.” Mirabel said mockingly. 

Alma looked shocked as if she expected Mirabel to just accept her apology and move on. As if she expected Mirabel to ignore how her life was miserable because she didn’t get a gift. How she was outcasted over something she didn’t even have control over.

“What?” Mirabel chuckled. “I was miserable in my own town, my own home because of you and that damn candle. It would be stupid of me to just forgive and forget. To push everything down  and hide my feelings for the sake of everyone else’s feelings. I’m not doing that anymore, not again. I don’t even believe your apology. It’s like you’re only trying to get me to come back because you know that everyone will be angry at you if you return without me. Because they know that it’s your fault.”

“But I am sorry, Mirabel! I know that—that it’s sudden and doesn’t make up for what I’ve done to you and—and I really do mean it. I’m not doing this because of that. You’re my granddaughter, I’m not doing this out of my personal benefit. I’m not making any excuses…not anymore.”

It was obvious that Mirabel didn’t believe the words that were coming out of her mouth.

“You can’t change within a day. You, of all people, should know that.” Mirabel scowled. “You’ve broken my trust before and I would be an idiot to just open up to you, and easily trust you after what happened.” She rolled her eyes. “Would it be rude of me if I went as far as to say that I hate the Encanto?” Mirabel chuckled, making Alma’s eyes widened even more. “Of course it would be.”

“You—you don’t mean that. You’re not thinking rationally. You’re saying that out of anger. Mirabel, maybe you should—“

“I do. I’ll say it again. I hate the Encanto.” Mirabel said firmly. “There’s nothing here for me. There’s nobody here for me. Except for one person and he’s only five years old.” Mirabel wasn’t going to out Bruno and say that he was still here. But if they knew, Mirabel would’ve said two people. “I hate this Madrigal name. It ruined everything for me.”

I hate you Madrigals.

Alma knew what Mirabel really meant, but didn’t say.

Mirabel started to walk away.

“Where…where are you going?”

“I don’t know. But this time, don’t try to find me. I will seriously leave the Encanto if you do.”

With that, Mirabel was gone. 

Chapter 123: Replaced Miracle — Part 4

“Where’s Dolores? Is she okay?” Pepa asked worriedly.

“I don’t know, Dolores had run off somewhere.” Camilo murmured. “With someone.” He added.

“With someone?”

“Someone wearing a darker color of purple. A lot of it actually.”

Mariano certainly didn’t wear purple.

Nobody in town, but Isabela wore a lot of purple or something of the similar shade of purple.

“It wasn’t me. Camilo and I were together at the time.”

It wasn’t Isabela either.

There was only one other person who wore purple.

Antonio looked nervous, but he did his best not to look suspicious. Antonio was never good at being subtle.

“What’s wrong?” Luisa asked Antonio, who was looking very suspicious.

Don’t snitch. Don’t snitch. Don’t snitch.

That was the only thing repeating in Antonio’s mind.

“N-nothing.”

He was a terrible liar.

“You know where Dolores went?”

“Do you know who Dolores left with?”

“She isn’t hurt, right?”

Antonio never worked well under pressure.

“I may have been asking around about Mirabel and accidentally found her! In the process of that, she showed me her visions! Dolores knew where Mirabel was and ran off to hide her and—and I’m…so…sorry.” He blurted out, his eyes filling up with tears.

…

Oh he’s so dead. Definitely by Dolores too. Mirabel was too kind to do such a thing. They’re going to be so angry at him! Why can’t he keep his mouth shut? Screw being in a family full of gossipers, especially his siblings. 

The Madrigals stared at him with widened eyes.

“What?”

“You’re joking—Antonio, I swear if this is some joke, I’ll—I’ll—“ Isabela couldn’t even finish her sentence as she was far too stunned by the information. Mirabel? Her baby sister? Her sister who left ten years ago? Was she still in the Encanto? Dolores knew?

Antonio looked very guilty.

“Holy shit…” Bruno murmured, as shocked as everyone else. Bruno may know more than he lets on, but he knew that Mirabel was in the Encanto. His animals have told him. It also would be practically impossible for a ten year old to make it out the Encanto. He just never knew where she was exactly. 

“My b-baby, sh-she’s here? You’ve…you’ve seen M-Mirabel?” Julieta stammered looking Antonio in the eye. He nodded, making her tears fall. 

“Oh my—“

“—Wait, Dolores k-knew where M-Mirabel was this entire t-time!?”

Dolores or Mirabel never explicitly said how long Dolores knew that Mirabel was hiding in the walls. Antonio is pretty sure she knew that exact day that Mirabel left. But he’ll have to ask them about that if they come back.

“I mean…I—I don’t know about all of that…b-but—“ Antonio was just spilling everything at that point, he needed to stop. So he did. Why did they entrust him with this?

“Where are they?”

Their voices were desperate.

After all, they haven’t seen or heard Mirabel for ten years. Most of them thought that she had died. Hearing this coming from Antonio was life changing.

“I c-can’t—I don’t know—“ Antonio stammered, he wasn’t lying, he had no clue where they could’ve gone. All he knew was that Dolores was leading her out the back.

---

Mirabel and Dolores looked at each other.

“He told them by now, didn’t he?”

“Yep, he was never good under pressure, especially by the entire family.” Dolores told her hesitatingly. “Sorry…this wasn’t a good idea.”

“I don’t like this…” Mirabel muttered to herself, having her hood over her head. She avoided everyone’s gaze as they walked the opposite direction of Casita. “This—this…if only I had my gift, I could’ve seen how this would’ve gone.”

Dolores stared at Mirabel with a curious expression. “Sorry again. You’ve…you’ve never seen what happened afterwards?”

“I mean…most of my visions come true.” Mirabel paused, she realized that all of her visions so far had come true. “T-there’s only a few visions that I don’t think happened yet…and I stopped having visions after a while. My visions aren’t always correct…time wise. I tend to lose track of when things might happen.” She frowned, looking at Dolores. “You don’t need to apologize. Really, it’s fine. I forgive you.”

Dolores knew there was no point in arguing about how it wasn’t fine. Mirabel was way too loving. “We need to hurry up.”

“We won’t get far.” Mirabel blurted out.

“What?”

Mirabel’s cheeks flushed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that. I just…I just don’t think we’ll get far before we are caught.”

“Oh—“

“…Not a prophecy either…I just know that we won’t. I kind of…stand out too much with purple.” Mirabel mumbled. “I don’t think I would be recognized if I just took off the hood. Do I look suspicious?”

“Uhm…” Dolores only shrugged. “Well, you certainly do stand out in a crowd with that purple hood on. I wouldn’t say suspicious, just standing out.”

“…Isn’t that technically the same thing?”

“Standing out doesn’t make you suspicious.”

“…Most times.”

“Most times it doesn’t make you seem suspicious.” Dolores corrected, she glanced around. “Then—then what do you want to do, s-since you know that we’ll be…caught?”

Mirabel looked nervous. “I don’t know.”

Dolores had a matching expression. “Do you…do you want to see them?”

“Of course I do.” Mirabel answered with no hesitation. “But they—they wouldn’t want to see me. That's why I can’t go back. I ruined—“

“—Nobody lives.” Dolores finished off. “Everyone would be overjoyed to see you. We all miss you. Like I said, we all overreacted and acted negatively during that time…but you didn’t ruin anyone's lives. We all acted immature during that time, but we’ve also grown. We all know that we were wrong for the way we reacted and treated you. We all regret it too. Mamá does. Isabela does. Camilo does. Everyone.” She held Mirabel’s hands. “It’s up to you if you want to come back, if you want to stay. I won’t force you, I can’t force you to stay. We can continue walking and I’ll help you or….or we can turn b-back around to them.” There was a hopeful glint in Dolores’ eyes.

Mirabel was silent.

“N-no pressure, of course!” Dolores squeaked.

“If it’s you who’s saying this…then m-maybe it’s not too late?” Mirabel questioned quietly.

Dolores’ eyes widened, but she remained calm. “It’s not too late.” She confirmed. “You are always welcomed. You are a Madrigal after all, you’re family.”

“Then…”

“…Then you want to turn around and meet them?” 

Mirabel nodded, still looking nervous.

“We don’t have to do this now.”

“I doubt I would do it any other time. I don’t like…stalling time either.”

Mirabel took off her hooded-poncho. She just needed to prepare herself. She got this. She practiced this a million times. There’s no need to be nervous.

…

“Dolores!”

Gasps were heard.

“M-Mirabel…?”

Mirabel stared at her family with widened eyes. She took a step back, her hands trembling. “I—“ She told herself to prepare for this. She even practiced. She really wasn’t prepared or ready.

Dolores took a step in front of Mirabel. It was obvious that Antonio had spilled. She was pretty angry on Mirabel’s behalf, but she couldn’t blame Antonio since he was obviously pressured. She did expect him spilling. But this is not how she wanted this going.

“Y-you’re alive?”  

Tears began to fall from the Madrigals’ eyes.

Including Mirabel.

In just a second, Mirabel was engulfed in a hug by Isabela, who was holding her tightly.

“Oh my God, h-hermanita… you’re b-back, you’re a-actually back.” Isabela stuttered as she cried. “Y-you’re here.”

It didn’t take long for the others to do the same, crying out similar things.

Mirabel was stiff as Isabela hugged her. She was sure that Isabela hated her. That they hated her. She looked at Dolores—she was the only one who didn’t hug her—who looked at her with an adoring expression. Mirabel didn’t know what to do with their affection, what to say. She spent ten years in the walls with only rats for company and occasional talk with Dolores.

Dolores offered her a shrug and a smile. Mirabel was looking as if she was in a different dimension. As if she expected a negative response from seeing her. Honestly, it hurts her soul that Mirabel would think that. But, in reality, Dolores couldn’t blame her, not after what she went through.

“Oh M-Mariposa, I missed you s-so much.” 

“I—I missed you a-all too.” Mirabel stammered, still in shock. Did they not care? She practically caused Casita and the miracle to die! Why wasn’t anyone yelling at her? Why aren't they telling her to leave? Why weren’t they mad at her for causing their deaths? Why? Why were they being so kind and accepting?

“I was so s-scared.” Julieta spoke up, shaking hands cupping her youngest daughter’s face. She didn’t want to let her go again. Not when she finally sees her after ten years. She can’t let Mirabel go again. “Mija… I thought…I thought that I would never see you again. Where did you go?” You were so young.

“I—“ Mirabel didn’t know if she could answer that question. She couldn’t.

The Madrigals went silent.

Dolores and Antonio glanced at each other, the only ones who knew where Mirabel went. Dolores narrowed her eyes, making sure Antonio wouldn’t blurt anything out.

“S-sorry, you don’t have to answer that if you don’t want to.” Julieta backtracked, when she saw the way that Mirabel clammed up. It broke her heart knowing that it was because of them. She just wanted to know if her baby was at least safe and who took care of her during the last ten years.  

“Why?”

They looked at Pepa who asked the question, staring at Mirabel.

They all had their own reasons, their own theories on why Mirabel left. Most of them knew a major reason.

Mirabel looked guilty, as if she was the one at fault, as if she were to blame. “On—on Antonio’s ceremony…I had that v-vision. It was him in front of a cracking Casita, which led up to t-this. I couldn’t just show the vision, I’ve always given out bad visions. I just…I just couldn’t let that vision be seen and everyone always assumes the worst so—so I just left.” Mirabel admitted hesitantly, avoiding their eyes.

Pepa’s eyes widened even more, her heart aching. “You—you left because of me?” Mirabel didn’t explicitly say it, but she knew it was her fault. “You…you left for Antonio.” Mirabel grimaced. Pepa felt like the worst person in the world. A fifteen year old had felt the need to protect a five year old from her. “O-oh God…” What had she done and caused? “I-I’m s-so—“ Her voice cracked. “I’m so sorry, I—“

She knew that what she did to Mirabel when she was only a little girl—she still is a little girl to her—was wrong. No amount of apologies could make up for that. She made Mirabel feel the need to leave to protect Antonio from her. The way she treated Mirabel clearly affected her horribly. She regrets what she did and said during that time the most. 

Mirabel doesn’t know what to do. She doesn’t know what to respond with. She wants to comfort Pepa, but she just doesn’t know how and if she’s even comfortable with that.

“I’m sorry.”

The way they all stared at her. 

It wasn’t with pity.

All Mirabel could see was regret in their eyes. That they wanted to apologize for everything that they’ve done, that they couldn’t do, that they let happen. To let her know that it wasn’t her fault, to shower affection that she couldn’t have all of those years. Yet they couldn't, they were waiting on her. No, they weren’t waiting on her to say something. They weren’t waiting on her to apologize or any nonsense like that. They were waiting on her, so that they wouldn’t overwhelm her. They saw how different she was from the little girl they’ve known, how similar she was. 

If they all talked over each other, apologizing for their wrongs, trying to make it up to her. They know that the only thing they would succeed in doing is scaring her away and making her uncomfortable.

There was just one question that they wanted to ask. That they were sure wouldn’t scare Mirabel away immediately. They would have to accept the answer no matter what, even if they don’t want to.

“Are—are you going to l-leave again?”

There were so many questions that needed to be asked. So many apologies needed to be said. But couldn’t be said at this point of time, even if they wanted to. 

Mirabel was hesitating, her answer at the tips of her tongue. She looked at them all. “Would…would anyone mind me staying?”

Their answer was immediate.

“Of course not!”

“Then…” A small smile formed on Mirabel’s face. “I d-don’t think that I’ll l-leave.”

It was a start.

It wasn’t a new beginning.

They couldn’t start all over again. Without that, they wouldn’t grow, they wouldn’t change. So many things in your life can be taken. No matter what they had or didn't. Nothing can take what they are becoming.

Isabela wondered if the vision that Mirabel had shown her was beginning to happen.

It certainly felt like it.

They couldn’t make a new beginning, but maybe they can start to make a new ending.

Chapter 124: Love’s Unwelcome Confession

“What I’m saying is that I…I like you.”

…

Mirabel stared at Oscar with a shocked expression, before looking back at her family then back at him. He was actually serious. “Excuse me?”

“What?” The older generation of her family questioned, looking at him as if he was crazy. They looked at each to see if they heard things right.

Yes, Mirabel was a growing young woman and bound to have people liking her and wanted to court her. But Oscar? Yeah, the Madrigals didn’t like that.

“You literally were bullying me before the miracle fell?” Mirabel sputtered as Oscar blushed in embarrassment. Did she hear him correctly?

“I’m…” Oscar didn’t know what to say. He saw how brave Mirabel was when Casita was falling. He liked her even before that. He liked how she kept getting right back up ever after he bullied her. He liked someone with a strong mentality. Mirabel kept positive despite everything. She was absolutely talented and great at so many things. He liked that. “I—I d-don’t kn—“

“You don’t get to bully my daughter and tell her you like her.” Agustín walked up to him, giving him a stern look. “Bullying isn’t motivated by love or whatever you said.”

“Look, you’re young and still growing. Everyone makes mistakes. What you did and said to Mirabel isn’t right. And this confession was…sudden.” Alma looked at him disapprovingly. 

Pepa chimed in. “You haven’t even apologized to her either and—“

“—Yet you’re confessing?” Félix said, narrowing his eyes. 

Oscar felt like a sheep surrounded by a pack of wolves. He gulped, his hand sweating. “I…” Who looked at Mirabel, who was still looking at him with a confused expression.

“Why do you like me? You bullied me for years.” Mirabel wasn’t dumb, she wasn’t going to say yes to the person who bullied her for so long.

“I like you b-because—“ Oscar felt as if someone tied up his tongue into a knot. All seven Madrigals watched him to see what he would say. Yet he didn’t say anything. This wasn’t a good look for him. He didn’t even have a good impression from the Madrigals because of his reputation. Oh God, this was humiliating.

“You don’t know?” Bruno questioned after a moment of silence, his eyes flashing green. “I hope you’re not trying to get together with my niece because of her last name.” Oscar never knew that Bruno Madrigal and the other Madrigals could be intimidating.

“N-no, of course, S-Señor!” Oscar stammered.

Mirabel didn’t seem hurt at all. If she was annoyed, she didn’t show it. “Then?”

“I-I- like y-you be-because—“

Julieta was simply observing him, staying silent until she turned to her daughter. She knew this was going to go nowhere. “And how do you feel about this, Mirabel?”

Mirabel’s reply was quick. “I’m sorry, but I don’t feel the same way about you.”

Oscar doesn’t know why he expected Mirabel to say that she likes him too. Even if she did, he had a feeling that Julieta would’ve poisoned him if he dared getting close to her.

Julieta plastered on a smile, her eyes lightened up. “There’s your answer.” She smiled warmly. “Now go.”

Oscar didn’t need to be told twice. His heart was practically beating outside of his chest, aware of the older Madrigals watching him walk away. He knew it wouldn’t take long for Mirabel’s sisters and cousins to know. They were just as scary too.

He regretted existing at that very moment.

Mirabel looked at her family. “I think you all intimidated him a little too much.”

“He still hasn’t apologized.”

Chapter 125: 5 + 1

Summary:

Five times Mirabel helped the Madrigals & the one time they helped her.

Notes:

I just realized that 125 chapters is a lot.

1. Antonio 

“What if it doesn’t work?”

“Well, in that impossible scenario…I guess that you’ll have to stay with me forever.” Mirabel exclaimed with a grin on her face. “And I’ll get to have the best roomie to myself.”

Antonio’s mood seemed to have lightened up a bit, but not by too much. “…I wish you could have a door.” He murmured. “That way, you’ll be happy.”

Mirabel seemed surprised. “What? Oh no, I’m happy, Antonio. Not having a gift doesn’t make me upset. I came to terms with my giftlessness. You don’t need to worry about me. Why would I be upset when I have such an amazing primo and family?” She smiled. “Seeing you get your special gift and door will make me even more happy, Toñito. It’s a shame that we won’t be together anymore.” She let out an exaggerated sigh. “Why don’t you open your present? At least you’ll have something to remember me by when you get the coolest room ever.”

“I’ll never forget you.” Antonio pouted, slowly opening the present to reveal a Jaguar plush. His eyes lightened up. 

“I know that you’re an animal guy, so I made you a little something. I hope you like it.”

“Like it? I love it, Mira! Thank you so much! You’re the best cousin ever! You’re my favorite!”

“I’m your favorite because I made you this?”

“No, you were my favorite even before this!”

“Don’t let my sisters hear you.” Mirabel chuckled, giving Antonio one last hug as they crawled out from under the bed. The clock was ringing and bouncing, indicating its time. “Now go, our family is looking for you. Wouldn’t want to be late on your special day, would you? Who knows how upset abuela will be.” She said teasingly. “Especially your mamí.”

“Okay, okay, we’re going!”

2. Luisa

“Who am I if I don’t have what it takes?”

“I think that you’re carrying too much.” Mirabel pointed out, looking at the multiple donkeys that Luisa. “Since you’re stressed—“ She gestured towards her eye, Luisa knew she was talking about her eyes “—You shouldn’t be carrying all of this.”

Luisa chuckled nervously. “I don’t know what you mean. Me? Stressed?” She tried to play off the truth, but she knew that Mirabel wasn’t dumb. “My eye definitely isn’t twitching.” Mirabel gave her a blank stare.

“If you keep this up, I’ll tell mamá.” Mirabel threatened, making Luisa gulp. She was serious. “Just relax, Luisa. Even if it’s just for a minute. Every time I see you, you’re doing something to help around. I never see you having time for yourself.”

“I…” Luisa didn’t know how she was going to get out of this. She wasn’t a good liar at all. “I just like helping.” That was the truth, so it didn’t matter.

“Most people like helping.” Mirabel arched an eyebrow, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. “I don’t have a problem with you or anyone else helping around. What I have a problem with is that you never take breaks.”

“W-what, I take breaks!” Luisa gasped.

“Name your last break.”

“Ea—“

“That’s not breakfast, lunch, showering and sleeping.”

Luisa closed her mouth, staring at Mirabel with widened eyes. “I don’t know.” She admitted sheepishly, her cheeks warmed up in embarrassment.

“Exactly. See, now you’re going to be those donkeys up and that’s it. I’ll go tell that donkeys’ owner off and tell him to fix that fence of his. While you go and relax.” 

“But—“

“No buts.” Mirabel scolded. “I’ll seriously tell mamá that you’re overworking yourself. You know how dangerous it is? Especially with your gift acting up. Who knows what could happen if your gift decides to mess up randomly while you’re carrying a building.” Her expression softened. “Take a break, Luisa.”

Luisa couldn’t help but laugh. “You sound and look like mamá.”

“Yeah so?” Mirabel playfully rolled her eyes. “That’s like the biggest compliment ever.” She grinned cheekily. “Come on, let’s go put those donkeys up, so you can hear me scold the donkeys’ owner as if I’m mamá. Then you can take a break.”

“…and abuela?”

“I’ll go to mamá for that also.”

“Oh you snitch.”

“Depends how I’m feeling.” Mirabel huffed. “You’re not worthless and you shouldn’t try shouldering everything. All of us are here for you. That’s what family is for. You don’t have to carry the burden by yourself.”

Mirabel looked around, before leaning forward to Luisa, a smirk slowly forming. “Tell me…what do you know about Bruno?”

3. Bruno 

“I don’t know which way it’ll go, but my guess, the family, the Encanto, and the fate of the miracle itself, well it’s all gonna come down to you.”

“You can’t just say that the fate of the miracle is up to me then just leave and expect me to be okay with it!” Mirabel exclaimed, mildly panicking. “I don’t even know how to save a miracle! Everyone saw the vision and I ruined Isabela’s engagement! How am I going to save the miracle? Hug Isabela?”

Bruno just gave her a half-hearted smile and a shrug. “I don’t know. I just know it’s up to you. If I could help you, I would…but I can’t.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

“Same difference.”

“Mirabel was in the vision for a reason. Find her.”

They both ducked out of sight as they heard Alma’s voice.

“…You might want to hurry up.”

Mirabel glared at nothing. “Like you said, we can't rush the future.” She mockingly said, before she turned to Bruno. “Do I have to?”

“If you want to save the miracle.” Bruno was pretty amused. “…By yourself, after I leave.”

Mirabel sent Bruno a panicked look. “You’re not coming?”

“No no, nobody knows I’m here. I surely can’t see Isabela either.” Bruno held his hands up. “Also, it was your vision, not mine.”

“You had the vision.”

“You were in it.”

Mirabel let out a groan. “You’re seriously not going to come, huh?” She stared at him. “You’re scared abuela will see you, not Isabela.”

“Yep—I mean, kind of…that too, but that’s not the point! You’re supposed to hug your sister to make the miracle better.”

“Yep because a hug makes everything better.” Mirabel sighed. “Just save the miracle with a…hug.” She said the last part with displeasure clear in her voice. “When I save the miracle, I’m dragging you out the walls.”

Bruno looked surprised by Mirabel’s words. “Wha—no no, you can visit though! I won’t— can’t go back. They hate me.”

“I don’t hate you and I just met you.” Mirabel paused. “Well, not just met you, since… you know. The point is that I don’t hate you. I’m sure the others don’t either. Actually, I know…no offense, but I’m not too sure about abuela. Pretty sure she hates me too, so we’re stuck in that together. But the others don’t. You can see it in their eyes that they miss you, even if they made that dumb rule not to talk to you. Anger just happens to come out more easily than grief and sadness.”

Bruno blinked in surprise, before smiling warmly. “Thank you for that motivational speech, Julieta Jr.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

4. Isabela 

“And I owe this all to you.”

Isabela pulled Mirabel into an embrace, her expression softened as she stared at her little sister. There was a warmth in her eyes that Mirabel haven’t seen since she was five.

“Isabela, you’ve always had this power, you’ve always had this potential. I only helped you a little bit by giving you a little nudge. You’re amazing, Isa. Incredibly talented.” Mirabel smiled. She never thought that Isabela would be hiding so much. That she’s going under the same pressure, if not worse by their abuela. She doesn’t know how Isabela does it. Forced to be perfect for sixteen years? Forced to marry a man she didn’t love? All for the family too. Their abuela. Mirabel isn’t sure if she would be able to do that.

“Don’t sell yourself short.” Isabela snorted. “If it wasn’t for you doing all of this and that, we wouldn’t be here right now. Seriously, I wouldn’t be making cactuses and other things if you haven’t come up to me. I would still be Señora Perfecta like you love to say.” Mirabel didn’t look ashamed at all. “You…you actually helped me so much, Mirabel. I don’t even know how to thank you properly. I don’t know why you do this for me after what I said to you.”

Mirabel definitely wasn’t going to say that she came to hug her because of a vision. “It’s fine, really. I know you didn’t mean it.”

“No, seriously, let me say this. The way I treated you was wrong. I told you, a fifteen year old, someone who’s my little sister and six years younger than me, that I hate you. I don’t hate you. Even with the stuff I was going through, it wasn’t right for me to take it out on you. We all were going through things and I was the only one lashing out at you. I just…I just thought that you were free and didn’t understand why you kept trying to gain abuela’s approval. You had nothing to lose. I was jealous. I’ll admit that. And that’s still no excuse to treat you like that.” Isabela confessed as Mirabel stared at her with widened eyes. “I should've said this to you way earlier on, but I’m sorry. For everything. And…and even after all of this, what I did to you, what I said, you still got back up with a smile, more confidence. I don’t understand…but what I do know is that I’ll never be as brave as you. I know that I’ll be a better sister. To you and Luisa.”

Mirabel definitely wasn’t crying. Nope. “Your pollen got in my eye. It’s making my eyes water.”

Isabela arched an eyebrow, smirking. “Is that so?”

“Yep.” Mirabel waved her off dismissively.

Isabela couldn’t help but laugh, elbowing Mirabel. “You’re a bad influence.”

Their laughter came to an abrupt stop when they heard a very familiar voice.

“What is going on!?”

5. Alma

“I…I can finally see. You lost your home….lost everything. You suffered so much, all alone…so it would never happen again. Then…we were saved, because of you. We were given a miracle, because of you. We are a family, because of you. And nothing could ever be broken that we can’t fix…together.”

Alma’s eyes shone with tears, looking at the river that Pedro had once sacrificed himself for her. For them. “I asked my Pedro for help. So many times. I was confused and I’ve always asked him for help…and he always had the best answers and advice.” The sun peeked over the clouds, illuminating the beautiful river’s pink hue. She hugged Mirabel tightly. “I finally understand now. Mirabel, he sent me you. You never destroyed the miracle. Like you said, it was I who was destroying the miracle. I was the one who was ruining this family. Never you.” She looked at her granddaughter with a soft expression. “I can see you, Mirabel. I see your efforts. I see the way you always try your best to help around, to make things right. If anyone…it would be you, who would save the miracle. Not destroy it. I’m so glad that you’ve opened my eyes. That you brought me back to the right path or else this wouldn’t have just ended with Casita falling and me finding you. I…”

“We don’t need to worry about something that didn’t happen. That won’t happen, abuela. All that matters is that I’m here. We’re here, together, as a family. I see that you’re willing to make things better, to own up for your mistakes. I can’t forgive you now, but I know that I will in the future. It takes courage to do such a thing.”

“I know and I’m okay with that. I don’t expect you or anybody else to immediately forgive me.” Alma couldn’t help but chuckle. “It takes courage to stick up to me. No, not courage. Bravery. You did all of this for us. I love you so much, Mirabel. I detest that I didn’t show and say it sooner. But…” She looked around, butterflies, what seemed to be thousands of them, swirling around them. This place, this river, where only bad memories came from seeing it. It was redefined.  “I’m glad that you’re here.”

Mirabel smiled warmly. “I love you too, abu—“

“She didn’t do this! She didn’t do this! I gave her a vision—“

1. Mirabel

“We made this one just for you.”

Antonio handed Mirabel the doorknob, the letter M carved into it. Mirabel looked around, she could feel the tears start to form as she saw her family gathering around her. Antonio took her hand, starting to walk her towards the front door.

Mirabel couldn’t stop the tears.

Just like she walked Antonio to his door, he walked her to her door. The parallels between their ceremonies are truly astounding.

“We see how bright you burn, Mirabel.” The warm side of the Madrigals said, looking at Mirabel with an adoring expression.

“And I can’t thank you enough for how much you’ve taken care of Antonio.” Pepa smiled softly, her eyes glistening with tears as Félix had an arm wrapped around her.

“You’re amazing, prima. I don’t know how you do it. Don’t stop being you.” Dolores chuckled, holding a hand over her heart. “I love you so much.”

“We’ve shared a room together for five years and I miss us. When we go inside, I swear that we’ll be spending every single moment together to make up for lost time. I miss you, mi melliza.”

Isabela and Luisa looked at her with admiration. “We’ve seen how brave you’ve been.”

“I don’t know what to say…you’re outstanding, Mira. You went through all of this to save the miracle. To save this family. You even argued with abuela when everyone else was too scared to. If that’s not bravery, I don’t know what is.” Isabela smiled warmly.

“I’m glad that you came to me, hermanita. Without you, I don’t think I would've known what a break is.” Luisa said jokingly. “Seriously, thank you so much. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”

Julieta and Agustín looked at Mirabel, having a loving expression. “Now see yourself in turn.”

Julieta started speaking. “I told you multiple times, too many to count, that you’re as special as everyone else in this family. A gift doesn’t define one’s worth. I know that we all see that now. You’re as special as everyone else, mija. Don’t doubt yourself. You’re a Madrigal. Don’t forget that and let anyone tell you otherwise.”

“It’s time for you to see yourself, Miraboo. I always thought of you, me, and Félix as the giftless trio in Casita. We still are. You have always been special and I’m glad that you’re finally seeing it too.” Agustín smiled.

Mirabel turned to Bruno, who was already looking at her.

“You’re the real gift, kid. You were the one who went through the trouble to find the cracks. You were the one who did their best to fix our family’s problems—even when it wasn’t your job—when everyone chose to ignore it. But, now, it’s time to let us in.” 

Alma walked up, cupping Mirabel’s face. She looked proud and emotional as everyone else. “Open your eyes, Mira, tell me. What do you see?”

“I see…me… all of me.”

As Mirabel put the doorknob in the front door, an explosion of light raced over the entire Encanto, their house, Casita. The miracle. Everything.

Thank you. You truly are a miracle, Mirabel Madrial.

Notes:

This would’ve been a cool last chapter, but I have a lot more chapters to post :)

Chapter 126: Defying Bullies

One of Mirabel’s eyes twitched. “I really have to go now.” She did her best to hide her annoyance. Which wasn’t her best. “Can’t you leave me alone? I’m busy and I don’t have time today.”

Diego scoffed. “And what are you going to do about it?” He pushed her back, making her stumble. Mirabel still didn’t do anything, trying to get away from him. “I don’t care if you don’t have time and if you’re busy. What could the useless Madrigal possibly be doing that’s making you so special and busy? So what if you brought back the miracle, you were the one who destroyed it in the first place. You’re still that same giftless, useless, not worthy of the Madrigals’ last name.” He emphasized every single word. What he didn’t notice was that Mirabel’s sisters and cousins, minus Antonio, were all in ear shot.

Mirabel ignored his words, she didn’t seem bothered by them at all. 

“Ah, of course you’re trying to infect Antonio Madrigal with your curse. Heh, you’re the only one without a gift. You clearly don’t belong. It was clear when he got a gift. You already stole the magic. What’s next? You’re going to steal Antonio’s gif—“

The grandchildren were already on their way to stop Diego.

“Mirab—“ All of them stopped, as he got tackled to the ground by Mirabel. “Oh,” They watched as Mirabel started punching him with extreme vulgar language.

The grandchildren looked at each, to see if they were hearing and seeing things correctly.

“What?”

“Oh my God, Mirabel!” They heard Mirabel’s boyfriend, Elijah exclaim with widened eyes. His sister, Kaylyn was right next to him.

The Madrigals weren't even sure if they wanted to get involved, Mirabel clearly had the situation under her control.

“Elijah—“

Instead of Elijah looking shocked, he had a love-struck expression, as if he fell in love with her at first sight.

“I just fell in love with her harder.” Elijah swooned, making his sister facepalm. “Nothing better than being together with a woman who can kick your ass.”

Kaylyn smirked. “Right?”

“She’s dating me. Me? How lucky can I get? What did I do to deserve her?” Elijah asked, looking like a puppy in love. “Did you see the way that she punched them? She looks so hot when she’s angry and beating people up.”

Isabela’s eyes twitched, looking at him as if he was crazy. “Okay, I don’t need to hear about how hot my sister is when fighting people.” She said dryly. “Wait! Why are you okay with this? You’re acting like this is an usual occurrence!”

“Look at her muscles.” Elijah ignored Isabela’s voice, focusing on Mirabel. “Did you see the way she broke his nose? The blood on her makes her look—“ He let out an incoherent noise, before letting out a dreamy sigh. “She could break my nose anytime and I’d thank her.”

“I really don’t need to know about your fantasies about my cousin.” Dolores groaned, with a roll of her eyes. She winced when she heard a crunch. “I get it, she looks hot when she beats the crap out of people. I didn’t even know she could fight and I have the gift of enhanced hearing. Or swear at that.”

“Should we be…like stopping her or?” Luisa questioned, looking around as if she was only one with common sense. “She’s clearly winning and has the upperhand. It’s more one-sided now.”

Camilo grinned. “He started it, so let Mirabel finish it.” He laughed, amused by the situation.

“Mariano was the one who taught her self-defense and she went with it ever since. Years ago actually.” Kaylyn said. “It’s not like she ever uses it just to fight…I mean, she’s never the one causing the fight. He’ll just have to learn the hard way by this beat up.”

“Mariano!?”

“Yeah….”

“I wonder how we’re going to explain this to tía Julieta.”

“Eh…”

“Mirabel is a good liar and knows how to use her adorable face to cover things up.”

“I know—“

“Also, if you talk about Mirabel in that way again while I’m in your presence, I will not hesitate to choke you.”

Elijah looked sheepish. “That’s going to be hard.”

Chapter 127: Blood Bound — Part 4

When the Madrigals woke up, they didn’t expect to find themselves tightly tied up. They weren’t the only ones tied up, the entire residents of Encanto were also there.

It was obvious what had happened.

They could hear everyone yelling and panicking.

That’s when they noticed the vampires. They weren’t attacking them, they were just watching them silently.

Mirabel either wasn’t among them or blended in.

“I can’t…I can’t use my gift!” Isabela said in panic.

That’s when the other Madrigals began to test out their gift. Just like Isabela, their gifts weren’t working.

“Wait—where’s Antonio!?” Félix exclaimed, all of them were sitting next to each other in a row besides Antonio.

“Shh,”

Everything went quiet.

They began to panic even more when they realized that even when they opened their mouths, no words came out.

The vampires shifted, making a clear path, Mirabel walking in, she was carrying Antonio. He was unconscious. “He’s sleeping. We wouldn’t want him to wake up.” Lilith was standing by her side.

“Mmh…it’s sad how many vampires died to you Madrigals.” Lilith said, who now had Antonio in her arms, since Mirabel handed him to her. “Everyone’s awake.”

“And here I was thinking that they’ve got hit too hard.” Mirabel chuckled, looking down at everyone. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many humans stuck in one place.”

“Right?” Lilith grinned. 

“This is like an early birthday gift.” 

“Well, I do hope that you enjoy your gift.” 

Vincent walked up, looking nervous for interrupting. “I thought that you wanted to separate the Madrigals from everyone else, Mistress?”

“Mistress?” The Madrigals looked shocked.

Mirabel glanced at the Madrigals one by one. “Knock them out again.”

At that moment, they could speak again.

“Wait—“

---

Soon the Madrigals woke up, they were in another room. They weren’t surrounded by anyone and it was completely silent.

“Finally, you all are awake.”

The Madrigals turned towards the male’s voice, but Alma’s face paled as she immediately recognized his voice.

“P-Pedro—“ 

Stood in the room was Pedro, Mirabel, and Bruno.

“Bruno!?”

“Did you know that I never died?” Pedro looked at his children, narrowing his eyes. “No, I was turned way earlier on and Alma wanted to kill me.”

“I found dad and had him turn me. I was everything to him. He actually loved me.” Bruno sneered.

“What a lovely family reunion.” Mirabel grinned, her eyes lit up.

“Y-you’re alive!?” Isabela screeched.

Mirabel’s grin widened. “Long story short, Vincent didn’t aim for my heart on purpose. So, now I’m getting revenge. Sounds good, right?” She looked at them all. “Continue, abuelo.”

“Don’t tell me you forget who the miracle was for? Who created the miracle?” Pedro questioned. “Let me remind you. There would be no miracle if it weren’t for me. If anything, the miracle belongs to me.” He didn’t need to raise his voice to show that he was angry.

“You left.”

“You tried to kill me, Alma. It was either to leave or die by your hands. And I didn’t want to do either one. You turned on me the moment I confessed to you what I was. You could’ve tried anything else, not kill me. We had children, Alma. I wasn’t going to attack you. I wasn’t going to attack anyone.”

Alma had the decency to look ashamed, to look guilty. “I didn’t know that.”

“Of course you didn’t know that. You didn’t give me a chance to explain. You didn’t give me a chance to do anything. Fear does make us act strange, doesn’t it? But…even now, it looks like you want to kill me. Kill us. You’d raise that gun, the wooden stake in a heartbeat just to not see me again. Wouldn’t you?”

Alma was silent.

“Ah, of course.”

His gaze landed on his daughters. 

“I’m disappointed.” Pedro said. “But I didn’t expect anything less since Alma was the one raising you all.” He let out a low sigh. “I at least expected you to defend your daughter. It doesn’t matter if she’s a vampire. I don’t understand how you could just watch her die and be okay with it.”

“Like mother, like daughter I guess.” Bruno chuckled, making Mirabel roll her eyes. “What? You can’t tell me that isn’t true? That wasn’t funny?”

“You just suck at jokes.”

“Ouch.”

“But you were raised to believe that every single vampire is bad and deserves to die. I’m surprised that you hadn’t killed Mirabel the moment she was turned. Is it because she was only a child, five years old? You couldn’t bear to kill the demon that killed your youngest granddaughter because it still had her form? Is that why?” He gestured towards Mirabel, who looked like she was five years old. That innocent expression. Someone who didn’t know that they wouldn’t get a gift and get attacked that same day.

Mirabel Madrigal, who died that night. 

“Must be.” Mirabel smiled, in a childish tone. “She wouldn’t hesitate to kill teen me.” Her eyes sparkled. “At least there was some sympathy. I wouldn’t have made it this far if it wasn’t for you, Alma.” She laughed. “But you really should've killed me the moment I turned. At least you wouldn’t have to worry about this. I truly must thank you for that.” Mirabel changed back to her original form.

Alma scowled, but she couldn’t do anything. This place is full of vampires, they wouldn’t win. She knew that. They lost. They actually lost. She should’ve killed Mirabel before she grew up. Pedro and Bruno meeting was inevitable.

“What are you going to do now? K-Kill us?”

The Madrigals all stared at Camilo with widened eyes.

Bruno and Mirabel glanced at each other.

“I don’t see the point in killing any of you.” Pedro said firmly. “But I also don’t see the point in letting any of you go.” 

“What?”

“I mean, how could we kill our own family? Now that’s just mean.” Mirabel snickered. “Right?”

“Who would ever do that?” Bruno questioned. “But, I expect nothing less from a person who strives for perfection.” Bruno looked mildly annoyed.

“But we didn’t just capture you to talk about where you all went wrong. There’s no forgive and forget. If you haven’t noticed, the entire Encanto is captured. The miracle, the Encanto, it’s ours. Us vampires won.” Pedro chuckled, before looking at Mirabel.

“We can’t kill you either even if we want to. We got self control.” Mirabel rolled her eyes. “You know…all of this happened because I was a vampire.” A smirk formed on Mirabel’s face. “I don’t want any of you to die too quickly. And you know vampires, you can’t die unless you have a stake to your heart. Besides that, we’re practically immortal. But there are ways to torture a vampire. Isn’t that interesting?”

Bruno smirked. “Alma, you hate vampires the most. How about we start with you? You’ll turn into something that you hunt, that you hate.”

The Madrigals’ face paled.

They knew that they fucked up and this was only the beginning.

“Don’t worry, abuela. I’ll make sure that you and the others won’t kill yourselves. Isn’t this lovely? We’re all together and will be vampires. I’ll make sure that the other vampires won’t touch any of you. After all, you all are ours to torture.”

Chapter 128: Mirabel’s Bad Day

Mirabel was having a bad day. Which shouldn’t have been a problem because she had bad days already. She got through it easily. She held herself back easily.

But everything just had been going wrong for her. Things that could’ve been prevented, but someone just had to intervene. They act like she can't do anything for herself.

Not everything needs to involve a gift.

Mirabel let out a deep breath, sitting up in her bed. The annoyance building inside of her. “Today is going to be a good day.” She said to herself with a forced smile. “Nothing is going to ruin it. I’m going to be happy. I won’t snap. I’ll be just fine.”

Mirabel wasn’t sure who she was convincing with the way she said it. She surely wasn’t convincing herself.

The sun was already rising, she got up, preparing to wake everyone up. 

“You’d think that adults would know how to get up early without someone having to wake them up. But no, I have to get up early and wake everyone up or else they’ll be late.” Mirabel said in a mocking tone, rolling her eyes. “But it’s fine, it’s totally fine.”

She knocked on everyone’s doors, maybe with a little more force than needed.

It got the job done either way.

Everyone made their way to the kitchen, sitting down and making their plates.

No good morning?

Nothing?

“Good morning.” Mirabel said through clenched teeth.

The Madrigals froze.

Agustín paused, staring at Mirabel with a concerned look. “Are you okay?”

Mirabel’s eyes twitched, before plastering on a bright smile. “Does it look like I’m okay?”

“Uhm—“

“—Don’t answer that. Of course I’m okay!” Mirabel exclaimed. “I’m ready to eat breakfast. It’s a good morning.” She sat down with her plate.

“Ye…yeah.”

“Good morning!” Luisa smiled nervously.

The adults and the grandchild, minus Antonio and Mirabel looked at each other. They knew what today was going to be and had to be careful. 

Anything would set Mirabel off.

They remembered last time that Mirabel was having a bad day. 

Alma had unfortunately been Mirabel’s target of her passive aggressiveness. It did not end well for Alma. Secrets ended up being revealed that even the older Madrigals didn’t know about. Alma definitely left Mirabel alone after that. She even verbally apologized, which she hadn’t done in years.

The next day, Mirabel had also apologized for what had happened and pretended as if she didn’t cause chaos the day before.

“Good morning, Mirabel.” The other Madrigals said simultaneously. Better safe than sorry.

They knew that they had to watch their words and be careful around Mirabel.

They could see Alma practically getting flashbacks from that day. 

Alma didn’t even assign anyone chores, it was officially an off day. Last time Mirabel was outside when she was having a bad day, adults were crying and Luisa had to physically pry Mirabel away from people because she was criticizing them for overworking her family.

The Madrigals spent the rest of the day trying to do things nicely as Mirabel silently judged them.

If Mirabel wasn’t silently judging them, she was cleaning up Casita loudly while complaining. The Madrigals couldn’t even try to help because Mirabel complained of them doing things wrong.

The Madrigals were walking on eggshells around Mirabel the entire day.

Of course, Isabela had to ask what Mirabel was doing, which was a dumb mistake.

Mirabel’s eyes twitched, chuckling to herself. “I wake everyone up every day. I set the utensils and table. I make sure that everything goes well. I took care of Antonio when everyone else was too busy. I make sure that they don’t get overwhelmed by the townspeople. But nobody has to denecy to say thank you? But, I’m the one doing nothing? That’s so funny!”

“I’m—I’m sorry,” Isabela immediately apologized as she backed up from her little sister. “Carry on. You’re doing a good job, hermanita.”

“I know I am.” Mirabel forced a smile. “If I wasn’t doing a good job, nobody would be making it through the day.”

Isabela glanced at her family for help, who all pretended that they were doing something productive and not listening. “Y-yeah.” She agreed, hoping that Mirabel will stop her passive aggressiveness.

“I’m glad that you agree.” Mirabel said in a tone that made Isabela pause and the rest of the Madrigals. They recognized this tone. It was when Mirabel was about to reveal some secret about them. “I mean, I don’t blame you. You’re also doing a good job. I don’t think I would’ve been able to marry a man that I don’t love and be forced to be perfect. Really, I don’t know how you do it. Kudos to you.”

…

“What?”

The Madrigals turned to stare at Isabela, who was in shock. She didn’t think anybody knew and yet Mirabel knew? Alma didn’t even know. The Madrigals looked at Isabela, who looked guilty. They could tell that what Mirabel revealed was true.

Wait what?

Isabela doesn’t want to marry Mariano?

Forced to be perfect?

Mirabel stared at all of them. “Shocker, I know. You all should do something about that before it actually goes through. I don’t know, maybe Dolores, she likes his poems. He’ll like her if he gets to know her. Perfect match.” She took a sip from her coffee. “I don’t know how nobody noticed this.”

“I…”

Isabela and Dolores looked embarrassed, glancing at each other.

“She’s right, I don’t like him! Dolores can have him!” Isabela quickly exclaimed, flustered. 

“Hold up, you don’t like Mariano?”

Julieta narrowed her eyes on her mother. “What’s this about forcing her to be perfect?”

Mirabel smiled. “We should all sit down and discuss our family’s problems. This will make things much easier and happier.”

“I don’t think—“

“—No?” Mirabel cut one of them off. “I will single-handedly yell out everyone’s problems if you all continue to be stubborn. Not to mention that I know all of your secrets. It’s surprising what you hear because you’re giftl—“

That’s when Antonio walked in the kitchen, causing Mirabel to close her mouth.

“Are you okay, Mira?” Antonio asked worriedly. The Madrigals’ face paled, not prepared for Mirabel to give Antonio a passive aggressive response, which he’ll notice something is wrong.

They were all doomed—

Mirabel’s face instantly brightened, a smile forming. It was different from the forced smile and was genuine. “Of course I am! Why wouldn’t I be, Toñito?” She smiled. “How about we go—“

—Yeah, it was obvious who Mirabel’s favorite family member was.

They were not going to be prepared for the next time that Mirabel has a bad day and whose secret she will reveal that day. 

What’s next?

Bruno is in Encanto?

They might have to use Antonio as a distraction from now on.

Notes:

Isabela or Dolores?

Chapter 129: Falling From Grace

“Isabela, I was hoping that you’ll come. That I’ll be able to lure you out.”

“M-Mirabel!?”

Isabela was shocked to see her little sister. She hadn’t seen or talked to Mirabel in ten years. Ever since Alma kicked Mirabel out after she was giftless. Mirabel was still in the Encanto, but she lived on the outskirts. She hardly ever goes out. When she does, Isabela doesn’t see her. Even if she did, Alma forbade any Madrigals from interacting with her besides Julieta and Dolores, that reason being in case Mirabel got hurt. At least she has some sort of sympathy.

“Isabela,” Mirabel greeted her, with an unreadable expression. “You’ve grown.”

Isabela covered her mouth with her hand. She felt like she should’ve been the one saying that to Mirabel. “What happened to you, Mirabel?” That was the question that had been bothering her the most. She was afraid that Mirabel had died. God, Mirabel didn’t even get to meet her little cousin, Antonio.

“What happened to me?” Mirabel’s eyes had an excited glint to them. “I only opened my eyes, Isabela. I hope that you can too.” She grinned. “Alma thought that she could get rid of me. Me! All because I didn’t fit into her perfect standards and didn’t get a gift. It’s honestly funny that you Madrigals let her throw out a five year old. She got away with it too. No consequences at all either. I was trash.” Mirabel’s excited expression was replaced by an angry look. “Nobody even batted an eye. I was only five years old, I could’ve died. But you wouldn’t care, would you?”

“Of course I do!” Isabela blurted out in shock. “You’re my baby sister! I don’t want you to die! What abuela did to you was beyond cruel! I was only eleven and I didn’t—didn’t know what to do and I’m—I'm sorry! I should’ve done something! I cared! I care!” 

Mirabel didn't look shocked, she looked amused. “But you didn’t.”

Isabela’s eyes blurred with tears, she looked on the verge of breaking down. “I…I’m s-sorry and I know that it won’t make up for what you’ve been through. I should've done something to protect you, maybe abuela would’ve changed her mind.” Isabela looked ashamed of herself.

“She wouldn’t. I can’t even blame you, Isabela. If I was in your situation, I’m not sure what I would’ve done.” Mirabel smiled. “Anyone can tell that Alma is just making you into the perfect version of her…actually, it seems like it’s just me who can tell the pain that you’re going through. The others are far too focused on themselves to notice that the eldest granddaughter is also suffering.” Mirabel rolled her eyes, Isabela was frozen in shock. “But I noticed you, Isabela. I noticed what you were going through and I wanted to save you. Save you in the ways that I couldn’t.”

“…In ways that I couldn’t save you…?” Isabela asked quietly. She would do anything just to go back in time to prevent Alma from kicking Mirabel out. Anything. “I want to save you.”

Mirabel smiled. “It’s too late to save me, Isabela, you should know that by now. I hate the Madrigals and the Encanto.” She glanced at Isabela’s trembling arms. “But…you’re different from them. Aren’t you?”

Isabela was speechless, she didn’t know what to say, what she could say. 

“I can see the regret in your eyes. You said it yourself, you would save me if you could. You’d love to have that chance and today…I’m giving you that chance. Not to save me, but to make it up to me. You hate the way Alma treats you, right?” Mirabel asked, grabbing ahold of Isabela’s hands. “Why are you shaking? You’re not scared.”

“N-no, I’m not! I just…I just miss you, Mirabel.” Isabela said softly. “And I do…I hate the way that she treats me. I regret that I couldn't do anything to save you that day. You’re right about everything.”

Mirabel nodded.

“You’d do anything to get out of that situation.”

“…I would.”

“You hate being Alma’s personal doll.”

“…I do.”

Mirabel tilted her head, looking at Isabela curiously. “If you could…would you run away with me?”

Isabela answered with no hesitation. “Of course I will!” Mirabel smirked. “I want to get out of that hellhole. I want my baby sister back. We can run away and start a new life together.”

“That sounds nice, but I have a much different plan in mind. I don’t plan on leaving the Madrigals, especially Alma alone after what they’ve done to me. And you won’t betray me.”

It wasn’t a question.

“Then…what do you have in mind, Mirabel? I’m listening.”

“Let me ask you, Isabela.” Mirabel’s smirk widened. “How far will you fall for me?”

“For you, I’d fall from grace, hermanita.”

“Even if the miracle was going to be destroyed in the process?”

“I already said that I’ll do anything to make it up to you. To save you. I’ll destroy the miracle for you too, Mirabel.”

Chapter 130: Falling From Grace — Part 2

Notes:

I now understand the feeling of being left on a cliffhanger

Isabela doesn’t question Mirabel’s decisions, her motives. All she does is follow through with them. No matter what she’s told.

She just wants her sister back.

She’ll get her back, even if it meant betraying the others. Destroying the miracle.

She’ll have Mirabel back, she’ll be free from the chains that hold her back. She can’t let Mirabel go. Not again.

They’ll be happy.

Without the other Madrigals.

“Nobody would expect this from you, Isabela. You’re my key piece. My other half.” Mirabel said. “Imagine the shock on Alma’s face. Oh, I can’t wait for this.” She laughed. “We don’t even need to worry about Dolores either. She always ignores the most important things. What a waste of her gift. I hope you don’t choose to turn on me, Isabela.”

“I wouldn’t, Mirabel! I owe everything to you! This is the least I could do for you. I won’t betray. Trust me once more. My life is yours.” Isabela swears, making a smile form on Mirabel’s face. 

“Of course.” Mirabel smiled. “You’re my eyes when you’re near the Madrigals.” 

“I am.” Isabela said breathlessly.

All that matters is that Mirabel is smiling. Isabela wants to keep that smile on Mirabel’s face. The world doesn’t matter as long as she’s here.

“Mhm, you think you can take on all the Madrigals?” Mirabel questioned, the smile was wiped off of Mirabel’s face, making her frown. 

“I’m confident.” Isabela assured her. “I just need to keep my distance from Luisa and I’m fine. Actually, my vines versus Luisa’s strength will win. With you, I’ve gotten stronger. I know I can beat them all.”

There’s nobody in the Madrigals that could face Isabela head on or from a distance. Their gifts just aren’t made to go against someone that can fight from both. Even with Luisa, all Isabela needs to do is impale her if she tries to get close. 

It’s a flawless victory.

Mirabel hums. “That’s all I needed to hear. Now you need to go or else Alma might suspect something with your disappearance.”

Isabela hates that she has to leave Mirabel again. But she knows that it’ll all be worth it. “I’ll see you later?”

“Of course you will.”

---

Like Mirabel said, nobody would suspect Isabela of betraying them. Better yet, they wouldn’t suspect Mirabel choosing any Madrigal to go against them.

Telling Mirabel about what was happening within Casita, the Madrigals’ schedule, even the cracks was easier than expected. 

Isabela is the future candleholder, the future matriarch. Nobody would think that she would do such a thing. Especially when she hates Mirabel.

All Isabela needs to do is play her part.

Her major role is playing as Señorita Perfecta and learning to be future matriarch. Maybe a small part of her would regret this, but the bigger part of her would do this a thousand times again. Just for Mirabel.

“I have an announcement.” Isabela already set the stage for Mirabel. All Mirabel needed to do was steal the show.

Isabela is trusted.

She got all the Madrigals in one spot. By then, Mirabel is already in Casita. Dolores was the only one that Isabela was wary about. 

“Yes?” Alma questioned. “Is it about Mariano?”

“No, it’s something much more important.” Isabela said innocently. “Follow me.” She was leading them to the courtyard.

“What are you doing?” Camilo asked curiously. Maybe a little annoyed that Isabela wasn’t explaining.

Isabela smiled. “You’ll see in a minute.” The way that Isabela smiled was unsettling. Different from how she usually smiled. “I presented something to you all. You’ll love it.”

Agustín smiled warmly. “Anything you present we’ll love.”

“I know.” 

Isabela stopped, they were in the courtyard. Yet the Madrigals didn’t notice anything.

They looked confused.

“Uhm…what is it, Isabela?”

Isabela paused, lips pursed. “You don’t notice?”

“I’m sorry, mi flor, but no.”

Isabela gestures towards the candle— no, where the candle used to be. It was gone, missing.

“The candle!”

Isabela’s smile widened. “Do you see now?” She took a few steps back, to separate herself from the others. “That’s not all, I brought a present—“

“—Me!” Mirabel wasn’t the same sweet girl anymore, she was replaced by something more manic. “Long time no see Madrigals.”

“Mirabel!?”

The most obvious thing was the candle, the miracle in her hand.

“That’s my name. It’s shocking that you didn’t forget it.”

Alma began to walk forward. “Mirabel, give the cand—“ Suddenly thorny vines blocked her, them from going any further.

“If you try to get closer, I won’t hesitate to attack.”

The Madrigals, especially Alma, looked at Isabela in shock. Realization set. Isabela was working with Mirabel. She betrayed them.

Isabela’s face was stoic as she stared at all of them back.

“What are you doing!? Isabela, how could you!?” Alma cried out. Working with Mirabel? Betraying them? “Mirabel didn’t get a gift for a reason! This was the reason. She’s manipulating you! This isn’t you!”

“I know and I’ll let her.” Isabela’s eyebrows raised. “Mirabel had something that even I couldn’t refuse.” Isabela told them. “It was something that nobody could refuse if offered.” She looked them in the eye with no remorse. “It was worth way more than the miracle and all of this. No hard feelings of course.”

“Really, you Madrigals should’ve expected this. You really didn’t think that I would forget about what was done to me?” She laughed. “Isabela has far more potential than any of you. Without you, Alma, there’s no limitations to her gift. No drawbacks. Nothing. She has the most perfect gift. I really couldn’t have done this without her.” Mirabel had a manic gleam in her eyes, holding the candle in hand. “What a fool you are, Alma. You couldn’t see your own perfect flower disintegrating.” 

Julieta tries to get closer. “Mija…” Whether Julieta is referring to Isabela or Mirabel, neither of them cares.

In just a second, a sharp vine was pointed at Julieta’s neck, only inches away.

Isabela’s gaze hardened. “Don’t step any closer. Last warning.”

Mirabel was laughing. “If you don’t want to see blood spray on the floor then I recommend stepping back.” She grinned. “You’re not our mother anything. Blood, sure. But everything else? Nope. There’s no regret.”

Julieta’s face dropped.

Mirabel’s face brightened. “Send another Madrigal, Alma. Let them get the miracle.” She taunted the candle in her hand. “Send your family members to their death.”

Some of the Madrigals noticed Casita cracking.

Alma scowled. “I knew you were evil.”

Mirabel smirked and Isabela almost rolled her eyes. “What do you exactly define as evil? A five year old girl not getting a gift? Me?” She looked at Isabela. “If I’m evil, what is Isabela? If you could tell that I’m evil, why couldn’t you tell that Isabela was also evil? You were far too focused on making Isabela into someone that you wished to be. Your failures are my successes.” She saw the way Alma sucked in her breath. “Including Bruno Madrigal. Truly, I also couldn’t have made it this far without him. I would’ve been dead already. Thank you, Alma.”

Their expressions range from disbelief to betrayal.

Isabela was also shocked, but didn’t show it. “Destroy the miracle or leave?” She looked at Mirabel.

“Isabela—“

“You can’t—“

Their voices were utterly devastated, as if they cared about her, as if they could save her, as if they could put her back in the chains that held her down for so long.

There was no redemption.

Isabela didn’t want it.

Not with them.

Mirabel looked at them one by one. “Let them destroy themselves.” 

The Madrigals didn’t understand what Mirabel meant until everything around them started crumbling and falling down.

The Madrigals scream and panic, not particularly fond of the idea of being crushed to death.

Isabela turns away, facing towards Mirabel. The thorny vines are still blocking the Madrigals from going in their direction.

“Isabela,”

Mirabel holds out a hand for her. And she takes it.

Isabela grabbed Mirabel by her waist, hoisting them away from the Madrigals and out of sight. “Where to?” Isabela doesn’t look back, even as her vines, her gift is wavering, not in a bad way. It was getting even stronger than before. She glanced at the candle, which the flame had changed to a purplish color. 

Casita collapsed.

They could see the Madrigals’ devastation and shocked cries.

Of course Mirabel would be even stronger than Alma, a better leader. She was glad to have her little sister back.

Mirabel leans her head on Isabela’s shoulder, looking at the scenery. The evil gleam in her eyes was replaced by something much softer. She’ll meet Bruno where they said they’ll meet. Knowing the Madrigals, they wouldn’t notice that Antonio’s gone until it’s too late. “Let’s go home, hermana.” 

Casita was destroyed.

Isabela doesn’t have a home.

No, Casita was a house.

Home is wherever Mirabel wants to go. Wherever Mirabel is going.

That’s home.

Chapter 131: To My Dear Daughter— Part 2

Notes:

This wasn’t supposed to be a one-shot, it was supposed to be an end chapter to one of my stories. Since I’m not planning on making any future chapters for it right now, I decided to make some good use for this.

“I’m sorry that I’ve been so blind, I’ve failed to see my faults from the start and broke you! And I’m sorry! I know sorry isn’t going to make everything magically better, but I am!” Julieta yelled, the harsh wind making it hard to hear. She was praying that Mirabel would change her mind.

“I’m glad that you know that sorry isn’t going to make things magically better.” Mirabel hardened her gaze. “But you’re not the one who I want to hear an apology from right now.”

They looked at Alma, who was in shock.

So, they all knew who Mirabel was talking about without saying a name. They knew of Alma’s treatment.

“I…” Alma opened and closed her mouth, it was clear she didn’t have anything to say, making Mirabel scowl.

“Of course.”

“Oh my God…mamá, you can’t be serious!”

“I didn’t expect anything less from you.” Mirabel said dryly. “I don’t expect you to change.”

Alma frowned at Mirabel’s words. “Isabela, you’re the only one who can possibly get both of them in this state. You need to get the candle out of her hand.”

Julieta stared at Alma with widened eyes. “What?”

“What?” Isabela looked at her abuela in confusion and shock. “Get the candle?” She repeated, glancing between Alma and Mirabel. “I—I can’t directly get the candle, it’s in her hand. I can’t take that risk when there’s a possibility of h-hurting her. If I send the vines towards her wrong, it could make her lose her balance and fall. Or my vines can strike her directly.” She told her. “Not to mention, my gift is going on and off. I can’t make an accurate aim.”

Mirabel watched them with an unreadable expression, before opening her mouth. “Casita, get all of them out.”

“Wait—“

“No—“

“Mirabel—“

The Madrigals’ voices overlapped against each other. Mirabel watched with a blank expression as they were forced out.

Her eyes slightly widened when she saw Isabela staying inside, using her vines to move.

Mirabel blinked in surprise. “Isabela?” A small smile formed on her face. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

“Neither are you.”

“Seems like things aren’t going well for the both of us.”

“Right! I never thought there would be a day where I would be going against my own sister!” Isabela exclaimed, but the tears in her eyes were undeniable.

“I thought the same.” Mirabel said, before pausing. “No…I thought that we were already against each other the moment that I didn’t get a gift. Your actions made it clear to me that you’ve hated me.”

“Never!” Isabela was stunned. She never realized that Mirabel felt so—that Mirabel had hidden something so deeply. “I don’t hate you! How can I hate you!?”

Mirabel kept dodging the vines sent her way. “You’ve always been a sweet liar!” 

Isabela groaned in frustration. “Mirabel—Mira, can you stop moving!? Please! I’m not trying to hurt you!”

“Trying!?” Mirabel repeated with a laugh.

“I don’t want you to be hurt!”

“How can you say that while sending vines at me!?”

“I’m trying to reach you, not harm you! Do you seriously think that I’m trying to fight you now!?”

Mirabel stopped for a moment, grinning, before continuing on. “I don’t know what you’re thinking, Isabela!”

“Stay still and I’ll gladly tell you!”

“Hm, I’d rather not! You’ve always been unpredictable, Isabela!”

“Isn’t it the other way around!?” Isabela exclaimed. “Out of everyone, I didn’t expect this from you! I didn’t expect you to do this at all! How am I the unpredictable one, Mirabel? You’ve always been the unpredictable one out of this family! One minute you were praising us and singing a song about how much you love this family! Now…now you’re doing this!!”

“You just don’t know me at all, Isabela.”

“We don’t have to go through this much trouble, Mirabel! We really don’t! Just let me help you!”

That caused Mirabel to paused for a second. “You…help me?” She glared at her. “You must think of me as a joke.”

Isabela continued on. “A joke? You’ve got it wrong, Mirabel! I’m not the one thinking you're a joke! Nobody is! You’re the one who thinks that what I’m saying is a joke!”

“Are you not!?”

Isabela paused, looking at Mirabel with a heartbroken expression. She could finally see that they had pushed Mirabel too far. They neglected her. Ignored her. They did everything wrong. This was the consequences of their actions.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t be the oldest sister you wanted! That I pushed you away, that I ignored you! I’m sorry that I let you down! It’s not enough, but I’m sure as hell aren’t letting you stay here alone! I can’t lose you, Mirabel! I won’t lose you! Let me save you!” Isabela was rapidly making vines trying to reach Mirabel, which kept disintegrating before they could reach her.

“You’re funny, Isabela! You were just yelling at me earlier today! It’s fine though…you can leave me behind and go back to being Alma’s perfect granddaughter! Why would you care about me!?” Mirabel exclaimed, maintaining her distance from Isabela and her vines. “There’s no point in doing this, Isabela!”

“I—I never wanted to be perfect! I never wanted to be like this! I wanted the attention to be on me so that abuela wouldn’t pressure anyone else like she did to me! I knew how abuela would be like to everyone else and how she would treat them!”

Mirabel stood there in shock. “Holy shit….you failed in that too!” 

Isabela let out a choked laugh, muffled by tears. “I know that, Mirabel! I know that I failed! I failed everyone else! I failed you! I got too caught up in the act of being perfect that I became jealous—fuck, I know it’s not an excuse to trust you like crap! I—I became jealous of your freedom! I didn’t understand why you kept trying to get the approval of abuela and trying to make her proud! I didn’t know why, I didn’t want you to become like us! I didn’t want you in her line of sight or else she’ll come after you! You could’ve been free unlike the rest of us, but—but you kept coming back! No matter what I did or said! I—I didn’t want you to b-become like t-this either!”

Mirabel stumbled back when something behind her gave out and fell. “If you want me to forgive you then leave!”

“And leave you behind!?”

“Yes!”

“No, I’m not leaving my baby sister in a collapsing building! You’re going to die!”

“Well, duh, that’s kind of the point, Isabela!”

“What…? No—I’m not letting you die when I know that I can save you- if—if you just let me! There’s no need to throw your life away for this! I admit it, we’re a fucked up family! We can—can still fix this, Mirabel! Let me help you, Mirabel!” Isabela reached out a hand for her sister.

Mirabel stared at the hand. “You know that I can’t go back even if I wanted to!” She chuckled. “I destroyed the miracle! I destroyed Casita! What am I going to do after!? It’s like waiting for my death! I’d rather do it now! There’s no coming back from this!”

“Yes there is! Nobody is going to be angry—maybe abuela, but we understand! We understand why you felt that way and why you did this! You don’t need to kill yourself for some stupid candle! It’s not worth it! We need you, Mirabel! We can live without a candle! Our gifts! We can’t live without you!” Isabela yelled. “Come to me….please, let me help me like you’ve been helping all of us! Let me repay the favor, Mira…I won’t let my sister die when I know I could’ve saved her!”

“No…you don’t understand….Even if you try to save me, we both won’t make it out! That’s why I didn’t want anyone involved like thi—“ The tiles under Mirabel gave out, making her fall. Isabela quickly summoned a vine to grab Mirabel, which dispersed, making Mirabel fall into Isabela’s arms. They both fell down.

“Mira—“

“Fuck!” Mirabel cursed, getting off of Isabela.  Isabela reached for Mirabel, who hastily moved away. “Get away from me! Don’t touch me!”

Isabela stood up, looking at Mirabel with concern. “…It’s not too late, we can still escape. Take my hand, Mirabel.”

“You can still escape! Leave me alone!”

“You know why I’m still here!”

“And I don’t understand why!”

“You’ve always been selfless, Mirabel!”

“That was my biggest mistake!”

“You don’t have to do this alone!”

“I’ve been doing it alone for years now, Isabela! What’s the difference now!?”

Isabela looked at Mirabel with widened eyes. “The difference is that I’m here for you! I’m here to help you regardless of the consequences! I want to help you! You’re my baby sister! The difference is that you don’t have to do it alone anymore!” Her eyes softened. “Please… let me help you.”

Mirabel glared at her through her tears. 

Isabela thought that Mirabel would’ve changed her mind, there was still a chance.

That was before Mirabel tackled her to the ground, her hands wrapped around Mirabel’s neck. 

Isabela’s eyes widened. Isabela didn’t put up much of a struggle, caressing the hands that were strangling her with the intent of killing her. She knows that she could overpower Mirabel. Easily.

“M-Mira—“ In some sick and twisted way, she thought she deserved this.

“I h-hate you so much! Why did you have to get in my way!?” Mirabel didn’t register the tears coming down her face. “You should’ve let me d-die in peace! Why’d you have to stay behind!?”

“I- I s-said it…it b-before..I w-won’t let my s-sister d-die when...w-when I know I-I could’ve s-saved her.” She coughed.

That seemed to make Mirabel angrier, the grip around her neck tightened..

Isabela never thought that she would die by her own sister’s hands. She thought she was going to die by old age or some freak accident. Maybe…there was one thought that Mirabel might go mad and kill her for revenge. She didn’t think that she was right at the time and it was a silly thought! But, she did deserve this. It was her fault. She was supposed to protect Mirabel.

…

“Y-you—“ Mirabel moved her hands away from Isabela’s neck, Isabela sat up, gasping for air. “I- I c-can’t— fuck, s-she right, I can’t d-do it!” She cried.

Isabela rubbed her neck, which she’s sure would bruise with how tight Mirabel held it. She went to Mirabel’s side. “Shh…shh, Mira, It’s okay- it’ll be okay, we’ll be okay. I forgive you, that doesn’t matter…We’ll make it…we’ll make it out of here, Mira. Don’t worry…”

Mirabel looked horrified. “You…you should’ve let me die…” She whimpered.

“Mirabel, don’t you understand? I won’t leave you behind. I’m not leaving Casita without you.” Isabela said. “I know at times it may seem like I…hate you. I never did. I love you, Mirabel. How can I not? I always did.” She smiled weakly. “This is all our fault…our behavior got out of hand and we didn’t notice how much we hurt you. But…you’re helped me, us…see our faults. You helped us open our eyes…truly…I owe this all to you. Let me help you, like you’ve always helped me. Please….accept this.”

Mirabel looked away, she didn’t dare look Isabela in the eyes. She was ashamed. “…Y-You’re going to die here if you stay here. Even if I were to accept your help, we ran out of time. The exits are blocked and the only way out is up. Your vines don’t work and debris is also falling down. That’s why I didn’t want anyone staying in here, but me.” She said bitterly.

“You’re stubborn even until the end…you’re really a bad influence.”

“…What do you define as the end?” 

“Mirabel, you’re smart. You know that we’re both not making it out of this. As much as I hate to say this…we’ll just have to wait until this is over and hope for the best.” 

“You’re…oddly calm about this. I accepted that I was going to die a while back.”

“I’m not doing too well….also a while back? You weren’t thinking of any other outcome…huh? I…I suspected that you planned this.”

Mirabel looked at Isabela. “I hate you so much.” Her face betrayed her, both of them knew that she was lying.

Isabela looked amused despite her disheveled appearance. “That shouldn’t be one of your last words.” 

“Then I…I love you.”

Isabela let out a laugh, holding Mirabel tighter. “I love you too. God, I love you so much.”

Everything went black.

Notes:

Mirabel could do no wrong

Chapter 132: Whispers From Beyond

Notes:

I can’t believe Encanto was released 2 years ago

“Abuela,” Mirabel smiled brightly, making Alma blink in surprise. Alma took notice of how dark it was outside. She was helping her walk somewhere. “You’re back.”

“Back from what?” Alma questioned, confused by what they were doing. 

Mirabel raised an eyebrow, but didn’t say anything.

“Back from what?” Alma asked, her voice firmer.

“I missed you.” Mirabel completely ignored her question. “It’s weird, but I miss you. I shouldn’t because I see you every day. I should be angry at you….but I feel nothing. I can’t muster up anything.” She told her quietly. “And I know that it’s better this way.”

Alma was still confused because Mirabel wasn’t answering any of her questions. She was vaguely aware of the water that was up to her ankles. She couldn’t ask even if she wanted to.

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh my God!” Mirabel laughed as if Alma just told the funniest joke. “This is great.” She chuckled, before looking at Alma. “What do you know?”

“I don’t—I don’t know why I’m here. I don’t know what’s happening. If this is one of your pranks or jokes, you’ll be in big trouble, Mirabel. Stop dodging the question and answer me. What are we doing here?”

That made Mirabel pause. “Do you really not know or are you lying to me?” Her face scrunched up in confusion.

Alma was looking frustrated. “I don’t. Where are we going? What are you even doing?

Mirabel’s face was blank. 

“I’m dead.” Her voice was devoid of any emotion. The light in her eyes was gone. “You’re also dead. I’m just walking you towards—“

Alma’s eyes widened as she stared at Mirabel. “What?!” Alma rarely raised her voice. But what Mirabel said was alarming. Both of them are dead? Mirabel wasn’t the one to play pranks like this. Nor would Camilo do something this cruel. She doesn’t even remember how Mirabel died. How she died. “What are you talking about?”

“You don’t remember.” It wasn’t a question.

Alma’s eyebrows furrowed. “I…I don’t.”

“I got out the way like you wanted me to. How long ago was that…? I don’t know, I can’t remember that. I died at the age of fifteen. It’s been more than twenty years. I mean no disrespect, but mamá’s food kept you alive for long. Died at the age of ninety-five. At least you died peacefully in your sleep.” Mirabel hummed. “I died from suicide if you’re wondering.” She didn’t look sad at all. “Not that anyone knows. My body was never found. So now I’m just stuck roaming around until my body is found. I physically can’t move on unless my body is found. Yours will be. You don’t need to worry. That won’t happen to you.”

Alma froze, processing the information that was told. Mirabel died? She killed herself because of her? Twenty years ago? She doesn’t even remember what happened in the past twenty years. She’s dead? Both of them are.

Mirabel stared at her. “People are usually like that when they pass. You’ll get used to it even if you don’t want to. Everyone has some regrets when they die. Things that they wish they could’ve done differently. Even me. But I’m sure that’s expected.”

“And—and what about—“

“—Abuelo Pedro?” Mirabel grinned. “Oh yeah, he’s around here somewhere. I just don’t know where he went. He tends to walk around, usually hovering over one of the Madrigals. He’ll probably be by your body.”

Alma didn’t even realize that she was crying. Was it because of Mirabel mentioning Pedro? Or was it because of her granddaughter's young death?

“It’s okay, it’s a much easier process than expected.” Mirabel said unblinkingly. “As time passes, you’ll wonder why you were so nervous. It’s stupid. It’s a nice feeling. A warm and fuzzy feeling. But…” Alma realized that Mirabel wasn’t staring at anything. “When you’re here for so long. You start to lose touch with reality. You can’t feel or touch the same as you would when you were alive. You start feeling…nothing. The only thing you could do is fake it. To act as if everything is normal.” She looked at Alma. “That won’t happen to the ones who pass. You’ll pass, I won’t.”

“Pass what…? The other side?” Alma could only pretend that she wasn’t disturbed by Mirabel.

Mirabel interrupted her. “You’re misunderstanding things.” Mirabel smiled, even if it didn’t reach her eyes. She realized that Mirabel wasn’t really smiling the entire time. “There is no other side, abuela.”

Chapter 133: Christmas Mishaps

Notes:

It’s practically Christmas already.

“Secret Santa…once again.”

“Why do you sound down?”

“Anyways, Antonio, pull.”

“Okay!” 

Julieta lowered the bowl for Antonio to grab a name. He smiled when he saw who he got. “Remember, don’t let anyone see who you got. Pick another name if it’s yours.”

Antonio beamed. “I got someone else!”   

Mirabel walked up to pull out a name. Mirabel raised an eyebrow when she pulled her own name. She put it back in and reached for another name. Her name again.

She reached back for another paper.

Mirabel smiled in panic when she kept pulling her name. What the hell? How is she picking her name over and over again?

Julieta looked at her in concern. “What’s wrong, Mirabel?”

“I keep picking my name.” Mirabel deadpanned, putting the paper back in to grab another one. To her relief, she had pulled Antonio’s name. “Alright, I didn’t pull my name this time. Camilo?”

With that, every other Madrigal pulled a paper from the bowl.

“Okay, everyone’s good?”

Everyone lets out their own approval.

---

Christmas came faster than expected.

“And I got Toñito.” Mirabel grinned as she handed her gift to him. She wasn’t going to question how she always picked someone with warm colors. Last year was Félix, the year before being Camilo. Now Antonio. “Whoever got me, step up…”

Mirabel blinked in surprise when all of her family members stepped up. Even her family looked shocked by this.

Mirabel was the one to break the silence. “Uhm…what?”

“Wait, hold on.” Bruno looked at his family. “I got Mirabel.” He showed off her name written on paper. “What about the rest of you?”

“I…also got Mirabel.” Luisa also showed off Mirabel’s name written on the paper.

“Me too!” Antonio grinned.

“I got Mirabel.”

Mirabel folded her arms. “Better question, who doesn’t have my name?”

The Madrigals went silent as they stared at each other. It was clear that all of them had Mirabel’s name.

Julieta looked embarrassed. “Well…” She checked the inside of the bowl, revealing the names. All of them being Mirabel’s name. “Everyone got you.”

Mirabel let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. “You’re telling me…all of you wrote my name because of…what I’m assuming was because of that one Christmas meaning that nobody but Antonio and I got gifts?” They could hear the passive aggressiveness in her voice. “What the hell?”

The Madrigals looked sheepish.

“Seems like that’s exactly what happened.” Camilo mumbled, making Dolores elbow him.

“No, how does that even happen? Even Mariano?”

…

“I wrote Mirabel’s name in case someone forgot it or dropped it on the ground!” Pepa exclaimed in her defense.

Agustín cleared his throat. “And I assumed that was directed towards me?”

“Duh!”

“That was two Christmas ago!” Agustín exclaimed to his defense. “And a mistake!”

“Well, I couldn’t risk the chance of it happening again!”

“Last Christmas went well!”

Alma sighed as Agustín and Pepa bickered. She was also guilty of writing Mirabel’s name. What a mishap. 

“See! This is why you’re my least favorite brother-in-law!”

“I’m your only brother-in-law!”

“My point still stands!”

“What drama.” Julieta chuckled.

Bruno raised an eyebrow. “You’re not going to stop them?”

“And what? Join them?” Julieta questioned. “Let them bicker it out. The entertainment is about to get good.”

Bruno narrowed his eyes on his older sister. “Julie, I see what you’re doing.”

Julieta feigned a clueless expression. “I have no clue what you’re talking about, Brunito.” She nudged him with a smirk on her face. “Just enjoy the peace while it lasts.”

Bruno groaned. “What peace?”

“Exactly.”

Félix walked besides Alma.

“If we’re lucky this year, the others won’t end up fighting and making Bruno feel the urge to go back into the walls. We both know Pepa is going to strike Agustín with lightning.”

“We’ll have bad luck then.” Alma laughed, making Félix smirk.

“Stop flirting with my mother, Félix!”

“Ay— no, I wasn’t, my love! My eyes are only yours!”

Camilo snickered. “I’m not even mad that I didn't get a gift this year. This is pure entertainment.” Dolores shook her head in disappointment. “What? You also wrote her name.”

Dolores’ lips pursed. “In my defense…yeah, I don’t have any counters. We all probably should’ve talked about this.”

“Exactly! Where the hell is the communication that we all so desperately need and love!?” Isabela exclaimed dramatically while walking off, flowers in everyone’s hair.

“Did nobody check the names before putting it all in the bowl and mixing them?” Mirabel asked with a groan. “Seriously, how the hell does that even happen? What type of coincidence is this? You all just randomly had this idea? This didn’t happen last Christmas.” She shook her head, looking disappointed. “I’m seventeen, Christmas gifts aren’t as important to me as they used to be. I won’t get upset if I don’t receive a gift.”

“Family does think alike I guess.” Mariano chuckled.

“Definitely.” Mirabel grinned. “The fact that nobody knew what everyone else was doing is crazy.”

“Are you even going to open your presents?”

“Later.”

“What?” Camilo questioned.

“Besides, Christmas is about family and being together. Being happy, getting along, laughing and—“

Camilo cut Mirabel off making her glare at him. “—Nobody cares about that sentimental crap anymore. That’s nearly every other day. I just care about presents. You got like…twelve presents and you’re not going to open them?”

“I know that and I don’t care.” Mirabel huffed. “Luisa understands the feeling, right?”

Luisa nodded with a smile. “Of course. Though I feel bad because everyone else didn’t get a present besides you and Antonio…”

“No worries, primita. Sure, gifts are fun and all, but it’s not that serious to us.” Dolores gestured towards herself and Isabela, who was busy grabbing stuff. “The same goes with our parents and abuela. We like seeing the younger ones have a good time. That’s enough of a present to us.”

“How touching, mi amor.” Mariano pressed a kiss on Dolores’ hand making her blush and Camilo groan while rolling his eyes.

Dolores scoffed. “That’s going to be you one day, Camilo.”

“Hopefully not, I don’t want Mariano kissing my hand.” Before anyone could say anything, Camilo walked off to go bother someone.

Mirabel stifled a laugh. 

“What a little shit.” Dolores grumbled, before looking at Luisa. “Let’s trade siblings. You can have Camilo, I’ll have Mirabel.”

“No thank you. I already have to deal with Camilo’s antics as his cousin.” Luisa chuckled. “Isabela would also say no.”

“Maybe. Mirabel?”

“Discuss that with mamá.” Mirabel grinned.

“Mhm. I’ll go talk to your parents, mi vida. Well, your father, your mother seems busy arguing with Agustín.” Mariano kissed Dolores before walking away.

“God, I love that man.”

“We can tell.” Luisa and Mirabel said simultaneously.

Dolores smirked. “You should've invited your boyfriend, Luisa.”

Luisa’s face flushed. “G-gotta go.”

…

“You did that just to get her to leave.” Mirabel said.

“That I did.” Dolores admitted. “Isabela was hovering around, so I was curious about what she wanted to do.”

Both of them looked at Isabela, who walked towards them.

Isabela held out a cup for Mirabel. “Thirsty?” 

Mirabel’s lips involuntarily quirked up into an amused half-smile. “I’m not taking any drinks from you, sis.”

“Suit yourself.” Isabela grinned, taking a sip from the drink instead. “I’m not going to try to give you any alcoholic drinks with the adults around.” She winked. “When Lola and I were your age, we were trying to sneak drinks without the adults knowing.”

“What a way to out us.” Dolores mused, taking the glass out of Isabela’s hand and drinking from it, causing the older Madrigal to groan. “Hm, it tastes bitter. Anyways, you really shouldn’t be trying to give your sister alcohol. Camilo already started drinking some secretly when he thinks that nobody knows.”

“Okay, we all just expected that one.”

“I prefer to be alcohol-free.” Mirabel smirked. “Knowing this family, most of the family isn’t going to be sober by the end of the night. And I’ll be taking Antonio out because I don’t want him dealing with drunken people. I can’t have him smelling like drunk people either.”

“I’ll have you know that I can handle my alcohol.”

“You just aren’t a lightweight.”

“You know how our parents get after a couple of drinks.”

“Exactly why I’m heading out with Antonio. I’ve dealt with enough secondhand embarrassment from them.”

“Well, at least tía isn’t drunk this year.”

“Don’t jinx it, Isabela.”

“We already know that she’s going to be.”

“Oh yeah, Mirabel, are you still joining us for game night?”

“Definitely. When Antonio is sleeping, I’ll join.”

Notes:

Which Madrigal do I have Mirabel interact with the least?

Chapter 134: Who Broke It?

Notes:

I just needed something quick to post because the next chapters are going to take a while to complete.

“So…who broke it?”

The Madrigals were silent.

Alma stared at the broken coffee machine. “I’m not mad. I just want to know.” Her adding that she wasn’t mad did not improve her family’s feelings as she intended. 

All the Madrigals glanced at each other.

Luisa let out a sigh. “I did, I broke it, abuela.” She looked a little guilty.

Despite Luisa’s strength, Alma knew that it wasn’t her. If Luisa was a little younger, maybe, but now? Luisa was far more careful than anyone else in Casita. “No, no you didn’t, Luisa.” She glanced at her daughter. “Pepa?”

“Don’t look at me!” Pepa exclaimed, looking betrayed that her mother would even think that she, her sweet daughter, who could do no wrong, would ever break something and not own up to it. “Look at Agustín!”

“What!? I didn’t break it!” Agustín huffed. 

“Huh, that’s weird.” Pepa narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “How did you even know it was broken then? That sounds pretty suspicious.”

He wasn’t even surprised by Pepa’s stupidity because he was used to it. “Because it’s sitting right in front of us…broken.” Agustín gestured towards it. “You accusing me makes you seem even more suspicious than me.”

“Suspicious,”

“No, it’s not!”

Félix glanced around, before lowering his voice. “If it matters…probably not, but Isabela was the last one to use it.”

Isabela’s eyes twitched. “Liar! You know that I don’t even drink that crap!” Isabela snapped defensively.

“Oh really? Then what were you doing by the coffeemaker earlier?”

“I was using the wooden stirrers to push back my cuticles. Everyone knows that, tío!”

“Okay, okay, let’s not fight.” Julieta spoke up calmly. “I broke it, mamá. Just let me pay for it—“

“No,” Alma frowned. “You didn’t break it, so I don’t want you paying for it.” She narrowed her eyes. “I want the person who broke it to step forward. Who broke it?”

The kitchen was silent once again.

“Abuela… Dolores has been awfully quiet.” Camilo whispered, breaking the silence.

“Really!?” Dolores turned to Camilo with a glare.

“Yeah, really!”

During that moment, chaos struck. Several voices began overlapping to prove their innocence or accuse another. Gifts were being used.

Mirabel walked beside Alma, talking softly. “It was me.” Mirabel sighed, looking pretty embarrassed. “I wasn’t really awake when I was making me some coffee. I burned myself and I got really startled. Next thing you know, it was broken. I’m sorry, abuela.”

Alma should’ve let Luisa or Julieta take the blame, no one would believe that Mirabel did it.

“I predict ten minutes from now, they’ll be at each other’s throat with war paint on their faces and a pig head on a stick.” Bruno chuckled.

…

She was too old for this.

“Good. It was getting a little chummy around here.”

Chapter 135: Replaced Miracle Snippet

Notes:

This doesn’t connect with the parts of Replaced Miracle. Apparently Isabela has Pepa’s gift and Dolores has Isabela’s gift. That changes a lot.

It makes me wonder who has Dolores’ gift.

Based on the art that was made by @Laynore_X

“Today is…”

Isabela glared at Dolores, who didn’t dare finish her sentence. 

Dolores chuckled humorlessly. “Sorry,”

Isabela said nothing in response.

Dolores glanced up, before looking Isabela in the eye. “You have a cloud.”

“I think that I know that.” Isabela laughed, she didn’t bother trying to swat the cloud away. It would be back anyways. Today was the day that Mirabel had left. Her little sister has been gone for five years. Her sister would’ve been twenty. She wondered if she was even alive.

Today she was actually allowed to feel. She didn’t have to hold back. There certainly wasn’t her abuela to reprehend her for the cloud and rain. Possibly worse.

Dolores sat down next to her, umbrella in hand. “How do you feel?” She asked.

Isabela looked at her in disbelief. “How do you think I feel?” She snapped, gesturing towards the cloud that was currently raining down on them, reflecting her mood.

“Mmh, well, I’m not sure what you’re feeling. That’s why I asked. I’m not going to go off how you’re feeling with a cloud and some rain.” Dolores said bluntly, causing Isabela to sigh. “I know that you don’t like people guessing and judging you based on what’s above your head. It isn’t right to bottle up your feelings. I’ll ask again. How are you feeling, Isa?”

“I’m…” Isabela’s gaze softened. “I’m frustrated…I guess.”

“You guess?”

“I’m frustrated.” Isabela huffed at Dolores’ pushy, but knowing voice. It always got through her. “Yes, I’m frustrated. Angry. I’m sad. I don’t—I don’t know what I’m feeling. I just know that I miss her. So fucking much. She was only fifteen, Dolores. Fifteen. She still has a life ahead of her and she’s gone. All because of us and our stupid…stupid mouths and actions. If we didn’t…if we didn’t, she would still be here.”

“She isn’t dead, Isabela. Missing, yes. But not dead. For all we know, she could be outside of the Encanto and living her life to the fullest.” Dolores smiled warmly. “She is the…toughest person I know.” Neither of them commented on how Dolores’ voice cracked. “Do you believe that she’s dead?”

“Of course not!” Isabela exclaimed, before lowering her voice. “She’s not dead. I never said that.”

“Oh that’s my fault, I thought you were implying it.”

“Gone and dead are two different words with different meanings.” Isabela rolled her eyes, making Dolores raise an eyebrow.

“Both of them mean to pass away.”

“You know what I meant.” Isabela gave her a half-smile. “She…she has to be alive. The vision—the vision that she gave us has to come true! She said that we all will be happy together! How can we be happy together when she’s gone!? She’s alive!” She let her tears freely fall down her cheeks. “She’s such a…liar. She needs to c-come back. I…I hate her s-so m-much.”

“So much to the point that you’re crying over her disappearance everyday and making cake on her birthday hoping that she’ll return?” Dolores asked quietly. “No, you don’t.”

Isabela choked back a sob. “I don’t.” Dolores dropped the umbrella, wrapping her older cousin in a hug. “D-Dolores, you’ll get—you’ll get—“

“—When have I ever mind getting rained on?” Dolores feigned a disgusted expression as she laughed. “Well, rain and flowers do not mix well though. The smell is ugh afterwards, but…it doesn’t bother me at all.” She said. “You never know…one day…she might be back. That prophecy still hasn’t been fulfilled and her visions always come true. It still hasn’t happened yet like you said. We just have to wait…no matter how long it takes. When she comes back, it’ll be worth the wait.”

Isabela sniffled.

“It’s okay, Isa, let it all out.”

Isabela stared at Dolores with teary eyes. “And…and what do you think of her disappearance?”

Dolores blinked in surprise, not expecting that question. “Like everyone else…I’m devastated. She was always shy and awkward. It was cute. I miss her just like everyone else. I just wish that we had more time together. That…that all of us didn’t end on such a…bad note.” Dolores smiled sadly, her lips trembling to stay upward. “Marigolds were her favorite flower.” She placed one in Isabela’s hair. 

“They are.”

At the end of the day, neither of them could dare utter her name. The Madrigal who went missing on the night of Antonio’s fifth birthday.

After all, they do not talk about Mirabel.

Chapter 136: Mirabel’s Mentor — Part 3

Summary:

Just one more part for this.

Notes:

I don’t know why, but for the longest time I couldn’t tell if Isabela was referring to Dolores or Mirabel in Turn It Down

Mirabel looked at Estrella, her eyes sparkling.

Estrella smiled nervously. “You…you heard all of that, didn’t you?” She looked guilty, but she didn’t regret what she said. She just didn’t want Mirabel’s to hear.

Mirabel nodded. “Yes! You’re like—like even more amazing now!” She grinned much to Estrella’s surprise. “You even threatened her! Nobody would ever do that! Especially for me!”

“Mhm, I should've done it sooner.” Estrella said under her breath. “It’s safe to say that you aren’t returning to Casita for a while.” She smirked. “The way that Alma treated you, the way that the Madrigals treated you wasn’t right to put it lightly…” 

Mirabel smiled sadly. “Yeah, I guess that it wasn’t. I just…tried to be optimistic and ignore that I was being treated badly.”

“Which isn’t your fault.” Estrella added. “Alma had it coming and she was already getting on my nerves. That’ll teach her something.” She mumbled. “Don’t be afraid to speak up. Especially if any of the Madrigals try to approach you. Besides little Antonio.”

“I’ll take some lessons from you.” Mirabel snickered.

Just as Estrella was about to respond, there was a knock on the window then the sound of the door opening.

Both of them looked towards the door.

“Sheesh, Estrella, we heard that all the way from the plaza.” Samuel, a musician and the bandleader, laughed. “It’s rare to see you lose your cool. And damn, threatening Alma Madrigal? I love you.” He grinned, before looking at Mirabel. “And you don’t deserve what happened to you and how they treat you. It certainly isn’t your fault for not getting a gift, kid. Keep that in mind.”

“Definitely.” Estrella gave him a similar grin. “The old lady had it coming.” She chuckled. “Anyways, what are you two visiting this humble shop for?” She looked at Samuel then at one of the musicians, Ivan.

“I’m just trying to get our measurements, especially Ivan. He’s a growing boy, I’ll tell you that. The clothes we got him the other day hardly fit him. You’re good at this. You’re the first shop that comes to mind.” Samuel winked, making Estrella roll her eyes fondly. “You think you can do it today or do I have to schedule it for another day?”

“Hm,” Estrella stared at them with an amused smile. She could see the way that he looked at Mirabel. She sees the way that Mirabel looks at Ivan. Both teenagers being completely oblivious to the other’s feelings. “We can do it today. I can take your measurements. Mirabel, do you want to take Ivan’s measurements?”

“U-uhm, yeah, sure!” Mirabel nodded, offering Ivan a nervous smile. “That’s if you don’t mind.”

“O-of c-course not!”

Estrella and Samuel glanced at each other then at the very obvious-not-obvious teenagers. Oh this was great.

“I’m assuming that you two have met before, right?” Samuel questioned with a knowing smile, causing Ivan to glare at him.

“Yep, we’ve met before.” Mirabel answered, smiling sheepishly. “At s-school and…yeah.”

“At school, huh?” Estrella hummed, biting back her smirk. 

“A-and around, you know…” Ivan muttered, his face flushed.

“Why don’t you take my student out?” Both of them blushed. “Not like that. I don’t want her to feel cooped up in the shop. Get some fresh air. Meet new people…or, well, get along with the people that you already know. You’ll get a discount.” She laughed.

“Estrella!” Mirabel pouted. “You’re practically paying him to hang out with me!”

“It’s not like that.” Estrella and Samuel couldn’t hold back their laughter.

“I’ll hang out with her without the discount.” Ivan said softly.

Mirabel blushed.

“But we will take the discount though.” Samuel grinned.

Estrella smiled to herself. It was a good day. It’ll be better in the future too.

Especially since the Madrigals’ reputation is ruined.

---

When Alma and Estrella had an argument with each other, well, when Estrella put Alma in her place.

They weren’t exactly quiet.

With Mirabel not returning to the Madrigals’ household and the Madrigals staying silent about the situation wasn’t exactly helpful.

In a small town with people who have nothing better to do, but listen to gossip and cause rumors about the most respected family.

The Madrigals couldn’t stay silent for too long knowing that it’ll only make things worse.

Alma knew that if they didn’t say anything, Estrella would. There was always this look in Estrella’s eyes when she saw Alma and that aggravating smirk.  

Alma could see that their relationship with the Guzmán’s was slowly getting worse. Both of them seemed to be reconsidering the engagement. Which Alma couldn’t let happen. 

Mariano was perfect for Isabela. Isabela was perfect for Mariano. A perfect match.

She couldn’t believe that they believed Mirabel’s lies. That girl was always showing out. A bad influence. Giving them a bad look. She needs to stop throwing a tantrum and come back. Estrella didn’t know what she was talking about.

Mariano sighed as he made his way to Casita, more so of trying to find Isabela. When he asked them about the Mirabel situation, they either ignored it or tried to change the conversation.

Especially Alma and Isabela.

“You don’t believe Mirabel’s lies, right?” 

Was the first question and the first time Isabela acknowledged the situation. It wasn’t a good look. It was also probably the last time she chose to acknowledge what was done and said.

Mariano took a step back. It was kind of scary how desperate Isabela looked. Different from the woman he knew, the woman that he thought he knew. “Isabela,”

“She’s not telling the truth! We—we aren’t like that—“

“—Isabela— “

“—You won’t break off the engagement, rig—“

“—Isabela!” Mariano exclaimed, making Isabela stare at him in shock. “Sorry for yelling, but that was the only way to get you listening to me. I’m pretty sure most of the Encanto knows about this…situation. It’s a pretty wild accusation. I wouldn’t have believed it, but…” He frowned. “What was said about you is such damning evidence.”

Isabela gulped, she wasn’t there for when Estrella yelled at her abuela, but that doesn’t mean other people weren’t. Rumors spread fast. “And…and what was said about me?” 

“Isabela is twenty-one yet she bullies her younger sister. She’s a spoiled brat taking her frustrations out on Mirabel.” Mariano repeated the words of Estrella. “What do you think of that?”

Isabela doesn’t know why, but she froze. Was it because she got caught? Because she’s guilty? That someone actually noticed?

“Isabela, I’m sure that you’re…” Isabela could see that Mariano was struggling to find the right words, before he just gave up. “I know that this isn’t the real you. When we started dating, I was hoping to get to know you. The entire time we were together, you never let that mask drop. I wanted to see the real you. Someone who isn’t so perfect, so uptight and smiling all the time. I wanted to see who you really were underneath all of that.” He smiled sadly. “No matter what I did, no matter what I tried….I could never peek behind that mask. You know what I’m saying, right?”

Isabela could only stare at Mariano with widened eyes, her hands slightly trembling. She didn’t think Mariano noticed.

“I know that I’m not the smartest guy, but I’m definitely not the dumbest. I just tend to be blind when I’m in love…or at least when I think so.” Suddenly, Mariano hardened his gaze, making her flinch. “I stopped being so blind and opened my eyes. Señora Estrella is close to my abuela. I know her. So, I observed how you Madrigals interacted with Mirabel. How you interacted with Mirabel.” Isabela froze. “Do you know what I’ve seen from you or do you want to say it yourself?” Isabela was silent. “I’ve seen you purposely swinging your hair in her face. I’ve seen you making her choke on your flowers. I’ve heard you make snide comments about her when you thought nobody was listening. I’ve seen the smirk on your face afterwards as if you were proud of bullying your own little sister.”

Isabela didn’t have any excuse. She couldn’t just say that she was jealous of Mirabel’s freedom. That would only make things worse. She shouldn’t be jealous of a fifteen year old and take it out on her.

“Let me ask you this, Isabela.” Mariano didn’t like the hopeful look in Isabela’s eyes. “When was the last time you hugged her? When was the last time that you cheered her up when she was feeling sad? Picked her up when she was feeling down? Oh, here’s a simple question. When was the last time you told her that you love her?”

…

“I…” Isabela couldn’t answer that question when she didn’t even know the answer herself. She doesn’t remember the last time she did any of those things for Mirabel. “I don’t…I don’t know.” She was embarrassed and humiliated.

“I can’t.” Mariano sighed, looking disappointed rather than angry. Isabela would rather Mariano be angry at her. “I don’t think that I can be with you if you treat your family, your fifteen year old sister like that. I’m a family guy. I would never treat my younger siblings like that. Especially if it was for something they had no control over. They’re just like everyone. Mirabel is like everyone else. She doesn’t deserve to be treated like that.”

Isabela averted her gaze, warmth spreading across her face.

“Isabela, you’re twenty-one. You’re seven years older than Mirabel. What if we got married and our child didn’t receive a gift? Would you treat our child the exact way you treat Mirabel? Would you go out of your way to make fun of her? Would you try not to spend time with her because she’s giftless? Would you forget about her? Tell her that you don’t love her? Treat her like a stranger? Would you want her to be treated like that?” Before Isabela could intervene, Mariano continued on. “What I’m saying is that I want to break the engagement off. We’ll discuss this more when both of our families are present. You should reconsider things too, Isabela. Find yourself before you think of finding others to love.”

If it was a year ago, Mariano probably wouldn’t believe that Isabela would treat Mirabel like that. He wouldn’t believe that the Madrigals abused Mirabel.

But now?

How could he ignore it when they did it right in their faces? How could he ignore the obvious abuse when the Madrigals didn’t even bother to try to hide their faults? Their lies?  

How could everyone be so blind?

---

“Mirabel isn’t coming back.”

“You think that I don’t know that? That we don’t know that?” Julieta snapped at her mother, who looked at her in shock. “But, no, that isn’t the most important part. The most important thing is our reputation!” She said sarcastically, causing Alma to gasp. “It doesn’t matter that Mirabel left! It’s her fault for just being her! She should stop causing a tantrum and come home! She should keep smiling and deal with our crap! That sounds perfectly fine!”

“Julieta, how dare you talk to me like that!? I’m your mother!”

“Mirabel is your granddaughter and you never bothered thinking about the way you talked to her! The way you treated her!” Julieta snarled. 

“F-fine, I admit that the way I treated her wasn’t right, but I’m not all to blame!”

“You’re not to blame because you’re at fault! You’re the one that majorly caused all of this!” Julieta gestured around them, the nursery and the missing Madrigal. It was currently raining outside. Antonio refused to speak to anyone resulting in Pepa’s bad mood. Luisa was out more and was barely seen. Isabela looked a second away from breaking down, but never did. Dolores was mostly in her room. Camilo was quiet and wasn’t joking anymore. “Look around us! Look at our home, mamá! It’s a mess! A disaster! We’re a disaster! Why can’t you acknowledge that you also fucked up like everyone else!?”

Alma was stunned.

She didn’t know what to say. 

What could she say? 

“We’re lucky that Mirabel didn’t leave the Encanto like Bruno!” 

Alma groaned in frustration. “Why do people keep comparing the two!?”

“I don’t know! Maybe it’s because you did the same to both!? Is that not obvious!? You’d think with that many people comparing the two that something was obviously up!” Julieta sneered. “I lost Bruno. I failed Bruno. I failed Mirabel too. I won't lose Mirabel. Not because of you again. ”

Alma went silent. 

She wasn’t the cause of Bruno leaving, right? Mirabel and Bruno aren’t similar. Mirabel isn’t going down the same path Bruno did. 

Bruno and Mirabel left on their own accord. Both of them are old enough to make their own decisions. All she did was ask Bruno for a vision before he left. He obviously saw something bad about Mirabel. That’s why he left. Not because of her, but because of Mirabel.

“How much can you take from us before you finally stop, mamá?” Julieta asked, causing Alma to pause. “You didn’t stop when Bruno left. You aren’t stopping now that Mirabel left Casita. Who’s next? Who else are you going to drive out? Antonio? Tell me soon so that I can know when I can leave. You can afford to lose family, but I can’t. I’ll take my family and leave out of Casita. I can’t lose any more family members right in front of my face. I can’t.” Her eyes watered up. “Mirabel isn't coming back because of you. Bruno left because of you. Acknowledge what you did is wrong like the rest of us. But you still think that reputation is important. What reputation do we have now? Estrella had everything fucking covered about where we went wrong with Mirabel and how we mistreated her.”

“Julieta…”

“You’re the one hurting this family.”

Notes:

Extra parts for any chapters that you would like to see?

Chapter 137: Werewolf!Mirabel Snippet — Part 3

Summary:

When Antonio got his gift

Notes:

I love how most of my one-shots aren’t one-shots

“We have a new gift!”

“It’s bigger on the inside!?”

A jaguar then appeared and ran towards Antonio, giving him a ride on its back.

Mirabel stepped back, staring at the jaguar with widened eyes. Her heart was racing.

Dolores placed a hand on her shoulder, startling her. “What’s wrong?” Mirabel only stared where the jaguar was at. Dolores followed her gaze. Dolores tilted her head. “Your heart is beating very fast—oh shit, really? You’re scared?”

“I don’t fucking understand animals. It's a natural instinct to be scared of animals that could kill you.” Mirabel hissed, staying the furthest distance away from Antonio’s personal jaguar. “I don’t understand how anyone else isn’t freaking out. It’s a jaguar. A wild animal!”

Dolores chuckled, making Mirabel glare at her. “I’m not making fun of you.” Dolores stifled her laughter. “We’re literally magical, so I’m not really worried.” She raised an eyebrow. “I’m assuming that it’s the wolf that’s making you afraid?”

“It’s a very common fear anyway.” Mirabel’s face flushed. “A jaguar can eat me.” She shuddered.

“You’re way bigger than it in your wolf form. You know that right?” Dolores questioned, looking confused. “I think it’s a mixture of fear from both human and wolf. It’s friendly, I swear.”

“You just saw and met it.”

“You’ve seen how it is with Antonio. Why would it attack you?”

“Maybe because I’m not exactly normal and jaguars eat wolves!?” Mirabel exclaimed, staring at Dolores as if she was crazy.

“So the dogs and cats not getting along are true.” Dolores said under her breath.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Dolores grinned. “Seriously, you don’t have to interact with it. It probably won’t attack you.”

That didn’t soothe Mirabel in the slightest. “Probably!?”

“If it attacks you, attack it back.”

Mirabel growled. “Dolores, I swear…” 

“What? I’m serious!” Dolores lifted her hands, unable to stop smiling. 

“Did you ever see me biting an animal?”

“You didn’t stop at a human. Why stop at an animal?” Dolores shrugged. “Oh, you’re not going to— I don’t know —eat one of Antonio’s animals, right?” 

“I’ll eat one out of spite just because of you.” Mirabel growled, causing Dolores to laugh. “If we ever run out of food, just know that you’ll be my first target.”

“That’s truly an honor that you’ll eat me first, primita. I don’t think we’ll ever run out of food while us Madrigals are alive. Better luck next time.” Dolores mused. 

“If I faint, don’t catch me.” Mirabel glared. “Just let me die in agony.”

Dolores smirked. “Of course. I’ll even make sure to even laugh when you hit the ground.”

Mirabel rolled her eyes. “Oh shut up.”

“Do you need your catnip?” Dolores teased.

“Very funny.”

“I’m just messing with you, Mira.” Dolores chuckled. “The jaguar won’t hurt you. Since Antonio can talk to it, it’s friendly. Antonio wouldn’t send a jaguar to his favorite cousin.”

“Mhm…you don’t know that.”

“Do you think so?

“I’m sorry that my fear makes me have irrational thoughts.” Mirabel said sarcastically. “I can’t even suffer in silence anymore.” She huffed.

“I’m just making sure you don’t do anything…” Dolores hummed thoughtfully. “…That you don’t run off somewhere.”

“Gee…how did you know? Now I can’t run off somewhere.”

“You could rival Isabela in her sarcasm if you keep this up.”

“Finally, I can beat Isabela at something.”

“Don’t get your hopes up.”

“Oh for fucks sake, Dolores…” Mirabel trailed off when she noticed her mother.

Dolores grinned. “Mind your language.” 

Julieta walked up to them, noticing Mirabel hiding behind Dolores, having a concerned expression. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing, Mirabel is just a bit scared of Antonio’s new friend.” 

Mirabel scoffed. 

Julieta gave Mirabel a reassuring smile. “Oh mija, it’s okay, we all have our own fears.”

“Yep.” Mirabel groaned, shaking her head.

This day couldn’t get any better.

Well at least Antonio got a gift.

She wondered how Antonio would use it— how Alma would make Antonio use his gift for.

…

Antonio literally walked up to Mirabel and pointed at her. “Wolf!”

Dolores and Mirabel stared at each other.

“Of course he knows. Why wouldn’t he?”

Dolores couldn’t hold back her laughter.

At least nobody would believe a five year old.

Chapter 138: Setting A Butterfly Free

Summary:

If Mirabel didn’t find the vision and Casita didn’t collapse

Mirabel sighed, packing her things up. She would be lying if she said that she will miss them. 

She was an adult and she still lived in the nursery. It didn’t make it any better that Isabela and Mariano’s children were about to be in.

Those children will be expected to sleep in the nursery until they’re five. Mirabel isn’t going to spend another five years with babies.

She really should have done this the moment Antonio got his gift.

“What are you doing?”

Mirabel turned around to find her mother staring at her with a confused expression.

Mirabel doesn’t feel bad. She’s an adult and she doesn’t need to tell anyone. Why would she tell her parents when all they would do is want her to stay and be trapped? When they were hardly her parents? Why should she when they would rather be Alma’s servants than actual parent figures?

“I’m twenty, mamá. Twenty. I don’t even have my own room. I still live in the nursery. No matter how many times I ask for something. It doesn’t even have to be big. I just need my own privacy. Antonio is ten and he has an entire jungle. I’m not even asking for much.” Mirabel said, stuffing her clothes in the bag.

Julieta looked at Mirabel in concern. “Wait… mija, what do you mean?”

“I think you know what I mean.” Mirabel forced a smile on her face. “I’m leaving Casita. I’m not going to make it any harder than it has to be. There’s not going to be any room for me and I’m not going to make it awkward by asking as a twenty year old. It was getting too stuffy anyways.” She muttered.

“Wait—wait, leave Casita?” Julieta repeated in shock. “What are you talking about? Why? You can’t.”

“I think that since I’m over the age of eighteen, I can make my own decision. That I can move out of this house.” Mirabel deadpanned. “I won’t leave the Encanto for now, so you’ll sti—“

“For now!?”

Mirabel groaned as she heard footsteps approaching. She knew she should’ve left at night. Either way, she’ll have to face them sooner or later.

“Julieta, what’s wrong?” Her father, Agustín asked.

“She’s overreacti—“

“Did you know that Mirabel is trying to leave? Leave Casita and possibly the Encanto?”

“What!?”

Mirabel pinched the bridge of her nose. “Oh my God…” She grumbled. This is not what she wanted.

Loud noises just had to attract her family.

“You’re trying to leave—“

“Why—“

“You can’t—“

Their voices overlapped with each other.

Mirabel found it cute that they cared when she was about to leave. Yet, she couldn’t sense any sincerity in their words. They hadn’t cared about her at all for the past fifteen years. There’s nothing different.

It’s all about reputation.

If Mirabel left Casita, what would the townspeople say? What would they gossip about? They would think that something is wrong with their family.

After all, Mirabel wouldn’t be the first Madrigal to leave.

“Wait, familia, calm down. Mirabel, what is this nonsense you’re spouting about?” Alma looked at Mirabel with distaste, as if her very presence annoyed her. It didn’t bother Mirabel anymore, she got used to it.

“It’s not nonsense, abuela. Like mamá said, I’m leaving. I’m packing my stuff. I was trying to do it quietly, but I guess not.” Mirabel chuckled humorlessly.  “I don’t see why everyone is making such a big deal out of this.”

“What are you talking about?” Alma sighed, looking disappointed. “Why are you even thinking of leaving Casita and going somewhere that’s unsafe? It doesn’t make any sense.”

Mirabel hardened her gaze. “To put it simply…I’m a twenty year old woman, abuela. I live in the nursery. Isabela’s children are about to be born. I have no privacy. The Madrigals’ children automatically live in the nursery. I’m not spending the rest of my life with children. I love them, but I can’t. I’m not thinking of leaving, I am leaving. You can’t expect me to be okay with this.” 

Isabela scowled, obviously not taking Mirabel’s words well. Grown to be a spoiled brat since Alma kept spoiling her and letting her get away with a lot of things. “How could you be so selfish? My babies are about to be born and you don’t want to be there because of some room? Because you’re jealous—“

“—Yes! Of course I’m jealous! I’m so fucking jealous that everyone has a gift! Their own room! That I’m the only Madrigal without a gift! Why wouldn’t I be jealous?” Mirabel snapped, looking at them crazily. “You think that I’m not?” She laughed. “What the hell am I supposed to do here? It won’t take long for your children to take the only room that I have! Where am I supposed to sleep then!? I’m not sleeping another five years with your children! Fucking hell! Let me be selfish for once, Isabela!” She glared. “I’m doing everyone here a favor and leaving. There’s no need to stress out anything because I’ll be the one to take the first step and move.”

The Madrigals were silent, staring at Mirabel with a stunned expression. Especially Alma. No Madrigal have left Casita on their own will, which doesn’t include Bruno. Even if Alma didn’t necessarily favor Mirabel, it didn’t mean that she wanted Mirabel gone. She wasn’t even aware that Mirabel felt like that. 

Mirabel took a deep breath. “What do you want me to say? To do? It’s already embarrassing.” Mirabel scowled. “There was no purpose for me being here since I was five. It’s not like you all treated me like anything other than invisible. There isn’t any reason to put up a fight like you all care. I wouldn’t be treated any differently.” She said. “I’m leaving and that’s final. I'm an adult. I’m capable of making my own decisions.” 

“Wait, Mirabel—“

“—Do you wanna know what the funny part is?” Mirabel chuckled. “Despite what I went through, you all think that you’re such a great family. It’s hilarious. Ignoring your problems won’t make them grow away, they’ll only grow bigger.”

“What are you talking about? We are a good family.”

“Of course you are.” Mirabel snorted. “Don’t take the words of the giftless Madrigal seriously. Reminds me of the time I was accused of being drunk in front of the entire town knowing damn well that I was underage and didn’t drink. Great times, am I right?”

Alma frowned. “There were no cracks, Mirabel.”

“Right,” Mirabel smiled.

All of them could tell that it was fake.

“I just need to finish packing then I’ll be out of everyone’s way. It’s a win-win situation. You don’t need to worry about me ruining your reputation. Isabela’s children’s ceremony. None of that.” Mirabel zipped her bag up, making her way out of the nursery. “Oh and if we really want to be honest. I should've abandoned the Madrigal name a long time ago.”   

Alma gasped. “You don’t mean that.”

“Abuela, you don’t know me well enough to know what I mean or not. We’re just strangers living in the same house. I mean it when I say that I should’ve abandoned that last name or left like tío Bruno. Maybe both. At least I’m more mature and will be able to get through this easily.”

Mirabel left Casita, not looking back once.

Chapter 139: Setting A Butterfly Free — Part 2

“And how have you been?”

“Missing you.” Antonio pouted as Mirabel ruffled his hair. “I’m glad I can see you again, Mira. It’s been so boring since you left. Everyone has just been…strict and tense.”

“Yeah?”

Antonio sighed. “Yeah,”

Mirabel sighed. “I’ll try to visit more often…or well, you’ll see me in town.” Until I leave the Encanto. “You know that I don’t necessarily get along with them.”

The sun was setting.

“I know…I just wish that they….” Would be better.

“I know what you mean. You don’t have to force yourself to say it. Everyone just pretends that the problem doesn’t exist anyways.” Mirabel chuckled as she entered the Madrigals’ household, Casita greeting her warmly. “I miss you too, Casita.”

“You didn’t tell me that. It seems like you favor a house more than me.” Antonio huffed.

“Well…I did know Casita longer than you. Casita kept me a lot of company when you were too young to even say full sentences.” Mirabel responded playfully, nudging him. “You already know that you’re my favorite Madrigal.”

“And your mines…” Antonio trailed off when they spotted Isabela, who also looked at them.

“Mirabel,”

“Isabela,”

The tension never left between them. Between Mirabel and the Madrigals. There was no way for the tension to stop when they didn’t want to acknowledge their faults and make up for it.

Any relationship that they had when Mirabel was five was gone. 

“And look who decided to finally show up.” Isabela remarked sarcastically, narrowing her eyes.

“You didn’t want me to? Just because I left Casita, doesn’t mean that I don’t want to see my nephew and not go to his ceremony.” Mirabel said dryly. “I only came here for him and Antonio. I’m not trying to cause any problems.” Mirabel also didn’t really have a problem with Mariano. He was just there. 

Isabela glared at her. “You really haven’t changed.”

“Neither did you.” Mirabel chuckled bitterly. “You already know that I didn’t come for you or the adults. I came strictly for the children. I’m not missing this. It’s tradition.” She quoted.

Isabela snorted. “After your entire speech of being jealous of our gifts and room. I didn’t think you would show up to see another Madrigal get a gift and a room. I don’t want you having an outburst on my son.”

“Don’t worry, I will never stoop low and bully someone way younger than me. I would personally never bully my family members out of jealousy of their so-called freedom. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it, Isabela?” 

Isabela’s eyes twitched. “You’re so hilarious. Why would I waste—“

“—Can you two calm down?” Antonio smiled nervously.

They both took a step back, forgetting that Antonio was present.

Mirabel’s expression visibly softened at the sight of Antonio. “Right. The ceremony is about to start any minute now. We don’t have the time for this. You need to go do your job anyway, matriarch. It’s your first time. Don’t be late.” 

“Mockery?” Isabela’s eyebrows raised. “You know that I’ll never be late. This time, how about you don’t make a fuss about cracks? It’ll be a win-win situation for the both of us.” Isabela smirked cruelly.

“You don’t need to worry about that at all. I’m not staying here too long anyways. I won’t even get drunk this time. I won’t even be near the table that holds alcohol at a five year old boy's birthday party.” 

“Don’t go sneaking off now.”

Antonio frowned. “Guys…” Even then, when it’s their first time talking in a while, they’re arguing with each other. Antonio doesn’t think that their relationship can be repaired.

She sighed.

“Let’s just go.”

All of them made their way to where the rest of the Madrigals were. Isabela went to stand beside the new door.

Mirabel hardly acknowledged the other Madrigals as she had to stand beside them. 

“Mirabel…”

Mirabel refused to hold a conversation with certain people.

“I’m only here for his birthday then I’ll be out.” Mirabel said. “I’m not going to pretend that everything is fine after last time I was here. I don’t even want to pretend that I’ll enjoy having a conversation with any of you. Let’s just leave it at that.”

In just a few minutes, the ceremony started.

Mirabel watched with an unreadable expression as Angelo walked up the stairs to his door by himself. She would do a lot of things differently for a five year old boy’s fifth birthday. The entire town doesn’t have to be invited. Less pressure. A lot.

Antonio was standing by her side, watching with her. “This reminds me of my ceremony except you walked me to my door and I was less nervous.”

“I don’t think you’ll ever forget that.” Mirabel mused. “Neither will I. You would’ve stayed underneath the bed the entire night if I didn’t find you. Look at you now, five years later and still the same adorable boy I love and took care of.”

Antonio blushed. “Probably…”

“Definitely.”

“Ay…”

“We probably shouldn’t be talking during this either.” Mirabel muttered, looking at Isabela, who was standing by the glowing door, candle in hand. 

When Angelo made it up to the top of the stairs, Isabela said the usual boring speech about the miracle, before asking Angelo to use whatever gift he gets for the Encanto. Many things are wrong with that singular sentence.

With that, Angelo’s hand touched the doorknob.

…

Mirabel watched as the door faded away, reminding her of her own ceremony.

Mirabel noticed something in the corner of her eye. She glanced at the cracks that weren't there before. She narrowed her eyes, turning a blind eye to it. Alma and the rest of the Madrigals didn’t believe her before. Even when Alma knew. No point in making a scene.

She found it funny how the cracks decided to show when she could only see them.

“Huh…what a way to start off a new generation.” Mirabel murmured as Angelo looked confused, looking at Isabela for some sort of comfort. Isabela was looking at the candle in confusion before turning to Alma. Paying no attention to her own son.

Some things just never change.

Antonio stared at the door with widened eyes. He never saw a door fade away. When Mirabel’s door faded away, he wasn’t even born yet. He wondered why he got a gift and Angelo didn’t. Was the miracle skipping people? “What?” He just registered what Mirabel said. 

“The townspeople need to start leaving. I’m not going to let another me happen.” Mirabel wasn’t going to let them leave Angelo in the nursery alone, with no comfort, and no clue what he had done wrong. He did nothing wrong of course, but they made her feel as if she did something wrong.

“It wouldn’t be a bad thing…but I get what you mean.” Antonio was young back then, he still is. But he was old enough to know the way that they treated Mirabel was terrible. “Do you want me to…?”

“Thank you.”

Antonio got on top of Parce, preparing to get everyone out.

Alma was just as shocked as everyone else. What was wrong with the miracle? Or was something wrong with Angelo?

“Another….ceremony like this.” Alma frowned, staring at the candle which didn’t waver.

“Well….”

“Something isn’t wrong with the miracle, right?” Luisa had asked.

“But Antonio’s ceremony worked! Why isn’t it working now!?” Isabela exclaimed in panic, staring at Alma for help. “My son can’t be giftless!”

Mirabel simply smiled. “And I’m assuming that there’s something wrong with that?” They could hear the anger in her voice. “I don’t see why Angelo can’t be giftless. As far as I’m aware, abuela is giftless, I’m giftless, the townspeople are also giftless. What’s wrong with that, sis?”

Isabela rolled her eyes. “Mirabel, that’s—“

“—not what she meant.” Mariano interrupted, trying to calm the sisters down. “It’s just…just…” But even Mariano couldn’t defend his wife in this situation.

“I don’t even care. She made it clear to me that she always had a problem with me. Gift or no gift.” Mirabel said, making her way to Isabela’s son.

Isabela scoffed.

“Isabela, you can’t keep being…” Julieta’s voice faded away as Mirabel got further.

“Prima,” Antonio said worriedly, grabbing her hand. Making it known that the townspeople were gone and he was back.

“Hm?”

“Are you…are you staying the night or are you leaving?”

“Do you want to stay the night at my house?” Mirabel asked instead, making Antonio smile. Mirabel wasn’t about to spend another day in Casita. That’s for sure.

“Of course!”

Mirabel smiled, gently nudging him, before making her way towards a confused Angelo.

“Did I—did I do something wrong?” Angelo’s eyes watered at his own question. “Why is m-mamí acting like that?” 

“You did nothing wrong, mi angel. I also don’t have a gift and I’m fine. There’s nothing wrong with that. Even the residents of the Encanto don’t have a gift. There’s nothing to worry about. You’re still a Madrigal no matter what. Gift or no gift.” Mirabel smiled warmly. Seriously, why the hell is she comforting Isabela’s daughter and she’s busy worrying about the miracle? Not that Mirabel is blaming Angelo, but she is blaming Isabela and the Madrigals. “Your mother is just confused, since this didn’t happen last time. This isn’t your fault.”

Angelo sniffled. “R-really?”

“Of course! Why would I need to lie about that? Especially to my favorite nephew.” Mirabel grinned, crouching down to her nephew’s height. She wiped his tears away. “You don’t want to mess up your birthday clothes, do you?” She teased.

Angelo shook his head as Mirabel smiled, happy to see his mood brighten. “No!”

“Exactly,” Mirabel booped his nose, before standing up to her full height. “Come on, let’s get you to your door.” She looked at her nephew, holding his hand gently. “I’ll stay with you as long as you need. I can even tell you stories about myself and Antonio. We can even sneak snacks if you don’t tell.” She winked as Angelo giggled. “Especially your mother and Dolores.”

“Okay!” Angelo beamed, following Mirabel.

Mirabel was always good with children, she still is. Even if she doesn’t like the Madrigals besides Antonio, she isn’t going to take it on Angelo or any future Madrigals. Actually, she isn’t too sure that she’ll still be in the Encanto to see any more Madrigals.

“Come, come,”

Something happened when Angelo touched the doorknob.

Mirabel watched in amazement as the door glowed as soon as Angelo touched the doorknob again. His name etched at the bottom of the door.

Angelo stared at Mirabel, the door, then back at Mirabel. “…I have a gift?”

The other Madrigals took notice of the now glowing door, which they saw faded away, the exact way Mirabel’s did. It shouldn’t have worked either. No Madrigal opened their door twice, especially if it faded away. Angelo also didn’t touch the candle the second time. It shouldn’t be possible.

Unless….

Mirabel blinked. “You have a gift.”

“I just got a strange sense of deja vu.” Antonio’s eyebrows raised. “What’s with you walking us to our doors and getting gifts, prima?”

Before anyone could say something, Mirabel said. “I’m not walking a future generation to their door every time for their fifth birthday. Well then, happy birthday, Angelo. I’m not answering any questions about this either.”

Chapter 140: Setting A Butterfly Free — Part 3

Mirabel grabbed Angelo, walking out and leaving the Madrigals with their mess, Antonio following behind her. 

“Well…that was crazy and you just took him.” Antonio commented.

“I didn’t take him, it’s called borrowing.” Mirabel replied. “Only for tonight. I don’t get to hang out with my own nephew much anyways.”

“That’s true.”

“M-magic!” Angelo gushed, making Mirabel groan playfully and Antonio grin.

“You did the same for me, Mira, and it worked. Coincidence? I think not.” Antonio smirked. “I think that’s saying something.”

“Something, huh?”

“Yep.”

“I’m not too sure what that something is.” Mirabel teased, enjoying the moments that they were spending together. She loved herself better when she was with him. Weird, right? “I’ll choose to ignore it for now.”

They made their way to Mirabel’s house, which was at the outskirts of the Encanto. It was optional, but Mirabel was just being petty with the Madrigals.

Antonio leaned over to her side. “Hmm, someone told me that bottling up your feelings and ignoring it will only make things worse.”

“I wonder what wise person told you that.” Mirabel hummed. “I must speak to them if I haven’t already.”

“Probably not, prima.”

Mirabel rolled her eyes. “Dang, I was hoping that I did. I’d love to meet such a wise, beautiful, and kind person. Maybe next time.” She sighed wistfully. 

Antonio nudged her. “Of course, I’d introduce her to you.”

“Enough.” Mirabel snorted as she made it to her front door. “I have an extra room that you can sleep in. Angelo is with me.”

“No sleepover?” Antonio pouted.

“I guess we can have a sleepover, since I don’t come over and see you often. Just like the old times.” She winked.

“I missed this so much.”

As Mirabel touched the doorknob of the house to open the door, the entire building shook and glowed. The door opened by itself and seemed to be waving at her and welcoming them inside.

“Casita?” Mirabel pinched the bridge of her nose. “I gave up trying to prove my worth years ago.” She groaned. “Why now?” 

Antonio looked amazed, before shrugging. “I don’t know. You got your own Casita though! The miracle too!”

Angelo blinked. “You beeped!”

“I…beeped?”

Mirabel looked at Antonio. “You beeped?” She turned to Angelo, raising an eyebrow. “That must be part of your gift.”

Angelo smiled.

Casita’s tile led them up stairs, the younger Madrigals exclaiming in excitement.

On her door was her, holding a candle, just like Alma had. 

“Casita, you bitch…” Mirabel said underneath her breath, low enough so that Antonio and Angelo wouldn’t hear. She could just hear Casita laughing at her.

“Hmph, would you look at that?” Antonio tilted his head. “Looks similar to abuela’s door.” He pointed out the obvious as he stared at his older cousin.

“Doesn’t it?” Mirabel murmured. “I did not want my own miracle. Better yet, be the candleholder. Left to avoid that kind of thing.” She huffed dramatically as Casita seemed to try to make it up to her by opening and closing the door. Mirabel could understand Caista better than anyone else, even Alma. Casita was being apologetic, but not really sorry. “Yep, this is why I have a new favorite house.” Every door in the house opened as if Casita was in shock.

Mirabel snickered.

“I always knew that Casita favored you even before I got my gift.” Antonio whispered.

“Besides you, Casita was the only company I had. Luckily, I have this new house and now it is my favorite home. Casita should’ve never betrayed me.” Mirabel exclaimed dramatically, turning away from her own door. “I’ve even been betrayed by my house.”

Antonio looked amused. “What are you going to do about this situation?” He gestured towards her door and Casita.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m fine with Casita. I just don’t like the gifts.” Mirabel told him. “I’m just not going to do anything. Not too fond of being a candleholder and making the future Madrigals go through the same thing we did. I’m going to acknowledge it, I’m just not going to try and get a gift or something out of this.”

Antonio looked at Angelo. “We still don’t know what his gift is. It has something to do with beeping apparently.” He gently ruffled Angelo’s hair, making him giggle.

“Right,” Mirabel had a small smile on her face. “I don’t.”

“You beeped!” Angelo exclaimed.

“You know what his gift is.” Antonio deadpanned.

“I truly don’t.”

“You did it again, tía!”

Mirabel smirked as Antonio groaned.

“Just tell me what it is, Mirabel! Aren’t I your favorite cousin?” Antonio pleaded dramatically.

Mirabel feigned an annoyed expression as she placed her hands on her hip. “The sky is purple.”

Antonio looked even more confused. “What?”

“You beeped!”

“He can detect lies, Toñito.” Mirabel chuckled, making Antonio look surprised. “I thought you would’ve caught on to it sooner, but it’s whatever. That’s such a good…yet dramatic gift for a five year old.” She mumbled. She was already thinking of the negatives because of the Madrigals. Just think positive. “If I can change…hold up, I can. The candle, the miracle is here. Future Madrigals aren’t getting gifts at the age of five anymore. Hopefully that’ll do something.”

“Seems like a good choice. At least we would’ve had time to prepare if we were older and not babies.” Antonio grunted.

“Honestly…” Mirabel trailed off, looking at Angelo. “On a serious note, we seriously just can’t kidnap Isabela’s son.”

“You beeped.”

Mirabel smiled sheepishly. “…You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“You seem to think otherwise.” Antonio teased.

“Oh shut up.”

“We’re still staying the night though.”

“Definitely.”

Mirabel paused, just realizing something. She opened her room door.

“What’s wrong?” Antonio frowned.

She said nothing, closing the door.

“Mira?”

Mirabel opened the door, staring at something.

“Why is there a man in my room? How am I just noticing a man standing in my room?”

“Wait—“

“Wait!?”

Chapter 141: Her Mask

If you asked the Madrigals before it happened, they wouldn’t have noticed. They didn’t pay attention. They would say that Mirabel is always happy and smiling. That Mirabel was fine. They wouldn’t even question if Mirabel wasn’t fine. Why wouldn’t she be?

If you asked the Madrigals now, they would say that it was obvious. How deceiving her smile was, how strained it was. It should’ve been obvious to them back then.

But it wasn’t.

Mirabel had a smile that could hide her problems. A smile that was so good at masking her fears and pain. A smile that nobody would doubt unless they took the time and looked closer.

They wouldn’t know how much Mirabel suppressed her feelings until it was too late. How much Mirabel endured until it was too late. They wouldn’t know how scared Mirabel was when she tried to do something.

They wouldn’t have known how much they affected Mirabel and was the cause of this.

They should’ve asked if she was alright, even if she always said that she was fine. They should’ve hung out with her because she had no friends her age. They should’ve been a shoulder she could cry on. They should’ve been there for her.

Could they have prevented all of this?

They should have noticed when Mirabel started to slowly drop her mask. They shouldn’t have excused it as Mirabel being moody, seeking attention.

Blood was trickling down Mirabel’s arms onto a heavy blood-stained towel.

Julieta’s food is very useful for hiding things. It was as if it never happened. She can pretend it never happened.

But could they really call Mirabel faking it? All of her emotions? Her happiness? How can they know how long she was faking it and when it started? Was it when her door faded? Was it when Antonio was born? 

Was it when Antonio got his gift?

Was it when Alma—

Was it when Julieta—

Was it when Pepa—

Was it when Bruno—

Was it when Félix—

Was it when Agustín—

Was it when Isabela—

Was it when Dolores—

Was it when Luisa—

Was it when Camilo—

Was it when Antonio—

When did it start?

How couldn’t they have noticed?

Why were they too stuck up in pleasing Alma and failing to notice someone who was killing herself before their own eyes? 

“I’m fine, really.”

Would be her response, but who would ask her that? They were all too busy to even talk or even ask daughter-sister-niece-cousin-granddaughter if she was fine.

The signs were there.

They were clear.

Looking at the lack of emotion, of anything and everything, doesn’t belong on Mirabel’s usually bright, smiling face.

They were so obvious.

Yet, they chose to ignore those signs and carry on as normal.

It was their fault.

They lost her.

She was only fifteen.

She died to suicide.

The only thing left behind was ten letters.

Looking down at Mirabel’s grave, they know that death doesn’t discriminate.

Alma knew that all too well.

Where did it all go wrong?

Chapter 142: Eldritch!Mirabel Snippet

Isabela didn’t like Mirabel.

No, to be clear, she didn’t like being around Mirabel.

She avoided interaction with Mirabel any chance she got.

Mirabel was like a doll in a creepy way. Just sitting there, watching. She could be doing nothing wrong, but you just knew something is off about her. 

You couldn’t help but be wary of Mirabel. Even if she spoke with a wide smile, even if it felt like it didn’t belong on her face. You’ll be startled by her, you wouldn’t even hear her walking up to you.

Once you had a conversation with her, no matter where you went, where you go, it felt like she’s still watching you and you could still hear her voice whispering.

It was weird to say the least.

I knew she wasn’t my sister, but somehow, I think she needed me.

“Isa?”

Isabela’s face goes pale as she hears Mirabel’s voice. She turned around to see Mirabel looking at her with a smile. She held a bag in her hand.

Isabela hardened her gaze. “What do you want?” A scowl formed as she glared at her little sister. Whatever she was. Isabela didn’t like being mean in general. But it was the only thing to get Mirabel off her back for a little. 

“I was wondering how you were doing.” Mirabel replied, her voices slurring, overlapping over her original—it was hard to tell if the voice that Mirabel spoke in was her voice or someone else’s— voice. “It is very normal for us, as if sisters, to check up on each other. A normal interaction between sisters.”

Isabela hated the way that Mirabel used the word normal. As if she could just tell that she wasn’t normal and just trying to fit in. Thinking about it just gave her a headache.

“I’m fine.” Isabela responded curtly, averting her gaze. It felt like Mirabel was staring right through her with her multiple two eyes. 

Mirabel looked sad at her rude answer. Isabela looked nervous as she bit the inside of her mouth. She wondered if Mirabel could pull the skin off her face because of how unnatural her skin looked on her. Like a mask.

Isabela did feel bad. “I…didn’t mean it like that.” She awkwardly patted Mirabel’s head as a form of reassurance. She saw Dolores doing that to Mirabel multiple times and that seemed to cheer her up. “I’m sorry.”

Mirabel smiled in response. “It’s okay, I forgive you! It’s understandable as, uhm, humans to have off days! Which we are. Which we have.” She stammered as Isabela stared at her.

“Why did you—you come talk to me?” Isabela questioned, maintaining her distance.

Mirabel hummed. “Oh, I’m hungry!”

“You’re…hungry?” Isabela repeated slowly. “And you came to me for that?” She nodded. “…Did you want me to cook for you? I’m not too good at that. I can go grab an arepa if you w—“

“Prima, there you are!” Dolores’ voice calls out, turning the corner and finding them. Isabela sighed in relief as Mirabel gets distracted and turned to Dolores. “Sorry if she was bothering you, Isa. She ran off and I was looking for her.”

Isabela waved her off dismissively, glad that someone was the focus of Mirabel’s attention. She didn’t understand how Dolores could be so okay with Mirabel. “It’s fine.”

“I got hungry.” Mirabel pouted.

“No, you’re not supposed to go to anyone for that. Especially not Isabela.” Dolores scolded, making Isabela look at them in confusion. “I’ll help you and you know that I’ll go to my room to prevent hearing that.”

Mirabel looked apologetic. “Sorry,”

Dolores nodded. “Of course, it’s fine, just try not to do that again. We can’t take any risks.”

Isabela raised an eyebrow. “What are you two talking about?” Their conversation didn’t make any sense to her. If Mirabel was hungry, she could just go eat. She doesn’t see why Mirabel would go to her. Risks? Better yet, why would Dolores need to help and go into her room?

Dolores smiled sheepishly. “It’s nothing you need to worry about.”

That was all it took to get Isabela to back off. She didn’t want to be near Mirabel any longer.

Isabela felt a throbbing pain in her hand as she walked away from both of them. She glanced at her hand, wondering what could’ve happened.

A bite mark.

What?

Chapter 143: Her Familiar — Part 2

Dolores has many opinions about Mirabel, none of them being negative.

Sure, Mirabel wasn’t normal, but that is her little cousin. Human or not. Dolores actually finds it kind of cute how Mirabel tries to be human. It’s exhausting sometimes trying to remind Mirabel where the right limbs go. Mirabel is kind of like Camilo. It doesn’t bother her too much. Not like how it bothers the others.

Dolores is aware of how the others think of Mirabel.

Alma wouldn’t say that she was scared of Mirabel. It’s just something about Mirabel that makes her want to stay away from her. To protect people from her. Mirabel is her granddaughter. She can’t send her away. She wouldn’t even think about it. As much as she wants to stay away from her, Mirabel always manages to draw her back in. She’ll observe and let Mirabel do her own thing as always.

Julieta and Agustín don't see the problem with Mirabel because they’re her parents. Even then, they’ll mark it off as Mirabel being an oddball. Overall, they don’t seem affected. Mirabel is their daughter, their youngest. 

Her parents, however, they’re cautious about Mirabel. Félix is good at reading people, he can’t read Mirabel. When he does, it’s the complete opposite of the emotions she’s feeling at the moment. Mirabel reminds Pepa of Bruno, so she chooses to maintain distance for both of their sake.

Isabela would outright do anything to just keep Mirabel away from her. Being mean. Bullying her. Anything. She knew something was off about Mirabel and made the safest decision. Try to get Mirabel to just stop. She would see that Isabela didn’t like hanging out with her and stop. Isabela loves her little sister, of course she does. She just thinks whatever happened at Mirabel’s ceremony replaced her.

Luisa just thought that Mirabel was strange. She always had the strange urge to protect her. She didn’t understand why Isabela and Camilo weren't so fond of Mirabel and chose to avoid and bully her.

Camilo didn’t like Mirabel. He saw her in her true form before and it scared him. He can’t tell if it was a dream or not. He trusts Dolores and his sister seems close to Mirabel. She can’t be that bad, right?

Antonio liked Mirabel. She was funny, she was unique. She understood him like no one else. She always has answers to his questions. She is an interesting and the best roommate he ever had. She is also his first roommate.

Dolores waited patiently for Mirabel to return. She didn’t have a problem covering up for her little cousin. She’s been doing it for over five years now. She’s good at it.

Dolores wouldn’t technically say that she’s a murderer, since she helps Mirabel pick out the people to eat when she gets hungry. She’s certainly helping Mirabel, but she’s not the one doing the killing.

It’s been about an hour since Mirabel ran off to the forest.

“Dolores!” 

Dolores turned around, staring at her little cousin with a questioning look. “What have you been up to?” She immediately asked Mirabel, unconsciously smiling at the beaming young girl. Literally. “Too bright.”

Mirabel toned it down, looking normal. “Is that better?”

“Much better. Why are you in a rush?” Dolores narrowed her eyes in suspicion. Mirabel had rushed off into the forest, something obviously happened. Something that she couldn’t hear. “You’re not in any trouble or danger, right? Who do I need to threaten again?”

“Nobody!” Mirabel assured her, making Dolores visibly relax. “You didn’t hear anything during the time I left?”

“You know that sometimes I don’t pay attention to what you’re saying. Not because I don’t want to, it’s because I can’t. Sometimes your words are all jumbled up.” Dolores told her, ruffling her hair. “Don’t bite my hand off, Mira.” She could hear the crunching of bones, which she had gotten used to hearing. “My limbs can’t grow back.”

“I wasn’t. I know not to eat my family.” Mirabel smiled sheepishly. 

“What happened in the forest?” Dolores mused. “My hearing was blocked momentarily. Listening to you was like listening to static.”

“I found my dad!” Mirabel grinned.

Dolores blinked in confusion. “Your dad?”

“Yeah, I found him in the forest!”

“And…I’m assuming that’s not tío Agustín.” Dolores narrowed her eyes. “And not a wild animal either, right?”

“Of course not! My dad is Bruno Madrigal!” Mirabel had a big smile on her face. “I finally found my missing piece! This is so exciting! The only thing that’s missing is him coming home!”

“Bruno Madrigal?” Dolores’ eyebrows raised in shock. She stared at Mirabel, who was only smiling. “Wait,” She sighed, shaking her head. “Yeah, that actually makes sense. I just don’t…don’t remember any of this. You’re not Tía Julieta’s daughter.”

“I’m not.” Mirabel nodded along.

Dolores observed Mirabel, humming. “I kind of see it. I did find it kind of odd that you wore green when your color—well, the color that you pretended to wear…if that makes sense.” She squinted her eyes. “Did you change how you looked or did you always look like this?”

“I don’t change how I look…at least I think so. I might’ve changed some things to look more like Julieta, but even I know that I didn’t change much about myself.” Mirabel responded. “If you’re talking lookwise of course. I try to make myself seem more…normal, I guess. I’m glad that I have you. Without you, I would lose control of my form and go crazy.”

Dolores chuckled. “Yeah, it’s nothing. Where is he anyways? He left ten years ago and you found him in the forest. That’s interesting. Not too crazy compared to what I’ve seen. Does he intend to come back?” She questioned. “Or are you planning to leave and go with him?”

“I want to bring him back. I just got him back and I can’t lose my papa again. I just don’t know how the others would react to his return.” Mirabel began to mutter her worries, unconsciously letting her form show.

Dolores’ heart rate sped up, a shiver went down her spine and her hands were getting sweaty. The immense pressure around her skull made it seem like her eyes would just pop out of their sockets. The bones in her arms and legs strained. Every rib in her chest gave way as blood started to fill her throat. “Mirabel…” She needed to be silent. She needed to run and be fast. “Mirabel!” She said louder, almost regretting it as Mirabel stares through her, she feels as if Mirabel is analyzing her. As if she already knew her darkest secret. “Mirabel,” She repeated once more. Hot, slick, red blood pours down her face. It doesn’t hurt. “You’re doing it again.” She tears her gaze away from Mirabel.

Everything— the pain, the tears, the blood — all comes to an abrupt stop. Mirabel was startled. “Sorry!” She quickly apologized as Dolores looked back at her. “I didn’t mean to.”

Dolores blinked, rubbing her eyes. “I don’t think I’ll get used to that.” Dolores groaned, feeling an oncoming headache. “You’re fine. Everyone loses control of their gift every once in a while.” She sat down. “Anyways, back to tío Bruno, your father…knowing you, he’ll definitely be like you. Right?”

“Mhm!”

“I don’t see why they wouldn’t accept him back. Nobody here harbors negative feelings for him. Family wise. We all miss him. Even if we don’t talk about him. Our family will make sure that nobody is badmouthing him. We’re all hoping that he comes home.” Dolores told her. “Rely the message for me, please. We can even prepare beforehand.”

Mirabel grinned.

Notes:

Working on the final chapter for this story. Well, I think so because I’m not sure if I’m going to go further than the intended chapters that I want. We all will just see when the time comes.

Chapter 144: A Matriarch's Reluctant Legacy

Mirabel should’ve been happy.

She saved the miracle.

Bruno is back.

Alma is getting better.

Everyone is getting better.

Yet Mirabel felt so tired.

She shouldn’t have.

Her family loves her. They don’t exclude her. They don’t ignore her. They don’t treat her any differently because she doesn’t have a gift now.

She should be happy.

She was even the matriarch.

The new candleholder.

Once Alma gets too old, she’ll take over.

How exciting.

Alma even started taking her to the council. To learn more about the Encanto. What to do and not to do.

They’re trying to include her.

They’re trying.

That’s all that matters, right?

This is what she wanted, right?

No.

She’s not ready.

She’s only fifteen.

She can’t be the leader of the entire Encanto.

It was too much pressure.

Too many expectations.

A fifteen year old could only do so much.

She was lucky that she managed to save the miracle and bring it back.

There was no escape. Everyone was depending on her. They all expected her to be the matriarch and be happy. She already accepted it. She can’t turn it down now. They’ll all be disappointed in her. If she says her reason, they’ll question her and ask why she didn’t speak up earlier. 

Maybe she’s being ungrateful.

Dramatic.

This is what she wanted.

A loving family.

Being included.

Her family is happy and together.

She’s the only one that’s acting out.

If it was really a problem, they would’ve noticed. Her family means well, don’t they? If they thought that she wasn’t a good fit for being the matriarch then they wouldn’t have made her it.

It’s not like they’re forcing her.

It’s not an Isabela situation.

“Are you ready?” Alma asked, looking at her with a proud expression. An expression that Mirabel wanted to see many years ago. An expression that Mirabel would do anything to see again. That expression only brings Mirabel dread.

“Of course.” Mirabel said, a wobbly smile on her face as she held the candle. She wasn’t. She couldn’t. She’s not, but they don’t know that. She can’t do this. She has no choice. They’re relying on her. If she breaks, who will be there to pick up the pieces?

She needs out.

Her fate was already sealed the moment she accepted it, wasn’t it?

Bruno smiled warmly. “You got this, kid. You were meant for this.”

Even when she saved the miracle.

When she brought the family together.

Old habits don't change.

“I’m ready, abuela.” Mirabel said softly, hating the encouraging look that her family was giving her. It didn’t encourage her. It only made her feel even more trapped.

In the end, it was always for her family.

Chapter 145: Blood Bound Snippet

Notes:

Julieta & Félix or Agustín & Pepa?

The entire time that the Madrigals were there, they hadn’t seen Antonio. They hadn’t seen anyone but each other, Pedro, Bruno, and Mirabel.

Those three kept true to their word.

Although they were vampires, they were theirs to torture. They can’t die unless they have a wooden stake to their heart. The three Madrigals wouldn’t let that happen.

The Madrigals began worrying that they had killed Antonio. Pedro and Bruno didn’t know Antonio, but they did know about him. Mirabel shared five years in the nursery with Antonio. But, they were mostly separated since Mirabel was a vampire. Mirabel could hold a grudge and kill Antonio because he got a gift and she didn’t.

The chances was high.

It didn’t make it any better that they couldn’t use their gifts anymore. Dolores had no chance of hearing Antonio. If he was alive, dead, or turned like them. If Antonio was turned or dead, she wouldn’t be able to hear his heartbeat either way. They really hoped that vampires had a little moral.

The door opened.

“Good morning!” Mirabel exclaimed with fake enthusiasm, making the Madrigals freeze.

Bruno and Mirabel came to check on the Madrigals. It was their daily check to make sure they weren’t trying to escape or do anything stupid.

Bruno blinked. “Geez…kid, it’s the afternoon. It’s not even a good morning either. Don’t tell me you’re losing track of time.”

Mirabel grinned. “Does it really matter? You may not be in a good mood, but I am. It’s such a beautiful day nonetheless. Everything has just been going so smoothly.”

Bruno hummed. “That’s true.”

The Madrigals were silent as Bruno and Mirabel talked.

“Anyways!” Mirabel clasped her hands together. “How are you all enjoying your new stay? Are you getting used to being no longer human?” Mirabel was good at playing pretend. “It’s great once you get used to it. You’ll understand just how delicious blood is and how delicate humans are.”

The Madrigals gulped at the obvious bloodlust in Mirabel’s eyes as she ranted about humans and their blood. At that point, they were kind of glad that they weren’t humans anymore. Although Pedro, Bruno, and Mirabel were the ones that turned them.

“I think we all get it.” Bruno deadpanned, making Mirabel playfully glare at him. He turned his attention to the Madrigals. “Oh yeah, did we mention that the miracle is now ours? We obviously need food, so we’re picking out humans to eat. Don’t worry, we made sure that the Guzmáns were also turned and won’t be eaten. Aren’t we kind?” He bared his teeth.

…

“No answer?”

Mirabel and Bruno turned towards each other.

“W-where’s…where i-is Antonio?” Pepa stammered hesitantly, worried about the possibility of her son being dead. Never in her life did she think she’ll ever end up in this position.

Bruno glared at Pepa, who winced. “Why would I tell you that?”

“It’s fine, tío. I’ll answer.” Mirabel chuckled. “Unlike you all, I don’t place such responsibilities on a child’s shoulder. No, Antonio isn’t getting turned anytime soon. He’s only five.” She replied. “Antonio doesn’t deserve what you all are going through. He’s in good hands.”

They didn’t know what Mirabel defined as good hands and could only hope that her words were truthful.

Bruno said nothing.

“Did you want me to?” Mirabel’s eyes lightened as the Madrigals began to regret asking and panicking. “Just kidding!” She laughed. “Even I have standards. I couldn’t bear to let a child die in front of me or even kill one.” 

The Madrigals who were present during Mirabel’s second death flinched at the obvious jab. Mirabel was only a child. Fifteen years old. She wasn’t an adult. When she got turned, she wasn’t an adult either. Yet they stood there. They let it happen. They even watched as Alma supposedly finished the job off.

“That’s you.” Bruno smirked, making Mirabel groan. “You all don’t deserve to see Antonio. You won’t even see Antonio. Don’t even worry about him, he isn’t worrying about any of you. Shifting is such a good power for vampires.”

“I can’t believe that you’re worried about another child being dead when you didn’t even care when I died. I feel hurt. I mean, I already knew I amounted to that much. Man…that’s just unfair.” Mirabel grinned, holding a hand where her heart used to be.

“Mirabel…”

Mirabel crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. “You can’t tell me you’re feeling guilty now that there’s consequences. I’m not even the first Madrigal you’ve done this to, I’m the third Madrigal. They do say that the third time’s a charm.” 

“Exactly.” Bruno agreed. “If you have the confidence to set us aside, to throw us away…I want you to keep that same confidence. Your actions don't come without consequences. I don’t know why you expected otherwise.” He specifically stared at Alma, who didn’t look anyone in the eyes.

“…How long do you plan to do this? To t-torture us like this?”

Bruno and Mirabel glanced at each other. There was no threat in the Encanto anymore. There was no need to worry about vampires dying or having to die. They were immortal. The strongest vampires. But would they want to torture the Madrigals for the next hundred years? They would probably get bored. They wouldn’t torture the Madrigals forever. They weren’t that cruel.

Pedro walked in, catching their attention.

“We’ll keep this going until it makes up for the pain that they went through because of you all. That I went through. That’s how long this will keep going. There’s your answer.” Pedro said.

Mirabel innocently smiled. “It’s about time, isn’t it?”

“Start the fire.”

Nothing to worry about.

They’ll regenerate anyways.

Chapter 146: The Family’s Therapist

“And it’s like nobody listens to me.” Dolores cried out. “I always hear other people out, but nobody wants to hear me.”

Mirabel nodded. “And what makes you think that?”

Dolores sighed. “I just….sometimes I can’t get the courage to speak up. When I do, my voice gets unheard. It’s not their fault…people just think that I’ll snitch every little thing they say and their secrets.”

“Those who think that are immature and you shouldn’t have to hear them. You can’t control what you hear.” Mirabel huffed. “I understand that feeling. I wouldn't say to outright interrupt them if anything like that happens because most times than not, it’s an accident. My advice to you is look the person in the eye that you’re trying to talk to and wait for the pause in the conversation to speak. That’s if they aren’t an arrogant person who isn’t letting you get one word in at all. At that point, I would just not listen to them or walk away. Depending on who it is.” She stared at Dolores. “I listen.”

“I know and most times it’s always you. I feel bad because you’re always listening to me rant and I don’t want you to feel like you have to. You don’t. You can always tell me when you don’t want to do this.”

Mirabel frowned. “I just like being there for my oldest cousin. Don’t feel bad at all. I like helping and listening. Feel free to share, I don’t mind at all.”

Dolores looked slightly guilty, but continued. “Thank you for your advice, truly.”

“As I said, it’s nothing, really. Well, I don’t mind so it’s nothing to me…well, nothing meaning that I don’t mind, but I do care abou—“

Dolores chuckled. “I understand.” She went silent afterward, glancing around as if someone could possibly be in her room hiding. Mirabel waited patiently. “Then….can I tell you something else?”

Mirabel had a small smile on her face. “Go ahead.”

…

Dolores smiled nervously.

Mirabel gave her an encouraging nod.

“I’m in love with Mariano!” She blurted.

Mirabel nodded once again, not surprised by one bit.“Yes?”

“It doesn’t make it any better that the love of my life is engaged to my cousin! Isabela!”Dolores looked even more upset than before. Dolores paused, realizing Mirabel’s reaction. She wasn’t surprised. She wasn’t angry that she loves Mariano, her oldest sister’s soon-to-be-husband. Mirabel looked as if she expected her to say this. “Wait…why aren’t you surprised? You knew?”

“Besides the fact that you just poured your heart out to me about Mariano?” Mirabel glanced at the drawing of Mariano, the open diary with his name as the title. The wistful sigh as she says Mariano’s name. The way she looks at Mariano when she thinks nobody is looking. Murmuring Mariano’s poems under her breath. “…I just had a feeling.”

Dolores blushed, looking embarrassed. “Oh,”

“No need to be embarrassed. I know that I’m the only one that knows of your feelings. Don’t worry. You want to know my thoughts about that?” Mirabel asked as Dolores nodded. “I think that Isabela doesn’t harbor any feelings for Mariano and is only doing this for abuela. She’s my oldest sister, I know her more than she thinks. Actually, I know she doesn’t like Mariano romantically. You definitely have a chance. Mariano already knows you and both of you talk occasionally. I’ll have a few words with Isabela and you could go get with your man.”

Instead of looking happy, Dolores looked a mixture of confused and angry. “How can Isabela not like Mariano? What’s wrong with her?”

Mirabel blinked. “Did you…want her to like him?”

“Of course not!” Dolores exclaimed, looking offended. “I just don’t understand how she doesn't like Mariano! She has no taste whatsoever! Mariano is so handsome. Sure, he’s not the smartest, but he’s the most respectful, kind man ever. His poems are just the best and heartfelt. Not to mention the ways he takes care of his mother. I just love a guy who knows how to treat his mother right.”

“Right,” Mirabel nodded slowly, she didn’t think she asked for Mariano’s attractive traits, but it’s okay. “I’m confident that you and Mariano will be happy together. Confront Isabela or I can confront Isabela if you want. You have your talk with Mariano. I’m sure Isabela will gain the courage to speak the truth. In the end, you both will be happy.”

“Wow.” Dolores couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re like a therapist, you know that right?”

Mirabel smirked. “No, I didn’t know.”

“You could be one.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m serious.”

“Very funny.”

---

Months later, Mirabel was sitting down with a pen and paper in her hands. In front of her was her abuela telling her all of her problems. 

“I have no idea how this happened…” Mirabel whispered to herself.

Chapter 147: The Family’s Therapist — Part 2

Notes:

I didn’t think you all would enjoy the last chapter so much. I literally made up that chapter on the spot because the chapter I wanted out wasn’t going to be done in time.

Thank you all. :)

When Dolores told Mirabel that joke, she didn’t expect it to actually come true. 

It didn’t just stop at her family either.

Humans.

“So…what you’re saying is that you think your wife doesn’t appreciate you enough?”

The capybara blinked slowly.

“Oh the other way around?”

The capybara blankly stared at her. 

“You said that your wife doesn’t think that you appreciate her enough?”

The capybara didn’t respond. Not like Mirabel expected it to. She couldn’t understand animals like Antonio. Totally.

Mirabel nodded. “Ah, I understand where you’re coming from. It’s actually a very common occurrence in relationships. There’s nothing wrong with that. No need to be embarrassed or ashamed. I have a solution for that—“

And that’s how Mirabel started giving therapy to animals.

Don’t ask how or why.

It didn’t just stop at things with beating hearts.

“Hm, you think that they don’t love you?” Mirabel asked with a frown.

She watched as the vents opened and closed.

Mirabel couldn’t help but gasp. “Not even a thank you?” She knew that she was the one that mainly interacted with Casita and had conversations with her. But to find out that her family doesn’t even thank Casita for helping them this entire time? How rude. She’ll have to talk to them about under-appreciating Casita. “You don’t deserve that, Casita. You do so much for us. I don’t know what we would do without you.”

Mirabel could just know that Casita was agreeing with her frantically. 

“We love you. I do wish that they would show you that affection more often. But, it’ll be okay, Casita. I’ll make sure that they interact with you more. Sometimes they just think you’re just a…house. You are, but you aren’t. You do a lot for us. Thank you.” Mirabel patted the wall. “I know that they don’t mean to exclude you.”

Mirabel was honestly fine questioning logic.

Her family was magical.

There was an alive house.

Yeah, there was no logic in this entire thing.

She kind of learned to get used to it the moment she was born.

Most times, Mirabel feels as if she’s older than everyone here.

And she was supposed to be the second youngest Madrigal.

Funny.

---

Mirabel was officially everyone’s therapist in the house.

“So,” Mirabel sipped her cup of coffee, before setting it down. In front of her was her family, Antonio’s animals, and Casita. “What’s the problem now?”

In just a second, her family began speaking over each other, animals began making noises, and Casita’s tiles were moving rapidly.

Mirabel simply nodded as if she could understand them. She couldn’t understand a single word that was being said.

Mirabel wouldn’t say that she’s a therapist. She just listens to their problems and gives them advice—that’s exactly what a therapist does. Nevermind.

And all of this started with a simple conversation with Dolores.

Strange.

Mirabel could give good advice, but she sure as hell wouldn’t take it for herself.

“I can’t understand anything you all are saying.” Mirabel sighed, causing the commotion to quiet down for a moment. “I can’t help all of you at once either. I was alright with group therapy, but everyone? At this point, why can’t you all just go find a good therapist?”

…

“Right…no therapists here.”

“Even if we did, they aren’t as good as you. They don’t understand us like you do.” Pepa explained.

The other Madrigals nodded in agreement.

“Okay…” Mirabel glanced around. “Now, what was the problem? Oh yeah. I can’t help everyone at once. I have my own life, you know? I can’t do this everyday.” She saw the way they deflated. “Unless…”

Maybe Mirabel was dragging out the situation, but who cares? She was working all days

“Unless?”

“You can’t just stop right there!” Camilo exclaimed.

“I’m going to start charging.” Mirabel stated dryly. “Unless you pay me, I’m not going to listen to anyone’s rants and give advice.”

The Madrigals went silent as they stared at Mirabel, who was completely serious.

“Whoever pays the most goes first?” Mirabel said after a moment of silence.

Just a second later, chaos erupted.

Mirabel bit back a smirk, at least she’ll have enough to buy more sewing supplies. This was practically a full time job that she was doing for free.

Money is money.

In the end, Bruno got first.

Somehow.

Chapter 148: Setting A Butterfly Free — Part 4

Notes:

The man was supposed to be Bruno, Casita was giving Mirabel Bruno as a present. I wasn’t even thinking of adding Pedro, he does make more sense.

Kudos to you all.

Antonio’s eyes widened. “Hold up, isn’t that the guy from the portrait?”

“Holy…” Mirabel muttered, equally shocked before she narrowed her eyes at the person disguised as her abuelo Pedro. “Camilo?”

“No, definitely not. He was forbidden from shifting into me.” Pedro answered, smiling sheepishly. “If I’m being honest, it’s nice to finally see and speak to you three. I apologize, I didn’t mean to spook anyone.”

Antonio seemed to be the only one actually freaking out.

Mirabel hummed. “Yeah, it’s nice to see you in all, but….why? I’m twenty years old. I’m grateful, really. Like if I could give all of this away, I would. Literally. I left to get away from gifts and stuff. I think you visited the wrong Madrigal.” Mirabel told her abuelo. “I think you meant Alma or one of your children.”

“No, I came to the right Madrigal.” Pedro rubbed the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly. “The thing is…I’m connected to Casita, the miracle.”

Mirabel only narrowed her eyes. “And?”

“I came because things weren’t supposed to be like this. You weren’t supposed to leave Casita and be alone. Isabela wasn’t supposed to be matriarch. Bruno wasn’t supposed to be gone for this long.” Pedro ranted, making Mirabel and Antonio look confused. 

“What are you saying? Like the future?” Mirabel questioned, folding her arms.

“Wait, who’s Bruno?” Antonio asked, making Pedro frown and Mirabel sigh.

“Right, he doesn’t know about him.”

Mirabel shook her head slightly. “He doesn’t remember him because they made up this rule to not talk about him. It has been fifteen years, well, twenty years for Antonio.”

“He’s your uncle.” Pedro answered after a moment of silence. “Your tío Bruno. He left the night of Mirabel’s fifth birthday. Like Mirabel said, they don’t talk about him and you were only five at the time…so you wouldn’t know him at all.”

Mirabel nodded along.

“Why are you both acting as if this is a normal occurrence? You literally came back from the dead and I just found out that I have another uncle!” Antonio exclaimed, looking at them as if they were insane.

“I dealt with worse.” Mirabel deadpanned. 

Pedro stifled a chuckle. “Same.”

“This is pretty much normal.”

“Yep.”

Antonio groaned. “I can’t deal with another person that’s not sane.”

Mirabel smirked. “Excuse me?”

“Wait, we’re going off topic.” Pedro interrupted.

“What was the topic anyways?”

“Exactly.”

“So…as I said, none of this was supposed to go this way.” Pedro explained. “I also wouldn’t say that I could see the future or know it. I’m connected to the miracle. The moment Isabela touched the candle, I knew something was wrong.” He frowned. “And the cracks…you did see them that day. Alma also knew the cracks existed before you were born. What she did wasn’t right.”

Mirabel wasn’t even angry. She’s not going to waste her anger on someone like her. “Yeah.”

“This family, it’s…dysfunctional. The cracks are getting worse back in the original Casita. Everything is just out of place, it’s not right.” Pedro sighed, glancing at Angelo. He loves every Madrigal, even if some of them frustrate him. But, even Pedro knows that Angelo wasn’t supposed to exist. Everything could’ve been prevented if Alma didn’t handle things the wrong way. If they communicated better. If they stuck up from themselves. Pedro knows that the current Alma and the Alma he married are like two different people. The Alma he knew would never be like this. 

“You could say that again.” Antonio snorted, as Mirabel elbowed him. “What? He’s right. This family is dysfunctional and everything is just out of place. You can’t tell me that our family isn’t dysfunctional and everything is exactly as it should be.”

Mirabel playfully rolled her eyes. “You’re right.” She looked at her abuelo. “No offense, but what’s the point of telling me this? You know that I don’t really like the others.”

“They’ll end up running back to you. Eventually. I’m also stuck here because another miracle is reborned. Well, the other one is bound to die soon. I’m just like a…ghost. Which I always was.  Even if you don’t want to accept it, the miracle already accepted you as the candleholder. You don’t have to do anything about it either. I’m just informing you of that.”

Mirabel nodded absentmindedly. She didn’t really know how to feel about the Madrigals coming back to her. It left her feeling odd. She wouldn’t forgive them. But, she wouldn’t want to see them dead anytime soon. “So…”

“Yes?”

“You’re practically the start of the miracle, so I have some words with you, abuelo.” Mirabel smiled kindly. “Excuse my language, but…why the fuck did you give children a gift at the age of five? Not even over eighteen?”

Pedro smiled sheepishly. “I do have an excuse for that.”

“He beeped.”

Mirabel gave him an unimpressed look.

“Okay…so, I’m not fully in control of what gifts they get. I wanted them to be able to protect themselves, not this.” He glanced at Mirabel’s door. “I did intend to give you your own door from the beginning. You’ve always had your door. Casita’s front door. And…thinking about it…it probably wasn’t obvious.”

Mirabel raised an eyebrow, looking even more unimpressed. “Really?”

“But you are right. Giving gifts to five year old children isn't a good idea.” Pedro chuckled nervously, as Mirabel gave him a deadpanned look “The thing is that I can’t change that. If you didn’t notice, which I’m sure you did, none of the doors will work without you. As you saw earlier. After all, you’re the candleholder. You can prevent that. All you have to do is just not let the future Madrigals touch their door.”

“It’s that simple?” Antonio doesn’t know why he was expecting the most complicated process  ever.

Pedro nodded. “It’s that simple.”

Mirabel tilted her head. “Hypothetically…what would happen if I touched a door that isn’t mine?”

“Eh, nothing really. If the door isn’t meant for you, it isn’t going to react to your touch. It’ll be the same.” Pedro answered.

“Interesting,” Mirabel mumbled. 

“Why? Did you want a gift?” Pedro asked curiously. “I can grant you anyone you want.”

“Oh definitely not.” Mirabel quickly responded. “I’m good with not having a gift. I don’t like gifts in general. I wouldn’t want one anyways. I was only curious.”

Mirabel would say that she isn’t petty.

But she’ll be lying.

Oh she couldn’t wait to see the Madrigals’ faces.

Notes:

Don’t worry, all my other Encanto fics aren’t abandoned. I’m going to start working on them again. You’ll Love Me Even If I Have To Force You is also being brought back.

Chapter 149: Fragments of a Broken Home

Mirabel glared at them. “I don’t get how you all can act as if everything is normal. How can you all forgive her so easily?”

Alma winced. “Mirabel, I’m trying to be better. I truly am sorry for the way I treated you. I thought that you wanted to move on and be better. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

Mirabel’s glare hardened. “Move on and be better?” Mirabel laughed. “You expect me to just ignore what you put me through? To act like nothing happened?”

“Mirabel…” Julieta started off as Mirabel also glared at her. “That’s not what your abuela means. Of course we aren’t going to ignore what happened. We are trying to be better. We can’t if you won’t let us try.”

“You’ve been acting off the entire time, Mirabel. Even after we rebuilt Casita.” Isabela said worriedly. “You’ve been closed off and all we want to do is make up for our mistakes.”

Mirabel barely held back her scoff. “So it’s my fault?”

Isabela quickly backtracked. “…That's not what I meant, Mira.”

Mirabel didn’t even acknowledge her response.

“Isn’t this what you wanted?” Camilo asked, slight annoyance in his voice. “Now that we’re giving you the attention, trying to show you how sorry we are, you just won’t accept it. What do you want us to do? This is being dragged out for too long and you’re ruining everyone’s mood because you’re acting like this!”

“Camilo—“

“—Because I don’t have to accept it!” Mirabel snapped at him. “You think a few apologies and rebuilding Casita is enough? You think that I’m the same person who will forgive you all no matter what you do? I’m not. You know what I want you all to do!?” Mirabel exclaimed. “I want you all to act as if what happened actually happened! Do you think that I care that I’m ruining the mood!? Even before Casita fell, I was always ruining the mood with just my presence! I’d rather you all act like you did before than this because it was sure as hell better!”

“Mirabel!” Julieta gasped.

“No, you can’t just act as if you’re a good mother either. As if you did everything right. I’m not just angry at abuela. I’m angry at everyone besides tío Bruno and Antonio for acting as if they care—“

“—We do care!” Agustín interjected.

“No, you don’t.” Mirabel replied harshly. “The moment before Casita fell, when abuela was yelling at me, nobody did anything! You all just watched as I got accused of everything! Like every other time!” She emphasized. “When I got in trouble, you all just watched even if it wasn’t my fault! When I got yelled at, you all just watched! The only time any of you comforted me was when the yelling was over! Not to defend me, but to tell me to sympathize with her! As if she was the one that got yelled out! As if she was the one who got hurt!”

The Madrigals flinched. 

“Mirabel,” Alma said softly. “What I said to you was wrong, but you can’t just take your anger out on everyone. I am at fault, I acknowledge that. I just want things to be better. I’m learning to be better.”

“You know that Alma had good intentions, she just went the wrong way about it.” Félix said, instead of making Mirabel feel better, it only made her more angry. “I’m not saying what she said was right because it was out of pocket. But, can’t you look at it from her perspective? Imagine losing your husband. Alma just wanted the best for everyone. To not lose her second chance. She’s willing to change. Isn’t that all that matters? That she’s actually trying to change. That we’re trying to change.”

“This is the exact problem I’m talking about! You all want me to feel bad for her as if she’s the victim! It was fucking fifty years ago! She can’t just use that as a sob story and get away with it! News flash, she wasn’t the only person who lost their lovers! Some even lost everyone, their children! Some got left with nothing! Yet they don’t treat the people around them, their own blood like she does!” Mirabel yelled, furious. “What the hell does an apology suddenly change into a story that has nothing to do with the way that you treated me!?” She rolled her eyes. “A house falling on me and the possibility of me dying shouldn’t be what caused her to change! Not to mention that me not having a gift was what caused this! I was only five! Five! I see why tío Bruno had thought that the only choice he had was to leave! I would too, but I’d actually go through with it!”

The Madrigals were stunned.

“Mirabel!”

“What!? I can’t tell the truth anymore!? You all abandoned me the second she said so! It shouldn’t matter that I don’t want anything to do with you all anymore! I’m not going to pretend to be happy because you all are doing things that families are supposed to do! I’m not going to be proud because someone actually told me that they love me!” Mirabel had a bright smile on her face, before it changed to a scowl. “News flash, that’s just the bare minimum!”

“Isn’t that what you want!? I’m trying to be better and you won’t let me! You said it a million times, it’s my fault and I agree!”

“I’m so fucking glad that you understand that it’s your fault! That you’re finally taking responsibility like a decent human being!

“Mirabel, don’t talk to me like that!”

“But it doesn’t matter the way you talk to me? It never did! You say that you agree and yet your actions show otherwise!” Mirabel sneered. “Admit it, you haven’t changed! You say that you did, but you haven’t! You don’t even understand how much you affected me! The way you hurt me! You’re downplaying what I went though! The way you treated me! I shouldn’t have to be scared of you! I shouldn’t be afraid of what you’ll do to Antonio if he doesn't get a gift! I shouldn’t have to worry about what will happen to me, since every other Madrigal has a gift!”

…

Mirabel turned away from them. “There’s a difference between saying that you changed and actually changing.” She started walking away.

“Wait—“

“—I'm going spending the night at friend’s house.”

With that, Mirabel walked away.

The door slammed on the way out.

The Madrigals were left in silence, feeling guilty. 

That’s when they heard the door open, they quickly looked up, hoping that it was Mirabel. 

Instead of Mirabel, it was Bruno, who was shaking his head, looking disappointed. “At least this time, Casita didn’t break.” He said, staring at them all. He heard the entire thing. “You can’t just force Mirabel to forgive you all. To act like things are magically better. I don’t know why I expected you all to be better. I’m surprised she didn’t leave the Encanto.” He mumbled. “Seriously, give her time. Ten years of neglect can’t instantly be fixed and forgotten. A few assuring words isn’t going to make it better. If she forgives you, good. If she doesn’t, oh well. I’d expect the latter.” He narrowed his eyes. “I agree with her too. It may seem like it, but none of you are actually doing better. All you’re doing is not acknowledging the problem and making it worse. Fix it.”

Bruno wouldn’t be surprised if Mirabel didn’t return to Casita.

The Madrigals only had themselves to blame.

Chapter 150: Burden Of Magic — Part 2

Dolores is her niece, but Julieta doesn’t trust her at all. 

A year ago, they found Bruno’s body. Dolores passed it off as suicide. She obviously has enhanced hearing, so she must have been right, right? 

Julieta may heal people with her food, but that doesn’t mean she’s unaware of how things work. She studied as if she was a doctor, she is a doctor.

Bruno’s death wasn’t a suicide.

It was a murder.

It was clear signs that he had struggled.

Julieta was stunned that Dolores could even pass it off as a suicide. Dolores would’ve heard. It was done in Casita too. Julieta knew that Dolores knew more than she let on.

The only reason Julieta didn’t say anything about Bruno’s death being a murder was because she didn’t want to worry anyone. Nobody would believe her either, would they?

So, Julieta observed her.

She pretended like everything was fine, even when it wasn’t.

She wanted to see what Dolores would do.

How can she walk around freely and happy as if she didn’t kill her own uncle?

That’s when Casita fell and the aftermath.

They were happy…weren’t they?

Dolores was dating Mariano.

Everything was going well.

Even if Julieta felt guilty for someone else’s actions. That she couldn’t tell anyone.

Then….

It happened.

“Julieta!”

It was one of the worst days of her life.

The news of Mirabel’s death.

Julieta’s eyes widened.

It was a Bruno situation all over again.

Julieta’s entire body was trembling.

This has gone too far.

She should’ve gotten rid of Dolores the second she lied about Bruno’s death. 

Mirabel’s death was also a struggle. Although Dolores has sliced her neck, the bruises around her neck proved otherwise.

How could she be so stupid?

What was Dolores’ motive?

How could she practically let Dolores get away with not one, but two murders in their own home?

How can she prove that Dolores isn’t innocent before someone else ends up dead?

---

Isabela can only pray that this is some twisted dream and she’ll wake up soon.

Isabela stared at Dolores with an unreadable expression. She looked oddly calm after seeing her sister dead. It wasn’t a facade either. Not a brave face to put on.

Dolores can hear everything.

Isabela is aware that Antonio is acting off because he obviously knows something that the others don’t.

Isabela doesn’t trust Dolores to put it simply. Dolores never gave her a reason to not trust her until now.

She wouldn’t even have suspected Dolores if Antonio didn’t tell her. He told her everything when Dolores. She knew that Antonio wouldn’t lie about something like that. Antonio is anything but a liar. 

Dolores not only killed Mirabel, but Bruno too? Saying something along the lines of Mirabel made her kill her?

What the fuck?

She couldn’t be relaxed if two people died by the same person, who’s roaming around as if she did nothing wrong. 

A murderer.

How can she cry at Mirabel’s funeral when she killed her? How dare shed tears as if she cares? As if she’s truly mourning?!

Not one, but two family members are gone because of her.

How could she be so blind?

Who’s next?

It took everything inside of her to not just strangle her. To make her feel the same pain that Mirabel felt. She felt tears well up in her eyes. Mirabel was alone with her. They left Mirabel alone with her. She died not by a stranger, but her own family member.

They were doing better.

The worst part is that couldn’t just accuse Dolores without proof. They wouldn’t believe her. It’s not like they’ll believe that Dolores lied and killed her own cousin.

What could she even do in a situation like this? 

She didn’t want anyone else dead.

Julieta narrowed her eyes at Dolores, who was far too busy talking to Mariano. She looked in the corner of her eye, to see that Isabela was also staring at her.

She walked up to her.

Julieta whispered something to Isabela. Something that Dolores didn’t hear.

Isabela’s eyes widened.

---

Dolores hated the miracle with all her heart. She wanted it gone. The only time she was happy was when the miracle was destroyed and she didn’t have her gift.

She loves Bruno and Mirabel. She really does.

She had to get rid of Bruno because he was going to stop her. She had to get rid of Mirabel because she was the source of the miracle.

If Mirabel can destroy the miracle and easily rebuild it back then she has to be the source. The miracle is Mirabel.

It was a sacrifice.

It was the right thing.

She didn’t want her children going through the same thing that they went though. She wouldn’t even be able to be with her children because of her curse. It wouldn’t be able to handle their cries.

She didn’t want to be like her mamá, who couldn’t be near Camilo and Antonio when they were born because of her gift. She couldn’t even approach her mother because of her gift. It was too loud. It broke her heart.

She wants to be there for her children. She also didn’t want them to get curses like everyone else. 

So, she got rid of Mirabel.

Mirabel, who hardly struggled when she strangled her. 

She felt bad.

Of course she did.

Why wouldn’t she?

If only they could’ve just let things go her way.

If only Mirabel wasn’t so desperate to save the miracle, to prove something. Dolores shouldn’t have given her that hint to go to Luisa. She’s at fault for that. Maybe Mirabel would’ve left the Encanto if she didn’t do so. That would’ve made everything better.

Mirabel never had to suffer from a gift, yet she desperately wanted one. Dolores didn’t understand that. Hadn’t she seen the way they suffered because of the candle? Even after Mirabel saved the miracle, she still didn’t get a gift.

Why couldn’t Mirabel take that as a sign?

Forget the title of being the candleholder and matriarch.

She should’ve just left.

Yet…

Dolores felt her sanity slowly slipping away.

The miracle still remained.

She still had her gift.

The problem was Mirabel, wasn’t it?

So, why isn’t the miracle gone yet?

She didn’t kill two family members for nothing.

She felt anxious.

Did she really—

Mirabel’s been gone for over a week.

Mirabel and the miracle are one.

Aren’t they?

The miracle was still here.

As if it was taunting her for her actions.

The blood on her hands was still there and yet—yet they weren't.

She did the right thing.

Dolores let the tears fall as she clasped her hands over her ears. 

She didn’t kill them for nothing.

Maybe it’s taking a while.

It’ll fall sooner or later.

Right?

Chapter 151: The Three M’s

Summary:

Or what if magic brings two Mirabel’s back? One who chose to stay after that night and follows the movie. And another who chose to leave after the night of the forgotten quinceanera. With both explaining the pros and cons of their life. How stay Mirabel gets a gift but the other Mirabel has learned magic from around the world and is more powerful. Stay Mirabel has her blood family while the other has found family and is happily married working on adding kids, Etc. With little Mirabel asking if two alternates future Mirabel met either of them they say no. So, they learn there is no sure thing that her life would follow theirs. So, little Mirabel can pick A) Stay and tough it out, B) Leave and face untold dangers hoping to have a life similar to the other, C) create a whole new figure for herself, D) chose none wanting no risks and chosen to end it all.

Notes:

The Mirabel who stayed — Mariposa
The Mirabel who left — Mariana

“You’re supposed to be me?” The girl’s eyebrows raised as she scoffed. “You don’t really look like me.” She narrowed her eyes.

“You don’t really expect every single universe to look like yourself.” Mariposa said, letting out a sigh. “It's not like I chose this worl—we’re not going to get anywhere with this arguing. I didn’t expect to meet you.”

“Mariana.” She introduced herself. “You’re right on that. It’s not as if we choose to be here.”

“Mariana?” Mariposa questioned.

“I dropped the Mirabel Madrigal name years ago.” Mariana didn’t seem a bit upset. “I changed my name and I didn’t want to be associated with that name or be found. And I’m assuming that you…didn’t.”

“No…” Mariposa smiled nervously. “If it’s not too much of a bother, but…why did you change your name?”

“I left for Madrigals the night of my forgotten quinceñera. Ran away actually. If they were to look for me. I changed my first name because I didn’t want to dwell on them.” Mariana looked at Mariposa with a questioning look. “And you actually stayed.”

“You are right…I was thinking of leaving, but I didn’t have the courage to do it. I kept thinking of how they would react if they did. How my parents and Antonio would feel if they came into the nursery just to find me gone. I couldn’t bear the guilt of leaving them without a word. So, I stayed.” Mariposa’s expression softened. “Even when things started off tough, everything went well. Everyone opened up and got to see that they’re more than just their gift. Abuela and I are even getting along. I’m actually the matriarch and have a gift now since I stayed.”

Mariana looked surprised. “Really? That’s interesting.” She muttered to herself. “You stayed and became matriarch and got a gift. The most surprising thing is getting along with Alma. I’m curious. How did you accomplish that?”

“…I might’ve destroyed their gifts, got rid of the gifts and later on brought the miracle back.” Mariposa admitted sheepishly. “It all worked out in the end for me. When I touched the doorknob, I also got a door. Actually, the front door is my door.” Mariana looked even more surprised. “You’d be surprised how much this started from miscommunication.”

Mariana chuckled. “All of this is already surprising to me. I won’t lie and say that I’m not happy for you because I am. That sounds nice.” She smiled. “Any family?”

“Like children and spouse?” Mariposa asked, the alternate nodding. “No, I don’t even have a boyfriend. I’m not really focused on any of that. You?”

“Yeah, I do.” Mariana smiled. “My husband was actually the one who showed me around. One of the first people who I met outside of the Encanto.”

“That’s nice to hear.” Mariposa hummed, she glanced around. “If it’s not rude to ask, but do you possibly have any regrets about leaving?”

Mariana shook her head. “What is there to regret? Sure, I could’ve gotten a gift if I stayed. But if I didn’t leave, I wouldn’t have the family that I love so much. To be honest, I forgot about the Madrigals. There’s nothing to regret. Was it irrational at the time? Yes. So many things could’ve gone wrong, but it didn’t. The way they treated me— us was wrong. I couldn’t take it anymore and here I am. Turns out that magic is in other places besides the Encanto.”

Mariposa looked surprised. “Really?”

“Yep.” Mariana grinned. “I didn’t realize how small the Encanto is compared to the rest of the world. It’s huge. There’s technology and many more new things. I suspect that time runs slower in the Encanto.”

“Yeah, Bruno had said so.”

Mariana looked at her in confusion. “Bruno?”

“Bruno,” Mariposa also looked at her in confusion. “Our uncle.” Mariana still looked confused. “Oh yeah…” She grimaced. “Bruno left the night of our ceremony. He was missing for ten years. He…came back and…you wouldn’t remember him.”

“Ah, to be fair, I don’t really remember the others either.” Mariana said. “Their color scheme is something that I remember and their gifts.”

Mariposa sighed. “Sorry,”

Mariana waved it off. “You’re fine. The discussion of them doesn’t bother me. I hardly remember them, so there’s no need to feel hurt. I mostly just forgot about them.” 

Mariposa’s eyebrows raised. “I could tell.”

…

Mariana slightly hardened her gaze. “Wouldn’t you rather forget? It was better to get rid of it all. To start looking forward and stop looking back. That’s what I did. I couldn’t endure a few more months like you did.”

“So you run?” Mariposa plastered a smile on her face. “Is that how you solve everything?”

Mariana let out a bitter chuckle. “Not always. You should know that. We were the same person before our quinceñera after all. I did take the chance to run away.” Her eyes lightened up in amusement. “Didn’t you run away when your Casita collapsed? We’re the same person, but with different paths. You’d run away too when you can’t handle things. We did.” She grinned. “But we don’t do that anymore, do we?”

“Of course not.” Mariposa said, looking equally amused by her alternative. “But I would rather not forget what I went through. It gave me character development.”

“Character development?”

Mariposa shrugged. “Eh. Well, if it wasn’t for what I went though, none of us would’ve grown as a person. We now know what not to do.”

Mariana tilted her head. “Have you ever thought of what would’ve happened if Casita didn’t fall at the moment of the argument?”

“Have you ever thought of what would’ve happened if you didn’t meet the right people and didn’t make it through the mountains?” Mariposa countered.

They both stared at each other.

Mariana laughed. “You’re funny and you’re me. I like you.”

“Thank you.” Mariposa smirked.

“Who are you?”

Both of them turned towards the small voice.

It was her.

Them.

Before things actually went downhill.

“We are you.” Mariposa replied, making Mariana nudge her. “What? We are.” Mariana rolled her eyes as they stared at the seven year old girl.

“M-me?” Mirabel stammered, looking surprised. “Like the future?”

“Something like that.” Mariana responded. “Same person, but we went different ways.” She gestured towards herself and Mariposa.

“Oh, okay!”

Mirabel seemed oddly calm with two people claiming to be her future self. Her Madrigals needed to teach her stranger danger and not to trust people so easily.

Mariposa and Mariana glanced at each other. They knew why they were here. Their purpose for being here.

“Which path would you rather take?”

“Would you rather leave the Encanto and forget the Madrigals? To move on from them and forget the way that they treated you. You’ll be in a new place. Although it’ll be a rocky journey, you’ll get along with everyone there. It’s a small town, similar to the Encanto. Including the magic. You’ll find your lover there and be happier than ever. Also have lovely children.” Mariana smiled warmly.

“Or do you want to stay in the Encanto? Even if you have to endure the harsh conditions just for a little while. It’ll all be worth it. We’re the candleholder and future matriarch. Casita has been rebuilt. Bruno is back. You’ll have a loving family. Everything that you dreamed of.”

Mirabel stared between the two alternatives.

“Or…you don’t have to follow either of our paths.” Mariana added, before looking at Mariposa. “All three of us are the same person, yet we have different paths, personalities, everything.”

“Who’s to say that you’ll be like either of us?” Mariposa interjected. “It is your life, not ours. We can’t control it. I admit it, it’s a bit of a… forward question to ask a seven year old.”

“A bit?” Mariana snorted. “It is. It's too big of a decision to ask her this and selfish. Too much to shoulder on a seven year old.” Mariposa nodded in agreement. “I also don’t know why she has to choose the way she wants her life to go. If it was up to me, I wouldn’t want her to experience what I went through. I was only lucky.”

“The same goes for me. If I could, I would do anything just to get her to avoid that moment of her life.”

Mirabel frowned, looking confused as she stared between the two. “What happened?”

Mariposa and Mariana laughed nervously.

“Nothing that you need to worry about.” Mariposa reassured her. They had to make sure that these Madrigals wouldn’t forget her quinceñera, leaving Mirabel with only two choices. Two choices which had a possibility of costing them their life. Which thankfully didn’t at the time. “It was stupid of us to ask that, but the magic did bring us here for a reason.”

“And that is?”

Mariposa shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“I thought that Señora Matriarch would’ve known more about the candle than me.” Mariana stifled her laughter.

“Very funny.” Mariposa huffed.

“On a serious note, how do we get back?”

“I don’t know that either.”

“Of course.”

“This isn’t my Casita and I know that you don’t have a Casita. This is hers and her candle. I’m not too sure about this, since the candle that’s in her abuela’s window gets destroyed.” Mariposa told her, as Mariana looked unimpressed. “Well then…aren’t we going to run into her Madrigals?” Mariposa whispered to her.

“Two strangers inside of their house with the youngest Madrigal. Not a good look.” Mariana groaned, rubbing her hands through her face. “I could barely remember their names and faces. But you are right. We probably are.”

“Need a rundown?”

“Definitely.”

Notes:

Pick any Madrigal besides the husbands, Mirabel, and Antonio?

Chapter 152: Mirabel’s Favorite Family Member

“So…Mirabel?”

Mirabel turned towards Camilo with a raised eyebrow. “Yes?”

Camilo seemed to be deep in thought. “I remembered something that you said and it’s just been stuck in my mind ever since and…”

“And?”

“And you said that Dolores is your favorite.” Camilo looked as if the words physically hurt him. “Not favorite cousin, but favorite. Out of everyone? Not me? Did those five years mean nothing?”

“She said that to get what she wanted.” Dolores hummed, making Mirabel smile sheepishly. “Don’t take it personally.” A mischievous grin formed on her face. “But if she did, it would be me, Camilo. After all, I did help her find Bruno and everything else.”

“Hey!”

Antonio frowned. “But Mira said that I was her favorite!”

Mirabel sipped her orange juice, looking anywhere but at her cousins.

“Huh…so you just go around saying everyone is your favorite. I haven’t heard you say that I was your favorite once!” Camilo exclaimed.

“You were my favorite! We literally called each other twins before you got your gift!”

“Were!?”

Mirabel coughed. “Not like that!”

“It’s okay to not be Mirabel’s favorite anymore, Camilo.” Dolores chuckled.

“I literally shared five years with you!”

“So did Antonio.”

“Guys…please.” Mirabel looked at the scene helplessly. “It’s not that serious.”

“Oh but it is, Mira.” The warm siblings said simultaneously.

“Oh my…”

“I mean, I know that Antonio is your favorite youngest cousin. But I am your favorite older cousin.” Dolores said. 

“I wouldn’t go that far now, Dolores.” Camilo glared.

“You think that I’m not her favorite?”

The door opened.

“What’s this about favorites?” 

“They think it’s a good idea to discuss my favorite family member.”

“You have a favorite family member?”

“That’s not me?”

“Like favorite in general?” Agustín asked curiously. 

“Favorite in general.” Dolores answered.

“Apparently Mirabel is going around saying other people are her favorite, who are not me!” Camilo complained.

Isabela smirked. “I believe that.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“You know what I mean.”

“Wouldn’t Mirabel's favorite be Antonio?” Alma asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I would believe that if she didn’t say that to Camilo disguised as me.”

Luisa blinked. “Mirabel told me I was her favorite.”

Isabela narrowed her eyes. “I’m her favorite.”

“Guys…I don’t think we should get competitive about this.” Julieta started off slowly. “I also don’t think it’s right to have favorites. Just love everyone equally, so that nobody feels less loved than the other.”

“You say that as if Mirabel isn’t your favorite daughter.” Luisa deadpanned, Isabela nodding in agreement.

“Wha—no, I don’t do favorites!” Julieta stammered, her cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

Mirabel was flattered. “I agree with mamá, let’s not do favorites. We don’t want anyone getting hurt.”

Julieta let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

“You told Dolores and Antonio they were your favorite on the same day!” Camilo’s eyes twitched. “Which obviously can’t be true because I’m your favorite!”

“That is also not true.” Isabela smirked. “Since I’m Mirabel’s favorite.”

“You literally bullied her before Casita fell!”

“Character development, Camilo! Character development!”

“I personally never bullied Mirabel and tried to have time for her. I deserve some credit for that at least. If I’m not her favorite, I’m definitely her favorite sister.” Luisa commented.

“Not true.” Isabela huffed, she looked at Mirabel with pleading eyes. “Right?”

“Uh…”

“We should stop this.” 

“Why?” Félix grinned. “I’m also curious about who Mirabel’s favorite is. Aren’t you?”

Bruno shrugged. “Not really. I just don’t think she has a favorite family member. If so, it’ll probably be Antonio.”

“A win in my book.”

Alma simply observed, she knew that she wasn’t Mirabel’s favorite, especially with how she treated her in the past.

“Totally her favorite uncle though.” Bruno mumbled.

“What!?” Félix exclaimed in shock. “That’s not true.”

“Uhm…yeah, it is. She literally went out of her way to find me, to get everyone to talk about me, and brought me back home. Who would do that for their non-favorite uncle? Nobody. I’m her favorite, obviously.” Bruno said. “It’s okay to not be her favorite uncle, Félix. You’re probably one of Isabela’s or Luisa’s favorite uncle.”

“What!? You’re not Mirabel’s favorite uncle!”

“This is not what I wanted to happen.” Mirabel moaned in misery.

Pepa glanced at Julieta with a smirk. “I am going to say that I’m Mirabel’s favorite out of us three because she is the closest to my children, which I gave birth to.”

Julieta groaned. “I’m her mother. Wouldn’t that automatically make me her favorite? And her being close to your children means nothing. She’s close to her sisters and cousins. I don’t see the point in this conversation.”

“You’re saying that you aren’t curious?”

Julieta rolled her eyes. “Yeah, obviously, I’m curious now! But I don’t think it’s an important debate. The only good thing coming out of this is bragging rights.”

“You’re saying that as if you wouldn’t brag if Mirabel told you that you are her favorite.”

“You’re right, I would rub it in your face.” Julieta snorted.

“I don’t have a favorite.”

“You totally do.”

“It’s okay, Mira, you won’t hurt any of our feelings.”

“Some of us.”

“Is that a jab towards me?”

“Well…if you think so.”

Mirabel smiled nervously. “I genuinely don’t have a favorite. I love you all equally.” They looked at her with raised eyebrows. “I didn’t think whoever my favorite is would matter so much.” She sighed. “Would you all drop this entire topic if I say who it is?”

“Yes!”

Mirabel ran her hands over her face. “It’s…” She hesitated.

The Madrigals looked at her expectantly. Some were more confident than others.

Mirabel groaned, before saying her answer. “Casita,” She said. “Casita is my favorite family member.”

“Our house!?”

Notes:

It’s definitely Antonio

Chapter 153: Her Story

Summary:

“Mariana’s” backstory from The Three M’s

Notes:

I’m studying for finals, so I might not be able to post daily. That’s why I’m posting relatively short chapters. It’s not likely, but it’s better to give a heads up.

It was two months before Antonio’s birthday, his ceremony. Everyone was focused on it, preparing for the future.

Mirabel’s eyes watered, sobbing quietly. Like she said, everyone was focused on how Antonio’s ceremony is going to go, that they forgot her birthday, her quinceñera.

She didn’t expect anything less than that. If they didn’t bother celebrating her other birthdays, why would they bother with her fifteenth birthday? She knew that, but it didn’t hurt any less.

She simply didn’t belong.

She stuck out.

Everyone who wasn’t a child thought so. 

Good or bad.

She didn’t fit in with the others.

She wasn’t strong like Luisa.

She wasn’t perfect like Isabela.

Mirabel was a carbon copy of her parents, yet she was nothing like them either. At least, that's what others thought. She only inherited their bad traits. Well, specifically, her father’s bad traits. Bad eyesight. Clumsiness.

She would do anything to get their attention, but no matter what she did, it didn’t work. It was always negative attention.

So…

She just stopped.

She stopped trying to get their attention.

To make Alma proud.

Stop focusing on their wellbeing more than herself.

She was withdrawn.

Not that they would notice.

Even if they did, they would say a comment or want to have a talk that would be forgotten later on.

She didn’t care.

She packed her stuff in the bag, well, things that she’ll need the most. Clothes, food, water, toothbrush, a lantern, knife and other essentials. She couldn’t carry everything or else it’ll slow her down. If that happens, there’s a possibility of them catching her, if they notice.  

She was tired of trying to prove that they were actually a good family.

No good family would forget their family members’ quinceñera.

No good family would exclude or ignore their family member.

No good family would go out of their way to tell their family member to stay out the way.

No good family would ever neglect their family member of something that they don’t have control over.

No good family is the Madrigals.

One— two Madrigals left.

That’s really saying something, isn’t it?

But, knowing the Madrigals, the people in the Encanto, they’ll brush it over.

Just like Bad Luck Bruno.

Miracless Mirabel.

The youngest Madrigals out of their siblings.

The least favorite Madrigals compared to their siblings.

The Madrigals who ruin everything.

Mirabel finished packing her bag, changing out of her colorful skirt. As much as she liked it and disliked the Madrigals, she won’t let this skirt go to waste. She also didn’t want to get easily noticed. Mirabel didn’t think it really mattered what she wore. Even with her multicolored skirt, that she spent ages on, she wasn’t noticed.

There was genuinely no reason to try and be sneaky.

They wouldn’t notice nor would they care.

Mirabel made her way out of Casita, if anything, it seemed like Casita was rushing her out.

A good sign.

At least Casita wanted to help her.

“Thank you.”  

Nobody stopped her.

Nobody said happy birthday.

Nobody asked if she was okay.

Nobody wondered where she was going with that bag.

And….

That was okay.

It was fine.

She’s leaving the Encanto and the Madrigals behind.

Hopefully.

Mirabel would have to say that it took about an hour to get into the forest fully.

Mirabel didn’t know exactly where to go, but she did know that she had to get past the mountains to truly get out the Encanto.

She just needed to look up and follow straight.

And pray.

By the time she got close to the mountains, it was already dark, making her use her lantern. It was way larger up close.

She wondered just how she’ll do this part.

One step away.

She struggled to get past the mountains. She looked in the sky, noticing that the weather didn’t change. They either didn’t notice her missing or didn’t care. Mirabel bet that it was both.

She let out a shaky breath, fixing her glasses, which had one of the lenses cracked. She ignored the way that parts of her skin itched and bled. She had worse, she could leave.

If she got caught, it would be over. She’d be grounded for life. She’ll also get the scolding of her life from Alma. She wouldn’t even be concerned about her either, it would be about reputation, and how bad she made them look.

She hoped that she’ll succeed like Bruno.

That’s an achievement she must accomplish.

Mirabel chewed her bottom lip anxiously.

What if she couldn’t make it past the mountain?

They did say that it was impossible.

If she doesn't leave today, she’ll have to leave when the traders come back and that’ll make things harder. Not to mention that’s in two weeks. 

Suddenly, a massive tremor tumbled throughout the forest.

Mirabel covered her ears, falling to her knees from the sheer force.

It lasted about a minute.

Mirabel’s ears were ringing afterwards.

She stood up, her legs trembling.

Her eyes widened.

The mountain was split.

“Huh….”

Her prayers have been answered.

She took her final step.

She was immediately met with green.

Trees. 

And light.

The sun?

It was different from the Encanto.

And…

People.

She blinked in surprise at the people, who seemed as surprised as her.

She glanced behind her, the mountain was gone.

The people seemed hesitant, before concluding that she was harmless.

They walked up to her.

She gulped.

“What’s your name?”

She wasn’t Mirabel Madrigal anymore.

They made it clear she wasn’t a Madrigal.

She couldn’t be associated with them.

Just… who was she?

She looks at them, looking much cleaner than her. She was covered in dirt and cuts all over. It was pretty embarrassing, but they didn’t seem to care. “M-Mariana,” Her voice cracks as the strangers look at her with a worried expression. Not pity, worry. “Just Mariana.” She said with more confidence.

From that day forward, Mirabel Madrigal was no more. She was long forgotten.

A start of a new life.

“Nice to meet you under such strange circumstances, Mariana. I’m—“

And this is probably the best birthday gift ever.

Chapter 154: Trapped In The In-Between

They saw Mirabel every morning. When she knocked on their doors and skipped downstairs. They saw her sitting at the table. They even saw her leaving the house.

She’s never happy.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” Mirabel had repeated it over and over again. The tears streamed down her face. Her entire body was trembling as if it was freezing. “I was wrong. Stay with me. Please.”

They wished they could comfort her to tell her that it wasn’t her fault, but they couldn’t. She wouldn’t allow them.

Mirabel’s sobs echoed throughout the house as they forced themselves to ignore it.

“Why can’t I do it? What’s wrong with me?” Mirabel whispered to herself as she walked around. “Forgive me. I didn’t—I didn’t know.” She tugged at her hair. “I just wanted to prove something. A-Anything. Why can’t I do anything right?”

Mirabel’s voice cracked, seemingly getting more angry. Her voice became inaudible as she continued talking.

The Madrigals were tense, trying to pretend as if everything was normal. As if Mirabel wasn’t there.

Alma mumbled apologies, clutching her cross.

Mirabel went silent.

Everything stopped at once.

She stared at Alma.

Alma didn’t dare look at her, even when could feel her eyes on her.

“Forgive me?” Mirabel’s voice was unrecognizable, distorted from her usual cheery voice. They could hear the hopefulness within. 

Nobody answered her.

Even as her voice got louder, different from how she sounded, as if her throat was clogged with dust.

They remained silent.

Even when they heard glass break, her glasses falling to the ground. They could only ignore the dripping sound.

They just couldn’t see the color of red anymore.

They didn’t want to.

They didn’t want to see her at all. 

They shouldn’t.

She died that night.

She died when she went for the candle and Bruno’s tower fell on her.

So, why?

They don’t have the candle anymore.

Everything was destroyed.

Why was she here?

Her regrets was as clear as theirs.

Was it to torture them?

They’re going insane seeing their dead family member break down everyday.

She was a simple ghost who lived in their home.

A ghost, who wouldn’t be happy, no matter what.

Not when she was alive.

Not even in the afterlife.

She could only wait for them.

Chapter 155: Imaginary Echoes

Summary:

Modern Hero Au

Isabela let out a trembling sigh, clutching her side. The red outshines the purple of her costume.

A clumsy mistake on her end.

She grabbed her phone, typing out a number, and calling it in the process.

The phone rang for about a minute.

It seemed like she already knew why she called without her saying anything.

“Why did you call me? I can’t save you.”

Isabela winced in pain. “Can I stay on the phone with you at least?”

Mirabel chuckled, her cheeks warming, hearing the tender voice of Isabela. Her oldest sister. Her hero. “Okay,” 

“…What are you thinking about?”

Mirabel glanced around her room, which was covered in childish signs. A sewing machine sat in the corner. The room was dull. She hummed thoughtfully. “Oh, just how nice things could’ve been if you had chosen this life.” She said teasingly.

“Oh…” Isabela choked back a sob, biting her lip. Her voice sounded real, but she knew that it wasn’t. That she wouldn’t answer. They haven’t been in contact for years, so why would she answer? She briefly wondered if Mirabel was still interested in seeing or did she give up on her dream? Did she go live with wherever Bruno lived? Is she even alive?

“I’ve watched you all. I’m glad that you all are still winning. I actually look forward to all of your wins, Belladonna. I dread the day that you’ll lose. You won’t, will you? My family isn’t weak.” Mirabel asked. “Physically, of course. If this was a mental battle, you all would lose.” She added, and Isabela knew that she was right. If the people that they fought found out about Bruno and Mirabel, they’d lose. The villains would use them against them. “Though, it would be a bit odd if they did find out about us. They would have to be digging and know everyone’s identities for that.”

“They don’t know.” Isabela said under her breath, her voice barely audible. “A-anything about you that leads to us, it’s—it’s covered up. They won’t know. If we…if we knew where you were at and we were aware that you chose to leave…we’d still cover up for you. We’d give you the best life possible. The best life that wasn’t possible with us. Even if you are away, we’d support you, and…and…”

“You always managed to amuse me, Isabela. I know that now, but I didn’t know that then. All of us were different people and I’m afraid to say that it’s too late.” Mirabel did sound amused by the entire situation. “Are you hurt, Belladonna? That’s why you called me.”

Isabela didn’t answer that.

“I don’t understand you, Isabela. But, it’s fine. You should’ve called Herbalist. She’s more helpful than me. This will get you killed, Isabela. Thinking about your regrets will. What do you think happened to Visionary, Belladonna?”

Isabela let out a bitter chuckle. “Why are you switching between my hero name and my actual name?”

“Why not? You are my sister and hero. I never did understand Isabela, but I know it’ll get her killed by doing this. You and Belladonna are different people in a way. Don’t you think so?” Mirabel questioned. “I think of you two as different people. I do know way more about Belladonna than Isabela. It’s strange.”

Isabela never really thought about it like that. “…It is.” But it did make sense. She never really associated herself with Belladonna or thought that she acted the same outside of the mask.

“I’ve noticed a new hero, Belladonna.”

Isabela grimaced.

“Antonio has grown, hasn’t he? Animal Whisperer?”

“M-Mirabel—“ Isabela stammered.

Mirabel cut her off. “He’s way too young to be out in the field. Even if he’s playing in the back. It’s funny though. He was only five years old when he started going out, when I left. He has more of a chance in succeeding in life than me. I always knew that it would have something to do with animals. Tell me, Isabela, do you still listen to Alma’s order no matter what it is? Even if she drove out two family members?” She asked as Isabela went silent. “Or would you rather I call her Mastermind? Is that more appropriate for you? Do you?”

Isabela was trembling, her vision fading in and out.

“You can’t answer that, can you? It’s fine. We both know the answer to that question.” Mirabel chuckled. “But it’s okay, you’re not the only one. I’ll be waiting to see who else Mastermind will drive out.”

…

Mirabel is the only person that she wants to talk to, or see. 

She wanted to apologize to her. To apologize for the way she treated her. To tell her that it wasn’t her fault. That not having a gift doesn’t make you useless. That gifts don't define your person.

She’d give the world to Mirabel if she asked.

Only if she’d let her.

If she wishes.

Isabela doubts that, but at the same time, she knows that Mirabel probably would. That’s if Mirabel is the same person that she last saw. Despite her suffering, she would keep coming back. No matter how much she got hurt, she’d forgive her. Forgive them.

It made her heart ache.

Knowing that she was the main cause of her hurting.

“Do you miss me?”

“Always.” Isabela answered immediately, her voice cracking.

“What about the others?”

“I can’t—I can’t—“ Isabela can’t answer that because they haven't talked about Mirabel ever since she left. “I miss you.”

“And I guess that’s all that matters right now.” 

The line went silent.

The pain on her side was throbbing.

“Belladonna,”

Isabela has a pounding headache.

“Belladonna.”

What if she went to sleep?

“Belladonna!” Mirabel said louder, causing Isabela to flinch. “Answer your earpiece. You’ve been getting called for the last few minutes. Don’t doze off here where anyone can find you. I can tell you that it won’t end too well. Just don’t.”

With trembling hands, she turned on her earpiece. She was immediately welcomed with her family’s voices.

“Belladonna, are you okay?” Stormweaver’s voice called through the earpiece.

She’s not.

Not when Mirabel’s gone and everyone else acted as if everything was normal.

This injury is nothing compared to what Mirabel went through.

Isabela heard a ding, indicating that the call had been hung up.

Even then, her words echoed through her head.

“Remember, Belladonna, I’ll be waiting.”

She was much more delirious than she thought.

But, she can’t be dead if Mirabel is truly waiting on her. 

Somewhere, Mirabel was asleep, her phone was on the bed, ringing silently.

Chapter 156: The Cost Of Honesty

“Antonio, why are you here? You have your own room now. You know you can’t stay here. If abuela caught you, she would scold both of us.”

“I just…wanted to ask you something.”

Mirabel looked at Antonio curiously, he looked oddly serious for someone who had just got his gift a while ago. She gave him her full attention. “And that is?”

…

“Have you ever thought about leaving before?”

Mirabel looked at Antonio with a confused expression, before chuckling. “What?”

Antonio frowned, looking upset, before repeating his question. “Have you ever thought about leaving before?”

Mirabel still looked confused. “Like…leaving altogether or leaving to go somewhere within the Encanto?” She had a feeling she knew what Antonio was really asking.

“Leaving the Encanto.”

Mirabel didn’t know why Antonio would ask her that. “Why?” She didn’t think that she was acting strange or giving Antonio the thought that she might leave.

“Please…just answer the question, prima.” Antonio practically pouted.

Mirabel shook her head. “No, no, I’m not answering that. What brought up the question?”

“I’m just…curious.” Antonio responded after a moment of silence. Antonio wasn’t a very good liar. Well, to Mirabel. But she could tell that was half the truth.

Mirabel raised her eyebrows. “Why?”

“Please, Mira…”

Knowing that Antonio is related to Camilo, she knows that he will keep pushing.

“Yes,”

“Huh?”

“…I did.” Mirabel answered hesitantly.

Antonio felt as if his heart dropped. He doesn’t know what he would do without his favorite cousin. “T-then, why haven’t you?” Antonio stuttered.

Mirabel blinked, staring off in the distance. “If…if I’m being honest…you’re the only one that’s keeping me here, Toñito.”

From that moment on, Antonio felt compelled to keep Mirabel from leaving.

Mirabel smiled sheepishly, turning back to him. She ruffled his hair. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have told you that. Don’t worry about me.”

At the time, Mirabel didn’t know how much Antonio loved her and how far he would go for her.

---

As a few weeks passed, there was a noticeable change about Antonio. A big change.

Antonio seemed more eager to use his gift to help around time. It didn’t look like he took any breaks. He went from one person to another. It wasn’t odd to see him trying to help around or using his gift for something. It got so bad that even Alma wanted Antonio to take a break. Now, that was really saying something.

Antonio already had good grades, but now it seemed as if he wanted a perfect score for everything. If it wasn’t, he’d be cooped up in his room studying. Sure, they didn’t mind him studying, but a ninety-seven? 

He’s a kid.

He shouldn’t be working this hard.

They wondered what caused this sudden change.

Alma even went over to Mirabel to ask Antonio if everything was okay, since she was closer to him than anyone else.

It was as if hell had frozen.

So, Mirabel did ask him.

She just wasn’t expecting the answer.

“Do you…do you remember our conversation about a few weeks ago?” Antonio questioned.

Mirabel tilted her head, trying to remember something that could’ve left a huge impact on Antonio. “What did I say?”

“You said that I was the only one that was keeping you from leaving.” Antonio reminded her.

Mirabel frowned, she didn’t think that Antonio would remember that. “…Yes, I did say that…but what does that have to do with you overworking yourself?”

“The way I see it, the better I am, the less likely you are to leave.”

Mirabel’s eyes widened.

“What?”

…

It all made more sense now.

She caused Antonio to push himself?

She fucked up this badly?

Why did she have to be so stupidly honest at the moment?

“No, no, no!” Mirabel exclaimed, catching Antonio off guard. She looked horrified.

Antonio stared at his older cousin with concern. He was confused by her reaction. He was also worried that he might’ve updated her. “What’s wrong? Did I—“

“—That’s not what I meant! I—I didn’t t-think that you’d—“ Mirabel began stammering, looking so distressed to the point that she couldn’t form her sentences. She took a deep breath. “Y-you’re not responsible, Antonio! You don’t need to do this for me! I don’t even want this! I—I didn’t even think that you would take it that way! It was s-stupid of me to say that to you!”

Antonio frowned, he hated Mirabel being upset. Especially since he was the cause of it now. He didn’t want Mirabel to leave. That’s why he was working harder than everyone else. If he’s useful, she’d stay. “M-Mira—“

“—I’m—I’m sorry, this is my fault that you’re pushing yourself like this! You don’t need to be better or anything like that!” Mirabel looked on the verge of crying. 

“B-but, didn’t…didn’t you—“ Antonio was incredibly confused, but he wanted to immediately comfort her.

“N-No, of course not! That’s not what I—what I meant…” Mirabel said softly as she stared at Antonio. “I…I…when I said that, it was only a moment of weakness. I didn’t expect you to do anything with it. I shouldn’t have said anything to begin with. I’m not going to leave.” Her eyes watered. “So, please, stop this.”

Antonio hesitantly nodded. “But…you said that the only reason you didn’t leave was because of me.” His lips trembled. “What if—what if I’m not enough and you leave?”

That very question caused Mirabel to break down.

She was getting deja vu, and it wasn’t in a good way.

She remembered asking something very similar to her mother.

“You’re a-always enough, Antonio. I don’t want you to think like this. You shouldn’t feel responsible for me. I’m your older cousin, not the other way around.” She cupped his cheeks. “I’ll never leave you, Toñito. I know that I said it back then and I still mean it. But not in the way that you’re thinking. I didn’t leave because I didn’t want you to be alone. I thought about it before, yes, but I never went through with it. You know why? I dreaded the thought of you and everyone else's reactions. You’d be so sad, Antonio. I didn’t want that. I know you. You would blame yourself too, you would think that you weren’t enough and that’s why I left. Like I said, you’re always enough. It wouldn’t be your fault. So, don’t torture yourself like this. We noticed.”

Antonio simply nodded.

“No overworking yourself, okay? You’re a kid. Nobody wants you overworking yourself or growing up too fast.”

“…Okay, I won’t. I’m—I’m sorry, I just thought…I thought you might’ve…wanted… this.”

“Don’t be sorry.” Mirabel sighed. “In this family…it’s easy to fuc—screw up apparently.”

Chapter 157: Upside Down In Mirabel’s World

Mirabel was sitting on the roof, looking at the night sky. It was beautiful. Droplets of rain were falling down on her and everything else.

It was perfect.

She smiled.

Well.

It was already late and everyone was asleep.

It was time for Mirabel to go back to bed.

She doesn’t want to oversleep or be tired for most of the day.

She got up, moving carefully as she made her way back to her room. Or the nursery. Whichever title fits best.

That’s when Mirabel tripped over something, sending her falling.

Fuck.

This is how she dies.

This is going to be embarrassing.

She didn’t even do all the things she wanted to do in life.

She doesn’t want her family to find her body.

That’s when it felt as if the air was literally punched out of her, causing her to gasp.

…

She wasn’t in any pain.

Mirabel groaned, at least she wasn’t dead. She opened her eyes, noticing that everything was upside down. No, she was upside down.

How hilarious.

She looked at what was caught on her legs.

Isabela’s vines.

They were wrapped around them, keeping her in place. Also preventing her from falling to her death.

Mirabel wasn’t going to scream because that would just be embarrassing to be caught in a position like this and Camilo’s endless teasing. Her mother is usually one of the first people woke, she’ll just wait for her to wake up.

“This is fine,” Mirabel said out loud, feeling herself get a little dizzy. “This is fine.” She muttered, she closed her eyes again. “I’ll just wait for mamá or Dolores. Someone that wouldn’t embarrass me.” Scratch that. Dolores would silently judge her, which was worse.

A headache is worth the wait.

So, she tried to go to sleep as time passed.

Hopefully she wouldn’t be there for hours.

---

Overall, Mirabel was a light sleeper.

“Are you sleeping?”

Mirabel opened her eyes to find Isabela looking at her with an incredulous look. Mirabel’s cheeks heated in embarrassment as her oldest sister stared at her. “No, I’m not. I’m just…” She lied.

“I didn’t tie you up like a present, did I? It’s too early for Christmas.” Isabela tilted her head, looking baffled. “What the hell are you doing wrapped in my vines?”

“…Just hanging around.” Mirabel smiled sheepishly.

…

Isabela stared at her for a moment, before bursting out laughing.

“Hey, this isn’t funny!”

“Oh my goodness!”

“Isa, please!”

“You're such a dork!”

“Just get me down! It’s your vines!”

“How did you even get like this!?”

“I slipped!”

Isabela laughed louder.

“You slipped into my vines!?”

Mirabel groaned, covering her face. “Oh my, Isabela! I’m losing blood here! Blood! Do you want me to pass out!?”

“It’d be hilarious if you did! I knew you were clumsy, but not this clumsy! Only someone like you can accomplish this.” Isabela grinned, as she approached Mirabel. She inspected the vines that wrapped around Mirabel’s legs, binding her together and upside down. “How long have you been out here anyways?”

Mirabel let out a grunt. “Long enough.”

“Seriously?”

“Do you think that I would joke in a time like this?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.”

“Isabela, please, just get me out of these stupid vines.”

“I feel insulted a little.”

“Isabela.”

“Fine, fine.” Isabela observed her vines from wrapping around Mirabel. “How did you slip into my vines? Upside down especially.” She undid them, catching her, before she could hit the ground.

“I slipped off the roof.”

“What!?”

“Shh, shh, it’s not a big deal. I slipped off the roof into your vines.”

“Not a big deal?” Isabela scoffed. “We’re just using the word slip instead of fell because it sounds much better, huh? Fell, slipped. Same thing. Same damage.” She glares. “Hm, here’s a few words of advice, so we won’t end up in this situation again. Don’t go on the roof when everyone’s asleep and nobody knows.”

Mirabel rolled her eyes as Isabela set her down. “Yeah, I know that, but I usually do that. Most times, it doesn’t end up like this.” She huffed.

Isabela narrowed her eyes, arching one of her eyebrows. “Most times?” She repeated slowly. “Most times as in you go on the roof and nobody knows or you go on the roof and most times you don’t fall?”

Mirabel smiled sheepishly. “Well….”

“Mirabel.”

“What would you do if I said both?”

…

“Ay, Mirabel…” Isabela pinched the bridge of her nose. “You’re actually going to be the death of me.” She crossed her arms, letting out a low huff. “I’m telling mamá.”

Mirabel’s eyes widened in panic. “What!?”

“Yep.”

“Mamá doesn’t need to know, Isa. I’m not even hurt. Most times I don’t get hurt anyways! Mamá’s food is always here. There’s no need to snitch!” Mirabel tried to convince her oldest sister. It was no use.

“You admitted that you fell off the roof—not even once, but multiple times. To make it even better, nobody knows that you’re up there.” Isabela hissed at her. “I don’t want to wake up one day to find your body because you were being clumsy and stupid, and fell off the roof. Nobody would know how long you’ve been there, injured because you’re secretive.”

Mirabel could see the concern hidden underneath her anger. She took a deep breath. “I’m not going to fall.”

Isabela didn’t look convinced.

“Look…if it makes you feel better, I can tell you when I’m going out there on the roof at least.” Mirabel suggested hesitantly. “Or someone else if you’re asleep.”

Isabela placed her hand on her hip, thinking. “…I’ll join you too.”

Mirabel was caught off guard. “What? Why?”

“Why do you stay on the rooftop for who knows how many hours doing what? Answer that and I’ll tell you why.” Isabela countered.

“Touché…”

“Now go to bed after you eat one of mamá’s hidden supplies of food in case of an emergency. We never know if you have hurt something from the fall.” Isabela told her. “It’s late. We don’t want anyone else waking up.” She looked at Mirabel, who nodded in agreement. “Try not to slip into my vines either.” Isabela had a teasing smile on her face.

One of Mirabel’s eyes twitched. “…But, you won’t tell mamá, right?”

Isabela grinned. “Of course. I’ll tease you about this though. Be prepared.”

“Oh,”

Mirabel would rather Camilo come at this point.

Isabela’s teasing was way worse than Camilo’s.

Chapter 158: Helpless

Notes:

Oh my God, Hamilton???

Mirabel’s face was red as she stared at a boy in town. She was totally helpless and obvious. She did have crushes before, but it felt totally different from before. Arvin was new in town. He only knew the basics about the Encanto and their gifts. He knew that Mirabel is the candleholder and future matriarch. He was unaware of the entire Casita falling fiasco, but that didn’t matter.

He had such beautiful eyes.

It all started when they all were welcoming him into the Encanto. Everyone was friendly and he seemed tense at first, before he warmed up to them and relaxed.

Mirabel wasn’t the first one to welcome him, not even the tenth. She had been busy at the time.

But, when she first saw him, she swore that her heart had exploded. She was sure that Dolores could hear how fast her heart was beating. It was abnormal.

Mirabel was trying to think of ways to approach him without making it weird. She was the future matriarch for abuelo’s sake, and she couldn’t even approach one boy! She was practicing for this. She has to set a good example, a good first impression. She couldn’t be shy if she’s the new town leader.

Everyone was dancing, with the music playing and fireworks going off. Yet, Mirabel kept trying to catch his eye. When he glanced at her— just for a second— she quickly moved to Camilo.

“Cami!” She hissed.

Camilo raised an eyebrow, looking amused. “Yeah?”

Mirabel subtly gestured at Arvin. “Hey, this one’s mine.” She whispered in his ear, blushing.

Camilo followed her gaze to Alvin, not saying anything, which was unusual of him.

That was before he made his way across the room to him.

Mirabel internally panicked.

She got nervous, she didn’t know what Camilo was going to do or say. Hopefully not tell him that she was crushing on him.

That’s when she saw Camilo grab him by the arm, bringing him closer to her.

Mirabel smiled through the pain.

This was it. She was through.

That’s when he looked back at her, and suddenly, she was helpless once again. She could only stare at him with a dumbfounded expression, her entire face flushed.

Arvin stared back at her, his cheeks tinted red, looking equally flushed.

Mirabel could only smile.

She was so into him.

She tried to calm down.

“Where are you taking me?” Arvin asked Camilo, as he followed behind him. Actually, he just let Camilo drag him.

“I’m about to change your life.” Camilo winked with a smirk.

Arvin smirked back. “Then by all means, lead the way.”

“Mirabel Madrigal,” She introduced herself. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She smiled nervously.

Arvin glanced at Camilo. “Madrigal?”

Camilo chuckled. “My cousin.”

“I’m sorry for introducing myself so late.” Mirabel apologized.

Arvin smiled, grabbing her hand gently. “It’s fine, you don’t need to apologize. I’m glad that we finally met. I don’t know how I didn’t see such a beautiful lady like you before.” He kissed her on the back of her hand.

Mirabel could finally die happy. 

“I’ll leave you to it!” Camilo exclaimed with a loud laugh as he walked off.

---

It was about a week later, and Mirabel was writing a letter to him.

She couldn’t see him often with how much she trained and practiced for future events.

Fortunately, Arvin didn’t seem to send her letters back. It made things seem more romantic. Everything in her life has just been going well. It was going to get even better now.

Camilo looked amused, leaning against the door frame of Mirabel’s room. “You really want to get together with the new guy, huh? You don’t even know much about him.”

Mirabel brushed him off. “I want to get to know him better. That’s why we’re writing letters to each other.”

“He’s handsome, isn’t he?” Camilo questioned, walking forward. “He might even take Mariano down in the top ten handsome guys in the Encanto!”

“Why? Are you jealous?” Mirabel smirked. “Don’t worry, you’ll find a handsome guy of your own.” 

Camilo looked at the letters, which seemed to be filled with romantic stuff. “Hey, I’m just sayin’, if you really loved me, you would share him.” He nudged her.

Mirabel laughed.

---

Another week later, Mirabel was currently in the kitchen, stressed out.

“M-may I please have your blessings, Señora Julieta?” Arvin stammered, practically begging. Julieta remained stone-faced as she listened to his pleads. Julieta was tougher than Agustín to accept this.

Everyone knew that.

Mirabel was practically dying as she watched the one-sided conversation. Julieta looked nothing more, but unimpressed.

That’s when Mirabel’s mother, Julieta, makes her way across the room to him. Mirabel was internally panicking at her mother’s unusual serious expression. Yep, this was it. They were through. If her mother didn’t accept him then nobody else would besides Camilo.

Then Julieta smiled warmly at Arvin, hugging him. “Just be true to yourself and her.” Is all that she said. “If you can promise that then I’ll accept your blessing.”

Arvin turned back to Mirabel, smiling, his eyes shining in happiness. 

Mirabel couldn’t help, but match his bright smile.

He rushed to embrace her, while promising that he’ll always be true and love Mirabel to the fullest.

Julieta chuckled.

Once again, Mirabel was helpless.

She kissed him.

…

“Mamá said yes, Camilo! Can you believe it? He can be a part of the family! We’re finally together!” Mirabel beamed.

Camilo smiled, his eyes lost their usual shine. “Yeah, how exciting.” 

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Cami! If you didn’t introduce him to me, it would have never worked out!”

“It’s no problem.” His smile flattered just a bit.

He was Camilo.

He’s good at hiding things behind a mask.

“I’m glad you’re happy, Mira.”

---

“Mirabel, I didn’t have anything to my name. I don’t even know why you chose me out of all the people here. I was just the new guy in town.” Arvin rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

Mirabel only smiled in response.

“I was quiet, kept to myself. And you…you’re you. A Madrigal. I’m just a normal person.”

Mirabel swatted his back playfully. “We’re also normal. Our last names and gifts mean nothing. Don’t let it get to you. My family loves you. You love me and them. Isn’t that all that matters?”

“You’re right.” Arvin chuckled. “It’s insane! Your family brings out a different side of me that I didn’t even know I had. You did. Although, most of them tried to threaten me with their gifts…completely understandable.”

Mirabel groaned in embarrassment. “I knew it…”

“It’s no problem though! If I had someone in my family like you, I’d be the exact same towards her partner!” Arvin exclaimed, patting her shoulder. “It was like love at first sight. My love for you is never in doubt. I swear, as long as I’m alive, as long as I’m here, Mirabel, swear to God, you’ll never feel so—“

Helpless.

“I never felt so—“

Helpless!

“My life is going to be fine because you’re in it.” Arvin smiled, cupping her cheeks.

Mirabel laughed, blushing. “I look into your eyes, and the sky’s the limit, I’m—“

Helpless.

Mirabel smiled at him, pressing her lips against his. “In the Encanto, it’ll make you a new person. For the better.”

“I love you so much.”

Notes:

Most of us know how that goes, right?

Chapter 159: Helpless — Part 2

“Alright, alright, that’s what I’m talking about!” Isabela cheered, raising her glass with a wide smile on her face. “Now, everyone, give it up for the man of honor, Camilo Madrigal!”

Camilo smiled as he walked up, his hair put in a small ponytail. “A toast to the groom!” He glanced at Arvin, who smiled back. “To the bride!” He exclaimed in a much more cheerful tone. Mirabel tried to contain her composure, but failed as she laughed. “From your cousin, who is always by your side!” They all clapped. “To the Encanto! To hope that you provide! May you always be satisfied.” He finished off, smile faltering for a second.

Rewind.

Camilo remember that night when he met Arvin, he might just—

Rewind.

Camilo remembers that night when he met Arvin, he might just—

Rewind.

Camilo remembers that night, he remembers that night—

Camilo remembers that night when he met Arvin, the night that he might regret for the rest of his life. 

He remembered the loud music and laughter, the smell of alcohol. Arvin just had this aura to him that Camilo couldn’t place. Something that lured him in.

Camilo will never forget the first time he saw Arvin’s face. He felt his cheeks warm up in a way that never happened before.

Arvin was quiet, besides the occasional conversation with the people around him. He looked pretty awkward just being there and unused to friendly people.

That’s when Arvin approached him, noticing his staring. “Hello,”

At that moment Camilo forgot his name, stumbling over his words. He was confident, a Madrigal. Why was he stumbling over his words for a new guy?

He was unused to feelings like this.

It wasn’t a time to be joking around or a game.

Camilo was flustered.

“You look like a man who has never been satisfied.” Arvin had said with a chuckle, making Camilo raise an eyebrow.

“I’m not sure what you mean, you just met me.” Camilo responded, narrowing his eyes just slightly. Maybe this new guy wasn’t all that.

“You’re like me. I have never been satisfied.” Arvin told him, glancing off to the side, before looking back at him.

Camilo looked at him in amazement. He was right. Camilo wasn’t satisfied. He wasn’t satisfied with himself. His work. Anything. Perhaps they’re the same. 

“My name is Arvin Rivera.”

“Camilo Madrigal.”

Arvin looked shocked. “Like the Madrigals? With the magical gifts?”

Camilo smiled sheepishly, nodding. “That’s not important, is it?”

“Of course it’s not important.”

That’s when Arvin grinned, waving bye as he walked off, maintaining eye contact.

That’s when Camilo was sure that it was a prank. That there had to be some catch. They were waiting to catch him off guard with someone good for him.

The conversation didn’t even last five minutes, yet it felt like Arvin understood him more than the others. They agreed with everything the other said. 

He could tell that Arvin was a bit of a flirt, but Camilo didn’t mind. He was the same.  He wanted to give him a chance, for Arvin to give him a chance.

He was new and handsome.

Camilo already knew that Arvin knew he was handsome.

He wanted to ask him out at the very moment.

That’s when he turned to Mirabel, hoping that she’ll help him. That’s when he saw her face and she was totally—

Helpless.

Camilo’s eyes widened as he followed Mirabel’s gaze to Arvin.

He just knew that she was—

Helpless.

The way that she stared at him, like no other person here existed. As if he was the one. Her face was just—

Helpless.

Camilo looked at her in horror and he realized what he would have to do. 

That’s when Mirabel whispered something in his ear.

He went over to Arvin, grabbing him by the arm. They just had to meet.

“Where are you taking me?” Arvin asked Camilo, as he followed behind him. Actually, he just let Camilo drag him.

“I’m about to change your life.” Camilo winked with a smirk.

Arvin smirked back. “Then by all means, lead the way.”

Number one.

Camilo was just a guy. He was everyone else, but himself. He had to find a boyfriend. Everyone knew that he was interested in men. He just hadn’t found the right guy. He was the only male Madrigal of the third generation that was old enough to get courted and find a suitor. He wanted to find one, before his abuela passed. It would make her happy to see all her grandchildren happy.

Even if Arvin was new, that Mirabel was interested in him—Camilo didn’t want him any less.

Camilo fought back his tears, he couldn’t do that to Mirabel. She would finally be happy.

“Mirabel Madrigal,” She introduced herself. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Mirabel smiled nervously. It was so obvious to Camilo, it was cheesy.

Arvin glanced at Camilo, raising an eyebrow. “Madrigal?”

Camilo chuckled. “My cousin.”

Number two.

Camilo knew that Arvin could have been only after the Madrigals’ status and their gifts. Camilo would have to be really naive to forget about that.

Maybe that is why he introduced him to Mirabel, so that’ll be his bride.

Camilo let out a shaky breath.

Arvin was right, he will never be satisfied.

Arvin smiled, grabbing her hand gently. “It’s fine, you don’t need to apologize. I’m glad that we finally met. I don’t know how I didn’t see such a beautiful lady like you before.” He kissed her on the back of her hand.

Mirabel looked as if she could explode.

Camilo grimaced, quickly masking it with a loud laugh. “I’ll leave you to it!” If he stayed any longer, he was sure that they would’ve seen right through him.

Number three.

Camilo knew Mirabel like the back of his palm. He spent five years in the nursery with her. He hung out with her like every day ever since Casita fell. There was nobody as trusting or as kind as her. The most forgiving person that he knows.

If Camilo was to tell Mirabel that she was interested in Arvin, she’d be silently resigned, Arvin would be his.

Mirabel would laugh it off, saying that she was fine.

She’d be lying.

But, when Camilo closes his eyes, fantasizing at night, he’d see Arvin’s eyes. Such beautiful eyes. He’d think about what might’ve been his, if he wasn’t so quick to make Mirabel happy.

At least Mirabel is his wife.

At least Camilo would be able to keep Arvin’s eyes in life.

…

Camilo choked back a sob, suddenly back to the present. Everyone was staring at him. Some were confused, most was happy.

That’s when Camilo raised his glass in a similar manner as Isabela did. “To the groom!” He rushed over to Mirabel, embracing her. “To the bride!” Arvin smiled softly at the sight. “From your older cousin, who is always by your side.” Tears fell down his cheeks, but everyone would assume that he was crying out of happiness. “And may you always be satisfied!” 

Arvin and Mirabel kissed each other.

Camilo knew that Mirabel would be the happiest as his bride.

He also knew that Arvin would never be satisfied.

Camilo wouldn’t be satisfied.

Chapter 160: Helpless — Part 3

Mirabel watched the furnace with an empty expression, clenching her fist in anger. The fire reflected on her face.

That’s when Arvin walked in.

“Did you know that I saved every letter that you wrote me?” Mirabel asked, not looking back at him. “The moment I saw you, I knew you were mine. You said you were mine, I thought you were mine…”

“I’m…I’m sorry…” Arvin whispered, his eyes glossy.

“Do you know what Camilo said, when I told him what you had done?” Mirabel questioned, her eyes filled with tears as she glared at him. “He told me—“

“You’ve married an Icarus,” Camilo whispered, hugging her tightly as Mirabel cried on his shoulder. “He had flown too close to the sun.”

“Mirabel—“ Arvin reached out to touch her.

“Don’t.” Mirabel cut him off, moving away from his hand. “Don’t touch me. Don’t even take another step in my direction. I can’t trust you. I can’t even be trusted around you.”

“Please—“

“Don’t think you can talk your way out of this and into my arms.” Mirabel spat out, she went over to her desk. Grabbing the letters that she had placed in a box, the letters they wrote when they were young. “I’m burning the letters you wrote me. You can stand over there if you want. I don’t know who you are. I don’t…I don’t even think I knew you in the first place. I knew that I shouldn’t have ignored the signs. I guess I still have so much to learn.” 

Arvin was different—no, he was the same man that she met and married. He just had gotten careless around her and thought that she was naive.

“I didn’t…”

“You bragged to your friends about sleeping with her. You thought that you could get away with it. Have you forgotten that my cousin hears everything?” Mirabel scowled, tears streaming down her cheeks. “You brought her into Casita, our bed, my bed. You fucking had sex with her and told your friends what you did. You ruined not only your life, but mine. You have no shame, Arvin.” She made her way around him.

“It wasn’t—it wasn’t like that, mi vida. I’m sorry. I truly am. I won’t deny and say that what I did wasn’t wrong. It was. I’m dumb, I know. Mirabel, please—“ Arvin stammered, trying to prevent Mirabel from leaving me.

“Don’t call me that. I’m far more intelligent than you think. Did you think that I didn’t see the way you looked at Camilo, my cousin?” Mirabel remembered Arvin and Camilo having a conversation, she was together with Arvin at the time. Yet, Arvin was looking at Camilo with such a loving expression. The same expression he looked at her with. “And my female family members?” She hissed, as Arvin froze. Mirabel caught Arvin staring at her sisters, cousin, even her mother and aunt multiple times. It hurt her. “I saw women and men around you. You flirt with them even when you’re in a relationship with me. I see how they fall for your charms. I’m not naive, Arvin. You aren’t either.”

Arvin’s eyes widened at the mention of Camilo and her female family members. He didn’t think that Mirabel would notice. “I ne-never did anything with them though! That’s how I am! My personality!”

“I spend countless nights crying, thinking that you’ll leave me for some other person! Thinking that I wasn’t good enough!” Mirabel yelled at him. “They’ll know how I reacted when you broke my heart! You have thrown it all away the moment you arrived! You’re the one that made everything fall apart! You’re the one that purposely let it happen! You knew the consequences and still went on with it!”

“Mirabel! E-even if I did st—stare at them, I never did anything!”

“And that makes it better!? You still fucking stared at my family like eye candy! I was never the one for you! There was always someone else that you were interested in eye fucking and flirting with!” Arvin’s face flushed in embarrassment, as if he just truly realized that he didn’t get away with anything. “When the time comes, explain to my family the pain and the embarrassment you put me through! Explain to them how you thought you could get away with it! Explain to my mother, who gave you my blessings, to be true— which you weren’t—how you lied through our entire relationship! Explain to them how you fucked up! How you brought some other girl into this mess and fucked her in my bed!” Arvin took steps back as Mirabel started to corner him. “When will you learn that there are actual consequences in life!? That you can’t get away with everything! Flashing a smile and flirting won’t get you through life! You said that you were mine! It was until death do us part! I was nothing, but an achievement to you! I don’t want you here anymore! You’re not welcomed here!”

Arvin got on his knees and began to beg. Hoping that Mirabel would change her mind. He knew he fucked up badly. He doesn’t know why he thought he could get away with it. Mirabel has a cousin who hears everything. She also has another cousin, who can speak to animals. His animals, which no doubt smelled another woman’s scent on him and on her bed.

“Don’t.”

She threw the letters in the fire, watching them burn.

Chapter 161: Her Approval

Notes:

I have terrible luck. I had an allergic reaction and I’m swelling all over. After studying, I take my final exam tomorrow. Wish me luck.

“They’re protective, but…it’s not my mom or father that you really have to worry about.” Antonio started off, looking nervous.

Cecilia looked confused. She’s been dating Antonio for a while and Antonio wanted to introduce her to his family. Of course she knows the Madrigals. They just aren’t aware that she’s dating Antonio. She knows that she’ll have to go through the typical family threatening their family member’s partner, the parents usually being the worst. “Then who?”

“It’s Mirabel that you have to worry about.” Antonio sighed. Antonio thought of Mirabel more as a mother than Pepa. Neither Pepa nor Mirabel blamed him. Mirabel is more protective of him than anyone else. “Mirabel is the friendliest person I know and I don’t doubt that she will accept you. It’s hard for Mirabel to not like someone. If she can still like abuela after the whole Casita falling fiasco then she’ll like you.”

Cecilia’s smile cracked. “Are you telling me to worry about her or not to worry about her? For your information, I’m getting more nervous.”

“I mean…Mirabel wouldn’t make a big deal out of our relationship. She wouldn’t make a small deal out of it either. I’m nervous that Mirabel just won’t…”

“Like me?” Cecilia finished off with a groan. “She used to babysit me. Oh my God.” Her eyes widened in horror. “I literally told her that maybe her gift was being in denial at your ceremony.”

Antonio looked at her in shock. “Really?”

Cecilia grimaced, nodding. 

“W-wait, relax, Mirabel doesn’t hold grudges, especially towards children. Children tend to be blunt. I doubt that she even remembers what you said either. That was eleven years ago. We can’t back out now.” Antonio was trying his best not to panic either. Cecilia is his first girlfriend. 

“You think so?”

“Totally. I know my prima, she doesn’t hold grudges. She doesn’t care about the entire giftless situation anymore since she became matriarch. She didn’t even care much about it back then either, people just made a big deal out of it.”

“…So, I don’t need to worry?”

“Hopefully.”

“You’re giving me mixed signals here, Antonio. It’s not really helping either.”

“Sorry,” Antonio apologized. “I’m just nervous…and we should probably tell her first anyways. I think it’s better to get Mirabel’s approval first out of everyone.” Antonio added.

“My approval out of everyone for what?”

Both of them were startled at the voice, they turned around to see Mirabel leaning against the doorway with a curious expression.

“Uh…”

Mirabel glanced at them both, before her gaze fell on Cecilia, who tensed up. “I didn’t expect you to be here. But, hello, Cecilia. How have you been?”

“I’ve been fine!” Cecilia said quickly, making Mirabel raise an eyebrow and look suspicious. She cleared her throat. “I’m fine. What about you, Mirabel?”

“I’m alright.” Mirabel looked at Antonio. “What did you two need my approval for?”

“Right…”

“That’s what we needed to talk to you about something important.”

“Uhm…actually, we have to tell you something.”  Cecilia held Antonio’s hand reassuringly. It was an action which didn’t go unnoticed by Mirabel. She didn’t comment about it fortunately.

Mirabel stayed silent, waiting for them to continue.

Antonio was even more nervous. “Cecilia and I are dating!” He blurted out eventually.

…

“You and…Cecilia?” Mirabel questioned, tilting her head as Antonio nodded nervously.

“Y-yes, we’ve been dating for a while and…and we wanted to tell you first.”

Mirabel took a seat on the chair. 

Antonio and Cecilia waited for her reaction. Her face didn’t betray how she was feeling.

“Well that’s…” Mirabel seemed to be struggling to find the right words.

Which wasn’t a good sign for the two.

“I told you, Antonio.” Cecilia whispered.

“Oh, I’m just joking! I already knew about your relationship.” Mirabel gave them both a teasing smile. “You’re not as sneaky as you think. If I know, Dolores and tío Bruno already know beforehand.”

“You—you did!?” Antonio shrieked, his cheeks flushed in embarrassment. Cecilia looked equally embarrassed. 

Mirabel nodded. “I was just waiting for you to tell me. I did take care of you for five years. I know you, Toñito. I also took care of you, Cecilia. It’s nice to know that I’m the first person you’ll tell. I approve of your relationship. No need to be so nervous. Both of you.”

Antonio felt dumb for thinking that Mirabel didn’t know already.

She was the most observant person he knew.

“Uhm…you aren’t going to threaten me since I’m dating Antonio?” Cecilia asked, immediately regretting it after Mirabel gave her a questioning look.

“Do you want me to?” Mirabel grinned.

“No—“

“—I could if you want.” Mirabel laughed. “But, I don’t need to threaten you or anything like that. Just like you’re going to treat Antonio right, he’ll treat you right. I don’t expect anything less from you two. Keep things safe also.”

“Mirabel!”

“What?”

“We’re not even—even…you know!”

“I’m just making sure.”

Notes:

I’m planning to update all my other Encanto fics on the same day, December 31st

Chapter 162: Back To The Past Snippet

Notes:

I passed my finals :)

“You know what I feel like?”

“No.”

“Do you want to know?”

“Not really, sis.”

Mariposa turned around to Bela. “I feel like the older sister in this situation for some reason.”

Bela smirked, walking closer to her sister. “You know what I think?”

Mariposa tilted her head. “Mhm?”

“I think that you need to let loose.” Bela winked, growing flowers on Mariposa’s hair. “You’ve been so…uptight and tense ever since you became matriarch. I swear that I see gray hairs already forming.” She teased, playing with Mariposa’s curls. “You’re looking more like mamá nowadays. You just need the apron.”

“I’m telling her that you called her old.”

“Now you’re putting words in my mouth, Mira.”

“I’m not uptight or tense either.”

“Debatable.”

Mariposa playfully rolled her eyes with a groan. “That’s what you used to be like.”

Bela stifled a chuckle. “Well, I can’t deny that. I don’t think they really processed the fact that I had said that Mariano got together with Dolores either.”

Mariposa simply raised an eyebrow. “I think it was because you were dropping so much important information all at once that they couldn’t focus on one thing. I’m not too sure though.” She said sarcastically.

Bela laughed. “You knew the moment I spilled?”

“I expected you to spill, Isa.” Mariposa grinned, taking a sip out of her coffee. “You’re not a good liar either.”

“I’m not? I lied for pretty much half of my life. For sixteen years. Everyone believed it too. I thought that I would be pretty good at it.” Bela sighed.

“I’m looking back at it now, you weren’t that good of a liar. It was really obvious actually.”

“Obviously since you’re more mature now and know me better. You see through my lies much better.”

“Mmh, you think so?”

“You’ve gotten better at sarcasm too.”

“Thanks—“

They heard a knock on the wall, announcing someone’s presence.

“Uhm…am I interrupting?”

They both looked over to see Mirabel.

“Of course not.”  

“Nope.”

“Are you two usually up this early?” Mirabel asked curiously.

“I’m an early riser. Isabela simply got up because we’re here and didn’t want to wake up alone.” Mariposa hummed.

“You’re just going to easily snitch on me?” Bela faux glared at Mariposa, before turning back to Mirabel with a smile. “Don’t believe her even if she’s your future self. We’re up early because we’re both early risers.”

Mariposa snorted. “Whatever floats your boat.” 

Bela rolled her eyes, fixating her attention on Mirabel. “Anyways, you and I, we have plans.”

Mirabel blinked in surprise. “We do?”

Mariposa didn’t seem too surprised.

“Yes! I did tell you that I’ll take you in the meantime while we’re here. We’re going to be hanging out a lot. I don’t mean to brag, but I’ll be the best you’ll ever have. You’ll have the best moments with me.” Bela grinned, Mirabel seemingly embarrassed from the attention of her future oldest sister and future self.

“Do you hear yourself?” Mariposa groaned. “Best she ever had? Nice of you to assume that you’re the best thing to happen in her life.”

The edge of Bela’s lips quirked up into a smirk. “Jealous?”

“Of myself?” Mariposa let out a short laugh. “No, I’m not. I’m more worried for my younger self. Not jealous. Knowing you, you’ll try to corrupt my younger self.” She narrowed her eyes. “At the end of the day, you’re the bad influence.” She pointed out.

Bela gave her a half-hearted shrug. “Well….maybe.”

Mirabel was fascinated by the way that they interacted and talked to each other. It was different from the way that she and her Isabela talked to each other. They couldn’t even have a conversation without glaring at each other. Despite Bela and Mariposa’s snarky comments to each other, she could see the playfulness on their faces.

“You’re insufferable.” Mariposa scoffed.

“You know you love me.”

“Only because you’re my sister and mamá would be upset if I didn’t.”

“Fair enough.”

“Wait, can you even go outside because of this whole future situation?”

“We’re magical. I don’t think they’ll blink an eye at seeing two future Madrigals.”

“Eh. You’re right.”

“Anyways, so, Mira,”

“Y-Yes?” Mirabel squeaked, taken by surprise from their attention.

“Are you ready to hang out?” Bela wrapped her arms around Mirabel.

Mirabel looked at her in confusion. “This early?”

“The earlier the better.” Bela grinned mischievously. 

Mirabel nodded, flustered. “I—I mean, sure,” She looked at Mariposa. “Are you coming?”

Mariposa smiled warmly. “Maybe next time. I’ve got some stuff to do.” She glanced at her older sister. “Try not to do anything too crazy. That’s all I have to say to you.”

Bela’s grin grew. “Not sure if I could follow that, but okay!”

“Wait—“

“Come on, Mira—“

“Isa—“

“Bye, sis—“

Mariposa groaned as the door closed, leaving her alone in the kitchen. Well, not alone, since she felt as if someone has been watching teams ever since the younger her had entered the kitchen.

Mariposa turned around to find Isabela. She must’ve been the one eavesdropping.

Shit.

Out of everyone, Isabela?

…

Neither of them said a word.

They both stared at each other in uncomfortable silence.

They haven’t said one single word to each other ever since she arrived.

Mariposa just slowly walked backwards until she was out of sight.

She loves her sister, she really does.

Mariposa did not like the past version of her sister.

Chapter 163: Werewolf!Mirabel Snippet — Part 4

Summary:

Instead of catnip, there’s anise. At least, they’re having fun.

“Does catnip work on you?”

Mirabel’s eyes twitched as she stared at Dolores. “Does catnip—Dolores, please, leave it alone for once.”

Dolores smirked. “Nope, not until you answer the question. Does it?”

Mirabel groaned, rolling her eyes. “I don’t know. I don’t go around sniffing catnip. Why?” She narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

Dolores had a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “For no reason at all.”

Mirabel blinked in realization. “Wait, you know that I’m not a feline, right?” She questioned. “Wolves and felines are different species. Catnip doesn’t work.”

“Oh yeah, you’re right. You’re like a dog.”

Mirabel huffed in annoyance.

“So anise would work for you then.”

“…and they think that Camilo is the worst.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“I heard you.”

“Hopefully.”

“Ouch. You hurt my feelings.”

“I hope you know that you’re my least favorite cousin.”

“Stab me in the back while you’re at it.” Dolores sighed dramatically. 

“Whatever.” Mirabel rolled her eyes playfully. “I’m still suspicious of you.”

Dolores grinned. “Whatever do you mean?”

“Anything that you come up with that involves me never ends well…for me at least.” Mirabel groaned.

“I know you’ll like it this time.”

“That’s not reassuring enough.”

---

It was a few hours later and nothing happened yet. 

Mirabel was beginning to think that Dolores might’ve forgotten.

Thankfully.

That’s when she smelled it.

Isabela walked in her room, 

Mirabel’s eyes were fixated on Isabela, noticing an earthy and relaxing scent coming from her. “What do you have?” Her nose twitched, it was a nice smell.

Isabela shrugged. “I don't know. Dolores wanted me to make something for you.” She held out a plant, walking closer. 

She sniffed the air.

Mirabel observed the plant, the source of the mysterious smell. “You wouldn’t mind if I…?”

“Of course not, it is for you after all.” Isabela said, thinking that Mirabel was just going to take the plant.

That’s when Mirabel inhaled the scent of the plant that had caught her attention from the beginning. 

“That’s…not what I had in mind.” Isabela just looked at her weirdly. “Are you okay?” She pulled the plant back away from Mirabel.

A low-pitched, rumbling sound came from Mirabel. 

Isabela slowly registered what Mirabel did. “Did you just purr?” She blinked in confusion. “I didn’t even know wolves could do that.” She muttered. “Just what did Dolores have me make?”

A smile slowly made its way on Mirabel’s face. “I don’t know, but I like it.” She giggled, her tail wagging ever so slightly, trying to comprehend the scent. She could feel a sense of calm and relaxation wash over her. Her body began to slow and her mind became blank.

Isabela raised an eyebrow, lifting the plant away as Mirabel tried to get closer. “An equivalent of catnip. Great.” She stared at Mirabel, who seemed to have huge pupils with the biggest yet dorkiest smile on her face ever. She doesn’t know how to deal with this. Dolores set her up. “Maybe…you should just stay away from this.”

That’s when Mirabel literally tackled her, causing Isabela to shriek and drop the plant.

Isabela groaned.

Mirabel’s arms were wrapped around Isabela’s torso, head nestled on her stomach. She was purring so loudly that Isabela could feel the vibrations on her body.

“You’re not even a feline!”

Mirabel simply huffed.

Isabela couldn’t even get Mirabel off of her because her wolf form was way too big. At least she was mostly for, so Isabela was comfortable. She just hated the amount of hair that’s going to be in her afterwards.

Mirabel wanted to roll around in the scent and lose herself in its sweetness. She was giggling with joy, her tail wagging enthusiastically. The world seemed like a beautiful place, and everything was just right.

Isabela stroked her fur, there was nothing she could do but accept her fate. She’ll just have to wait it out. She just hoped that Mirabel wouldn’t fall asleep on her. 

Mirabel just seemed to accept Isabela as her pillow.

“Comfy?”

Isabela looked up to see Dolores staring at them with a smug expression.

“Very.” 

When Dolores got closer, Mirabel growled at her.

Isabela bursted out laughing at Dolores’ expression.

It was worth it.

Chapter 164: Cracks Of Doubts

“What I think is that today was very hard for you.”

Mirabel deflated slightly. It was obvious that her mother didn’t believe her about the cracks. “Just say you don’t believe me about the cracks instead of sugarcoating the truth. I’m not drunk, mamà. You know that I wouldn’t touch any alcohol and there shouldn’t be any alcohol at a five year old party anyways. Do you really think that I would lie about something dangerous for attention?”

Julieta went silent for a moment.

It was enough proof for Mirabel.

Mirabel pulled away from her mother’s touch. “Of course.”

“Wait, Mirabel, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just—“

“It’s just what, mamá?” Mirabel had a hurt expression, looking teary-eyed. “Just say you believe abuela instead of me. It’ll save all the trouble. I know what I saw. No matter what abuela or anyone else says.”

“Mija… I don’t believe what your abuela said was true, but…”

“You don’t believe what I saw was true either?” Mirabel guessed. “What do you believe happened then, mamá?”

“I don’t believe that you were drunk, Mirabel. The cracks on the other hand…” Julieta sighed. “I’m not saying that I don’t believe you. Maybe you had mistaken the cracks for one of Antonio’s animals? A snake maybe. I know you wouldn’t do that for attention. I understand, snakes are similar to cracks. Today was hard for you…you may see things that aren’t there because you’re…” She seemed to struggle to find the right word that’s not paranoid. “Anxious.” She said.

“Okay…let’s say that I was anxious and the cracks were actually snakes. Do you think it was okay for abuela to say that?”

Julieta hesitated. “Of course not. She shouldn’t have said that about you. She wasn’t right for saying that.”

Mirabel nodded in agreement. “Mamá, you let her call me a drunk in front of everyone. You didn’t even defend me. Nobody did.” Mirabel looked even more upset than before. “You always take abuela’s words before mine even if you try to deny it. Everyone does.”

“Mirabel, that’s not true. I don’t take your abuela’s words over yours.”

“Really?” Mirabel hardened her gaze. “I can name a lot of times when you did.” She said, daring her mother to disagree with her. “Even if you don’t physically say it, you still let her get away with what she does. You know that abuela has it out for me. She literally tells me to stay out of the way every chance she gets.”

Julieta hesitated. “Your abuela doesn’t have anything against you, Mirabel. Sure, she’s…hard at times, but it’s just who she is. She doesn’t mean anything by it.” Julieta tried to reassure her, but Mirabel only pulled away even further.

“That’s the thing. She wouldn’t say that about anyone else, but me. Not Isabela, not Camilo. Nobody. She thought I was trying to ruin Antonio’s night, more than half the town did! And now I’m going to look crazy, well, even more crazy than the rumors already made me. Rumors that abuela could’ve put a stop to if she just said something. If she wasn’t more insistent on protecting her reputation than her own granddaughter.” Mirabel said bitterly.

“Please, Mirabel, your abuela doesn’t mean it like that. You’re not going to look crazy. She does care about our family before her reputation. That’s such a wild statement. Don’t worry, the rumors will fade away like always. It’s nothing to worry about. They are just rumors.”

Mirabel began to walk away.

“Mirabel, where are you going?”

“Somewhere that’s not here. You’re listening to me, you’re just not hearing me, mamá. Always. I’ve already made a fool out of myself. I don’t see the point in making any more of a fool than I am tonight.” Mirabel scoffed. “Yes, the rumors fade away, but they affect me. I have to hear them and pretend as if I don’t. As if they don’t hurt me. You have one of the most perfect gifts, mamá. You don’t need to worry about anything negative spreading about you. Ever since I was five, I have heard so much negative stuff about me. About me being adopted. Sabotaging the miracle. Something was wrong with me. I did something to deserve this. So much, mamá. Even if it isn’t true, it still hurts me.”

“Mirabel…”

“…Don't you care, mamá? Her words, her actions hurt me.” Mirabel sniffled. “You say that you care…that—that you’re there for me, but you aren’t. I still live in the nursery no matter how many times I bring it up, until I’m shut out. She doesn’t even think of me as a Madrigal because I don’t have a gift. We both see it. You just choose not to acknowledge it and do anything about it.” Mirabel didn’t even care about the gash on her hand or the blood covering it and dripping on the floor. She was more hurt about her mother and abuela brushing off her feelings. “I’m just…” Tears streamed down Mirabel’s cheeks. “I’m just tired. No matter what I do, it’s never enough.”

Julieta was stunned by Mirabel’s rant. She wasn’t aware that Mirabel felt like this. It was happening right in front of her and she was unaware of it? No, like Mirabel said, she chose not to acknowledge it.

“Mija, I…I do care. I can even ask Casita to make you a new room, no matter what your abuela says! You are a Madrigal. You are enough.” Julieta said, gently.

Mirabel didn’t relax in the slightest or seemed to believe her.

Not when she heard those words so many times and nothing ever changed.

And who does Julieta have to blame if she thought that this situation seemed familiar?

Chapter 165: The Greatest Gift Of Them All — Part 2

It’s been almost a year since Mirabel was gone. Pronounced dead.

They finally finished rebuilding Casita after a few months.

They know that it would never be the same without Mirabel.

One Madrigal returned, while the other Madrigal left.

All at the same time.

They had to bury Mirabel Madrigal.

Even if the cause of her death was unknown.

She wasn’t injured at all from when she went for the candle except for a few scratches. No major injury. No brain damage. Forced trauma.

Her heart just stopped.

How could they truly call it a home when the person who made it a home was gone?

That’s what the Madrigals had thought until Casita returned.

The miracle was back.

They weren’t happy.

How could they be?

Mirabel died trying to save the miracle.

It was a bittersweet moment.

That was until they went deeper into Casita.

…

It was Mirabel.

She looked happy to see them, but not as surprised as them.

“I’ve been waiting for you all.” Mirabel smiled as she got up. It was only a second before she was in someone’s arms.

“M-Mirabel?”

Agustín looked around. “I’m not—I’m not hallucinating, am I?” He laughed in disbelief.

“I think I’m pretty real.” Mirabel responded with a laugh. “It would be insane for all of you to be hallucinating me. I’m real. I’m alive. I'm back.” 

She was?

Mirabel Madrigal, whose heart had stopped, whose body they saw.

She was real.

Was she here to stay?

“H-how are you back? We b-buried you! Your heart wasn’t beating! You weren’t breathing!”

Mirabel just nodded. “I am…or was dead. You all did bury me. The miracle brought me back once again.”

“Again?”

“I didn’t realize it back then, but…I did have a gift.” Mirabel said hesitantly, hugging them back. “It is strange. I’ve died before.” She told them as they gasped.

Julieta’s eyes widened even more. “What?”

“That is how I got my gift. I was around— only a few months old when I first died.” Mirabel looked at them for their reactions. It wasn’t a good reaction as expected.

“What!?”

The Madrigals were horrified by the information Mirabel told them. To find out that this wasn’t even the first time that Mirabel died.

“I gained a gift early on, b-but, it’s not your fault. I was born too early and couldn’t function well. Couldn’t breath well either and…you all can guess the rest. Of course I didn’t know that at the time because I was only a baby. I didn’t get a…gift that day because I would never live long enough to truly use it.”

The Madrigals quickly connected the dots. It hurts knowing that Mirabel has died once and they were unaware of it. She was still an infant. 

“S-so….without the miracle, y-you’ll just be d-dead?”

Mirabel nodded hesitantly. “Yes, my life does depend on the miracle.” She said. “B-but, I doubt that Casita would just fall again!” That didn’t reassure any of the Madrigals.

“You died.”

Mirabel smiled in confusion. “Y-yes?”

“You died and you’re worried about Casita falling again!?”

“I’m…I’m sorry?”

“How are you okay with this!? You died twice! You’re only fifteen and you—you—“

“—I already came to terms with my death. It doesn’t bother me as much as it did when I first found out. I just…don’t really mind it or try to think of it.” Mirabel grimaced. “Since my life depends on the miracle…I’m naturally going to worry if it’s going to fall one day or not because that day will be my last.”

They stared at her in bewilderment. They hated that Mirabel just accepted that she had died so easily. She was only fifteen and she went through so much. It was too much of a burden for a fifteen year old.

“We…we missed you, mija.”

But, they couldn’t complain when they finally had Mirabel back.

“We’re so glad that you’re back.”

They hadn’t seen and heard for almost a year. 

“Please…don’t do anything so r-reckless and stupid like that again.”

They were so lucky.

Mirabel didn’t die from Casita falling on her or anything like that. It was because the miracle died. At least that sounded….painless. They hoped so.

But, they also knew that it should have never gone to that extent.

Mirabel shouldn’t have been the one to fix their family problems.

She shouldn’t have felt the need. 

The pressure was too much.

For all of them.

Mirabel just happened to have the worst of it all.

“Wait, what about the body that we buried?”

…

“What?”

“That sounds ominous when you say that.” Mirabel groaned. “Considering that I’m here, I doubt that my body is still buried underground. Hopefully.” She muttered under her breath. “But, hey, at least I have a coffin prepared for me beforehand!”

Julieta sniffled. “Mirabel…” 

“Sorry, mamá. Too soon.”

“And…uhm, Mirabel?”

“Yeah?”

One of the most noticeable changes about Mirabel was the white curl in Mirabel’s hair.

“What’s with your hair? It looks badass, but…”

Mirabel shrugged. “I’m actually not too sure. I didn’t get told about that. I think it has to do with the fact that I already died twice. I am practically sixteen.”

“Sixteen?”

Mirabel looked at them with a confused expression. “Sixteen. My birthday has passed.”

“Wait—hold up, dead people count their age?”

“Camilo!”

“When I was… stuck, I was aware of the date. All of it was like a dream to me. A very long dream.” Mirabel cleared her throat. There was no need to tell them that she met her abuelo Pedro.

After all, he was the one to inform her about her first death and helped her.

It would only cause more chaos.

Chapter 166: Be Careful What You Wish For

Notes:

Merry Christmas everyone!

“I wish you weren’t part of this family! All you do is mess things up! You didn’t get a gift! You made Bruno leave! All of this is because of you! You’re ruining our reputation!” Alma yelled harshly. “Everything you touch gets destroyed!”

“I didn’t—I didn’t—“ Mirabel stammered, but it was no use as Alma continued yelling. She backed up, before running away, tears welling up in her eyes. It hurts knowing that her abuela didn’t even want her to be a part of her family. She didn’t even do it, it was Isabela. She was just as easy scapegoat to the rest of them.

But that wasn’t the part that hurt the most.

It was the fact that nobody defended her. 

Not even her parents.

She was gone in a blink of an eye.

They didn’t go after her.

Nobody noticed the way that the candle’s flame flickered, the flame dimmer than before.

---

When the Madrigals woke up, it was quiet.

Everyone was tense after what was said last night.

But, they still continued on their day as if nothing happened. They knew that Mirabel would be back. It’ll brush over.

That was until they saw someone, who has been gone for ten years. He was staring at the family tree.

“Bruno!?”

Bruno didn’t look as shocked as them when he saw them. Almost as if he expected this.

“B-Bruno, you’re ba—“

Bruno looked uncharacteristically angry, cutting her off. “Just what did you do?” His question was directed toward Alma, paying no mind to the other Madrigals.

Bruno’s gift was connected to time.

He knew when something was off.

“What are you talking about? You’re back!”

“Not for the right reasons!” Bruno exclaimed. “You…you messed something up, our time! And you’re going to fix it.”

The Madrigals were confused.

Bruno sighed, looking disappointed, but he didn’t expect anything less from them. “Fix your mess with Mirabel.”

They were stunned.

“W-what?”

“You just came back and you say that?”

“You were gone for ten years!”

“It was Mirabel, wasn’t it?”

Bruno pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance. “I have no idea what you did or said. I didn’t come back or even want to come back. The miracle brought me back.” He told them.

“W-wait, what—“

“I wasn’t dead either.”

With that, Bruno walked off, leaving the Madrigals in shock.

“He comes back after being gone for ten years just to leave again!?”

“What does he mean that the miracle brought him back?”

Julieta frowned. “…Mamá, what you said to Mirabel was just cruel.”

Alma looked slightly guilty. “I admit, it was a rash thing to say.” She sighed. “I’ll apologize when she comes back.”

Isabela rolled her eyes. “She’s just being dramatic.”

“Isabela…”

“What? It’s true.”

“…Nevermind.”

“I’ll just go find her.” Julieta was still shocked by her brother’s appearance. What was it with him disappearing and coming back when Mirabel’s involved? She had a lot to say to him and she was sure that others did too. He left just as quickly as she saw him.

Julieta left Casita.

…

Now that Julieta thought about it, she had no idea where Mirabel could be.

Mirabel just ran out without a word.

She didn’t even know where Mirabel could be staying. She really hoped that Mirabel didn’t sleep outside.

Maybe she should’ve asked Dolores?

Probably.

Knowing Mirabel, she would be hiding away somewhere. They wouldn’t hear a peep from her after that.

It was about half an hour later before Julieta finally spotted Mirabel.

Mirabel was currently tending to some flowers with a pleased expression. Julieta let out a sigh of relief. At least Mirabel didn’t seem to be feeling sad about what Alma said. Something that shouldn’t have been said nonetheless.

Guess not.

“Mirabel, there you are!”

Mirabel looked at her with a confused expression. “Excuse me?” She looked as if she would rather be anywhere else but with her. 

“I was looking for you.”

“You were looking for me…why?”

“Why wouldn’t I, mija? I’m sorry that I let your abuela say that to you.” Julieta apologized as she held onto Mirabel. “I should've stepped in or something. Your abuela and sister didn’t mean that. They’re jus—“

“What are you talking about, Julieta?” Mirabel gently pushed Julieta away, the older woman’s eyes widened at her daughter calling her by her first name. “I think you’ve mistaken me for Isabela or Luisa. I don’t know how but…I don’t want to pry into your family’s issues. Maybe you should take a nap if you’re feeling tired or…seeing things.” She looked awkward. 

“W-wait, what are you talking about? Is this because of what your abuela said? Please, you’ll always be a part of the Madrigals. No matter what she says.”

“I’m not a Madrigal…I don’t want to be one either.” Mirabel rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. “No offense of course!” Julieta just stared at Mirabel in shock. “…Are you okay?” She looked concerned.

“I’m…not.” Julieta stammered, remembering her mother’s words. This couldn’t be happening, right? The miracle wouldn’t actually grant Alma’s wish, right? Mirabel is just playing along with this…very cruel prank. “What’s your last name?”

“Valentina…not Madrigal.” Mirabel said slowly. “Maybe you should get healed up?”

Is this what Bruno meant when he said they messed up their time? 

“Woah—are you okay? I’m sorry, did I say something that upset you?”

Julieta wasn’t aware of her own tears until her vision blurred.

She wiped her eyes. “No…no, you didn’t.”

Mirabel wouldn’t do something so cruel.

Alma really did wish Mirabel away into another family. She wasn’t a Madrigal anymore.

Mirabel still looked worried.

“…I’ll just…g-go. I’m sorry for bothering you.” Julieta apologized, trembling.

“…It’s…okay.” Was all that Mirabel said to her, before she left.

Julieta prayed that this wasn’t permanent.

She cannot imagine a world where Mirabel isn’t her daughter. Where Mirabel treats her like a stranger.

Why did her mother have to say that?

She’ll never forgive Alma if this is permanent.

---

Alma was in a bad mood.

Julieta outright refused to listen to her and heal anyone.

The weather was a mess because of Pepa.

Bruno didn’t even say a word to her or anyone else after being gone for ten years.

At least Isabela is perfect.

It was all because of Mirabel.

Isabela was right, Mirabel was being dramatic.

People were beginning to question what was going on with Julieta. People were obviously hurt and Julieta was a no show.

Julieta said that she wouldn’t heal anyone unless she apologized to Mirabel and everything was back to normal.

Alma didn’t understand what Julieta meant until she explained it to her.

Mirabel wasn’t a Madrigal?

As if.

She was obviously faking it.

Some of the others seemed to agree with her, while the others were in silent disagreement.

She’d have to scold her for making her mother upset and pulling a prank.

Since they both were obviously in the wrong. 

Julieta had told her where Mirabel was at and where she was staying.

Honestly, it was ridiculous.

She didn’t think Mirabel could be this petty.

She went to find Mirabel.

It was easy.

She was exactly where Julieta had told her.

“Mirabel!”

Mirabel was startled from the harsh voice of Alma. “Yes?”

“I’ve had enough of this!”

Mirabel wasn’t the one to respond, her mother was.

“Why are you yelling at my daughter like some madman?” Catalina had asked with a scowl. “I don’t care if you’re the matriarch. If you’re going to speak to my daughter, you’re going to talk to her with respect. I don’t condone any of this.”

Alma looked flabbergasted at the appearance of Catalina. She slowly took in her words. “Daughter?”

“Mirabel is my daughter, yes.”

Mirabel looked uncomfortable.

Alma sighed, shaking her head, turning her attention to Mirabel. She ignored Catalina in the process, making her scoff. “…Look, I know what I said last night was rude of me. I shouldn’t have said it all. I don’t how you got her roped into this. But you shouldn’t get strangers involved in our family’s business. Your mother is getting upset and refusing to heal people because of this.”

Both of Catalina’s eyebrows rose.

One of Mirabel’s eyes twitched. So, Julieta Madrigal wasn’t the only Madrigal thinking she was a part of their family. Great.

Catalina turned to Mirabel. “Your mother is getting upset and refusing to heal people because of this?” 

Mirabel shrugged. “I’m not too…sure what that’s about.”

“Your mother is getting upset and refusing to heal people because of this?” Catalina repeated, while looking at Alma.

Alma’s eyebrows furrowed. “I’m confused.”

“I’m glad I’m not the only one confused.” Catalina said, hardening her gaze. “What exactly did you say to Mirabel that was rude and our family?”

“It’s not your business. It’s strictly family.”

Catalina laughed in disbelief. “You came to my daughter and started shouting accusations at her. Have you hit your head? You keep insisting that Mirabel is a Madrigal. She isn’t. She certainly isn’t Julieta’s daughter either. I remember giving birth to my beautiful daughter.”

“I really don’t want to be one.” Mirabel murmured.

Alma looked at Catalina as if she was the crazy one. She wasn’t Mirabel’s mother, Julieta was. Alma was there when Mirabel was born. “What are you talking about?”

“What are you talking about?”

…

“…You know, Julieta Madrigal came up to me thinking the same thing.” Mirabel spoke up after a moment of silence. “It would be insane for all of you to think the same thing or have the same dream. I think it has something to do with your…miracle. Hopefully not a prophecy. I’m not a Madrigal…and I already have a boyfriend.”

Alma was stunned.

Mirabel looked serious as she spoke, while Catalina looked a second away from snapping at Alma. 

What she had said to Mirabel last night couldn’t have happened, right?

She didn’t really wish Mirabel away to a different family, right?

Now that she thought about it, Mirabel was missing from the family tree and mural.

The miracle wouldn’t really grant her wish when she didn’t mean it.

Bruno was wrong.

Right?

Chapter 167: A Empty Shell Of Him

Mirabel Madrigal.

Alma didn’t know when it began. When she began seeing Pedro in Mirabel. She thinks it started the moment that Mirabel was born.

As she grew up, Alma began to compare.

Mirabel was just so similar to him. She was outgoing. She always offered to help someone. The shade of her eyes. Everything like Pedro.

If Mirabel was a man, Alma would’ve believed that Mirabel was Pedro reincarnated. It’s stupid, isn’t it?

When Mirabel’s door faded away, Alma just knew that Mirabel would be special. She didn’t need a gift to show how amazing she will be. To prove herself.

Mirabel Madrigal was special the moment she was born.

Alma believed that Mirabel was like Pedro even more when Casita showed signs of favoring Mirabel. Casita never did that with her children and grandchildren. Mirabel could even communicate with Casita.

It was truly a spectacular sight.

It was obvious to everyone else that Mirabel was Alma’s favorite. Even if the other Madrigals weren't such a fan of her favoritism. It made the other grandchildren feel left out much to the adults’ dismay.

It was odd to the triplets to see their mother showing such obvious favoritism and affection towards Mirabel.

…

At first Mirabel didn’t mind the affection from her abuela. If anything, she loved it. 

As she grew up, it was just overbearing.

Her abuela took her under her wing. She made Mirabel play a lot of instruments until she was perfect in Alma’s standards. 

She was also taught how to write poems, which Mirabel didn’t mind at first until that was all she could do in her free time. It wasn’t enjoyable anymore when her abuela seemed to force the hobby on her.

She learned how to sew and embroider which Mirabel actually enjoyed.

Her abuela wanted her to be perfect. She taught her how to be perfect.

Being perfect meant following after her abuela’s steps.

It meant listening to her abuela’s words.

It meant to stop hanging out with her cousins and sisters.

It meant to not hang out with people that her abuela considered bad influences.

It meant to attend the Encanto’s council and meetings with her abuela.

She had to be on top of everything.

Her abuelo was, so she should too.

She didn’t want to disappoint Alma.

She had to fit in her standards. 

Who truly was Mirabel?

---

Bruno knew better than anyone else to not mess with time. That it was so easy to ruin your future, someone else’s future.

That was exactly what Alma was doing to Mirabel.

“Hey, kid?”

“Yes?” Mirabel responded, turning to look at her uncle. “I don’t think you should call me kid either. Abuela says that I’m a growing woman, I don’t think she’ll appreciate that.”

“Uh…right.” Bruno said awkwardly. “What are you doing?”

Mirabel hummed, turning back to her paper. “I’m studying for my upcoming test on Friday. I don’t want to fail.”

“…Why don’t you take a break? I’m pretty sure that you’ve been studying since we ate breakfast.”

“Oh no, I can’t do that. I always study and that’s how I pass. I can’t get anything below a perfect score. I don’t want to disappoint abuela.”  Mirabel told him.

Bruno briefly looked confused. Mirabel was on top of everything. She had straight A’s. Every time Bruno saw Mirabel, she was studying for something. He doubted that she would fail even if she tried. She always got a one hundred on any assignment. Her grades were above average. She was too smart for her age. He doesn’t think he has ever seen her relax. He knew the reason why. 

Bruno doesn’t even think that Mirabel has friends her age. She only hangs with older people because of Alma. Actually, he’s sure that Mirabel doesn’t have any friends. Only acquaintances.

He feels bad for her.

His mother went too far with this.

He and his siblings don't like the fact that Alma seems insistent on coddling Mirabel like this. Especially Julieta. Mirabel was too mature for her age.

“Did you come into my room just to tell me that? If that’s all then my answer is no. I won’t be able to take a break. I’m busy. You could ask one of my siblings or cousins for…whatever you want. I’m sure they would accept. I don’t have time to be goofing off or having… fun.” Mirabel seemed strangely bitter as she continued to write on her paper.

“…I had a vision about you before.”

That caught Mirabel’s attention.

“Was it a good vision?” For once throughout the entire conversation, Mirabel showed some emotion. She looked anxious.

“It wasn’t… too bad.”

“But, it wasn’t good either.” Mirabel said, firmly. “Does abuela know of your vision?”

No.

No, she doesn’t.

“It doesn’t matter. It was about you.”

If Alma continued on like this, Mirabel would end up cracking. If she keeps following Alma’s words, she would never be happy. No matter what was done. 

He looked into Mirabel’s future multiple times.

There was one where she was standing in front of a cracked Casita.

Then…it slowly changed.

There was one with Mirabel being the future matriarch, standing next to a man that Bruno wasn’t familiar with. Mirabel looked uncomfortable as she smiled in the vision.

And…there were some visions that were darker than the others.

He saw visions of Mirabel hanging herself.

Running away.

All unhappy visions.

Mirabel would be unhappy if Alma kept projecting Pedro on Mirabel.

He didn’t want her to be like someone that’s deceased. As much as it hurts him to say this, but the dead should stay in the past.

Out of all his visions, there were only a few where Mirabel was actually happy and not pretending.

It would take family effort and finally convincing Alma to stop whatever she’s doing because Mirabel isn’t Pedro. She shouldn’t have to be like him. Mirabel should enjoy things that she likes herself, not something that was forced upon her. She should be having fun. She shouldn’t be forced to grow up.

Mirabel felt the air change around her. She could tell that Bruno was upset.

She hated upsetting people.

Especially her family members.

It only ended badly.

The mask that Mirabel had on finally cracked.

“I’m—I’m sorry. W-Who do you want me to be? What do you want me to do?” Mirabel looked desperate as she apologized. 

Bruno doesn’t know who Mirabel really is.

“Yourself.”  

He doesn’t think that Mirabel knows who she is either.

Chapter 168: A Empty Shell Of Him — Part 2

When Mirabel entered her room, she didn’t expect to find her cousins and sisters there. She swallowed, feeling nervous. She didn’t like this. She started to take a step back, only for Luisa to stop her.

She was cornered.

Trapped was more fitting.

“What’s happening?” Mirabel finally decided to ask.

“So, I heard that abuela is starting to set you up with some suitors. A lot actually. People that would fit in her standard.” Dolores said.

Mirabel nodded. “Yes.”

“You’re only fifteen.” Isabela said, looking frustrated that her sister didn’t even understand what the problem was.

Mirabel nodded once again. “Yes, I am. How does that relate to abuela finding me suitors?”

Camilo groaned. “You’re fifteen. The same age as me, only a few months younger, yet abuela is trying to arrange a relationship, possibly marriage for you. She doesn’t do that for any of us.”

Mirabel blinked. “Do you all want her to arrange a relationship for you all? I can suggest it to abuela and she’ll agree.”

“You’re not understanding.”

Mirabel’s expressions changed gradually, her body becoming tense. She looked as if she was trying her best to stay composed. “…No, I am not. I’m sorry.” She apologized, hesitantly. She felt like a child for not understanding what they meant. She could tell that they were getting more upset. She didn’t want to disappoint them. “Can you please…clarify?” 

“You’re a child.” Dolores didn’t seem annoyed, just concerned. “Abuela shouldn’t be deciding your future at all or who you marry. She’s stuck in the past.”

“You’re so… stiff, Mirabel. She doesn’t even want you hanging out with us! She’s controlling your life and everything you do. It’s not healthy.” Luisa explained. “Everyone else sees it, but you and abuela.”

“She’s trying to make you perfect. She’s already succeeded. I know that because she was doing the same things with me until you were born.” Isabela grimaced at the memory. “We can see that she’s trying to convert you into abuelo Pedro. It’s insane! She’s setting you up with people like her! It’s weird too. Does mamá know?”

“I don’t—I don’t want to talk about this.” Mirabel avoided their gazes, also avoiding the question. “It makes me…” Uncomfortable? She would never say that to anyone. She didn’t want to ruin things even if it made her uncomfortable. “Tense.”

“You’re already tense, Mirabel.” Camilo pointed out, looking unimpressed. “We’re not trying to force you, we’re trying to make a point. A point that has already been proven.”

“Then leave if the point is already proven.” Mirabel didn’t mean to come off so sharp. It was an accident, really. 

They looked surprised by Mirabel’s sudden harshness.

Isabela couldn’t fight back the smirk that formed on her face. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you angry since you were five. Not even snapping.”

“It was a mistake.”

“Is it? We pushed your buttons. Get angry, hermanita. Snap at us for doing this to you.”

“Isa…” Dolores warned.

“What? I want her to feel something, not be some emotionless robot who follows abuela’s every move and order.”

Luisa narrowed her eyes. “Isabela.”

Mirabel’s lips twitched downward. Mirabel didn’t dare speak up to her abuela. Her abuelo never did. At least that’s what her abuela told her. “I’m not an emotionless robot. I feel things like everyone else.”

Isabela chuckled. “You don’t deny the second part though?”

Mirabel’s lips pursed. “Can you all get out of my room? I have important things to do and work on. Every second in this conversation is wasting time.”

“Is it that hard for me to just want my sister back?”

How can you want your sister back when you never even knew her in the first place?

That was what Mirabel wanted to ask, instead she turned around, continuing to work on her paperwork. 

“You don’t even acknowledge Antonio. You treat him as if he doesn’t exist along with the rest of us, Mirabel. I bet you don’t even know who he is.”

Mirabel’s fist tightened. “I do know who he is. He is Pepa’s youngest child. Our cousin. Dolores and Camilo’s little brother.”

“His age?”

Mirabel paused. His age? He was younger than her and Camilo. He didn’t have his ceremony yet, did he? “This is a waste of time.”

“Easier question then, Mirabel. My age?” Isabela asked.

“You’re…” Mirabel knew that Isabela was around the same age as Dolores. She was older, right? Or was she younger than Dolores? Isabela was the oldest, Luisa was the middle child, and she was the youngest. Isabela was definitely older than Luisa, who was… was what? She couldn’t have forgotten their age, right? She was there for their birthdays. How old were they? She only knew Camilo’s age.

All of them stared at Mirabel in shock.

“You don’t know how old I am.” Isabela laughed in disbelief. “You don’t know how old they are either, do you?”

Mirabel remained silent, although she was internally panicking. She wasn’t that lost, right?

“You’re unbelievable, Mirabel. Just what has abuela done to you?”

Mirabel could name many things, but she didn’t dare speak up.

---

Mirabel didn’t know why she didn’t expect them to tell their parents about what happened.

She didn’t see the problem at first.

Was there a problem?

“Stop trying to make her be someone that’s dead!”

There was…apparently.

“How can you say that to your own mother!?”

“Because I’m right!”

“She doesn’t even know who she is because of you! You’re deciding every single thing for her! I know that I should’ve stopped you the second you started taking her to those board meetings!”

“The exact moment you forbade her from seeing her sisters and cousins! What type of grandmother tells their granddaughter that!?”

“They would distract her!”

“She’s fifteen! She’s still a child!”

“She’s a growing woman!”

“Growing woman!? That’s still a child! Changing the words up doesn’t change reality!”

“I don’t see the problem! You’re all making a big deal out of nothing!”

“Why the fuck are you setting my daughter up with adults!?”

“They’re not adults!”

“She’s a minor! Anyone over the age of and eighteen is an adult! You shouldn’t be trying to marry her off anyways!”

“No! Mirabel, nieta, tell them—“

Mirabel froze up when the attention was on her. For once, she was losing control of her emotions so freely and becoming upset. Her upset gradually grew and her frustration was becoming harder to conceal. She didn’t like this. She was put on the spot. Everyone was arguing. They weren’t right. This isn’t right. 

She watched as cracks began to form everywhere. Her voice was at the tip of her tongue, but she couldn’t speak. She caused this, didn’t see? She disappointed everyone. Her abuela. This can’t…be right.

“You don’t have to force he—“

“You know that she—“

“What are you doing—“

“You don’t know what you’re doi—“

“You can’t jus—“

“You failed to se—“

“I didn't mean to lea—“

“I’m doing this because I lov—“

She was perfect.

Right?

Her abuela only meant well, right?

It was impossible for Mirabel to crack under pressure.

The only person who could truly cause her to break is her family, especially her abuela.

And…

They cared about her.

They were defending her. 

They were doing this for her.

Not for Pedro Madrigal.

For Mirabel Madrigal.

“Mirabel!”

Mirabel looked at her abuela, unsure what she wanted her to say, to do. To defend her? To say that she wanted this? That she wanted to act like someone who’s deceased? She didn’t.

And no matter what she does.

No matter what she says.

The lengths she goes through for her.

“I’ll never be good enough for you, will I?”

For once, her voice was loud enough to be heard. It was louder and more forceful than usual. She wasn’t afraid to express her anger, to finally stand up for herself. It was something that couldn’t be ignored or suppressed.

Chapter 169: A Empty Shell Of Him — Part 3

Notes:

A Second Chance At Life & To Be A Mother Again are the only fics I need to work on then everything will be ready for the 31st.

“W-what are you talking about?” Alma was stunned by Mirabel speaking up against her. Her usual neutral expression was twisted into anger. She never wanted her— Pedro to be angry at her. “Everything that I have been doing is for you! For the better of your future!”

“But, I don’t want this future!” Mirabel yelled, everyone else as stunned as Alma. “Do you know how many things I’ve done for your sake, not mine!?”

“If—if you didn’t want to then you could’ve said something!”

“Would you have listened? No! I can’t say no to you because abuelo Pedro never said no! He has done everything that I’m doing with no problem! I should be able to do it with ease too!”

“Mirabel, I—“

“—I try so hard to fit into your standards! To be perfect for you! It’s never enough! Perfect grades are never enough for you! My talents that you forced on me are never enough for you! You always want more!”

“Nieta, that’s n-not true!” Alma exclaimed, weakly. The rest of the Madrigals watched them with shocked expressions. 

They weren’t aware that Mirabel felt like this, since she was always near Alma and kept to herself. They felt guilty. They were at fault too for making this go on for so long.

“I hate this!” Mirabel briefly glanced at her sisters and cousins. “I don’t know them! Nothing! I only know their gifts and names! How can I even consider them—how can they consider me family when you want me to avoid them and not hang out with them at all!?”

“They would distract you!”

“I just wanted to be normal!”

“You aren’t! None of us are!”

“Even then, you’re still making excuses! I just wanted to be a child! To act my age! It’s impossible with you f-forcing me to do things that I don’t like!”

“I—“

“The people that you wanted to set me up with—I don’t like any of them! They only want to use our last name as a status! I don’t even want a relationship! No less with someone five years older than me and more! I don’t like any of this!”

Bruno glanced around, noticing multiple cracks spreading throughout Casita, and it didn’t look like it was stopping anytime soon. He looked at the candle, which was too dim.

He wasn’t the only one to notice.

“W-wait—“

“Guys—“

“You want me to be him!”

“No—“

“I can’t be him! I’m never good enough for you! Nobody is ever good enough for you…and…and…” Mirabel broke down into sobs. “I’ll never be him either…”

Bruno’s tower comes falling down—it was faster than anyone expected—taking down a chuck of Casita as it was falling down—right on top of—

“Mirabel!”

Everyone had gone separate ways as everything was crashing down. They had no time to actually process what was happening and just knew they needed to go.

Everyone seemed to be concerned about the others, calling out each others’ name due to them leaving out different parts of Casita.

And Casita?

Casita was no more.

Chapter 170: The Gift Of Empathy

Notes:

It would be strange if I didn’t update my main fic

Mirabel considered her gift a blessing, just like the others. A gift of empathy. She liked it. She understood how others were feeling. She was able to connect with people. To put herself in other people’s shoes. 

Her abuela thought so too.

It was amazing at first.

It was great to feel the joy and love as everyone else. Her heart was always warmed by everyone’s emotions. She liked relating and understanding other people’s emotions.

Then…it wasn’t.

The pain she felt around some people made it hard to breathe. The grief. The pain. Anger. Hatred. It was so much, yet so little.

As quickly as she enjoyed her gift, she began to dislike it. 

She experienced other people’s emotions as if they were her own. She struggled and was bothered by the intense feelings. 

It was overwhelming.

There were days when she didn’t know who it came from.

There were days when she didn’t know how to help the person.

She couldn’t suppress her empathy or try stopping herself from feeling other people’s emotions. It was always on. Even when she’s sleeping. 

Did she consider her gift of empathy a curse?

Maybe.

A burden at most.

She couldn’t control her gift at all and it made life difficult for her.

But wasn’t that the same with the others?

Pepa?

Bruno?

Dolores?

Luisa?

Camilo?

She tried to think about her gift in a positive light. 

She should be grateful. 

Mirabel is happy that she’s not the only one hurting.

Even when she felt like tearing her hair out when she could feel the exhaustion, sadness, anger, desire, heartache, grief from her family members. 

There was an unspoken rule for her to not speak out about the way her family members feel most times. 

The grief that Alma felt—the day that she pointed it out, Alma had pulled her aside and told her to not speak out about it. To ignore the way that she feels. Mirabel knew better than to not listen to her abuela.

The exhaustion that Julieta and Luisa felt—her mother didn’t want Mirabel to worry and just brushed it off to the side, Luisa did the same. It was nothing to be concerned about. They were simply helping the Encanto. What would the Encanto be without their healer and the strong one? 

The desire that Isabela felt—Mirabel didn’t understand what Isabela could’ve possibly desired that she already didn’t have. That’s until she looked deeper. Freedom. Mirabel never had a conversation with Isabela about that because her desire was stronger than anyone else’s. She was pretty sure that Isabela would snap at her. Thankfully, Mirabel could tell what’s real and what’s fake.

The heartache that Dolores felt—Mirabel wouldn’t dare speak about the way Dolores longs for Mariano, Isabela’s fiancé. She knows that Dolores would also never go behind Isabela’s back or even confess to Mariano.

Mirabel couldn’t be around Pepa for too long. Out of everyone, Pepa overwhelmed her the most. Her emotions were everywhere. It sucked. Mirabel wanted to hang out with her aunt, but couldn’t. Fortunately, Pepa had figured it out pretty quickly when Mirabel got her gift. 

The sadness that everyone felt after Bruno left—

The anger—the accusations against each other when something goes wrong—of course they wouldn’t say it aloud or even choose to acknowledge it or tell the person.

Mirabel would just feel it.

Her family, the Madrigals, all of their emotions were haywire. Including Bruno’s.

What could she do anyways?

She was only seven—ten—twelve—fifteen.

She was only fifteen.

A fifteen year old girl.

She could offer them comfort.

Her family wouldn’t accept it, but the townspeople would.

Even if she didn’t personally understand it, she would have to. She has to use her gift somehow. 

Even when it makes her nauseous being around so many people—when it makes her want to hide away from everyone—she has to help them.

She can’t be selfish.

It's all for the Encanto.

Her abuela.

That’s why she endured for so long. That’s why JulietaPepaBrunoIsabelaDoloresLuisaCamilo they endured it for so long.

That’s why she forces herself to smile even when she’s exhausted because if Julieta and Isabela do it daily— what makes her so different? She’s not.

That’s why she forces herself to please everyone else even at the cost of her mental state because if Pepa, Luisa, and Camilo can do it so easily— why should she be in a bad mood when they can be happy? She should be grateful .

That’s why she forces herself to be at breakfast with her family because if Dolores can’t—even when she’s hurting, why should she? Even when she feels like passing out or throwing up. She’s not special.

It’s something that Mirabel knows about her family. Information that Mirabel would be better if not knowing, but she has no choice.

She helps them.

She’ll help them every day until they’re better.

She’ll move on from one person to the next to make sure they’re feeling better for that day. 

She’ll get rid of their pain, even if it’s temporary.

She was too focused on everybody else’s pain, she didn’t even think about hers. It was hard figuring out what feelings belonged to her and feelings that belonged to others.

Feeling everything is like feeling nothing, you just have to notice it.

She felt everything.

She felt everyone else’s pain, their suffering. 

She felt so much until she didn’t feel at all.

The worst part about her gift?

She can feel their pain and they can’t feel hers. 

And nobody would notice until it was too late.

Chapter 171: Silence Is Always The Answer Snippet

Notes:

It’s officially 2024! Happy New Year! I enjoyed my time writing and reading everyone’s comments. I hope everyone has a great night and forward. This year will be better than the last. 🫶

When Casita collapsed and they found Mirabel, they slowly began to realize that Mirabel hadn’t said one word since she was found. She was just silent. It was unusual for a usually cheery and talkative girl.

Cheery and talkative?

Those two adjectives didn’t seem to fit Mirabel at all. Now that they thought about it, even when Mirabel was arguing with Alma, it seemed more one-sided. It was like Mirabel could barely get any words in with Alma, but she did get the last word with Alma.

It was shocking.

When Mirabel was confronted about the vision at the dinner table when they first saw it, she hadn’t said a word. She seemed just as shocked as them. That was until she ran off and everything fell apart. Literally.

Alma had mentioned that when they were at the river, Mirabel did speak. Even if it was only a few words, she had talked.

They thought that Mirabel might’ve been hurt, that dust might’ve got in her throat making her struggle to talk. Days later, she still hadn’t said a word to them. She did her best to not have a conversation with them. it hurt their feelings, but they knew that this was nothing compared to what they did to Mirabel.

They didn’t know what they did wrong. It was simply too much to keep count. They thought they were getting better, they are. They’ll gladly have Mirabel ignore them just to hear her voice again. Or for her to at least tell them what they did wrong, so they could make it up to her.

“Do…you think we did something wrong?”

Pepa scoffed. “The true question is what did we not do wrong?”

“She has a point there.”

Julieta resisted the urge to sigh into her hands. She hated that she didn’t know what to do. How to solve their problems. A simple arepa can heal any physical injuries, not mental. It can’t make up for the pain that they caused Mirabel in the past. Now. “Pepa…”

“What?” Pepa knew what she asked was harsh, but it was the truth. What had they not done wrong? They fucked up with Bruno. They fucked up with Mirabel.  

Julieta’s lips turned downward as she stared at her younger sister. “…You’re not making the situation any better.”

“I’m sorry.” Pepa said. “What do you—“ Her lips thinned. “What do you want me to say? Lie?” She shook her head. “…I can't sugarcoat the situation. I’m sorry, Julieta.”

“We’re all worried and—and we’re all not too sure what to do. I don’t think the situation will get any better by arguing with each other.”

“Arguing?” Julieta and Pepa questioned simultaneously.

Félix stared at the sisters in slight amusement. “Erm, bickering.” 

“Eh.”

“Uh…I think we’re going off topic?”

“Not really when we don’t have a solution to said topic.” Isabela huffed. She thought that they were doing better. Mirabel helped her be her true self. It was strange to see Mirabel like this.

Camilo rolled his eyes. “I don’t see you coming up with anything.”

Isabela narrowed her eyes. “Anything isn’t working right now, so I’m stumped, Camilo. We tried nearly everything and she just—just won’t speak to us.”

Dolores squeaked.

“Wouldn’t Bruno know, since—since he seems much closer to her than we are? Somehow.”

Bruno looked up at the mention of his name, everybody else was already staring at him.

A heavy silence filled the room.

“Do you…know what’s wrong? Why is she so silent?”

Bruno blinked. “I don’t…think that it’s my place to tell. Honestly, I, uh, I don’t even know what you guys want me to say. Just because I was in the walls doesn’t mean that I spied on everyone everyday. I don’t know everything.” 

“Not—“ Julieta swallowed. “Not like that, Bruno.”

“I know what you mean.” Bruno said, strained. “And—wouldn’t, uhm, wouldn’t it be better to actually go talk to her like a normal person instead of sneaking around like this?” Bruno raised an eyebrow. He didn’t know much about Mirabel, but he did have a picture of how their family treated Mirabel. It wasn’t pretty. If they kept sneaking around like this, Mirabel would get suspicious if she wasn’t already. Mirabel is an over-thinker. She’ll think something is wrong. That something will go wrong. “We—we don’t want her to come to some outrageous conclusions like you all are doing right now.”

“That’s the thing, she won’t talk, Bruno. Not a peep. Even when we confront her. Individually or not. Does she speak to you?”

Bruno shrugged. “Well…not really.”

“See?”

“Don’t you guys think that it’s deeper? I—I mean, she wasn’t always like this, right? She isn’t talking to anyone and that—that isn’t normal. That’s coming from me. Last time I saw her—way before after Casita collapsed was the night of her ceremony. She was a bubbly and talkative girl. I wouldn’t even think that she’s the same girl that she is now. Miscommunication was what mostly got us into this mess, remember? But, you all can’t blame her for acting the way that she’s acting. Give her time.”

“B-but….”

“And, please, all of you don’t crowd her, it’ll only overwhelm her. That never ends well.” Bruno sighed. “I can’t believe that I’m the one giving that advice.” He shuddered. “And I’ve been the one in the walls for ten years…”

Chapter 172: Roots Of Regrets — Part 2

“It’s…crazy.” Isabela murmured to herself, holding a bouquet of flowers close to her. “You’d think that I would be locked up for killing my baby sister, a fifteen year old.” She laughed aloud.  “But, no, I’m free. Free. No consequences for killing her.”

Isabela stepped out of her room, plucking the petals from the flowers.

“You were only fifteen. I ruined you.”

She threw the bouquet of flowers on the ground in disgust, not able to look at the same after what happened involving her gifts.

“Oh—no…no, Mirabel wouldn’t want me doing this.” Isabela crouched down picking up the petals. “I can't throw them away and leave them to rot like you. They did nothing wrong…just like you.” She placed her hands over her face.

Her eyes watered up at the reminder of her youngest sister who was now gone.

“Oh Mirabel….You were a lit candle in the darkness of my heart. But, all candles have to blow out someday….”

She hadn’t even noticed her cousin approaching her.

“Uh…geez, are you having a mental breakdown?” Camilo asked, kneeling by her side. 

Isabela moved her hands from her face, staring at her little cousin. She didn’t understand how he could be so happy. Didn’t they call themselves twins before? How could he act as if she was a stranger? Why was she the only one treating the situation seriously?

It was an accident, but she needs to be punished.

They don’t care about Mirabel.

They moved on as if she didn’t exist.

As if her eldest sister didn’t kill her.

It made her sick.

The entire situation was driving her crazy.

Would they care if she killed someone else?

Camilo, maybe?

Would they actually do something?

Punish her?

Would it only matter because she killed a gifted member because Mirabel doesn’t matter?

Her lips curled upward.

Isabela grabbed Camilo by his throat. “I wonder if I’ll actually get in trouble if I kill you. Would you scream even when she didn’t?” She smiled.

“W-wait—wait, what!?” Camilo’s eyes widened in fear as he shrieked.

“Shift.” Isabela let go of his neck, leaving him wheezing.

“H-huh?”

Isabela’s smile grew. “I dare you to shift into someone. It’s going to end the same either way.”

Camilo had an expression of confusion and fear. Was she telling him to shift or not to? 

“Did you know when I killed her that she didn’t even scream? She apologized in the end as if it was her fault. She thought that she ruined my life. She came to my room for a hug and instead…I…killed her. I ruined her life. She’s forever fifteen and gone.”

Camilo grew more uncomfortable as Isabela talked about Mirabel. They knew a little about the situation of Isabela killing Mirabel. Her vines went straight through Mirabel’s chest. There was no chance of her surviving no matter what. Unless she wanted to live her life with a vine just through her chest. That night Isabela kept crying about a hug. Nobody knew what she meant at the time.

“…Do you remember what she looks like? We have little to no pictures of her. For her funeral we had to use a picture from when she was five years old. It’s insane!” Isabela laughed. “It just proved that we failed as a family!” She continued laughing, creeping Camilo out.

“I think—I think you need help, Isabela.” Camilo stammered as Isabela continued laughing.

“It’s funny, isn’t it!? Nobody cares that she is gone now! That she’s dead! My room used to be blue! My flowers! Blue! Now they’re pink! My flowers drank her blood! I can’t even look at my gift the same anymore! It’s what killed her!”

“I—I car—“

“If they cared I would be imprisoned already! I wouldn’t be a murderer roaming free! I don’t think I’ll ever be normal again! I can’t pretend anymore! It’s killing me, Camilo! It’s driving me insane!”

Thorny vines grew by Isabela’s side, surrounding both of them.

Camilo was aware of the vines and what Isabela was saying wasn’t comforting. She wouldn’t actually hurt him, right?

“D-Dolores—“ He tried calling out to his sister, hoping that she would hear him and get help.

“She couldn’t help Mirabel. She can’t help you.” Isabela snickered. “You should know…Dolores never helps someone when they need her the most. I wonder if they’ll actually punish me for killing someone this time.”

The vines wrapped around Camilo, the thorn poking into his skin, drawing blood.

“Scream for me, Camilo.”

---

It didn’t take long for all the Madrigals to return to Casita after Dolores said it was an emergency.

All of their faces lost their color when they saw Isabela cradling Camilo’s bloody, limp body. Someone threw up at the gruesome sight.

“What…what have you done!?”

“It was an…accident.” The look in Isabela’s eyes and the chuckling proved otherwise. “I didn’t mean to. Help him.” Tears streamed down Isabela’s cheeks as she continued laughing.

They stared at Isabela with a horrified expression.

Dolores choked back a sob. “I can’t—I c-can't hear his…his h-heartbeat—he’s d-…” She trailed off, she started talking steps away from her cousin. The situation reminded her of Mirabel’s.

The stench of blood filled the air.

“I-Isa—“ Alma was confused and scared. This wasn’t the first time Isabela killed a family member. A gift malfunction? It couldn’t have been. Isabela was laughing in their faces. It couldn’t have been a nervous response either. She didn’t do this with Mirabel. Isabela killed him on purpose.

Pepa was thundering badly.

Her emotions were all over the place seeing the body of her middle child.

Isabela looked at them for their reactions. She frowned, it wasn’t this bad when Mirabel died. So, they would care more if a gifted member died.

Isabela dropped his body on the ground to stand up, her dress covered in blood.

“What’s wrong with you!?”

Isabela grinned. “That’s your response to this?”

She couldn’t hear her response over the sound of yelling and sobbing.

Yet, nobody tried to restrain her.

A killer.

A murderer.

Killed two people.

Two Madrigals.

Her family.

How many people does she have to kill for them to understand?

She knew what she needed to do.

Her vines individually struck each of her family members directly through their heart. Everyone.

Isabela’s eyes lit up. “I’m sorry…but I don’t know how I can continue on like this. How can you all continue on like this without Mirabel? The glue of this family. I can’t.”

The vines dispersed, her family’s bodies falling to the floor, their blood spreading on Casita’s tiles.

Isabela made her way outside.

As soon as she did, she spread vines everywhere. She knew the Encanto like the back of her hand. The same goes with everyone’s houses.

…

In a matter of seconds, blood curdling screams filled the air.

She watched as people got impaled by her vines, instantly killing them.

About two hours passed before it was completely silent.

Isabela checked each house to make sure that everybody was killed.

She let out a sigh of relief.

“Hopefully in our next life, we all can be together and happy.”

After that, Isabela struck her own vine through her chest. Casita fell soon after as Isabela took her last breath.

The Encanto was officially empty, but full of dead bodies. Vine and plants covered the entire Encanto, their bodies to never be found.

Chapter 173: Unintentional Influence

Mirabel groaned. “Please, can everyone quiet down, I’m getting a headache.” She didn’t sound angry, just tired.

It was instantly quiet.

Even Casita was still.

Mirabel only shook her head, going up to the nursery, muttering to herself.

The Madrigals were silent for a few minutes, staring at each other.

…

“We all just listened just like that?” Agustín was the first one to speak up.

“I don’t…don’t even know why I listened. Like I would’ve either way because she was having a headache, but….wow.” Pepa said. “I thought mamá was talking.”

Alma raised an eyebrow. Although she was too embarrassed to admit that she had also listened.

“So, we all felt the same right there?”

Isabela folded her arms. “If you’re talking about feeling compelled to listen to her no matter what she says then yes.”

“I…I don’t even know what to say.” Julieta was stunned. She was thirty-five years older than Mirabel and she just listened for her like that?

She was familiar with that tone.

All of them.

“Where did she even learn that tone from? It’s dangerous and effective.”

Camilo shuddered. “It reminded me of the strange, creepy man I saw in the kitchen one night.”

“What?”

“Just when I thought it was a safe space to share my experience. Guess not.”

“I…don’t think any of us was going to go with that.”

---

That wasn’t their first and it definitely wasn’t the last time either that they would experience being like that.

They had finished rebuilding Casita and the miracle was back. Bruno was back.

All of them were having a good time.

They happened to lose track of time.

That’s when Mirabel came home.

“Why is there such a mess in Casita? Can someone explain?” Mirabel spoke in a tone that said ‘I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed’.

It was much worse.

The Madrigals flinched, even the Madrigals that weren’t involved, including Casita.

Mirabel looked at everyone, who all seemed guilty and froze. She settled her gaze on her mother, who actually flinched, which went unnoticed by her daughter. All she had to do was raise an eyebrow to get her mother to spill.

“I can explain! It was because…because…”Julieta finds herself subconsciously listening to what Mirabel told her to do, before pausing. Wait. She was the mother in this situation. Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. “Wait—“ She chuckled, turning to Mirabel. “I’m your mother.”

Mirabel slowly nodded. “Yes…you are, mamá.” She frowned. “Is nobody going to explain what happened while I was gone?”

The Madrigals were silence once more.

Mirabel sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Well?”

“Wait, wait, can we take a few steps back, please!” Luisa smiled nervously.

“I just want to know why Casita is a mess. It doesn’t clean itself. I was only gone for thirty minutes.”

“W-which is understandable!”

…

Mirabel noticed everyone’s facial expression. Everyone seemed nervous. Was she too harsh? “Are you guys okay?”

They looked surprised by her question.

“What?”

Mirabel paused. “Why are you all acting so strange? What happened?”

…

“Do you not realize the way you talk sometimes?” Isabela finally asked, bewildered.

Mirabel gave her a confused look. “…The way I talk?”

“There are days when I think you’re mamá.”

“…I’ve been told I look like her except with glasses.”

“Not look wise.” Camilo said.

Mirabel frowned. “I’m confused.”

“To say it bluntly, you have this…mother’s voice.” Alma explained.

“Which happens to work on all of us, even Casita for some reason.” Julieta added.

“That’s why we’re acting stranger than usual.”

“Hm…I guess it comes from babysitting Antonio and those other children.” Mirabel murmured, seemingly unimpressed. “Well, that’s surprising information! Thanks for telling me!”

“Thanks?” Dolores repeated with a nervous smile.

“I’m going to be honest, you all really shouldn’t have told me that.”

“Damn it. I forgot she and Camilo used to be called the terror twins.”

Chapter 174: You Found Me

“She’s real, Cami, I swear!” Antonio exclaimed, as he pointed to Mirabel. He didn’t understand why they acted as if they couldn’t see her. That was their cousin! It wasn’t fair or nice! 

Camilo smiled awkwardly. “Uh…right.” Camilo never had imaginary friends, but he knew it was possible for younger children. 

Antonio glared at Camilo, which probably seemed cute to him. “You don’t believe me!” 

“Sorry, hermanito, I just don’t…see her. I’m sure she’s real.” Camilo apologized sheepishly. 

“She is real!” Antonio huffed angrily, before looking at Mirabel. She was smiling bitterly as she watched their interactions. “You upset her!”

Camilo glanced where Antonio was looking. There was nothing. Not a single one person. He would’ve suspected that it was Antonio’s gift, but he wasn’t five yet. “…I’m sorry?”

“You don’t even mean it!”

Did Antonio expect him to apologize to his imaginary friend?

Probably.

“I’m sorry.”

“You’re not even looking her in the eyes! You’re staring at a wall!”

Mirabel just sighed, before she began walking away.

Antonio glanced at Mirabel then back at Camilo, before following after Mirabel. 

“Hey! Where are you going?” Camilo called out.

Antonio ignored him as Mirabel left Casita.

Antonio kept sight of Mirabel as she made her way around the crowd with ease.

“Please, slow down! I’m not as fast as you!”

Mirabel probably couldn’t hear him as she continued her fast pace.

Antonio still followed her despite the confused looks he was getting. He paid no attention to them, focusing on his older cousin.

The only time that Mirabel stopped, even if it was for a moment, was for him to see where she was looking.

The forest?

Antonio slowed down, looking at his older cousin. “Uh…they said that the forest is off limits. It’s dangerous, Mira.” Antonio said lowly.

Mirabel said nothing in response, she made her way into the forest. Antonio followed after her.

“Wait!”

She was going fast again.

“What if we get hurt!?”

Mirabel did slow down once again. It was only for him to catch up to her.

Antonio pouted. “Why were you running away from me?”

Mirabel simply ruffled his hair as she continued on.

It was quiet.

It was like there was no life there.

No birds chirping.

Not even the sound of insects and bugs.

Antonio read in the books that was usually a bad sign and that something dangerous was nearby.

Mirabel didn’t seem bothered by that.

Antonio trusted her. 

Mirabel would protect him if anything happened.

He knew that.

The sun started to set.

“Are we almost there yet? I don’t want to miss tía Julieta’s food. I wish you could eat her food. I don’t know why they pretend you aren’t there. Every time I say something about you, they just brush me off.”

Mirabel grimaced.

Antonio sighed. “It’s not fair.”

Mirabel’s eyes seemed to lighten up, before pointing to a specific tree surrounded by flowers.

“Oh! You wanna go there?” Antonio perked up as Mirabel nodded. “These flowers seem fresh. Has Isabela been visiting here?”

Mirabel shook her head.

“Do you like this place?”

Mirabel nodded, before she sat down against the tree, patting the ground next to her. Antonio sat down next to her.

“…Why are we here?”

Mirabel only gave Antonio a piece of paper, not saying a word. Antonio hadn’t noticed she was carrying anything on her.

Out of curiosity, Antonio opened it.

I found you.

Antonio glanced back at Mirabel in confusion.

“You found me.”

It was his first time hearing her voice.

Notes:

This will all make sense in part two. Also, does anyone have any requests? I’m trying to bring back my one-shots.

Chapter 175: You Found Me — Part 2

“Where’s Antonio?”

“He’s still not here yet?” Camilo asked.

“What do you mean?” Pepa questioned, turning towards her son.

Camilo winced, shrugging. “…Well, he kinda ran out earlier.”

…

Dolores stared at her brother, dumbfounded. She didn’t think his stupidity could get him this far. “And you let him?”

“It took me by surprise!”

“You didn’t tell anyone?”

“You didn’t hear him?”

“Don’t twist the blame on me! I don’t expect my little brother to run off!”

Félix pinched the bridge of his nose. “Camilo…”

“Papí….”

Félix sighed. “Why?”

“He got upset with me because I couldn’t see his imaginary friend and suddenly ran off. I didn’t expect him to be gone.” Camilo stammered. “I’m sorry.”

Isabela and Luisa glanced at each other. The situation was very familiar. It reminded them of the day that Mirabel ran off to never be found again.

Alma looked at Dolores. “Dolores, can you locate him?”

Dolores nodded. “He’s…” She hesitated. “He’s in the forest. He’s not doing much, but…playing around? No, he’s not moving either. He might be sleeping.”

“In the forest!?”

The forest did not bring any good memories for the Madrigals.

Dolores could sense their panic, tilting her head. “You know one area that has flowers growing no matter what? That would be one of the first places I check. Antonio isn’t in any distress. He’s very relaxed. He’s not hurt. He’s alive.”

“You had to clarify that, didn’t you?”

“Yep.”

“We need to find him before it gets too dark. The sun is already set.”

“We can go.” Félix said, gesturing towards the set of older Madrigals, excluding Alma.

Alma nodded. “…Well, just be safe.”

“We will.”

---

The older Madrigals made their way through the forest.

“It’s not like Antonio to run off this far even if he is upset.” Pepa frowned. 

“Dolores said he wasn’t hurt, Pepí.” Félix assured her, but he did agree. “Nothing happened.”

“…I could have a vision of any of you wanted.” Bruno said hesitantly.

“Bruno, you don’t need to tire yourself out.”

“Yeah.”

“He’ll grow out of his imaginary friend phase.”

“You think so?”

“We did.”

“I’m surprised that the place still has flowers growing there. That’s always been a mystery to me. Isabela obviously hasn’t and the flowers have been there for years.”

“The Encanto is magical.”

“It doesn’t really extend to the forest and that’s why we choose to not go there alone.”

“Are there wild animals?”

“No, there isn’t. The forest is odd. It feels like something is always watching you. It’s deeper than you expect. The deeper you go, the more that feeling intensifies. You won’t be able to find your way back without a guide. There are people that are missing in here.”

“Wouldn’t Dolores be able to hear them like Antonio?”

“Dolores’ gift does have limits when it comes to the Encanto. There are things that she can’t hear and can hear. It’s out of her control. I’m glad she could hear him though.”

“…That’s not ominous at all.”

“It’s the truth and that’s why it’s highly important to not go alone. You’ll end up lost. In more than one way.”

“It sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”

Bruno shook his head. “Even I don’t go out here alone. It’s like a…curse out here.”

Félix’s eyebrows raised. “…Now I’m getting more worried about Antonio because of this.”

“Nothing will happen to him.”

“Guys,” Agustín lifted up his flashlight, shining it on something.

“Yeah?”

“Wait, I think I see him—” Agustín flashed the flashlight on Antonio, only to pause. “I…”

…

The Madrigals’ eyes widened in horror at the scene. Julieta outright started sobbing as Pepa turned around to vomit. Bruno grimaced, turning away from the sight.

“O-oh my god…” Félix said, his voice trembling.

It was a five year old Mirabel. Her body was already rotted, maggots and flies eating at the dead flesh. It was obvious that she had been dead for a while ten years. The day Mirabel went missing after her door faded. The only recognizable thing on her was her bright glasses and the dress that she wore to her ceremony.

Antonio was leaning against her dead body with a small smile on his face. Both of them had a note in their hand, something that was intelligible to everyone.

They finally found her.

Chapter 176: The Guardian Sister

“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.”

Chapter 177: Giving Up On Your Approval

Mirabel didn’t see the point in forgiving Alma immediately. It wouldn’t make sense for her to forgive her after everything she’s been through. She also didn’t see the point in starting over. Alma might just blame everything on her once again if things don’t go her way.

She didn't expect Alma to immediately change after a day. It didn’t take her yelling the truth at her for Alma to change, no, it took Casita falling and the miracle being destroyed for her to open her eyes.

For Mirabel to grow as a person, she needed to let go of her need for Alma’s approval and move forward with her life. She wasn’t going to let her step all over her. She needed to look towards herself for confidence and self-validation.

She knew that all of her healing process would be gone if she chose to listen to Alma again. Mirabel was pretty angry still. She wondered how long would Alma keep pretending that things were okay. As if what happened didn’t happen.

She couldn’t use her missing her abuelo as an excuse either. Mirabel wouldn’t take that as an apology. It was a pathetic excuse for an apology.

All of them could see it, but Alma.

Even if Alma was going to act as everything was okay, she wasn’t. She would mind her business. She wasn’t going to deal with that nonsense. It was just going to cause her a headache.

“Mirabel, are you okay?”

Speak of the devil.

“As okay as I can be, abuela. Our home collapsed on me while I was inside, trying to get the candle. Our entire family, besides you, is in therapy. What do you think?” At Alma’s startled expression, Mirabel sighed. “I’m trying to be okay. What brought this up?”

Was she finally going to acknowledge her wrongdoings? She needs to understand that none of them was okay after what she put all of them through. Especially Bruno.

Mirabel’s not even sure if Bruno and Alma had a proper conversation ever since they saw each other at the river. Or that Alma properly apologized to Bruno and the others.

“You’ve just been acting off and I wasn’t going to question it…but…”

Never mind.

“I’ve been acting…off?” Mirabel raised an eyebrow as she stared at her abuela. She noticed that Alma was serious, making her laugh in disbelief. “Excuse me, but, what? How have I been acting off, abuela?”

“You’ve been…” Alma hesitated. Maybe she was overthinking it? Did Mirabel truly not realize what she was doing? She didn’t seem upset at her. Just ignoring her. She was glad that Mirabel actually listened to her this time. “It’s like you’re ignoring me, Mirabel. Which is understandable, but…”

“Abuela, I’ve only realized that I didn’t need your approval for everything. It was a waste of time trying to get praise from you.” Mirabel said, Alma’s eyes widened at her words. “I started focusing on myself and doing my own thing. It helped me so, so much. I feel less stressed. I feel better than ever.” She chuckled. “I just don’t feel comfortable talking to you yet, abuela. I can’t. The others will, but I can’t pretend that everything is okay any longer.”

“Pretend?”

“I’m not going to pretend that I’m happy around you.” Mirabel clarified. “I have not forgiven you at the river. I was only hearing you out, which turned out to be more about yourself than apologizing. You always wanted me to stay out of your way, so I am.”

Alma was stunned. When she told Mirabel to stay out of the way, she didn’t mean it like that. She didn’t think Mirabel would take it to heart. “M-Mirabel…”

“Do you really think that years of neglect can be forgiven so easily?” Mirabel asked, raising an eyebrow. “I was excluded, abuela. You repeatedly told me to stay out of the way. I was sure that you hated me. You announced to everybody that I was drunk, when we both were aware of the cracks just to save your own ass. When Luisa told you that her gift was fading, you immediately accused me of doing something. You weren’t even listening to her words. Then when we started arguing, you blamed me for everything. All of our problems. I was somehow the cause of everything going wrong. You refused to believe that you were the problem.” She said harshly. “At the river, you gave me a half-assed apology. Now that the miracle is back, you expect all of us to be happy. We’re not.”

“W-what? But I thought we were doing better.”

“Exactly. You thought.” Mirabel scoffed. “Who have you actually apologized to? There’s a reason that more than half of us are avoiding you. You’re pretending that everything is okay. We’re not. We’re acknowledging we’re a fucked up family, that’s why we’re trying to fix things. We’re hearing each other out. Things aren’t okay. We know that. We may be doing better, but you’re not, abuela.” Mirabel stood up hastily. “And you’d be lucky if the others even talk to you after you waited this long to know that something was off. Good job.”

Mirabel walked away, leaving Alma alone.

Chapter 178: Ignorance In A Small Village

“Your fate is sealed when your prophecy is read!”

“He told me th—“

“Wait, wait, pause.” Mirabel said, stopping Isabela from coming down her eyes. Isabela blinked, clearly not expecting Mirabel to interrupt her part. Fortunately, she didn’t say anything.

The others also looked confused.

“Can we talk about how stupid this is?” Mirabel questioned, looking around as if she was the only one with common sense. She probably was too. “He told me my fish would die while also carrying said fish bowl with the fish inside?”

Señora Pezmuerto looked stunned. “W-well, I had to prove my point! He makes bad things happen!”

“I don’t know why you’re carrying around a dead fish. It’s like you’re waiting for the perfect moment for someone to talk about Bruno. If you’re holding a grudge for this long, I think you’re the problem. Fishes don’t even live that long either. Maybe, I don’t know, buy a pet that doesn’t live less than a month because you’re a terrible owner. It wasn’t his fault it died.”

“She does have a point.” Camilo said.

“I know I do!”

“I know you’re still not talking about those visions! It was years ago!” Pepa’s eyes twitched. 

“Tía, you were literally the first person to tell me not to talk about Bruno. How he ruined your wedding day which was years ago.” Mirabel pointed out.

“E-exactly! Why is it so different when I do it?” Señora Pezmuerto sputtered.

“It’s different because he’s my brother! It’s okay for me to talk crap about him, not some randoms!” Pepa exclaimed. “Let the fish rest! It’s been through hell being with you!”

Mirabel rolled her eyes with a sigh as Pepa argued with the dead fish lady. She turned towards the priest.“And you!” 

“M-me!?” Señor Flores stammered in shock, clearly not expecting Mirabel to say anything to him.

“Your entire family is bald! That definitely wasn’t Bruno’s fault. You were bound to lose hair too! Use common sense, please! Why is common sense not so common here!?” Mirabel cried out.

“Uhm…”

“Osvaldo, you’re literally eating right now while talking about how Bruno said you’ll grow a gut! News flash, Bruno is not randomly going into your room late at night to feed you! You sealed your fate! Stop eating so many sweets if you don’t want a gut!”

“Oh,”

All Mirabel wanted to know about was Bruno, not this. She knew the people of the Encanto were dramatic, but this was just insane. Honestly, she gets why Bruno left. Stupidity was common.

“Why the hell aren’t we talking about Bruno!? Please, don’t burst into a song or say some nonsense! All I hear about is what he said and not why. I knew I should’ve asked my mother, the only other reasonable person!”

Mirabel walked off with a huff, the people nearby silent.

Isabela sighed sadly. “Now who am I supposed to sing my part to now that she’s gone?”

Chapter 179: The Battle Of Forgotten Gifts

“I don’t—I don’t understand you. I thought you— we wanted this. That you agreed.” Bruno said, looking at Mirabel with an equally stunned expression.

“I thought you agreed with me. I don’t want the miracle destroyed.” Mirabel countered, with raised eyebrows. “I want the miracle to myself. If I got all of their gifts, there would be no way for them to forget me.”

“I wanted to destroy the miracle in revenge for forgetting us. They literally don’t want to talk about me after all I’ve done for them! I thought we were in agreement. I don’t think stealing the miracle would work.”

Mirabel rolled her eyes. “They surely wouldn’t forget me stealing the miracle.” She said firmly. “They wouldn’t forget either of us if you destroy the miracle. Neither of those things will cause them to forget us. They’ll definitely see us in a negative light though.”

“They already do. I don’t see the point in trying to salvage the situation.” Bruno said, his eyes twitching. “You were in the vision for a reason, Mirabel. You were meant to destroy it.”

“Well, I don’t want to.” Mirabel huffed. “Your visions aren’t always what it seems. I don’t want it destroyed. I want to teach our family a lesson.”

“So do I!”

“We both clearly have two different intentions.” Mirabel murmured. “How is this going to work?” 

Bruno groaned. “You’ve got to be kidding me…I hid in the walls for you to just not destroy the miracle.”

“Hey, first off, I never agreed to destroy the miracle.” Mirabel pointed out. Destroying the miracle wasn’t an absurd idea, but it wasn’t something that Mirabel wanted to do. It’d be fun at the moment then it would be ruined.

“I thought that you would’ve wanted to because of the way they treated you!” Bruno really didn’t understand why Mirabel wouldn’t want to destroy the miracle. That’s why he had the vision. It literally showed her in front of a cracked Casita. She was meant to destroy it. “What’s the point of taking the miracle to yourself?”

“Why not!?” Mirabel had a wide grin. “Won’t you show them that you’re more than Bad Luck Bruno with your gift? Or, I don’t know, prove them right! You’ve been called that all your life, you ought to show them something! They’d be giftless! We’d have the gifts!”

Bruno laughed aloud, surprised by Mirabel’s response. “You’re trying to convince me? If I didn’t have a gift, I wouldn’t be like this. If the miracle was no more, our family wouldn’t be so screwed up!” He had a crazed glint in his eyes. Neither of them cared. Not when they were the same. “Think about it, Mirabel! The miracle is what caused this! Don’t you feel resentment towards the candle!? You never thought about destroying it!? This is your chance! Nobody would ever make fun of you again if we’re all giftless! The satisfaction would be like no other!”

“My satisfaction would be sated once I have the miracle and the gifts all to myself! It’s something that’ll change everything! You need to think about it! What would we do after we destroyed the miracle!? We would be powerless like always! We’d be exiled! With all of their gifts, we would be Gods! Unstoppable, Bruno!”

“You would be a God with all of their gifts. I’d still be…”

“I couldn’t have done this without you!” Mirabel cut him off harshly. “We’d be Gods, tío. Me and you. You and I. The black sheeps. It’d be so unexpected! They lost to us, the useless ones! We’d be seen! Finally!” She exclaimed. “We’d do it together!”

A loud rumble echoed through the room, a crack forming.

They both had similar expressions.

Eagerness.

“Why are you hesitating?”

“We don’t have much time. What are we going to do?”

Chapter 180: Ignorance In A Small Village — Part 2

"Mirabel found Bruno's vision, she's in it. She's gonna destroy the magic and now we're all doomed!"

Mirabel sighed, just looking disappointed. “I have no idea why I bothered trying to hide it in the first place.” She didn’t even try to reach for it as the vision slid across the table to her abuela. “Way to go for keeping it a secret, Dolores.”

Dolores looked embarrassed. “Sorry…”

Alma began to speak, looking furious. “What have you do—“

“Literally nothing!” Mirabel cut her off before she could finish her sentence. “I didn’t even go into Bruno’s room because it was too dangerous and big! The vision magically appeared in my room. Also, I walked Antonio to his door. If I really wanted to destroy the miracle, I would’ve been more subtle.”

“She has a point.” Luisa murmured.

Señora Guzmán took a sip of her wine. “…Should we go or…?”

“Stay.” Mirabel said firmly. “We’re discussing this rationally and not coming up to conclusions.”

“Alright.”

Julieta smiled proudly. “Wow, that’s my daughter.” She didn’t even care about the vision.

“Amor, I don't think this is the time to be pro—“

“Let’s be honest, if I really wanted to destroy the miracle, it would’ve been destroyed.” Mirabel huffed. “Seeing that I’m one of the few people with common sense!”

Camilo leaned over to Dolores, whispering. “She gets away with saying that stuff?”

“…Apparently.”

“Oh that’s true!” Antonio beamed. 

“You know what…I can’t even deny that.” Alma muttered. If Mirabel wanted to destroy it, the miracle would’ve been no more.

“And I did everyone here a favor!” Mirabel exclaimed. “Literally, this was the worst and most awkward dinner ever!” She turned to Mariano and Isabela. “You two are talking to each other as if you’re reading from a script and have no idea what the script is!”

Félix let out a sigh of relief. “…Finally, someone said it.” Pepa nudged him.

Mariano blinked. “Oh…well…I—“

“I’m sorry, Mariano, but I don’t even love you! I see you as a friend only!” Isabela bursted out. “The only reason I accepted the proposal was for my abuela!”

“Oh,”

“Wait, what!?”

“And I bet that you don’t feel the same either. You don’t even know Isabela.” Mirabel pointed out. “See, look at me, doing another favor for someone! Just break the engagement off. It was doomed from the start, Mariano. Does anyone else need help with something?”

“You know…I’m pretty glad that my baby has common sense.” Julieta wiped a tear away. “I struggled living in the Encanto where people are just…”

“Stupid.”

“…That’s not what I was going to say.”

“It was pretty close, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“…So, what now?”

“It’s so hard being the smart one.” Mirabel groaned. “Oh screw this. Bruno is in the walls also!”

“Wait, what—“

“Antonio told me that his animals told him that there was a strange man in the walls. I went to investigate, and it turns out it was Bruno, the missing Madrigal. There is a high probability that Dolores knew too if Antonio knew. Why not talk as a family about this!?”

“Mirabel—“

“What? You get to snitch on me and I can’t snitch on you? You literally said that you could hear him now.”

“Well…”

They heard a gasp.

They turned to see Isabela holding a cactus.

One of Mirabel’s eyes twitched.

“I just made somethi—“

“Please don’t burst into another song.”

Isabela frowned, looking confused. “Why do you keep cutting me off when it’s almost my turn to sing? I’m starting to think you have something against me.”

Chapter 181: Her Letter

Notes:

I don’t what this is, I just thought of it

Mirabel felt as if something was off, but she didn’t know what. It was an eerie feeling. A feeling that she didn’t like. There was no reason to feel that way, so she brushed it off.

She thought that it might’ve been because it was Antonio’s fifth birthday today and that’s why she was so nervous. If Antonio doesn’t get a get, it obviously won’t be a good thing, but she’ll know that it wasn’t just her. If Antonio does get a gift, it wouldn’t be a good thing for her.

Dear Mirabel,

It’s only a matter of time before you get this letter. Knowing you, knowing me, only you will read this letter. We lost the first time. To put it simply, we went to save the miracle somehow. We failed. Casita fell. He didn’t make it. Just like Pedro. Our miracle was back. Casita was back. A miracle for the cost of a life. It’s funny and such a terrible thing. Bruno didn’t deserve to die like that. If the candle can grant gifts, why wouldn’t it be able to grant my wish? It’s going to be absolutely perfect.

Don’t fail me this time.

It’s not like she wouldn’t be happy for him. She would be happy for him getting a gift. She would be glad that he wasn’t going to be treated like her by the townspeople and their family. Gifts seem to be an important thing to the Encanto. A gift was something she didn’t have.

That didn’t matter.

Everything was going well.

Antonio got a gift.

It was communicating with animals. 

It suits him.

Mirabel couldn’t be jealous seeing him so happy.

It did hurt when they forgot about her for the family photo. But, it’s fine! If she really wanted to be included, she would’ve said something. They would’ve noticed. She’s fine with being ignored. It was a usual thing. Nothing new. 

It’s her fault for being so different.

Wait…are those cracks?

She has to alert them!

If you get this letter, I’m assuming we failed again and we did it all over again. It’s fun, isn’t it? It seems like we’re doomed for failure. We can’t do anything right. They’re counting on me to make things right. To make things perfect. I wonder if it’s getting tiring yet. 

Don’t be selfless this time, it won’t get you anywhere.

She was accused of being drunk and lying. Although it would be strange for alcohol to be at a five year old’s birthday party. It would be strange for her to grab something to drink and go unnoticed by the adults standing near the drinks watching out in case the underage try to sneak some.

Mirabel knew what she saw. She wasn’t crazy. How else would she cut her hand then? No matter what her abuela says, no matter what her mother said, she knew the cracks existed.

Also, why would she lie? Why would they think that she’s trying to ruin Antonio’s fifth birthday? She loves him to death. She would do anything for him. They know that. 

You’re absolutely making things worse. It’s not working. You’re worried about the wrong things. You’re wasting my time. You’re wasting all of what we worked for. Forget about the others’ feelings for once and focus on what’s important. Our plan is not going the way I want it to go no matter what. No matter what path we choose.

It doesn’t matter, I guarantee that you’ll fail again. You won’t remember and we’ll continue the loop. Like always.

What could we be doing wrong? 

She snuck up on the roof to listen to her abuela talk about the cracks—the cracks which she knew about, yet chose to embarrass her in front of the entire village.

It’s fine, truly.

If she has to save the miracle to prove herself, she will.

We failed once again. Only we’re capable of failing so many times. But, it’s fine. We can fail as many times as we possibly can and we’ll go back to fix things. It was always us. It’s pretty strange, we’re messing with time. You’d expect it from Bruno, not me. 

If anyone would know about the cracks, it would be her cousin, Dolores, who hears everything. It’s totally not cryptic when Dolores leads her to Luisa and talks about rats in the walls.

She doesn’t question it too much and makes it to Luisa. She’s acting strange? No, Luisa is acting strange. She hadn’t seen Luisa’s eyes twitch before. She knows that it sounds terrible to Dolores if it keeps her up at night. She feels bad for her.

Mirabel continues pressing the issue until Luisa cracks even more than she already has.

I just want us to be a happy family without someone being gone and unhappy. It’s quite tiring actually. Why is it up to us to do these things? To clean up the mess that our abuela made? As usual, it’s up to us to fix things. You’d think that you would succeed after failing so many times.

Don’t give up.

Repeat it until we succeed, Mirabel.

Luisa ends up revealing how she doubts herself in protecting everyone, protecting her. That she feels stressed about carrying everything. But, she has to because she’s the strongest. Everyone is relying on and she can’t crack. 

All she wished for was someone to help her relieve some of the pressure.

Mirabel had no idea that Luisa felt that way.

Luisa eventually points her towards the direction of Bruno’s room.

Ominous.

They’d die and we would do it all again. What an agonizing process. It’s a shame that the Mirabel that’s reading this won’t remember what happened before or what she did to get her. That’s what makes it all fun, isn’t it? We’d forget, find the letter we sent ourselves to the future—past? Time is a confusing thing. We’d repeat the process until we actually make it right. All of us are the same person with the same goal. We want to make our family proud. All of them.

We’ll make certain of it.

Mirabel was surprised to find out that Casita doesn’t work in their magical rooms. It probably had to do with the fact that she hadn’t been in any of their rooms in years.

Mirabel didn’t understand the aesthetic of having a lot of sand. His room seemed ruined and overpowered by sand.

She could only hope to find the missing vision.

What are you hiding, Bruno?  

Of course, the only bridge to the other side had to be broken. Her family always said that she was creative. She used the rope to swing across to the other side.

Mirabel wasn’t questioning how she made it and didn’t die.

She only had one goal in mind.

Mirabel was pleased to find Bruno’s vision cave. Which was also filled with sand. It wasn’t as intense as the entrance. It was pretty bearable.

She just had to jinx it.

Shards of Bruno’s vision were spread out as the room began to fill up with sand. 

His vision was her top priority, not her safety. Not until she got what she wanted.

She was hurting the miracle.

How?

She wanted to save it.

What happened?

The entire carven was breaking down and Mirabel didn’t have enough time to actually process what was happening. She grabbed the remaining shards and began to bust out of the carven.

Luckily, the door opened and she was saved.

Mirabel quickly made her exit out of Bruno’s room.

Of course she had to run into her abuela. Then Luisa started talking about feeling weak.

“Whatever you’re doing, stop it.”

She wasn’t doing anything wrong.

You’re probably unaware of what I’m talking about, but I know you’ll figure out. Every time, it takes us back before Antonio’s ceremony. Where we noticed it. Like always, the burden will fall on us. We’ll shoulder it until we break. We haven’t. Not yet. Not anytime soon either.

This couldn’t be possible.

She couldn’t be the reason that the miracle was dying. Is this why Bruno left? Because of her?

Her father came in, seeing the vision of her. He wanted to hide it until after the engagement was over. Dolores heard.

Mirabel should’ve known that the dinner was doomed from the start.

She never should’ve talked about Bruno.

I find it strange how we never managed to die throughout the entire time. Not when Bruno’s tower and Casita fell on us. Not when we were in Bruno’s room. We always managed to survive. I don’t question it much. Not after a few of our runs. I did wonder why we didn’t die and why it always managed to be someone else that died in place for us.

We were meant to do something.

We were meant to survive, Mirabel.

We know what to do.

It didn’t take long for the news of her being in the vision to spread across the table, stopping exactly at her mother, who looked at her with a conflicted expression.

It was a disaster.

Everything was going wrong.

“What have you done!?”

She did nothing wrong.

She ended up following a rat into the walls, trying to find an escape from all the chaos.

What a coincidence, the day she talked about him is the day she finds him. It was a bit creepy, but after hearing his story, she felt bad for him.

It was great to hear that she would either save the miracle or destroy it. 

The latter obviously wasn’t going to be her choice.

She asked for a vision, he reluctantly agreed. 

They did it in Antonio’s room since she destroyed his vision cave by accident.

Out of all people to hug, Isabela? 

At least it wasn’t her grandmother.

We’ll win one day. I’m writing this because I know that I failed doing what I did, but I know that you will do something different. You will plan things out and I could only hope that we don’t do things similarly.  

It was hard to apologize to Isabela, not when she’s so smug. How would she be able to hug her if she doesn’t want anything to do with her?

She doesn’t understand how a hug will save the miracle.

Well, she’d do anything to save the miracle at this point.

A hug is a hug.

Even if it’s with Isabela.

Mirabel was surprised when she managed to crack Isabela. Isabela angrily spilled about how she did all of this for their family, for their abuela. That she didn’t even want to marry Mariano.

Calling their family dysfunctional was an understatement.

Isabela grew a cactus and things grew on from there on.

It was shocking.

Señorita Perfecta had more to show?

Señorita Perfecta is gone?

Was Isabela Madrigal here to stay and not leave her like she did ten years ago?

Don’t worry about who dies. It doesn’t matter. They’ll always come back. We’ll always bring them back. Every single time. 

Turns out, good things never last when she’s included. Their abuela finds them and begins to accuse her of ruining things.

Her abuela didn’t understand what she was sacrificing.

Her abuela didn’t understand how she was helping the family, not hurting them.

Nobody defended her.

It’s fine, she dealt with this before. She’ll deal with it again. She’ll shoulder the burden for them. She’ll take the blame. She won’t rely on them right now.

It’s fine.

If she won’t defend herself, them against their abuela then who will? 

They all were too scared to go against her.

“The miracle is dying because of you!”

She was too.

But, she had to be the strong one right now.

Nobody else would do it if she wasn’t strong.

Casita began cracking even more to the point that everyone noticed it.

Mirabel made her way to get the candle.

She has to save it.

It’s her duty.

Her entire purpose.

Both Isabela and Camilo failed to reach her and the candle. She wasn’t sure what they were going for. It doesn’t matter, they were pushed out.

She made sure that Bruno made it out before she continued.

He did.

Good.

She couldn’t wait to bring him home.

She grabbed the candle.

Bruno’s tower fell towards her as everything else began to fall.

Mirabel let go, falling backwards from her abuela’s windowsill, a hardly lit candle in her hand.

“…Luisa?”

We’re perfect for this.

Even if we fail, we’ll be back to start over. Don’t feel upset that you failed. Do not feel guilty. You won’t remember this after you make the wish if you fail like all of us did. 

Don’t stray down the wrong path either. Save the miracle. That’s our only goal for now. If you succeed, you could move forward with your life. We deserve to be happy.

Don’t forget it.

Of course, Luisa had to come and save her. To protect her once more. To be the strong one.

Mirabel turned away from the sight of the blood as the miracle began to form again from Luisa’s death.

What a gruesome sight and it didn’t take long for them to find and see Luisa’s body.

And hey, before you know it, you’ll be writing a letter to the next Mirabel because we failed. That’s fine. Maybe we’ll succeed this time. We’ll save them all. We’ll keep saving them. The things we do for our family are unbelievable.

These are all my words to you. If you feel the need to add on, feel free to do so. I won’t stop you. Give better advice to the next Mirabel. I’ve done everything I could possibly do here and failed. I was close. We’re getting closer to getting our happy ending.

Sincerely, Mirabel Madrigal. 

Mirabel let out a laugh, setting the pencil down. She was right. That’s what makes it all fun. She got up out of her seat, letter in her hand.

She made her way out of the nursery, glancing at the candle. She didn’t pay any mind to the crying and screaming voices of her family. What a shame that Luisa was the one to die this time. Even the strong one wouldn’t be able to survive a house falling on them. Luisa saved her, but at what cost? It wasn’t worth it.

Mirabel sighed heavily, preparing to make her wish. Abuela was granted protection and she’ll make the wish of going back in time over and over again until things are right.

She hopes the next her that gets the letter will do things right. “I’ll succeed one day.” She threw her letter into the candle’s flame, watching it burn. “Next time. We will make it.”

Once again, she woke up with no memories of what happened before and a letter placed on her desk.

Chapter 182: Believing

Notes:

I’ve just been watching a lot of horror films lately.

“There’s someone in my room.” Mirabel’s voice was shaky, as she pointed a trembling finger to her door. “I can’t sleep in there. Please, don’t make me sleep in there!”

“Mirabel…” Julieta said slowly.

“Please, mamá, I’ve seen it! I saw its eyes before it closed my door! It’s waiting for me! I-I can’t—I can’t be in here!” Mirabel cried out. She saw the look in her mother’s eyes. She didn’t believe her. “Why don’t you b-believe me?”

“Mirabel, I can—I can check your room. You can check with me.” Julieta told her, trying to calm her five year old daughter down.

Mirabel let the tears fall. “You don’t believe me.” It wasn’t a question. 

Julieta stared at her. It was oddly a serious tone for a five year old. “Mija, it’s not that. It’s…it’s just that Casita wouldn’t let a stranger in your room. Maybe it’s Camilo pranking you.” Why was Casita so silent anyways? That wasn’t important.

Mirabel said nothing.

Julieta sighed. “I’m sorry. I’ll just check.”

Once again, she received silence.

Julieta went inside the nursery.

The nursery wasn’t too big.

The only possible hiding spots were the closet and under her bed. There was no other place for someone to hide in her room.

She checked the closet first. It was just clothes. No person.

“Nobody in your closet, Mira.”

Mirabel only sniffled.

Why was she getting such an eerie feeling? She was getting goosebumps. She knows that there isn’t a stranger here. Something was wrong.

She went to the bed.

Julieta sucked in her breath.

She checked under the bed.

Nobody.

It was a rope.

Only a rope.

No person.

“There is nobo—“ Julieta paused.

She turned around, to her shock, Mirabel was gone. She wasn’t standing where she had been before. There weren't any cries. Not a sniffle. Nothing.

“Mirabel?” Julieta called back, standing up. Her expression shifted into concern. “Mija, where did you go?”

It was odd.

She glanced around the nursery.

Why did it look so empty?

When did that chair get here? Why was it knocked over?

What was happening?

Her ears were ringing.

“Why didn’t you believe me?”

“W-What?” Julieta stammered, her eyes widening as Mirabel appeared on the bed.

“You didn’t believe me and now I’m dead.”

“N-no…wait…” 

Julieta looked horrified.

Right.

Now she remembers.

Mirabel was five when she lost all hope. She was five when all of her dreams were crushed. She was five when the bubbly girl was replaced by an empathy shell of her. Mirabel was five when she—

Mirabel was five when everything went downhill.

Mirabel was fifteen when she died. 

Mirabel was fifteen when she decided that her life wasn’t worth it. Mirabel was fifteen when she thought that her death wouldn’t affect anyone and would do good for them. Mirabel was fifteen when she tied the rope around her neck and the chair dropped. Mirabel was fifteen when she believed that they didn’t believe her. Mirabel was fifteen. 

She wouldn’t be anything other than fifteen.

And it was all their fault.

Julieta broke down into a sob.

Why didn’t she believe Mirabel about the cracks? Why didn’t she show Mirabel that she loved her? Why didn’t she tell her that her not having a gift didn’t matter more? Why didn’t she help? Why couldn’t she see her own baby struggling?

If she did, maybe Mirabel would be alive.

The miracle and Mirabel were gone. 

If only she believed Mirabel about the cracks. She was Mirabel’s only hope at the moment and she dismissed her.

She failed as a mother.

Chapter 183: Doll On The Music Box — Part 3

Notes:

This has been sitting in my drafts for a while

Daniela hummed as she made her way to Casita. Wow, Mirabel really wasn’t kidding, it was a big house.

The moment she stepped in, she was pushed back. A magical house. A miracle. Alma Madrigal really had been granted such an amazing gift. What a shame. If she was alive, she would’ve put the gifts to better use. A shame indeed.

What’s with the house too? It seemed an actual house could detect that she’s not actually Mirabel. But, what could a literal house do? Nothing.

“I feel hurt. I’m doing her a favor and you’re trying to stop me?” Daniela’s lips curled up into a wide grin. “She did this willingly. As promised, I’ll make sure that she’s seen. I am not the one to break promises.”

She paused for a moment, how the hell was she going to make Mirabel be seen? Like in a positive way or a negative way? She’s sure Mirabel meant it in a positive way. She wouldn’t want to disappoint someone who helped her be free.

“Do you think that I want to cause harm? You don’t think that I would’ve done it already? It would be such a shame if this body happened to come in harm's way.” Her threat was enough for the house to let her enter. “I’m just going to make her be seen like she wanted. It’ll be such fun.”

Who should she start with first? 

Well, she was going to start with anyone that wasn’t Isabela and Alma. Actually, she’ll just start with whoever she sees if they aren’t Isabela and Alma. She’d rather deal with them last. They do say to save the best for last.

When she entered the house, she immediately smelt something delicious.

Oh, she hoped that it was Mirabel’s mother. 

And it was.

Mirabel silently entered the kitchen, standing behind her for a while. Mirabel watched as Julieta started cooking a new batch of arepas.

Daniela truly didn’t understand why Julieta would make so much food for ungrateful spoiled brats. If she had Julieta’s gift, she wouldn’t be working herself to the bone for people who don't even bother to say thank you. Unfortunately, she didn’t.

It would be a bit awkward if Julieta turned around and she just found her standing there without saying anything. What an awkward and creepy situation she would be in.

This also gave her a sight of Julieta’s awareness.

“Buenas tardes, madre.” She greeted.

“Mother?” Julieta humming, she glanced at Mirabel. “If anyone were to call me that, I’d expect Isabela. Is it because you’re not Mirabel and actually my mischievous nephew?”

“No, it’s just me, your lovely daughter.” Mirabel grinned. “You’d prefer if I called you mamá, right?” By all means, Daniela wasn’t that good with trusting strangers. But she could play the role as Mirabel until she finished with her task. “I just wanted to watch you…” Mirabel paused. “I, uh, I wanted to watch you cook. I love watching you cook arepas, mamá.”

“That’s more of a Camilo thing…but if that’s what you want to do then it’ll be alright. Though I must say, it’ll get boring.” Julieta said with a slightly teasing tone before turning back around.

So, she was acting off. Mirabel wasn’t a formal person or is she someone who is overly fond of food. She was more like Julieta.

How could she be seen?

“Do you ever get bored, mamá?”

“Of what, mija?”

“Cooking.” Mirabel clarified. “Do you ever get tired of cooking for idio— people who get into bar fights? People who come to your stand with paper cuts and bruises? People who don't even say thank you?” She clarified. “I know that I’ll get bored, even annoyed if that’s what I had to do.”

“Hm, and where is this coming from?” Julieta asked.

“I’m only curious, mamá. There’s no hidden meaning.”

“Well as long as you don’t tell your abuela.” Julieta chuckled. “I enjoy cooking for people. I love seeing the joy in their eyes. Tired? Sometimes I do get tired after cooking a large batch. But, it’s for the community and I don’t want any to be seriously injured just because I was tired. Sometimes it’s boring, yes, and annoying. But that’s my job as town healer. They rely on you.”

“That’s exactly it. They rely on you too much. The people here are too dependent on the Madrigals to fix their every problem. The moment a Madrigal or you are no longer here—what are they going to do? They’ll have to suck it up and take it, and heal the regular way. There’s no more doctors in the Encanto anymore.” Mirabel leaned against the counter watching Julieta’s facial expression closely. “It’ll be the end of them.”

“I…” Julieta paused. She hadn’t thought about what would happen to the townspeople after she passed. Mirabel was right, there were no doctors. She had to admit, the townspeople were a bit too dependent on them. “I guess we’ll just have to wait until that day comes, right?”

Mirabel’s lips curled up into a smirk. “We will.” She sighed. “But what are we going to do without you?”

“Where is such a question coming from? Is there something that’s bothering you?” Julieta asked, concerned.

“Why wouldn’t I be worried about my family?” She countered. “It’s nothing uncommon.”

“Ay, Mira, I’m only fifty and you’re going to give me more gray hairs. I still have thirty or more years ahead of me. You shouldn’t worry about that stuff.” Julieta frowned. “Mira—“

Daniela didn’t like that this conversation was changing back to her. She was the one that needed to talk to her. It seemed that Julieta wouldn’t really understand what she meant or get it. “Can I…I please have an arepa?” Mirabel asked, making Julieta frown even more.

“Of course, mija, you don’t even need to ask. Are you injured somewhere?” Julieta asked.

“I, uhm, I fainted earlier. I hit my head hard .” Yeah, Mirabel did faint and Daniela hadn’t caught her. It was unfortunate but a perfect excuse for her

“Fainted!?”

Maybe not so perfect. She should’ve said that Mirabel had tripped. She is clumsy like her father.

“It was a bit too…hot. I was overheated, but I’m fine now! It wasn’t even that serious.” Mirabel tried to wave it off, smiling. “I woke up like a few minutes—“

“Few minutes!?”

Daniela was once a human before, but she seriously didn’t understand the concern. It was just fainting.

All she knew was that Mirabel was being seen by Julieta Madrigal.

One down, nine more to go.

Great .

She might as well go down by age, excluding Alma and Isabela.

Pepa Madrigal it is.

“Do you know where tía Pepa?” Mirabel asked politely. She blinked in surprise seeing Julieta holding various cups. “I’m…”

“Drink first then I’ll tell you where your aunt is. Though I’m against the idea of you seeing her since you passed out from the heat in the first place.”

Mirabel’s eyes twitched.

Daniela had nothing against a concerned mother, but she wasn’t exactly the most patient when she was trying to do something.

Julieta had told her that Pepa would be in the field, watering the crops.

That’s all the information she needed.

Notes:

I just realized that Mirabel’s birthday is coming up again. I wonder what I’m going to do for her.

Chapter 184: Veiled Bloodline — Part 2

“Bingo!” Mirabel exclaimed with a wide grin on her face. “Mirabel is my name! You got it right!”

Gasps were heard.

The Madrigals was stunned.

Mirabel wasn’t a common name.

It was a unique name.

Nobody in the Encanto had that name, but their daughter who had apparently died. 

But, nobody could deny that Mirabel looked exactly like Julieta except with glasses.

“…Mirabel?” Isabela repeated slowly, staring at Mirabel in horror. Out of shock, the vines wrapped around Mirabel’s body disintegrated. Mirabel, her youngest sister, her sister that she only saw for two days, her sister who she saw when she was born and at the funeral. Her sister was pronounced dead at birth. She knew baby sister’s name, but that was it.

“Unbelievable…” Alma muttered in shock, her eyes widened. She was there when Mirabel died. 

“Mirabel?” Luisa questioned, looking confused by the others’ reaction to her name. So was Camilo and Antonio. “You know her, mamá? Abuela?”

Agustín stared at Luisa in shock, but he did expect that Luisa wouldn’t remember who Mirabel was. She was only four years old at the time and they couldn’t bear to tell her the loss of her baby sister. There was no point in telling the townspeople about their grief either.

Julieta’s eyes watered up. “Mirabel…” She walked closer to the girl, who was also walking towards her. She hesitantly reached out to touch her cheek. “Oh…is it—is it really you? This isn’t some cruel joke, is it?” A mother couldn’t forget her child’s face.

“Vampires cannot change their appearance. I did think that his blood smelled familiar.” Mirabel gestured to Antonio. “We don’t forget our names. I wouldn’t lie about that. We finally reunited after years. That’s nice. I don’t remember much but I am familiar with who you are. You’re my mother. I can’t forget you.” She turned towards Alma. “I can’t really forget who you are either, abuela. You’re the ones that I have the most memories of. Even if it was for two days.” 

“Mija…” Agustín also looked as if he was about to cry. As soon as he saw Mirabel, he noticed the similarities.

“You were so close…” Pepa muttered, feeling guilty for threatening Mirabel. She knew that Isabela felt the same about tying Mirabel up and her harsh words.

“I wasn’t sure if any of you were in…here. I wasn’t sure if the town was safe. I wasn’t going to risk my life. I needed to see you though. Now that I’m seeing you, I recognize you.” Mirabel explained. “Well…I recognize some of you. I know who you adults are. I just don’t know…these five. Sorry...” Mirabel said, gesturing towards the grandchildren. “Nor do I remember any names.”

It was silent.

“I’m Dolores Madrigal, your oldest cousin, Mirabel.” Dolores introduced herself softly. “I’m twenty-one years old and my gift is enhanced hearing. I’m glad to see you alive, although I wished we would’ve reunited under better circumstances. I miss you.”

“Hold up, we have another cousin?” Camilo questioned.

“I have a younger sister?” Luisa asked, she didn’t seem upset, just confused. “Wait, are you younger than me or just short?” 

“I’m fifteen years old. My birthday is March sixth. You’re awfully tall. I guess I have another older sister. What’s your name?” Mirabel smiled.

Luisa cleared her throat. “I’m Luisa Madrigal, your older sister. My gift is enhanced strength. I’m nineteen years old. Even if I didn’t know you existed until now, I’m happy to see you. I’ll protect you too.”

Mirabel’s cheeks warmed. “T-Thank you.” She was perfectly capable of protecting herself, but it was nice to know that she had someone who would want to protect you.

“Hah, I’m not the second youngest anymore!” Camilo laughed. “My name is Camilo Madrigal, I’m also fifteen. But my birthday is December twenty-eight, three months before yours! My gift is shapeshifting and I’m your older cousin!”

Mirabel thought that he was pretty…energetic.

“You already know my name and age! But, I’m your younger cousin and my gift is talking with animals! I’m so glad to have another cousin!” Antonio gushed.

“Me too…Antonio.”

“My name is Isabela Madrigal, your oldest sister. I’m…I’m sorry for tying you up with my vines and speaking to you like that. I’m twenty one and my gift is chlorokinesis.” Isabela smiled sheepishly. “You’ve grown nicely.”

It has been fifteen years.

“You’re forgiven, Isabela. I thought your gift was interesting. I did make a bad first expression with all this blood on me. You only wanted to protect your little cousin.” Mirabel chuckled.

“Our little cousin.” Isabela corrected softly. “You are a part of this family, hermanita.”

Mirabel blushed.

“Well, I’m Félix, your uncle! I’m married to Pepa. No gift here.” Félix grinned. “You look just like your mother.”

“I’m Pepa….sorry for threatening you with lightning. I’m married to Félix. I’m your aunt. My gift is empathic weather manipulation.” Pepa smiled nervously.

Mirabel waved her off easily. “It’s also okay.”

“U-uhm, I’m Bruno…your other uncle. No children here. My gift is precognition.” Bruno didn’t use his gift often. He hadn’t expected Julieta’s dead daughter to come back at all or as a vampire.

“I’m Agustín, your father. Also no gift here.”

This might’ve been the happiest Julieta has been in a while. “I’m your mother, Julieta. My gift is that I can heal others with my food.” She wasn’t sure if she’d ever let Mirabel go again.

“I’m Alma Madrigal, your grandmother. I also have no gift, but I am the matriarch and the candleholder. I’ll gladly assist you in any way you need help.”

“Oh wow, big family.” Mirabel blinked. “Sorry, can I have a quick summary of the relations here?”

“Of course.” Alma smiled. “Julieta, Pepa, Bruno are triplets, my children. Older to youngest from that order although it’s by a few minutes. Julieta married your father, Agustín, who had Isabela and Luisa, your sisters. Pepa married Felix, who had Dolores, Camilo, and Antonio. Bruno stayed single. We live in a magical house named Casita with a magical candle, which grants the gifts when a Madrigal turns five.”

“Again, big family, and wow…you all are so unique!” Mirabel beamed. “That’s amazing.”

“As much as I’m glad you’re here…but how? We saw you dead. Your heart…your body….”

Mirabel didn’t need to say anything as Alma spoke up.

“Oh, oh, now it all makes sense. You’re dead.” Alma said, as Mirabel slowly nodded. “No wonder we didn’t hear a heartbeat when you were born, you are a vampire. Vampire doesn’t have a heartbeat. I don’t know why I didn't think of the possibility. I just…didn’t think that any of my children or grandchildren would be a vampire. It didn’t pass through any of you. I feel so stupid.” She groaned in frustration.

“Wait—wait, what are we talking about?”

“Your father—your abuelo was a vampire. That was a part that I left out because it seems that none of you would inherit Pedro’s genes. I didn’t see the need to tell any of you because none of you changed.” Alma looked at Mirabel, her face softened. “And it seems that I was wrong. I am deeply ashamed and sorry.”

“Wait—“

“What!?”

“We could’ve been vampires!?”

“…That’s what you’re focused on?”

“I don’t know why it skipped all of them, but you inherited it, Mirabel. I just wish that I…I thought of the possibility of you being a vampire rather than you being dead.”

Mirabel shrugged. “To be fair, my heart wasn’t beating and I didn’t cry at all when I was born. You would think that nobody would inherit abuelo’s genes since it skipped all of them. You’re not at fault. At least my body was fairly intact when I woke up.”

“…Can we go back to how you’re out of your grave?”

“Oh, the couple that took me, unburied me. If it wasn’t for them, I probably would’ve actually died there. “

“What type of people just go digging babies’ graves up? What was even their original purpose?” 

Julieta huffed. “Well, I’m glad they’re dead.”

“Julieta!”

“What? You can’t tell me that we all aren’t thinking that!”

“…She does have a point.”

Notes:

Mirabel’s birthday-shots are ready to be uploaded on her birthday. Fortunately, she doesn’t die in any of them or suffer too much. All of them are good endings. :)

Chapter 185: A Mother’s Fury

Isabela stood up abruptly, glaring at Alma. “What the fuck did you say to my sister?” She scowled, as Mirabel’s eyes widened at Isabela’s words. She hadn’t heard Isabela curse before.

“Isabela, language! You do not talk to me like that.” Alma hissed. “Mirabel was underfoot.”

“Underfoot?” Isabela laughed in disbelief. “You called her useless. My language is far more appropriate than what you just said to her. I’ve had enough of you talking to Mirabel like that just because she doesn’t have a gift.”

Alma shook her head. “Mirabel was in the way.”

“Okay…but what does that have to do with her being useless? Which she isn’t. You shouldn’t be saying that to your granddaughter anyways. She isn’t useless.” Isabela scoffed. “I was here this entire time. She was just minding her business. It was you who wanted to find something to nitpick about her.”

Mirabel looked stunned by Isabela actually defending her. Especially to their grandmother out of all people. She thought that Isabela would have agreed that she’s useless. She thought that Isabela had the same views on her as Alma. It seems that she was wrong about how Isabela felt about her despite their arguing.

Isabela would never say that she hated Mirabel or anything less. She adores Mirabel. She loves Mirabel. She thought of Mirabel as every other older sibling thought of their younger sibling. She thought Mirabel was annoying, but she didn’t tolerate anyone messing with her baby sister. Not even their abuela. She’d break out of that señorita perfecta act for Mirabel just to defend her. Mirabel is far from useless, not even close. She won’t let anyone make Mirabel think so either.

If people weren’t going to see her as perfect anymore then so what? She’s going to put being a good older sister over the towns’ perfect woman every single time.  

Alma was surprised by the angry look in Isabela’s eyes. She had never seen that before. Not directed at anyone. Not at her. “I’m not nitpicking. Wouldn’t you agree that Mirabel is getting in the way? She doesn’t have a gift and does no good around her. That’s why you, a gifted Madrigal, had to make up around town to prove that we’re strong and capable. We won’t let Mirabel be a distraction and cause us to falter.”

“Mirabel doesn’t get in the way, abuela. Not at all. She’s usually sewing or helping around town. That’s not getting in the way. Everyone in the town doesn’t have a gift, you don’t have a gift.” Isabela reminded her, making Alma go stiff. “She isn’t a distraction either. She’s my baby sister. We don’t need to prove that we’re strong either. Mirabel is strong. I don’t like that you’re insulting and disrespecting Mirabel in front of me either, abuela.”

Alma’s eyes widened. “Disrespecting? You don’t like that I’m disrespecting Mirabel?” Alma walked closer to Isabela. Isabela only hardened her gaze. “I’ll show you disrespect.”

That’s when Mirabel noticed the familiar look in Alma’s eyes. “Abuela, please, wait—“

That’s when Alma raised her hand.

The slap landed with a sickening impact, the sound of flesh on flesh echoing through the room.

Isabela felt her cheek sting immediately as Mirabel gasped. Isabela hadn’t expected the slap. She wanted to laugh. It didn’t hurt. Not from someone of Alma’s age. Isabela was about to say something if it wasn’t for her getting interrupted before she even spoke.

“What the hell are you doing to my daughters!?” 

Julieta had just walked in, seeing Alma smack her oldest. She saw Mirabel’s scared expression. She wasn’t going to sit back and watch. She was furious.

“You need to control them! They’re acting out of line! Both of them!” Alma exclaimed in her defense. It was a weak attempt to defend herself. Not when Julieta saw her slap Isabela. Hopefully, Julieta would understand.  

“No, you are the one acting out of line! You need to get your emotions under control! You have no right to hit my daughter! I’m her mother, not you! Even then, we don’t resort to violence! Don’t you dare touch any of my daughters again!” Julieta yelled back, before she turned back to Isabela, her voice softening. “Oh, mi vida, what happened?” She could see the print of her mother’s hand on Isabela’s cheek.

Isabela could see the pointed look that Alma was giving her with Julieta’s back turned.

Isabela could hardly restrain her smirk from forming. “Abuela called Mirabel useless and got mad at me for defending her.”

Isabela watched as Julieta’s jaw clenched, Alma’s face losing its color.

Did Alma really think that she was going to lie for her?

“Mirabel,” Julieta turned to Mirabel. “Is that true?”

Mirabel meekly nodded.

Julieta smiled. “Isabela, take your sister to your room. Your abuela and I are going to have a little…chat.” 

Isabela didn’t need to be told twice. Her mother looked as if she was about to strangle her grandmother, but only kept calm because Mirabel was there. “Come on, hermanita.”

Isabela had a strange feeling that this wasn’t the first time that Alma had hit a Madrigal.

She wondered just what had Alma said and done to Mirabel when nobody was nearby. What would Alma have done if she hadn’t heard the way she was talking to her?

Chapter 186: Antonio’s Second Mother

It was obvious to the Madrigals and the townspeople how close Mirabel and Antonio were. If Antonio wasn’t with either of his parents, you could guarantee that he was with Mirabel.

“Mamí!” Antonio babbled as he crawled over to Mirabel.

The other Madrigals were startled to hear Antonio call Mirabel that.

“Mijo!” Mirabel exclaimed, the eleven year old matching Antonio’s energy. She crouched down to Antonio, the younger boy crawling to her.

Pepa does have a spitfire personality. The chances of Pepa being upset that Antonio called someone else that was not his actual mother, mom, was high.

To their surprise, Pepa wasn’t even paying attention. Perhaps Pepa didn’t hear? That was good. At least they wouldn’t have to worry about the weather being bad and their family members being upset.

The other Madrigals internally let out a sigh of relief.

“Mamí!” Antonio repeated loudly.

Pepa did look this time, staring at her son and niece with an unreadable expression. 

They expected to see a cloud form or even thunder to begin because of Antonio calling Mirabel his mother.

Pepa stood up.

“Pepa, wait—“

Fortunately, Pepa did stop in her tracks. “Yes?” She looked at her family members, who looked oddly worried.

“What are you doing?” Agustín ended up asking.

Pepa blinked. “…Walking over to Mirabel and Antonio. Why are you all acting weirder than usual?”

Still no cloud.

“You’re not upset?”

“About?”

“…Antonio calling Mirabel his mom.”

“No…?” Pepa said, tilting her head. “Why would I have a problem with Antonio calling Mirabel his mom?” She looked even more confused.

“Well…”

This was awkward.

Pepa frowned.

Antonio was sucking on his thumb, before he pointed at Pepa. “Mamá! Mamá!”

Pepa chuckled, the frown fading away in a second. “Yes, yes, mamá is here, mijo.” She looked back at the other Madrigals. “Now why would I really be upset?” Her eyes narrowed.

Julieta sighed. “We just thought that you…might be devastated that Antonio called Mirabel his mom. Or, at least a little upset.”

Pepa couldn’t help but laugh at the foolishness of that sentence. “I’m actually pretty happy right now.” She grinned. “Mirabel has been taking care of Antonio when Félix and I are busy. She didn’t have to, but she insisted, and I couldn’t refuse my adorable little niece.” Mirabel’s cheeks heated up as Pepa continued. “Antonio’s a baby. He’s around Mirabel and I the most. It just means that he has enough love in his heart for more than one mother. I’m glad that Mirabel took such good care of Antonio to the point that he thinks of her as another mother.” She looked slightly disappointed. “I already knew about it too. It’s not like Antonio thinks that Mirabel is his only mother. He sees both of us as his mother. It’s absolutely adorable.” Pepa said fondly. “I wouldn’t have a problem with it either.”

“And I’m still the father!” Félix beamed, wrapping his arms around his wife.

“Of course you are, amor.” Pepa smiled, before turning towards the rest of their family. “I mean…did you all want me to be upset? Do you all think of me so lowly to be upset about something like this?” Pepa huffed. “It’s not like Mirabel forced Antonio to call her that and he can’t control his words. He’s only a year old.”

The Madrigals went silent.

Pepa rolled her eyes.

“It’s not like you would be seriously upset if any of your children called me mamá.” Pepa said dryly, looking at Julieta and Agustín. “Isabela called me her mother and Dolores called you her mother.”

“I did?” Isabela and Dolores asked simultaneously.

“Hm, I forgot about that.” Alma hummed, a strange softness in her voice. “You two are only twenty-four days apart. You also called each other’s fathers, your father. You two also weren't old enough to distinguish your actual parents.”

“Is Antonio going to be like that?” Luisa asked curiously.

“He’ll probably keep thinking that Mirabel is his other mother until he’s old enough to understand.”

“That worked with the rest of you.”

“It certainly doesn’t help that we’re all keeping the same last name, making it even more confusing and complicated for the younger people in town.” Dolores murmured.

“What a big family we are.”

“Antonio now has…two mothers and one father.” Julieta said rather slowly. “Pepa, when I said you couldn’t steal Mirabel as my daughter, this is not what I expected you to do.”

Pepa’s entire face went red. “Julieta, I’m going to strangle you.”

Julieta laughed. “Oh, come on, that was funny. I couldn’t resist saying that to you.”

Chapter 187: The Mischief Twins

“Maybe if you weren’t always in the way, you’d be useful at something.” Isabela smirked, nudging past Mirabel and Camilo.

Camilo scowled. “That bitc—“

Mirabel rolled her eyes, looking slightly annoyed. “Calm down, Milo. She isn’t worth it. I know what she says isn't true.”

“I know that.” Camilo huffed. “She’s just so…ugh.” Camilo groaned, throwing his hands up in frustration. “She goes out of her way just to bully you. Doesn’t Señora Perfecta have anything better to do than bully someone six years younger than her?”

“That’s what I thought.” Mirabel chuckled. “And they think that she’s so good.” She mocked.

Camilo snorted. “Right. She acts like a princess as soon as abuela and others are here, it’s a whole different person. How convenient.”

Mirabel sighed. “I just don’t know what she got against me. It’s not like I did anything to her. Out of everyone, she’s the one rubbing my giftlessness in my face besides abuela.”

“Yeah…” Camilo frowned. “And she always get away with it too.”

Mirabel slowly nodded. “Yes,” She received no reply, making her look at her older cousin. “What prank are you coming up with now?”

Camilo laughed. “Whatever do you mean?”

“We grew up together. Attached at the hip. I know you and your facial expressions. You’re thinking of doing something. What is it?” Mirabel smirked.

“Well, you got me there. But it’s a surprise, prima.” Camilo winked, making Mirabel roll her eyes in faux annoyance. “Watch Isabela in town today.”

Mirabel folded her arms, her lips twitching upward. “She’ll figure out that it was you, Camilo.”

“So?” Camilo grinned. “There’s not going to be a way to prove that it was me. And Dolores isn’t a problem either. Just trust me.”

“Last time you said that, a house was on fire.”

“I’m a changed person!”

“Mhm…”

“Really!”

---

Camilo was shifted into an older man. He watched as Isabela danced and handed out flowers. He didn’t understand how she was one of the most popular Madrigals. Anyone can grow flowers. Nothing special.

He made his way closer to her, making sure to stagger in his older form.

“You’re so beautiful!”

“Isabela, pass me a flower!”

“I told my family about us!”

“Look at me, please!”

“Here, here!”

His nose scrunched up in disgust. 

Okay, he couldn’t deny that Isabela was beautiful, but this was a bit too much. What happened to their decency? 

Half of these people were two times Isabela’s age or older.

And Isabela was currently being courted by Mariano.

It’s more as abuela uses Isabela for her beauty.

Besides that, she’s…useless.

Camilo let out a low chuckle.

When Isabela got closer to him, Camilo called out.

“Uhm, excuse me, ma’am, can I have a bouquet of flowers?” He made sure to have his voice low and hoarse to play into his role.

“Of course, señor.” Isabela smiled.

But, Camilo could see right through her smile. He observed her enough. Since his main thing is mimicking, he knows when someone’s smile is real or fake.

Isabela’s smile was strained like always and fake.

As Isabela reached out to give him the bouquet of roses, he conveniently—well, accidentally dropped his cup of coffee on her.

Isabela shrieked as Camilo mocked a gasp.

“Oh—oh no, I’m so, so sorry. Let me clean it up for you!” He grabbed a handkerchief from his pocket and began wiping the spot that spilled on Isabela’s dress. It didn’t help at all, only spreading it.

“That’s—that’s enough, señor.” Isabela took a step back away from him, her face flushed. “You’ve done enough.” He saw how Isabela was resisting the urge to scowl.

“Are you sure?” He couldn’t hide the amusement from his tone, as Isabela’s eyes slightly widened.

Camilo started to step away from her.

Isabela kept her eyes on him, she knew it was him now.

Camilo only smirked, just challenging her to do something in public. There was no way to prove that it was him. That’s what she gets for messing with his partner in crime.

Do something, Camilo mouthed.

One of Isabela’s eyes twitched, before she turned away, facing the crowd, and saying how she has to go change.

“Ay, that was mean.” Mirabel snickered.

“Not mean enough and I didn’t even get started! This was absolutely nothing.”

Chapter 188: Camilo’s Haunting Conversation

Camilo didn’t understand why everyone was acting so strangely. Odd. Something was obviously wrong but nobody said a word about it.

When he asked about it, everyone just seemed to get more upset. So, he just stopped trying to get people to talk about the issue. It wasn’t working.

To Camilo, Mirabel was the one that was acting the most strange. She was more quiet and she barely interacted with others.

He knew that it had to do with the argument that tore Casita apart. She must’ve felt awful. For once, Camilo wasn’t sure if he could make anyone smile again.

“Mirabel?”

Mirabel was sitting in the grass field, the opposite of where everyone else was. His younger cousin turned to look at him with a dazed expression.

He didn’t question it.

Camilo sat down beside her. “What are you doing here alone?”

“I’m…I’m lonely.” Mirabel gasped out as if it was painful to say those words.

Camilo frowned. “Lonely?” He thought that they were doing a good thing by giving Mirabel her distance. He already began to regret his actions.

“…I can’t breathe.”

Was it just him or did Mirabel seem paler?

“What are you talking about?” Camilo’s worry grew as Mirabel began trembling slightly. “Do I need to get your mother?”

Why was Mirabel’s glasses crooked? Was one of her lenses cracked too? Was she not bothered by it?

“Casita…h-hurts.” Mirabel whimpered, her eyes filling up with tears. “…Lonely e-even though d…dea…”

Camilo flinched.

Casita was no more.

Their gifts were no more.

Mirabel was the most affected.

“You don’t…you don’t like so wel—“

“A-abuela….she is…is she d-disappointed?”

“…disappointed?”

Mirabel went silent, looking down at the grass.

“Camilo?”

Camilo perked up at Isabela’s voice.

“What are you doing?”

Camilo didn’t understand why Isabela wasn’t addressing Mirabel too. That was a bit rude. “Huh?”

That’s when Isabela walked over to Camilo, a curious look on her face. “Who were you talking to?”

Camilo turned to stare at Isabela. He liked her even more when she wasn’t señorita perfecta. He’s not sure how Mirabel managed to break Isabela’s perfection. “I was just talking to Mirabel.” He gestured over, before realizing Mirabel was gone. “Oh,” He blinked in confusion. “Wait, where is she? Did she run off?”

He would’ve heard if she walked or ran off, right?

That’s when Camilo noticed Isabela’s expression.

Isabela held a hand over her mouth, her eyes seemed watery as she looked at him in shock. Her shock quickly changed to anger. “What the hell? That wasn’t funny, Camilo.”

“What?” Camilo frowned, taken by surprise from Isabela’s sudden mood change. “I didn’t say anything funny. What are you talking about?”

Isabela glared at him. “Is this some sort of fucked up prank of yours? I get that it’s your thing, but this is not something I joke about. I can’t believe that you would actually do something like that. I pray that you hadn’t done this to anyone else, especially my mother.”

“I don’t…I don’t know what I said wrong. I-I’m sorry, if I offended you.” Camilo stammered out an apology.

Isabela actually looked shocked for a moment. “Camilo….”

“…Yeah?”

“You said you were just talking to Mirabel?”

“…Yes.”

“That isn’t possible.” Isabela began sniffing.

“How?”

“Mirabel never made it out of Casita alive after she went for the candle.”

Camilo lost color in his face.

That wasn’t possible.

He was just talking to Mirabel.

If not…

Just who was he talking to?

Chapter 189: The Weather Whisperer

Pepa felt something fall on her.

Rain?

Pepa looked above her head, no cloud. She certainly wasn’t feeling sad either. This rain wasn’t hers. She watched as the sky got darker from the clouds.

Okay, this definitely wasn’t her.

When she tried to find the cause of this, it was something unexpected.

“…Mirabel?”

“I-I swear, I don’t know how—I…I don’t know how this happened!” Mirabel currently had a cloud over her head. Mirabel who is giftless. Mirabel who has her gift. “I didn’t steal your gift, I swear!”

“Wha—no, that’s not what I was going to say.” Pepa was worried. She could care less about how her gift was gone for now. She was more worried about what made Mirabel upset. Or was it the cause of her having her gift causing her to react like this? It was concerning. “I don’t believe you stole my gift. Not at all.” She went closer to Mirabel. She found it odd that Mirabel was still trying to smile despite her very obvious emotions showing above her head. Mirabel wasn’t happy. She would’ve believed her smile if it weren’t for the rain and clouds. “How did this happen?”

“I don’t know!” Mirabel snapped, covering her face. “I was just trying to sew like I normally do and the next moment I just…” She groaned in frustration, dropping her face into her hands.

Yikes.

Either her gift was making Mirabel moody or Mirabel simply had enough and couldn’t hold back how she really felt. 

“That’s completely fine. You don’t need to know. We can figure it out together.”

Mirabel glanced up at her aunt, hearing her voice closer. 

“T-tía, you’ll—you’ll get wet!”

Pepa scoffed. “Mirabel, I had my gift for many, many years. You think that I haven’t gotten wet from my own gift before?” She questioned, sitting next to her niece. “It’s no problem for me to get wet. But…it seems as if it’s a problem for you. Ay, sobrina, what’s bothering you?”

“I just…don’t know what’s wrong.” The cloud above Mirabel’s head grew bigger and darker. “I’m fine! I swear I am, it’s just this…stupid cloud!” She tried to wave it away as she saw her aunt do many times, much to her dismay, it didn’t go away. She huffed in frustration as Pepa let out a chuckle. 

“You know…I don’t always have to be upset for a cloud to appear or rain to start. I could be raining from pure happiness.” Pepa stared at Mirabel, wiping her cheek. “In your case though…I don’t think that you’re fine. It’s just us two, Mirabel.”

Her smile finally dropped. “What if abuela sees me like this? Ella estaría muy decepcionada de mí…” Mirabel sniffled, her tears blending in with the rain that fell on them. “She’d blame me for…s-something that I don’t even know happened or why!”

Pepa understood that feeling all too well of being worried if her mother would see her like this. Alma wouldn’t ask why she was upset, no, she would ask her to get rid of the cloud. She got used to it. Mirabel, however….this was a tough situation. She knew that her mother had a strained relationship with Mirabel. If she finds out that Mirabel has her gift somehow then that wouldn’t end too well on both ends.

“She won’t see you like this, mi sol. Even if she does, I’d made sure she wouldn’t say anything irrational to you.” Pepa comfortingly grabbed Mirabel’s hand. “She’s not going to be disappointed in you either. You don’t know how this happened, so she can’t blame you for something you have no no part in.”

Mirabel looked more dejected.

The rain fell down on them harsher.

Pepa’s vision began to blur because of the rain. The rain was cold. Was this how others felt? No, she didn’t realize that Mirabel felt this strongly. How much has Mirabel been hiding behind her smile?

“No, no, no, you don’t understand. Abuela is going to be terribly upset with me! She—she’ll think that I stole your gift or something! She already—she already thinks that I'm a threat to the miracle already!” Mirabel cried out. “Then—then she’ll kick me out of Casita and I’ll…I’ll be kicked out of the Encanto!”

Pepa was horrified by Mirabel’s confession. Well, more of her thoughts. Did Mirabel really think that Alma would do something like that? Sure, those two don’t exactly see eye to eye, but Alma would never do that. No less than kicking out a fifteen year old, her own granddaughter. Did her mother even know that Mirabel felt this way about her? Her mother could be very firm at times. If she keeps this up, Mirabel may end up like Br…him.

And, honestly, it wouldn’t take too long for Alma and the rest of their family to know that something is up. No, they would think that something is seriously wrong with her because of the weather. At this rate, a hurricane might even begin to form. Which Pepa cannot let happen. Too many buildings would be destroyed and crops would be damaged like last time.

God, how did they fail Mirabel so badly to the point that she thought so lowly of them? She couldn’t get Mirabel’s frightened eyes out of her head when she first saw her.

“Mirabel, listen to me.” Pepa started off firmly, making Mirabel look at her. “Abuela would never, and I mean never would do that to you. Ever. Even if she does, which she won’t, your parents wouldn’t allow it, I wouldn’t allow it.” She seriously needed to speak with her mother and Julieta. At the same time. “Abuela doesn’t hate you.” Mirabel didn’t need to say it for Pepa to know that she thought it. “She has an awful way of showing it, but, yes, she does love you.” Mirabel still looked as if she didn’t believe her. “You still don’t believe me, huh?” Mirabel didn’t respond. “Actually, the other day, some idiots happened to be bad mouthing you the other day in front of Alma. No, you don’t need to worry about what was said because it wasn’t true at all. They’re idiots. You should’ve seen your abuela. And they thought that I had a foul mouth. I did learn it from my mother after all. She defended you because she loves you and she doesn’t tolerate anyone talking terrible about her family members. She’s tough on you, but she truly cares about you and loves you.”

Mirabel was in shock, she knew that Pepa wouldn’t lie to her. She just…couldn’t imagine her abuela defending her. If anything, she thought she would agree with whatever the townspeople say about her. “R-really?”

“Of course! The only reason no rumors spread about it is because all of them are secretly scared of your abuela’s wrath.” Pepa winked. 

To be honest, all of them were.

She did feel better to know that her abuela didn’t actually hate her and defend her.

“I have a literal cloud over my…well, not now, but you understand what I mean. Your abuela still doesn’t stop scolding me about getting it under control.” Pepa snorted. “I know that she cares about me even though she mentions my cloud nonstop when it’s there. She gets on the townspeople’ asses if they say something rude about my mood. She just has a rather…tough personality and built walls around herself. Her nagging is more of her way of being concerned. Don’t tell her that I said that though.”

Pepa was happy to at least get a giggle out of Mirabel. That was a good sign.

“Ay, are you laughing?”

“I…” Mirabel’s cheeks flushed as the rain started to become light, becoming more of droplets. “Tía, that’s not fair! Y-you knew I would laugh!”

Pepa grinned. “So it takes me secretly talking about your abuela to get you to calm down, eh? I should do that more, shouldn’t I?”

“Tía!”

“What?” Pepa laughed. “Your abuela wouldn’t know.”

“Still!”

The rain stopped, but the cloud was still present.

Pepa didn’t mind, neither did Mirabel.

Pepa smiled warmly. “Mirabel…it took me years to learn this myself, but it’s okay to feel. No matter what abuela says to you, or anyone, don’t let it get to you. You know yourself better than anyone. You don’t need to have—have…ah, uhm,”

Mirabel tilted her head in confusion. “…An?

Pepa sneezed, sniffling. “Gift, I meant to say you don’t need a gift to be special. Everyone is special in their own way and our gifts don't define that. You certainly don’t need my gift. You have nothing to prove and you shouldn’t have to prove anything either.” She patted Mirabel’s wet hair. Both of them were equally wet.

“T-tía,”

“Ah, we’re both going to be horribly sick later on.”

“Definitely.”

Pepa let out a hum. She wondered when and how she’ll get her gift back. She doesn’t want to leave the burden of her gift on Mirabel’s shoulders. She also needs to check in on Mirabel more.

“But,”

“But?”

Pepa grabbed Mirabel’s cheeks, gently pinching them. “It’s fine as long as I get to spend time with my oh so lovely niece!”

“Ay, tía, you’re sounding and acting like mamá!”

“And that’s a good thing! Listen to your mother!” Pepa cooed. “Such a cute and chubby face! Never grow up, Mira!”

“Pepa, that’s not how life works.”

“Defy life then!”

Mirabel blinked. “Wha—“

“—Pepa!”

They both jumped, glancing down at their family members’ worried voices then looked at each other.

Mirabel smiled nervously. She did cause quite a scene and trouble for Pepa. “So…what should we say?” She wasn’t sure if Dolores would even be able to hear their conversation because of the harsh weather.

Pepa let out a hum, shrugging. “I was honestly thinking of jumping out the window to avoid getting caught, but…I thought that you would’ve had a better idea.”

Mirabel sighed. “We’re screwed.”

“You’re screwed, I’m still jumping out the window. Are you joining me?”

“You’ll break a bone!”

“Are you calling me old?”

“I’m saying that you’re not as young as you used to be and have a higher chance of breaking something.”

“Casita will make sure we won’t get hurt.”

“You know that we’ll be in even more trouble by doing this, right?”

“I’ll take the blame.”

“That’s what I needed to hear. Let’s jump.”

“That’s what I’m talking about!”

“Wait, we’re going out in wet clothes!?”

“It’s too late to change your mind!”

“Tía!”

Chapter 190: Mirabel’s Deadly Secret

“Wait, watch out—“

The two Madrigals looked up at Mirabel’s voice.

That’s when they heard a sharp and loud noise.

Dolores squeaked as Camilo gasped.

They both looked at Mirabel.

There was an axe in her head.

“I…”

The two Madrigals’ faces were pale as everyone else stared at Mirabel in shock, practically holding their breath.

That’s when blood began flowing from the wound, dripping down her face and neck.

That’s when some people actually fainted.

Some gagged or vomited, or both.

People turned their children into the opposite direction in fear of traumatizing them with this horrific sight.

Most people stood still in shock that they just might witness the second youngest Madrigal’s death.

Especially Dolores and Camilo.

They were just talking before they could fully register why she was calling out to them, all they could see was Mirabel with an axe in her head.

Slowly, Mirabel reached up to touch the axe in her head, wincing when she felt it. “There’s…there’s an axe in my…head.” Huh, that’s not something that happened everyday.

That seems to stop everyone out of their daze. 

“Just—just stay calm, I’ll go get y-your mom!”

“I am quite calm.” Mirabel hated the feeling of blood on her. It was uncomfortable and unsettling. She could feel the warm liquid flow down her face and neck, and it felt strange and off-putting. It wasn’t something new, she just didn’t like it.

Mirabel watched as her mother’s name got called out from multiple urgent voices. She just sat there, waiting.

She repressed her groan.

Another white blouse was ruined because of a stupid accident.

“It’s okay, M-Mirabel, it’ll be okay! You’ll be f-fine! Don’t worry! Everything will be o-okay!”

“I’m literally the only one not panicking.” Mirabel said dryly.

The man who had somehow managed to lose control of his axe apologized repeatedly as he cried.

Mirabel chuckled. “It’s okay, well, it’s not, but I’m glad it was me and not my cousins.”

Oh, he fainted.

Crap.

She was brought to her mother and her family immediately. It’s not like she could just get healed with an axe in her head. The axe would have to be removed. Which would result in a lot more blood loss.

Honestly, something like this would result in death because of extensive brain contusion. If she didn’t have her gift she would likely be dead if the axe was removed. Or at least in some type of vegetable state. Then death would happen later on.

A whole ton of death just for her.

How exciting.

At this point, she might as well be best friends with death. Or enemies. It doesn’t really matter.

“What—what happened?”

Fortunately for her, her cousins told them what happened. Unfortunately for everyone else, she had an axe in her head and looked a second away form dying.

“Hey, it’s not everyday that I get an axe accidently thrown at me perfectly!” Mirabel grinned, trying to lighten up the mood. She failed, miserably.

“Oh my God…oh my God—“

“I swear, when I get my hands on that man—“

“Mirabel, it’ll be okay—“

“How can you say that when she’s literally dragging blood everywhere she goes with an axe in her head—“

“Shut up! I’m trying to stay positive—“

“I love you so much—“

“I love you too, but I’m not dying.” Mirabel hated how she was ruining her clothes with her blood. Another day of sewing something new because she is getting into terrible accidents. She’s really starting to think that she's a magnet for death. Considering how many times she died, she probably was.

The moment she blinked, she heard shrieking.

“Oh my god—“

“Don’t close your eyes—“

“Stay awake—“

“Mirabel—“

“I’m about to go to sleep just to mess with you all.” Mirabel narrowed her eyes, it was clear that nobody was really listening to her. They were all too busy panicking and preparing the possibility of seeing her die.

The axe in her head was getting really annoying though.

It was like a terrible headache.

A very terrible headache.

The blade of the axe was in her head, deep in her head, which was the reason the axe didn’t fall out. She’s pretty sure that she trailed blood the entire time that she walked. How traumatizing for the people that saw her.

Mirabel closed her eyes for longer than a second.

“Mirabel!”

Mirabel snorted. Okay, that was funny. It probably wasn’t funny for them, but it was funny. “Yeah?” She opened her eyes to see the horrified expressions of her family members.

“How…how are you still awake?”

“I think it’s her adrenaline.”

“It’s been more than thirty minutes.”

Mirabel was just watching them.

Mirabel knew that one day she’ll have to tell them the truth.

This would be the perfect time.

“…Mirabel?”

Mirabel smiled nervously. “Ah…”

The Madrigals looked at her.

Now they could tell something was going on.

“Mija?”

“I might’ve…sorta died before it and that’s how I figured out my gift.” Mirabel laughed awkwardly. “Surprise, I guess. My gift is immortality. Probably the worst gift considering that everyone is going to grow old and die and I’ll still be here. It’s more of a curse, really.”

“What!?”

“Yeah,” Mirabel said as if it wasn’t a big deal. She clearly wasn’t seeing the problem with saying that died before. 

“You died!?”

“You have a gift!?”

Mirabel hummed. “Mhm, it was an accident. Though, I fell from a great height. My head hit the ground first, it was instant. Terrible, right?” She sighed. “There was also another time where I choked on my food. Drowned. Slept the wrong way while sleeping and suffocated. And much more. You know, the usual.”

“Somebody catch me, I’m about to faint.”

“Oh—“

Alma actually fainted.

The others looked close to fainting from the information they were told.

“Dying multiple times is not a casual thing!” Isabela shrieked, staring at Mirabel as if she was crazy. She wanted to strangle Mirabel, but at the same time suffocate her in a hug and never let her go. It’s not like she would die.

“Yeah, probably. But, hey, at least I’m not dead!”

“You would’ve been!”

“But I’m not!”

“Oh my—“

“You never thought of telling us? You never thought that maybe this was a very concerning thing that we wanted to know?” Julieta was doing her very best to not panic even more. No parent would like to hear that their child is terribly injured or dead. Yet Mirabel died multiple times, well, she would’ve died.

“Uhm…well, of course I thought about telling you…or someone about my ability. I…just never knew how to bring it up?” Mirabel weakly said.

“Mirabel.”

“What?”

“I’m seriously considering never letting you out of my sight again. It seems that you and death just…can’t escape each other.”

“Mamá…you know what, you’re oddly calm despite what I said.”

Julieta sighed. “Mirabel, I’m not calm. Your abuela is on the floor, your father is somehow on the roof. Pepa and Félix are plotting a murder. Dolores and Camilo are traumatized. Isabela and Luisa are thinking of teaming up against you, so you won’t be able to leave out of their sight and get hurt. I agree with them too.” 

“Oh,”

“How does your gift work anyways? You’re still aging, so your gift isn’t limited to that. You…can’t die, but…what about pain?”

Julieta briefly thought about what if they didn’t have their gifts? Or what if something happens causing them to lose their gifts? What would that mean for Mirabel? Would she immediately die because of her escaping her own death every single time? Would she pay the price back tenfold? Or would something happen that Mirabel would not be able to come back from?

Mirabel chuckled. “Oh no, I definitely still feel pain. I can feel myself about to faint in a few seconds. Dying does build up a high pain tolerance. But, an axe in my head is not something I’m really used to.”

“Wait—“

“Yeah, I’m definitely about to faint. Please have this axe out of my head when I wake up.”

Notes:

I’m about to focus on my one-shots a little bit more than my other stories for now. Chapter 200 is my longest chapter yet and I’m still not finished. 15k words in already. :)

Chapter 191: The Witch Of Encanto

“Why…why? We gave you everything. Why did you have to resort to this? Out of everything? Witchcraft? Was we not enough for you?” Julieta asked, her eyes watering. “Do you know the punishment for that, Mirabel? Do you?”

“Mamá…” Mirabel whimpered, struggling against the vines.

Alma looked down on Mirabel. “Isabela, let her go.” Isabela did as told. “You’re not needed anymore. This is an adults’ conversation. Keep this information to yourself and tell the same to Dolores. Your siblings do not need to know what deeds that Mirabel have done.”

Isabela nodded. “Yes, abuela.”

Isabela walked away.

“Mirabel, we gave you everything that you could’ve possibly needed. You had it all. Yet you gave it up for some witch. I’d hope you have some more loyalty to your family.” Alma said, a frown on her face. “You know the punishment of doing witchcraft, don’t you?”

Mirabel was honestly scared that they would’ve had Isabela kill her. “Y-yes…”

“And you still went on with it knowing that you’ll get killed if you get caught by anyone.”

“…Yes.”

“You’re fortunate enough that it was us that caught you.” Alma sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I do have a question for you, Mirabel. Why?”

Mirabel’s lips pursed. “I…I just wanted to be like the rest of you. I wanted to have magic. I wanted to belong. She offered to help me, to teach me…”

“Dark magic.” Alma finished off. “Our magic, the candle is pure. This is the absolute lowest of low. You didn’t…you didn’t need to do this. I don’t have a gift, Mirabel. Your father and uncle don't have a gift. This is disrespect to the miracle. You went to go learn witchcraft. You threw your life away. Literally.”

Julieta grimaced. “Mamá…”

Alma held a hand up, silencing her. “No, Julieta. Mirabel knew what she was getting into once she came in contact with that witch.” She looked back at Mirabel. “…But, I’m going to show you leniency since you are my youngest grandchild.”

Mirabel and her parents looked surprised.

“And…and what is that?” Mirabel asked hesitantly.

Alma’s expression was unreadable. “Leave, Mirabel. Leave and never come back. If you do return, I cannot guarantee you will survive. I will not stop them either.” She narrowed her eyes. “You got off lucky. I will not raze your name, your reputation, unless you come back. I will make up an excuse for the townspeople. I’ll say that you left the Encanto to make a name for yourself out there instead of the terrible truth. You’ll leave with a good reputation and I plan to keep it that way unless you come back. Besides that, anything else that happens is up to you.”

“This…this is the best outcome for you, Mirabel.” Agustín said, his voice strained. “It’s better than being…executed. Trust me.”

“I…”

“Promise me, Mirabel. Promise me that you’ll never come back. I do not want to see the blood of my own granddaughter in my beloved Encanto.”

“I…I promise. I won’t come back, I’ll never return. I swear.”

“Good.”

Mirabel said nothing, averting her gaze.

Uncomfortable silence filled the room. 

Alma spoke up again.

“I love you, Mirabel. I truly do. I hate to do this, but I have to. It’s unfortunate that things will have to go this way, but life doesn’t always go as planned. But, this is a better fate than death.”

“…Right.”

Alma cleared her throat. “Mirabel Madrigal, I hereby declare that you are now exiled from the Encanto. If you ever return with your friend, you will be executed for practicing witchcraft.” Alma actually looked sad, hesitating for a moment. “And…I hope that you do not return, Mirabel. I do not want to see you hanged or beheaded. You are ten years old, you have a life ahead of you. Whether it’s with us or with that witch. It seems as if it's with that witch now.”

And, honestly, that was the best kind of mercy that Alma could give Mirabel.

“Goodbye, Mirabel.”

Mirabel could at least appreciate that her grandmother didn’t immediately want to execute her. She knew the consequences of her actions, the deadly consequences.

“Goodbye…”

Mirabel left.

She left and didn’t come back.

That was the last time she saw her family.

…

“Ah, exiled?” Astrea knew that would’ve been a possible outcome if Mirabel decided to keep working under her. She couldn’t help but laugh. “They have magic themselves from a candle, but witchcraft is where they draw the line? From their youngest family member no less. What a bunch of hypocrites. Oh, Madrigals, you really are screwing yourselves over from this decision.”

Mirabel said nothing, only crying as she held onto Astrea.

“Don’t worry, Mirabel. I’ll take care of you as if you were my own child. As I’ve always been doing. Forget the Madrigals. They’ll only cause you hurt. I’ll keep you safe and you can continue learning magic.”

Mirabel knew what she was getting into the moment she interacted with Astrea.

It didn’t hurt any less.

---

It’s been fifteen years since Mirabel was exiled. Mirabel could confidently say that she was able to do witchcraft easily. She knew all of the spells like the tip of her finger. She’s eager to know more about witchcraft from the outside world.

“You—you witch! I finally found you!”

What a great way of starting the day.

“Excuse me?”

“You stole the magic from my family!”

Mirabel narrowed her eyes, maintaining her distance. “What the hell are you talking about, kid?” She would certainly remember taking magic from a family. “Who even are you?” 

She could tell that he hadn’t brought anyone with him. Foolish, really. He came alone into their home.

“I’m Antonio Madrigal!” 

That caused Mirabel to pause. “Madrigal?” He was way too young to be one of the older Madrigal. He sure as hell wasn’t older than her. One of the Madrigals' children perhaps? If he was, he would’ve been Isabela’s child, right? That was most likely the case. “Whose kid are you?”

Antonio was staring at her with hatred in his eyes. “My mother is Pepa Madrigal.”

Mirabel raised an eyebrow. “So, she had another kid, huh? How old are you? I could’ve sworn that she was too old to even have another baby.”

“Fifteen.”

“Right after I was exiled too.” Mirabel chuckled to herself. Pepa must’ve been pregnant around the time she was exiled and she was unaware of it. “You must know who I am, don’t you, primito?”

Antonio’s cheeks flushed. “Don’t call me that. I am not and do not want to be related to you. They should’ve beheaded you when they had the chance.”

“Ah, the feeling is mutual. I do not want to be associated with the Madrigals. You also have that weather witch’s temper.” Mirabel folded her arms, before turning her head. “How long do you plan on watching from the shadows instead of showing yourself?”

“Huh—“

“You caught me!” Astrea smiled, showing herself and standing by Mirabel’s side. She glanced at Antonio. “Don’t you know it’s rude to come into another’s home uninvited? You never know what a person might have stored in their home and what might be waiting for you. And you’re even threatening my apprentice. How impolite.” She chuckled. “Who knows the danger of being inside of a strangers’ home? People do not take it kindly to being threatened.”

Mirabel could see the faux happiness in Astrea’s expression.

Antonio scowled.

Mirabel stopped Astrea before she could go any further. “He’s a Madrigal.”

Astrea looked confused for a second, turning to Antonio, before looking back at Mirabel. “Hm? He looks fairly younger than you. The shapeshifter perhaps?”

“No, he claims that he is Pepa’s youngest son. The shapeshifter’s younger brother. He also claims that I stole the magic.” Mirabel grinned. “I could tell that he has the Madrigals’ blood inside him. Look at his face. Looks exactly like those damn Madrigals. He has Félix’s face.”

Astrea stared at him for a while. “Antonio Madrigal. He’s ten years younger than you. Never received a gift because the magic was already gone by then.” She said slowly, smirking. “Aw, what’s this about you stealing the magic? How come I wasn’t informed?”

“I’m afraid I have no idea what he’s talking about.”

“I’m tired of you two treating this as a joke!” Antonio exclaimed angrily.

Mirabel rolled her eyes. “I’m not going to take you seriously if that’s the goal. Especially with some kid. I am starting to think this is some joke too. Does your family even know you’re here? I know you’re a kid, but you’re awfully immature. I mean, look at him.” She gestured towards his entire appearance. “He came here empty handed. We’re known for doing witchcraft. Dark magic. You’re defenseless. They don’t know you’re here. You could be dead and they won’t suspect us.”

Antonio faltered for a moment. They were right. He was absolutely defenseless. Nobody knew he was there. They could kill him and nobody would know what happened to him.

“It’s pathetic, really. You’re just like them. It’s a shame that they influenced you negatively, Antonio. What a terrible first time meeting my little cousin. I had no clue of your existence until now. And the first thing you do is accuse me of stealing that goddamn candle.”

“Because you di—“

“—I do not care about what the Madrigals do anymore. I do not care about them in general. That is their business, not mine. They made their choice and I made mine.” Mirabel cut him off. “We’re only related by last name. I was ten years old when I was exiled. They had their magic when I left.” She narrowed her eyes. “…and seeing as you know a bit about who I am. It seems that Alma couldn’t maintain her promise of keeping my reputation clean even when I kept mine.” She laughed. “Why would I want that stupid miracle when it only brought me trouble? Nothing good came out of me interacting with it. I was already working under Astrea and learning my own magic by then. There would be no use of me taking something from, especially when that magic house of theirs is so guarded. I wouldn’t be able to escape out of your sister’s hearing range either. The only good thing would be me getting petty revenge for them exiling me. News flash, my life doesn’t revolve around them. You Madrigals are so self-centered. It’s aggravating.”

Antonio glared at her, taking offense to her words. Mirabel couldn’t care less about this Madrigal and his feelings towards her. “You…you can’t be telling the truth.”

Mirabel groaned. “If you truly believed that was the truth then does that make me a liar? I can assure you, I kept my end of the promise. I didn’t come back. Death didn’t sound so appealing for a ten year old girl. I was an amateur in magic back then. I couldn’t steal it even if I wanted to. I’m not sure how that would work either. As said before, I do not care about them or you. Their magic is their magic and my magic is my magic. It’s unfortunate that you lose your magic, but I am not to blame.”

Antonio seemed less confident than when he first came in. Mirabel looked as if she was telling the truth. If what he had been told was true, she should be twenty-five now. “T-then…you did this for revenge, right? For what my abuela did to you.”

“Alma Madrigal…” Mirabel muttered. “I do not hate her nor do I love her. She granted me mercy when she could’ve let me die. I could give her credit for that. I knew the consequences of my actions if I got caught. I did get caught. I am lucky to be alive. There is no need for me to get revenge when it was over fifteen years ago. Not to mention we both agreed to let me go as long as I do not return. I did not return. If I did, I would be dead. One person is not enough to go against the entire Encanto.” She tilted her head. “You’re desperate. It’s embarrassing. You’re trying so hard to prove something that’s not true. And I hope you didn’t dedicate your life to finding me and get some type of revenge. That would be even more embarrassing.”

Antonio went quiet, dejected.

“Did you get the answer you wanted to hear, Antonio? Are you satisfied? Was this trip worth it?” Mirabel asked with faux sweetness.

“No…no it wasn’t.”

“Then leave. You now know I’m not at fault for your magic being gone, so go.” Mirabel hissed. “Next time, if you even dare think of coming back or bringing people with you, I won’t let you off so easily.”

Astrea laughed, placing a hand on Mirabel’s shoulder. “There’s no need to get so agitated. We’ll move locations as we always do.” She turned towards Antonio. “Seriously, leave. If it were up to me, you would not be making it out of her alive. Especially since you’re a Madrigal. Lucky you.”

Mirabel did not care about any of the Madrigal.

They lost their magic.

What a shame.

It seems she’s the only Madrigal with magic now.

Notes:

This is the first time that I wrote about Mirabel and Antonio not liking each other mutually.

Chapter 192: Overprotective Madrigals

“You know…I was kind of nervous to approach you when I first saw you. You’re outgoing and energetic. You’re also a Madrigal. My first impression of you wasn’t…bad, it was just that my nerves got to me. I thought you wouldn’t want to hang out with me since you’re, you know, a Madrigal. You’re practically royalty. You have high standards and…I do not fit into that category. That’s also what goes through some others’ heads when they see any of you Madrigals.”

Mirabel couldn’t help but laugh. “What?” More or less, Mirabel was self conscious. It surprised her to know someone else's thoughts on her and her family. She didn’t think people were too nervous to approach her. She just thought that people didn’t like her because she didn’t receive a gift and avoided her. “Wait, seriously?” Mirabel never really thought of her family as higher beings than the people in town. She knew her family was far from normal, but she considered them the same as everyone else.  

Joshua rubbed the back of his neck. “Seriously,” He obviously isn’t as nervous to speak to Mirabel since they’re friends now. “You know how people take first impressions seriously. It’s like thinking someone is mean because of their facial expression, but they actually turn out to be the nicest person ever. Except I thought that you wouldn’t want to hang out with someone like me.”

“Come on, Josh, don’t put yourself down like that. Not once did I look at anyone and think of them being lower than me. No less not hanging out with someone because I feel as if they don’t have enough class. That’s absurd. I may have high standards for myself, but I don’t have high standards for others. I honestly thought that I was the problem. Was it really because I’m a Madrigal?”

It was Joshua’s turn to be surprised. “Mirabel, you’re just as popular as the other Madrigals, if not more. They don't care if you have a gift or not. Especially when all of us don't have gifts. They would be hypocrites if they did actually care about that. Which they don’t.” He said. “Mirabel, there’s nobody here that dislikes you. Everyone here adores you.”

Mirabel smiled cheekily. “Even Osvaldo?”

“Even Osvaldo. He’s just awfully blunt, but he means well.”

“Oh,”

“Yeah,”

“I just thought that I was the problem.”

“No, never! To be honest, people were afraid to approach you even when you’re so bubbly. I don’t know how to say it without making it weird.”

Mirabel snickered in response. “No, no, go ahead. You’re flattering me.”

Joshua grinned. “Everyone was secretly afraid to face your abuela’s wrath if we became friends or more with you.”

“Huh?” Mirabel wasn’t all that close to her abuela before Casita fell and after her failed ceremony. If she was being honest, she didn’t really think her abuela cared about her much back then.

“Yep. It was after your ceremony. Technically, you were the most defenseless Madrigal.” Joshua pointed out. “She cares about you. A lot. Doña Alma pretty much threatened everyone if they dared to try to take advantage of your kindness. I wouldn't say that you’re naive, but…with you being defenseless, I mean, even Antonio has his animals to protect him. She is no doubt overprotective of you.”

Mirabel was stunned. Her abuela? Overprotective of her? Wow. She never thought she would hear those words in the same sentence. “Overprotective?”

“Yes. I honestly don’t think she meant for things to go like this though. She definitely didn’t mean for you to be alone. No offense. She was like this with your cousins and sisters, she just was a tad more aggressive when it came to you.” Joshua let out a laugh. “Your entire family is overprotective of you.”

“How would you know that?”

“I am confident enough to say that your cousin is listening in on our conversation right now. Your other cousin is disguised as someone else and keeping close. Antonio will have his animals go tell him whatever is being said now and would be ready to comfort you if you’re sad.” Joshua listed off. “With Isabela being her true self, she’s not going to hesitate to throw a cactus at anyone. Even before exploring her powers, she’d keep an eye on you and make sure that you didn’t hurt yourself accidently. I don’t think I have to say anything about Luisa. She’d crush anyone’s head if they dared upset her little sister.” His smile widened at Mirabel’s shocked expression. “With you bringing the miracle back, they definitely are going to be more protective.”

“Oh my go— really?” Now Mirabel wasn’t aware of that.

“You seriously didn’t know?”

“No!”

“Oh, well…I think the Madrigals might want my head in a stick now. I’m going to church now.”

“Wait—“

Mirabel did not know what to feel or say.

Chapter 193: Mi Nube

Notes:

I’ve been writing about Mirabel being with the warm family a lot

The Madrigals and everyone else were stunned as Mirabel’s door faded.

Mirabel turned towards her mother with a confused expression. “Mamí…what does that mean?”

Pepa also had no clue what that meant. Mirabel’s door was the first door to actually do that. Everyone else’s door worked. Even when it took a while for the others to figure out their gift, the door never just faded.

Does that mean that Mirabel has no gift?

She looked at her mother who was just as confused. Julieta was muttering something to Bruno, who nodded with a grin.

That little shit.

Pepa did not need to know what was said. All she knew was that it wasn’t a bad thing. She had no doubt that Bruno had a vision about Mirabel.

“Oh, mi nube, it will all be alright.”

“Yeah!” Camilo puffed his chest out as he grinned. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a gift! That means that I’ll do my duty as your older brother to protect you even more now!”

Mirabel pouted. “Stop saying you’re older than me!”

“Nuh-uh, I got my gift first which means I’m older!”

“So!?” Mirabel argued. “We’re supposed to be twins!”

“Oh, yeah! But I’m the older twin right now! You can be the older twin tomorrow, okay?”

“Well…I guess that makes sense.”

Laughter and smiles broke out from the younger Madrigals’ bickering.

Félix and Pepa glanced at each other, both of them smiling. They knew things weren’t going to be bad. Not when Mirabel had such an amazing family.

Isabela turned to Dolores. “I wonder how long they’ll keep this twin stuff up.”

Dolores crossed her arms. “I don’t think they’ll ever stop their shenanigans, Isa. They’re partners in crime. Whether my sister has a gift or not.”

“That definitely wouldn’t be a problem for them two.” Isabela murmured. “Gosh, now I’m thinking of all the horrible pranks they’ll do in the future.”

Dolores’ eyes shined with mischief. “And you’ll be their target.”

“Okay, now you’re just praying for my downfall.”

“Yeah, I am.”

“And they say that you aren’t the same as them. What liars.”

Dolores smirked. “I have a reputation to keep as the mature one out of all of my siblings.”

“Sure, whatever you want to believe.”

“Oh? You disagree?”

Isabela only laughed in response.

“So, what now?” Julieta asked her mother. Although her niece didn’t get a gift, nobody was upset. Surprised and confused, yes, but not upset Bruno had confirmed that nothing would go wrong and nothing bad would happen to Mirabel. 

“How immature.” Alma scoffed, but her smile was undeniable. “It seems that Mirabel hasn’t got a gift. But, that does not matter. Gift or not gift, Mirabel is as special as the rest of us. I see no point in not celebrating. Let the party continue! It is a special day for Mirabel no matter what!”

Pepa grinned, picking up daughter into her arms. “I know that’s right.”

Chapter 194: The Triplets + Mirabel

“Oh, you’re my daughter? You look exactly like me and you’re so adorable!” Julieta gushed. “What gift do you have?”

Mirabel honestly didn’t know how this happened. One moment she was about to tell her abuela about the cracks. When she looked back at them, they were gone. The only thing that stood in their palace was the…triplets. To be more precise, a younger version of the triplets.

Mirabel learned a long time ago that some things that the miracle does makes no sense.

“Yes, you have three daughters, including me.” Mirabel laughed nervously. So, how was she going to tell her mother who was expected to have gifted children that she doesn’t have a gift?

Pepa elbowed Julieta, grinning. “Wow, hermana, you have three kids. What do you think of that?”

“You…also have three kids, tía. It’s actually your youngest child’s gift ceremony today.” Mirabel said, Pepa’s eyes widening in surprise. 

Julieta laughed. “Now what do you think of having three children, Pepí?”

“Shut up.”

“What about me? Do I have three kids?” Bruno asked curiously.

“Uhm…” As far as Mirabel was aware, Bruno had no children. And they still don’t talk about him. “No children from you.”

Bruno immediately looked relieved. “Yes!”

“Boring!” Julieta and Pepa exclaimed dramatically. 

Mirabel couldn’t bite back the smile that began to form from seeing the triplets this way. It was nice to see them this way. Obviously, she didn’t talk about Bruno and knew much about them. Her mother and aunt didn’t interact much due to both of them being busy with their own things. They don’t have enough time to relax.

“I’m your youngest, I’m fifteen years old. Your oldest daughter is twenty-one. Your middle child is nineteen.” Mirabel told her younger mother. “Isabela, Luisa, and me…Mirabel.”

Julieta’s eyes sparkled. “You have a nice name.”

“I think it’s because you chose it.” Bruno whispered, causing Julieta to elbow him.

“So? It’s a nice name whether I choose it or not.”

“Hey, I’m not disagreeing!”

Mirabel turned towards Pepa. “Dolores is your oldest and she’s also twenty-one years old. Camilo is your middle child and he’s fifteen years old. Your youngest, Antonio just turned five years old…as you can tell by the ceremony.”

“Both of your children are so close to age with each other. Did you two decide to get pregnant around the same time?” Bruno asked in a teasing tone. “Who was pregnant first?”

“How invasive, Brunito.”

“Well, that would be mam…uh, Julieta. Isabela is the oldest, Dolores is the second oldest, Luisa is the third oldest, Camilo is the fourth oldest, I’m the fifth oldest, and Antonio is the youngest.”

“What a big family we have.” Julieta muttered under her breath.

“Would that ruin the future if you told us who our husbands are?” Pepa smirked.

“Considering what I already told you all, the future is already ruined.” Mirabel said dryly. “But, both of your husbands are in the Encanto and I’m sure that you two are already friends with them considering the age that you are right now.”

“How old are we now anyways?”

“Fifty.”

“Crap, we're old.”

“Don’t worry, you all aged beautifully.” Mirabel smiled. She wasn’t so sure about Bruno, since she hadn’t seen him in ten years.

“Wow, I’m flattered.”

Mirabel has always been a bit of a people pleaser, but her words were the truth. They’ve aged greatly.

It was honestly amazing to see the triplets be around her age. Well, Mirabel was sure that the triplets in front of her were out of their teenage years though.

If she did the math correctly, Julieta and Pepa got married in their late twenties. Wouldn’t they be dating their future-husbands already? She never really questioned their love life much.

“Ah,” Julieta gently grabbed one of hands, showing concern. “What happened here?” There was a large gash on Mirabel’s palm, it was definitely recent. Her palm was covered in blood, dripping on the tile.

Mirabel blushed. “I accidentally cut myself.”

“We’ve been sitting here this entire time and just noticed you were hurt?”

“I…guess…?”

“Why haven’t you gone to future me for healing?” She grabbed a handkerchief from her apron, wiping the blood from her palm.

“No, no, I wouldn’t want to bother you, uhm, her…? Today is a busy day for everyone. I saw…something and it distracted me. You all suddenly appearing had caught me off guard too. I was going to get healed…sooner or later. Just not now.”

The triplets glanced at each other in concern, which went unnoticed by Mirabel.

Julieta frowned. “Am I not close to you?” Julieta always wanted children when she grew up. She adored them. “Am I…am I not a good mother to you?”

Mirabel’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? No! You’re a great mother! Perfect mother to me!” She smiled sheepishly. “I just…don’t want to disturb you. You’ve been working hard all day and I wouldn’t want to waste your food in case others get hurt.”

Pepa scoffed, startling Mirabel. “What nonsense.”

“Pepa.” Bruno scolded.

Julieta handed one of her healing vials to Mirabel. “Drink. It’ll heal your wound.” She looked even more upset. “It doesn’t matter whether I’m working hard all day or not. You’re my daughter. If you’re injured, I would want you to get healed right away. This isn’t even a small scratch either. Well, even if it was, I’d want you to get healed. You aren’t a waste of my time. My job is to heal the injured, which includes you. I can always make more food. I’d hate for your wound to get infected and for your injury to turn infected and into something worse.” She chided her future daughter gently. “The more I’m hearing from you, the more I’m getting worried about you. Just what…is happening here? Why are you so…frantic?”

Julieta was starting to believe that she wasn’t as a good mother as Mirabel claimed she was. A daughter shouldn’t be afraid to get healed from her mother, who’s a healer. Especially with an injury like that. 

“I’m not—I’m not being frantic.” Mirabel stammered. “Nothing is wrong.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry, but I’m not believing that.” Pepa had told her, a cloud appearing above her head. “I apologize if I’m overstepping…but, you aren’t getting hurt in there, are you?”

“No!” Mirabel’s response was almost immediate. “I’m fine. Nobody is hurting me.”

“…Maybe you’re not getting hurt.” Bruno started off slowly. “But, this is your little cousin’s ceremony, isn’t it?” Mirabel nodded. “Everyone is in there, enjoying the party. It’s a big day today. While…you’re the only one here. Something isn’t right here. You should be with your family and enjoying the party. But you aren’t. You’re alone and been here for who knows how long and…none of the future Madrigals noticed. What’s bothering you, Mirabel?”

“It’s just because…” Mirabel said hesitantly. “You know…gifts are important to us, to my abuela. It’s a huge part of them. It’s what makes them special and stand out.” She frowned. “And—and I don’t have a gift.”

“What?”

Mirabel was prepared for their negative reactions. 

“I don’t see…you don’t have a gift?” Julieta was curious. “Personally, I don’t care. Gifts don’t mean everything. I will still love you. Gift or no gift. You’re still my daughter. But…considering your reaction, that’s not the case with the others, is it?”

Chapter 195: Minibel

The Madrigals heard a shriek, startling everyone. It was loud enough for everyone to hear it. The music was paused. They almost instantly recognized the voice.

“…Was that Dolores?”

Out of all people, Dolores?

Dolores was one of the calmest people in the Encanto, no matter the situation. She wouldn’t be screaming that loudly because it would hurt her ears. It would have to be something terrible to cause Dolores to lose her composure.

When they went to search for Dolores, they found her in the courtyard.

“Dolores, are you okay?”

Dolores looked slightly pale. “I—what?” Now she looked confused. “Yes, I’m okay. Why?”

“Wasn’t that you who screamed?”

“Oh,” Dolores squeaked. “Y-Yes, yes, that was me. I'm fine. I am sorry,” Dolores’ cheek is tinted, her lips pursed. “I didn't mean to scream that loud.” She has a strange look in her eyes. Before anyone could ask anymore questions, she began speaking again. “Tía, tío, can I talk to you for a moment?”

“Are you hurt?” Julieta asked with genuine concern in her voice and facial expression. She hasn't heard Dolores scream like that in so long. Dolores was a loud baby. It was ironic considering her gift.

Dolores quickly shook her head. “No, I am not. But…I think there is something, well, someone that two you want to see.”

Alma began speaking. “Dolores,”

“It’s very important.” Dolores said rather hastily. “Like, urgent.” She really hopes that she doesn’t sound like she’s pleading. Why couldn’t they just hurry up?

Agustín and Julieta glance at each other, before Alma nods. “Go ahead.”

Dolores led the cold couple away as the party resumed.

“Dolores?”

“It’s Mirabel.”

“What happened to her?” Worry was quick to show on their faces. “She’s not hurt, is she?”

“I’m not…sure.” Dolores hesitantly responded. That doesn’t reassure their worries at all. “She’s in my room right now. It’ll be better if you take a look at her yourselves. I don’t have much of an explanation for her. I don’t think I could.”

Julieta and Agustín were getting even more worried. Dolores always had a cryptic way of responding. It didn’t make them feel much relieved that Dolores couldn’t say if Mirabel was hurt or not. Since she’s in her room, wouldn’t she be able to tell? Whatever Dolores saw had horrified her. Or was it that Dolores got caught by surprise despite her gift? 

“Right…”

“Should we be prepared to freak out or not?” Agustín asked.

“Uhm,” Dolores seemed to be thinking. “Depends.” Her very vague answers weren't helping either. “Yeah, it depends. I freaked out. I think you might freak out when you see her. Tía, you may have a different reaction to…her.”

Julieta’s lips twitched downward. So, it wasn’t a good thing, but it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing either. “Is she okay?”

Dolores tilted her head, listening out for Mirabel. “Right now, yes. She’s waiting for me to come back. But this situation? I’m not sure if it’s okay.”

“…Dolores, I am getting very concerned.”

“Okay, I…Mirabel isn’t in any danger if that’s something to be concerned about. She’s not exactly hurt. Well, physically injured. When I saw her, she caught me off guard. I think the miracle might’ve done something to her.”

“Not making us feel any better.”

“Wait, what do you mean that the miracle might’ve done something to her?”

Dolores let out a sigh. “Go in my room and look at her.”

They opened the door, preparing themselves for the worst.

Dolores was right, Mirabel was in her room.

But, Mirabel wasn’t much like…Mirabel. She was looking like a younger version of herself. She seemed to be of the age of around her ceremony or a couple years after.

It couldn’t be Camilo because they just saw him and he wouldn’t make it here fast enough. Dolores also isn’t the type to pull pranks.

Julieta blinked, making sure that she wasn’t hallucinating. She could tell that Agustín was doing the same.

“Mija?”

Mirabel looked at them with a curious expression. “Mamá? Pá? What’s wrong?” Her voice was high-pitched and had a childlike, immature tone compared to her usual more mature tone.

She was absolutely adorable.

Dolores squeaked.

…And Agustín fainted.

Julieta was in shock, her eyes wide. “Dolores,” It was clear that she was trying very hard not to smile. It wasn’t appropriate for her to smile right now. “Why is my baby a baby?” She looked even more adorable and had chubbier cheeks. 

“…I have no idea.”

“Mamá, why is dad on the floor?” Mirabel asked, before holding up six fingers. “Also, I’m six!”

“Dolores, I am also about to faint from her cuteness.”

“Tía, please, I have no idea why she’s like this and she doesn’t have a clue either. I can’t have two unconscious people in my room.”

Mirabel seemed confused. “Mamá, why is your hair more gray?”

“Ah, I forgot how blunt she used to be.”

Chapter 196: The Glass Child

Mirabel always knew that she was the glass child. She didn’t have any gift, meaning that she wasn’t as special as the others. Her siblings and her cousins deserved more attention than her. She wasn’t as worthy in the eyes of others. She wasn’t attention-worthy.

Mirabel couldn’t think of the Madrigals as her family or really refer to them as her relatives because she didn’t belong. That was nothing special about her. She didn’t stick out like her family in a positive way.

She was the forgotten Madrigal.

The invisible Madrigal.

The giftless Madrigal.

At least Bruno Madrigal was noticed, although not in a good way. She felt guilty for thinking that, but she wouldn’t take it back. It was the truth.

She was left out.

At first she wasn’t sure if they were purposely making the effort of not including her or if they just genuinely forgot she existed. Mirabel was sure that it was the latter. And, honestly, that hurt way more than them remembering that she lived with them but didn’t want her included. She would rather have them remember her but don’t want her involved. Maybe what hurt the most was the fact that both of them were bad things and she’s trying to justify it.

What was she supposed to do? Confront them? Would they even care if she said something about it? No, they would probably think that she’s exaggerating things. Then her abuela would ground her for even suggesting that they’re a bad family.  Then her mother would give her some speech about how gifts aren’t that important and she is special the way she is even though both of them know that’s a lie. She can’t believe her mother when she’s among the people that forget her. No matter what her parents say, she’ll always know the truth. And sometimes she wished she didn’t.

Does she blame them?

Yes, but not much. She just wished they would defend her against Alma or something. She wished they would put their daughter first instead of everything else before her. She wished they could stay true to their words. She wished that she didn’t have to make these stupid wishes as if they would magically come true.

She hated that she waited so long for them, as if they would actually change. It was clear that they wouldn’t. The moment Antonio gets a gift, she wouldn’t be surprised if Alma kicks her out because she would officially be the only Madrigal without a gift.

She wouldn’t let that happen. 

It won’t be possible if she leaves first.

That way she won’t have to see their happy expressions. She’s sure if she saw Antonio, she would hold and come back.  She couldn’t let them get that advantage over her.

She would leave before they notice something is off.

Would they even notice?

No, she knows she won’t notice if she is gone. There were multiple times when she didn’t return to Casita for hours or even an entire day and nobody said anything because they didn’t notice. Not even Dolores. She really did blend in the background, didn’t she? It was more like they forgot about her existence.

Mirabel’s lips quivered.

What did she ever do wrong? All she did was exist. She didn’t ask to not be given a gift. She didn’t ask to be ridiculed. To be neglected. She just wanted to be loved. Is that too much to ask for? Apparently it was when you were Mirabel.

For the first time in a long time, she’d stop chewing after the Madrigals’ love when it was clear that it wasn’t reciprocated. 

And…that sounds fine.

The Madrigals wouldn’t mind either.

They wouldn’t even notice that she left before Antonio’s ceremony. 

Mirabel just wondered how many days or weeks would it take before they finally noticed she was gone?

She doubts that they would care. She was overlooked and unappreciated. She didn’t matter according to their standards.

After all, she was a glass child, she can easily be replaced by something better and sturdier.

Chapter 197: Her Hesitation

“I need you.”

Mirabel truly adored Antonio and loved him with her whole heart. He was her favorite cousin, and she had a special relationship with him, even among her other cousins.

Mirabel recalled the days when Antonio was barely a toddler, when he couldn't fully communicate or express himself. Now, he was five years old, and she still loved him as much as she had when he was a baby. She was astounded by how quickly time had passed, yet she still saw him as that same little baby she had once held close to her heart.

Today was to be a special day for Antonio. Today he was expected to receive a gift, a gift that signified his importance to their family. Yet, he had asked specifically for her. Someone whose ceremony had failed and who had brought shame to their family's name.

Mirabel understood why Antonio needed her, as she was the closest person to him and he naturally felt more comfortable with her. She had watched him grow up and shared the nursery with him when they were both young. Mirabel understood why he needed her, as he frequently turned to her for support and guidance, and she didn't resent this. Instead, she was always happy to help him and be there for him whenever he needed it.

But, today?

It was important.

So…why? 

Mirabel hesitated.

She hesitated.

What would they think if she walked Antonio to his door? Nothing good. They would think it’s another cry for attention. She couldn’t do that. She wasn’t that strong and bold. Nobody walked her to her door. She was alone for years.

It’s not like she’s taking her anger out on Antonio. He didn’t deserve that. It’s just that her walking Antonio to his door out of everyone is insane. It’s unbelievable. She’d rather have the others do it before her. She knew that her abuela would rather have it be anyone but her. 

She was just staying in her place.

She felt bad.

She didn’t want this, but there wasn’t anything she could do without her getting in trouble. Maybe that was a little selfish of her for not walking him to his door due to wanting to avoid Alma’s scolding.

But, it would be fine!

Antonio would get a gift and he would forget about her just like the rest. It would all turn out okay. Once he gets his amazing gift, he wouldn’t need to worry about her. Even if he was, Mirabel had a feeling that Alma wouldn’t want Antonio to hang out with her after getting a gift.

Eventually Félix started walking Antonio to his door.

Mirabel didn’t mind Antonio forgetting about her. She knew it was bound to happen. She wasn’t bitter or angry at the fact. She just learned to accept it the moment Antonio was born. It wasn’t anything life-changing, it was just…sad. It wouldn’t surprise her. It wouldn’t upset her even more if she was unprepared for him to leave her behind like the rest of them.

It came with being a gifted Madrigal.

Why would they pay attention to the giftless one when they have so many more important things to do?

Antonio touched the doorknob.

Just like how she and Camilo drifted apart, and were practically strangers. They didn’t know each other as they used to despite sharing the nursery together for five years. They don’t hang out with each other anymore, they don’t even bother to have conversations the way that they used to.

Mirabel was only five years old at the time, but she wasn’t dumb.

She saw how her family members slowly avoided her when she didn’t get a gift. She saw how their relationships became distant. She did anything to repair their relationships, to go back to how they used to be. The good times. 

She was always denied and pushed away. She still didn’t stop trying, but she wasn’t as eager to get their attention like her younger self.

She knew it was pointless.

Useless.

That’s when Antonio’s door faded.

She was getting deja vu.

Mirabel was starting to think that she may have cursed him. By the look that the others gave her, they believed that too while others believed that something was wrong with the miracle.

She didn’t care about that though.

Only one thought ran through her head.

She didn’t want Antonio to be treated like her.

Chapter 198: Mirabel’s Timeless Sacrifice Snippet

Notes:

I was trying hard not to kill Mirabel for 190-200.

The door closed behind Mirabel with a slam.

Grounded.

Mirabel thought that it was expected since Bruno’s vision did show her in front of a destroyed Casita. They thought that she would’ve been the cause of the miracle being destroyed. That was fine. She needed to know the outcome of her not running to find Bruno and what would happen if she stayed after ruining Isabela’s engagement.

This was going to be fun.

Alma was going to deal with the Guzmáns trying to salvage Isabela and Mariano’s relationship. 

She was told to wait in here and that she was grounded. That they would speak to her once everything had calmed down.

Mirabel doesn’t think that they’ll get the chance to do that. She was curious about what they would want to talk about and how the conversation would go. She knew it would be nothing good. Alma would probably send her away since she thinks she’s a danger to her beloved miracle.

Mirabel sat down and began sewing, lowly humming to herself.

…

It didn’t take long for the cracks to finally spread to the nursery.

Mirabel glanced up at the cracks that began to rapidly spread across the room. It was about time, wasn’t it? Everyone would have evacuated Casita once they realized the situation. They would also forget about her due to worrying about themselves and the other family members present. They would forget she was in the nursery because she easily blends in the background and gets forgotten rather quickly.

She always wondered what would happen if she didn’t reconcile with Isabela or even have the argument with Alma. It seems that even doing nothing will have her dead. What could she even do in such a difficult situation? She just always ends up dead no matter what she does. What does the miracle want her to do? Before she even gets the chance to save the miracle, either she dies or Casita collapses before she has the chance to do anything.

“This is so stupid.” Mirabel mumbled. “I’m just waiting for myself to die.” She shook her head, her eyes filling up with tears. “What am I doing wrong? What do I have to do to save you? To save them? Myself?” She cried out. “I don’t…I don’t know how long I can take it. It’s actually killing me!” Mirabel weakly laughed to herself. “Literally! Mentally and physically. What am I supposed to do? Keep dying? When will you be satisfied!?” She’s not sure how to break the loop without saving the miracle. Would the loop finally break if she leaves the Encanto?

She received silence.

Well, not complete silence.

She could hear the sounds of the cracks spreading, and parts of Casita falling and breaking upon impact.

It just wasn’t the answer she wanted.

“Of course…no answer. Casita, I thought that I was your favorite yet you’re doing this to me? I appreciate you trying to save me, but you’re also preventing me from doing what I need to do. You crack even faster every time I redo things. When I first tried to save you, I died. When I did nothing, you cracked faster and I died. Now that I didn’t run away to find Bruno, I’m grounded and…I’m going to die. This is certainly unfair. You’re placing such a burden on my shoulders. How long do you expect me to die for? It’s going to ruin my mental state if you keep this up. I don’t want to be sixteen when my physical body is fifteen. That’s something that I’m not looking forward to.”

Mirabel wondered when it would finally stop. She would always die before the miracle was fully destroyed. No matter what, as long as she dies before the candle is gone, she’ll always return back to the morning of Antonio’s ceremony. Maybe she’s a masochist because she doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon either. She’s already died over twenty times. It was exhausting and painful, but things just had to be perfect. She couldn’t give up. Not yet.

It would’ve been about three weeks since her original death. Her death which should’ve been first and last. She doesn’t think that anyone would’ve been able to find her first body since she fell all the way down from Bruno’s bridge. They would suspect that she ran away, wouldn’t they? That body would remain undiscovered and rot in Bruno’s room. It’s not like anyone goes in there.

It was sad to think about.

And that’s why she chose not to really think about what her family would’ve done when they found her body.

It was rather…unfortunate.

She felt bad for leaving such a burden on all of the Madrigals and leaving them.

“I know that I wished for a gift multiple times…so why give me this curse? I guess I did get a gift but with a twist. Beggars can’t be choosers, can they? A gift is a gift. Whether it kills you or not.”

She died many times, but she didn't.

This was only the beginning too.

“Mirabel!”

Mirabel jumped, startled by the scream of her mother. It seemed that they finally realized that she wasn’t with them. That she was inside the nursery.

“Mirabel, come out!”

This was what Mirabel hated about dying. She hated her family either seeing her about to die, them calling out her name when she’s already aware that she’s not going to make it, and knowing that there might be a small chance of her surviving because of her mother’s food if she makes it in time.

“Mirabel!”

She felt guilty every single time.

“Mirabel, you need to leave!”

She knows they won’t be able to save her.

“The house is falling! Get out!”

She stayed inside with the intention of dying.

“M-Mija, please, respond!”

Mirabel choked back a sob, closing her eyes. She couldn’t face them now. She needed to save the miracle. She needed to die.

They wouldn’t remember.

That’s what Mirabel always told herself every time a similar situation happened like this to her. It would be fine. They wouldn’t remember her dying from Casita’s collapse, her dying in Bruno’s room, her slitting her throat, and killing herself.

It wasn’t as if Mirabel was suicidal, she just needed to die for the greater good. For the sake of everyone else and her abuelo’s sacrifice.

They didn’t need to know the truth.

“Forgive me. Next time, I’ll try not to screw things up.”

They wouldn’t find out.

Mirabel's breath trembled, and she let out a shaky sigh, as she realized the situation was getting out of control. Everything around her was crumbling, and she was aware that she would not survive when Casita collapsed with her inside. “I'm...I'm fucked, aren't I?” She said quietly, the realization hitting her hard and fast. It was too late already. “What…luck.” She was going to die from Casita once again. “…Just kill me already.”

Her wish was granted a few seconds later.

It didn’t take long for the roof of Casita to collapse, right on top of her. She felt a sharp pain in her skull as her eyes rolled back. It was painful and horrifying, but she had no time to think about it as the walls also collapsed on top of her, pushing her beneath a ton of rubble.

She could hear the sound of her heartbeat and her breath becoming more shallow with each passing second, as she realized that she was running out of time. Her blood began spreading like a puddle around her, seeping into every crack.

The last thing she heard was the sound of her name being screamed out before she lost consciousness.

It certainly was better than dying in Bruno’s room from suffocating. Now she’ll know what to do and not to do.

---

“Mirabel!” Julieta screamed out, her voice hoarse and shaky. She didn’t see Mirabel exit out. Nobody did. Alma had grounded Mirabel. She was trapped in the nursery. She had no way of knowing that Casita was collapsing. Her daughter could be dead. “Please…” It didn’t matter that Mirabel was in the vision. Mirabel was much more important than Casita and their miracle.

Alma was horrified, her body trembling. She knew that if Mirabel didn’t make it out of Casita alive, the blame would fall on her shoulders. It would be her fault. Her granddaughter’s blood would be on her hands.

“She didn’t…she’s not o-out yet?” Luisa stuttered out, her eyes filling with tears. She was only thinking of the worst.

“No…she was grounded, remember?” Camilo muttered, equally as worried. “Mirabel…she wouldn’t know anything since she’s…in there.” Camilo knew that even if Mirabel noticed something was off, she wouldn’t make it out in time.

This was what she warned them about.

The cracks.

It didn’t matter that Mirabel was in the vision.

She was so much more important.

Isabela was anxious. Her last words to Mirabel can’t be that she hated her. Oh, God. She was the worst sister ever. If Mirabel didn’t make it out, that would’ve been the last words that Mirabel heard from her. Mirabel would die thinking that she hated her. She didn’t mean it! She was just angry…and that still wasn’t an excuse to say that to her fifteen year old sister. She didn’t even want to marry Mariano, she should’ve been thanking her! But, the pressure got to her. Years of perfection, preparing for this moment was ruined. Fuck it. She didn’t care anymore. She just wanted to know if Mirabel was safe. If she was alive.

“…Dolores, is Mirabel…can you still hear her?”

Dolores was clasping her ears. Her gift was still working, but she knew it wouldn’t work for much longer. She was making sure that she was listening in on Mirabel in the nursery. To hear her little cousin's voice, her last breath. “She’s not…she doesn’t intend t-to come out. She…” They looked even more concerned as tears streamed down Dolores’ cheeks. “She wants to d-die.” She didn’t want to be saved, she wanted to die. She had no intention of being saved, almost as if she planned her death.

The Madrigals near Dolores were stunned.

“What?”

Isabela inhaled sharply. “You’re…you’re joking. My s-sister, she…she isn’t…” Mirabel wasn’t suicidal, she was always so happy. Was that just a mask?

“No, no, this-“

“-Mirabel can’t be-“

“-she isn’t-“

“-Dolores-“

They were so fortunate that Julieta and Agustín didn’t hear what was being said, the cold parents being too busy yelling out for their youngest daughter to come out. If they heard what was being said, they would’ve fully broken down.

Pepa and Félix glanced at each other, both of their faces’ pale. They now knew what was expected to happen once Casita had fully been destroyed. 

Mirabel doesn’t intend to come out.

It was clear to them now.

Their doom was sealed. Their vision of their bright future was shattered, and all of their hopes and aspirations would never come to be. The awful future that had been predetermined for them is already set in stone. The second youngest member of the Madrigal family had been written long before the moment had even occurred. They could see no way out of this horrible situation.

Mirabel wasn’t going to make it out of Casita alive.

“Camilo,”

“H-huh?”

“Take Antonio and go somewhere else. Some place that’s away from here.”

Camilo’s eyes went wide. “W-what about Mira-“

“-just go, Camilo, please.” Félix said. “Take your little brother and go stay at someone’s house. You don’t…need to see…whatever is the aftermath.”

Camilo’s lips trembled, his body slightly shaking. “You don’t—you don’t think that Mirabel is going to make it out alive, do you?”

They said nothing, but that was the only answer that Camilo needed to confirm it.

Camilo grimaced. “O-okay…” He made his way to Antonio, who was confused and crying. “…Come on, hermanito…”

Despite Antonio’s protests of not wanting to leave Mirabel, he was eventually able to leave out of their sight.

…

“My baby…” Julieta’s face loses its color, staring at the destruction of Casita. The absolute sorry excuse of their home. Mirabel never made it out.

Julieta's heart was beating rapidly with a mixture of fear and grief. She was terrified that her daughter might be dead underneath the rubble. She felt helpless and distraught, all as she felt a deep sense of doom slowly settling over her.

It was quiet.

The silence was deafening, as Julieta was so struck by an overwhelming sense of dread that words didn't seem appropriate. Mirabel was a vibrant and chatty girl, and the silence was the opposite of her energetic and joyful persona. That silence spoke louder and louder with each passing second, and a terrible feeling filled the air.

Julieta ran into the destroyed house, shouting Mirabel's name with as much hope and prayer as she could muster. Her call for Mirabel’s name was filled with desperation and worry. She kept shouting her name over and over, but all that remained was a deafening silence.

Mamá’s here.

Please respond.

Anything.

A sigh.

Just say something, Mirabel.

Give me a sign that you’re alive.

Don’t leave me so soon.

You can’t.

You’re just a kid.

My daughter.

You can’t lose your life.

Please.

I won’t ever let you out of my sight again.

You’re everything to me.

I’ll listen to you.

Please.

Answer me.

You’re loved.

I’ll shower you with even more affection and love until you believe it.

Don’t leave us behind.

You’re too young.

Forgive me for letting this happen.

I never believed that you would ever hurt us.

I should’ve told you that.

“Oh, God…” Julieta immediately broke down in tears as she spotted Mirabel’s arm under the rubble, falling to her knees. It was hard to ignore the blood. There was so much blood. There was no way for Mirabel to survive. She was crushed by their own beloved home.

Her daughter is dead.

She couldn’t heal her.

How pathetic.

The town healer couldn’t heal her own daughter?

And all of it was her mother’s fault for grounding Mirabel for something that wasn’t even her fault. She was telling the truth. It was her fault for not doing anything and not defending Mirabel enough.

She died alone.

She had no idea what was happening.

She died because Alma had grounded her. She died after their family said such unkind things to her when Isabela’s engagement went wrong. She probably died thinking that she was in the wrong. 

She died because of their choice.

Mirabel would’ve lived if she wasn’t so stupid and said something.

“Julieta, is Mira—“

The Madrigals stopped in their tracks, gasping.

Julieta was letting out horrific sobs and screams. 

“M-My baby...my poor b-baby…Mirabel, come back, please! Mamá’s sorry! S-so sorry! I l-love…love you so much! Oh, M-Mirabel, I’m sorry!”

There was so much regret.

So much that she wanted to say and do.

Mirabel was only fifteen.

She would do anything to turn back time.

Chapter 199: Mirabel’s Timeless Sacrifice Snippet — Part 2

Dolores wouldn’t say that she and Mirabel were close. She would be lying. They don’t hang out one on one. They’re not close enough to have nicknames for each other. They surely don’t have sleepovers with each other. Although they’re family members, she wouldn’t consider them friends. They just share the same last name. The age gap between them also made it difficult to hang out. She was closer to Isabela than Mirabel. Just like how Mirabel was closer to Camilo than her. There were no hard feelings. It was just the truth.

So, she was naturally concerned when Mirabel’s heart was beating faster than what could be considered normal. Too fast. It was erratic. It was only the start of the day.

It sounded as if she woke up from a nightmare.

When Dolores opened the door, Mirabel looked panicked, not paying any mind to Dolores. As if she hadn’t even noticed she entered the room.

“Hey, are you okay? I can hear your heart racing and—and… oh, Mira.”

Dolores walked up to her, and her presence was soothing and comforting. She sat down by her side to try and provide some emotional support and comfort. She didn't ask any questions and simply remained by Mirabel's side, allowing her to calm down on her own pace without being pressured to speak. She didn't need to know what was wrong, as it was evident that the situation was grim and that Mirabel needed to be allowed to process it her own way.

It took quite a while for Mirabel’s heartbeat to return to a somewhat normal rhythm.

Mirabel sniffled.

“T-thank you, Dolores.” Mirabel’s cheeks were slightly flushed, as she averted her gaze.

“It’s nothing, really.” Dolores softly rubbed the back of her hands. She wasn’t going to pull away, but Mirabel had really sweaty hands. “Do you want to talk about it?” She was worried about what could’ve caused Mirabel to end up in that state.

Mirabel was the one to pull her hands away from Dolores, wiping them on her skirt. “N-no, it’s fine.” A nervous smile formed on her lips. “If I need you, I’ll call out to you.”

Dolores offered her own smile. “Right,” She was still a little concerned, but that did reassure a little. “I’ll be listening.” She’ll make sure to pay more attention to Mirabel today. “Just call out my name or if I hear something off, I’ll be here.”

Mirabel simply nodded. “…Okay.”

“I hope you feel better soon.”

“I doubt it.”

Dolores squeaked, turning back to Mirabel as she was about to leave. “What?”

Mirabel’s face scrunched up in confusion. “What?”

“You…” Did Mirabel forget that her gift was literally enhanced hearing? She heard her clearly. “Just don’t do anything foolish, okay?”

Mirabel forced a smile. “I’ll try not to.”

Dolores’ lips pursed. “I could…excuse you from breakfast and maybe dinner if you’re not feeling well by then. Nobody would say anything. Not even abuela.”

Mirabel genuinely seemed surprised for a second. “Would that be alright?”

“Yes, yes, of course. It’s Antonio’s ceremony. We know that today isn’t going to be the…best day for you, so nobody is expecting you to be your usual upbeat self. Nobody is going to mind you taking a day off and having today to yourself.”

“Okay, yes, I’ll like time to myself.” Mirabel had a distant look in her eyes.

Dolores gave a small nod. “Alright, I’ll go tell them.” She gave her a small wave.

“Wait, Dolores,”

“Hm?”

“No matter what happens at the end of today, you promise that you won’t be mad?”

Dolores blinked, tilting her head. “Why would I?”

“No reason at all.” Mirabel laughed nervously. “It was a stupid question. Forget it. You should go.” One of Dolores’ eyebrows rose. “I’m…not going to say such a thing to you. Who knows if it’ll work or not.”

“What would work?”

“I just want to say that I’m sorry and I love you before you go.”

“You’re forgiven.” Dolores immediately said. “And I love you too.” Her worry was increasing. “Why are you saying things like this to me?”

Mirabel’s expression softened. “I just wanted to let you know.”

“Of course,” Dolores didn’t know why, but she felt as if something deeper had happened. “Remember, don’t do anything foolish.”

“…I can’t guarantee that.”

“It’s unfortunate that I can’t tell if you’re serious or not.”

Mirabel remained silent.

Dolores took it as a sign to leave.

Well, she didn’t actually leave.

She just stood outside the nursery’s door.

Dolores was indeed curious about Mirabel's behavior, and it was definitely strange to see the usually outgoing and optimistic girl acting in this way. She was never like this when being scolded or when hearing something not so kind, but now, she seemed strangely subdued. It was a departure from her typical behavior, and Dolores couldn't help but wonder what was behind this unusual shift.

She could hear shuffling in the nursery. She knew it was Mirabel moving around.

Mirabel had always been the oddball.

The odd one out.

Different from the rest of them.

Dolores was very much aware of the ways in which the lack of a gift had affected Mirabel, and how it continued to do so. She knew that the young girl had tried her best to hide her feelings and emotions in regards to the situation, but that it still affected her deeply. She had pursued various hobbies, talents, and skills in the hopes of finding something that would please Alma and also gain her some recognition.

It was pretty admirable and also sad.

She didn’t think of Mirabel any less when she didn’t get a gift. She didn’t know if Mirabel knew that, but it was the truth. Mirabel will always be her little cousin. Her not having a gift won’t change that title.

She just…never had the time to hang out with Mirabel or get to know her more. It wasn’t her fault and it wasn’t Mirabel’s fault either. Their abuela was just strict about them serving the community. She wasn’t ever that close to Mirabel compared to the other Madrigals. Even before Mirabel’s ceremony.

In Dolores’ opinion, Mirabel was loud just like Camilo. Well, less loud than Camilo, but loud in general. She was quite the opposite of who Dolores was. She’s not saying that she dislikes Mirabel because of her personality, she never disliked Mirabel. She just prefers when Mirabel was a quiet baby. The seven year old difference also put them at a distance.

It may sound rude, but she doesn’t pay attention to Mirabel much. She does occasionally listen out for Mirabel just to see what she’s doing and when
she’s about to knock on her door. Normal things. She did the same with the other Madrigals, so it’s not like she’s paying any more attention to the others than Mirabel. That’s excluding Alma.

That’s when she heard Mirabel let out a choked noise, before she heard water drilling on the ground, excessive water.

Water? No, the liquid that was hitting the ground was much thicker than water. Just what was Mirabel doing? The atmosphere felt almost…wrong.

Dolores's ears picked up a soft gurgling sound, just before a sudden thud occurred. She felt a deep sense of unease.

The liquid continued hitting the ground.

It sounded familiar.

Dolores couldn’t take it anymore and opened the door. “Mirabel-“ Her eyes widened.

No.

This was a joke.

A prank.

A very cruel prank.

Dolores’ face was pale as she looked at the sight below. Mirabel’s heart was beating weakly. There was so much blood. It was getting on her sandals. “…M-Mirabel?” The cause of the blood was coming from her neck. Did she slit her throat the moment she left? This couldn’t be happening. She felt like vomiting from the gory sight. It was clear from the bloody scissors that Mirabel had slit her throat.

Five minutes.

She left Mirabel alone for five fucking minutes.

Dolores let out a laugh of disbelief as her eyes grew watery. “D-didn’t I tell you not to do anything f-foolish?” She took a shaky step forward.

Mirabel's eyes were glazed over, and her breathing had slowed down dramatically. She looked like she was only a second away from death, her body limp and motionless as blood poured from her throat. It was a terrifying sight to behold, as it made the Dolores feel even more helpless and hopeless.

She was sure that she saw Mirabel’s eyes lazily move to her feet, before she let out a low groan, a guttural and hollow sound that was a sign of her body failing and giving way.

This was it, wasn’t it?

It could’ve been hours.

It could’ve been minutes.

When in reality, it was only a few seconds.

Mirabel stopped breathing.

Mirabel really didn’t even get her the chance to do anything but be in shock.

How…unfair.

Dolores’ lips trembled before she opened her mouth. “Tía!” No, no, no, she couldn’t be dead. It didn’t matter if she couldn’t hear Mirabel’s heartbeat. It was a mistake. Mirabel’s still alive. “S-someone, please! Bring tía’s food!” This was the loudest she ever screamed. It was horrifying.

That’s why Mirabel was saying odd things to her. How could Mirabel make her promise something like that? What about the others? Antonio? She killed herself on Antonio’s birthday.

Why would she do this?

How could she do this?

She could’ve helped her!

She would’ve helped her more.

Someone could’ve helped her!

She didn’t need to resort to this.

When the Madrigals heard Dolores’ scream, they expected the worst. It was very rare for Dolores to raise her voice that high.

When they entered the nursery, they didn’t expect to see Dolores and Mirabel covered in blood. It was way worse than the…worst that they had expected.

…

There was screaming and sobbing.

“M-Mirabel-“

“No, no, no-“

“Mira-“

“What happened-“

“I was j-just talking to her and-and—“ Dolores was sobbing, her entire body trembling. It was sick. Mirabel must’ve planned this. No wonder her heart was beating unusually.

“You have to eat—“

“Oh God-“

“Please, don’t-“

“She’s-“

“Mija, breathe…” Her mother, Pepa, had said. She led Dolores away from the scene. “You’re going to pass out at this rate.” Despite her words, Pepa felt the same. She felt horrible seeing her youngest niece’s body. But, she knew Dolores had it worse. She had spoken to Mirabel a few minutes before her death. That was traumatic. She never thought that anyone…not even with Bruno did she ever think he would kill himself. She should’ve seen Mirabel’s suffering, she reads emotions the best. She should’ve helped Mirabel, so she wouldn’t have to resort to this. Oh, God. If she’s feeling like this, what about the others? She could hear her sister and brother-in-law’s sobs and screams. How could she explain this to Camilo and Antonio? Mirabel was only fifteen.

Dolores’ ears were bleeding, but she didn’t pay any attention to it. The pain in her heart hurts more than her ears.

How could Mirabel do this to her and leave her with the aftermath? Placing the burden and guilt on her shoulders so carelessly.

How could she?

Chapter 200: The Triplets + Mirabel — Part 2

Mirabel eventually explained what happened and her life to the triplets.

“How did I turn out like that?”

“Oh my God, I married Félix?”

“I’m not even here!” Bruno shrieked. “Why are you worried about marrying Félix, you’re dating him!”

“Well, yeah, that’s good. I mean, it sucks that you’re gone too, I guess.”

“You guess?”

As Mirabel observed the sibling dynamic between Pepa and Bruno. Seeing them engage in light-hearted banter and genuine moments of affection made her smile. Though she was confused by the contrast between the present-day Pepa, who couldn't bear the thought of Bruno’s name being mentioned, and the young Pepa who seemed to have a close bond with her brother. Did Bruno telling a bad joke really ruin such a beautiful bond between them? As far as she can tell, her mother never vocally said anything bad about Bruno. She could see that Julieta was equally hurt by her brother’s disappearance but didn’t express it by anger.

Julieta clenched her fists, her voice tinged with a mixture of disgust and anger. “I can't believe it. I turned into some spineless woman who simply follows her mother's every word, even when it comes to our own daughter. I couldn't even stick up for her.” She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

Mirabel couldn't deny that it felt unsettling to hear her mother speak so harshly about the future version of herself. Mirabel was torn. On one hand, she would normally defend her family if anyone spoke ill about them. However, this was her future mother they were discussing. Although it wasn't her current mother, it still felt awkward to hear such criticism. She remained silent, unsure of how to respond or what to say.

“I’m not even here!”

“Yeah, we understand Bruno.”

“I will not talk about the future Madrigals. I will not talk about them no matter how much I want to. Those are my future daughters, niece and nephew. My family.”Julieta muttered to herself, causing her siblings to snicker. “Ugh, you two are the worst. What happened with Bruno anyways?” Julieta wanted to prevent that outcome for Bruno. She didn’t want him to leave. Never.

“It’s…complicated. I’m not sure, I think he might’ve had a vision about me and just left. He left without a word. No letter. Nothing. His room stayed the same and all.” Mirabel explained. “I can’t say much because I was only five years old at the time and nobody said much about the situation.”

Julieta’s expression darkened at Mirabel's explanation. A sense of frustration mixed with concern crossed her features. “Just like that? He saw something about you and left without so much as a goodbye?” Her voice held a mixture of anger and sadness. Pepa nodded in agreement, her expression mirroring her sister's. They both knew that Bruno wouldn't have done something like that lightly. There must have been something significant that pushed him to make such a drastic decision. But what could it have been?

“Huh…that does sound like me. But to leave officially?” That didn’t sound like him. He loves his family too much to leave. “To leave because of a vision?” Bruno let out a sigh. There were times when he wanted to leave because his gift was too much for him, but he would never actually do it. What could he have seen about Mirabel that made him leave? “You know what, let’s change the topic back to you. We’re not going to get anywhere talking about me and we need to know about you.”

…Honestly, Mirabel would rather they went back to talking about Bruno.

“M-mhm…”

The triplets glanced at each other as Mirabel looked down.

“Okay, we’re going to say this to you now, Mirabel. We’ll also say it to you as many times as you want.” Pepa said. “We do not care about you not having a gift. Our mother doesn’t have a gift and the townspeople don't have a gift. I know that you probably think that many times too. It shouldn’t matter. A gift shouldn’t define anyone’s worth and how special you are. You’re special just the way you are. We all are human here and I hate that you’re treated this way. You deserve better and we want to give you better.”

Mirabel's eyes widened in shock as Pepa’s words soaked in. “You…you mean that?”

The triplets were genuinely taken aback by Mirabel’s words. Just how did the Madrigals treat Mirabel and why? God, they really were a terrible family, weren’t they?

Pepa's expression softened as she noticed the tears in Mirabel's eyes. “Of course I mean it, Mirabel. I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t. You are our family, gift or no gift, and we love you just the same. You are just as valuable as everyone else. I don’t know how long we’re staying here but we won’t let anyone treat you less or make you feel less while we’re here. I promise.” She reached out a gentle hand, brushing away Mirabel's tears with a tender touch.

“She’s right, you know.” Julieta smiled warmly. “You are special. You are worthy. And you are unconditionally loved, just as you are.” Her smile faltered just a bit. “And…I wish you could see that yourself. Mirabel, it’s all in you.”

Mirabel tried to wipe her tears away, but Julieta gently held her hands, stopping her. Mirabel blinked in confusion, looking at Julieta with watery eyes. “Huh…”

“Oh, Mirabel, don’t try to hide your tears. Let them flow. You deserve to express your emotions and let them out. It's okay to cry, cariño.”

Mirabel felt a lump form in her throat as Julieta's words washed over her, reminding her of how long it had been since she felt true, compassionate comfort from her family. “I…” Mirabel doesn’t think she heard that in years, not even from her own current mother. Crying was a sign of weakness. She hasn't cried in front of her mother in years nor did her mother successfully comfort her like that in years either.

“She’s right. You’re carrying the weight of so much pent-up emotions right now, Mirabel. It’ll be alright. We won’t judge and we’re here for you. We’re family.”

Mirabel felt a wave of raw emotion bubble up within her, and before she could stop it, tears spilled down her cheeks. She looked up at Julieta, and for a moment she was just a little girl who needed comfort from her mother. Her body shook with the force of her sobs, releasing the feelings she had kept bottled up for so long. “I-I’m sorry…” She choked out between sobs. “I’m not…”

Julieta's heart ached as she listened to Mirabel's apology. She wrapped her arms around her future daughter, drawing her close and holding her tightly in a warm embrace. “Oh, Mirabel,” She whispered softly, her voice filled with warmth and tender understanding. “There's no need to apologize, mija. It's okay to cry, it's okay to feel everything you’re feeling.” Her fingers gently brushed through Mirabel's hair, offering comfort and assurance. “You're not a burden. You're a wonderful, special person, and you deserve all the love and support in the world. We’re here. Let it all out.”

Mirabel's tears continued to flow freely, her body trembling as she sobbed against Julieta's chest. She clung to Julieta tightly, soaking in her warmth and compassion. Julieta held Mirabel steadfastly, gently comforting her, her voice never wavering as she whispered reassurances and words of love.

Bruno leaned closer to Pepa, lowering his voice. “…She deflects a lot, doesn’t she?”

“I noticed that too. When talking about herself, she deflects by talking about the other Madrigals. Strange. She places her family on higher priority than herself. She’s selfless and I have to say that it’s admirable for the wrong reasons.” Pepa muttered, watching them with concern. “And…she lacks self esteem and confidence. She shrugs off her feelings and pretends that everything is alright when it’s not.”

Bruno nodded. “I think it’s because of the future Madrigals’ neglect and how she overcompensates for her lack of gift. She feels the need to help others and make them proud. Not to mention that she’s excluded and overlooked by her own family and the residents of this community. That’s not a good combination at all. I’m not surprised, but…I’m so disappointed in the future Madrigals.”

Pepa’s expression darkened, letting out a sigh. “Aren’t we all? Look at Julieta. She’s barely able to contain her anger and she’s ready to snap at her future self. God…she doesn’t even have anyone that she can truly rely on. It’s heartbreaking that she’s only close to her five year old cousin.”

“She lives in the nursery. That’s more heartbreaking.”

Mirabel sniffled, her eyes still red and puffy from crying, but she did look like weight had been lifted off her shoulders. “You’re both pretty terrible at whispering.”

Pepa and Bruno looked sheepish as they got caught. Julieta stared at them with a blank expression.

“You two could’ve at least gotten further away before you two began whispering.” Julieta said, unamused.

“Uhm, sorry.”

“We didn’t want to make it seem like you’re…”

“I am…actually glad that you all care about me this much.” Mirabel admitted softly. “I feel better than I did before. And it’s not like anything you two said weren’t true.”

That was even more depressing.

“Is…there anything else that we should know?” Julieta asked quietly. “That you feel comfortable sharing?”

“Ah…” Mirabel began stammering, as the triplets stared at her with patience. “I didn’t…have a…quinceñera.”

…

“What?”

“You didn’t have a quinceñera?” Julieta repeated in shock. “It should’ve been this year right? How many months are between yours and Antonio’s birthday?”

“…We have a two month difference. My birthday is March sixth and his is May twenty-first. Apparently our birthdays were too close, so I couldn’t have a quinceñera.”

The triplets went silent.

Julieta's eyes flashed with indignation. Across from her, Pepa's eyes scowled. Bruno, on the other hand, let out a pained groan, his expression filled with disappointment and frustration.

“And they couldn’t even give you a quinceñera? That’s absolutely inexcusable.” A bitter laugh escaped Julieta's lips as she clenched her fists. “A quinceñera should be planned beforehand. They shouldn’t give one person a birthday, but not give you a birthday because it’s too close. Your birthday is also before his. They should’ve prepared. It’s just cruel and unfair.” And absolutely unforgivable.

She’s supposed to be Mirabel’s mother. What the hell is she doing in the future besides letting her daughter get mistreated? She was a horrible mother.

“It makes no sense at all. How could they celebrate Isabela and Dolores’ quinceñera, but not yours? Three weeks is significantly shorter than two months.” Pepa pointed out, frustration evident in her voice. “They’re just making up excuses.” It was practically an insult, mockery. They were sending a clear message that they don’t care about Mirabel. Even if they did, they didn’t care about her as much as the other Madrigals.

Bruno nodded in agreement. It was infuriating that they were treating Mirabel like that. They could’ve at least celebrated her birthday since they couldn’t give her a quinceñera.

Mirabel's cheeks flushed slightly as she listened to the younger triplets express their anger on her behalf. She had said something similar to her family before, only to be dismissed and disregarded about her not having a quinceñera. The warmth and validation she felt in this moment were foreign yet gratifying. She couldn’t help the faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips despite the serious situation.

“Stay calm…stay calm.”

Pepa was raining, but none of them paid attention to it. If they had Pepa’s gift, they would be the same.

Bruno just held an umbrella above them.

Mirabel wondered if he just carried that around and where he pulled that umbrella from.

Nothing was really logical at this point.

“You know what…we can’t change the past, but we can change the future.” Julieta's eyes gleamed with determination as she tightened her embrace around Mirabel. “Mirabel,” She began softly, her voice filled with warmth and affection. “If I had the choice, I would keep you beside me forever. In fact, I think I shall. I am going to steal you. Do you want to stay with me? Wouldn’t that be delightful, mija?”

Mirabel's heart fluttered at Julieta's words, her eyes widening slightly. Mirabel really liked the triplets. It was probably because they’re one of the first people to actually care about her and to treat her with affection. Well, she’s not saying no.

“You can’t just steal your future daughter!” Pepa exclaimed, looking at Julieta as if she was crazy. “That would mess up the future! The horror! The disasters! How would the future Madrigals feel when we steal her!? They’d be devastated! We can’t do this!” Julieta only raised an eyebrow as Pepa’s eyes widened in panic. “See, that’s what I would say if I actually gave a crap about that. But, I don’t. I’m all up for stealing you, Mirabel.”

Bruno couldn't help but chime in, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “And our mother is so much nicer than your abuela, no offense.” Bruno added with a hint of sarcasm. “We could totally lie and say you're brand new to the Encanto, and we'll make sure our mother doesn't go all grumpy old lady like your abuela.”

Mirabel’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’m not against the idea.”

“That’s a yes?” Julieta wasn’t going to let anyone harm Mirabel again. “You’re officially mine now.”

Mirabel simply gave her a thumbs up and nodded.

“Great! I’ll be an better mother than the other Julieta!”

“…She knows that would’ve been her, right?”

“She can hear you, idiot.”

Julieta scoffed. “Don’t say such words in front of my daughter.”

“You’ve said worse.”

“So? Not in front of her though.”

“Yeah, be a good role model.”

Mirabel didn’t say anything, only listening to their bickering. What a great family dynamic already!

“Yeah, that sounds nice and all but we don’t even know how we got here or how to go back to our home.”

“I don’t know, maybe make a wish to the miracle and hope that’ll do something by.”

Mirabel frowned. “…What about my, erm, the future Madrigals?”

“What about them?”

“They are going to notice I’m gone. Considering my cousin’s gift, she would’ve heard this conversation. And…I don’t think that they would be okay with that.”

“What’s your cousin’s gift?”

“Enhanced hearing.”

“I don’t mean to sound rude, but what makes you think that she’s listening in on us right now? She didn’t even notice you were gone. I guess for them, you…just slip in the background easily. I don’t think she would be paying attention to you now.”

“Pepa!” Julieta scolded.

“What? I said not to be rude.”

“That’s still rude!” Julieta turned to Mirabel with a sigh. “I’m sorry about my sister, she’s just awfully…blunt, which I’m sure you know.”

“No, no, it’s okay. She’s not exactly…wrong.” Mirabel smiled sadly.

“Oh, mi bebé,” Julieta frowned, hugging her future daughter. “You don’t deserve to be treated this way. Especially over something that you can’t control. You deserve better.”

Mirabel blushed. “Mamá…”

Pepa purses her lips and snorts. “Considering you don’t have any children yet, she’s technically not your baby.”

“Yet.”

“She’s only future you and Agustín’s baby. But, she’s also a teenager, Julieta. I don’t think that’s an infant.”

“She doesn’t mind, do you?”

Mirabel smiled nervously. “Not at all!”

“Mirabel!” All of them were startled to hear the voice of Julieta. They recognized it as the voice of future Julieta.

“You jinxed it.” Bruno bluntly said to Pepa.

Pepa didn’t look guilty at all. “Okay…maybe.”

That’s when they saw future Julieta.

“Mirabel, Dolores had said that she heard something strange and…and…” Julieta trailed off, staring at the sight in front of her in shock. It was a scene straight out of a dream.

The younger Julieta's smirk widened as she held Mirabel closer. “Sorry not sorry, but she’s ours now.”

Julieta was absolutely bewildered as she stared between the past triplets and her daughter. Her eyes was widened, her jaw dropping open. “…how?”

“I’m…sorry. I honestly can not explain how this happened.” Was all that Mirabel said.

Chapter 201: The Fear Within

“Mija, please,” Julieta said softly, intertwining their hands. She had an almost terrified look in her eyes. “Don’t leave.”

Mirabel looked startled. She hadn’t expected her mother to wake up. “I-I’m just going to the bathroom. I’ll be back, I swear. It won’t take long, mamá.” She tried to reassure her with a smile. “Just go to sleep. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“I can’t…” Julieta sat up abruptly, her face etched with worry. “I can’t go back to sleep and leave you alone.”

Mirabel's breath caught in her throat as she glanced towards Julieta. “I’m not….why?”

“What if you leave again?”

Again?

Mirabel was confused.

When did she leave?

Her confusion must’ve shown on her face as her mother began speaking again.

“When Casita fell…I was so scared, mija.” Julieta confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I had no idea where you ran off to. I thought that I would never see again the second that I realized you were gone and my heart sank. For a moment…I even thought that I might’ve been hallucinating. That in reality, I didn’t see you at all and I was talking to thin air. Before and after, you didn’t answer my calls.”

“I’m sorry.” Mirabel immediately apologized.

“Oh, mi vida…please don’t apologize. I can’t bear the thought of losing you again.” Julieta’s voice trembled as tears welled up in her eyes. Mirabel has never seen her mother like this. She never saw Julieta crying before and it’s a scary sight. Someone usually composed was so close to breaking down. “Every second without you was an eternity of fear. It felt like my world came crashing down.” Her grip had tightened. Do you know how relieved I was to have my precious daughter in my arms? You were real. You weren’t just an apparition. You are real.”

“I'm so sorry, Mami.” Mirabel whispered softly, her heart clenching at her words. “I didn't mean to scare you like that. I just got lost in my head. I…never wanted to hurt you…any of you.” She hugged her mother tightly. “I promise you, I'm right here. I'm real, and I'm not going anywhere.”

“Mirabel…I know, I know…I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“Nothing is going to happen. Not when I have such a wonderful and caring family around me.”

Julieta’s smile faltered just slightly. Mirabel always praised them, saying that they’re a good family. Julieta found that hard to believe. Despite how Mirabel was treated, she still believed that they were amazing. Mirabel had always been optimistic. It was just like when Mirabel always tried to assure them that they were fine when in reality she wasn’t. It was difficult to believe that they were a good family. They made the same mistake with Bruno and Mirabel. Two Madrigals. How could they possibly be a good family?

“You’re a remarkable person, Mirabel. Always so helpful and being around you makes me feel better.” Julieta kissed Mirabel on the cheek. “Please, don’t take too long.” She gently squeezed Mirabel’s hand, reluctantly letting go.

“I won’t run away, mamí. I’m not going to leave the house, I’m just going to the bathroom.”

Mirabel let out a quiet sigh. She felt a tug at her heart, realizing the pain she had inadvertently inflicted on Julieta.

“Of course,”

When Mirabel ran away, she wasn’t thinking.

That much was obvious.

She was just filled with so much hurt.

She needed to have a proper conversation with her mother when both of them weren’t so tired. If she didn’t bring it up, Julieta would definitely talk about it with her sooner or later.

She just doesn’t understand…

“What are you doing?”

Mirabel jumped. She hadn’t expected anyone else but her and Julieta to be awake at this time. She turned around to see Dolores staring at her with a strange expression. Actually, scratch that, all the grandchildren but Antonio was awake.

“I’m going to the bathroom. Just…going to relieve myself.” Mirabel explained, her cheeks tinged with a light blush. None of them took their eyes off of her. It was actually making Mirabel nervous. “…After that, I’ll be going back to sleep.”

“Are you sure?” Is what Isabela asked as she stood up.

So everyone was just acting odd.

“Yes,” There was a hint of unease in Mirabel’s eyes. “Why are you asking me that? Do you think I’m not?” She was starting to get suspicious.

Isabela blinked, taken aback by the skepticism in Mirabel's voice. She hadn't expected the question from her. She hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground as she struggled to find the right words. “I... I just…” She fumbled, unable to meet Mirabel's eyes.

Luisa awkwardly attempted to salvage Isabela's fumbling response. “Do you, uhm, need help?”

“Help?” Mirabel echoed, looking confused. “I appreciate the offer, but I think I can handle going to the bathroom on my own. It's not exactly rocket science.”

“We…just want to make sure that you’re not sneaking off.” Camilo said quietly.

“What?” Mirabel stared at all of them with a baffled expression. “Why would I need to sneak out? It’s not like I have a boyfriend. There’s no reason for me to do that.” She narrowed her eyes. “Seriously, what’s up with you three?”

It was silent.

Mirabel tilted her head. “Guys?”

No answer, just silence.

Mirabel shifted uncomfortably. “Well…if that’s all, I’ll just…walk away.”

That’s when they all jumped up, causing Mirabel to yelp. That totally wasn’t freighting.

“I’m getting creeped out.” Mirabel blurted out. “Are you three okay?”

“Are you okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“We’re just….” It was clear that they were struggling to find the right words.

“Yeah?”

“We’re worried.”

“Worried?”

“When…when Casita had fallen…we weren’t sure if you had made it out.” Dolores confessed, blinking back tears. “We thought you were dead.”

“W-what?” Mirabel was stunned. She hadn’t expected that answer from Dolores. “But…mamá saw me after Casita fully collapsed.”

“That’s the thing, although mamá said she saw you, you were gone. It’s not like we didn’t believe her, we just found it hard to believe that you survived.” Luisa whispered to her. “I-I mean, you weren’t answering to anyone’s yells. Even after Casita was destroyed. We looked for you through the rubble…preparing for the worst. We didn’t get to finish because mamá was so sure that you had run away afterwards. We all clung onto that small hope that you had somehow managed to survive and ran away.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Mirabel's face as she listened to Luisa's words. She swallowed hard, the memory of that night resurfacing in her mind. “I...I had no idea.” She said softly, her voice tinged with remorse. “I heard the yells when I was going for the candle…but I didn’t pay them any mind. I was too focused on saving the miracle. I’m sorry.”

“Which I don’t understand. We all but you were rushed out of the collapsing building. You were being reckless, Mirabel.” Isabela said, her voice carrying an edge of frustration. “You cared more about that damn candle than your own life. You prioritized something that can’t even compare to your life! You could’ve been seriously hurt or worse!”

Mirabel's breath hitched at the harshness of Isabela's words, her gaze dropping to the floor. She couldn’t deny the truth in what Isabela was saying.

“Isa!”

“You’re right.” Mirabel bit her lip, the sting of her sister's words cutting deep. “I was trying to save the miracle, that’s what I’ve been doing since Antonio’s ceremony. I had thought it was the only way to prove my worth. To get abuela to acknowledge me. I wasn’t thinking with caution. I was being reckless. I thought it was the right thing to do then you all would be so proud of me.”

“Mirabel…”

“When I didn’t save the miracle, I had thought that everything was absolutely over. I failed. Bruno’s vision came true, I destroyed the miracle. Yes, yes, I know that’s not the truth now, but I didn’t know that then. I stayed around for a moment when everything settled down…then I saw all of your expressions and their words. You all looked so helpless and it was your fault. When mamá went to tía, I ran.” Mirabel frowned, her voice trembling. “At the time…I didn’t think that anyone would care. I mean, I destroyed the miracle. I thought you all would be angry at me and I couldn’t come back. I didn’t want to face anyone’s disappointment and anger. I couldn’t bear the thought of returning to the ruins when it was my fault. I had convinced myself I was doing you all a favor by running away.”

The room fell into a somber silence as Mirabel's words sank in. For a moment, the air was thick with tension.

“Mirabel…when you ran away, nobody was worried about the miracle. Nobody was angry. We all were worried about you. A candle is not more important than you.” Camilo hesitantly said. “We can buy another candle or something, but we can’t replace you.”

Mirabel shrugged halfheartedly. “Yeah…of course I know that now. I wasn’t thinking correctly.” She paused. “Is that why you all were awake? You were worried that I would…run away when nobody’s awake?”

Their eyes widened and that was all Mirabel needed to know the answer.

“Oh,”

“It’s not like we don’t trust you! We just-“

“No, no, it’s fine!” Mirabel exclaimed, almost frantically. “It’s fine. Seriously, I totally get it. I guess I underestimated how affected and worried you all would be when I was at the river. I know that my words may not be enough, but I won’t run away. It was a one time thing and just me being scatterbrained. I was being careless. I won’t do it again. I promise, there’s no reason for me to run away.”

They exchanged a glance. They wanted to believe Mirabel’s words, but they couldn’t. A huge part of them was scared of Mirabel running away the moment they let her out of their sight and never coming back.

“Mirabel…”

“Guys,” Mirabel let out a heavy sigh. “It’s late at night. I’m not going anywhere. It seriously feels like I’m being cornered right now.”

“…We’re sorry. We just let our worry get to the best of us.” Dolores apologized. She was aware that everyone else was also worried that Mirabel might run away when she had a chance.

“Mhm, I can see.” Mirabel nodded absentmindedly, turning away. “I’ll be going back to sleep with mamá soon. She knows that I’m awake and would make sure I wouldn’t do anything stupid.”

“Wait,”

Mirabel blinked. “Yes?

“Would you?”

“Would I what?”

“If abuela never found you at the river…would you have not come back and continued your way out of the Encanto?”

That was an answer that they all wanted to know. It scared them.

Mirabel stared at them, before shaking her head. “I’m not that brave. I wouldn’t.” She smiled sadly. “I…just need to go to the bathroom. I don't want mamá to become more worried. You three should also get some sleep. It’s not healthy. I’m becoming worried. Good night.”

Chapter 202: The Greatest Gift Of Them All Snippet

“You must’ve overworked yourself.” Julieta muttered, holding her hand gently. “Do you know how worried I was when someone came yelling that you were passed out? On top of that, you were hurt. What happened?”

“I…” Mirabel let out a groan. Her headache was absolutely terrible and she felt like fainting. She just wanted to lay back down. She could barely register what her mother was saying. “I’m not…I’m not sure.”

Julieta’s expression shifted to concern. “You’re not sure?” She knew that wasn’t right. Mirabel just looked out of it. She didn’t like it.

“I just can’t…remember. I-I wasn’t sure what I was doing.” Mirabel's words came out in a disoriented mumbled.

Julieta reached out to touch Mirabel's flushed cheek. “Okay, okay,” Julieta soothingly, her voice gentle. “Just take a deep breath. Can you tell me what you remember last?”

Mirabel’s mind was foggy, struggling to recall her previous thoughts. “I just...can't remember.” She muttered, her voice laced with bewilderment. “I wasn't sure what I was doing...my head is all fuzzy.”

“You don't remember what you were doing?” Julieta repeated, her voice quivering slightly. “You're not making sense, corazón.”

“Everything feels hazy and my head is spinning...my chest is-“

“Julieta, what are you doing?”

Julieta resisted the urge to scowl at her words.

“We have more important matters to tend to.”

Julieta turned to her mother, her expression tinged with a hint of irritation. “Mamá, Mirabel is sick. Can’t you at least pretend to care for once? I can heal physical injuries, but this is something beyond my abilities.” Fevers was something that she unfortunately couldn’t heal with her gift. Like every other gift, she also has limits.

There was a subtle frown on Alma’s face. “How dare you suggest that I don't care?” She retorted, a hint of wounded pride in her tone. “Of course I care. I've done everything for this family, including you.” She looked at her granddaughter, who didn’t even seem to notice her presence. “It's strange how she suddenly falls ill whenever the attention is on someone else. It seems awfully convenient, don't you think?”

Julieta crossed her arms, her expression becoming more defensive. “Are you suggesting that Mirabel is faking her illness for attention?” She couldn’t hide the disbelief in her voice. “You’re absolutely unbelievable. Look at her.” She gestured over to Mirabel. “You have always thought lowly of-“ She paused, glaring at her mother. “I am not having this conversation with you right now.”

“You’re overreacting.” Alma sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose in annoyance. “You coddle her too much, treating her like a fragile dol-”

Julieta bristled at her mother’s comment. She knew what she was going to say and didn’t like it. “Mamá!” She hissed out. “Stop it. I said I am not having this conversation with you. Not here. You’re always criticizing her for everything.” She glanced towards her daughter, who looked terrible. Mirabel’s usually vibrant cheeks were flushed with fever, and her breath came in shallow gasps. Sweat clung to her skin, and her body trembled with chills. Despite her weak state despite the temperature. “You think she’s faking this?”

“Julieta-“

“You know what? Forget it. Just go. I have to take care of Mirabel.” Julieta snapped. “I have to coddle my oh so fragile doll. Since that’s all I do, hm?” She said sarcastically, turning her attention to Mirabel. “Don’t worry, mi vida, I’ll be here for you.”

“She’ll be fine eventually. Everyone gets sick someday, it’s not anything important.”

“It's not anything important?” Julieta echoed incredulously. “You think this sickness doesn't matter? Mirabel is burning with fever and struggling to breathe, and all you can say is that it's no big deal?”

“All I’m saying is that she doesn’t need you standing over all the time. We also don’t need the healer getting sick.” Alma said. “We both know your gift can’t work properly when you’re sick.”

Julieta's eyes flared with irritation, her patience wearing thin. “This isn't about my gift or me getting sick.” She retorted through gritted teeth. “This is about Mirabel being ill and needing care. I won't abandon her when sh-“

“Mamá…” Mirabel's weak voice broke through the tense exchange between Julieta and Alma. Her pale hand reached out, gripping Julieta’s with a trembling grasp. “It's alright, mamá. Abuela’s right. It’s not important. I’ll be fine.”

Julieta's heart sank as Mirabel weakly spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. She hated to see Mirabel downplay her own health and well-being. “Mirabel, no,” Julieta protested gently, her tone filled with concern. “You're not fine, and your health is important. I can't just leave you like this.”

“See? Even Mirabel agrees that it's not that serious. She'll be back on her feet in no time.”

Julieta huffed in frustration. “Mamá, you-“

“…Mamá, really, it’s fine. I’m sure there’s others that need more help than me. It’s just a cold.” Mirabel tried to reassure her with a weak smile. Each word felt like an effort to speak. Despite how awful she was feeling, she didn’t want to be the reason someone was in pain for so long.

Julieta shot a disapproving glance at her mother before turning her concerned gaze back towards Mirabel. “Mirabel, I don’t have to go.”

“But the m-miracle, mamá.”

Alma and Julieta both looked briefly shocked at the mention of the miracle. They all were aware of something being wrong with the miracle. They just found out and were trying to fix it.

“Fine,” Julieta reluctantly agreed, sighing. “But if I sense you're getting worse, I’m not leaving your side. Understand?”

Mirabel just nodded.

“And, mamá, you and I need to have a talk.”

Alma frowned. “Of course.”

Julieta casted a worried glance at Mirabel, her heart still filled with concern for her daughter's condition, despite her agreement.

As the door to the nursery clicked shut, Julieta and Alma were blissfully unaware of the true extent of Mirabel's illness. They believed it was merely a passing cold, something she could shake off with rest and home remedies.

Little did they know the severity that awaited them in the days to come.

Chapter 203: Immortality Comes With A Cost

The miracle was more of a curse than a blessing. The Madrigals had figured that out rather quickly. All the gifted Madrigals had also been granted immortality.

Which had excluded Alma, Félix, Agustín, and Mirabel. Yes, the gifted Madrigals are going to age, but they will never die.

Immortality isn't a good thing when you have to watch your loved ones die. It came with eternal suffering and loneliness. Things will eventually get boring.

“Are you scared?” Antonio’s voice was low as he held Mirabel’s hands, his eyes were filled with tears.

Mirabel met Antonio’s tear-filled gaze and gently squeezed his hands. “Honestly...I am.” She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. “I don’t think anyone is not scared to die.” Despite Antonio being the younger one out of the two of them, he would one day surpass her. Yet she can’t help but still see him as that five year old boy. She was absolutely terrified.

It’s strange. She grew older than the triplets. She knew that one day it’d happen, but it didn’t make her feel any better. It didn’t make any of them feel better knowing that she’s going to die while they live. She doesn’t know whether she wants to cry or laugh knowing that she will never truly be with her family.

“I-It’s not fair…” Antonio sniffled. It really wasn’t. Why must the miracle do this to them? He already saw his abuela, father, uncle die. And now Mirabel? He wasn’t ready. Why couldn’t they all just live forever?

Mirabel swallowed, trying to keep her voice steady. “Antonio,” She took a deep breath. Her heart broke seeing Antonio like this. Her other family members were in a similar state. They knew that she didn’t have much longer before she’s gone. Just like the others. “Life is never fair. It's messy and complicated, and sometimes it hurts more than words can express. It’s a cruel twist of fate. But we have to face this together, okay?” Even Dolores’ children have gifts. It was cruel indeed.

“Mirabel…you’re not…I wanted to be with you. I just wished…you all c-could live with us. I wished you had a gift.”

“I know,” Mirabel smiled sadly. She didn’t live the life she wanted to the fullest, but that’s okay. As long as she’s with her family. She also wished she had a gift so she could live a long life with her family. Some things just could never happen. “And I’m sorry that I…can’t stay any longer.”

“Stop it!” Antonio cried out. “You’re making it sound like you’re going to die!”

She knows that her mother and Pepa aren't going to remarry since they did. Mariano doesn’t have many years left either. She also knows he’ll be dead before her. It’s harsh but it’s the truth. That’s why the rest of the Madrigals aren’t going to date or marry. Though Luisa, Camilo and Antonio do want children. They can’t bear the thought of losing another loved one.

“That’s why you’re here, aren’t you? I don’t have many years left. It’s harsh…but I am going to die.”

It’s something that nobody can deny.

The clock is ticking.

Mirabel had wondered if the miracle was to go out once more, would the older Madrigals die immediately? Casita fell once and there was a chance it could fall again. Even if the other Madrigals didn’t want to admit it, they were falling apart because of their deaths.

She knows that the Madrigals would welcome death with open arms just to reunite with them. After all, all of them but Camilo and Antonio should be dead.

She knew what they all were scared of the most.

They were scared of their memories fading as the years passed. They didn’t want to forget any of them.

That was understandable.

Which is why she had started writing in her journal years ago about her life.

“But…I need you, please.”

Unfortunately, Mirabel couldn’t be as selfless as she was when she walked him to his door. She couldn’t make him empty promises.

She was at death’s door.

Would she meet her deceased family members there?

Hopefully one of the future Madrigals would have the gift of seeing the dead.

Chapter 204: Solo

“Do you, uhm…do you think about sex?” Mirabel is sure that it’s surprising coming out of her mouth and even more awkward by the way that Isabela’s eyes widened.

“What?” Isabela was staring at her like she’s grown too heads. That’s not a question that she expected to hear from her little sister. “Why?” Oh god, she was not prepared to have this conversation with Mirabel. Why couldn’t she go to their mother or someone with more information than her? Wait. Should she be flattered that Mirabel went to her? Definitely.

Mirabel's eyes darted nervously, avoiding direct eye contact with her sister as her voice quivered slightly. “Well…” She began hesitantly. “I just…” Her voice trailed off, struggling to find the right words to articulate her thoughts. “Just answer the question, please? I’m just…I don’t know, curious, I guess?”

Knowing her sister's nature, Isabela suspected that Mirabel was grappling with her own feelings and thoughts about this particular topic. It was something Isabela had noticed about Mirabel before—her desire to help others while neglecting her own well-being. Isabela could tell there was more to it than just simple curiosity.

“I mean…yeah, sometimes, when I was engaged to Mariano.” Isabela stammered, visibly looking uncomfortable, before clearing her throat. “I was expecting to get married and that came with children. It was something that couldn’t leave my head. I didn’t like Mariano like that and I was prepared for my life to be over.” Isabela met Mirabel’s gaze, a tender smile crossing her lips. “But you came and freed me.”

Mirabel smiled sheepishly. “…You’re exaggerating.”

“If it weren’t for you, I probably would have married Mariano, and none of us would be where we’re at now. Mirabel, I owe this all to you. You helped us all. You just undermine yourself.” Isabela gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Seriously, why did you ask me such a question?” As much as she wants to deny it, Mirabel isn’t a little girl anymore. She’s growing and she’s at the age where she’s naturally curious. Guys her age is also naturally curious and growing. They’re also eager to make it further into a relationship just to brag to those around them. Just to seem like a man. She doesn’t want to see her sister heartbroken because some jerk thought of her as an achievement. Or did that already happen? Mirabel has been keeping to herself lately. “Are you currently…uhm, active?”

Mirabel quickly shook her head. “No! No, I’m not. I’m not even in a relationship!”

Isabela let out a sigh of relief. She wasn’t sure how she would react if she did find out that Mirabel was with some boy. “Alright, alright, that’s good.” It was common knowledge for the male to court the woman in the relationship before any of that. Having sex before marriage is considered lust, a sin. “Why did you ask me that? Is there someone that you’re hoping to please? If so, you’d have to go to Dolores for that. I can’t help you on that subject.” She was also aware of women in the Encanto making sexual advances to men in hopes of them liking them. Mirabel wasn’t that kind of woman though.

“None of that!” Mirabel exclaimed, looking distressed.

Which definitely wasn’t concerning.

“Is someone bothering you? Pressuring you? Do I need to throw a cactus at someone for you?”

“N-No, no! That’s not it…I am genuinely curious about your opinion on…you know. Is it, like, a requirement?”

Isabela blinked. “Sex isn’t a requirement in a relationship, despite how the others are. It’s not. You don’t need to have sex for a relationship to work.”

“Oh,”

“And…I’m assuming that something has happened.”

“I’m terrified because that’s what is expected of me. Especially with me being the future matriarch! I already have suitors and I hate rejecting them. Me saying no to them only encourages them to try harder. It’s a nightmare, Isa.” Mirabel muttered with a groan. “Abuela and the others are also encouraging me to give my suitors a chance.”

So, she was right in a way.

“You do have a right to reject them. I can speak to abuela since it’s making you uncomfortable. Abuela means well, but it’s hard for her not to go back to her old ways. She would understand if you talked to her or if you wanted me to.” Isabela offered her little sister a small smile. “Mirabel, I’m currently not dating anyone right now…and tío Bruno has been pretty much single for most of his life, I’m pretty sure. Maybe.” Isabela didn’t think about Bruno’s dating history a lot. His old status of Bad Luck Bruno and him not being interested in others had a lot to do with him not dating. It was far too late for Bruno to get married but she knows that Bruno is happy having them and his rats. “Just give me names. I’ll go stop any boy who thinks that you’re playing hard to get.”

Mirabel didn’t respond, causing Isabela to frown.

“There are many people who want to marry into our family for status and gifts. There are a selected few who like us for who we are. It’s the cold truth, but we can’t do anything but accept it. You have me and the others who will defend you. What’s bothering you?”

“I…I don’t want to end up like you.” Mirabel’s eyes widened in shock from her own words as she began stuttering. “I, uh, well, not like you, but what happened to you! I don’t…want to be in a relationship with someone I don’t like…and I don’t want to disappoint them-“

“Mirabel!” Isabela exclaimed. “I get what you mean. I went through it. There were so many men who wanted me. It was actually disgusting. Fortunately, abuela didn’t just pick anyone for me. You also don’t have to say yes to someone you don’t like just because you feel guilty. Like I said, you have a right to reject them and they should respect you. Nobody is going to arrange a relationship for you, it is up to you. You won’t disappoint anyone.”

“It’s not normal.”

“Mirabel, we’re Madrigals. We have a magical house and gifts. I can confidently say that nobody here is normal. Not me and not you. It’s not a bad thing either.” Isabela placed her hands on Mirabel’s shoulders. “Someone is going to love you for who you are. Not for your body. You’ll find the perfect person for you. If not, everyone is going to be fine with you not dating or getting married, okay?”

Mirabel sighed. “Okay…”

Isabela grinned. “Now tell your big sister the names of those boys who have been harassing you.”

“Isa!”

Chapter 205: Encanto Reacts To Encanto

Notes:

It’s best if I split the parts up! It’d be a nightmare to edit it fully. :)

“Abre los ojos, open your eyes.” Alma says with a kind smile on her face. Looking over at her youngest grandchild, Mirabel Madrigal.

“So...this is about me?” Mirabel asked, a confused look on her face as she looked around at her family gathered around her.

“Aw, mi vida, you were so cute back then!” Julieta gushed, causing the younger girl to blush and make a pouty expression. She tried to hide her embarrassment behind a glare, but there was no denying that she was feeling flustered.

“Mamá!” She whined.

“Well, she's not wrong, Mirabel.” Alma chuckled, her tone sounding both amused and slightly fond.

“Abuela!” Mirabel exclaimed, the look on her face a mixture of embarrassment and indignation as she protested her grandmother's words. How could her grandmother betray her like this by agreeing with her mother?

“Ay, Mira, she's right!” Pepa teased, pinching her cherub-like cheeks in a playful gesture. “You're still so cute and look the same!”

Meanwhile, Mirabel felt her embarrassment intensify, feeling overwhelmed by all the praise and how it just continued to roll in. It was becoming increasingly difficult to deny all the compliments, especially when they all said the same thing.

Camilo shifted into a younger Mirabel.

“The only thing that changed was the height and outfit.” Isabela observed with a grin, her tone sounding lighthearted and playful.

The comment was on point, as Mirabel still retained her adorable and cute little girl face, but she had grown taller and her wardrobe had gotten a bit of an update. It was funny to think that she still looked so similar but with a few tweaks here and there to reflect her growth.

“Ugh...we have to finish this. We're literally only one line in.” Mirabel grumbled in an exasperated tone.

Bruno leaned over to Mirabel, whispering conspiratorially as he spoke. “Imagine what I dealt with being the only boy in the house. They thought I made a very good doll. Couldn't escape that.” He whispered it in such a way that made it seem like it was a bit of childhood trauma.

Mirabel let out a dramatic gasp. “The terror!” She said in a dramatically horrified yet fake way.

“We were triplets, and we shared everything. We had to see if Bruno would look good in a dress before we put it on.” Pepa giggled and snickered at the memory, her tone full of humor and amusement. Meanwhile, Mirabel was trying to imagine what it would look like to see Bruno in a dress, but the more she considered it, the funnier the image became in her mind.

“Our personal doll.” Julieta agreed, laughing and nodding as she looked back on the memory fondly. “Those were fun times. I miss it.”

“I don't.” Bruno quickly replied, but it sounded more as if he were protesting the statement instead of actually disliking it as he gave a sly smiles

Camilo let out a slight grunt, as he nodded his head in knowing agreement of the shared experience. “Glad to know that I wasn't the only one who went through that.”

“Your shifting came in handy.” Dolores added,

That’s when Mirabel realized what her mother had said earlier, catching her off-guard. “Wait, mamá, were cute?”

“Ahah….”

“This is where our magic comes from?” Young Mirabel asks with a little gasp. Her eyes were shining with excitement and curiosity.

“You know, this is not making your case any better.” Dolores chuckled, her tone sounding teasing yet playful.

Mirabel shot a playful glare at Dolores, her facial expression one of both irritation and good humor as she accepted her family's teasing. She knew she wasn’t going to escape it anytime soon. “Just let me suffer in peace, since everyone seems to enjoy it! I can’t believe it! My own family!”

Dolores smirked, her smirk turning into the hint of a smile. “My most sincere apologies, my dear cousin.” She said with a sarcastic undertone, which was made evident by her tone.

Mirabel let out a huff. “I’m not going to accept it because you don’t mean it.”

“You’re right.”

"Mhm, this candle holds the miracle given to our family." Alma says, a bright smile on her face, a sense of pride in her chest as Mirabel looked at the candle in awe.

“We really don’t question the miracle enough.”

"How did we get a miracle?" Young Mirabel asks, a confused look on her face as she looks at her abuela.

“Long ago, when my three babies had just been born, your abuelo Pedro and I were forced to flee our home." Alma starts, sucking in a breath for a while of the reminder before smiling. "And though many joined us, hoping to find a new home, we could not escape the dangers and your abuelo was lost. But in our darkest moment, we were given a miracle. The candle became a magical flame that could never go out. And it blessed us with a refuge in which to live." Alma says, gesturing around to Casita, the tiles clicking under Mirabel in excitement making Mirabel giggle.

“I don't understand how you repeated the same thing eight times,” Félix said with a smirk.

Alma seemed unfazed by it, and merely replied with a calm and nonchalant tone. “I also have a good memory overall. It's easier than you think.” She added, and Félix couldn't help being slightly amused by her casual attitude.

"An Encanto!" Young Mirabel exclaims.

Mirabel grumbled.

This really wasn’t helping her case.

“Mirabel, you look adorable!” Antonio gushed in an overeager manner, and she couldn't help but allow herself to smile at the compliment, despite the fact that her previous expression had been one of feigned annoyance.

“Not as adorable as you.” Mirabel said playfully in response to his claim, as she playfully ruffled his hair.

“What clear favoritism.”

“There’s no such thing as favoritism.”

“Mhm…”

"An encanto. The miracle grew, and our house, our Casita itself came alive to shelter us. When my children came of age the miracle blessed each with a magical gift to help us. And when their children came of age..." Alma says with a small smile.

“I wish Pedro had given all of you a gift later in life, so that you would have all been prepared.” Alma spoke softly and under her breath. She was vowing to give Pedro a piece of her mind when they both ended up in the afterlife together.

“It wasn’t exactly safe to give a five year old some of these gifts.”

“Some? I think that most of these gifts are dangerous.”

“I agree with that statement!”

"That's right. And together, our family's gifts made a new home a paradise. Tonight, this candle will give you your gift. Mi vida. Strengthen our community. Strengthen our home. Make your family proud." Alma says.

Alma gave a soft and defeated sigh. “And I wish I could take back my words back then.” The regret and shame she felt were evident in her words and tone. “I would do many things differently if I could.” 

“Mamá-“

“Abuela-“

“It’s okay, you’re changing, mamá.”

“It doesn’t mean that what I did back then was right.”

“No, it wasn’t. But you’re changing your ways, aren’t you?”

Alma only nodded.

"Make my family proud." Young Mirabel says to herself.

“I can’t believe that you’ve been saying that for more than ten years.”

“…I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

"Yes, yes Casita, we're going." Alma says in amusement.

"Hehe." Young Mirabel laughed as Casita helped her put her shoes on and pulled her Abuela up from the bed.

The Madrigals cooed causing Mirabel to roll her eyes.

"What do you think my gift is going to be?" Young Mirabel asks as she holds Abuela's hands.

Alma looks at Mirabel with a smile on her face. "You are a wonder, Mirabel Madrigal." Alma starts off. Alma looked over at the clock, It was already 7 pm. "Whatever Gift awaits will be just as special as you." Alma says softly.

“Although you didn’t get a gift, you’re just as special as everyone else. Gift or not gift. It doesn’t define your worth. I am sorry that it took me so long to open my eyes.”

“Abuela…”

Just as Mirabel approached her door and before it could show that Mirabel didn't get a gift the light from her door began to engulf the screen as the word 'Encanto' appeared.

“I was kind of hoping to see this again.” Mirabel said with a mild look of surprise. Despite the fact that not receiving her gift had led to some unfortunate events, there was also good that had come out of it. It has allowed her to grow and develop as a person. The events had impacted her but not as severely as they had in the past, as she had come a long way since then.

“Really?”

“Yeah, why not?”

The next frame showed Mirabel glasses.

"Make your family proud! Morning Abuelo." Mirabel says in an upbeat tone.

“It’s clear that Mirabel is the main character here. I wonder what it’s going to show us.”

The screen cuts away to three children of the town running towards Casita. The children ran faster to the house, feeling eager to get there. The screen soon switches back to Mirabel.

Mirabel immediately recognized what day it was by their announcement. “Antonio’s ceremony.” She said. “I think that it’s from my perspective of saving the miracle.” That really was the only thing that stood out.

"Hey! When's the magic gift happen?" The kid with the coffee cup in his hands asked Mirabel.

"My cousin's ceremony is tonight." Mirabel says with a grin.

“Huh…you’re right.”

“Of course I am!”

“What a know it all.”

“Excuse m-“

"What's his gift?" Alejandra asks.

“Oh, it’s about me!”

“Yes!”

"We're gonna find out!" Mirabel exclaims.

"What's your gift?" Pumped Juancho asks.

"Who's askin'?" Mirabel asks with a smug grin.

"Us!" The children say in chorus.

"Well, 'us', I can't just talk about myself. I'm only part of the amazing Madrigals." Mirabel smiles.

The Madrigals’ eyes lit up.

“The amazing Madrigals?”

Mirabel covered her face, groaning. “…You've got to be kidding me.” Were they really going to replay what happened that day? She loves her family, but it’s embarrassing that they’re going to hear a song about how much she loves them.

“Oh please, I heard the entire song when you first sang it.” Dolores elbowed her, giving her a playful and encouraging nudge, which caused Mirabel to groan louder. “It’s amazing. Not as amazing as you, hm.”

“That’s corny,” Mirabel responded, but that didn’t stop her heart from beating a little bit faster as a soft blush came over her cheeks from the compliment. She still wasn’t used to compliments from her family.

“Yes, it is, but you’re smiling so hard right now.” Dolores grinned. “You’re going to blind me.”

Dolores was correct in pointing out that Mirabel was, in fact, smiling as she was being complimented so much. Her cheeks grew even warmer and her cheeks began to blush more, as she tried to fight the urge to grin more, even though she knew that she was failing entirely at doing so.

“Shut up.”

Alma always knew that Mirabel admired them. She didn’t know it was to this extent. She felt flattered, but she also felt more guilty about the way she treated her. She didn’t like that it took her so long to appreciate what she has.

“I didn’t know you thought so highly of us, sis.” Isabela teased.

Mirabel let out a huff. “Not anymore.”

“Yeah, right.”

Julieta smiled proudly. “You’re just as amazing too, Mirabel. You’re a Madrigal. Don’t forget that.”

"Who are the amazing Madrigals?!" The children exclaim.

“This is really inflating my ego.” Camilo laughed.

“You say that as if your ego isn’t already high enough.” Félix said, ruffling his hair, causing Camilo to yelp.

“Ay, papá!”

"Ah, you're not going to leave me alone, are you? Casita, help me out. Drawers, floors, doors, let's go!" Mirabel exclaims.

“…A musical?”

“A musical!”

“And I’m assuming that I’m singing about the amazing Madrigals.” Mirabel said dryly.

“You say that as if it’s a bad thing.”

“Hm,”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“…nothing.”

♪ "This is our home" ♪

♪ "We've got every generation"♪

Mirabel didn’t see the point in watching this. She didn’t understand, but she did remember this day very clearly. She didn’t exactly want to relive it either. She just thinks it’ll be boring from her perspective.

There were also some moments that she didn’t want her family to see and that they didn’t know of. She’s sure that none of her family knew what happened after the picture was taken.

It was pretty…dramatic. It was reasonable considering what was happening at the time though.

She did have to revise most of the lyrics for The Family Madrigal. At least that was fun.

♪ "So full of music, a rhythm of its own design." ♪

♪ "This is my family, a perfect constellation." ♪

“I’m glad that the perfect part has changed.” Isabela sighed dramatically, before quickly retracting her statement. “No offense to you, abuela.”

Alma just smiled. “It’s not like you didn’t tell the truth.”

♪ "So many stars and everybody gets to shine!" ♪

Perhaps when she was younger, she would disagree with that statement.

Not now.

♪ "Woah, let's be clear Abuela runs this show! She led us here so many years ago, woah! And every year our family blessings grow! There's just a lot you simply got to know, so! Welcome to the family Madrigal!" ♪

Alma knew she was going to be mentioned, but she still couldn’t help but smile fondly. Mirabel was truly spectacular.

♪ "The home of the Family Madrigal (we're on our way)!" ♪

♪ “Where all the people are fantastical and magical! I'm part of the Family Madrigal! " ♪

♪ "Oh my gosh, it's them!" ♪

♪ "What are the gifts? (I can't remember all the gifts!)" ♪

“I’m confused. They are at the age where they should know what our gifts are, right?”

♪ "But I don't know who is who!?" ♪

“Oh,”

“That’s more understandable.”

“We are a big family.”

♪ "Alright, alright, relax." ♪

♪ "It is physically impossible to relax!" ♪

♪ "Tell us everything, what are your powers?" ♪

♪ "Just tell us what everyone can do!" ♪

Julieta frowned, sighing. “…seriously, where is he getting that coffee from?” Especially a big cup like that.

♪ "And that's why coffee's for grown-ups!" ♪

“Yeah…”

“Luisa,” Camilo coughed in his hand. “We totally aren’t going to mention the coffee addict here.”

“Definitely.”

“What?”

“You all suck.” Luisa whined.

“Luisa, do you have anything you want to say to us?”

“Nope!” Luisa exclaimed. “Also, I’m an adult! Why are you all snitching?”

♪ "My tía Pepa, Her mood affects the weather. When she's unhappy, well, the temperature gets weird." ♪

Pepa laughed. “That’s a nice way to put it!”

“I tried my best.”

“I would’ve said the worst…”

“Bruno, I’m going to throw you back in the walls and make sure you’re stuck there.”

“Ouch,”

♪ "My tío Bruno—" ♪

♪ "We don't talk about Bruno!" ♪

We don’t talk about Bruno was a unofficial rule. Talking about Bruno would only cause hurt back then. Alma didn’t understand why the townspeople were so invested in their lives.

It’s not like Bruno was their family member.

♪ "They say he saw the future, one day he disappeared." ♪

Bruno chuckled nervously. Well, that was the truth.

♪ "Oh! And that's my mom Julieta, here's her deal. Whoa! The truth is, she can heal you with a meal. Whoa! Her recipes are remedies for real! If you're impressed, imagine how I feel, Mom!" ♪

“Aw, that’s nice.” Julieta smiled warmly. “I didn’t think that we all were going to get a mention in your song, mija.”

“It isn’t called The Family Madrigal for nothing.”

“I do not need your sassiness.”

♪ "Welcome to the Family Madrigal! The home of the Family Madrigal! Hey, coming through! I know it sounds a bit fantastical and magical! But I'm part of the Family Madrigal.” ♪

♪ "Two guys fell in love with Family Madrigal and now they're part of the Family Madrigal! So, yeah, Tío Félix married Pepa. And my dad married Julieta. That's how Abuela became an Abuela Madrigal! Let’s go, let’s go!” ♪

The lively music and cheerful lyrics filled the air, and Mirabel found herself amused by the lyrics. Although the original lyrics were changed, it was nice. It was one of her favorite parts of the song.

♪ "We swear to always help those around us. And earn the miracle that somehow found us. The town keeps growing, the world keeps turning. But, work and dedication will keep the miracle burning. And each new generation must keep the miracle burning." ♪

“Huh, I didn’t realize you were going to sing, abuela.”

“Me either…”

♪ "Wait, who's a sister and who's a cousin?" ♪

The grandchildren grinned. “So, we’re getting mentioned now?”

Mirabel rolled her eyes playfully. “You all act like I didn’t rewrite the entire song.”

“We’ve seen you rewrite, but weren't aware of the entire lyrics.”

Dolores shrugged. “Oh, I heard the entire song already.”

Mirabel narrowed her eyes. “I know that because of what happened at the end.”

“Yeah…” Dolores smiled nervously. “I already apologized.”

♪ "There's so many people!" ♪

♪ "How do you keep them all straight?" ♪

♪ "Okay, okay, okay, okay. So many kids in our house. So, let's turn the sound up, you know why? I think it's time for a grandkid round up!" ♪

♪ (“Grandkid round up!”) ♪

Camilo snickered. “Grandkid round up?”

“Okay, you cannot judge me. It was creative.”

“Creative?”

“Don’t worry, Mira, I like it!” Antonio beamed.

“Thank you!”

“I like it to-“

“It’s too late, only Antonio can do that.”

“Yeah!”

♪ "Cousin Dolores can hear a pin drop." ♪

“I swear, that’s the only thing people associate me with.” Dolores mumbled.

♪ "Camilo shapeshifts." ♪

“Mira, I’m offended, I only got two words!”

“You get more words later on.”

♪ "Antonio gets his gift today." ♪

At least that confirmed that they were reacting to the day of Antonio’s ceremony.

♪ "My older sisters, Isabela and Luisa. One strong, one graceful. Perfect in every way." ♪

♪ (Isabela) ♪

♪ "Grow a flower, the town goes wild." ♪

♪ (Isabela) ♪

♪ "She's a perfect golden child." ♪

♪ (Luisa! Luisa! Luisa! Luisa!) ♪

♪ "And Luisa's super strong! The beauty and the brawn do no wrong!" ♪

“Okay, wow, I see who your favorite sister is.” Luisa sighed dramatically as she stared at her younger sister. “I get one line and Isabela gets background singers and more lines than me.”

“She got more words than us too!”

“I’m naturally the best.” Isabela winked, a wide smile on her face.

Mirabel let out a huff. “I do not play favorites.”

“Okay, now that’s a lie.”

“No, it isn’t.”

“Everyone plays favorites!”

“Mamá doesn’t!”

“I think that’s a lie too.” Pepa and Bruno said simultaneously as Julieta groaned.

“Do not say that! I do not play favorites either.”

Pepa raised an eyebrow as Bruno snickered.

“Mhm, whatever you say.”

“You expect me to believe that?”

“Mamá, seriously?” Mirabel questioned, making Julieta smile sheepishly.

“It is kind of obvious you’re her favorite child.”

“Girls…I love you all equally.”

“That’s like saying that Antonio isn’t Mirabel’s favorite cousin.”

Mirabel rolled her eyes. “Okay, yeah, let’s go with that. Antonio is my favorite in general.”

Dolores and Camilo let out a gasp.

“I led you to Bruno and you even called me your favorite cousin. Were you just using me?”

“We shared the nursery together for five years and called each other’s twins! I thought we had each other’s backs!” Camilo cried out dramatically.

Mirabel shrugged. “I also shared five years with Antonio.” She grinned. “Dolores, no hard feelings,”

Antonio stuck his tongue out, laughing. “You’re my favorite cousin too, Mira!”

“Oh, I know I am!”

♪ "That's life in the Family Madrigal! Whoa! Now you know the Family Madrigal! Whoa! Where all the people are fantastical and magical! Whoa! That's who we are in the Family Madrigal, adios!" ♪

“Is that the end?” Alma asked as Mirabel shook her head.

“It’s almost over.” Mirabel groaned into her hands, recalling what happened that day.

Agustín stared at her with a surprised smile. “Is it?”

“Yep.”

"But what's your gift?" Alejandra asks.

The Madrigals had just realized that throughout the entire song, Mirabel hadn’t mentioned herself once.

“Mira…”

“I’m going to deflect…a lot.” Mirabel had admitted. “This was also about a year ago! Things changed!”

“Who threw an accordion at you?”

“Actually, how did you catch it?”

“Is that your main focus?”

♪ "Ha!" ♪

"Well, I gotta go, the life of a Madrigal! Whoa! But now you all know the Family Madrigal! Whoa!" ♪

“Oh,” Bruno blinked. “You weren’t lying about deflecting.”

“You thought I was?”

“Well…”

“Bruno!”

♪ "I never meant this to go autobiographical! So just to review the Family Madrigal! Let’s go!" ♪

(“But what about Mirabel?”)

Mirabel sighed. “This is a disaster.”

“What? You deflecting?”

Julieta frowned. “Can we please stop using the word deflecting.”

“It’s true though.”

“Mija…”

♪ "It starts with Abuela, and then Tía Pepa, she handles the weather!” (“But what about Mirabel?”) ♪

“These kids are persistent.”

♪ "My mom Julieta can make you feel better with just one arepa!” (“But what about Mirabel?”) ♪

Mirabel didn’t have to look anywhere else to know that most of her family members were staring at her. “This is before Casita fell, you know, I thought of everyone differently than I do now. I obviously don't have the same mentality.”

“I just…wish we were there for you more.”

“You guys were busy with your own things back then.”

“It’s still not an excuse for how we treated you.”

Mirabel frowned. “We had this conversation multiple times already.”

♪ "My dad Agustín, well he's accident-prone but he means well!” (“But what about Mirabel?”) ♪

Agustín’s cheeks heated up in mild embarrassment. Nothing changed about that.

♪ "Hey, you said you wanna know what everyone does! I got sisters and cousins and—“ (“Mirabel!”) ♪

♪ "My primo Camilo won't stop until he makes you smile today!” (“Mirabel!”) ♪

♪ "My cousin Dolores can hear this whole chorus a mile away!" (“Mirabel!”) ♪

“…You sing fast, prima.” Antonio said as Mirabel chuckled.

“The next part is even faster.”

“Really?”

♪ "Look, it's Mister Mariano, hey you can marry my sister if you wanna but—“ ♪

Dolores’ eyes narrowed as Isabela groaned.

(“Mirabel!”)

♪ “—Between you and me, she's kind of a prima donna! Yo, I've said too much and thank you but I really gotta go! My family’s amazing!” (“Mirabel!”) ♪

Isabela raised an eyebrow. “Okay, wow, I know that was the truth back then, but wow.”

♪ “And I’m in my family so—“ (“Mirabel!”) ♪

♪ "Well—" ♪

"Mirabel! What are you doing?"

All the Madrigals, minus Antonio, grimaced at the sight of Alma, including Alma herself.

Alma was starting to remember what happened earlier on that day. She didn’t know how Mirabel could be so forgiving.

"They were just asking about the family and—"

"She was about to tell us her super awesome gift!"

“Oh, Mirabel didn't get one. Hm." Dolores squeaks, before leaving.

Dolores squeaked. “Sorry,”

“Couldn’t have said it less subtle, sis?”

All of the children look at Mirabel. "You didn't get a gift?" Alejandra asks.

"Uh...—"

"Mirabel! Delivery! I gave you the special since you're the only Madrigal kid with no gift. I call it the "not special, special. Since uh—You have no gift!" Osvaldo grins.

“He does have a terrible way of saying things.” Mirabel said before anyone else.

“Terrible?”

“He’s awfully blunt.” Bruno muttered.

“Does he still bother you?” Agustín asked with a frown. He wasn’t too aware of how the people were treating Mirabel before Casita fell. He didn’t realize it was to this extent.

“No, of course not, pá.”

Mirabel fake smiles. "Thanks..."

"Oh, and tell Antonio good luck. The last gift ceremony was a bummer... Last one being yours that did not work." Osvaldo told before leaving.

One of Julieta’s eyes twitched. “…Really blunt.”

Pepa chimed in. “I’m more than happy to strike someone with lightning for you!”

Alma just pretended not to hear what they were saying.

“Yeah!”

"If I was you, I'd be really sad." Cecilia stated.

Antonio didn’t understand why they were saying these things to Mirabel. He could see how she was getting upset and was trying to hide it. He didn’t like seeing Mirabel upset.

"Well little friend, I am not. Because the truth is, gift or no gift. I am just as special as the rest of the family."

“And that’s the truth.”

The other family members began to talk. "Who wants more pink?" “All right, guys, where do I drop the wagon?"

Isabela and Luisa stared down at their hands.

The children and Mirabel stared at Casita and the other family members. "Maybe your gift is being in denial."

"I made a rainbow!”

Mirabel just groaned as the other Madrigals looked sheepish.

“This is going to be fun.”

Chapter 206: I Would Heal What’s Broken

“Mirabel!”

“Mirabel, where is she?!”

Julieta's tears began to flow freely as she frantically searched through the wreckage. Julieta’s heart pounded in her ears as she clawed through the debris. The image of Mirabel racing towards the candle and Bruno’s tower falling down replayed in her mind, causing a lump to form in her throat. She desperately scoured the area for any sign of her youngest daughter, praying that she would find Mirabel alive and unharmed. But every inch of debris she moved only revealed more destruction. The chances of Mirabel surviving seemed improbable, and the thought of losing her baby was almost too much to bear.

“Mirabel, where are you?! Please...please respond! Baby, please, say something!” Julieta pleaded, her voice cracking with desperation. “Please…answer me….please be alive.”

“Miraboo, please, donde estas?” Agustín moved alongside Julieta, his eyes frantically searching the ruins of their home. His own injuries were the furthest thing from his mind as he searched for any sign of his daughter. “Por favor, Mirabel, just give us a sign…Please, mi bebé, just let us know you're out there. Let us know you're okay…”

Julieta's heart ached at the thought of waiting weeks, or even months, to clear the debris and find any sign of Mirabel.

Weeks or months of searching through the rubble, of not knowing if her youngest daughter was alive or not. It seemed like an eternity, especially when it came to finding Mirabel. With each passing moment, the chances of her survival seemed to dwindle.

Julieta couldn’t—she could believe the situation they were in. She berated herself for not knowing her daughters better, for not realizing the depth of their struggles. How could she be so blind? How could she miss all the signs? She was a terrible mother. If she had paid closer attention, spent more time with her daughters, if she tried harder, perhaps things could’ve been different. She didn’t truly know her own daughters, her family. She should have done more.

The thought of sitting idly by, watching as the situation unfolded before her, gnawed at her conscience. She should’ve stepped in, she should’ve been more proactive.

Maybe Mirabel wouldn’t have felt so invisible, so neglected. The words she had said to Mirabel, the reassurances she had provided, now seemed hollow and meaningless. How could Mirabel truly believe she was special when she was constantly overshadowed by the dazzling powers of her family members? How could she feel seen and loved when her room had always been the nursery, a stark reminder of her supposed lack of magic? She was left without a space of her own, truly making her feel like the odd one out. They made her feel like that.

How was it that she’s unable to help someone hurt again? Even when she had her gift, she couldn’t help them. She could mend their bodies, but she couldn’t mend their hearts. She couldn’t protect them from the pain, from suffering. What good is healing physical pain when she fails to heal emotional wounds? It felt like a cruel irony that she, who was called the healer, was powerless to protect the ones she loved most. She wasn’t able to prevent Bruno from leaving nor was she able to protect Mirabel.

The memory of Alma’s harsh words towards Mirabel played out in Julieta’s mind, and she felt a wave of shame and regret wash over her. She could still recall the look of hurt and confusion on Mirabel’s face, and her own failure to step in and defend her daughter. It seared itself into her memory over and over again. She never felt so ashamed and disappointed in herself. Ultimately, she let Mirabel suffer alone.

“Why didn’t I say something, why was I such a coward?” She shook her head, feeling like the biggest failure of a mother. It was like a dagger to her heart.

The other Madrigals didn’t feel much better.

Isabela and Camilo, standing nearby, were both caught up in their own struggles with guilt and worry. Their expressions mirrored the anguish and tension that filled the air around them.

Isabela's mind was filled with images of Mirabel racing towards the burning candle, her vines desperately trying to reach the candle. The memory of her failed attempt to grab the candle and her little sister replayed in her mind like a broken record.

Camilo's thoughts were similarly haunted by the sight of Mirabel disappearing into the treacherous remnants of Casita. He couldn't shake the sense of helplessness and responsibility that weighed heavy on his shoulders.

Both of them were thinking of what could’ve happened if they done anything differently.

“F-Fuck, fuck, she was right there. Why did I have to reach for the candle and not her?” Isabela whimpered, holding back her tears. If she didn’t stupidly try to go for the candle then they wouldn’t be in this situation. Mirabel wouldn’t be missing or worse. It would’ve been so easy to grab Mirabel even though her vines were disintegrating. She would’ve made it. “…I’m so sorry, hermanita.”

Camilo nodded silently, his own guilt and worry etched into his features. He couldn't shake the feeling that he could have done something, anything, to prevent this from happening. “It's not your fault, Isa,” He whispered, his voice cracking. “We all made mistakes...but we will find her. We have to.” He was right there next to Mirabel. He could’ve stopped her.

Isabela clenched her fists, her frustration and helplessness evident in her voice. “How?” She snapped, her eyes red and watery. “You don’t understand. We just started getting along, Camilo. Then it all got…complicated.” She wiped away the tears that had silently begun to spill down her cheeks. “Before this, I was a terrible sister to her. Why…why couldn't we have more time? Why did this have to happen?”

Camilo's eyes widened at Isabela's outburst. Just like Isabela, he wasn’t the best cousin to Mirabel. They were only three months apart and used to be best friends. “I don’t know…” He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “It’s not fair…it’s not right. But we have to keep searching, have to keep hoping.”

“Yeah…”

“We weren’t thinking, were we? We all just ran towards that stupid candle, without even considering the danger.”

“We were all just focused on the candle, on saving the miracle...We didn’t even consider the danger we were putting ourselves in.” Isabela’s voice was barely audible over the shuffling of debris. “And we all failed.” She let out a frustrated sigh. “We were all so foolish and reckless.”

Camilo nodded in agreement.

A heavy silence fell between them, each lost in their own thoughts.

“I like your new look.”

“Thanks,”

A day had passed since Casita collapsed and there was still no sign of Mirabel. The thought of her being trapped somewhere under the rubble, alone and afraid, was a constant and paralyzing concern. If they don’t hurry, her chance of surviving would keep decreasing. They can’t lose her. They just can’t. There’s so much that needs to be said, so many apologies. They need Mirabel.

“We will find her,” Luisa said firmly, her voice steady. She worked in tandem, her muscles protesting with every movement. The pain and fatigue were irrelevant, she wouldn’t rest until they found Mirabel. “We have to. Even if we have to turn over every rock and piece of rubble, we will find her. We can’t give up. Not when we’ve come so far.”

“You’re hurting yourself and you’re pushing yourself too hard.” Dolores said gently, watching her younger cousin with a worried look.

“I don't care,” Luisa insisted, her grip tightening on a heavy piece of debris. “I can handle it. I'm supposed to be strong. As long as Mirabel's out there, I can't slow down.” She replied through gritted teeth. “I’m fine.”

Dolores gently placed a hand on Luisa's shoulder, trying to dissuade her from pushing herself too far. “Luisa, you’re not invincible. You're strong, I know you are. But you also have your limits. Pushing yourself too hard can do more harm than good. And if you keep going like this, you'll reach yours sooner rather than later. Even the strongest person can break under too much pressure.” She heard Mirabel’s conversation with Luisa and her words were true. Luisa was breaking under the pressure, all of them were. “You’re human too, you need to take care of yourself.”

Luisa let out an exasperated sigh. “Dolores, I appreciate your concern, really, but I don't have time to rest. Mirabel's out there, somewhere, and every second we spend resting is a second we could be using to find her.”

“Pushing yourself to the brink isn’t going to help us find her faster. Also, how can you help Mirabel if you collapse from exhaustion?” Like Isabela and Mirabel, Luisa was also stubborn. It didn't surprise her to see the determination in her eyes and the set of her jaw.

Luisa paused, her expression softening. “I won’t.”

“You will,” Dolores tried a different approach. “Luisa, think about it this way. Imagine if you do collapse from exhaustion. Who's going to help with the heavy lifting then? We need you, but we need you strong and alert, not worn out and depleted.”

Luisa frowned, her gaze shifting to the ground. “I know I'm being stubborn, but I can't sit back and do nothing while Mirabel—“

Dolores cut her off firmly, her voice steady. “I’m not asking you to sit back and do nothing. I’m asking you to take breaks and not push yourself past your limits. When that happens, you won’t be able to help anyone, including Mirabel.”

“…do you think that Mirabel is…alright?”

Dolores paused for a moment, her expression turning somber. She glanced around, ensuring they were out of earshot of anyone else. “Honestly? I wish I knew the answer to that. But I don't know. I mean, think about it...the candle is destroyed, and our house is in shambles. I hope she's okay, but the thought of her out there, hurt or worse, is...it's unbearable. I don’t know. I really don’t know…” She trailed off. Mirabel’s wellbeing was a mystery for now.

Luisa's expression tightened with anxiety. “Do you think she's...alive?”

Dolores took a deep breath, her voice catching on the words. “Yes,” She silently mourned the loss of her gift, wishing desperately that she could use her heightened hearing to find any trace of Mirabel. She felt useless and helpless without it.

Luisa took a shaky breath, the guilt and worry weighing heavily on her shoulders. She wanted to believe Dolores’ words so badly, but the thought of Mirabel being alone and hurt beneath the rubble was overwhelming. “But what if...what if it's too late?” She whispered, her voice trembling. “What if we don't find her in time? What if she thinks we've abandoned her...?”

Dolores reached out and squeezed Luisa's hand, her own voice shaking. “We can't let those thoughts consume us. We have to stay focused, keep searching. We have to believe that we'll find her, that she knows we haven't abandoned her.”

“I know,” Luisa mumbled. “But...I can't help but worry. What if we're searching in the wrong place? What if she's hurt, or scared? It’s been an entire day!”

“We can only hope.”

“How do we even do that? How do we keep hope alive when the odds seem so against us?”

“It’s not easy, I know. Hope is a powerful thing. It's like a flame. It can flicker and dim, but it doesn't have to go out completely. Hope is what keeps us going right now. Giving up hope means giving up on her, and we can’t do that.” Dolores paused, her gaze meeting Luisa’s. “We have to try. For Mirabel. She would want us to keep going, to keep having hope, even in the darkest of times. We have to believe she’s alive just like she has always believed in us. Mirabel is a fighter, a survivor. If anyone can make it through this, it’s her.”

“You’re right,” Luisa nodded slowly, absorbing Dolores’ words. “Mirabel wouldn't give up. So neither can we. We have to keep searching, keep believing, until we find her.”

It’s been two days since they last saw Mirabel. The lack of Mirabel was clearly affecting everyone. It was as if the heart of the family was missing, leaving a gaping void that no amount of effort seemed to fill.

Bruno had also returned.

On one hand, it was a relief to have another family member back, but on the other hand, the absence of Mirabel felt even more poignant.

“…It’s good to have you back, mijo.” Alma said quietly. Despite her desire to help, her age prevented her from participating in the search for Mirabel.

Bruno gave a small, weary nod to his mother. He wanted to offer some reassurance, but the truth was that he himself was worried and unsure about Mirabel's fate.

Alma hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “Bruno,” She began quietly, her voice tinged with regret. “I…I have a lot to apologize for. To everyone. Especially you. I know…that I should’ve apologized to you a long time ago…but…”

Bruno’s eyes widened slightly at Alma’s words. “Mamá…” He hadn’t expected her to apologize, but he couldn’t deny that it felt long overdue.

“When you left…I thought that you were dead. I waited for you to return, but as the years passed and your door lost its glow, I thought I truly lost my son. I did, didn’t I? I lost you. It wasn’t Mirabel who made you leave, it was me, wasn’t it?”

“Mamá…” Bruno’s voice was trembling. “Sí…sí, you lost me. S-sometimes…your words, your expectations, the weight of our family's reputation.., your pride…it all just became too much. Y-yes, you were the main reason why I had left. The v-vision that you all saw, I was horrible about what you would do to Mirabel if you found the vision….so I left.”

Alma's expression shifted to one of regret and shame. Her shoulders sagged with heavy sorrow as she listened to Bruno's admission. She had long suspected that she played a large part in his decision to leave, but hearing him say it out loud made it all the more real.

Alma had known deep down that her own actions and expectations had pushed Bruno away, but hearing him confirm it hit her harder than she had anticipated. “Oh, Bruno,” She whispered quietly. “I...I had no idea it was that bad. I only ever wanted what was best for our family, for our miracle, but...but I caused so much pain in the process. In doing so, I pushed everyone away. I never wanted you to feel that way…I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I...I never realized how much I hurt you. I was so blinded by my own fears and expectations that I didn't consider how it affected you. And Mirabel…” She trailed off, the mention of her youngest granddaughter sending a stab of guilt through her. “I’m a foolish old woman. I’m sorry, mijo.”

Bruno looked away, his gaze fixed on the ground as he fought back tears. Hearing his mother's sincere apologies stirred up a maelstrom of emotions within him—hurt, anger, regret, and a glimmer of hope.

“It's...it's not just me,” Bruno said, his voice thick with unspoken pain. “I was always the odd duck in the family. The one they thought was bad luck. I felt like...like I never measured up to your expectations." He whispered, swallowing the lump in his throat. “It's...it's not easy to hear those words after all these years. But...but thank you for saying them. For finally seeing the truth and acknowledging your mistakes. I know you had your reasons for being strict and protective. You were just trying to keep us safe and preserve the miracle. But in doing so, we all suffered. All of us.”

Alma nodded slowly, her voice heavy with guilt. “Yes,” She took a shaky breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I see that now. I was afraid. I was so afraid of losing the magic, losing our home, that I lost sight of what truly mattered. Our family. You and the others. I failed to see the damage I was causing and now the consequences of my actions have come.”

“…We all made mistakes, in our own way. We all carry guilt and we can’t change the past. We can only learn from it and strive to do better.” Bruno had never seen his mother look so vulnerable, so remorseful. Even when he was in the walls. “But…r-right now, we have to find Mirabel.”

“…we can’t lose her. We can’t lose her, not after all we’ve already lost. I will never forgive myself if something has happened to her.” Alma knew that the others wouldn’t forgive her either if Mirabel isn’t alright. She would be fine with that. She could only pray that Mirabel is okay. After all the harsh things she said to Mirabel, she desperately needs to apologize.

“Can I—can I ask you a question…please?”

“Of course, Bruno, you can ask me anything.”

“Do…do you truly believe that I don’t love our family?” Bruno asked quietly, as Alma looked at him in shock.

“You heard that?” Was the first thing that came out of Alma’s mouth. “No, no, of course not! I wasn’t thinking…I was angry and frustrated. I was saying things that I never should have said. It was thoughtless and cruel. Of course I know you love our family. I...oh, Brunito…”

“Yes,” Bruno clutched his rosary against his chest, the lump in his throat slowly easing. “I...I know you didn't mean what you said. But...but those words...they hurt. They still hurt. Deeply.”

Tears trickled down Alma’s face as she listened to her son’s pained words. “Bruno…” She gasped, reaching out a trembling hand towards him, gently touching his arm. “Lo siento, hijo mío. I never wanted to hurt you like that. I never wanted you to feel so alone and...and unwanted. I know that my actions said otherwise, but…I’m sorry.” She desperately wished that she could take back every word that she said to Mirabel.

“...I want to forgive you. I really do. It’s in my nature. But I can’t ignore or forget about what I’ve been through. I was the black sheep of the family.” Bruno slowly reached out and gently placed his own hand over hers, his touch gentle yet trembling. It was just like hers.

Alma could feel the tremors in his hand as he gently placed his own over hers. His touch was both familiar and foreign. “I know I have done wrong. I can't blame you for having a hard time forgiving me. I don't expect you to forget what you've been through. I just…just want to make things right. I want us to heal.”

“I want that too, mamá…But...it won't happen overnight. It's going to take time. A lot of time.”

Alma nodded slowly. “I understand. I know there's a lot of work to be done. And...and I'm willing to put in the time and effort to build trust again.” She squeezed his hand gently. “Time is the least I can give you. Take as much time as you need. I...I just hope that one day, we can truly heal and rebuild our relationship.”

“…and I hope so, too.” Bruno replied. “M-Mirabel…I had spoken to her earlier, you know?”

“You spoke to Mirabel?” Alma asked quietly. “How?” Nobody had asked Bruno where he came from yet. All of them were too busy trying to find Mirabel and being glad that he’s finally here.

Bruno paused for a moment, pondering how to best explain his conversation with Mirabel. He knew that the truth would come out eventually. Dolores, Mirabel, and Antonio already knew where he was at. “For the past t-ten years…I was…I was in the walls of Casita. That’s how Mirabel found the v-vision and me. That’s how I…I heard the argument.”

“…what?”

Mirabel has been missing for three days. They didn’t lose hope. Not at all. They still believe they can find her before it’s too late. The grim discovery of Mirabel's broken glasses only solidified their determination to find her.

They had enlisted the help of others within the Encanto to find Mirabel. Despite the large group of people helping the Madrigals, there was still no sign of Mirabel in the ruins of Casita. There had also been a search party, fanned out, looking for Mirabel.

Everyone did their best to not think about the worst case scenario.

Immediately, everyone froze as a collective gasp escaped everyone’s lips, their hearts leaping in their chests. The sound of the bell echoed through the air, a hopeful sign that the news they had been waiting for might finally be here. Its peals sent a shiver down every Madrigal's spine.

Julieta's head snapped up, her eyes filled with hope and fear. “Could it be...?” A mixture of hope and nervousness coursing through her veins.

“Is…is that…?”

“Mirabel...they found Mirabel,”

The sound of the bell could either bring good news or bad news. And the tension in the air was so thick, it was almost suffocating.

A few minutes passed.

As the men on horses approached, their footsteps thudding against the ground, all eyes were immediately drawn to the limp form cradled safely in the arms of the man in front.

“Mirabel…”

One of them was holding the unconscious form of Mirabel carefully in his arms, his horse coming to a stop. “She’s alive!” His voice cut through the air like a knife.

Relief washed over the Madrigals and the people who had heard. Some even broke down into tears while others let out gasps of surprise.

Julieta didn't dare believe it at first. Had she really heard it right? Was Mirabel alive? “She's...she's alive?” She muttered, her voice trembling. She couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. Her daughter was alive but...what condition was she in? She and Agustín pushed through the crowd, and made her way towards the man, desperate to get closer to her daughter.

Alma’s knees nearly buckled beneath her relief. She could feel the weight lifting off her shoulders, replaced instead by an overwhelming sense of gratitude. “Thank heavens,” She whispered, tears of relief flooding her eyes. “She's alive.”

“Mirabel’s okay now?” Antonio asked curiously.

“Yes…” Pepa nodded slowly, her eyes brimming with tears. “She’s…she’s going to be okay, mijo.”

Antonio smiled.

As Julieta approached Mirabel, her heart twisted in her chest at the sight of her daughter's exhausted and battered appearance. The once vibrant and energetic girl now looked fragile and small, her body limp against the man's arms.

Agustín reached out a trembling hand to brush away a strand of hair from Mirabel's face, revealing a multitude of cuts and bruises that covered her skin. “Díos mio,” He whispered, his voice choking with sorrow.

Where was she? She wasn’t underneath the rubble. How did she survive? Where did she go? Why didn’t she immediately go to them? It was a blessing that Mirabel was brought back, not unscathed, but alive.

The man, Dominic, who was carrying Mirabel, offered the pair a small smile. “She’s alive.” He said. “From what I can see, she doesn’t have any major or life threatening injuries. She has probably been in the forest the entire time. Fortunately, there were threads of her skirt on the branches and ground that led us to her. I believe that she hadn’t eaten or drunk anything. We found her unconscious and she needs to be checked out. She will no doubt come up with a fever.”

The thought of Mirabel being alone in the forest, hungry and exhausted, made her feel sick to her stomach. “Thank you…thank you for finding her.” She reached out and gently touched Mirabel's cheek, feeling the heat radiating from her skin. “You’re right. She's burning up…”

Dominic nodded. “I know you Madrigals miss Mirabel deeply. It is wise to take her to medical care to get her patched up…considering the situation.”

“You’re right,”

Chapter 207: The Art Of Deception

Notes:

Inspired by: https://archiveofourown.org/works/56095960

When Mirabel was five, she was told that she was giftless. She didn’t understand why it was a big deal at the time. It didn’t matter because she was still a Madrigal. Her family was going to love her no matter what, right?

Mirabel couldn't understand why her abuela treated her so differently. The looks of disappointment and disapproval that she received from her abuela stung, and the lack of any affectionate gestures hurt even more. She tried her best to do her part, but it never seemed to be enough.

At the tender age of five, Mirabel still believes in her family.

“I’m sorry, mija-“

“Maybe you should leave the…work to the gifted ones, Mirabel-“

“I’m sorry, but I’m busy. Maybe next time-“

“Just leave me alone-“

“You’re always getting in the way-“

“You should do what’s best for everyone and stay out of the way-“

“Mirabel, you are a Madrigal, behave like one.”

Mirabel doesn’t understand anything at all and she doesn’t even realize that she’s clinging tightly onto her mother with tears streaming down her face. She couldn't comprehend why her family's love seemed to diminish just because she was without a gift.

“Am I…am I not special enough?” She ends up asking her mother a few months after her failed ceremony. It was a horrible day, really, Bruno also disappeared. “What’s wrong with me? Why didn’t I get a gift like the rest of the family?”

There was a hint of sadness in Julieta's voice, and she could see her mother fighting back tears. Each word of comfort and reassurance came out with a shaky breath. Her voice trembling as she whispered apologies, desperately trying to soothe Mirabel’s pain.

Mirabel is five years old and she yearned for things to return to how they were before, when her family's love and affection were unwavering.

She didn’t fully understand why things had changed the way they did, or how to set them right again.

Mirabel is only five and she feels like her world has shattered into pieces.

She was unique in the wrong way.

Despite what has happened, Mirabel was still a child and her spirit refused to be crushed.

She made a silent promise to herself that she would prove her worth, even without a gift. She would find a way to earn her family’s love, no matter how difficult the task may be.

Mirabel, still dealing with the pain of being the only giftless Madrigal, found herself the target of bullying from the other children in town. Each jab or whispered insult stung like a dagger.

She had learned the hard way that talking about the teasing and bullying she endured often resulted in the same dismissive response from her family. They saw it as harmless banter or an attempt to seek attention, disregarding her as usual.

She’s fine.

Mirabel's unique status as the only giftless Madrigal made it difficult for her to make friends among the other children in town. Camilo, her more social and charismatic cousin, seemed to effortlessly captivate everyone with his charm and shapeshifting abilities. When Julieta brought up the topic of loneliness, Mirabel put on a brave front, claiming that she preferred to stay in Casita anyway. She didn’t want her mother to worry or make things worse, so she lied, claiming to be content with her own company.

(If only she had a gift, she thinks. If she had a gift, things would be different. She would be loved.)

---

Over time, Mirabel's situation only worsened. She found herself still the target of ridicule and exclusion by those her age or older. The young children, however, seemed to idolize her, but this did little to ease her loneliness.

The bond between her and her family continued to grow strained and distant.

The word family felt foreign to her.

Strangers seemed to fit them more, a painful realization that she had to accept.

Mirabel's smile grew wider and more forced with each passing day. She continued to hold her head up as if she wasn’t ashamed of her giftless status. She hid behind her cheerful facade so much to the point the charade became second nature to her.

The genuine warmth and happiness once present in her smile faded, replaced by a veneer of cheerfulness that didn't quite reach her eyes. No one seemed to care or notice the falsehood of her smile. No one could see past the mask she wore. Each forced smile concealed the bitter tears she shed behind closed doors.

(If only she had a gift-)

It was a constant battle to not let her abuela's sharp words and Isabela's condescending remarks get under her skin. Each time she was told to stay out of the way, she stubbornly held back her tears. She continued to smile, a wide, almost exaggerated grin plastered on her face. No one noticed the tears welling up in her eyes or the way her smile wavered as she forced herself to brush off the comments.

When the tears inevitably fell, Mirabel's shoulders shaking with silent sobs, no one came to her side. There were no comforting hugs or soothing words. In those moments, Mirabel felt utterly alone.

(If only she had a gift, maybe she wouldn’t be invisible in her own home-)

---

Antonio is born.

Mirabel will not lie, she is jealous. Her jealousy masks over her worry because she is worried the baby might replace her. She cannot stop those bitter feelings.

The sweet coos and laughter from Antonio both tugged at Mirabel's heartstrings and stung like a slap in the face.

Yet, she also can’t help but adore him like the rest of the Madrigals.

She was torn between feeling resentful and jealous of the attention Antonio received, yet unable to resist the enchantment he held over her.

“Hello, Toñito,”

For a brief moment, she didn't mind being isolated in the nursery, as long as she could spend time with her precious little cousin, Antonio. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that the moment he received his gift, she would once again become forgettable, but she couldn't help but cherish these moments of closeness.

She cared for him as if he was her own, gently cradling him in her arms, rocking him to sleep, and relishing every moment she got to spend with him.

She knew that it was only temporary.

Despite the weary glances from her aunt, Mirabel forced herself to ignore them. She could sense the fear in her eyes, the belief that her giftlessness would somehow infect Antonio.

She buried her hurt deep down, focusing on the innocent joy that Antonio's presence brought her.

(Please, don’t let him be like me-)

---

Mirabel had mastered the art of deception, a skill she wore like a mask.

She would brush away her worries and pain with a wide smile, insisting that everything was fine, even when her world felt like it was falling apart. She would smile through the pain, laugh through the tears, and pretend that her heartache didn’t consume her.

(She would lie, oh, how she would lie, pretending that the weight on her shoulders wasn't slowly suffocating her in a web of her own making-)

---

Antonio, the once small infant, was growing up faster than Mirabel could quite believe. He was getting dangerously close to his fifth birthday, the dreaded day when he would receive his gift.

Time had flown by, and just like that, the gap between being a tiny baby and becoming a more mature child was closing in.

(He’s going to forget about her.)

Antonio's innocent words, assuring her that he would never abandon his favorite cousin, were bittersweet to hear. While his affection warmed her heart, she found it hard to believe his words.

She had heard similar promises before, only to be let down in the past. Those words sounded hollow in her ears.

Despite the pain and doubt that nagged at her mind, Mirabel plastered a smile on her face. She lied through her teeth, pretending that everything was fine, that Antonio's words didn't sting.

The forced grin hid the sadness in her eyes, the lingering fear of abandonment lurking just beneath the surface.

(He’s going to forget about her-)

---

As Antonio's special day arrived and his ceremony unfolded flawlessly. She wasn't surprised by the result, but the success served as a bitter reminder of her own failure.

The thought echoed in her mind, a harsh whisper that she was the problem, the only Madrigal without a gift, marked as the odd one out.

Just as she had predicted, she was left by the wayside during Antonio's ceremony. Nobody came looking for her, and she was conspicuously absent from the family photo. Standing on the sidelines, she was ignored and forgotten.

At just fifteen years old, Mirabel found herself lost and confused by the treatment she received. She didn't understand what she had done to deserve such indifference and neglect from her own family.

The pain of being pushed aside and treated as an outsider cut deep, leaving her with a gaping wound that refused to heal.

Mirabel decided she won’t say anything about it.

She had learned long ago that speaking up often resulted in her pain being dismissed or belittled, so she chose to stay silent instead.

(Are those cracks?)

She knew all too well the significance of those cracks, but when she told others about them, nobody took her seriously.

They dismissed her words, insisting that she must be drunk, as if the only explanation for her panic and fear was inebriation.

Mirabel isn’t special like the rest of the Madrigals. She could feel the weight of her own significance, or lack thereof.

(She isn’t sure how much longer she can endure this constant cycle of hurt and loneliness—)

She forced a smile on her face, once more.

(Would they even care?)

She knew that she had to keep up appearances, to pretend that everything was fine, even when it was far from it. The constant fake smile became her coping mechanism, a way to shield herself from further rejection and hurt.

Chapter 208: Unseen Wounds

Notes:

Mirabel just suffers the entire chapter

Mirabel walked through the familiar path, heading towards Casita. She had just spent the day helping one of the nearby seamstresses, the kind woman having become like a surrogate mother to her since she was seven years old.

As she neared the edge of the forest that surrounded the village, a group of boys appeared in front of her. She easily recognized them as Camilo’s group of friends. She also knew them from their mean attitude towards her. The boys who took pleasure in tormenting her.

Mirabel came to a halt, her body tense. “What do you want?” Their menacing grins sent shivers down her spine and she could feel her heart begin to race.

Elias, a tall, stocky boy with a mean glint in his eyes, sneered down at Mirabel. “Looks like we found ourselves a little surprise.” He looked down at Mirabel mocking pity. “All alone, Mirabel? You should know better than to wander around by yourself.”

With a resigned sigh, she met Elias’ gaze. “I can take care of myself just fine, Elias.” She said, her voice steady despite the trembling of her hands. “I’m not looking for any trouble. I just want to go home.”

The boys just laughed.

“Oh really? Let’s see about that.”

As Marco grabbed her wrist tightly, Mirabel let out a surprised yelp. The grip was hard and painful, and she tried to wrench her arm free from his grasp.

The group of boys snickered around her as Marco dragged her deeper in the forest.

Marco's smirk widened as he twisted her wrist just enough to hurt. “Aw, not so feisty now, are you, giftless? You know you’re outnumbered here.”

“Let me go!”

“Why? We’re just having some fun. You should learn to lighten up a little.” Octavio chuckled. “Such a stick in the mud.”

“That’s right you should loosen up a bit.”

Mirabel knew what fun meant for them. “I don’t want to be part of your fun. Just leave me alone.” She tried to pull her arm free again.

Marco's scowl deepened, a flash of anger in his eyes. “You never learn, do you? You always have to get all sassy and backtalk us.” He shoved Mirabel hard, making her stumble. “You stupid girl. You just have to make everything difficult.”

Mirabel let out a cry as she hit the ground, the wind knocked out of her. She tried to scramble away, but Marco's kick landed squarely on her side, winding her and sending her sprawling back to the dirt. Pain blossomed in her ribs, and she instinctively brought her hands up to protect herself. “Stop it!”

“You know this always happens when you don't shut your mouth. Maybe this will teach you a lesson to keep quiet and just take it.”

Marco stepped closer to her and grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking her up to look at him. “You always try to fight back, but you should know by now it's useless. You're just a pathetic little girl. I don’t know how the Madrigals deal with you. If I was you, I would’ve killed myself already. You’re such an embarrassment.”

Mirabel winced, a pained gasp escaping her as her hair was pulled fiercely, her head snapping back painfully. The cruel words stung her deeply, and tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away, refusing to show any weakness. “S-shut up!” Her hands were gripping his wrist and trying to pry his hand off her hair. “You don’t know anything!”

Marco chuckled cruelly, his grip on her hair tightening. “Oh, but I do. You're a screw up, Mirabel. The Madrigals are ashamed of you. You're just a worthless mistake they wish would just disappear. They should’ve dropped you off at an orphanage or something when you didn’t get a gift. All of them are ashamed to be related to you. You’re just a useless brat, who only causes trouble for them.”

“M-my family…they love me.”

“It seems like we still have to teach you a lesson.” Octavio jeered, watching with satisfaction as Mirabel shrieked out in pain as his foot connected with her stomach. “You act all tough, but everyone can see right past that dumb little facade of yours. You need to learn to stay in your place.” Elias and Marco joined in, their laughter echoing through the air, relishing in her suffering. “Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you’ll get the message this time.”

Mirabel curled up on the ground, clutching her stomach as the pain washed over her in waves. Tears streamed down her face as she fought to catch her breath. “Please…s-stop…what more do you want from me?!” She tried to scramble away from them, but they were faster, circling around her like a pack of predators.

“What do we want? We just wanted to have some fun. You always make it so easy for us.”

Elias chuckled coldly, kicking her again in the side. “Besides, it's not like anyone will really care about you that much. You're not even really part of the family anyway, are you? Just because you have the Madrigals' last name doesn’t mean anything. You’ll never be better than us or anyone. You're a worthless, useless nobody.”

Mirabel’s not sure how long they continued to use her as a punching bag. She was just begging for it to be over and for someone to help her.

It was clear that nobody was coming for her.

Once again, she was at their mercy. She’s not sure if she could even call it mercy either.

They’ve always been so cruel.

Mirabel winced, feeling the coppery taste of blood in her mouth from the beating she had endured as she clenched her teeth against the pain.

“Why don’t we see how tough you really are? Keep your teeth clenched unless you want to lose them. I don’t think Julieta can heal that, not that I care.”

As Marco spoke, Mirabel's heart pounded in her chest. She knew what was coming, but she steeled herself, clenching her teeth together tightly as her eyes widened. The memory of Julieta's healing cooking and the way it had mended her wounds many times before only increased her fear of what would happen if she lost a tooth or more.

“Oh, aren’t you a good little girl? Doing as I say and keeping those pretty teeth in that pretty mouth of yours.”

“Good because this is really going to hurt.”

Mirabel braced herself for the pain to come.

It only took one hit to the face for everything to fade to black.

She screamed.

No matter how loud or how many times she screamed, nobody would come for her.

She always meant so little to her family.

Maybe they were right about that.

The world began to swim around her as her vision faded to black. Mirabel finally lost consciousness, her body going limp on the ground. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she was engulfed by the blissful embrace of unconsciousness. A trail of blood trickled from her nose, mixing with the dirt. It slowly streamed down her face, staining her upper lip and chin with crimson red.

…

Elias and Octavio looked at Marco in shock.

“What the fuck, man?”

“Did you seriously knock her out?”

Marco chuckled darkly, his expression smug. “What? Sometimes, you gotta make sure they actually stay down.” He leaned down, lightly kicking Mirabel’s unmoving form. “I was tired of her pathetic begging.” His nose scrunched up in disgust. “Don’t tell me you care about this bitch?”

“What? Of course not! What if she’s actually dead? I’m not going to jail for her.”

“Do any of you have Julieta’s food on you?”

“Nope.”

“Does it matter if she dies or not? She deserved it anyway. Nobody would care too. After all we did to her, Dolores doesn’t even care. We’re free. Who will know that we did it anyways? A dead woman can’t speak. Even if she lives, I’ll make sure she won’t say a single word. Hopefully an animal finishes her off or something.” Marco spat out, before walking away.

Elias and Octavio glanced at each other, before shrugging, following after Marco, leaving Mirabel alone in the forest.

---

Mirabel's eyes fluttered open, and she gasped for breath. Her whole body ached, and a sharp pain shot through her ribs as she tried to draw a full breath.

She felt disoriented from the beating she had taken, and the events of the attack came rushing back. With a grimace, she spat out a mouthful of blood, her hand coming up to wipe away the crimson liquid from her lips.

Groggily, she tried to focus her vision and assess her surroundings, but the pain and dizziness made it difficult to think straight.

The adrenaline pumping through her body numbed the worst of her pain.

She needed to get home.

Mirabel struggled to stand, her legs feeling weak and shaky. She stumbled a few times before finally managing to get to her feet, but her body still protested against the movement.

Pain shot through her aching limbs with each step, and her vision swam with dizziness. She leaned against a nearby tree for support, her breath coming in shallow gasps.

As Mirabel looked around, she noticed the darkness that had fallen around her. The once blue sky was now a deep indigo, speckled with bright stars.

As Mirabel looked around, her eyes slowly The forest was immersed in shadows, and a chill breeze rustled the leaves overhead.

The realization hit Mirabel like a gut punch. Nobody had come looking for her, nobody had noticed her absence.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. She couldn't afford to fall apart now. She needed to keep moving and make it home before anything else could happen.

Mirabel stumbled through the dark woods, she was struggling to stand, and her body was aching with pain. She clutched her wounded side as best she could, trying to ignore the warmth of the blood that dripped through her fingers. The harsh words and jeers of Camilo's friends echoed in her ears. She knew she needed to get back to Casita, but the pain and exhaustion made even that simple task seem nearly impossible.

As she limped and stumbled through the foliage, all Mirabel could think about was her family. No one noticed that she was missing and she knew that Dolores probably didn’t hear anything.

The pain was excruciating, and each step sent a wave of agony through her body.

Despite the pain, Mirabel gritted her teeth and trudged onwards, fueled by willpower and determination. “Just need to keep going...just keep going…” With each step, her vision seemed to blur more and more, but she pushed through the haze, refusing to give up. “Just a little further…just a little f-further…”

The adrenaline wore off rapidly, and the full force of the pain hit her mercilessly.

“H-help…” Mirabel mumbled weakly, her voice hardly more than a whisper.

Mirabel tried to take another step, but her legs gave out beneath her, and she stumbled to the ground, gasping in pain as her wounded side hit the rough earth.

Mirabel’s hands clawed at the ground, trying to find purchase as she fought against the encroaching blackness.

Her thoughts were chaotic, but the last one before darkness claimed her was a desperate plea. “Help…someone…help me…”

The last thing she heard before everything went black was the rustle of leaves in the wind and the distant sound of her own labored breathing. Her body lay motionless in the shadowy forest, bleeding and helpless.

Chapter 209: Unseen Wounds — Part 2

Itzel was a seamstress who took Mirabel as an apprentice. She was working late into the night on a project for a client.

Suddenly, she felt an inexplicable feeling that something was terribly wrong. With a furrowed brow, she set her needle and thread aside and got to her feet, her heart pounding in her chest as she was filled with a sense of urgency to find Mirabel.

Instinctively, she began to walk towards the edge of the forest. It was late, and the village was quiet. Not many people were outside at the moment.

She couldn't quite explain it, but her instincts told her something was amiss. It was a strange, unsettling feeling she had only experienced once before, and that was when her sister had passed. Itzel knew the feeling of portended death.

When she approached the boundary between the village and the dense foliage, she felt an eerie coldness in the air, sending chills down her spine.

Once Itzel finally reached the edge of the forest, she gasped in horror as her heart constricted at the sight before her. There, lying motionless on the ground, was Mirabel. The young girl's body was bruised and battered, her clothes torn and stained with dirt and blood.

Itzel's eyes widened as she rushed forward, her hands trembling as she knelt beside Mirabel's limp form. Tears welled up unbidden as she gently turned Mirabel to face her, her heart breaking at the sight of her apprentice's swollen and battered face.

“Who…who would do this to you?” Itzel whispered, desperately searching for any sign of consciousness on Mirabel’s face. “Mirabel…my Mirabel. Can…can you hear me?”

But there was no response, only the slow, shallow breaths escaping from between Mirabel's bruised lips.

Her hands hovered hesitantly over Mirabel's prone form, torn between the need to provide immediate help and fear of causing further harm.

Itzel's heart beat loudly in her ears as she
desperately searched for a sign that Mirabel was still alive. She carefully placed a hand gently on Mirabel's chest, feeling for a steady heartbeat.

The sense of relief that washed over her was immense when she found a faint pulse under her fingertips.

It was late, the village was eerily quiet, and there was no time to waste. She knew the local doctor was their only hope.

Carefully, she scooped Mirabel into her arms, her heart clenching at the sound of the young girl's soft whimper of pain. “I'm…I’m so sorry, but this is the only way. I’ll get you a doctor. Hold on.”

---

Word spread quickly throughout the Encanto, and soon everyone was talking about the news. The fact that Mirabel, the youngest Madrigal, the one Madrigal who never got a gift, had been attacked. Speculation began to swirl around the town, but for now no one knew who was responsible for the attack.

Itzel was seething with anger as she thought about the Madrigals. The Madrigal family hadn't made any effort to check on her, ask questions, or show any signs of care. Itzel couldn't understand how they could be so indifferent when Mirabel was so badly injured. She was in a coma and they thought their duties were more important. Someone in their perfect and supposedly safe Encanto had attempted to murder Mirabel and they didn't care.

Alma's expression hardened as she noted that Mirabel wasn't around, a sense of annoyance and irritation flooding her. “Where is Mirabel?” She was glad that Mirabel was finally staying out the way, but Antonio was getting upset for some reason.

The Madrigals looked at each other, their eyes wide as they realized they didn't know where Mirabel was.

Mariano stared at them with a strange expression. The people of the town exchanged uneasy glances, a murmur of confusion and discomfort rippling through the crowd.

“What?”

Even Señora Guzmán looked at them weirdly.

Alma’s frown deepened as she saw the strange expressions on Señora Guzmán and others. She leaned closer to Mariano, her voice filled with confusion. “Mariano, is everything alright? Why does everyone look so...uneasy?”

Señora Guzmán's voice was laced with disbelief as she addressed Alma. “Are you serious? How could you not know what happened to Mirabel?” Have they really been that indifferent to her? “Are you joking, Alma?”

Isabela's scoff filled the air, her voice cold and detached. “What trouble did she cause this time?” She asked, her tone dismissive.

“Isabela!”

Mariano frowned at Isabela's nonchalant tone when talking about Mirabel. He couldn't understand why she would dismiss the fact that Mirabel had been injured for a week, and why she seemed to assume that it was somehow related to trouble caused by Mirabel. “Actually,” Mariano began, his voice firm, “Mirabel has been dealing with injuries for over a week. I'm surprised you would assume it's related to trouble she caused.”

“What?!” Julieta exclaimed. “Mirabel’s hurt?”

Mariano nodded. “Yes,”

“Why didn’t she come to me?”

…

That’s when the strange expressions returned.

“Well…Señora Julieta, that’s because Mirabel…is unable to…” Mariano trailed off uncomfortably, hesitating to continue.

“What?”

Señora Guzmán looked at the Madrigals, her eyes narrowing as she observed their lack of urgency to go to Mirabel. “How odd of you not to be aware of her injuries when it's all that's talked about in town. And even now, you show no sense of urgency. Perhaps it's best for you to go and see for yourselves.”

“We...we were unaware of the full extent of Mirabel's injuries. But we assure you, we care about her and will go see her as soon as we can.”

The Madrigal family walked through the streets, their faces tight with worry and uncertainty. The townspeople stared at them as they passed, whispers following them like a shadow.

“How...how could we not have known?” Julieta whispered, more to herself than anyone else.

“Don’t worry, Julie, it’s probably nothing serious.”

“Ay…that girl is going to be in a lot of trouble when I see her.”

“Do you think she's really injured? Like, seriously injured?” Camilo whispered to Dolores.

Dolores shrugged lightly. “I don’t know.”

The Madrigals arrived in front of the health center, the atmosphere heavy with tension and worry.

“Let’s go.”

The rest of the family followed, bracing themselves for the sight of Mirabel.

When they entered the room that Mirabel was supposed to be in, they were stunned.

The Madrigals gasped as their eyes fell upon Mirabel lying motionless in the bed, her body covered in bandages and bruises. Her face was pale and battered, and she looked so small and fragile among the white sheets.

Julieta let out a choked sob, her hand covering her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes. Luisa and Camilo looked stricken, their eyes wide with horror. Alma and Isabela stood frozen, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.

“Mirabel…no,”

Itzel spoke up, her voice flat. “She's been like this for a week. Not once has she opened her eyes. If I hadn't found her, she would've died.”

The Madrigals' eyes widened at Itzel's blunt statement. A week. Mirabel had been like this for a week. The realization hit them hard, and the guilt in their faces deepened.

“A...a whole week?”

“No…no, this can’t be…”

Itzel chuckled bitterly, her words dripping with sarcasm. “It's downright hilarious how you all had to be told that Mirabel is on the brink of death. You didn't even think it was this bad, did you? Instead, you must've immediately jumped to thinking it was entirely her fault. Because you all are such a spectacular family.”

There was a collective gasp of shock and shame among the Madrigals, some of them looking away awkwardly, while others fidgeted uncomfortably.

“We understand your anger, but-“

“We didn’t—we didn’t know it was this bad-“

“Hey, you can’t-“

“You all would’ve known if you just paid attention to Mirabel for one damn second!” Itzel let out a frustrated huff, her eyes filled with anger and disappointment. “I'm the one taking care of Mirabel while you're all out here pretending she doesn't exist! Some people in your oh-so-perfect community almost murdered her, and yet you're acting dumbfounded. You're the reason they thought they could harm her because you never saw her as an equal. It's your damn fault!”

Alma’s eyes widened in shock at Itzel’s words. “How dare you! We’ve always cared for Mirabel! We’ve done our best to look for her-” She cut herself off, frowning. “Our community values everyone's safety and well-being equally. We always have. It's not our fault that Mirabel was attacked.”

Itzel clenched her fists, her patience thinning. “Oh please, spare me. I've seen with my own two eyes how you excluded Mirabel time and time again. So don't you dare stand here and act like you have no idea why some crazy lunatics in this town believe she's not worthy of respect.”

Agustín, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke up. “Itzel, I get that you're upset, but-“

Itzel cut him off, her voice harsh. “But what, Agustín? I'm just saying what everyone knows. You all treat Mirabel like an outsider. You should know what it feels like considering that’s how you were treated at first. You know what it feels like to be treated like an outsider yet you left Mirabel alone.”

Agustín winced at her words. “We didn’t mean to…we just…”

“Just did nothing and practically left Mirabel to fend for herself.”

Agustín opened and closed his mouth a few times as he struggled to find the right words to say.

“You cannot talk to us this way!”

“Oh, really? And why not? Because you're some kind of perfect family and no one is allowed to question your actions? Because it hurts your precious egos? Because you can't handle the truth? Well, guess what? I'm not here to coddle your feelings. I have every right to speak up for Mirabel, especially when none of you seem willing to acknowledge your own failings.”

Julieta stepped forward, a mix of hurt and defensiveness in her voice. “Itzel, we...we know we haven't been perfect with Mirabel. But we do care about her, we just-“

Itzel's frustration boiled over, and she cut off Julieta's defense. “No, you don't get to use that excuse. You can say you're not perfect all you want, but the fact is you all mistreated Mirabel. How can you say you care about her, but still managed to ignore her for years? Don’t try to justify yourself.” Her expression hardened. “And your just isn’t enough. You think saying we just care about her fixes everything? You think that wipes away all the pain and loneliness she's felt all these years? You think saying that will get rid of her injuries?” She scowled. “You’re supposed to be the town healer, but most importantly, you’re a mother. Where the fuck were you? You can help everyone else but not your daughter. Useless.”

Julieta flinched hard at Itzel’s words.

"Hey! Don't you dare call my sister useless!” Pepa stepped forward, her voice sharp and angry. “You have no right to speak to us like that. Watch your tone. She has helped countless people in this town, and she's done everything she could for Mirabel too. You don't know what our family has been through-“

“I do not care what pathetic excuse any of you have. You all want to protect everyone else but the second youngest Madrigal. You don’t fucking care about her and I had enough of these excuses!” Itzel snapped, turning her gaze towards Dolores. “Wow, how ironic. With your enhanced hearing, you were completely oblivious to the pain your own cousin was enduring right under your nose. Mirabel was hurt and attacked and you did nothing. Instead of using your gift to help, you wasted it on gossip and petty chats.” Itzel scowled, her eyes tearing up at the thought of Mirabel being so scared and unable to do anything as she was attacked. “It's pathetic. If it makes you feel better, Julieta isn’t the only one useless. All of you are absolutely fucking useless!”

Dolores looked down, knowing full well that Itzel was right, that she had not done enough to help Mirabel. Her silence spoke volumes.

Alma’s jaw tightened. “You’ve gone too far and I will not let you continue to speak to my family this way! This is our mistake but we can’t be everywhere at onc-“

“Get out.”

“What?”

“Get the hell out.”

“You can’t just kick us out!”

Itzel's voice was cold and firm as she responded to Alma. “Oh, but I can! I won't let you stand here and make excuses! You've done enough harm to Mirabel, and I won't let you stay a second longer. Mirabel will never be safe if she stays with any of you!”

“Are you seriously implying that we hurt Mirabel?!”

“Yes! Do you think I don’t know about the neglect and bullying going on in your home?”

The Madrigals’ face paled, especially Isabela and Camilo’s.

“What…what do you mean?”

“I’m not playing this dumb game with you. Just fuck off. It’ll be up to Mirabel if she wants to see you or not.”

“Wha-“

“That’s if she wakes up.”

Chapter 210: Mirabel's Day of Liberation

Summary:

Pre-Canon version!

Mirabel bit back a smirk, stifling a laugh as she heard the panicked commotion outside. The sound of footsteps, doors slamming, and hurried voices filled the air, her family bustling about in a frantic attempt to get ready for the day.

Alma was the first to descend the stairs, her usual stern expression replaced with a hint of urgency. She paused at the bottom of the stairs, her eyes momentarily meeting Mirabel's.

Mirabel took a casual sip of her coffee, her lips curving into a sly smile. “Hello, abuela,”

Alma’s eyes narrowed at the sight of Mirabel casually sipping her coffee. “I see you’re already awake.”

Mirabel feigned innocence, her voice lilting with a touch of sarcasm. “Oh, am I not supposed to be awake? I apologize for being so energetic. Next time, I'll wait until noon to rise.”

Alma’s expression darkened. “How long were you awake for?”

Mirabel's smirk grew wider, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “Oh, you know, the usual time. I did go to sleep earlier than everyone else, actually. It was a smart move considering the party. But it seems like some of us are a bit...unprepared for the day.” She glanced around the empty table, sighing. “Lucky me for getting a good night's sleep, huh? Otherwise, we'd all still be in bed.”

Alma's patience was visibly running out. “What time is it?” Her thoughts raced with worry. What about the people? What will they think? What will they say? The Madrigals being late—it's not acceptable. Someone might need them, for heaven's sake!

Mirabel took another sip of her coffee. She knew exactly what was going through the older woman's mind, the consequences, the reputation, the people. “Oh, what time is it?” Mirabel repeated, her tone still casual as she glanced at a nearby clock. "Looks like it's a quarter past twelve. Everyone must’ve been exhausted.”

“And you didn’t even think to wake us up?!” Alma snapped.

“Well, I don't think it's my job to wake up adults or everyone else in the family.” Mirabel said, her voice even. “If I remember correctly, you wanted me to stay out of the way. I don't want to infect Antonio or anyone with my curse. So I'll just stop like you wanted.” She chuckled sardonically. “Your words, not mine.”

Alma's jaw clenched as she listened to Mirabel's retort. The sharp wit and unexpected audacity caught her off guard, leaving her speechless for a moment.

The air in the room crackled with tension as Mirabel's smile widened, her eyes flicking to their family members hastily descending the stairs.

“A fifteen year old can only do so much.”

Alma’a gaze hardened. “Just stay out of the way, Mirabel.”

If only Alma had any foresight into how the events of that day were about to unfold, the chaos that was about to be unleashed, and the extent to which their whole family's wellbeing would depend on her. Little did they know.

“Alright,”

Mirabel just shrugged. Well, it certainly wouldn't be her problem anymore. She’ll just sit back and watch how they struggle. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll realize where they went wrong.

Today was definitely going to be a great day for her.

Mirabel left Casita with a sense of resolve, her footsteps light and sure as she made her way through town.

The sun's golden rays cast a warm glow, casting long shadows as it bathed the town in a soft, golden light. The streets were alive with people going about their daily lives, vendors selling their wares, and children playing gleefully, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Passersby greeted her with friendly nods, while merchants called out their wares. She greeted everyone with a warm smile and a friendly wave.

As Mirabel strolled through the town, a gentle breeze carried the enticing scent of food, beckoning her attention.

Turning around, she noticed Señor Vicente carrying a basket full of freshly baked goods. “Hey, Señor Vicente!” She called out, approaching him with a smile. “That smells delicious! What do you have there?”

Señor Vicente returned her smile, his cheerful demeanor unbroken no matter what. He lifted the cloth covering the basket, revealing a variety of delectable treats beneath. “Hello, Mirabel!" he replied. “I have just finished baking a batch of pan de bono, pastel vasallos, and buñuelos! Care for a taste?”

“They look amazing as usual and I’m sure they taste amazing as they look too! Your pastries are always a hit! But I must graciously decline this time! Next time is definitely a yes though!”

Señor Vicente beamed at the compliment, his chest puffing out with pride. “Ah, thank you, Mirabel! I always strive to make the best pastries in town. Well, that’s after your mother, of course.” He chuckled. “Such a charmer. Are you sure you don’t want even a little taste? Just a nibble?”

Mirabel laughed, her eyes dancing with amusement. “Oh, I can see right through your tactics, Señor Vicente!” She teased. “You're just trying to tempt me with those delicious pastries. But I won't give in this time!” Mirabel placed her hands on her hips, a playful stubbornness in her expression. “As hard as it is to resist those mouthwatering treats, I have to decline. I'm sure my appetite can wait until later.”

Señor Vicente let out a hearty laugh, thoroughly enjoying the banter. “Ah, well, it was worth a try.” He grinned. “Can't blame a man for trying to share his baking, especially when it's as delicious as mine.” He closed the basket again and adjusted his grip on the handle. “Say,” He mused. “You Madrigals are usually up earlier, aren't you? Did something happen, or did you all just happen to oversleep today?"

“Oh, ah, yeah…We’ve overslept. It’s been a chaotic morning at Casita. The usual routine got thrown off a bit.”

“That’s unfortunate, but it’s all part of human nature.” Señor Vicente added with a playful wink, “Mhm, townsfolk's whispers about you all being deities walking amongst us hold some truth to them.”

“Oh, please. We Madrigals are very human, I assure you.”

Señor Vicente chuckled, the lines on his face creasing as his smile widened. “Ah, but where would the fun be if we didn't entertain a little gossip every now and then?! Though, I must admit, you Madrigals certainly have talents that make it easy to believe those wild theories.”

Mirabel let out a small laugh, shaking her head in mock despair. “Oh, you are incorrigible. One of these days, someone will be spreading rumors about me having magical powers too.”

“There already is a rumor about that!”

“Oh, really now? I was pretty sure that mostly everyone saw my door disappear. No magic powers here, it’s just me and my ordinary talents!”

Señor Vicente nodded emphatically. “But, trust me, Mirabel, you underestimate yourself. You are more remarkable than you realize. Don’t let your doubts blind you or anyone tell you otherwise. Remember that.”

“Hey, Mirabel!”

Both of them turned towards the voice.

“Very well, then. I won't pester you anymore. Just remember, you're missing out on some serious goodness, Mirabel.”

“See you later, Señor!” Mirabel waved back at Señor Vicente, smiling wryly as he walked away. Her attention was then directed to Osvaldo and Señora Brielle, and she turned to greet them with a curious look on her face.

“Hello, Osvaldo, Señora Brielle! What can I possibly help you two with?”

“Hola, Mirabel!” Osvaldo greeted her. “Just who we were hoping to run into. We actually wanted to talk to you about something.”

Beside him, Señora Brielle nodded in greeting, her stern expression softening ever so slightly.

Mirabel's curiosity was piqued as Osvaldo spoke, her brows furrowing slightly. “Oh, really? What is it you wanted to talk about?”

Osvaldo exchanged a glance with Señora Brielle before answering. “Well, it's about the Madrigal family.” He said slowly. “It’s not like the Madrigal family to be late. Did something happen?”

“They’re just running a little late.” Mirabel said slyly. Antonio's ceremony preparations are really keeping them busy. You know how much stress a ceremony brings on. They'll be out soon enough, no need to worry.”

“Ah, I see,” Osvaldo said with a nod. “Yes, the family does tend to become quite busy before these ceremonies. They shouldn’t overwork themselves.”

Señora Brielle then looked at Mirabel with a questioning gaze. “But are you alright, Mirabel? Being the only one without a gift, I imagine things can be challenging sometimes.”

Osvaldo grimaced. “Oh, yeah, it is his ceremony next week.”

“It can be tough sometimes, not having a gift in a house full of magical people. But I’ve learned to manage, you know?” Mirabel admitted, her smile growing wider. “There’s no need to worry about me either! As for Antonio’s ceremony, everyone’s nervous, but I’m sure it’ll all go smoothly. No need to fret!”

Señora Brielle nodded, a small smile returning to her face. “You always have such a positive attitude, Mirabel.” She commented, a note of admiration in her voice. “Even when things seem tough, you manage to find the bright side.”

“I guess you could say that. But it's hard not to stay optimistic with the love and support I get from this town.”

“I think it’s the other way around, mi mariposa. You always manage to infuse us with your contagious positivity.”

“Aw, you’re too kind.”

“Again, it’s the other way around.”

As Mirabel went through her day, she chatted and greeted her friends and neighbors as she completed her usual rounds, laughing at jokes and listening to their small-talk. However, unlike her usual self, she didn't stop to help anyone with their tasks or fix their problems.

The reactions she got from everyone gradually shifted from cheerful to somewhat puzzled. They noticed the difference in her usual helpful nature, realizing that she wasn't her usual chipper self. Some whispered amongst themselves, wondering what had changed in the usually jovial Madrigal.

The Madrigals, engrossed in their own tasks and chores, failed to notice the subtle shift in Mirabel's behavior. They were too caught up with the increased workload, focusing solely on their own responsibilities.

Mirabel observed as the Madrigals struggled with the increased workload, their confusion and stress evident on their faces. She knew it was an unusually heavy load, and the desire to step in and help was strong within her.

Yet, she held herself back.

Alma told her to stay out of the way.

Mirabel glanced up at the sky, her eyes taking in the ominous dark clouds gathering overhead.

Did they really think she did nothing all day?

Mirabel chuckled to herself.

Mariano greeted Mirabel warmly, his smile genuine and friendly. “Hey, Mirabel!” He said, waving at her. “My mother was just asking about you. She mentioned that you didn't show up to sew with her and the other women. Is everything okay?”

Mirabel flashed Mariano a friendly smile, waving off his concern. “Sorry, Mariano,” She replied, her tone cheerful. “I’ve decided to take a break today, it's my day off. But don't worry, I'll be back to sewing with the others tomorrow. I'll make it up to your mother! I promise!”

Mariano messed up Mirabel's hair playfully. “Don't worry, it's not a big deal. A day off means taking a break from work. My mother was just a bit concerned, that's all.”

Mirabel feigned irritation, pouting playfully at Mariano. “Ay, Mariano, you know I hate it when you mess with my hair!”

Mariano chuckled, a mischievous gleam in his eye. “What? I think your hair looks better this way.” He teased, ruffling her hair again. “It gives you a more carefree look.”

Mirabel rolled her eyes dramatically, gently swatting away Mariano's hand from her hair. “I prefer my hair in its natural state, thank you very much.” She huffed dramatically. “And the carefree look you're talking about is just a fancy way of saying I’ve got a bird's nest on top of my head!”

Mariano snickered, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. If you say so. I'll leave your hair alone.”

Mirabel shot him a sidelong glance, raising an eyebrow in playful suspicion. “Good. You better keep your hands off my hair. I prefer it the way it is, unruffled and untampered with.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He jested, a smirk on his face.

“Okay, that was worse. Don’t ever call me that.”

Mariano laughed. “Anyways, I’ve been writing a few poems.”

“What do you count as few, Mariano? Last time you said a few, it was over ten poems that you had me reading.” Mirabel stuck out her tongue. “I can’t handle any more cringe-worthy verses.”

Mariano chuckled, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “Okay, okay, I suppose a few might be a slight understatement. A few can be a loose term.” He conceded. “But I've just really been inspired lately! And I want your opinion.”

Mirabel crossed her arms, letting out a thoughtful hum. “Mariano, you should know I have a plethora of interests and hobbies, but poetry isn’t one to which I truly feel a strong affinity. I don't have that special knack for poetry, you see. I don't understand how you think my judgment would be relevant for something I'm not an expert in. It's not like I'm a poetry aficionado, you know.”

“You're right,” Mariano admitted with a shrug. “Poetry isn't exactly your area of expertise. But that’s why I value your opinion. I'm not looking for professional critique. I just want an honest reaction from someone who isn't as immersed in the world of verse as I am.”

Mirabel gave Mariano a wry smile. “So, what's the verdict? Are you ready for some brutally honest feedback from a non-poetry expert?”

“Alright, so-“

“Mira!”

Mariano couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’ve been getting called a lot today.”

“Haven’t I?”

“Mhm, and I noticed that today is more chaotic than usual. Well, a mess.”

Mirabel looked down at Juancho, Cecilia, and Alejandra, greeting them with a smile. “Hey, you three! What's up?”

“Where were you?” Alejandro's mouth formed a pout, her arms crossed in front of her.

“Yeah!” Juancho chimed in, his voice echoing her disappointment. “You missed our storytime and singing session!”

Cecilia's face mirrored the others' expressions, her frown deepening. “It wasn't the same without you.” She added quietly.

Mirabel knelt down, her eyes meeting the children's gazes tenderly. “I know you're disappointed, and I'm really sorry.” She began gently. “Today is my day off, but I truly want to make it up to you soon.” She reached out and affectionately ruffled Juancho's hair, offering a warm smile. “I'll make sure to bring some special stories and sing all of your favorite songs for you soon, okay?”

“Promise?” Juancho asked, his voice full of anticipation.

“You swear?” Alejandra added, her eyes widening in eagerness.

Cecilia, the more subdued one of the trio, waited silently for Mirabel's reassurance.

Mirabel smiled, her heart warming at their hopeful faces. “I promise, I'll make it up to you soon. You have my word.”

The children's expressions brightened at her assurance, their disappointment quickly forgotten.

“Alright, see you!”

“Bye, Mira!”

“I can’t wait!”

Mirabel smiled.

“Well, I guess I’m just chopped liver, huh?” Mariano said jokingly.

Mirabel let out a soft laugh as she stood up, turning to Mariano. “Looks like it's just you and me again.”

A few hours passed.

Mirabel had been trying to avoid returning to the house for as long as possible, but the sun was starting to set and reluctantly, she knew she had to make her way back to Casita for dinner.

As Mirabel walked through the Encanto, she couldn't help but notice a change in the people's demeanor. They were usually cheerful and lively, but today, they seemed visibly disappointed.

Mirabel wondered if her family had noticed the shift in the town's mood.

As Alma made her way to the dining room, she was met with an unusual sight. The table was empty, no plates or food in sight.

Alma's confusion showed on her face as she turned to Julieta. “Uhm, Julieta, why aren't the utensils and plates set?”

Julieta's expression turned into a frown as she turned back to face her mother. “What do you mean?” She asked. Then, a realization dawned on her as she said, “Oh, Casita usually did all of that while I cooked...I don’t know why.” She glanced over at the food, letting out a weary sigh. “I'll set them down when I'm done cooking.”

Mirabel didn’t let her irritation show, it wasn’t that serious. Her mother had seriously thought that Casita was the one to do that? Didn’t she notice her presence in the kitchen all these times?

As the family gathered for dinner, Mirabel placed a plate of food in front of Antonio and one for herself.

The aroma from the food filled the kitchen, but the delay in dinner's preparation was evident. The table was eventually set, much later than usual.

The Madrigals' eyes darted around the table, searching for any clues that might explain the feeling that something was amiss. However, they couldn't pinpoint exactly what was off.

“Is it just me or was today busier than usual?”

Mirabel couldn't help but chuckle.

Chapter 211: Curse Instead Of A Miracle

Mirabel loves her family more than anything. She would never think otherwise.

Hate was a potent word, but Mirabel couldn't find a more suitable descriptor for her emotions.

She hates the miracle.

The miracle, with its gifts and magic, had left an indelible mark on her family's lives. It was more of a curse than a miracle. It pains her to see how it impacted her family.

Mirabel acknowledged that, in some strange way, she was lucky not to have a gift.

Mirabel was acutely aware of the toll her mother's gift had on her. Whenever Julieta healed someone, she didn't just heal the physical injuries—she felt the pain of those injuries as if they were her own. The physical harm might not touch her, but she suffered from the pain of others' wounds. It was an unspoken sacrifice tied to her healing abilities.

The memories flooded Mirabel's mind, images of her mother's quiet winces and stifled cries of pain playing out like a bitter film. She had witnessed Julieta's suffering, the hidden cost of her gift, numerous times.

Due to the nature of Pepa's gift, her ability to control the weather based on her emotions—she was particularly susceptible to extreme temperatures. Pepa was at a higher risk of suffering from both heat stroke and hypothermia.

Her body struggled to regulate its temperature, making her most comfortable and safe within the protective confines of her own room.

Seeing Pepa unconscious was common, but the fear of what might happen to her if she lost control was ever-present. While the other gifts had their own challenges, Pepa's was the only one with the potential to endanger her life. It was a constant worry for everyone.

Bruno often didn't know how old he and his family members were, nor could he accurately gauge what time of day or year it was. His days and nights blended together, leaving him perpetually disoriented and confused.

On some days, Bruno would forget who his family members were and, at times, even who he was himself. These lapses in memory only added to the burden he carried.

Isabela's gift, while visually stunning, required constant maintenance. She had to carry water and ensure access to direct sunlight to keep her powers in check.

Each time Isabela used her gift, it took a toll on her body. The energy it required would often drain her strength, and on rare occasions, even draw blood. The constant strain on her body had led to her left arm being fully covered in wood and flowers, making it unusable. The cost of her gift was visible in the physical limitations it imposed upon her.

The more she used her gift, the harder it was to move. Fearing a complete envelopment of wood and flowers like the left arm, Isabela reluctantly made the difficult decision to stop using her gift altogether.

The constant barrage of sounds, even the tiniest whispers, was overwhelming and torturous for Dolores. Her gift pushed her body to its limits. She was known to experience nosebleeds, earbleeds, and sometimes even bleeding from her eyes and mouth. A testament to the immense strain it put on her body. Her gift had forced her to isolate herself in her room for most of her life.

Communicating with Dolores was challenging. They could only gently slide a note under her door. It was the best they could do.

Luisa’s immense strength was both a blessing and a curse. She could perform incredible feats. However, that same strength also made her incredibly dangerous.

The risk of accidental destruction or injury to others was high. To protect those around her, Luisa found herself avoiding most social interactions.

Unintentionally, Camilo would often forget his natural appearance, finding himself subconsciously shifting into someone else without realizing it. It led to confusion and distrust from others.

The energy required for shapeshifting took a toll on Camilo, leaving him perpetually tired. He often had to focus intently to maintain his regular form, which was tiring in itself.

Antonio frequently forgot how to speak human language and would often revert to speaking like the animals himself. The constant interaction and connection with animals made his habits and mannerisms more animal-like, further blurring the line between his human and animal nature.

Burning pain engulfed Mirabel's hand as she gripped the candle tightly. The heat sizzled against her skin, leaving a stinging sensation, but she refused to let go.

The fire danced and licked at her skin, leaving behind angry, red welts.

A small price to pay for what she held in her grasp.

In that moment, her focus was unwavering, her mind set on the purpose behind her decision to endure the searing pain.

Mirabel knew deep in her heart that if things continued the way they were, one of her family's gifts could lead to disastrous consequences, perhaps even costing a life.

Mirabel was hellbent on preventing this future. She couldn't sit idly by and allow tragedy to unfold.

She would break the cycle of pain and suffering caused by their gifts.

Mirabel knew that her grandmother despised seeing her family struggle with the burden of their gifts.

Late at night, Mirabel could hear the sound of Alma's whispered prayers and muffled sobs, her heart aching for the wellbeing of their family.

Maybe it was the fear that held Alma back. Perhaps worried that letting go of the miracle would cause worse consequences or cost them everything they held dear.

Mirabel observed as Casita made repeated attempts to knock the burning candle from her grasp. The tiles and furniture moved frantically, trying to get the candle out of her hands.

As Mirabel inhaled deeply, the air filling her lungs, she steadied her racing thoughts. Her fingers trembled as they held the candle, the heat continuing to burn her skin.

She blew the candle out.

Chapter 212: Curse Instead Of A Miracle — Part 2

Suddenly, the tiles beneath Mirabel’s feet began to shake and tremble, creaking in distress. The walls groaned, the very foundation of Casita trembling beneath her.

Mirabel knew what was happening.

Casita was falling.

Slowly, but surely, the magical house was crumbling around them.

The tiles fell away like a house of cards.

Mirabel could hear her family’s yells of concern.

The walls trembled, the furniture shuddered, and a chorus of frightened gasps filled the air.

Then, with a heart-breaking sound, the walls of Casita began to crumble. Cracks appeared, racing up the walls and spreading out across the ceiling.

As the chaos of Casita's collapse unfolded, Mirabel scanned the group, her heart clenching as her thoughts jumped to Bruno and Dolores.

She knew Bruno's habit of doubting the present and Dolores' tendency to suffer from sensory overload. Both would be in precarious situations due to their gifts and without them.

She had to go for Dolores.

As Mirabel pushed open the door to Dolores's room, she was greeted by a heart-wrenching sight.

Dolores was huddled on the floor, her slender frame trembled with sobs. Both her hands were pressed against her ears, her slender fingers digging into her hair.

The room was a chaotic mess, furniture overturned, and countless knick-knacks scattered on the floor.

The crash of falling debris outside only added to the chaos.

She couldn’t hesitate.

“Dolores!” Mirabel called out, her voice strained but firm. “We have to go! Now!”

At the sound of Mirabel's voice cutting through the cacophony, Dolores looked up, her wide eyes swimming with tears.

Her body was still racked with sobs, but at the urgent tone in Mirabel's voice, she shakily rose to her feet. “I...I can't…” Dolores hiccupped, her hands still pressed tightly to her ears. “It's too loud...it's too much…”

Mirabel knew what she meant.

The miracle wasn’t gone just yet.

Casita needed to be fully collapsed.

“I know, Dolores,” Mirabel said gently, ducking under Dolores' arm to support her weight. “But we have to go. It's not safe here anymore. I'll help you, but we need to leave, okay? Right now.” She began half-leading, half-dragging Dolores towards the door, keeping her pace steady and sure.

With Dolores leaning heavily on her, Mirabel maneuvered them through the treacherous hallway, her mind solely focused on getting them both to safety.

The sounds of the falling house echoed all around them, the groans of shifting foundations, the crumbling of brick and mortar. The sounds of collapsing walls and snapping beams getting louder and closer.

Casita, despite its own destruction, seemed to rally, forming broken stairs and shifting furniture in an attempt to hinder their path.

A loose tile slipped beneath Mirabel's foot, making her stumble, while Dolores nearly tripped on a fallen lamp, both almost falling flat.

Mirabel managed to keep her grip on Dolores, pulling her closer to shield her from the falling debris. “Even…in the end, you’re trying to screw me over. You lost, Casita.” She dodged falling debris and swerved around broken pieces of furniture, her grip on Dolores firm and steady. With each step, the house groaned and whined, objecting to their escape.

The ground shook again, and a section of the ceiling caved in, sending a shower of tiles and plaster flying their way.

“Keep moving. We're almost there. Just a little further!”

The last few feet were a blur of adrenaline and fear. Bricks and pieces of the house rained down around them, each thud another testament to Casita's final struggle.

With a final, mighty push, Mirabel hauled Dolores over the threshold and out into the open. The night air never felt fresher, the cold breeze a balm on their overheated skin.

Mirabel and Dolores collapsed onto the grass, gasping for breath and coughing up dust. The rest of the family rushed to them, voices overlapping in concern and relief.

All of them were safe.

Dolores winced, slowly removing her hands away from her ears. “I-it…it doesn’t hurt.” A soft sob escaped her lips. “I…I can hear n-normally. Just…just the sounds of grass and the wind and…It’s quiet.”

The Madrigals were silent.

“Casita…”

“The miracle…”

Isabela picked gently at the flowers and wood that replaced her arm. To her surprise, the flowers and wood began to fall away, revealing the skin underneath. “Huh…” She stared at Mirabel in awe. “What the hell did you do?” She was more surprised than angry. Actually, she didn’t seem angry at all.

“I got rid of the miracle, Isa. That’s why Casita fell. You’re free from your curse and so are the others.”

The rest of the family gasped, their eyes widening in understanding.

“You...you got rid of it?”

Alma, too, looked completely bewildered, gazing at Mirabel as though she saw her for the very first time.

Mirabel wasn’t ashamed of what she did.

In fact, nobody looked upset.

“What?” Isabela laughed, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Oh my god, you idiot!” She exclaimed, her voice brimming with affection rather than anger. “You beautiful, kind, miracle-working idiot. Thank you! Thank you so much, hermanita. You just saved us, me, and…I appreciate it more than you know.” Without warning, she rushed forward and enveloped Mirabel in a tight, tear-filled hug. “This…is incredible.” She buried her face in Mirabel’s shoulder.

Mirabel returned the hug, holding Isabela tight. “You’re welcome.”

“You’re…amazing.”

“…You actually did it.”

Camilo, still leaning against Félix for support, managed a weary smile. “I have to admit,” He croaked out, his voice gravelly and weak. “I’m glad someone finally...did something.” He chuckled weakly, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment. “I’m...I'm happy that the gifts…” He took a shuddering breath, his voice growing softer. “That the gifts won't hurt our family anymore.”

Félix draped a supportive arm over Camilo’s shoulders. “I’m glad too,” Félix agreed, his voice quiet. He gave Camilo’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “No more gifts, no more scares. It’s a relief.”

Antonio stood nearby, looking up at his family with wide, curious eyes. He didn't fully grasp the situation, but he knew something monumental had just occurred. “W-what happened?”

Agustin crouched down in front of Antonio, a warm smile on his face. “It's a long story, Antonio.” He said gently. “But it's all going to be okay now.”

Bruno looked around in bewildered confusion, his eyes darting between his family members. “The...the miracle...?” He repeated, his voice soft and uncertain. He looked at Mirabel, searching for answers in her expression. “It’s...gone? No more magic? Is that what it means?”

Alma's usual stern demeanor had softened, an almost tender expression on her face as she spoke. “Yes, mijo. No more magic. No more visions.” She took a step towards Bruno, her hand reaching out to gently cup his cheek. “It's just us now. You're safe.”

Bruno's expression relaxed a fraction, relief seeping onto his face. “No more visions,” He echoed, the words sounding almost foreign to him. "Just...us.” He swallowed hard, a shiver running through him as he fully comprehended the loss of his gift, but also the freedom from the burden it carried.

Pepa, feeling Luisa's solid and comforting presence, released a long sigh. “Finally,”

Luisa nodded, her expression filled with relief. She'd always been the strong one, the pillar of support for everyone else. But now, she seemed somehow lighter, like a heavy burden had been lifted off her shoulders. She didn’t have to worry about accidentally hurting someone by applying just a little pressure.

Julieta frowned. “Oh, mi vida…your hands…” The angry red scars stretching down Mirabel’s wrists and palms, a permanent reminder of the sacrifice Mirabel had made. “I…” She paused, she couldn’t heal Mirabel without her gift.

Mirabel smiled as she spoke, her tone calm and reassuring. “It doesn't hurt anymore.” She affirmed, gently flexing her hands to demonstrate. “But I hope this isn’t some permanent scar…” She added, worry creasing her brow. “It’d be nice if it just…healed naturally.”

The other Madrigal family members stared at Mirabel's hands, varying degrees of shock and concern mirrored on their faces.

“I hope so too.” Julieta didn’t like the thought of Mirabel being scarred for life because of that damnable candle. “Even if it heals, those scars…they're a reminder of all that you've sacrificed. You’re one of the bravest people I know.”

Mirabel gazed at her family members, each of them processing the change in their own way. They would need time to adjust, time to adapt to the new reality that Mirabel had created for them.

But the most important thing to her was that they were now free. Free from the curses and expectations that their gifts had laid upon them, free to choose their own paths without the burden of their gifts.

And for Mirabel, that was more than enough.

“I need to sit down. That was eventful.”

It would take time, yes, but they would all be fine.

Chapter 213: Burning Bright

Notes:

I’m back! The tornado situation was worse than expected, but all is well now!!

Mirabel sat down in the midst of the busy scene, blueprints of Casita spread out before her. The people of the Encanto and her family were working together to rebuild Casita. It was a sight to behold.

The bright sunlight streamed down, its heat beating down on them. Mirabel's water bottle sat next to her. She assumed that the others around her likely had their own water supplies too, given the exertion from the rebuilding work.

“Hey, hermanita!”

Mirabel looked up, expecting to see one of her sisters. Instead, she found Isabela and Luisa standing in front of her. She was a little taken aback but tried to hide it. “Hey,” She replied with a small smile. “What's up?”

It wasn't unusual for them to spend time together now that the barriers were down, but there was still an underlying hint of awkwardness. They were only just starting to get to really know each other, after all.

The silence that descended was unexpected and somewhat unsettling. The sight of both Isabela and Luisa looking serious and even sad was unusual.

Concerned, Mirabel set her blueprints aside and looked up at older sisters, her eyes wide. “What's going on-“

“We’re sorry!” Luisa suddenly interjected, the words rushing out, cutting Mirabel off mid-sentence. Isabela stood next to her, her hands fidgeting as she nervously toyed with her hair, a look of guilt on her face.

Luisa's outburst took Mirabel by surprise. “Sorry for what?” She asked, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

Isabela's hands went up to her face, covering it as she let out a frustrated groan. This wasn't something the old Isabela would have done, not when she was supposed to be flawless. “I just…froze completely.”

“Elaborate,” Mirabel stood up, her head tilted slightly, her eyes studying her sisters in confusion. “Please.”

Isabela lowered her hands, her gaze meeting Mirabel's as she spoke. “When you and abuela were arguing.” Her words dropped, filled with shame and regret. “When she was saying all those hurtful things to you. I froze, I didn't do anything to help you. I should've been there for you.”

Luisa chimed in, joining her older sister in the admittance. “We,” She echoed, her voice softer but just as remorseful as Isabela's. “We didn't do anything. We stayed silent, when we should have stood by you.”

“Oh,” Mirabel was taken aback, her response coming out more awkwardly than intended. She hadn't anticipated her sisters addressing the matter so openly, and she struggled to find the right words.

This is now how she imagined this conversation to go.

“So, we’re apologizing.” Isabela let out a weary sigh. “…Since you came back, what I did and didn’t do has haunted me. You did so much, for all of us. You were there for me, you helped me break free…and yet the moment abuela started blaming you for things that weren't your fault, I froze. Despite everything we had been through, I remained silent. I should’ve defended you, I didn’t. I’m sorry, Mirabel.”

As Isabela finished her explanation, Mirabel took a moment to absorb what had been said.

“I was supposed to be the strong one,” Luisa confessed, her words filled with regret. “Yet, I didn't help you when you needed it. I was completely powerless…impotent. I just couldn't do anything. When you were fighting against abuela and when you rushed for the candle, I was weak. I let you down.”

“Luisa,” Mirabel said softly. “You don't have to be so hard on yourself. It was a difficult situation. We were all overwhelmed and surprised. And... I don't think you're weak. You're one of the strongest people I know.” She held their hands. “I do appreciate your apologies very much. It takes a lot of strength to admit your mistakes. And I want you both to know that I never held any grudges against you. We're family, and that’s what matters most. I forgave you two already.”

Isabela and Luisa exchanged glances.

They knew that even though Mirabel denied it, she was indeed the Peacemaker of the Madrigals, often tending to be on the more passive side.

“Were you not mad once you realized we didn’t defend you?”

The words escaped Isabela’s mouth before she realized it.

She knew she made a mistake though.

Mirabel forgave them!

Shouldn’t they just move on?

Why were they making things difficult for themselves?

Mirabel paused, surprised by Isabela’s question. A small frown appeared on her face. “I didn’t —I don’t…” She began, but then stopped, her voice catching in her throat.

“You don’t?”

“I just don’t care about that.” Mirabel’s eyes flickered between the two as they winced at her words. “I mean, now, I don’t care about that. I wasn’t even thinking about that.” She could feel her palms getting increasingly sweaty. “But…I was, and still am, a little angry. It's just...I guess I kind of expected someone to defend me, but I wasn’t surprised when you didn't…” Her words trailed off as she took a deep breath, forcing herself to speak the truth. “And you're not the only ones at fault. Mamá and papá also didn’t say anything. I can admit, it wasn’t anyone’s finest moment. You two are definitely not the first or last to apologize for what happened that day.”

“You're right,” Luisa acknowledged, her voice softer now. “We all...we all could have acted differently that day.”

“But we’re all trying to change. We’re all trying to be better. We’re learning from our mistakes.” Mirabel smiled gently at her older sisters. “That’s what matters most.”

“Mirabel…”

“And…and this is not me brushing off what happened. I am trying to fix that terrible habit of mine though.” Mirabel muttered the last words to herself. “It’s more of a situation where I don’t want any of you drowning in your own guilt. I genuinely forgive you both.”

“You really are too forgiving.” Isabela mumbled.

Luisa’s eyes welled up with tears. “You’re just too sweet!”

“Right?”

Mirabel found herself suddenly squished between Isabela and Luisa, their arms enveloping her in a tight embrace. She groaned in protest, feeling the heat and stickiness from the sweat, not appreciating the discomfort.

“Ew! Let go!” Mirabel protested, her voice teasing but filled with affectionate mock-disgust. “It's way too hot for this sweaty group hug! We're all sticky and gross! You know, I do not like the feeling of this! It’s way too hot for this right now!”

Isabela and Luisa laughed, not letting go of Mirabel just yet. Luisa playfully tightened her grip for a moment before loosening it again, their warm bodies pressing against Mirabel's.

“Oh, come on, hermanita,” Isabela teased, her voice filled with playful disregard. “A little sweat never hurts anyone.”

“A month ago you wouldn’t have said that!”

Luisa chuckled. “Just embrace the sweat, it's a bonding experience!”

Chapter 214: Outsider’s Perspective

There was no denying that the Madrigals were a spectacular bunch. From the effortless elegance of their appearances to the remarkable powers they possessed, each and every member of the family stood out in their own unique way.

To someone unfamiliar with them, they could easily be mistaken for mythological beings or even royalty. With their remarkable abilities and the way they carried themselves, they seemed almost larger than life, like gods and goddesses walking amongst mere mortals.

Rene couldn’t fathom how the people of the Encanto could act so casually around the Madrigals. Everything about the place was unlike anything he had seen or heard of before. The entire Encanto was a riddle waiting to be solved, with its lush crops that seemed to defy nature's laws and those mystical mountains that seemed to ward off unwelcome visitors.

It was as if the whole town existed in a world of its own, separate from the rest of reality.

The origin story of the Encanto was a tale of bravery and loss. Alma Madrigal’s husband had sacrificed himself to protect his family, but what happened next was a mystery. The accounts of what followed vary wildly, each person recalling the aftermath differently. Some spoke of the sun appearing before them, its light blinding yet painless. Others spoke of millions of golden butterflies dancing around them in a dazzling display. Yet, some simply remembered nothing at all.

Alma Madrigal, suddenly blessed with a miraculous candle that defied the laws of nature and a magical house that came into being, as if by magic. But perhaps the most baffling aspect was the fact that the triplets, at just five years old, had been granted powers that were beyond comprehension.

It didn’t just stop at them.

Isabela.

Dolores.

Luisa.

Camilo.

Antonio.

All of them were gifted with powers beyond their years, abilities that a mere five year old should never possess.

It was all so surreal, so fantastical. Nothing about it was ordinary.

Julieta gazed at Rene with a warm, reassuring smile, her voice soft and kind. “I can understand if our gifts seem daunting. But I want you to know that we have never, and will never, use our gifts for ill purposes. We Madrigals have always used our gifts for the betterment of our community and those around us. We never want to cause harm, only healing and goodwill.”

Rene remembered the time that Julieta healed that man’s shattered bones as if it was nothing. He knew that she had healed worse too.

Rene met Julieta's gaze, his mind racing with questions and suspicions. The Madrigals' gifts were undoubtedly powerful, but the way they casually mentioned them, as if they were perfectly normal, made him uneasy. “Right,” He swallowed hard, forcing himself to maintain a neutral expression. “That’s good to know, Señora Madrigal.” He managed to respond, his voice surprisingly even.

Julieta chuckled lightly. “I get it. You're not the first to feel a bit uneasy about our family, and you won't be the last. We're well aware of how our gifts come across, especially to someone who isn't used to them.” She paused, her smile becoming slightly strained, as if there was more she wanted to say. “But trust me, we don't mean to be intimidating or strange. We're just a family, trying our best to live our lives, gifts and all.”

Rene forced himself to nod, a tight smile on his face.

It was insane.

She either wasn’t aware of how terrifying she and her family is or she got used to it. Probably both.

Pepa Madrigal had the ability to control the weather. Her emotions, it seemed, directly affected the weather around her. A ray of sunlight could quickly turn into a torrential downpour, all depending on her ever-changing mood. Her swift mood swings were like a storm itself, with a rainbow one moment and a hurricane the next.

He had heard that she had the ability to cast lightning at whoever annoyed her, a dangerous and fearsome power.

Rene had also heard whispers of Pepa Madrigal's infamous wedding day, where a hurricane had torn through the festivities due to some perceived slight by her brother, Bruno.

Yet, strangely enough, many spoke of it as if it was part of the natural order, as if such a destructive event was nothing to be concerned about.

The whispers about Bruno Madrigal were numerous, each more ominous than the last. He had learned that Bruno had an affinity for training rats, treating them as his own children, a peculiar hobby that was seen as a bit bizarre by some. Many also believed that Bruno had the power to predict and potentially alter the fates of those around him, a power that was both feared and respected. And more shockingly, he had supposedly been living within the walls of the Madrigal residence for almost an entire decade.

He could ruin anyone’s life with a vision. He could ruin your life just by glancing at you.

Rene had heard about Isabela Madrigal, the perfectionist amongst the Madrigal family. She used to be seen as the perfect, delicate sister, but something changed, and her powers had transformed into something more...daring. It was said that she could now control all plants, creating new ones daily, and growing them to massive sizes if she wished. Her powers had grown, her grasp on nature so extensive that she could manipulate any and all plants to her will.

The thought of facing a plant that towered above a human was a terrifying one.

Rene found himself horrified at the thought that Dolores Madrigal could potentially hear everything he said, every whispered secret or thought. The mystery of her gift's limits only added to the unease, and the idea of no secrets being safe within the Encanto was almost paralyzing.

One word from her could ruin anyone’s reputation in an instant.

The simplicity of Luisa Madrigal's gift was overshadowed by how terrifying it was. Her body's capabilities surpassed any human limits. She could effortlessly shoulder six donkeys, lift a house with a single hand without breaking a sweat. Even more terrifying was the knowledge that if she wanted, she could kill with ease.

What if she just snapped?

Camilo Madrigal's ability to shapeshift was a unique and unnerving gift. He could become anyone, taking the face and mannerisms of a person so effectively that it was impossible to distinguish him from the real thing. The idea of not knowing if you were speaking to a loved one or Camilo in disguise was almost haunting.

He was too uncanny.

Antonio, the youngest Madrigal, was a mystery in his own right. His gift allowed him to communicate with any animal. It didn't matter if it was a tiny ant or a fearsome jaguar. These creatures obeyed him without question, bowing down to his every command. The power Antonio had over the animal kingdom was almost godlike.

How easy would it be for Antonio to turn the animals against them and attack?

The last Madrigal…

The knowledge that Mirabel was the only one in the Madrigal family who had not been blessed with a gift had initially caught Rene off guard. In a family where everyone seemed to have some sort of extraordinary power, it was surprising that she alone was without one.

How could one family be capable of so many miracles, but one member was left behind?

Mirabel smiled at him.

It was a simple gesture, but it sent a shiver down his spine. He had always heard that she didn't have a gift, but at that moment, he wondered if that really was the truth.

The way she talked to Casita, her ability to communicate with the house, to understand its needs and make it obey her wishes, was something he’d never witnessed.

There was something off about her, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. It didn't add up. Despite his instincts telling him otherwise, he found himself strangely drawn to her.

Every Madrigal received a gift at the age of five.

Rene had initially thought that the Madrigals might have kidnapped Mirabel because they wanted someone normal in their midst. He began to doubt his suspicions when he heard the way she speaks about them, the praises she gives to them, it's almost fanatical. She wasn’t a prisoner forced to play the loyal family member. If that wasn’t the case, why was she so unlike them?

It didn’t make him feel any better that people spoke so casually about the house collapsing and Mirabel surviving without a scratch, as if it was something unremarkable. But how could that be? It was impossible, wasn't it? No one should've been able to survive such a catastrophe without a single injury.

“Yeah, Mirabel's a bit odd, but that's just her way, you know?” Camilo shrugged nonchalantly, a wide, almost feral grin spread across his face. “I mean, we all have gifts, right? That's pretty weird in itself. So being a bit odd is par for the norm around here. And Mirabel? She’s just her own special brand of strange. That’s what makes her unique.” His voice was almost too animated, a hint of something unsettling beneath the cheerful facade.

“What’s that about me being unique?”

Rene couldn't help but let out a small gasp as he heard Mirabel's voice behind him. He hadn't expected her to approach them so suddenly, but there she was, standing beside him with a smile on her face.

It was a strange thought, but it almost seemed like her smile was permanent. He hadn't seen her without a smile once since he arrived in the Encanto.

Camilo couldn't help but burst into laughter, his voice transforming into an amalgamation of many others. “It's because you are,” He echoed, the words coming out in a chorus of voices.

“Is that so?”

Amidst the laughter and light banter that surrounded him, Rene found himself unsettled. Everyone around him acted as if the Madrigals were just like any other family. It seemed he was the only one bothered by it, the only one who felt like the crazy one for pointing out the obvious.

Frustration and fear clawed at the edges of his mind.

If they wanted they could rule the town.

They didn’t.

But how do they still have their gifts without the candle?

It seemed like Mirabel had read his mind as she chuckled. “The candle is no more.”

Some things are better off without an answer.

Chapter 215: The Encantos

“You're alone here this late at night,” Mastermind stated more than asked. “Where are your parents? Your manager? Do they know how dangerous it is for a young woman to be working so late without supervision?”

“Isn’t it more dangerous for a villain to be here?” Mirabel bit her lip, unsure if she should speak so bluntly to a literal villain.

Mastermind let out a small laugh at Mirabel’s question. “Ah, touché,” She mused, “I suppose it is rather ironic that I, a villain, am concerned about your safety. But I don’t see your point. I’m hardly a threat to you, am I?”

“Are you?”

“Do you have tea?” Mastermind asked instead. “I’m suddenly in a mood for tea.”

Mirabel blinked a few times, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. “Uh, yes,” She replied, stumbling over her words slightly. “D-did you want some? Any preference?”

“Yes, I do. I’d love a cup, if you don’t mind.” Mastermind hummed. “And no, I’m not picky either. Any kind will do. Surprise me, Mirabel.”

How did Mastermind know her name? And how did she know this shop had tea on standby? It was all a bit too strange for comfort. Still, she pushed the thoughts aside and focused on making the tea as requested.

Mirabel quickly finished preparing the tea and carried it over to the counter where Mastermind stood, admiring her designs on the mannequins. She set the hot tea down on a coaster and stepped back, watching Mastermind intently.

Mastermind picked up the tea, taking a small sip and letting out a content sigh. She observed Mirabel's designs on the mannequins one last time before turning her attention back to the younger woman. “This is quite good,” She murmured, taking another sip. “You have talent in both sewing and brewing tea, darling.”

Mirabel blushed at the unexpected compliment, her heart skipping a beat. “Thank you,”

“Here, take this.”

Mirabel's eyes widened as she looked at the stack of money on the counter. Her heart began to race, and she fumbled over her words. “I...I can't take this!”

“Why?” Mastermind raised her eyebrow. She’s sure that people Mirabel’s age are especially obsessed with money. “Are you worried about taking money that might have been earned through…less than legal means? How...noble of you. But let me assure you, all money is dirty money in some way or another.”

Mirabel pushed the stack of money back towards Mastermind. “No, I can't accept this,” She said firmly. “You didn't buy anything, and this entire store isn't worth even half as much as this. All I did was make you tea, and that doesn't warrant such a large amount of compensation. I don’t feel comfortable taking so much money either.”

“Your tea is quite nice,” Mastermind admitted. “And your designs...you have a real talent, especially for your age. You'll be a professional in no time if you keep going the way you're going. That’s why I want to give you money. Accept it.”

Mirabel shook her head. “No,”

“No?”

“No.”

Mastermind sighed, shaking her head. Fortunately, she didn’t seem upset. “You remind me of my daughter.”

Mirabel paused, staring at the older villain. “And…I hope that’s a good thing?”

“Yes,” Mastermind nodded. “It’s a good thing. I think very highly of my children. My eldest is just like you, despite being a villain. Though you have your morals. My daughter is extremely smart, cunning, and quite capable. She had a strong personality and a sharp mind, much like yours. However…she would be a bad influence on you.”

Mirabel couldn't help but be a little taken aback by Mastermind's comment. The idea of being compared to someone's daughter, even a villain's daughter, was odd. “…Have I met her?”

“I’m not sure.” Mastermind said. “If you haven’t, I’m certain you will.” Her brows furrowed. “Do you have a family?”

Mirabel's thoughts immediately went to her own family. “I do have a family.” Her voice was much quieter. “You know my name and where I work, but you don’t know if I have a family?”

Mastermind chuckled softly, sensing Mirabel's guarded tone. “I apologize for my lack of knowledge about your personal life.” She said, her voice mild. “It wasn't intentional, I assure you. I just don't make a habit of prying where it isn't necessary.”

Mirabel couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable with Mastermind's casual demeanor. She had a feeling the villain knew more about her than she let on. “No, I...suppose you don't. Why do you ask?”

Mastermind shrugged lightly, her expression thoughtful. “It was just a simple question, Mirabel. I'm curious by nature, and I find people's personal lives interesting.” She studied Mirabel for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Family is a complicated thing, isn't it? It can bring joy, but also pain. Sometimes, even both at once. You would know about that, wouldn’t you?”

Mirabel froze. “…What?”

“Nothing,”

Mirabel's frown deepened at Mastermind's cryptic response. The casual way Mastermind had steered the conversation towards family…it was like she was digging, trying to uncover secrets. “What do you want from me?”

“Nothing.”

“No, not nothing. You can’t just say something like that and act like it’s nothing.”

“Mhm, can’t I?”

Silence settled heavily between the two women as Mirabel bit her tongue to keep from pressing the issue further.

Mastermind remained unfazed by Mirabel's protests and seemed content with the quiet that had fallen between them.

Mirabel tried to focus on the sound of her own breathing, but her mind was racing with questions.

After a few moments, Mastermind broke the silence.

“My husband was a tailor, just like you,” Mastermind's eyes seemed to glaze over for a moment as she spoke, lost in thought.

Mirabel’s eyes widened in shock.

“He was really good at it, too. He could make the most beautiful outfits and was always so meticulous with his work. It was his passion, and it showed in everything he made.”

“You…you shouldn’t be telling me this.” Mirabel finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. “This is wrong. You’re a villain. This isn’t a story you should be sharing with me. I’m just a normal seamstress.”

“And why not?” Mastermind asked, her voice low and smooth. “Why shouldn't I share this little memory with you? Afraid you'll sympathize with me?”

Mirabel said nothing.

“It’s fine. You aren’t going to tell anyone.” Mastermind chuckled quietly at the memory. “It was always quite amusing,” She continued, a small nostalgic smile on her face. “He was always so careless with me. He treated me like a regular customer, even when I tried to steal from him. Can you believe it? And the nerve he had to pull his needle on me like that even though he knew I could overpower him.” She paused for a moment, thinking of his stupidity. “I could have squashed him like a bug, but he somehow managed to worm his way into my heart.”

“How…reckless.” Mirabel said quietly, her voice hesitant. “It’s amazing he wasn’t afraid of you.”

“You're right,” Mastermind said. “You're not afraid of me either. It's quite refreshing, actually. Not many people would remain calm while speaking to a literal villain.”

“W-well, I…” Mirabel stammered, trying to backpedal. “I mean, I'm not afraid, exactly, but…”

“You don't need to deny it,” Mastermind said, her tone almost amused. “I can see it in your eyes. You don't see me as a threat. Why is that?”

Mirabel looked up at Mastermind, her eyes wide and earnest. “I'm just a simple seamstress,” She repeated, her voice still holding a note of caution. “I haven't done anything wrong, and I'm sure you would have already hurt me if you wanted to. And you're not one of the more physical villains. If you really wanted to hurt me, you would have sent one of the Encantos to do it by now, but you haven’t…so I guess that’s why I’m not threatened by you.”

Mastermind gave a small nod, her expression serious. “I don’t wish to harm you, and I’ll make sure the others won’t harm you either.” She said, her tone carrying a warning. “But remember, my kindness has its limits. If you do something to harm any of us, I won’t be able to help you. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I understand.” Mirabel nodded quickly. “I don’t have any plans to harm the others—or you for that matter. And…” She hesitated, glancing down at her needle and thread. “And I appreciate your offer to keep me safe. I know it might seem strange, but...I don’t want to see you come to harm either.”

“Yes, strange indeed.” With a small smile, Mastermind gracefully got up from her chair and dusted herself off. “I suppose I better head out. I wouldn’t want to cause you any trouble. I’ll be on my way now. Thank you for the conversation.”

Mirabel watched as Mastermind stood up, her movements fluid and elegant. Part of her was relieved that the villain was leaving, but a small part of her also felt strangely disappointed. She gave a small nod, her voice soft. “Of course. Thank you for...visiting, I suppose.”

“You’re a strange one,” Mastermind said under her breath, though Mirabel wasn’t sure if she wanted her to hear that. “You shouldn’t let any villains in. Who knows what their intentions are. Most aren’t as understanding as me.”

Mirabel watched in slight bewilderment as Mastermind vanished, her last words still ringing in her ears. For a moment, she just stood there, staring blankly at the spot where the villain had once been.

Then she shook her head, trying to shake off the unease. Mastermind had been right, but it’s not like she invited Mastermind inside! What could she, a normal girl, do against a dangerous villain like Mastermind? She didn’t want to die, so she had no choice but to serve her! She was lucky the Mastermind had been so…relatively kind.

That’s when Mirabel realized something.

“W-wait, the money! You left your money, Mastermind!”

Mirabel was sure that the villain did it on purpose.

---

The visits from Mastermind became a somewhat regular occurrence. However, each time Mirabel tried to address the topic of the money, the villain suddenly became unresponsive, as if she had not heard a word. Their conversations now focused more on designs, with Mastermind occasionally giving her genuine feedback and compliments.

Mirabel was working in her shop when she suddenly heard the sound of the bell chiming. Her head snapped up, expecting to see a familiar villain, but instead she saw not one, but three new faces. All of them worked under Mastermind.

She couldn't help but wonder which—if any—of them were Mastermind's children. One of them, Remedy or StormWeaver, had to be her daughter, but she couldn't quite pin down which one it could be.

“Uhm…hey?”

“She was visiting a kid?” Remedy’s gaze scanned Mirabel from head to toe. “And here I was, thinking she had found a little something extra, a lover perhaps.”

Remedy’s words made Mirabel pause, her hands stilling mid-stitch as she stared up at the tall villain. A flush of embarrassment rose in her cheeks.

StormWeaver rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. “Please, as if Mastermind would bother with something as frivolous as a lover,” She said, giving Mirabel a once-over. “She's quite old fashioned, too old to be into women. And besides, this girl is far too young for all of us. She’s barely even an adult. She’s old enough to be this girl’s grandmother.”

“You thought she was visiting a lover?” Visonary questioned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “That's a bit risqué, even for our dearest Mastermind.”

Mirabel's cheeks grew hotter with each teasing remark, her embarrassment growing. She quickly resumed her work, trying to focus on the task at hand and ignore the villains' comments.

It was actually getting pretty hard to ignore them.

“Uhm, may I ask why you three are here?”

The three villains exchanged glances before Remedy spoke up, her voice low and smooth. “We came to see what all the fuss was about. We heard that Mastermind has been visiting you, and we wanted to check it out for ourselves. Don’t worry, we’re not here to cause trouble. We’re just curious, is all.”

Mirabel's frown slowly faded as Remedy spoke, her words easing the tension in the room somewhat. While she was still on edge, she couldn't help but feel relieved that the villains weren't here to cause trouble.

She finished the last stitch on the dress she was working on and set it aside before turning her attention back to the villains. “Well, you've seen me now. Is that all there is to it?” She asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Not quite,” StormWeaver’s hands rested on her hips. “You are the one Mastermind’s been visiting, right?”

“Yes,” Visonary answered instead. “I’ve seen them talking to each other.”

StormWeaver narrowed her eyes. “Hm?”

Mirabel fidgeted nervously, feeling a bit on the spot under their gazes. “Yes, she has been visiting me,” She admitted, her voice a little quieter than before. “We...just talk, that's all.”

“Oh, my partners do have a tendency to be a bit overwhelming, don't they? Apologies on their behalf.” Remedy let out a laugh. “Don’t threaten her.” She shot a playful glare at StormWeaver before turning her attention back to Mirabel. “Please don't mind them, dear. They're all bark and no bite. Mastermind would never want any harm to come to you. So, don't worry, you're safe here.”

StormWeaver rolled her eyes at Remedy’s comment, but didn't argue. Visonary chuckled, leaning against the counter.

“…I would hope that I’m safe in my own shop.” Mirabel tried to sound confident, but it was clear she was still on edge. She folded her arms across her chest, her gaze flickering from one villain to another.

Remedy chuckled and shook her head gently. “Of course, my dear. You're absolutely right. You have every right to feel safe in your own space.” She glanced over at StormWeaver and Visonary.

StormWeaver cleared her throat awkwardly and Visonary shifted his weight, suddenly finding the floor very interesting.

“But, I’m curious,” Remedy continued on, her eyes never leaving Mirabel as she moved closer. Her voice was soft, almost melodic. “Why have you caught her interest? You seem like a nice, normal girl. You don’t have any special connections, and you don’t have a bad reputation either. You seem to work too much, but other than that, you’re quite ordinary.”

Visonary’s eyebrows raised. “That was quite a rude thing to say, Remedy. You shouldn’t call someone ordinary. Everyone has their own unique qualities, after all.”

Remedy’s eyes widened slightly, realizing that her words might have come off as a bit blunt. She quickly turned her attention back to Mirabel, a slight sheepish smile on her face. “I didn’t mean it as an insult, you know,” She rushed to explain. “Being ordinary is wonderful, honestly! You’ve accomplished so much for someone your age.”

“Thank you…I guess,” Mirabel mumbled, a slight flush to her cheeks. “I…don’t know why Mastermind is interested in me either. She just started visiting the shop and we just…talk. She seems to like my designs and the tea I make, I suppose.”

StormWeaver observed Mirabel as she chatted with her siblings. Mirabel seemed unbothered by their presence, even a bit unafraid. It was strange, but somehow comforting. She had heard that Camilo also attended the same school as Mirabel, so she knew a bit about her from him. Mirabel seemed like a genuinely good person, without any hidden motives or secrets. But then again, her mother usually worked behind the scenes, planning everything. Perhaps there was no ill intent in her interactions with Mirabel. The thought was odd, but not unwelcome.

“StormWeaver,”

“Yes?” StormWeaver, suddenly pulled from her thoughts, looked up and saw them staring at her. She quickly refocused her attention on the conversation. “What is it?”

“You spacing out again?” Visonary teased, a knowing smile on his lips. “You seemed lost in thought.”

A small huff escaped her lips. “Yeah, yeah, I was just thinking about something.”

Mirabel couldn't help but recall the news reports she had seen about the villains. They were far from kind people, that much she knew. They were brutal, vicious, and absolutely ruthless. Their victims were left battered, bruised, and often traumatized by their hands, if not killed. But here, in front of her, they were different. They seemed so normal, so human. It was unnerving.

Remedy’s gaze lingered on Mirabel, a slight frown on her face. She had the power to manipulate injuries, turning even the most minor scrapes into potentially fatal wounds. All she needed was for the person to have a small wound, and she could control the extent of the injury with just her touch.

Remedy's eyes trailed over Mirabel, noticing the bruising and scratches on Mirabel's torso. They were hidden under her clothes, likely not very noticeable, but she could see clearly. There were new bruises and some that began to fade. She felt a small, sinister urge to manipulate the injuries, to twist and control them to her will. She resisted the urge.

Remedy's thoughts continued to weave through her mind as she looked at Mirabel. The possibility that Mastermind had inflicted them was quickly ruled out, as Remedy knew Mastermind's personality. She couldn't help but wonder if Mirabel's injuries were self-inflicted. Mirabel was popular and active, but that didn't mean she couldn't be struggling in secret. After all, Remedy knew from experience that the brightest kids could often be the ones hiding the most pain. It was a common occurrence these days, and she was well aware of it.

Another possibility crossed Remedy’s mind, one she hoped was not true. Someone might be intentionally harming Mirabel, making sure not to leave any visible marks, and she felt a surge of anger. She wondered who could possibly be causing harm to the girl her mother seemed to care deeply about.

Who would want to harm such a young girl? Remedy tried to think of possible suspects. It was unlikely to be bullies, as they usually targeted more visible areas. Children weren’t typically cunning either unless they were raised by a villain.

It was more likely to be an adult, someone with more power and authority, someone Mirabel had to be around regularly.

Was it a teacher at her school? Someone she worked with? Or even her own parents? The possibilities were endless, each one more unsettling than the last. Remedy's expression grew serious, her brow furrowing in concern.

As Remedy observed Mirabel, she couldn't help but be impressed. She had seen many victims of abuse from all ages, and she knew the signs. It was more likely that the girl was being threatened to stay quiet. For a fifteen-year-old, Mirabel was handling herself well, showing no outward signs of pain.

Remedy mulled over her thoughts, deciding to keep her observations to herself for now. She made a mental note to mention them to her mother later. After all, Mastermind was interested in Mirabel, and it wouldn't hurt to share such information. For now, she'd continue the conversation, keeping her suspicions concealed behind a casual demeanor.

Mirabel, feeling Remedy's gaze upon her, looked up. Remedy responded with a small wave, a friendly smile on her face. Mirabel waved back nervously, still feeling a bit unsure around the villains.

Mirabel suddenly spoke up, her voice slightly nervous. “Oh, right,” She said, as she fumbled for a moment to retrieve some money from under the counter. “Mastermind left before I could return this to her.” She held out the money cautiously, offering it to the villains.

“Mastermind isn't one to carelessly give away money.” StormWeaver explained, her voice firm yet thoughtful. “If she leaves money with you, it means she wants you to have it. It's not a mistake.”

Mirabel was taken aback by StormWeaver's comment. “Oh,” She responded quietly, her voice soft.

Visonary’s chuckle broke the tension. “You're quite shy, aren't you? Use Mastermind's gift however you like. It's meant for you, after all.”

StormWeaver chimed in, her smirk playing at the corners of her lips. “Perhaps she's just intimidated by our villainous presence.”

“Oh, yeah, that too.”

“I don’t think that's true. I don't think it's because we're villains...you're just naturally good.” Remedy mused, her voice soft. “It’s very interesting.” She leaned forward, clasping their hands together tenderly, her tone almost motherly. “You know what? I think I'd love to have a daughter like you.”

Mirabel’s eyes widened in surprise. “What?”

Visonary turned to his sister, a look of confusion on his face. “Did you just say what I think you said?”

StormWeaver shook her head, her eyebrows raised in bewilderment. “What did you just say?”

Remedy's words came out in a rush, excitement and anticipation in her voice. “I will take very good care of you, and so will my family. I've always wanted a third daughter! My daughters have also always wanted a younger sister! And it's wonderful that you aren't afraid of us. That's just the icing on the cake!”

Visonary and StormWeaver exchanged shocked glances, their jaws dropping in surprise at their sister's unexpected declaration.

“I…have a mother and father.”

Remedy seemed unfazed. “Something can be arranged!”

“Please, don’t murder my parents.”

“Just think about it!”

StormWeaver stepped between Remedy and Mirabel, pulling Remedy away from Mirabel. “Sister, I didn't think we came here for a surprise adoption.”

Remedy reluctantly allowed herself to be led back by StormWeaver.

Visonary chuckled awkwardly, trying to lighten the sudden heavy tension in the room. “Perhaps it's best to focus on why we came here in the first place.” He suggested, casting a glance at the silent Mirabel.

StormWeaver kept a firm hold on Remedy, restraining her from getting any closer to Mirabel. “You’re going to be the one to scare her.”

Remedy simply nodded. “Just think about it!”

“Uh-huh…”

---

Mirabel had lost track of time, and now it had been a few months since Mastermind and the others had started visiting her shop. So when more members of the Encantos began to drop by, she wasn't entirely surprised.

Mirabel planted her hands on her hips, her expression stern as she spoke. “The shop is closed, and that means no customers are allowed in after hours, and that includes villains.” She pointed towards the sign that read 'Closed'. “There are no special exceptions, sorry. You two will have to come back during regular business hours.”

Floratrix chuckled darkly, her red lips curling into a smirk. “Oh, but what fun is it to follow the rules?” She purred, taking a step closer to Mirabel. “You're a cute little thing, aren't you? Trying to play the role of the shopkeeper, keeping us pesky villains out.”

Mirabel didn't waver, her expression steely as she repeated herself, “Out,”

Floratrix smiled slyly and leaned against the counter. “Oh, come on, Mirabel. Don't be such a stickler for the rules. I'm not here to buy anything. We just want to...chat.”

“I've made my point clear. The shop is closed, and I'm not going to let you stay just because you think the rules don't apply to you. I won't have any villains in my shop after hours. You can come back tomorrow during business hours if you want to chat.” She paused for a moment before adding, “This isn't up for debate. You need to leave. Now.”

Titania let out a sigh, attempting to hide her amusement. “We just wanted to meet our future little sister.”

“I had a feeling you Encantos were all related.” Mirabel muttered. “You and Titania are sisters. Remedy is your mother, and both StormWeaver and Visonary are also siblings. Mastermind is your grandmother, and I’d wager that Overload, Mimic, and Animarch are your cousins.”

Floratrix couldn't help but burst into laughter, her loud glee filling the room. Titania, too, wore a wide grin, clearly enjoying the realization.

Mirabel had witnessed Floratrix and Titania in action on multiple occasions. She knew firsthand the extent of Floratrix's powers over plants. The villainess could manipulate her surroundings with ease, using greenery as her weapon or even transport. It wasn't uncommon for Floratrix to drop a tree on someone or use a vine to strike them directly. All Floratrix required was access to any form of plant life—soil, wood, anything within her reach, so Floratrix could wield it to her advantage.

Titania was infamous for being nearly invincible. Bullets did little more than bounce off her, and knives barely left a mark. The only instance when she had truly been hurt was when a building collapsed on her, and even that was a rarity. Titania's unnatural strength was a prominent trait, often manifesting in gruesome displays of violence. It was a chilling sight to watch her crush a person's head or effortlessly tear apart a body.

Overpowered seemed like an understatement when talking about the Encantos’ powers. But realistically, what could she, an ordinary girl, possibly do against their powers?

“You’re a smart one.” Floratrix's grin widened as she began to sprout flowers around the shop. “The fact that we're related isn't public knowledge, and even if someone suspected, there's no concrete proof. We certainly don't call each other by our family ties while we're out and about. You've figured it out quite accurately.”

Mirabel looked mildly exasperated at the sight of flowering plants sprouting around the shop. “I hope you plan on cleaning that up.” She said with a sigh. “Some of my clients might have allergies to pollen. It would be terrible for my business if they had an allergic reaction, so it's best if you clean up those plants.”

“Oh, don't you worry about that.” Floratrix moved her hand over the flowering plants, and they shimmied and shivered for a moment before wilting entirely. The once vibrant blossoms drooped and turned a desiccated brown, leaving the shelves and display cases free of any stray pollen. “Happy now, hermanita?”

Mirabel watched, slightly amazed by Floratrix's display of control over the plants, even causing them to instantly wither away. “I suppose I am. Just make sure it stays that way.” She replied, her voice softer now. “And, uh, hermanita? I’m not your little sister. I have my own family.”

Titania chucked at Mirabel’s denial. “You know, it’s funny. You caught the interest of our abuela and the triplets. Our mother said she wanted to adopt you. I also got tired of being the younger sister of Floratrix. You’d make the perfect younger sister and you’d get along well with Mimic.” She continued to smile. “You don't have to worry about a thing, really. Money, living arrangements, anything. We'd take care of everything. No more struggling, just a life of comfort and luxury. It would be perfect.”

Floratrix sighed dramatically. “You wouldn't believe how many people dream of being part of our family and earning our goodwill. And yet, here you are, refusing our offer.”

“I already have a family, you know. But I'm sure you don't really care about that.” Mirabel paused, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "And as for your offer, why not just kidnap me? After all, you're villains, aren't you? Can't you just use your villainous ways and take me by force?”

“Kidnapping you would be child's play, but where's the fun in that? We'd rather have you willingly join us. Besides, we're not just ordinary villains, we're the Encantos.” Floratrix smirked.

Titania chimed in, “Besides, we're not just your everyday villains. And we wouldn't want to give you a more valid reason to hate us, now would we?”

Mirabel stated bluntly, her voice lacking any emotion. “There are plenty of reasons to hate you both, you know,” She said matter-of-factly. “Many people hold a seething disdain for the murderous acts you've committed.”

“If people hate us for our actions, that's their problem, not ours. We don’t care.”

“We are villains, after all. We don't make enemies because we're friendly.” Floratrix chuckled, adding, “Besides, the thrill of chaos and destruction is what we live for. Hate only fuels us, Mirabel.”

“Certainly,” Mirabel flashed a smile. “But, seriously, the shop is closed. Out.”

“Can’t we stay a little longer?”

“Don’t you have your own lives to attend to?”

“We do, but they don’t really care.”

“But I do.” Mirabel's voice rose in frustration. “Can you imagine the trouble I'd be in if people discovered that villains were coming to my shop? They might even think I have some sort of connection with you all. I can't afford to end up in jail because of your antics. And rest assured, I'm certainly not taking a fall for any of you.”

“After all, you’re just an innocent girl who happened to catch the attention of some dangerous villains. Quite the predicament, isn't it?”

“I’m just some normal girl!”

“Mhm,”

“We’ve seen you in our civilian life.” Floratrix grinned at Mirabel, only to be elbowed in the ribs by Titania. “Ouch! Damn it, Titania,” Floratrix groaned, clutching her ribs. “I think you just cracked a few bones. That really hurt, you know.”

Titania dismissed Floratrix's complaint, focusing her attention on Mirabel instead. “That's all well and good. But revealing that we've seen her in our civilian lives isn't exactly wise, you know.”

Mirabel nodded in agreement. “You've got a point there,” She conceded. “It's incredibly irresponsible of you to reveal your civilian identities like that. What if I began to wonder about the people I’ve seen and ended up discovering your secret identities?”

Floratrix nonchalantly rolled her eyes, her confidence unwavering. “But you wouldn’t.”

Mirabel chuckled, “You’re right.”

“Well, then, we’ll see you later, hermanita!”

“Do not call me that!”

---

“This is honestly insane. How have none of you gotten caught yet?”

“You think we're careless?” Mimic replied, a smile playing on his lips. “We're villains, not amateurs. We make sure the coast is clear before we strike. And as for cameras? We take care of them long before we arrive. We're not villains for nothing.”

Mirabel’s eyebrows rose. “I guess I’m meeting the entire family, huh?”

Mimic chuckled. “Quite the honor to be acquainted with such a notorious group? You’re the first to have all of us personally come meet you.”

Overload mumbled softly, just loud enough for Mirabel to pick up on her words. “How interesting,”

Mirabel tilted her head, her eyes narrowing as she focused on Overload's mutterings. “Interesting?”

Overload didn't respond to Mirabel's question, her gaze darting around the room.

Mimic observed Mirabel's reaction and intervened with a reassuring grin. “Don't pay any attention to Overload's lack of response. She doesn't speak much usually. You're quite intriguing, though, Mirabel. That is what she meant.”

Overload shot a scowl at Mimic, glaring. “I'm perfectly capable of speaking for myself.”

Mimic chuckled, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. “Well, you don’t exactly make it easy, sis.”

Overload huffed in irritation, turning away from Mimic and redirecting her attention to the designs. She muttered a retort under her breath. “Just shut up.”

As Mirabel observed the siblings’ interactions, she couldn't help but be bewildered by their human-like nature. While she often agreed with the notion that monsters are created, the Encantos somehow seemed to defy that belief. They were not ordinary villains, they were not monsters born from a cruel world. These weren't villains who had been pushed to the brink, driven by circumstance or revenge.

No, they were simply monsters who relished chaos and loved their family above all else.

Mirabel also had mixed feelings about the Encantos' actions. She didn't condone their villainous deeds, but she didn't truly care either. She knew that humans were creatures of their own destruction, capable of far worse things. After all, some individuals deserved the fate the villains bestowed upon them.

“So, who's your favorite villain? Me?” Mimic asked with a cocky grin.

Overload rolled her eyes at Mimic's arrogance. “Oh, Floratrix would have enjoyed hearing you say that. Your ego is absolutely astounding.” She said dryly.

Mirabel considered the question for a beat, then responded with a thoughtful hum. “My favorite villain? Well, without a doubt, I'd have to say Mastermind. She’s undeniably impressive.”

Overload and Mimic both exchanged mildly envious glances with each other.

“Mastermind? Our abuela?”

Mirabel explained her choice thoughtfully, “I mean, Mastermind doesn't even need to kill to be feared or recognized. Her knowledge of sewing and unparalleled skill in it makes her absolutely remarkable. It also makes her stand out from the rest. She's definitely number one in my book.”

“You've always been surprisingly indifferent toward villains, but here you are, practically fangirling over Mastermind.”

Mirabel's cheeks turned a slight shade of red as she protested. “I-I'm not fangirling! It's simply the truth! Mastermind's skills are genuinely impressive, and it's hard not to admire her talent…”

Overload shot a deadpan expression at Mirabel. “You know, it seems like anyone with an interest in sewing could instantly become your favorite villain.” She said, the hint of a smirk on her lips, teasing Mirabel slightly.

Mirabel's cheeks flared an even brighter shade of crimson as she heard Overload's comment. “Hey, it's not just that! Mastermind's skill goes beyond sewing. It's her intellect, creativity, and resourcefulness that make her so intriguing.”

Mimic couldn't help but let out a low whistle, his smirk growing wider. “Fangirling,”

Mirabel made a half-hearted attempt to glare at the two villains, but her attempt at intimidation was somewhat undermined by the reality that she was dealing with actual villains. Still, she tried to assert herself. “Hey, I have every right to kick you two out.”

The siblings chuckled heartily at Mirabel's attempted threat, their laughter ringing through the room. It was clear that they found her attempt humorous.

Overload smiled and nodded approvingly. “Smart girl,” She repeated, her voice filled with approval. “Very smart girl,”

“You must be very popular and have a lot of friends.”

“Quite the opposite.” Mirabel admitted, with a soft laugh. “I don’t have friends at school. It’s a bit sad, isn’t it?”

Mimic's eyes widened in disbelief as he heard Mirabel's confession. “No friends? But what about all those people you've been spending time with?”

Overload tilted her head. “Huh…”

Mirabel turned her gaze towards Mimic. “You've been stalking me?”

“I—uhm, what, no, of course not!”

Mirabel's expression grew solemn, “The people I hang out with aren't actually my friends. We're friendly enough with each other, but we don't have a genuine connection beyond that. They only reach out to me when they need something, like if they need help with schoolwork or if I can provide answers to a test. They never invite me to birthday parties or simply text me to hang out. So, even though we're cordial, I wouldn't call us friends. I’m just…there.”

Mimic's face fell, a frown crossing his features. “Oh…” He murmured, a flicker of disappointment in his voice. He had assumed that since they got along in his civilian life, she would consider him a friend. However, realizing that she didn’t see him that way only fuelled his determination to change that. He silently vowed to make sure that she would consider him a friend, and even better, her best friend.

“I know, I know, it's depressing. Someone like me doesn't have friends. I'm the class president, head of the student council, and always volunteer to help...but I don't have any friends. But I don't really care. It never bothered or affected me.” Mirabel said before shrugging dismissively. “I would rather focus on my work, anyway.”

“That is depressing.” Overload said bluntly, eyes narrowing slightly. “So, tell me about this family of yours.”

Mimic’s eyebrows rose. “Just like that?”

“What about my family? I just have my…parents.” Mirabel said, her words coming out slowly and carefully.

“Well, we might as well get this over with. The others have been suspecting this for a while.”

“Huh?”

Mimic started to change, shifting and transforming into Mirabel.

“W-what are you doing?”

Overload looked unimpressed. “Relax, Mirabel. We just have to prove a point.”

“What point?”

Mimic's voice came out of her own mouth, stating matter-of-factly, “You're hurt.” She paused, her eyes narrowing as she assessed Mirabel carefully. “You're not a delinquent,” She added, letting out a hiss, noticing the pain she was in.

Mirabel's eyes were wide with shock as she watched herself undress. “What the hell are you doing?!”

Overload's expression turned into a frown as she chimed in, clearly irritated. “Can you possibly be any more intrusive?”

Once Mimic had fully unveiled her torso, the three were presented with a sight that was more than concerning. Her upper body was marred with a collection of purplish and yellow bruises, creating a stark contrast against her skin. Thankful for the chest wrap that concealed her breasts.

Mimic reached out and gently touched the bruises on her own body. Her voice carried a hint of anger as she asked, “This isn't self-inflicted, so who did this to you, Mirabel?”

“W-wait, just give me—“

The sound of a door opening abruptly broke the tension in the room. The jingle of the bell signaled someone's entrance, causing both Mirabels and Overload to whip their heads towards the shop's doorway.

Chapter 216: The Encantos — Part 2

“…Mirabel?”

“Madre, padre…” Mirabel's eyes widened as she looked at her parents, who were completely focused on the villains standing before them.

Mirabel narrowed her eyes, taking a closer look. “These are your parents.”

It was immediately obvious that Frederick and Paloma recognized the villains, even noticing Mimic’s disguise as Mirabel. Shock and horror were written across their faces.

Paloma's voice trembled with fear, her gaze darting between the villains and her daughter. “W-what are they doing here?!” She cried out, her voice filled with confusion and panic. “What has she done?! Whatever she’s done,” She continued, gesturing towards Mirabel. “Has n-nothing to do with us!”

Mirabel's jaw tightened in anger as her mother attempted to blame her yet again, but she wasn't surprised by the accusation. It was almost expected at this point.

Overload's voice dripped with sarcasm as she repeated Paloma's question, “What has she done?” There was a hint of amusement in her tone. “She's done the absolute worst. It seems like your little girl has shown us villains absolutely no respect. Such a deadly offense is certainly worthy of death.”

Mirabel only rolled her eyes and scoffed.

“Mirabel!” Frederick’s voice was sharp as he snapped at Mirabel, misinterpreting her actions. “L-Look as my wife said, we did nothing! You can kill her, just leave us alone! We’re innocent!”

“Really now?”

“Yes!”

“Oh, we can just…kill her?” A small note of amusement entered Mirabel’s voice as she continued, “Of course, we'd let you live. After all, you're just innocent people. But…” She let out a dramatic sigh. “How could you just throw away your daughter, your own flesh and blood, to us cruel villains?”

Frederick and Paloma exchanged a quick, panicked glance, caught off guard by Mimic's question.

Paloma spoke up first, her voice wavering. “We...we don't want to throw her away.”

Frederick nodded fervently in agreement. “Y-yeah, we don't want to throw her away, we just....we…” He trailed off, unable to keep eye contact with both villains. “She disrespected you two…it’s only right that she gets punished. She’s not…worth all the hassles she causes. She deserves whatever is coming to her.”

Mirabel stood by, watching the scene unfold.

Overload's voice was smooth and pleasant as she approached Paloma, closing the distance between them. “Of course, you're so right!” She crooned. “Then it's only fair that you get punished for disrespecting us all.”

Mirabel moved towards Frederick, “Absolutely,” She agreed. “Disrespecting us has consequences, after all. You'll see.”

“W-wait, please! We didn't do anything wrong!”

“Y-you don't understand, we didn't mean to disrespect you, we swear!”

Both of them looked like they wanted to run, but fear and the realization that they couldn't escape kept them in place.

Mirabel’s frown deepened. “You keep referring to us two, but you're not referring to your own daughter. You practically called her worthless too.” She observed as the couple's already wide eyes widened even further in terror. “You see…Mirabel has value to us, and you just disrespected her. Disrespecting her means disrespecting us. And that kind of insolence has consequences.

“I—“

“Oh, you don’t understand the situation, do you?” Mirabel turned her attention to Mirabel, gesturing towards her bruised torso. “Your parents are the ones that abuse you, aren’t they? I know I’m right.”

Mirabel nodded in silent confirmation, her parents looking at her in absolute disbelief.

“Poor thing,” Overload’s voice held no sympathy. “No one harms our cousin and gets away with it.” Without warning, both Overload and Mirabel swiftly lunged forward, encircling Frederick and Paloma's throats with a grip that constricted their airway, causing them to gasp desperately for breath.

“Right?!”

Despite the desperate pleas in her parents’ eyes, she made no move to intervene. Her expression remained impassive, observing the situation silently.

Overload had never been so animated before, her voice erupting louder than ever before. “Oh, if only Remedy was here!” She exclaimed, a hint of glee in her tone. “It would be a bloodbath!”

“She’s right.” Mirabel leaned closer to Frederick, her voice dropping to a whisper, “Do you know a little detail about Remedy? Of course, you don't. People only know her for her ability to heal, not to harm.” Overload nodded in agreement as she rolled her eyes playfully, clearly enjoying Mirabel's words. “She can heal, but don’t be fooled. She heals but not in the traditional sense.” Her eyes lit up with a wicked gleam, her tone sickly sweet. “She can transform a simple cut into a gaping hole in your chest…but imagine the opposite happening? The excruciating pain of being aware as your skin is forcibly stitched back together. The agony that you feel would be so incredible! And the best part? Remedy can bring you right back to life, even if you're on the verge of death!”

Mirabel couldn't help but think to herself that Remedy's powers seemed even more fascinating than she initially thought. She began to wonder if there were any other members of the Encantos who had hidden abilities that the general public was unaware of.

“Say it, Mirabel.”

Mirabel blinked, “Huh?”

“Just give us permission, Mirabel.” Mirabel's eyes locked onto Mirabel, a dark smile curving her lips. “Just one word. One simple word and we’ll do it, just for you.”

Overload's voice was soothing, almost like a gentle, coaxing whisper as she spoke to Mirabel. “After everything they've put you through, it's completely justified that you'd want revenge. And don't worry, just say the word and we'll make sure they pay for their actions. You don't have to be here to witness it if you don't want to. Just give us your permission, and we'll take care of the rest.”

Mirabel had a strong suspicion that their survival chances were slim after revealing such sensitive information about Remedy to them.

Frederick and Paloma were paralyzed with fear, their eyes welling up with tears.

Frederick stumbled over his words, his voice quivering with desperation. “M-Mirabel, we're truly sorry! We only hurt you because we love you, you understand, right?! Please, please forgive us!”

Paloma, despite her struggle to breathe under Overload's grip, managed to gasp out her plea. “Yes!” She choked out, trying to maintain a shred of composure. “W-we only did it because we wanted the best for you! Just look at y-you now, you're p-perfect!”

Mirabel's mind raced, filled with painful memories of her past. She remembers the way she was mistreated, thrown against hard surfaces, and hit if she wasn’t perfect. The painful thuds against her skin left behind dark bruises. She remembers the constant screams and slaps when she couldn’t meet their impossibly high standards. They loved the praise and admiration they received from other people, how her parents were seen as perfect because they had a daughter who appeared to be flawless.

“Oh, wow, wrong choice of words! You’re only making her more upset!” Mirabel chided, biting back her grin. “You really shouldn't be yelling at the person who has your life in their hands. But hey, keep pushing your luck and see what happens.”

Overload gave a low hum. “It’s truly disheartening.”

Mirabel's tone was almost sing-songy, a hint of sadistic amusement in her voice. “Come on, beg a little,” She mocked. “Say something like, 'Oh, please, Mirabel, spare our lives! We're so sorry for being shitty parents, we didn't mean it, honestly! We are horrible and terrible, and we really, really want to live, pretty please!’”

Overload observed Mirabel's parents closely, her eyes narrowing in disgust. “You know, I don't think these two cherish their lives enough. They seem quite eager to meet their maker, don’t they?”

Mirabel only stared at her parents.

“M-Mirabel—“

“I don’t think so either.”

Overload and Mirabel’s grins widened into sadistic smiles as they looked down at Mirabel's parents, their grip on their throats tightening ever so slightly. “Yeah?” They echoed, their excitement barely contained.

Tears streamed down Frederick and Paloma's faces as they frantically apologized to Mirabel, their voices trembling with desperation.

“I-I'm sorry,” Frederick choked out, his voice hoarse. “Please, Mirabel, please forgive us. We never meant to hurt you, honestly!”

Paloma's pleas blended with his. “Y-yes, please, forgive us!” She sobbed. “We're terrible parents, we know, but please, spare us!”

“You don't mean any of those apologies,” Mirabel asserted, her expression hardening into a scowl. “You didn't care when both of you were hurting me, and you certainly didn't care when you told me to keep quiet. You only care now because you're afraid for your own lives. It's cowardly and hypocritical.”

“No, Mirabel, that's not true! We've always cared about you, we swear!”

“That's right, cariño! We've always loved you, we just...we just didn't know how to show it properly!”

Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a vine, which struck Frederick and Paloma in their shoulders. Both of them cried out in agony, their screams echoing through the air.

Mirabel's head whipped around, along with the two villains, her gaze following the trail of the vine to the source.

“Floratrix,”

Floratrix let out a huff of annoyance, her vines retracting from Frederick and Paloma. The parents' screams were abruptly cut off, leaving a deafening silence. Mirabel quickly realized that they had fainted.

“They're getting on my nerves,” She muttered, rolling her eyes.

Overload tilted her head, “And the rest of the family?”

Mirabel's eyes widened as the rest of the Encantos made their appearance. She hadn't expected such a gathering, but given the situation at hand, she shouldn't have been too surprised. “You're all here,”

Remedy's frown grew as she noticed Mimic's attire. “Mimic…If you're going to be Mirabel, at least dress the part properly.”

Mirabel flashed a sheepish smile as he shifted back to his original form. “Sorry, tía,”

Remedy acknowledged Mimic's apology with a brief, silent nod, her expression slightly softer than before.

“I suspected something was going on with you. But I had to wait until I was certain.” Mastermind said, her voice laced with regret. “I apologize if you suffered any further during that time.”

Mirabel couldn't help but let out a soft, light-hearted laugh. “It’s alright. I wasn’t even aware anyone knew…I’m actually quite thankful. Thank you all.”

StormWeaver’s face twisted into a bloodthirsty grin. “Does that mean we can kill them now?”

Visonary snorted in agreement. “They are dead in the near future. So, yeah, I’m assuming we did.”

Titania turned her gaze to Mirabel, “We do have your permission to end their lives, right?”

Mirabel's voice dropped to a quiet whisper, and a subtle blush tinged her cheeks as she spoke. “Please...make it painful.”

It was evident that the entire group of villains strongly agreed with Mirabel's request.

Remedy's voice overflowed with affection as she cooed in response. “Of course, dear! We’ll make sure it’s as painful as you want it to be!”

“Thank you, really. I appreciate it more than you know.”

“It’s nothing! They deserve it anyways!”

“They really do.”

In a quiet, hesitant voice, Mirabel posed a question, uncertain and hopeful. “Then…then we’re family now, aren’t we?”

The Encantos stared at her in mild surprise, their expressions filled with a mix of wonder and disbelief.

Floratrix and Mimic were the first to react, their faces lighting up with gleeful grins.

“Of course we're family now!” Floratrix exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

“Absolutely!” Mimic agreed enthusiastically, his own voice mirroring Floratrix’s joy.

The rest of the Encantos shared similar grins, their eyes warm with affection.

“We wouldn't want it any other way, Mirabel.” Mastermind said, her voice gentle but certain.

“Then…I just have one more request for all of you.”

The Encantos exchanged glances, their masks still in place.

“Of course. What is it?”

Mirabel's next words were confident and unwavering. “Take off your masks.”

“That sounds easy enough for someone who’s part of the family.”

One by one, the Encantos began to remove their masks, their faces slowly revealing the true identities behind the disguises.

Mirabel couldn't help but let out a soft, disbelieving phrase as she gazed at their true faces.

“You've got to be kidding me,”

It was almost surreal to witness the double lives they had led, both as famous civilians and as a villain family.

“Surprised?”

Alma Madrigal had achieved great renown as an author, having published countless books that captivated the hearts and minds of readers around the globe. She operated a candle shop, her business thriving.

Julieta Madrigal was known for her culinary skills and had become a popular chef with numerous restaurants and franchises under her name.

Pepa Madrigal was a respected meteorologist whose forecasts were considered to be accurate and reliable.

Bruno Madrigal was an author and occasional actor whose creative writings and film roles had gained him a respectable status and following.

Isabela Madrigal was a popular model and spokesperson for multiple brands and agencies.

Dolores Madrigal worked in gossip columns and reported on all the latest in the entertainment and social world.

Luisa Madrigal was a successful athlete and participated in numerous sports competitions.

Camilo Madrigal was a successful actor and performer with a flourishing career.

Yeah, famous and very well known.

“Certainly.”

Chapter 217: A Shattered Proposal

Mirabel didn’t even know why she thought of saving the miracle. There was no chance of her even succeeding. It was an impossible task.

She literally didn’t have to do anything. Casita was going to crumble right before their eyes.

She couldn’t possibly be the blame for the cracks in Casita when all of them were watching as cracks formed.

“Looks like only the drinks were strong and not the magic this time.” Mirabel muttered under her breath, calmly chewing her food.

She knew Dolores heard her by the way she almost choked on her drink. She couldn’t bring herself to care. She warned them and they didn’t take her seriously.

Mariano looked around nervously, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke. “This…this isn’t normal, is it?” He slowly moved the ring back into his pocket.

“No…”

The cracks were undeniable, visible evidence of something being amiss. Alma, typically a master of explanations, seemed momentarily at a loss for words, unable to come up with an excuse.

No amount of excuses could cover up the visible cracks in Casita's walls.

Señora Guzmán turned her gaze towards Mirabel. “I remember you mentioning cracks and whatnot during Antonio's ceremony, right?”

Despite the stern gaze from Alma, Mirabel stood firm, refusing to give in. “Looks just like the ones I saw.” Her eyes never left Alma. “But I'd say they're worse than before.” As if on cue, a shingle fell, shattering upon impact, lending further emphasis to her statement. “It'd be foolish to stay in a house on the verge of collapse, don't you think?”

“Mirabel!” Alma snapped, her cheeks flushing in anger. “Is this how you want to embarrass us in front of our guests?”

Mirabel's voice rose in frustration, her expression mirroring her annoyance. “Seriously? You can't pull the same trick and accuse me of being drunk this time. We're all seeing the cracks, and a shingle literally fell down! I think it's pretty logical to be concerned for our safety and question the stability of this place!” Mirabel gestured angrily at the cracked walls surrounding them, her voice filled with disbelief. “I mean, it's not like this looks like a safe and stable house!”

Julieta sighed heavily, giving her mother a firm look. “You know, she’s right, mamá.”

Agustín added, “And I certainly don't appreciate how you're talking to Mirabel.”

“Well, how can she not be right when we're all seeing the same thing?” Pepa questioned, shrugging. Julieta gave her sister a firm elbow nudge, causing Pepa to immediately clarify, “I'm not arguing with you!”

“Oh my god,” Isabela quickly tried to mask her reaction, biting back a sly grin. This was too perfect. Not only did Mirabel put a stop to Mariano’s proposal, but she’d also inadvertently made her life easier. Perhaps she should consult with Mirabel about another scheme to keep Mariano at bay or even use her to reveal the truth about her true feelings. Either way, it seemed like there would be more fun shenanigans to come.

Luisa stifled a laughter, covering her mouth as she watched the scene unfold.

Félix rose from his seat, scooping up Antonio in his arms. He looked at Alma with a half-apologetic expression. “No offense intended, Alma,” He said, a hint of wry humor in his voice. “But I'd rather not take any chances.”

Alma shot Félix a disapproving glance, not amused by his casual tone. Her plans for a smooth, perfect proposal were unraveling before her eyes. “Shouldn’t we wait and discuss this further?”

Camilo turned away to hide his smirk. “I don’t think anyone is interested in waiting around to discuss much of anything when our lives could be at risk.” He said under his breath.

“You’re an idiot,”

Camilo shot a glare at Dolores as she muttered her insult, sticking out his tongue at her. “I'm not an idiot here. I'm just pointing out the obvious. Life-threatening situations typically call for a quick exit, not a long discussion.”

“That’s also true.”

“We all should seriously leave.”

The Madrigals and Guzmáns exchanged glances, silently communicating their agreement. In unison, they started to rise from their seats, standing at once. Félix clutched Antonio closer to his chest, while Alma looked around the room with a slight frown, clearly displeased by the unexpected turn of events.

As they stood up, Casita began to creak and rumble louder than before.

The tiles on the floor shifted erratically, clacking together with a discordant sound, and the furniture groaned.

Walls began to crumble, tiles falling off the roof, and windows shattering loudly.

Antonio, clutching his plush jaguar tightly, looked around with wide, frightened eyes.

Mirabel watched as Casita crumbled around them. “Sorry, Casita, I warned them. But they didn’t listen. Now look at what's happening.”

The creaking and groaning intensified, and suddenly, the doors slammed open.

“Mirabel, you—“

Floorboards began to buck, forcing all of them to stumble and stagger as they tried to keep their balance.

“Crap!”

“What the hell is happening?”

“This can’t be…”

Casita took matters into its own hands, quite literally. As they stumbled along the bucking floorboards, the boards suddenly rose up and propelled them forward, practically shoving them out of the house.

Most of them were caught off guard by this unexpected movement, letting out cries of surprise and grasping at each other for support. Antonio, still clutched tightly in Félix's arms, laughed and giggled as he was carried along, finding the whole situation both thrilling and terrifying.

The family was flung out of the collapsing Casita and onto the grass outside. They stumbled and fell, sprawled out on the ground in a jumbled mess.

Antonio was the first to react, giggling as he was set down on the grass and immediately began to look for a bug to play with.

The last remnants of Casita buckled and groaned, its walls finally giving in to the weight of the damage. The whole structure shuddered and then crumbled, collapsing in on itself with a loud, final sound.

They watched in shocked silence, unable to tear their gazes away from the devastation before them.

Mirabel lay on the ground, adrenaline still coursing through her veins. She looked around at the scattered and dazed family members, pulling herself up.

“Well, this is just great. I warned everyone this would happen, but did anyone listen? No, of course not. Now look where we are! Home-less, thanks to everyone's stubborn ignorance!” Mirabel gestured towards the crumbling remains of Casita. “I’m not usually the one to say I told you so, but in this case? I totally did!”

“Well, damn, we really don’t have a house.”

“Camilo!”

“What? We don’t have a house.”

Mariano, his hair disheveled and clothes dusted with debris, looked around at the ruined remains of Casita. “Uh...I guess not. No proposal...right now,”

Isabela rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Yes, Mariano, no proposal right now. I doubt this—“ She gestured to the wreckage around them “Is what you had in mind for your perfect proposal.”

Alma let out an exasperated sigh.

Maybe she should’ve listened to Mirabel.

Chapter 218: Isabela’s Thoughts

“If she isn’t dead, I’ll kill her myself for being so damn stupid.”

Isabela heard the stifled gasps echoing around her, but she found that she didn't give a damn.

Right now, she feels absolutely useless.

She could only helplessly watch as Casita lent a helping hand to Mirabel, assisting her in reaching for the candle. It infuriated Isabela. Casita was always partial to Mirabel, even at its lowest point.

Isabela's back and right arm flared with pain, the result of a rough landing as her gift had failed her. Her entire body screamed for rest, urging her to take a break.

She wanted to give in, to lay down and find some respite. But she refused.

She would be damned if she allowed herself any rest when Mirabel's life hung in the balance.

Why did Mirabel always have to be so self-sacrificing? Nobody had asked her to do all of this. They didn't need her to be the savior of the miracle.

Couldn't Mirabel go even a single day without stirring up some kind of trouble?

“We’ll find her…we have to.”

They will.

Most of the family had escaped relatively unscathed, except for herself and Camilo. While he hasn't sustained anything too serious, she suspected he might have sprained part of his body.

Like her, Camilo was refusing to rest, driven by his concern for Mirabel.

Her teeth gnashed together as she noticed her abuela's gaze fixed on her.

Guilt threatened to consume her.

Why did she have to mess things up just when she and Mirabel were finally getting along?

Unable to hold her grandmother's gaze any longer, Isabela averted her eyes, joining the others in meticulously searching through the wreckage in desperation.

“Isabela, you’re hur—“

“I’m fine,” Isabela retorted, her voice sharp. “I have to help.”

She was fine.

Comparatively, she was in far better condition than Mirabel, who had a house collapse on her. It didn't matter if they hadn't found her yet.

It was infuriatingly senseless.

She and Mirabel had been having a wonderful time together. Isabela was almost certain that the cracks had begun to mend themselves when they embraced. However, none of it mattered now, did it? All of it had been for nothing. Their progress had been shattered.

Isabela clenched her fists tightly as she remembered Alma's wild and hurtful accusations towards Mirabel, and how nobody had come to her defense. Like always, they hadn't been there for Mirabel when she needed them.

Her memories were a blur. She recalled pursuing Mirabel or the candle, but she couldn't be certain of her exact motives or intentions. Her primary concern had been Mirabel's safety.

If she could remove Mirabel from the collapsing house, she would be safe. If she obtained the candle, it would be secure, and Casita wouldn't crumble, ensuring Mirabel's safety as well.

It irritated her to no end because she knew exactly what was going through her sister's mind. Mirabel wanted to save the miracle without even considering her own safety. Her single-mindedness led her to disregard their pleas and ignore their desperate calls for her name.

It puzzled her as to why only she, Camilo, and Mirabel had remained. It likely had to do something to do with the fact that the magic was weakening.

Maybe it was her fault.

Those fools were only fifteen years old.

She was Mirabel's oldest sister. She was Camilo's oldest cousin. She was the eldest grandchild. She was the oldest in the crumbling building.

So why wouldn't she bear a sense of responsibility for what happened when they weren't even adults, and they had recklessly raced for the candle, disregarding their own safety?

That's why she kept them both firmly within her line of sight as she lunged for whichever one she was going for.

She was taken aback when Camilo stumbled, thankfully Casita had cushioned his fall, minimizing the harm. Her own gift failed her at that moment, causing her to plummet right next to Camilo.

All she could do was steal a brief glimpse at Mirabel struggling to grab the damn candle, oblivious to everything and everyone around her until Casita used its last bit of strength to firmly push Camilo and her out.

She could still remember shouting and screaming Mirabel's name, pleading with her to forget about the candle and to get out of there, just like everyone else did.

Mirabel, predictably, being her sacrificial, reckless, stubborn, and selfless self, refused to heed everyone's pleas.

Her frustration mounted.

Mirabel had never been very good at listening.

Why wouldn’t she just give up?

It was pointless.

No magical candle was worth sacrificing her life for.

Wasn't she aware of that?

Mirabel didn't have a gift like theirs. Even if she did, it wouldn't have helped her escape, considering their gifts were failing. There was no chance she could make it out alive.

“Mirabel, when will you learn?” She was distraught, tears streaming down her face as she dug vigorously through the rubble, her fingers bearing cuts and dirt beneath the nails. Anger and desperation gripped her. “Damn it! I know we’re far from perfect, but you can’t just throw away your life like this! You were just smiling and laughing with me. If you’re alive, I-I swear I’m strangling you myself.”

Isabela would have given anything to switch places with Mirabel, just so her little sister wouldn't meet such an untimely end.

“Fuck…”

Mirabel was fragile. Weaker than them.

“You think I’m supposed to outlive you? You’re completely wrong about that, Mirabel.”

Mirabel wasn't useless, but she was undeniably weak.

“Come on, get back up like you usually do! You're supposed to say some snarky remark back! That's how it's always been between us!”

Mirabel was different from the rest of them, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

“Are you that stupid? Nobody would care about the damn candle if it meant losing you!”

Mirabel might not realize it, but they all cared about her deeply. She was the youngest granddaughter, the most vulnerable among them all.

“I didn’t even get to apologize to you yet! Is that how you want to go? Without me apologizing?” Isabela demanded, “Wouldn’t you love to see the Señorita Perfecta apologize?”

She made her way to the center of Casita, where Bruno's tower had collapsed and where they last saw Mirabel.

“You...my sweet little sister,” Isabela choked out. “I'm sorry. I'm so damn sorry.” She drew a shuddering breath. “But my apology will be more meaningful if you just show yourself, damn it!”

It wasn't truly silent, either.

“Mirabel…”

People could be heard shouting Mirabel’s name.

“Come on, say something,” Isabela pleaded, “I've seen you fall in this area. Are you here?”

Sounds of grunts and groans echoed through the air as the others labored to move the rubble, hoping to uncover a sign of Mirabel's whereabouts.

“You can’t be dead. You’re going to make me incredibly furious if you are…“ She trailed off as she spotted something moving within the rubble.She darted towards it, starting to dig through the debris. “Mirabel? Is that you?”

A feminine groan reached her ears, and Isabela's eyes widened as the rubble shifted, seemingly on its own accord.

No, it was Mirabel. She was certain of it.

Tears streamed down her face once more as she laid eyes on her younger sister.

Mirabel was covered in dust and had a few scrapes, but otherwise, she didn't appear to be badly hurt.

Mirabel managed a weak smile and quipped, “God...couldn't even give me a moment's rest, could you? I had a whole house collapse on me, and the first thing you do is start hurling insults at me?”

Isabela didn't hesitate to pull her into a tight embrace, eliciting a gasp from Mirabel. “I'm going to strangle you once you're completely better,” She muttered as she held her close.

“And here I thought we were having a wholesome moment.”

“We are.”

Chapter 219: Severed

Mirabel's voice trembled with pain, her words coming out in gasps as she tried to catch her breath. “…It hurts,” Mirabel managed to say, her voice quavering with pain as she struggled to catch her breath. Something was terribly wrong. “So…so m-much, m-mamá…”

Julieta's eyes widened in horror as she heard Mirabel's tremulous words, her face pale. “Mirabel…” The thick wall separating Mirabel's legs and waist was a disturbing sight, and Julieta gasped in horror. “N-no…”

As her eyes drifted downward, Julieta saw the pool of blood slowly spreading on the ground beneath Mirabel. It was a shocking and horrifying sight, confirming her fear.

Why, oh why, did Mirabel have to sacrifice herself for the candle? Didn't she know that her life was worth so much more than the miracle?

Julieta was painfully aware of the fragility of the situation. There was no denying the dire reality she faced—no matter what measures she took, there was no way to save her daughter. At that moment, her heart shattered as she held Mirabel, knowing that this might be her final moments with her.

Mirabel's eyes remained wide and unblinking, fixed on the sky above, as if frozen in horror. “It hurts…” Her words came out in a tremulous whisper, barely audible over the sudden silence. “I…I didn’t s-save it…d-did I?”

Julieta knelt beside Mirabel, her tears now flowing freely as she clutched her injured daughter. The red stains spreading on her dress were the least of her concerns at that moment, her mind solely focused on her child. “O-Oh, mi vida, It doesn't matter. You didn't need to risk your life for it.”

Mirabel's gaze slowly shifted, her eyes now fixed on her mother's face. Confusion creased her features as she asked, “But...abuela?”

Julieta's voice trembled as she spoke to her daughter. She gently stroked Mirabel's hair as she tried to offer comfort, knowing their time was limited. “She doesn’t care. She’s more worried about you than the miracle. She’s so proud of you, you know? We all are so proud of you, M-Mirabel.”

“Oh,” As Mirabel struggled to speak, her voice weak and broken, she attempted a smile despite the blood that spilled from her lips, staining her teeth and mouth. “R-really?” She managed to utter, her face ghostly pale as she clung to her mother's words.

“Yes,” Julieta mustered a tremulous smile and whispered the words she knew Mirabel needed to hear. “Really. You’ve made us all so proud. We all love you.”

“Th-thank you, m-mamá,” Mirabel’s eyes welled up with tears. It surprised Julieta that Mirabel held back her tears for so long. “I-I love you all too.”

“I know you do, and we love you too. So, so much.”

Mirabel's attempt at laughter came out as a painful cough, more blood spilling from her lips. “You said that already.”

Julieta shook her head slightly, a tear falling onto Mirabel’s cheek. “You're right, I did,” She gently wiped away the blood trickling down Mirabel’s chin. “But I don’t mind saying it again. You deserve to hear it, over and over.”

Julieta noticed Mirabel's eyelids beginning to flutter, her eyes becoming unfocused as her strength slowly waned. She strained to hear her daughter's response, but it came out as an unintelligible murmur.

Mirabel's breathing had grown shallow, her lips tinged with blue. The pool of blood beneath her showed no signs of slowing down.

“No, no, no... mi vida, stay with me. Stay with me, mija, please.”

The world seemed to stand still as Mirabel closed her eyes, her face peaceful despite the agony she had endured.

“Mirabel? Mirabel, can you hear me?”Julieta desperately shook her daughter's shoulders, hoping for a response, a flicker of life. But there was none.

Her eyes welled up with fresh tears as the horrifying reality set in. ”No...No, no, no, no,” She sobbed, clutching Mirabel's limp body to her chest.

Chapter 220: Love Of A Blind Girl

Mirabel was at a loss as to how it all started.

The years had passed, and her vision had grown weaker and weaker with each passing day. The world around her had become a blur of amorphous shapes and indistinct outlines. Faces and details faded from her memory, becoming almost intangible.

She desperately tried to explain her predicament to her parents, her abuela, anyone who would listen. But time and time again, they dismissed her concerns, believing that her vision problems could be corrected with new glasses.

They concluded that she was merely seeking attention.

It baffled her how little they cared about her.

How little they thought of her.

Mirabel knew that the worsening of her condition was steadily progressing towards complete blindness. She could feel her vision slipping away, bit by bit, each day bringing her closer to a world of darkness.

Mirabel let out an unintentional grunt as she accidentally collided with someone. Her heart sank in her chest, hoping desperately it wouldn't be Abuela she had run into.

“Watch it!”

Her heart leapt with a mix of relief and dread, though relief somewhat outweighed the dread, when she heard Isabela's voice.

While it was better than running into their grandmother, it was still less than ideal compared to the other family members.

Despite the relief of not having bumped into Alma, the situation was far from ideal as the impact caused Mirabel's glasses to fall off.

“S-Sorry!” Mirabel apologized hastily, her heart racing as she desperately fumbled around on the ground, blindly trying to find her fallen glasses.

They may have been ineffective, but maintaining the illusion of normalcy was crucial.

The others would find it odd if she suddenly stopped wearing her glasses that she wore for so many years. Or would they even notice?

Isabela observed Mirabel silently, her eyebrows raised in surprise as the younger girl frantically searched around for her fallen glasses. A pang of guilt began to creep in as she watched her struggle. “Geez,” She began, her voice softer than usual. “You can’t…” Isabela stopped mid-sentence, her gaze shifting to the spot where Mirabel's glasses had dropped.

The glasses laid on the ground a few feet away, but oddly enough, they were in the opposite direction of where Mirabel was searching. It was as though Mirabel didn't even notice them lying there.

Isabela wrestled with her inner thoughts. Part of her longed to help, but another part urged her to wait. Her eyes were fixed on Mirabel as she continued to search for her glasses, oblivious to the fact that they were just a few feet away.

Taking advantage of Mirabel's unawareness, Isabela stealthily used her vines to pick up the glasses, gently lifting them off the ground without making a sound.

Isabela was stunned, her eyes widening in astonishment as she watched Mirabel remain completely oblivious to what she had just done.

What the hell?

The silence that enveloped them was deafening.

A moment of silence enveloped the area as Mirabel continued her futile search for her glasses. The lack of sound made her wonder if Isabela had quietly walked away, leaving her to struggle on her own.

“Damn,” She muttered under her breath, frustration building. ”It's so hard doing things like this.”

“You can’t see that bad?”

Isabela's voice suddenly cut through the silence, making Mirabel jump in surprise. She hadn't expected Isabela to stay and witness her embarrassing struggle. “Oh...yeah,” Mirabel answered awkwardly, plastering an uneasy smile on her face. “You know my eyesight has always been bad.”

The obvious truth was that her eyesight was far worse than just bad.

Mirabel's heart skipped a beat as Isabela's comment pierced the air.

“You’re not facing me.”

Mirabel froze, “I’m not?” She was certain she turned towards the direction of Isabela’s voice.

Isabela's frown deepened as she saw Mirabel staring in her general direction, but clearly not looking directly at her. “Mirabel, look at me.”

Mirabel fixed her gaze on Isabela, her eyes struggling to focus on the smudges of purple. She strained to make out Isabela's expression, but everything was just a blur. “I am,”

Isabela’s voice hardened, her patience running thin. “Stare at my face.”

Mirabel chuckled nervously, her laughter lacking its usual carefree tone. “You’re acting weird.”

Isabela's eyes narrowed, her suspicion growing. “You're acting strangely, Mirabel. It's as if you can't see me at all. What's going on with that?” Mirabel remained silent, still staring at the general direction of Isabela's voice, but her eyes were unfocused. “You're still not looking me in the eyes, or even my face.”

Mirabel's laughter died in her throat as Isabela pressed the issue further.

“I-I’m not…”

“You…”

“I-Isabela, I swear…”

“You can’t see, can you?”

Chapter 221: Madrigals’ Favorite

It was a well-known fact within the Encanto that Mirabel was the Madrigals’ favorite family member. Perhaps it was her age, as the youngest among them, or perhaps it was her undeniable cuteness and her infectious laughter.

Everyone adored Mirabel, and it was no surprise, considering her sweet and endearing nature. Her adorable smile and bubbly personality radiated warmth, making it impossible for the villagers to resist falling under her spell.

It was not an uncommon sight to witness Mirabel seated on Alma’s lap during a council meeting. If anyone dared to question her presence, she would argue that having her granddaughter nearby provided a sense of comfort and focus, making it easier to focus on the matters at hand.

While the others in the room might have harbored their doubts, Mirabel’s constant babbling and curious touch of various items didn’t seem to bother Alma in the slightest. In fact, the smile that played on Alma's face whenever Mirabel did something was rather telling.

Anytime Julieta was serving food to the townsfolk, it was not unusual to find Mirabel by her side. Mirabel seemed to enjoy assisting her mother, as if they were a team. Although there were moments when a particularly gruesome injury required attention, Mirabel would stay back, not quite ready for the more intense situations.

Still, the village couldn't help but notice how Mirabel seemed to mirror her mother's warm and nurturing nature, just like a mini Julieta.

As time went by, and Mirabel grew older, Agustín took it upon himself to teach his daughter how to play the accordion and other instruments.

He would sit with her for hours, patiently guiding her fingers across the keys and showing her how to produce beautiful music.

Pepa’s job at watering the fields was quite difficult when Mirabel was born. Mirabel's presence seemed to have a magical effect on Pepa's temper, as a rainbow would inevitably form whenever Mirabel was nearby. It made it difficult for Pepa to maintain a foul mood.

Among the Madrigal family, Félix's infectious enthusiasm for dancing was well-known. Everyone knew he was the go-to person for dancing. When it came to teaching little Mirabel how to dance, Félix was the one to step up to the challenge.

He patiently taught her the steps, twirling and spinning her around as he passed on his passion for dance to the young girl.

People couldn’t help but notice the positive impact Mirabel had on Bruno. They noticed he began to appear more frequently outside of Casita, and his confidence increased. Mirabel, being a straightforward child, would defend Bruno whenever anyone dared to utter a negative word against him.

The sight of Isabela and Mirabel strolling through town was a common one. As they walked, Isabela would often take the time to educate her younger sister about the various flowers they passed.

Sometimes, Isabela would even weave a crown of flowers, gently placing it on Mirabel's head.

When the people of the Encanto noticed that Mirabel and Luisa were suddenly missing, they knew exactly where to look. More often than not, the two girls could be found either at the local library or in Luisa’s room.

The secret behind this disappearance was a hidden amusement park, cleverly disguised behind a workout area in Luisa's room. It was a place where the two girls could unwind, play, and spend quality time together.

Dolores, with her gift of enhanced hearing, would often be found hovering around Mirabel, silently listening to her chatter. Mirabel, ever the talker, would fill the air with a stream of words, and Dolores would simply listen, providing a quiet presence.

Camilo and Mirabel were practically inseparable, like they were twins rather than cousins. They rarely saw one without the other, and when they were together, it often meant double the trouble. They were each other's partners-in-crime, constantly egging each other on to come up with the next daring prank.

The people of the Encanto often found themselves contemplating Mirabel’s future, particularly when it came to her partner.

The idea of some poor soul trying to court Mirabel was a recipe for a storm of overprotective Madrigals.

Chapter 222: Cherries

Summary:

In this AU the Madrigal family is filled with men, every single person except for the people who married into the family are men. So Felix and Augustin would be woman and Mirabel would be the only girl in the family.

Notes:

This story is from: https://archiveofourown.org/works/56729578/chapters/150522157#workskin

Their ideas are amazing. :)

Mirabel knew she was a stain, a blemish on an otherwise perfect family. After all, she was the one woman born into the Madrigal family and didn’t have a gift, and this fact haunted her relentlessly.

The males in the family, particularly Andre, treated her harshly, constantly reminding her of her lack of gift.

The only ones she could find comfort in was Luis and occasionally her uncle, Bruno, but only when he was in a good mood.

Mirabel felt trapped and alone, both within the walls of Casita and outside in the village. Her family's treatment of her had spread beyond Casita, tainting her reputation in the entire Encanto. The townspeople saw her as an outcast, a scapegoat for all their troubles.

As Mirabel grew older, the treatment from everyone else only got worse. One of them went as far as to sexually assault her when she was thirteen. Mirabel was terrified, but she knew she couldn’t tell her family. They would probably accuse her of seeking attention, so she kept quiet and endured the pain as she always did.

Mirabel retreated to the nearly empty nursery, her body trembling with silent sobs. She collapsed onto her bed, her shoulders shuddering with each stifled sob. Exhaustion eventually overtook her, and she fell into a deep sleep, her tear-streaked face finally finding a momentary reprieve in rest.

“What’s wrong with you?” Camilo looked down at Mirabel, a sneer on his face. “You look like you got run over by a cart. You really should take better care of yourself, you know. After all, as a woman, it's your job to look presentable and pretty all the time.”

Mirabel flinched at Camilo's mocking tone, his words cutting through her self-consciousness like a hot knife. “Oh, thanks for the reminder, Camilo.” She took a deep breath, struggling to keep her emotions in check. She knew if she said something back, her abuelo would automatically take Camilo’s side and she’ll be punished. “I’ll make sure to fix my appearance and be the pretty, presentable person you expect me to be.”

“Good,” Camilo smirked as he saw Mirabel's flinch, his words striking a nerve as he continued to tease her. “You look like a disaster. Maybe you should put more effort into looking more attractive. It’s what every woman should strive for.”

Mirabel gritted her teeth, swallowing the bitter bite she wanted to give in response. She hated how Camilo was able to get under her skin so easily.

“What the hell, Camilo?” Camilo’s smirk faded as Luis barged in, glaring at him. “If tía Félicia heard you say that, you'd be in the deepest trouble imaginable. Just because Mirabel's the only girl in the family doesn't give you a free pass to be so goddamn sexist and treat her like crap. She’s your cousin, for crying out loud.”

“It’s not sexism, it’s traditional values, Luis. That’s just how the world works. Plus, what’s the harm in telling a few jokes? If she can’t handle them, it’s her problem for being so sensitive, not mine.”

Luis couldn't believe what he was hearing. “That's a load of bullshit, Camilo,” He hissed, his voice thick with anger. “Telling jokes that put her down and make her feel shitty is not traditional values. It's just plain shitty behavior. And if she's sensitive, it's because she's been treated like cra—“

Mirabel knew Luis was trying to defend her, but deep down she also knew it was pointless. “Luis, please,” She said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Just drop it. It's not worth arguing with him. I’m used to it anyways.”

Luis's heart ached as he looked at Mirabel, her defeated expression breaking his heart. He wanted to continue fighting for her, but he could see in her eyes that it was a losing battle. “…Fine,”

“I’m just messing around.” With that, he turned and sauntered out of the nursery, leaving Mirabel and Luis alone.

“God, he's such a dick,” Luis muttered under his breath.

“Ah, yeah, it must be because I don’t have something between my legs.” Mirabel mustered a weak smile. “At least I have a brain.”

A flicker of a smirk appeared on Luis's face at Mirabel's quip. “Now there's the Mirabel I know,” He said, affectionately rustling her hair. “Seriously, don’t let his words get to you. If he bothers you, just come to me. Okay?”

“Alright…”

---

Mirabel's life hadn't changed much in the three years that passed. She was still the stain in the Madrigal family, still the scapegoat for their troubles.

The distance from them made her realize just how toxic they were. The family who was supposed to love and cherish her had given her nothing but hurt and pain.

The only time that she sees them is at breakfast or dinner. Andre, happy that Mirabel was no longer in his presence, failed to see the toll it was taking on her.

She knew that she was better off without them, and she found comfort in spending time with Luis and in the rare moments with Bruno.

Despite his pampered upbringing, Antonio was still her younger cousin, and she did her best to remain kind to him, even though he often followed in the footsteps of the rest of the family's spoiled treatment of her. So, she was barely on speaking terms with him.

Mirabel's quinceañera came and went without any acknowledgement from her family. They either didn't care or had simply forgotten. Mirabel didn't mind at all, considering her strained relationship with her family. She knew that Luis had attempted to spend more time with her, but their grandfather's watchful eye had prevented it. Mirabel was just glad that at least one person in her family seemed to care about her.

Despite being a minor, Mirabel had discovered twisted advantages of being an outcast.

Some of the townspeople had taken pity on her, even if secretly, and offered her cigarettes and alcohol.

She turned down the alcohol, which she knew could bring out the worst in people. However, she found herself unable to refuse the cigarettes.

Mirabel understood the unspoken rule that came with accepting their gifts. They would supply her with cigarettes as long as she didn't utter a word about it. She didn’t mind the arrangement, in fact, it suited her just fine.

It was a small price to pay for the brief moments of escape that the cigarettes provided her.

As if the already complicated life of Mirabel wasn't enough, fate decided to throw another curveball her way.

Suddenly, a magical door materialized to the left of Luis’s door, Mirabel’s name carved on top of it.

Mirabel had been quietly sewing in the mostly abandoned nursery when she was suddenly interrupted. Isador, with a stern expression, burst into the room, grasping Mirabel's arm and forcefully yanking her out of the room.

Confused, Mirabel was led towards the rest of the family. As she drew nearer, she could feel her family’s eyes on her.

“Looks like the miracle has finally deigned to give you a purpose.” Andre’s eyes, cold and calculating, took in her appearance like a piece of property rather than a family member.

At the hastily thrown party, the air was thick with tension and expectation.

Everybody waited with baited breath for the outcome of the door ceremony, each person secretly hoping that it would not be yet another disappointment. And then, when Mirabel finally touched the door, the image of her future self appeared in the frame of the door.

She was a bit older, surrounded by images of freshly baked pastries, baking tools, and shimmering specks of confectionery sugar, her hands stretched out as if offering something or holding onto something. Her face held a joyous, satisfied smile, her eyes closed in contentment.

As Mirabel stepped into her new room, her eyes widened in awe and wonder. It was a spacious and lavish space, filled with every comfort she could imagine. Her gaze lingered on the two doors that led to her expansive closet, the numerous pieces of furniture, and the massive bed.

On the opposite side of the room, a large door stood open, revealing a beautiful and fully equipped kitchen.

The kitchen that connected to her room was huge and inviting, just begging to be filled with her delicious baked creations. Her heart leapt with joy as she realized that her gift was related to baking, her favorite hobby. She couldn't wait to fill the kitchen with the sweet aroma of pastries, especially those topped with her favorite fruit—cherries.

The town rejoiced when they discovered that Mirabel's baked goods not only tasted heavenly but also had the ability to heal whomever ate them.

Word spread like wildfire throughout the Encanto about Mirabel's gift.

Not only did her baked goods have the power to heal, but in a shocking twist, she also had the ability to teleport. The Madrigals were taken aback, not expecting her to have not just one but two exceptional gifts.

The townspeople began speculating why Mirabel's door had faded the first time. Perhaps it was a sign that her gift was still in the process of maturing. The villagers didn't linger on the question much longer though.

They were simply happy to have another Madrigal to serve them, and this one had the power of healing and teleportation.

Following Mirabel's second gift ceremony, everyone in the town was practically fixated on her. Some, however, focused on her physical appearance, commenting on how she looked more grown-up and mature compared to her previous look.

Mirabel stood out from the rest of the Madrigals due to her choice of clothing color—a bold and vibrant red.

To complement her look, she sported cherry-red nail polish and matching lip lipstick that added a cute touch to her lips. Her long locks were styled up in an elegant updo, and everyone noted the beauty of her new, intricately designed outfits and sparkling jewelry. Complimenting her appearance was the fact that she emanated a strong, fruity cherry scent, and her clothes were adorned with charming cherry patterns.

Since her transformation, Mirabel couldn't help but chuckle as she noticed the sudden attention she was receiving from the male townspeople. What also amused her was how, all of a sudden, the Madrigals seemed to start taking notice of her, shooing away any potential suitors that dared to approach her.

Mirabel couldn't help but roll her eyes as Isador once again pulled her away from a group of admirers. “This is getting ridiculous,”

Isador shot a fierce glare at the boys who had been pursuing Mirabel and let out an irritated scoff. “What's ridiculous is all these boys trying to court you. You're only sixteen! They don't deserve your attention or affection.”

Mirabel pulled her hand free from Isador's grip, a scowl on her face. “You and the rest of the family never cared about me before. What's really ridiculous is the way you all are acting now, suddenly deciding to pay attention just because I have some fancy new powers.”

“You aren’t allowed near them.”

Isador and Mirabel were both startled by Andre’s voice.

“What do you mean?”

Andre's tone was firm as he replied, “Like Isador just said, you're still a young girl. You're naive, surrounded by boys who are ruled by their hormones. You don’t know what’s right or what’s wrong. I will not let you be manipulated or taken advantage of by them.”

Mirabel felt a bitter laugh rising within her at her abuelo’s words. It was ironic that he was suddenly pretending to care about her well-being now, when she had already been taken advantage of in the past.

“Fine,”

Who were they to suddenly decide to pay attention to her and try to dictate her life? She had been doing just fine on her own all these years, and she didn't need them interfering in her life now.

“It’s for your own good, Mirabel.” Diego was well aware of the men in the village who were motivated by their hormones. He had also read horrifying stories about the terrible things men did to women. With her being the sole woman in the family and possessing two gifts, Mirabel was naturally drawing a lot of attention, and Diego couldn't help but feel irritated by those who were attempting to flirt with his younger cousin. “We care about you.”

Julio nodded in agreement with his nephew. “Diego is right, Mirabel. There are plenty of men in this village who would only take advantage of you for their own gain.”

The rest of the Madrigals chimed in, nodding their heads in agreement with Andre’s words. It was clear that the whole family was united in their decision to keep Mirabel away from the men in town.

Mirabel found it absolutely ridiculous and knew it was an impossible task.

After the family’s decision to keep her from the men in town, Mirabel grew increasingly upset. She was frustrated by their assumption that she needed their protection and interference in her life. In their minds, they believed they were doing what was best for her, but to Mirabel, it felt like they were treating her like a fragile, helpless child.

It didn’t take long before she began to avoid them and did what’s best for her.

The family couldn't help but notice Mirabel's new mature, sometimes flirtatious, and at times, cold demeanor. They experienced pangs of jealousy whenever they saw her going on dates with a boy.

Mirabel had become more mature and assertive, speaking her mind and gone on dates. However, her dates were frequently interrupted by either Camilo or Isador, and sometimes the others for unknown reasons.

Mirabel tended to keep to herself more often than not, and this caused discomfort among the Madrigals.

The Madrigals found it difficult to come to terms with the way Mirabel acted.

Mirabel didn't let their struggle to accept her changes affect her. After all, she had experienced being ignored and overlooked by her family before, especially when she was younger and giftless.

She refused to let them bother her.

Chapter 223: Amarena Cherries

Notes:

Different version of last chapter!

Mirabel still has the gift of healing others through food. Her other gift is regeneration.

Mirabel's chest heaved as tears streamed down her cheeks, her clothing torn and disheveled. Mirabel felt a wave of nausea wash over her, her stomach churning with revulsion. She felt like she wanted to vomit, overwhelmed by a mix of shame and self-disgust.

Mirabel couldn't believe what had happened to her. She knew that the people of the Encanto weren’t the kindest, but she couldn’t believe that someone would actually rape her.

She was discarded in the alleyway, left to cry for more than ten minutes.

Why hadn't Diego intervened? Had he heard what was happening but chose to turn a blind eye to it all? She knew she was the most disliked Madrigal, but she didn’t expect him to stoop this low.

Mirabel shakily stood up, her body trembling as she hugged herself tightly. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of anger, frustration, and disappointment—at herself for what had happened and everyone else for not being there to help or to prevent it from happening in the first place.

She was well aware that her family wouldn't believe her if she told them what had happened. In fact, she suspected that her grandfather would only accuse her of attempting to terrify the residents of the Encanto, making false accusations, or making stories for attention.

Only thirteen years old, she had endured something that no child should ever have to experience.

Mirabel's mind raced as she thought about the horrors that had befallen her. She refused to let this happen again. She can’t be weak anymore. She had to become untouchable, unassailable. She must adopt the persona of the untouched lady, unspoiled by this cruel town.

Mirabel wiped away the tears from her cheeks, clenching her fists tightly. They had tried to break her, but she wouldn't let it succeed.

She would never be the victim again.

She had to become untouchable and unreachable, even to those who meant her harm.

Would it be weird to say if she didn’t feel safe in church anymore?

---

“I want to marry.”

Julio and Agusta exchanged stunned glances, their eyes widening with surprise.

“What?”

Andre's face lit up with a satisfied hum, a small smile gracing his lips. “Well, I certainly don't oppose the idea,” He mused. “Mirabel is at the age where marriage becomes quite a plausible option.”

Mirabel gritted her teeth, disguising her disgust at her abuelo's words. She knew deep down that this was the beginning of a whole new chapter in her life. If she didn't say anything, she feared her abuelo would arrange a marriage for her in as little as a year.

Mirabel had always known that, since she was a girl, her own fate would usually involve being handed over to a future husband. This knowledge gnawed at her, especially when she compared her situation to that of her brothers and cousins. They had the freedom to choose their partners, whereas she was resigned to the reality of having no say in the matter.

“Then…can I at least choose the person I want to marry?”

“I don’t see the problem with that.”

“Can I marry Mariano?” Mariano was close in age to Isodor and had a good reputation as a decent man. The fact that he was well off didn't hurt either.

Andre stroked his chin, contemplating the proposal. “Mariano, huh? We will have to ask him first.”

---

Mariano looked at Mirabel, his expression a mix of surprise and disbelief. “Well, I never would have guessed you had an interest in me, Mirabel.”

Mirabel's voice was steady as she put the question to Mariano, her gaze meeting his eyes directly. “That's what I want to know. Do you like me, Mariano?”

Mariano's expression softened, and he gave Mirabel an apologetic look. “I...I have to be honest, Mirabel. I'm sorry, Mirabel, but I don't share the same sentiments towards you. It's not that you're not lovely, It’s just that you're not exactly the type of person I envision myself with. I know many others would jump at the chance to be with a Madrigal, especially one as beautiful as you, but I just don't feel that connection.”

Mirabel couldn't help but exhale a sigh of relief, almost glad to hear Mariano's words. “Actually, that's great.”

Mariano looked slightly perplexed by Mirabel's response. “Did you just say...great?” He repeated, a hint of confusion in his tone. “Aren't you disappointed or upset that I don't feel the same way about you?”

“You see, one way or another, I knew I would end up marrying someone eventually. Fortunately, my abuelo allowed me to choose who that person would be. I'm aware of the different ways men can treat their wives, and I didn't want someone who loves me. Instead, I sought someone who is genuinely kind and treats me well. So, I'm not upset that you don't reciprocate my feelings.”

“Woah,” Mariano was taken aback, but also flattered. “And you chose me?”

“I'll have to admit, Mariano, that I also needed to consider other factors. I also needed a partner who was financially secure. You're also attractive, and have a good rapport with my family. Protection was another factor, and I knew you would be capable of, well, protecting me when necessary.”

After a moment of silence, Mariano spoke up, his tone serious but holding no offense. “I understand where you’re coming from, Mirabel. I view you as a younger sister and wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you. So…” He paused for a brief moment before continuing. “Yes, I will be your husband.”

“Thank you, Mariano.” Mirabel smiled warmly.

Mariano returned her smile, his expression equally sincere. “Of course, Mirabel,” Hereplied softly. “Even if it’s not a marriage made out of love, I trust that we'll have a good marriage. I’ve always wanted a little sister…not this way, but a little sister. I’ll always protect you and make sure you’re comfortable.”

“That’s all I could ask for.”

---

“They're marrying her off to Mariano...our best friend?! How did that happen?” Isador blurted out incredulously, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Diego nodded, “Indeed, they are. Surprisingly, Mirabel chose Mariano herself, which honestly caught me off guard. I was just as surprised when Mariano agreed to the proposal.”

It was evident that both Isador and Diego were uneasy with the thought of Mirabel marrying Mariano. The whole idea was foreign and unsettling to them.

“Excuse me? What?!”

Luis approached them, his eyes wide with disbelief and confusion.

“Did you just say that Mirabel is marrying Mariano? The same Mariano, who is the same age as you two? The same Mariano who's your best friend? The same Mariano who has known Mirabel since she was a child?!”

Isador confirmed, his voice tinged with bitterness. “That's right. Mariano Guzman. The others are already preparing for the wedding.”

Luis wanted to throttle Mariano for even looking at his little sister. “Why wasn't I informed about this earlier?”

“We only found out just now.” Diego chimed in, with Isador nodding in agreement. “Maybe they intended for it to be a surprise.”

“Well, I'm definitely surprised! Did Mirabel even give her consent?” Luis questioned. “If they're going through with this without her agreement, I won't hesitate to shield her, regardless of what abuelo say—“

Diego quickly cut in, “Actually, it was Mirabel's decision to choose Mariano as her husband.”

Luis was stunned, his jaw dropping in astonishment. “She...actually likes that himbo?“

“That’s what I’m saying…”

“Okay, but I’d rather Mirabel be married to Mariano than any of these other older men.”

“Well, I’d rather Mirabel marry the guy she actually likes.”

“…And that’s Mariano.”

Isador’s eyes twitched, “I’m going to chop his dick off.”

“I’m in agreement with that.”

“Guys, you can’t—“

---

The day of the wedding arrived, and Mirabel walked down the aisle, her gaze focused and her steps deliberate. She glanced at the townspeople with a neutral expression, the dress she was instructed to wear adding to her regal appearance.

She reached the end of the aisle, her eyes locking onto Mariano's. She walked up to stand in front of him, looking up at her soon-to-be husband. The ceremony began, and the priest began the traditional script about the sacredness of marriage.

As the priest continued speaking, Mirabel tuned out the words, her mind focused on the task at hand. What a fucked up town this was.

As the ceremony continued, Mariano repeated the priest's words, promising to love and cherish Mirabel throughout their marriage. Mirabel followed suit, her voice steady and clear.

As they exchanged rings, the priest declared them as husband and wife.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

As Mariano flipped the veil over Mirabel's head and gently placed his hand on her cheek, their gazes remained locked in a moment of discomfort.

“Do it,” Mirabel whispered softly, her lips barely moving.

Mariano leaned in closer and gently moved his thumb over Mirabel's lips, creating a subtle barrier between their mouths. To the rest of the guests, it appeared as if they had shared a kiss, but in reality, their lips barely touched.

As the crowd cheered and clapped, Mirabel and Mariano reluctantly pulled apart from each other.

With the applause from the guests ringing in their ears, Mirabel and Mariano stepped down from the altar, walking down the aisle together. They approached Andre and the rest of the Madrigals, who gave them a warm greeting and congratulations.

“Mariano, welcome to the family.”

“Thank you, abuelo Andre. I’m honored to become part of the family.”

Mirabel's ears picked up on the muttered words from the men in the crowd. They wished to marry her and become part of the Madrigals. They also mentioned they would have approached Andre if they knew she was going to be married so soon. Mirabel kept a neutral expression on her face, refusing to show any kind of emotion in front of others that could be perceived as a weakness.

Meanwhile, Mariano, sensing her discomfort, subtly reached for her hand and gently squeezed it, offering silent reassurance.

The Madrigals and others ushered Mirabel and Mariano along, reminding them to prepare for their honeymoon at Casita.

“Come now, come now. You two have a wonderful time together on your honeymoon.”

Mariano and Mirabel nodded, their expressions politely composed.

Both of them inwardly cringed at the implicit suggestion of intimacy. They understood the meaning behind Andre’s words, and the thought of spending an intimate moment with the other was not at all appealing to them.

“Yes…let’s go, wife.”

Honestly, Mirabel just wanted to smack Mariano after that.

---

As Mirabel and Mariano entered their newly created room together, Mirabel couldn't help but feel relieved that they had a space of their own. Although it lacked magic, it was still a significant upgrade from the nursery she had been confined to previously.

As they stood there together in their new room, Mariano found himself suddenly overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation. “Mirabel,” Hebegan, his voice betraying his panic. “I’m sorry, but…I’m not…I can’t—“

“I understand.” Mirabel reassured him with a gentle nod. “That’s something you don’t need to do. I’m not going to push you or myself that far. We can just relax.”

Mariano hesitated, fidgeting with the back of his neck nervously. “But...but they're expecting a child from you. They're expecting us to...to…you know.” He avoided using the specific words, but the insinuation was clear.

Mirabel suddenly blurted out, “I’m pregnant already.”
…

“Wh-what? You’re what?”

“When I was just thirteen years old, I was raped.” Mirabel began, Mariano staring at her in shock. “He had also came inside of me. I knew I was pregnant when I felt sick. That’s what pushed me to rush the marriage. I’m not sure what he wanted out of it…maybe a child. But I won’t let him get satisfaction. I’m pregnant, so we don’t need to have sex. We’ll give the Madrigals the child they want either way.”

Mariano's expression twisted into one of anger and disbelief. Without missing a beat, he clenched his fist tightly, his voice dripping with a mixture of anger and concern. “Mirabel, who did this to you?”

“I don’t know his name.”

“If he walked past you, would you be able to point him out?”

“Yes—“

“Then—“

“Please, Mariano, I beg you, don't tell anyone about what happened. It's too late to change anything now. If anyone finds out, they'll mistake me for a cheater. So…please…” Mirabel pleaded, her voice cracking as tears welled up in her eyes. “Don’t tell anyone. Promise me that.”

Mariano stood there, stunned, as he realized the harsh reality of the world they lived in.

He knew that men often took advantage of women, and society tended to blame women instead of holding the perpetrators accountable. The circumstances of women's clothing, time out, or behavior were often used as excuses to blame them for the assault rather than acknowledge the abuser's wrongdoing.

Of course, Mariano didn't condone or indulge in such violent behavior. In fact, he was disgusted by it.

He firmly believed that men who resorted to such actions were not real men at all, but rather cowards who lacked empathy and respect for women. But despite his personal views, he couldn't deny that society's attitudes often placed blame on women and portrayed men's actions as justified, when in reality, they were nothing but unjust and cruel.

It broke his heart to acknowledge that the place they called Encanto was no paradoxical haven, free from the dangers and prejudices of the outside world. In reality, it was a hell for women just as much as any other place outside its borders.

“I’m sorry…”

“Why? It’s not like you were the one that did it.”

---

After a day had passed, Camilo had found a moment to speak with Mirabel privately. His face was filled with concern as he chose his words carefully. “Was it...uncomfortable?”

Mirabel blinked, a hint of confusion lingering in her expression. “Excuse me?”

“Like, Mariano, did he do anything to make you uncomfortable?”

Mirabel stayed silent.

“So…he did—“

“Why does it matter to you?” Out of everyone besides Luis, Mariano treated her the best. Camilo certainly said worse than him. “And even if he did, he's my husband now, so please, don't try to play hero again.”

Camilo stared at her in surprise, his jaw dropping slightly. He hadn't expected her response, but deep down, he knew he had no right to pry into her situation.

“I’m just trying to look out for you!”

Mirabel's gaze hardened, and she stared at him with a glare. “I don't want to hear this nonsense coming from you.”

How dare he ask her that when he treats her like everyone else treats her? Like a speck under his alpargatas.

Despite her marriage to Mariano, Mirabel couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't entirely content with her life. Although he was a good man, she couldn't seem to find happiness in her life. She chose to remain with him nevertheless, as she knew it was better than being with anyone else.

Every step forward felt like a reminder that she wasn't truly untouchable, that her life wasn't entirely under her control, and that she was stuck in a life she didn't choose.

But that wouldn’t matter soon.

She was on the cusp of becoming untouchable, yet something still eluded her grasp.

She could wait a tad bit longer.

Luckily, she was well known for her patience.

---

As Mirabel found herself adjusting to new aspects of her life as a married woman, she made the crucial mistake of forgetting an important detail—sharing a room with her husband.

In her mind, she was still the Madrigal sister who stayed in the nursery, so the idea of sharing a private space with someone, let alone her husband, never crossed her mind.

She had nobody to blame but herself, really.

Mirabel winced in pain as Mariano grabbed her wrist, a sharp outcry escaping her lips. Surprisingly, he quickly released his grip, only to notice the blood stains on his hands.

“A-ah sorry—“

“Mirabel?”

“W-wait, Antonio, this isn’t—“ Before Mirabel could even begin to explain, the young boy's expression twisted into one of panic, and he swiftly turned around, sprinting out of the room, slamming the door behind him in his haste. “Crap,”

Mariano remained frozen in shock, unable to look away from Mirabel's bleeding wrist and the bloody knife.

“…You’re making me uncomfortable with your staring.”

…

A few minutes passed, and Mariano diligently wrapped Mirabel's arm in bandages, his expression revealing his discontent. The room remained silent as he worked, the only sound being the occasional sniffles from Mirabel and the creaks of the floorboards beneath their feet.

“…I’m not crazy.”

“What?” Mariano looked up at her, seeing the tears stream down her cheeks, and her bottom lip quivering. “Why would I think you’re crazy?”

“I…I know how people who harm themselves are treated. It’s especially worse for women. They think they're crazy and even go as far to hang them. Please, let me ask you once again, don’t tell anyone.”

Mariano felt a knot form in his chest as he listened to Mirabel's plea. “I don’t think you’re crazy, Mirabel. Never. In fact, I'm more worried about you than anything. If it’s not too invasive, why must you harm your beautiful skin? And I promise, I won’t tell anyone.”

“It helps me feel better.” Mirabel sighed, “At least for a moment. But then, hours later, I regret it. I can't undo it, so I can only accept it.” Mirabel admitted quietly. “I can't deny reality anymore. It helps me to face my emotions and feel something other than the sadness that constantly lingers inside me. It feels like I'm gaining control over my emotions.”

“Oh,”

Mirabel wanted to laugh at Mariano’s response and see his expression. He truly cares about her.

“I don’t—don’t do it because I hate my life or my body. It's not about punishing myself or wanting to die. Instead, I do it to find some relief from the stress and weight of life. It's a way for me to cope with everything, even though I know it's not the best choice.” Mirabel clarified, her voice still trembling yet steady.

Mariano winced. “I’m sorry…” Before Mirabel could open his mouth, he continued. “I’m not—I’m not used to these situations. I have never been in this position before. I want you to get better and help you but I don’t know how to without making a mistake. But…but is there an alternative to release your stress?”

Mirabel paused for a moment, considering his question. “I used to sew to release stress, but…”

“But?”

“I don’t see anymore. So, cutting myself is the only way I know how to realize stress now.”

“Why—why don’t you sew anymore?”

“Ah…well, they wanted me to stop. It felt like I lost my identity. They wanted me to focus on more traditional women's roles, and that added to the pressure and stress that led me back to my self-harm habits.” Mirabel smiled sadly, “It is…a good stress reliever and I genuinely enjoy sewing.”

“I can buy you a sewing machine.”

Mirabel stared at him in shock. “Wait, what?!”

“I’ll buy you a sewing machine.”

“You—you don’t need to!”

“I want to!”

“Mariano—“

“No!”

---

Mirabel couldn’t help but notice the Madrigals were acting strange.

Well, it wasn’t her problem.

“You’re pregnant.” Andre spoke firmly, his voice leaving no room for doubt.

“Yes, I am. Fortunately, it was a success after the first night.”

Andre's expression remained difficult to read, and his gaze briefly shifted toward the bandages beneath her long-sleeved blouse, before he once again fixed his gaze on her face. “Are you happy?”

Mirabel nodded. “Yes, I am happy with Mariano. I did everything I could do to please him. He’s a great husband.” He was more like an older brother to her, but that didn’t matter.

Andre shook his head lightly, his tone taking on a softer edge as he tried to clarify his question. “I didn't mean it like that, Mirabel. I want to know, deep down, are you truly happy with him? Not just on the surface, but truly, at your core. Is Mariano the one who can make your heart sing with joy?”

“Yes…I am.”

Andre continued to question her, his persistence apparent as he sought an answer to the question that Mirabel herself could not fully grasp.

“He…he was, ah, gentle with you, right?”

Mirabel felt a knot of unease form in her chest as Andre mentioned Mariano's treatment toward her. She could feel a slight heat creep up her cheeks. That was something that nobody wanted to hear from their grandfather. “Abuelo, I don’t feel comfortable answering that. I’m sorry.”

“Right…” Andre's expression became wistful, his voice tinged with nostalgia and regret. “Your grandma and I weren't always together. She was arranged to marry a man twice her age, but there was a secret relationship between us hidden behind the scenes. What people didn't know was that we were almost the same age. I was fourteen and your grandma was fifteen—one year older than me, to be exact. We met in secret and fell in love.”

Mirabel didn’t quite understand why he was telling her this. “…Yes?”

“We loved each other deeply, and we couldn't bear to be separated. I couldn't stand the thought of your grandma marrying someone else only to be hurt by them. So, one night, we decided to run away together. Of course, we had planned it beforehand, and it turned out to be an effective plan.”

“That’s, uh, nice.”

“What I’m asking is if you truly love Mariano and if he’s treating you right. I know he’s a family friend, but I know how most men treat their wives. Is he hurting you?”

Instinctively, Mirabel brought her arms behind her back. He knew how men treat their wives? Did it not matter how they treated her? When all of them besides Luis are worse than Mariano? “What makes you say that?”

“Antonio came to me yesterday, in tears, telling me that he saw Mariano hurting you, and there was blood. What is he talking about, and why are you wearing long sleeves nowadays? It's getting hotter out, but you're covered up. I want to know why.”

“I’m fine. It’s none of your concern either, abuelo.”

Andre stood there, shocked by her sudden departure. He watched as Mirabel walked away, not bothering to hear the end of his words. Her demeanor and the sneer on her face were not lost on him.

He couldn't help but worry about his granddaughter, and he was tempted to follow her.

But he didn’t.

A mix of frustration and betrayal coursed through Mirabel's veins as she walked away. She was furious, her chest tight with emotion. She couldn't fathom why Andre chose to remain silent whenever any townsfolk or family members hurt her.

But now, he dared to play the role of a concerned grandparent?

It felt like a mockery to her.

---

It didn’t take long for Mirabel to go into labor—or rather, early labor.

Maybe people whispered that maybe Mirabel and Mariano were already seeing each other before they got married or that perhaps Mirabel was having a premature baby.

As Mirabel's cries of pain filled the air, Camilo frowned and felt a knot of discomfort in his chest.

“Is this how it's supposed to happen?”

Agusta sighed, her expression betraying her sadness and worry. “It's more difficult for her because she's young.” She explained. “I had Isador when I was twenty-eight, but Mirabel being only fourteen increases the risk of her…” Agusta's voice trailed off the moment she uttered those words, struggling to finish her sentence. “Her…dying.”

“What?!”

The other Madrigals stared at her with shocked expression and Félicia looked somber.

Agusta continued, anxiously chewing her lips as she expressed her concern. “She's far too young.”

Bruno nodded in agreement with Agusta’s words. “Not just for Mirabel. Both her and the baby are in great danger.”

Isador grabbed Mariano by his collar, his voice filled with anger. “You bastard!” He shouted. “Couldn't you have waited a few years later?! She's only fourteen!”

“I-I—“ Mariano was at a loss for words. He had to admit that they shared a bed, but he never had intimate contact with her. As for romantic feelings, both of them knew there was none.

“Isador, calm down and control yourself.” Andre knew deep down that he was largely to blame for the rushed marriage that led to Mirabel's young pregnancy. He never expected it to result in this dangerous outcome. Now, the weight of this situation loomed over him, and he feared the consequences if anything happened to Mirabel.

All of them winced and flinched as they heard Mirabel's loud outburst, her voice filled with curses and vulgar language. None of them were safe from the barrage of words that erupted from her, leaving them all feeling uncomfortable and guilty.

Félicia quickly covered Antonio’s ears as Diego covered his own “Didn’t know she knew that many curse words.” She chuckled awkwardly.

Luis groaned into his hands. “I feel like I’m going to faint…and strangle Mariano.”

Mariano only sighed sadly.

He couldn’t let Mirabel become a widow.

---

Julio had decided to stay in the room with Mirabel and the doctor due to his own experiences and to ensure extra protection for Mirabel. He didn't trust the doctor to be alone with her, not after everything that had already happened.

“S-see, you’re almost there, Mirabel! I have a head!”

“You said that five minutes ago! You're just repeating it over and over again!”

Julio's brows furrowed in concern as he observed the extent of Mirabel's bleeding. He couldn't help but worry about her condition. In his mind, he had failed Mirabel by not voicing his concerns against the marriage. He couldn't help but feel frustrated with Mariano, who was responsible for Mirabel's young pregnancy.

If only someone had the gift of healing, Julio thought, perhaps they could have avoided this difficult situation.

Julio's worry only intensified as he observed the intensity of Mirabel's labor pain, watching her scream out repeatedly as more and more blood stained the bed sheets.

Any words of assurance and encouragement only seemed to frustrate Mirabel even more.

The whole situation was far from ideal, and Julio could only imagine the pain Mirabel was feeling.

“Almost there, young lady! You're doing well, but you have to push harder!” The doctor shouted, urging Mirabel to push harder.

Mirabel, her face contorted with agony and exhaustion, listened to the doctor's latest encouraging remark. She gritted her teeth as she strained to push harder, determined to bring this baby out.

She doesn’t ever want to have a baby.

This child wasn’t even born on her own will!

“Do you think I’m not?!” Mirabel yelled, her voice trembling with exertion. “Why don’t you lay down and give birth since you’re an expert, you smartass!”

Julio truly didn’t know where Mirabel learned that language from.

Mirabel continued to push hard for the baby to be born. She could feel the pain intensifying with each passing second, as her body struggled to bring the baby into the world.

The doctor, undeterred by her words, continued to urge her to push harder, trying to be patient and supportive despite the situation. “Don't give up, the baby is almost here. You're doing great, just hold on for a little longer!”

“I am pushing! I'm pushing so damn hard!”

“Just a little more…”

“The baby is starting to come out!”

With one final push of effort, Mirabel managed to expel the baby and finally give birth after hours of labor, sweat covering her body and tears streaming down her face.

The doctor immediately wrapped the newborn baby in a clean towel, making sure the baby was in a safe condition.

The baby cried loudly, its cries filling the air and bringing a sense of both joy and uncertainty on Mirabel's face.

The doctor and Julio let out a sigh of relief.

The doctor, exhaustion clear on his face, walked towards Mirabel holding the newborn. The doctor offered to hand the newborn to Mirabel, but she swiftly refused, shaking her head and avoiding direct eye contact.

He knew it wasn't uncommon for new mothers to refuse to hold their baby right after delivery.

Julio gently took the newborn from the doctor in his arms, holding it close and providing the much-needed warmth for the baby.

Mirabel was still conscious and continuing to let out moans of pain and heavy breaths.

The doctor frowned and furrowed his brows as he walked closer to Mirabel. He scrutinized her closely, picking up on a disturbing detail that made his expression more tense.

“You better not even think about touching my daughter in any wrong way, or I will kill you myself.” Julio warned firmly, his eyes piercing, making it clear that he would not hesitate to defend Mirabel if necessary.

“Papá…”

“You did it, mi vida. It’s a beautiful, baby boy…” Julio's expression changed from confusion to concern as he looked at Mirabel, who was still visibly in pain. He thought everything was over, but Mirabel's agony was still evident on her face, leaving him puzzled. “Mirabel, what’s wrong?”

Mirabel began stammering, her words almost unintelligible. “It’s not—it’s not—“

The doctor's expression remained grave as he spoke, his voice tinged with concern and urgency. “I'm sorry, but there is another baby. She hasn't fully completed the delivery process, and given the amount of blood she has lost from the first baby alone, the second delivery will be highly risky and incredibly dangerous for both her and the baby.””

Julio was rendered speechless by the doctor's revelation. It was already a high-risk situation for Mirabel to birth a baby at such a young age, but now, with another baby on the way, it potentially threatened her life. He stood there, feeling utterly helpless and filled with fear.

“Get this damn baby out of me!”

Both the doctor and Julio were jolted by Mirabel's sudden outburst, the force of her words resounding through the room.

But what truly caught their attention was the eerie sight of her glowing eyes.

The doctor turned to Julio, baffled. “A gift?”

“That…that shouldn’t be…possible.”

The doctor turned his attention back to Mirabel, trying to focus on the task at hand.“A-Alright…then, Mirabel…one more, just keep pushing.”

“T-tell me to push one more time…and I’m actually strangling you!”

“Right…sorry…”

To their surprise, the second delivery was much quicker and easier compared to the first baby. The doctor expertly guided the second baby as it was expelled, and within a short time, a second loud, healthy cry filled the room.

The doctor quickly wrapped the second baby in a clean blanket, gently placing it in a crib.

A girl.

Mirabel’s body went slack, and her breath became slow and shallow, indicating that she had fallen into a deep state of unconsciousness.

“She’s—“

“She’s alive, fortunately. She definitely does need stit…ches…huh?” The doctor blinked, surprised by what he was observing.

Julio pushed the doctor away firmly, “I don't want you looking at my daughter's private area so closely like that. It might give me the wrong idea and lead me to act rashly.” Julio said sternly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

But Julio's gasp filled the air as he turned his gaze to Mirabel, noticing something that seemed impossible.

Mirabel was inexplicably healed.

Despite all the blood, she was completely healed with no trace of giving birth to two babies.

Did Mirabel have a gift?

Notes:

Of course, there will be a part 2.

Chapter 224: Madrigals Stick Together

It started innocently enough with an occasional headache. But then the headaches grew more frequent and far more intense than before.

With each passing day, Mirabel's condition grew worse. Once sharp and quick-witted, she found herself struggling to recall even the simplest of details. Memories once vivid and clear became foggy and distant, as if they were encased in a cocoon of forgetfulness.

The world around her seemed to swirl and blur, a chaotic kaleidoscope of colors and shapes that no matter how hard she tried, refused to make sense.

She realized something very quickly, she was being consumed by a silent, insidious rot.

Her mother and abuela’s voices resonated in her ears, describing the ailment as a rotting brain disease that had begun to spread throughout the town. People found to be infected were executed, and those displaying symptoms were confined to a chamber for quarantine and examination.

As the disease progressed, Mirabel felt her sense of self slipping away. Her thoughts became erratic, her actions increasingly irrational and unpredictable.

Mirabel knew she had to inform someone about her condition, before the disease consumed her completely. She would rather be killed than harm her family.

“M-mamá!” The words escaped Mirabel's mouth, slurred and almost unintelligible, as blood dripped from her chin, mixing with the blood that seeped from the wounds on her arm caused by her nails digging into her skin.

It didn’t take long for her mother to rush in.

Julieta's eyes widened in shock and distress as she caught sight of Mirabel, recognizing the signs of the horrific disease that had been spreading through the town. “This isn’t right…” Yet Julieta did not recoil or flee as Mirabel expected. Instead, she defied her expectations by moving closer to Mirabel. “You shouldn’t be infected.”

Mirabel's teeth bared, and a growl escaped her lips. Despite the raging, aggressive instincts that surged within her, the remaining remnants of rationality, a mere thread of restraint, held her back from attacking her mother. “I-I’m scared…”

“I know, I know you are scared, mija.” Julieta said, her voice a soft murmur. “It’s okay, it’ll be okay. I’m here for you, and we’ll get through this together.” Even as Mirabel collapsed to the ground, her words blurring into an unintelligible language, and succumbing to the disease's relentless advance. Julieta drew closer, their hands still woven together. “Don’t worry…we all will be with you the entire time. Always.”

Alma walked into the room and froze as her eyes fell upon the harrowing sight of her granddaughter. The room fell silent for a moment as Alma whispered, “Mirabel?” The sight of Mirabel's crimson eyes and visible purple veins left no room for doubt. “Julieta…how?”

As Julieta cradled Mirabel's pale cheek, a trail of drool and blood flowed from Mirabel's mouth. Her eyes, once full of life, transformed into a vacant, glassy gaze, a heartbreaking sign of the disease that had taken hold.

The truth was undeniable. Mirabel Madrigal, their beloved and cherished family member, was officially infected with the dreaded brain rot illness.

“Julieta…”

As Mirabel, consumed by the disease, desperately tried to bite her, Julieta remained resolute, defiant, and fiercely protective. Ignoring the pain and the relentless attempts of the infected girl, she pulled Mirabel closer to her chest, holding her with all the love and loyalty that a mother could muster.

She couldn't help but wonder if Mirabel was the unfortunate victim of this illness solely because of her lack of a gift. After all, she and the other Madrigals were immune to the disease.

“I can't give up on you, not now. You're a Madrigal, my daughter. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. No one, no matter their words or intentions, will be able to touch or harm you.” Julieta sent a stern glare directed towards Alma, daring her to even consider taking Mirabel away.

“No, no, I wasn't going to let others harm Mirabel. She is and always will be part of our family. Family sticks together, especially in hard times like these.” Alma sighed heavily, her voice tinged with concern. “I'm more concerned about how others will react. Especially Antonio, he's just a little boy. It pains me to think about what this will mean for all of us…”

“I know…”

---

The Madrigals tried to adapt to the new reality they were faced with, dealing with the harsh fact that Mirabel transformed into a mindless shell of herself.

Many may view their actions as insane but the Madrigals didn't care about others' opinions.

In their hearts, Mirabel was still the girl they cherished and loved dearly. No longer would they abandon her or leave her forsaken. They will go against any who dared to pose a threat to their beloved, infected, yet dear Mirabel.

As Mirabel sat on the floor, messily devouring raw meat, Antonio innocently sat next to her, babbling and chattering as if Mirabel was actively listening and engaging in their exchange.

Julieta could not bear the thought of allowing her own daughter to starve or suffer. So, she fed Mirabel raw meat, ensuring that her appearance and condition never deteriorated further.

Although there were moments when Mirabel exhibited aggression and violent behavior, there were also times when she became relatively calm and seemingly tranquil. During these periods, she would endlessly wander around Casita, bumping into various objects and occasionally getting herself stuck in corners. 

The Madrigals found a way to create a temporary illusion of normalcy, finding comfort in the brief moments when they could feel like a normal family, even though the reality was far from it.

During dinner, if Julieta mixed raw meat into the food, Mirabel would sit down and eat.

They engaged in lively conversations, pretending that Mirabel was actively participating and responding to their questions and stories.

The messy meals and seemingly one-sided conversations were a small price to pay for the comforting illusion of their past, unmarred by this insidious disease.

Without a doubt, if the truth of their situation were revealed to others, many would label them as losing their minds and deluding themselves.

They didn’t care one bit.

Bruno had been tirelessly seeking any possibilities that could bring an end to Mirabel's infection or the discovery of a potential cure. Despite the disheartening lack of success so far, the good news was that his vision showed reassuring signs, signaling that Mirabel would indeed remain with them and no harm or danger would befall her.

Occasionally, the Madrigals heard Mirabel utter incoherent words that they could understand, such as their names or familiar phrases they could recognize.

The Madrigals had wondered if it was possible for Mirabel to reacquire her humanity again.

As time went on, the Madrigals observed a behavioral change in Mirabel. After several months, she appeared to have grasped the concept that biting them was unnecessary, as they consistently fed her meat, and no harm or punishment followed.

The bitter reality was that Mirabel had become, in a sickening way, like a pet rather.

The hallucinations, violent tendencies, and aggressive attempts of biting seemed to slowly disappear, and instead, a childlike curiosity began to surface.

Despite common assumptions that the infected were devoid of intelligence, they couldn't help but acknowledge that Mirabel stood out as an exception.

Mirabel was not like the others who were infected, and it filled them with a glimmer of hope.

They will never give up on her.

The town folk couldn't help but notice the unusual behavior of the Madrigals.

It was initially assumed that the Madrigals were simply taking precautions and avoiding contact with the infected. However, as they eventually reappeared but never with Mirabel in tow, the town's rumors began to escalate. People grew convinced that Mirabel must be infected and that perhaps the Madrigals had either killed her or were secretly hiding her somewhere.

As the Madrigals continued with their peculiar behavior, rumors of their sanity becoming questionable spread like wildfire through the town.

Yet nobody knew the truth.

It was not just a phrase when one says, what happens within Casita stays within Casita.

Alma, wielding her authority firmly, made it abundantly clear that she would exploit it ruthlessly to ensure their secrets remain concealed. She would make sure that nobody would cross the line when it came to them.

At the same time, the others would not hesitate to defend Mirabel, using their gifts if necessary, to make sure she stayed safe.

After all, the Madrigals stick together no matter what.

Chapter 225: The Greater Good — Part 2

The thought of being unable to sleep, whether due to Bruno’s usual habit of staying awake or the guilt from what he had done, only increased his anxiousness and restlessness.

Bruno knew it was useless to try and sleep. With a heavy heart, he made his way towards the kitchen. He knew it wouldn't be long before her body was discovered.

The silence in the kitchen was deafening.

Bruno's eyes shifted down to his bloodied poncho, the evidence of his terrible act staring back at him. His body shuddered involuntarily, his hands shaking as the reality of what he had done sunk in.

He actually did it.

He killed his niece, his sister’s youngest daughter.

The tears that had welled up in Bruno's eyes began to stream down his face. As he raised his trembling hand to wipe them away, his stomach churned.

Blood also stained his hands.

“Oh, god...No...no, no, no…”

Bruno felt a cold sweat trickle down his spine as he heard a door from upstairs creak open. He tensed up, feeling as if Casita itself had revealed his secret, calling whoever was coming down to find him.

How would they react?

They would be proud of him for doing such a selfless act, wouldn’t they? He didn’t dirty his hands for nothing. They wouldn’t call him Bad Luck Bruno anymore, would they?

Julieta's piercing scream pierced the air, instantly recognizing it as his sister's voice. It was a heart-wrenching cry filled with despair and pain.

“Mirabel!” Julieta's anguished wails echoed through the kitchen, her voice filled with an agonizing combination of grief, anger and desperation. “B-Bruno, what h-have you done to my daughter?! Oh my god, my baby!”

Each word fell like a hammer to his heart, amplifying his guilt and shame. The sound of his name on her lips was a dagger through his chest and he felt his breath hitch, frozen in place.

“Bruno, where the fuck are you?!”

With his body trembling with each strained breath, Bruno forced himself to move. He lifted his leaden feet one at a time, ascending the stairs with aching slowness and trepidation.

The steps felt like the longest he had ever taken, every creak of the floorboards feeling like it was echoing in his ears, mocking his guilt.

His body felt heavy like concrete until he reached the nursery.

As Bruno neared the nursery, the sound of Julieta's shattered, broken voice filled the air.

“Please...please, please, wake up, m-mija…w-wake up...p-please.”

Bruno's stomach twisted into a knot, his heart felt like it was being crushed.

“Julieta, I—“

Julieta's tear-streaked face snapped up as she heard his voice, her eyes locking onto him. She saw him and her gaze was filled with a cold, intense hatred that went beyond anger.

“Did you do this, Bruno?”

Bruno’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Julieta…”

“Did you do this? Yes or no?!”

Julieta’s body was splattered with the stark red of Mirabel's blood, her blouse and skirt tainted with the cruel evidence of what had been done.

Bruno's voice was stuck in his throat, his heart pounding wildly in his chest.

He could only give a small, almost imperceptible nod. His gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet the fire in Julieta's eyes.

Julieta's eyes widened in horror, and for a moment, her lip trembled. “I-I trusted you!” She clung to Mirabel's lifeless body, her words a broken cry. “How could y-you?! Bruno!”

Bruno stood there as her words hit him like a punch to the gut, leaving him feeling small and ashamed. “She…she was going to destroy the miracle.”

“What the h-hell is wrong with you?!” Julieta's chest felt like it was being torn apart, her face scrunched in agony. She just wanted to wake up from this terrible nightmare. “Y-you had no right to take my daughter away from me! You had no right to kill her and decide her fate! Mirabel didn't deserve this! I thought you knew this too! You're supposed to be family! We're supposed to protect each other!”

Bruno could feel his world crumble around him. “Julieta…”

“Bruno, you bastard! Don’t fucking touch me!”

Bruno tried to explain himself, his words a weak attempt to justify his actions. “I'm sorry. I thought—“

“Sorry?” Julieta's laughter was bitter and full of raw emotion, her tears streaming down her cheeks. “Sorry for what? Sorry that I'm holding my dead daughter's body? Sorry that you killed her? Sorry isn't going to fix anything!” Her words filled with raw, painful truth.

Tears welled up in Bruno’s eyes. “J…Julieta, she—she was going to harm the m-miracle! You know h-how…important it is to mamá, right!?” He choked out. “I did everyone a favor! No more danger!”

“A favor?! You call killing a five-year-old doing everyone a favor?” Julieta screamed, her voice dripping with outrage and disgust. “How can you stand in front of me and say that?! How could you look at me with such an expression knowing the horrific crime you've committed? How could you do this to me? To my daughter! To your family? You're the monster! You're the dangerous one here!”

“I'm...I'm sorry…I...I was scared...I…” Bruno could barely force out a coherent response, his eyes wide in shock and pain.

“I don’t want your empty apologies! I want my daughter back!”

“Julieta, why are you yelling? Bruno, what happened?”

Bruno's heart stopped for a moment, his whole being froze. He whipped his head around, seeing Alma stand in the door frame, her gaze scanning the scene before her.

“M-m-mamá—“

Horror ran through Alma’s veins, her eyes widening. “What?” She whispered, her voice hardly more than a faint gasp her eyes fell upon the unsettling scene.

“Mamá, I-I…”

Alma's eyes stayed fixed on the tragic scene, the sight of her grandchild's body and the guilt-ridden face of her son.

Then abruptly she snapped back to reality, the shock giving way to a mix of fury and sorrow, her voice cracking with emotion. “Bruno, what have you done?”

Bruno could barely breathe, his voice no more than a whispered plea. “I was...I was just...protecting the miracle.”

“Protecting the miracle?” Alma let out a shaky breath. “You can't protect the miracle by killing Mirabel! She's my granddaughter! How could you do that to your niece? To your own sister? That is not protecting the miracle!”

“Leave. Now. Take your shit and just leave!” Julieta screamed, her voice cracked, her arms wrapped tightly around Mirabel's body. “If you don’t leave, I swear I’m going to kill you myself! You're not my brother!”

Desperately, Bruno looked at Alma.

But Alma couldn't meet his gaze, her eyes turned away from him.

“Bruno, it's best if you just leave. Leave the Encanto and never come back.” Alma said, her voice quiet but filled with a tone of finality. “This is something unforgivable, and I won't stop them if something happens to you. This is me being lenient because...you're my...son."

“Lenient?!” Julieta’s voice rang out, full of disbelief. “He killed Mirabel! My daughter! He does not deserve your leniency! If it was up to me, I’d make him feel the s-same pain Mirabel felt! I-I hate you! I h-hate you so much!”

“Hermana…”

“Do not call me that! You’re not my brother!”

“Bruno…just go.”

In his pursuit of altering fate and securing a favorable outcome for himself, Bruno had committed a grave error, rushing the future and sealing the fate of a child.

He thought that he was protecting the miracle by sacrificing one person's future, but in doing so, doomed his niece, his family, and himself.

He had shattered the lives of countless others who loved Mirabel.

“O-oh my god…Mirabel…my baby…what am I going to d-do? What a-about her sisters? H-he ruined…everything.”

The consequences of his actions were more devastating than he'd ever imagined.

And now, staring at the tragic and hate-filled expressions of Julieta, he was painfully aware of the depth of the betrayal he'd committed.

He knew deep within that he truly deserved the hatred and bitterness directed towards him.

Chapter 226: Burden Of Magic — Part 3

Dolores still didn’t understand why the miracle was still alive.

The idea that it could be because Alma was still alive crossed her mind, an insidious possibility creeping in. Maybe the miracle remained alive because the old candle holder had yet to be dealt with. She needed to kill Alma to erase the miracle's existence.

Dolores' eyes fixated on her unconscious abuela. She was weak, frail, and on her deathbed, her hair a stark white, her body so feeble that she needed a wheelchair to move.

They couldn’t blame her for finishing off the job, right?

Dolores delicately placed her hands around Alma's neck.

Yes, her actions were justified. She was doing this for the sake of everyone, the greater good.

Dolores' eyes never left Alma's face, the color draining as she remained unconscious, unaware of the threat that loomed over her.

Surely, they would never suspect her.

Dolores let out a sharp yelp as she was unexpectedly yanked away, the sight of the vines the cause of her abrupt movement.

She found her back colliding with the wall behind her, the tendrils of Isabela's vines firmly holding her there, leaving her restrained and immobilized.

“Isabela!”

Isabela, her expression one of disgust, used her vines to yank Dolores out of the room, forcefully pulling her away from Alma's unconscious form.

“You’re really despicable!”

The vines slithered upwards, coiling around Dolores' neck, their touch delicate yet firm, a silent threat that tightened in their hold.

“…Isabela, s-stop!”

“What the hell is wrong with you, Dolores?!”

Dolores fought against the vines restraining her, desperately trying to lunge back in Alma’s room. “She’s already on her deathbed! Just let me finish her off!”

The vines that wound around Dolores' neck grew more taut, forcing her to let out a small gasp.

“You’re insane! Absolutely insane, Dolores.” Isabela seethed, her voice almost a hiss. “You killed my baby sister! You killed your own youngest cousin and your uncle! Now you’re trying to kill your own grandmother?! You deserve to rot in hell!”

“T-they deserved it!” Dolores spoke through gritted teeth, struggling to breathe as she fought against the tightening vines wrapped around her neck. “T-the miracle needed…needed to be gone!”

Isabela delivered a swift strike with a vine, piercing right through Dolores' hand, causing her to gasp in pain. The sound of the vine slicing through flesh filled the air as Dolores' lips trembled, biting her lip. “You need to be gone! You don’t even feel any remorse!”

“Of course I d-do! Do you think I wanted to kill them?!” Dolores shouted out, ignoring the blood that dripped from her ears and the blood that was forming beneath her palm. “I just don't understand why they brought back the miracle! All of us were suffering! It was the only way! I regret killing them, but I don't regret the miracle falling! Which it needs to do!”

“That,” Isabela said through gritted teeth, her voice low but sharp as a knife, “Is the biggest load of bullshit I've ever heard.”

“You have no right to judge me!”

“You're not only insane, but you're a monster, Dolores! You’re a killer! You don’t get the right to choose who lives and who doesn’t! You’re not a goddess! I’ll judge you however the fuck I want!”

Dolores tried to speak through the vines, but her voice was strangled, the vines digging into her neck like a vise. The pressure added by Isabela's vines was suffocating.

With a bitter, choked voice, she managed to get out a few broken words, desperation and pain evident in her expression. “N-Not...a...monster,” She gasped out through the tightness around her neck. “J-Just...trying...to...do...what's...s-right…”

“Not a monster? Trying to do what’s right?” Isabela's eyes narrowed, her expression hard as stone. The vines tightened more, suffocating Dolores further, tightening until a few drops of blood trickled down Dolores' neck. “You’re just proving my points. You’re wrong. You’re so damn wrong.”

“Isabela!”

The lightning strike narrowly missed Isabela, the close call causing her to whirl around. She was met with the horrified gazes of Pepa and the others.

“What are you doing?!” Mariano almost yelled, but held himself back. “She's pregnant, Isabela!”

Pepa's eyes bore into Isabela, her expression seething with anger. “You better have a damn good explanation for why you're hurting my daughter, Isabela.”

The vines around Dolores' neck vanished, offering her the chance to breathe more freely. But Isabela maintained her hold, ensuring that Dolores remained restrained.

Dolores kept her eyes fixed on the ground, her body trembling and breathing strained.

“Dolores, hermana…” Camilo looked at the trail of blood on her neck, ears, and hand, a painful sight even as Isabela still kept Dolores restrained. “Isabela, what the fuck?!”

“Dolores…” Félix's concern was etched into the very wrinkles of his face. “Isabela, release her,”

“No.” Isabela hissed out, her eyes remaining on Dolores. “Dolores, tell them what you did! Tell them what got you into this situation!”

All eyes turned to Dolores, their gazes filled with confusion and worry.

Dolores met Isabela's gaze with a fierce, defiant glare. “She's mad…because of the d-death of our family members,”

“Isabela!” Luisa exclaimed, her eyes fixed on Isabela. “Look, we're all hurting over their deaths...but you can't take it out on Dolores! She's injured, she's bleeding. Not to mention that she’s pregnant!”

“She’s such a damn liar!” Isabela snapped, her outburst catching the others off guard. the vines around Dolores tightened once more, increasing the level of discomfort and pain. “Yes, I’m mad because of their deaths! Tell them what you really did!”

“Isabela, mi vida…what are you talking about?” Agustín stepped in, his voice filled with worry. “Let’s all just calm down and take a deep breath. What happened?”

“Isabela…”

Dolores let out a chilling, maniacal laugh. “Fine! You want them to know the truth?! I killed them! I killed both Mirabel and Bruno! I strangled Mirabel and slit Bruno’s throat! Happy now?!”

The room plummeted into stunned silence at Dolores' confession.

Their expressions ranged from shock and grief to disbelief and horror.

Tears welled up in Luisa’s eyes, while Pepa's jaw went slack, her eyes glistening with tears. Félix stared at Dolores with a mixture of shock and despair, her eyes widening in disbelief. Agustin let out a horrified gasp, the color draining from his face.

Mariano was the first to break the silence, her voice nothing more than a horrified whisper. “…Are you serious?”

“Of course I’m serious,” Dolores' expression held a frightening, manic glee. “I had to get rid of them, for the sake of our children, Mariano! I couldn't let them become cursed like the rest of us! Mirabel and the miracle are one, and I had to get rid of her! I didn’t want to kill Bruno, but he had to interfere with my plans! They both met their tragic ends because of me!”

“Dolores...how could you?” Luisa whispered, the words barely escaping her trembling lips.

“Oh my god…” Félix and Pepa struggled to comprehend that their own daughter could commit such a grave act. They didn’t understand how she could say such a thing as if it was normal.

Agustín let out a heart-wrenching cry, the words choking in his throat. “Y-You killed my baby?”

Camilo’s voice trembled with horror as his hand flew to his mouth. “Ay Dios mío,”

“You’re so lucky you’re pregnant, Dolores. So very lucky.” Isabela reiterated, her blurry eyes full of unshed tears. “God…I would’ve made you feel the same pain they felt if you weren’t!”

Dolores' tears streamed down her face as she sneered. “It had to be done…the miracle needed to be gone!” Her words were desperate, almost a plea to be understood.

Mariano stood frozen in shock, his gaze fixed on Dolores. The woman he saw wasn't the one he married. Her words had shattered the image of the woman he loved, leaving him numb and pale with disbelief.

Luisa stood with her fists trembling at her sides, her eyes a raging storm of betrayal and simmering with a barely contained rage. “So you kill your own family members? My sister? Your uncle?”

Dolores' expression hardened, her eyes gleaming like dark daggers even as tears streamed down her face. “Yes,”

“You really don’t care.” Isabela fumed, the vines squeezing tighter around Dolores, careful to avoid her pregnant form. “You've lost your mind! Not to mention that you killed Mirabel with your little brother! Then you even threatened him! Now you’re trying to kill abuela! You're such a damn idiot if you think killing them will get rid of the miracle, Dolores!”

Dolores trembled, now refusing to meet anyone’s eyes. “No…no…I didn’t kill them for nothing,”

“You don't deserve forgiveness. And the miracle will stand, no matter what! It will live on, just as it always has.”

Chapter 227: The Gift Of Hera — Part 2

Notes:

I really need to write Mirabel having a gift more.

“Who was it?”

Isabela laughed nervously, staring at Mirabel with an incredulous expression. “I-I have no idea what you’re talking about. Who was what?”

Mirabel paused for a moment, simply staring at her.

“Mirabel?”

“You do know how my gift works, right?”

Isabela tilted her head slightly. She didn’t understand why Mirabel was acting like this. “Uh…you can bless people and see who has been unfaithful. All you need to do is have contact with them.”

“Yes, that’s true. But there’s also more to my gift that I don’t really talk about and others are unaware about. There’s a part of my gift that only mamá, the council, and the victims know about.” Mirabel’s lips pressed into a thin line as Isabela fidgeted nervously. “You see…when I touched you Isabela, I felt a sudden tug of my heart.”

Isabela’s eyes went wide. “W-what? I haven’t been unfaithful to Mariano!” Hopefully, thoughts about certain women didn’t count as being unfaithful. That was something that everyone thought about at least once! That would’ve meant that everyone was unfaithful. “U-unless…” Did it still count of infidelity even if she was unwilling?

“I know you haven’t. You’re not the kind of person to do that either, Isa.” The gentle flow of golden tears streamed down Mirabel's cheeks, her eyes fluttering shut. “It’s truly disheartening to see my own sister taken advantage of by the men of this town.”

Isabela began sputtering, her face going pale. “Y-you—“

“Along with seeing who has committed infidelity and blessing people, I can also see those who have experienced assaults, both consensual and non-consensual. I strive to safeguard every woman in this town, knowing the horrors that occur behind closed doors. Willingly or not.”

“You…you k-know?”

“A lot.” Mirabel opened her eyes, the glowing tears trickled down her face, and her luminous eyes shone with anger. “But someone dared to harm you, my own sister?”

Isabela finally allowed herself to break down, the tears that had been held back for so long now flowing freely. “I-I usually ignored the suggestive comments! I couldn’t lash out because I was perfect—perfect Isabela! Nobody tried to t-touch me, but those disgusting l-lustful eyes never went away!”

“Oh, Isa…”

She’ll make sure those creeps pay for what they did.

“He just—just groped me and I feel so disgusted with myself and him. My body froze and I forced myself to smile, even though I felt sick to my stomach! He took advantage of m-my smile, probably a-assuming that I liked it. I didn’t! I swear! H-he would’ve gone further if we hadn’t been in public! I can’t go through that a-again…I wouldn’t know what to do!”

“It's not your fault. You have to forgive yourself for freezing up. When somebody does something so unwelcome, it's natural to be stunned. It's not your fault,” Mirabel gently clutched her rosary, her hands carefully holding the necklace close to her chest, the cross dangling gently from her grip. “You don't deserve that kind of treatment. He's the one who's wrong, not you. You won't have to endure it again. You're safe now.”

Isabela continued to cry, her tears falling like raindrops, her body trembling as she let out her heartbreaking sobs.

Mirabel gently pressed their foreheads together. “My darling sister, let me bestow my blessings,” With a gentle touch, she held Isabela's hands tenderly, her fingers intertwining with her sister's. “I’d rather do this with your permission, of course. Whoever did this to you will regret laying their fingers on you and daring to look in your direction. I will ensure they will never do this again. I will make them suffer while you’ll bloom. I’ll deal with it all. You don’t have to say anything. Just nod if you agree.”

Despite the waves of guilt and shame washing over her, Isabela found the strength to nod slightly.

She knows she shouldn’t be so weak.

As the eldest sister, she felt a weight on her shoulders, convinced that she should handle her problems without burdening her youngest sister.

But in this moment, she trusted Mirabel' wisdom, and she allowed herself to lean on her support.

“Yes,” She finally whispered.

As Mirabel's words remained unclear, a soft murmur escaping her lips, a radiant glow illuminated their eyes.

The words were a soft, melodic murmur, the meaning hidden in the air.

Isabela couldn't quite distinguish the words, their meaning hidden in the mysterious language, but their purpose was clear—an earnest appeal for mercy, justice, and protection, with her sister’s well-being at the center.

Isabela’s trembling body relaxed, her breathing steadied, and a faint calmness overcame her.

She felt herself growing faint, the world before her beginning to blur slightly as if she were drifting into the realms of unconsciousness.

“I'll bestow a curse upon him, mi hermana. After all, a blessing cannot exist without its counterpart—a curse.” Mirabel paused for a moment, letting the words sink in. “I'll make sure he faces a fate tenfold worse than what he did to you.”

Isabela had no idea that Mirabel possessed the ability to cast curses. She’s sure that others didn’t either.

She had never witnessed her youngest sister perform such acts, always associating her with blessings and acts of kindness.

Isabela found herself wondering about the limits of Mirabel's gift, and how little they all knew about the extent of it.

“How about you have a nice rest then, Isa? Doesn’t that sound relaxing?”

Mirabel's words, though growing fainter, reached her ears like a gentle whisper in the wind.

Through the fog of her impending slumber, Isabela understood that Mirabel suggested she rest. Her body and mind longed for deep sleep, the promise of rest a sweet enticement as her eyes fluttered shut.

Dolores stepped in, managing to catch Isabela before she fully slumped over. “You really need to stop doing that so suddenly,”

“Hmm?”

“Though, given the current circumstances, I suppose it's necessary.”

Mirabel's smile dimmed. “That means you’ve heard everything, right?”

Dolores held Isabela with a sigh. “I was attempting not to listen in, but I couldn't help it. I was thinking of making my way towards Isabela anyways because her heart was beating suspiciously fast. But I'll handle Isabela and return her to her room. You take care of the creep, alright? Whoever it was, make sure he doesn't live peacefully.”

“It is my job to protect this family.”

Dolores said nothing, only looking frustrated on Isabela’s behalf.

“I’ll see you later,”

“Don’t do anything you can’t handle.”

Mirabel couldn’t help but chuckle. “There’s nothing to worry about when it comes to the people of this town. Well, for me, anyway.”

“It doesn’t hurt to worry.”

“If you’re so worried…can you locate someone for me?”

“I would have never said no.”

---

Mirabel knew exactly what she was looking for. Armed with Dolores' assistance, the hunt had become a walk in the park.

She already knew his appearance and voice.

She was going to make him regret it.

Amidst the crowd, Mirabel spotted her target.

She didn’t hesitate to approach him, weaving through the crowd, her gaze never leaving him.

“Camori,”

Mirabel tapped his shoulder.

“Hm?”

His head swiveled to face her, his eyes hazy with intoxication, his expression a mix of surprise and confusion. Yet the odor gave him away, the stench of alcohol lingering on his clothing and wafting from his lips.

Mirabel's smile trembled with anger. “Señor Camori,”

The man had not only been unfaithful to his wife but had taken advantage of, and assaulted, her older, Isabela. Her older sister who was half of his age.

“Oh, Señorita Madrigal! Have you come to bless me?” Camori’s grin was unsteady, his face tinged with a telltale flush, his movements clumsy and his speech slurred.

As Mirabel forced a strained smile, a flicker of anger crossed her eyes. His carefree demeanor and lack of concern for the harm he caused were infuriating. His apparent belief that he could act without consequence and that Isabela would remain silent felt like an unbearable insult.

Mirabel chuckled. “You know how my gift works, right?”

Camori offered a careless shrug. “Who doesn’t?”

“Mm…though, it seems that you’re tipsy, Señor. I can’t bless you unless you’re sober,” She explained, her words carefully chosen. Although she could indeed perform the blessing even if he wasn't sober, she preferred not to.

She would never use her gift on the likes of him.

“Come on, I’ve only had a little to drink,” Camori slurred. “Just bless me, cosita linda. It should work.”

Mirabel's disgust at the nickname was apparent, her forced smile turning bittersweet. “Well,” She cooed, twirling a curl around her finger as she pretended to ponder the suggestion. “There's no harm in breaking the rules now and then,”

“Right!” Camori bellowed a boisterous laugh. “At least one of you Madrigals ain’t so uptight!”

“I do my best,”

“My, you’ll make one damn exceptional wife!” Camori blundered, making a few heads turn his way in shock. “You and my son—if only you were older, I would’ve snatched you up! My son is near your age in case you’re interested. He wants to court you, you know. Give you a ring. Combined with your gift, you’ll have a lot of little magical children.”

Mirabel's fake smile stiffened even further, becoming almost painful to hold. Her eyes narrowed just barely, her voice dripping with forced sweetness, a barely audible twitch of her eye the only hint of her seething discomfort. “Grab my hands, so I can bless you.”

Camori, oblivious to Mirabel's discomfort, grabbed her hands with a sloppy motion, his hands warm and unsteady. His touch was slightly too tight, holding her hands with a hint of too much force. “Here I am!”

Mirabel's expression turned warm, her eyes glowing softly as she held Camori's hands tightly. “I sense that you're destined for greatness. You have a prosperous and bright future ahead, full of blessings and joys beyond imagination. One of the best futures I have ever seen!”

Camori's eyes lit up with hope, her words weaving an illusionary future that he greedily embraced. He was blissfully unaware of the true intentions behind her words, blinded by the magical allure that wrapped around her words like a delicate trap.

“One of the best futures you've ever seen?”

“Absolutely!”

Her words were like honey to his ears, his heart swelled with pride.

“Fuck yeah! I knew I was destined for something great!”

“Unfortunately…” Mirabel's fingers traced the palm of his hand. “You’ve been unfaithful,” Mirabel's voice dropped to a whisper, “Which cancels everything out.”

Camori’s smile froze. “How did yo—“ The question lodged in his throat, staring at her with wide eyes.

“A shame, really.”

Mirabel and Bruno's gift of foresight shared some similarities, though there were subtle differences. Both possessed an ability to perceive the future in their own way, albeit not quite identically.

Camori's face grew pale as he became trapped in Mirabel's grasp, his attempt to pull his hands away met with an invisible force. His chest felt heavy, as if the air itself was pressing upon him. He was forcefully compelled to meet her eyes, the anger behind her gaze becoming clearer.

“You not only ruined your own life,” Mirabel began, her tone sharp and direct, “But also hurt my sister with your actions. Do you want to know the extent of what's awaiting you?”

Camori's face paled further, his expression turning from surprise to fear, the alcohol no longer dulling his awareness. “I-I…no, no, I don’t want to k-know—“

Mirabel's eyes shimmered with a bright, menacing light. “Your wife will file for divorce because of your infidelity and your lack of respect for women. And your children? They won't have any want or desire to associate with you, and you'll be ostracized, a pariah! You're likely to end up alone, even shunned by mere animals! You’ll live far worse than any wild animal. But your suffering won't just end there! My abuela won’t let you stay here after finding out what you did to her granddaughter! You’ll be banished and never able to set foot in the Encanto again. You’ll be left with nothing!”

Unlike Bruno, Mirabel's gift allowed her to manifest her words as reality. She could manipulate the future with her words, making her pronouncements and curses come to life.

“S-stop!”

None around them seemed to notice, as if her words were invisible to their ears. It was as if her wrathful words were for Camori's ears only, the others remaining oblivious to his plea.

“I'm furious that you're still casually living, as if the pain you caused my sister meant nothing. I'll ensure that even beyond the Encanto, you'll be alone. No woman will tolerate you, and you'll never have children. And should you dare to repeat your actions outside of the Encanto, it will be your final day.”

“No...please. Please, no! I will never dare to do such a thing again! I promise! Please forgive me!”

Mirabel released his hands, holding her rosemary tightly. The anger in her eyes and tone not yet fading. “I bet you wouldn't be apologizing to Isabela if I hadn't confronted you. No amount of apologies will ever make up for the harm you caused not just Isabela, but others around you too.”

Camori was speechless.

Suddenly, the sky turned dark, and rain droplets began to fall on them.

“Seems like Pepa is upset. This definitely won’t end well for you.”

Chapter 228: The Misunderstanding

Mirabel stood at the edge of the rooftop, peering down at the ground far below. The wind gently caressed her face as she silently contemplated her thoughts.

Isabela's heart raced, her face losing its color with an icy panic.

“Mirabel!” Isabela's voice broke through the air in a desperate yell.

Mirabel hadn't expected anyone to discover her, especially not late at night. She turned around, her eyes meeting Isabela's panicked gaze, which pierced through the darkness.

She had never seen on her older sister’s face before. It was an unsettling sight that made Mirabel chew on her lip nervously.

Mirabel couldn’t help but suspect that Isabela had spotted her on the roof and might possibly tattle to abuela. The thought of being grounded for months for her late-night rooftop visits filled her with trepidation.

Mirabel took a step back, her voice holding an unusual emptiness to it. “Yeah?” She replied quietly, awaiting whatever it was Isabela wanted to say.

“D-don’t,” Isabela's voice trembled, her words escaping in a cracked whisper. Her usual composed demeanor crumbled in the moment. “I-I know, I haven’t been the best sister, but—“

Mirabel couldn't hold back a slight snort, her confusion clear on her face. The idea that Isabela would claim she hadn't been the best sister was almost ludicrous to her, given their history.

“Uhm, what?” Mirabel watched as Isabela carefully crawled out the window, her movements uncharacteristically unsteady, and it seemed that the usual grace she possessed was nowhere to be found. “I’m not sure if I…I understand, Isabela.”

Isabela finally made it out the window, her gaze fixated on Mirabel, but there was a distinct sense that her mind was elsewhere, her attention seemingly absent. It felt as though Mirabel's words weren't registering in her mind.

Was it because she was on the roof?

“…I thought this would be a private moment, away from everyone, where I could just be alone with my thoughts. But here you are, so I must've lost my mind if you, of all people, found me.” Mirabel said, unaware of the misunderstanding she was causing. “I've hardly even reached the edge properly. It's nothing to worry about. Why don't you go back inside and forget you saw anything? Tomorrow, we can pretend none of this ever happened, and everything will be fine. Everyone will be fine. At least they would be feeling better than today.”

Isabela's heart twisted at Mirabel's words, the suggestion that everyone would be happier if she died hitting her like a punch to the gut. “N-no! No, we wouldn’t! I wouldn’t!”

“…Okay,” Mirabel's eyes drifted towards the ground far below. “If you’re…if you’re worried that I’m going to fall off, I wouldn’t. I would only fall off if I did it on purpose. That doesn’t sound like the most appealing death, does it? Hopefully it’d be painless, if so. It is a large drop, after all.”

Mirabel observed Isabela slowly approaching, her hands raised. Confusion clouded her mind at the unusual gesture. Did Isabela have a nightmare? Why was she acting so bizarre?

Isabela's voice was barely above a whisper as she pleaded, “Mira,” Her tone was gentle, as if she was speaking to a frightened child. She approached Mirabel slowly, her hands outstretched.

“Why,” Mirabel asked, her gaze darting between Isabela's pleading expression and the hands reaching out to her. “Why are you doing this to me now?”

“I’m sorry! I just—just don’t want you to…to…” Isabela took a deep breath, her voice cracking as she tried to finish the sentence.

Mirabel's confusion turned to surprise as she felt Isabela's vines wrapping around her body, preventing her from sitting down on the roof.

“Isabela?” Mirabel queried in bewilderment, her eyes widening as she became increasingly aware of her restricted movement.

Isabela managed to reach Mirabel as she was restrained by the vines, her words stumbling out like a desperate plea, her eyes glistening with fear, sadness, and guilt. “I-I know that we all treated you terribly, and I'm sorry!” She stammered, her voice trembling with regret. “But—but we can change! We'll treat you better, I promise!”

Mirabel fidgeted uncomfortably within the vines. “Uh, okay... that's nice to hear?” She cleared her throat. “But, uh, could you please get these vines off of me? They're a bit...constricting.”

“No!” Isabela exclaimed, tears streaming down her cheeks. “M-Mirabel, hermanita…I can’t lose you! I-I’m sorry! I know how I act but—but I really do love you, Mirabel! You mean everything to me! I-I’m so sorry! Just, please, don’t do it! I can’t bear the thought of losing you! I know the others would feel the same! You mean so much to me! To us!”

Mirabel's jaw dropped open in shock, her mouth opening and closing, completely speechless.

“We can—we can hang out like we used to! I can make those flower crowns you always loved when you were younger! You can rant to me about sewing even i-if I don’t understand anything!” Isabela pulled Mirabel into an embrace, her grip tightening. “We can hug! Talk! A-anything you want, hermanita!”

“I-Isabela—“

“Even abuela would understand! She—she may be harsh sometimes, but she cares about you! She loves you! We all do! We don’t care that you don’t have a gift! We love you all the sam—“

“Stop.”

“—Gifts aren’t that important to us! You’re more important than a damn gift! I’m so sorry that it took this to happen for me to say it! I’ve seen—we all have seen you struggling and we did nothing about! We’re a h-horrible family! I-know, just…just please give us another chance to make it up to you! We can show you that life is worth living!”

“Damn it, Isabela, stop!” Mirabel yelled out, her voice filled with exasperation and disbelief. “I’m not—I wasn’t going to…to jump, Isabela!” She wasn’t even suicidal. Can a girl not chill on the roof nowadays? “I just wanted to sit on the roof and enjoy the view! I wasn't even contemplating ending my life!”

Isabela’s face turned a deep shade of scarlet with embarrassment.

“W-What?!”

“I’m not suicidal, Isabela! I literally go on the roof at night all the time! It’s just that this is the first time someone ever caught me!”

“Why—why the hell would you l-look at the view on the roof?! You didn’t need to be on the edge of the roof or on the roof at all! You could’ve looked out the w-window! You scared me!”

Despite Mirabel's attempt to calm Isabela, her sister's panic remained unabated. Her entire body shook with fear, fear of losing Mirabel to suicide. The vines still held Mirabel firmly in place, preventing her from moving.

“I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“D—don't apologize...oh, dios mio,” Isabela sobbed against her shoulder, clinging tighter to Mirabel. “I’m such an idiot,”

“A-ah, not really…I could see why you thought that.”

Chapter 229: Clones

Notes:

It’s a terrible day to live in the U.S. Whether the election was rigged or not, this is not going to go well for people. May God be with us all. 🙏

Julieta happened to spot Mirabel carrying a basket full of supplies, though this wasn't the first time she'd seen her during the day. “Mija,” Julieta called out, a fond smile tugging at her lips.

Mirabel blinked, her smile mirroring Julieta's as she moved closer, replying, “Oh, I'm not the original. I'm running an errand for Señor Quintero right now!”

Mirabel's gift was undoubtedly a handful.

She had the ability to make clones of herself, up to fifty clones currently. When she had first received her gift, she could only summon up to two clones. Any more than that would sap her energy and leave her with a throbbing headache.

It didn't take long for Alma to decide how Mirabel could best utilize her gift to benefit the community.

“It doesn’t make you any less of my daughter.” Julieta playfully ruffled Mirabel’s hair, making Mirabel roll her eyes, laugh, and bat Julieta's hand away. “See? Same reaction as my daughter.”

“Mamá…” Mirabel let out a dramatic groan.

“I must say that it’s hard to spot my real daughter sometimes.” Julieta’s eyes twinkled with playful mirth. “All of you are so similar, practically identical in every single way.”

Mirabel's lips pressed into a thin line. “If you're ever in doubt, just ask. We'll happily point out the original body.”

Julieta chuckled at Mirabel's retort, her amusement clear. “Well... you've got a point,” She conceded, her smile growing wider. “You’re not overworking yourself, are you?”

“I’m good. No overworking myself today, I promise. I’m just staying busy.”

Julieta nodded. “And what about the original you?”

Mirabel blinked innocently, her smile turning bashful as she confessed, “If I'm being honest, with all the clones she's made, she's been working a bit too hard. Currently, she's taking a break at the Guzmáns’ house.”

Julieta shook her head, a mix of concern and affection in her eyes. “Ay...that girl, I'm going to have a talk with her about working too much. She sadly inherited that tendency from me.” She sighed, shaking her head. “Tell her that she and I need to have a conversation when you get the chance.”

Mirabel responded with a cheerful thumbs up, a wide grin spreading across her face. She gave her mother a playful salute. “Of course, mamá!”

“Also, kindly tell Mirabel to control the number of clones she has. People do appreciate the original you more, and frankly, so do I,”

“But I don't understand,” Mirabel's expression grew puzzled, her brows furrowing as she tried to comprehend. “I'm practically the same as her. I only disappear when her energy is exhausted or when she decides to erase us. What's the big deal?”

“Exactly my point.”

“Huh?”

Julieta leaned forward and planted a kiss on Mirabel's forehead, murmuring softly, “Just go, mi amor.”

Chapter 230: 5 + 1

Summary:

5 times Isabela helped Mirabel who didn’t need help, and the one time she did when she needed it

“Why would it even matter if Mirabel had a gift or not?” Mirabel’s eyes went wide as she turned to see Isabela staring at the children with a disapproving gaze. “It's none of anyone's business but her own. I don't see why it has to be such a big deal. She's just as much a part of this family as the rest of us, gift or not. A gift doesn’t define if someone’s a Madrigal or not.”

“Isabela, what are you doing?” Mirabel’s cheeks flushed in embarrassment as she glared at her older sister. The children pestering her were just curious about her family. She didn't need someone like Isabela, of all people, to come swooping in to defend her.

Isabela turned to stare at her, looking almost like a sulking cat, as if expecting praise for coming to her defense. In any other scenario, Mirabel would’ve laughed at her expression. “What do you mean?”

Mirabel scoffed, hardly amused. “They're just kids, they’re curious. I'm fine, really. It doesn't bother me. It's not like they're trying to be malicious or anything.”

Mirabel could see the children’s eyes were still wide and perhaps a bit guilty. They had quickly said their apologies and ran off before she could even say anything.

Great.

Isabela let out a huff, crossing her arms. “You’d think that people would know by now.” She definitely wasn’t pouting because she’s perfect.

“Oh, please, no one really talks openly about my lack of gift.” Mirabel easily replied, utterly unimpressed by the mention. “It's something known but typically kept under wraps. I figured children wouldn't really know about it anyway, since, y'know, they're just kids.” She placed a hand on her hip, a defiant look in her eyes. “And I didn't need you butting into my conversation.”

“W-what? Hey, I was defending you,”

“Against children.”

“That still counts as defending you!”

“Isabela…you didn't need to do that.”

Isabela's cheeks tinged with a rosy hue as she bristled, a few small flowers sprouting from her head. “Fine!” She exclaimed, the words slightly strained. “See if I defend you again!”

Honestly, Mirabel had no clue what Isabela’s problem was. “Uh-huh…”

***

Mirabel let out a surprised yelp as she bumped into an approaching individual, causing both of them to stumble and fall. The basket in her hand slipped, scattering its contents across the ground. She quickly bent down to collect the falling items before they rolled any farther.

“Ay!” The man exclaimed as he rubbed his forehead, wincing slightly.

Mirabel quickly got up to her feet. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Mirabel exclaimed, her face flushed with embarrassment. “I’m not usually this…clumsy. I'm running late, and well…I wasn't looking where I was going. I apologize again.” She breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that abuela was nowhere in sight as she would surely be scolded in public. “Once again, I'm sorry, Señor.”

The man sighed, dusting himself off as he stood up straight. “You have quite the lungs,” He remarked slightly, making her quickly close her mouth. “But it's alright, Mirabel. Perhaps next time, you should watch where you're going?” He politely requested, reaching down to pick up the basket for Mirabel.

“Yes, of course,” Mirabel said sincerely, nodding awkwardly. “I'll make sure to be more careful next time.” When he reached down to pick up the basket, she quickly grabbed it from him, not wanting to cause any further problems. “Thank you,” She whispered apologetically.

“No problem at all,” He assured her, a small smile on his face.

“What’s happening here?” The two of them turned to see Isabela walking up to them. “I do hope my sister isn’t causing you any trouble.” She glanced between Mirabel and the man, before her eyes settled on her sister once more.

The man blushed upon seeing Isabela. “N-no, she’s not!” He said quickly, hastily reassuring Isabela. “She just bumped into me, but no harm was done.” He managed a smile, clearly smitten by Isabela's charm.

Mirabel wasn't surprised, knowing that Isabela had a way of captivating others. “And you assume I was causing trouble?”

Isabela raised an eyebrow, her expression turning to one of faux innocence. “Of course not. I would never assume you're up to no good,” She replied with a mock-innocent smile. “I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

Mirabel could see right through Isabela's innocent facade, knowing her sister too well. She could tell that Isabela was secretly judging the man, despite her words. “Right,”

The man blushed even deeper as he looked up at Isabela, clearly drawn to her and eager to impress her. “Your sister is so kind. I’d love to have a younger sister like her. She’s…a good kid.”

Isabela's expression shifted, a wave of annoyance washing over her. Her eyes narrowed slightly and smile tightened. “She is,”

Mirabel glanced down at her basket, stealing a glance around. “Well, I should go,” She said, offering a small wave. “Bye, Señor.”

Isabela whirled around to face Mirabel, a hint of offense in her eyes. “Not even a bye to me?” She asked, her voice raising in a slight pout.

“We’re sisters, so no, no bye to you. We see each other in Casita.”

The man nervously looked between Isabela and Mirabel, his voice hesitant. “Uh, Señorita Isabela, if it's alright, I can offer you my company.”

Mirabel chuckled to herself, her giggles escaping as she skipped away, basket clutched in hand.

As Mirabel sauntered off, Isabela's gaze lingered on her sister before shifting to the man. “I have to decline,” Isabela responded politely, shaking her head. “I'm sorry.”

***

Camilo, acting all his usual teasing self, shot Mirabel a sly grin, fully intending to make a quip.

Mirabel rolled her eyes, her lips twitching with suppressed laughter. “You're always so annoying, you know that?”

“Hey, I take that as a compliment.” Camilo responded with a casual shrug, his grin widening.

“Of course you would.” Mirabel shot him a playfully exasperated look. “You're impossible.”

“Hey, I'm just keeping things interesting.” Camilo replied with a wink.

“Oh, spare me,” Mirabel let out a scoff, shaking her head. “Being a Madrigal itself is enough excitement, and as for you, well,” She added, her voice tinged with affectionate sarcasm. “Casita's definitely more interesting. You're just...you.”

Camilo feigned offense, dramatically clutching his chest. “Ouch,” He exclaimed with a dramatic pout. “You wound me, Mirabel. I'm actually very interesting! I mean, I can shift! What can you do? Besides annoy people.”

“Camilo, behave yourself,” Isabela chided, eyeing him with a warning glance. “Don’t go too far with that teasing.”

Mirabel couldn't quite contain her frustration as Camilo continued to laugh, clearly enjoying himself. “Ugh! You keep doing this!”

Mirabel could see Isabela smirking at her growing annoyance.

***

Mirabel had grown accustomed to her sisters and cousins being the recipients of confessions, and even her own mother and aunt were still occasionally approached by admirers, despite their already being married.

Mirabel didn't mind others receiving confessions. It was just that she wasn't the type. Her assumption was that her lack of a gift was the reason behind this.

She had never received a confession or had a secret admirer before, and as a result, she wasn't used to such situations like this.

“I-I just think you're very kind and creative,” The boy, Marcus, said, his face turning red. “You're also very beautiful and cute!” He added, blushing profusely.

Mirabel's cheeks flushed with warmth as the boy blushed, his compliments catching her off guard. They were friends, and she knew Marcus from class, but she had no idea that he harbored feelings for her. “O-oh, thank you?”

Marcus's face grew even redder as he struggled to gather his thoughts. “Y-you're welcome,” He stammered nervously. “I just thought I'd tell you how I felt. I, uh, I like you. A lot.”

Mirabel fidgeted with the hem of her skirt, still feeling flustered. “R-right,” She replied, her gaze shifting to the side for a moment before returning to him. “I didn't realize you felt that way. I-I don't know what to say.”

“You don't have to say anything,” Marcus said gently, his voice softer. “I just wanted to be honest with you about how I felt.” He glanced down, fiddling with the strap of his backpack. “I understand if you don't feel the same way. I don't want to make things awkward between us.”

“I a-appreciate your honesty. It takes courage to admit how you feel, especially to someone you're close with. I'm just…I don't know what to say. I need some time to think, if that's okay.”

Marcus offered her a somewhat awkward smile. “A-so, that's a maybe?”

Mirabel nodded, giving him a small, knowing smile. “It's a maybe,”

“Did you just say maybe?” Isabela appeared suddenly, staring at them with a judgmental expression, her voice cool and measured. “I wasn't aware that my little sister was so popular, and I wasn't aware that people are asking her out without even bothering to court her properly.” She continued, her smile appearing forced.

Marcus fidgeted nervously under Isabela's gaze, feeling uncharacteristically small. “I, I—“ He stuttered, his voice shaking. “I was just being honest. I didn't—“ He swallowed hard, trying to find his words.

Mirabel groaned, her face turning a shade of red from embarrassment. “You're always doing this!” She exclaimed, flustered. “You're always showing up at the most inconvenient times. How do you always manage to be here? Don't tell me you have Dolores whispering in your ear about every single thing.”

Isabela huffed, her frown deepening as she looked at Marcus. “You're far too young to be thinking about dating or even dating,” She asserted firmly. “Who knows if he actually likes you or if he's just interested in our name? If he truly cares for you, he'll need to meet our standards and prove himself first.”

Marcus cleared his throat, his voice a bit uneasy. “I-I'm not just interested in your sister for your guys' name,” He quickly defended himself. “I genuinely like Mirabel. I care about her.”

Mirabel threw her hands in the air. “You're absolutely impossible, you know that?” She shot back, her tone exasperated. “So are the standards.” She turned her glare towards Isabela, who looked stunned for a moment before scoffing. “Come on, Marcus,”

“W-wait—“

“Nope. We’re going, Marcus. Ignore my overprotective sister.”

“Wha—Overprotective? I’m not overprotective!”

***

“You want to know what my problem is?” Isabela demanded, her eyes narrowing as she fixated on Mirabel. “You ruin everything! You just can't be good for one second, can you? All you had to do was just sit there and eat, and you couldn't even manage that. Then you went and messed up my engagement, Mirabel!”

“I-I wasn’t trying to!” Mirabel's eyes widened in surprise, her voice trembling a bit as she attempted to defend herself. “I didn't want it to turn out like this! I just...just wanted to enjoy dinner too. I'm sorry. I didn't realize it would make everything so...so...”

“You say sorry a lot, Mirabel, but you never think before you act. Do you know how hard I've been working on my engagement for months? Planning, preparing, everything was going perfectly...until you messed it up.” Isabela continued, her jaw clenched. “And don't even get me started on the vision. That was just the icing on the cake!”

“Do you honestly think I want to mess things up for the family? I'm not trying to destroy the miracle! I just—“ Mirabel cut herself off, taking a deep breath and trying to compose herself. “I just…I just don't understand why I'm the one everyone always blames.”

“Because it is your fault!” Isabela spat, her words sharp and biting.

“That’s not—that’s not fair!”

“You're the one standing in the center of the vision!”

“I can’t control what the vision shows!”

“You’re the one who keeps getting in the way! You're to blame! It’s always you! You’re the one who didn’t get a—“ Isabela's words trailed off, her anger faltering just a bit as she realized what she had said. Her eyes widened slightly, and her expression softened slightly as she glanced at her younger sister. “Mirabel…”

“Is that it?” Mirabel’s laughter was tinged with bitterness. “Is that why everything is always my fault? Because I didn't get a gift? Because I’m the only one without a gift?”

Isabela shook her head, her tone apologetic. “No…no, that's not it, Mirabel. I didn't mean it. It was a slip of the tongue, and I didn't mean it. I was just angry. It didn’t come out right.”

“No, you're right,” Mirabel admitted, her voice soft yet firm. “It's all my fault. I've just been wrecking everything and getting in the way. I'm sorry for ruining your engagement. Truly. Truly I am.” With that, Mirabel turned away, refusing to meet Isabela's gaze.

Alma’s voice sliced through the tense air. “Where is Mirabel?!”

“I can help you hid—“

“I don’t need your help, Isabela. I wouldn’t want to get in your way either. You made that very clear.”

“No. No, that’s not what I—“

Her door closed with a soft click.

***

Isabela frantically searched the forest, calling out Mirabel's name. Her lavender dress was a mess, frayed and torn in places, but she ignored her own appearance. Finding Mirabel was the only thing that mattered.

“Mirabel!” Isabela shouted out again, her voice echoing through the trees, and gaze scouring the area. “Where are you?”

As Isabela continued to search the forest for her missing sister, she heard the faint sound of twigs crackling underfoot in the distance.

Her heart leapt in her chest, and she quickly turned in that direction, hoping it was a sign of Mirabel's presence.

“Mirabel?” Isabela called out once more, her voice slightly hoarse from the urgency and fear coursing through her. “Please, answer me! Are you there?”

As Isabela approached, the rustling noise intensified, branches snapping and leaves crunching underfoot.

With each step, Isabela's pulse quickened, her heart feeling as if it were about to burst out of her chest.

Finally, she reached the small clearing where the sound was emanating from.

“L-Let go of me!”

The fear in her sister's tone made Isabela’s blood run cold.

Isabela's mind raced through the possibilities, her thoughts filled with worry for her sister. She considered the worst-case scenarios, her imagination running wild.

She clenched her fists tightly as she realized the situation.

Mirabel was being attacked, and she was defenseless.

She couldn't let anything happen to her sister.

If any animal had the audacity to harm her sister, Isabela was ready to fight tooth and nail, even with her bare hands.

“And why should I? Your family…”

As Isabela approached the bushes, she could faintly make out a male's voice, its words reaching her ears.

Of course, a human. The audacity of those people to go after her sister, the most defenseless Madrigal, was a slap in the face.

All they had done for the town, and this is how they were repaid?

Isabela pushed through the bushes, her eyes landing on a man and Mirabel. The older man held Mirabel’s wrist tightly in his grip.

The man's fingers held onto her with a dangerous closeness, and his menacing gaze lingered on Mirabel, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

Isabela took a step forward, her voice low and cold. “Let. Her. Go.”

Mirabel's body visibly relaxed as she caught sight of Isabela. “Isa!” She called out, relief lacing her voice.

The man holding Mirabel's wrist froze at the sound of Isabela's voice. He glanced over his shoulder at her, a sneer forming on his face. “And what are you gonna do about it? You don’t even have a gift to protect yourself!”

Mirabel couldn’t help but sigh at the man’s words. It was clear that he was underestimating Isabela. A horrible mistake, really.

Isabela's eyes darted over the man, and she noted the glaring lack of any kind of protection he wore. A grin tugged at the corners of her lips.

“You think you can beat me without your gift? I may not have the same strength as Luisa, but my gift required core strength to maneuver through my vines. And I’m certain that I can take you down.”

“No, you're not,” He let out a scoff and continued, “You may be strong, but if you value your sister's safety, you won't dare to try anything.”

Mirabel let out an exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes at the man's words. It was clear he had struck a nerve, and he had just made a mistake. “That was the wrong thing to say.”

“Hey, you—“

“You’ll be so damn lucky if you come out of this in one piece!”

“Isabela, can you please be a little bit gentler this time? Last time, it stained my clothes,”

“I’m going to kill him. When our family arrives, I know they’ll agree.”

Honestly, Mirabel had never seen Isabela this angry.

She was just thankful that Isabela was there when she actually needed her.

Notes:

With all my WIPS, you’d think I would post faster. It’s funny, not really, but I’ve just been all over the place and can’t seem to focus on one thing. Not to mention, I do have exams coming up. I’m definitely going to be even more busy this month

Chapter 231: The Strange Girl

Notes:

Immortal Mirabel, who isn’t related to the Madrigals

There’s a female teenager, she’s young, maybe Camilo’s age or younger. Dolores also notices that she’s new and alone. She’s never seen her before. It’s a surprise to her. The Encanto is not an easy village to find, a village you can’t find, protected by unknown magic, her abuelo’s sacrifice.

Their paradise has been safe for a half-century. It has never been infiltrated and it should remain that way.

The girl is also drenched in blood. She reeks of death. Dolores is surprised that she made it this far without collapsing. Adrenaline is truly powerful, she thinks, but she feels scared for the girl. How did she get hurt? Who hurt her? Is the threat still out there? Is something threatening their paradise?

Dolores is also no stranger to injuries due to the magical healer—her aunt, Julieta Madrigal, existing. She’s seen her aunt bring people back from the brink of death. She saw old, wrinkly skin becoming smooth. She’s seen a lot.

It is nothing new.

Dolores quickly grabs a vial from the hidden department of her skirt. It’s something that everyone carries with them because Julieta can’t always be there in time and she won’t stand up for hours to heal every single injury. It’s something that’ll get the job done just as efficiently.

The odd girl just stares at her. If it wasn’t for the blood covering the girl from head to toe, she’d assume that the girl was fine.

Dolores begins to approach her and the younger girl takes a step back. Did she think she had alternative motives? That she was going to hurt her?

“…Señorita, I just want to help you,” Dolores is afraid that if she stalls any longer, the girl’s heart would stop. The blood would be on her hands if she doesn’t help her. “That’s why you need to drink this. It’s not poison, I swear. It’ll help you. I’ll explain it to you when you’re better.”

The girl tilts her head, but thankfully stops. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about the girl running away, although Dolores is sure she wouldn’t get far.

Then she opens her mouth, getting Dolores a complete view of her blood-stained teeth, and says something she cannot understand.

Immediately, Dolores understood what the problem was. There was going to be a language barrier between them.

She needs to help this girl.

She will help this girl.

“Señorita…” Dolores wishes she can understand what this girl is saying. It’ll make this process easier. Hopefully, the girl will see that she isn’t a threat. She just wants to help her.

The girl blinks, saying a few more things that she doesn’t understand.

She holds out the vial, wanting for her to take it. She cannot force the liquid down the throat to heal her. That wouldn’t be morally right and it would scare the young girl.

“S…” The girl shakes her head, gurgling on her own blood. “Se…” She leans over, coughing out blood on the ground. Dolores gets closer as the girl wipes the blood off her mouth. Although, it’s not much of a difference considering she’s covered in blood. “Señora?”

“Ah,” Dolores is a bit pleased by the title. “No, I’m single. Señorita Dolores Madrigal. I want to help you. You’re hurt. Please, drink this,”

Fortunately, she does so without hesitation.

Once she was finished, the girl’s eyes went wide.

She’s covered in blood, but Dolores knows she feels the relief of the wounds being gone, the pain being no more.

It’s also not everyday that you get healed by a mysterious liquid.

This also proves that this girl is new.

A change in The Encanto.

“I’m…fine,” The girl’s voice was steady and curious, but intrigued. “This healed me. Are you a witch?”

Dolores is not surprised by that question. She had heard the whispers, even now, about them being witches. She doesn’t mind it either. She never once considered herself a witch, though.

“No,” At that moment, Dolores decides that this girl is very odd. She isn’t panicking despite being on the brink of death a moment ago. The girl is too weird. “I’m not a witch. I just have magical powers.”

“Oh,” The girl murmurs. “You’re a healer?”

“No, I’m not. My aunt is the healer of the family. I simply hear everything.” It is not an exaggeration. It is merely the truth.

The girl smiles and Dolores expects the questions to come. Instead, she says one word. “Okay,”

“Okay?”

“Okay.” The girl repeats, chuckling. “Thank you for your help, Dolores. I hate when blood stains my clothes.”

Dolores does not know what that means and she will not try to figure out what that means.

“You need help,” It’s a fact. “I know you’re healed right now but you still need to see my aunt. Actually, where are your parents? You—you just found this place, right? Your parents, they’re near, right?”

The girl’s smile doesn’t falter as she says, “They’re dead,”

“Oh,” Dolores could feel the awkwardness fill in the air. Perhaps it’s just on her end since the girl doesn’t seem to mind. “The threat…is it still out there? Is that what got your…parents?”

“No to both,” The girl almost seemed amused by the question. “My parents have been dead for a long time. I don’t remember much about them, actually.” She untucks her blouse from her skirt, using her shirt to wipe all the blood off of her face.

Subconsciously, Dolores glances down at the girl’s bare skin, it’s tinted red and littered in scars. She wonders what has caused them and who hurt this young girl so bad.

The girl catches her gaze, making Dolores’ cheek flush in embarrassment. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

“What is your name, Señorita?” Dolores is quite tired of calling her ‘The girl’ in her mind.

“Señorita?” The girl repeats incredulously, her voice rising an octave, almost as if she’s offended by the title. “Please, don’t refer to me as that. Just call me Mirabel.”

“Mirabel,” Dolores tests the name on her tongue. Mirabel is a unique name. Mirabel is an odd girl. Mirabel is too unknown and strange. Mirabel needs to meet her family, anyways. “That’s a nice name. How about I take you home to my family. They can help you.”

“Help me? I appreciate what you have done for me, but I do not need any help.” Mirabel completely takes off her shirt, making Dolores glance away. “Yes, I was bloody and all. Though, I really don’t need to meet your family. I’ll just leave this place and you pretend like this never happened. Yeah?”

“Excuse me?” Dolores huffs, “You were just badly hurt and you want to leave? You need help, Mirabel. Also…is it really time to strip?”

“I need to change these bloody clothes. So, yes, it is the time to strip. I don't mind you staring either. We’re both women…wait, time has changed. Nevermind, you can’t stare.”

“I wasn’t going to stare anyways! I’m not interested. You’re about my little brother’s age, too.”

“Doubt it….”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Anyways, The Encanto isn’t a place that you can easily find. It’s not a place you can leave either.”

“What are you talking about? I literally found this place because of the huge split in the mountains. It was like they were telling me to come into this place. It wasn’t hard.” Mirabel let out a scoff. “Also, The Encanto? It sounds very magical. I’m not surprised.”

“It’s protected by a barrier.”

“Oh, that’s what it was.” Mirabel does not sound a bit impressed. “I walked through it without much effort.”

Dolores was stunned by what Mirabel said.

“You’re strange,” The words left her mouth before she knew it.

“I’ve been told.”

Chapter 232: The Strange Girl — Part 2

When Mirabel arrived at the mansion of some sort, she was surprised when the tiles and other things began to move on their own.

“In all my years of living have I ever seen a house move on its own. Amazing.”

Dolores was glad that Mirabel wasn’t too surprised by the fact they have a sentient house. “Casita is our house’s name.”

“Casita,” Mirabel repeats, gaping. “You’re absolutely astonishing.”

What an odd girl.

“Is your family here? I’d love to meet my savior’s family.”

“I can hear your sarcasm,” Dolores scoffs. “You were the one that said you didn’t need my help despite being at death’s door.”

“Oh, I am completely earnest, Dolores. I do want to meet your magical family members.”

Dolores’ eyes narrowed. “And you came alone?”

“I have no family and the people I consider friends are dead. Nobody followed me after I crossed the barrier either. So, yep, I’m pretty sure I came alone.”

“…Right,” Dolores is honestly surprised that Mirabel said that as if it was nothing. “My family wasn’t expecting any visitors. Nor did they expect someone to pass the barrier. Also…don’t be too surprised about their gifts. Or loud. Don’t take it to heart if they ask too many questions.”

“I’ll be the perfect guest, Dolores. Don’t worry about me.” Mirabel cooes, making Dolores roll her eyes. “Nobody is ever disappointed after meeting me.”

“What an ego,” Dolores says under her breath.

That’s when she heard the footsteps get closer.

“Be in your best behavior. First impressions are everything, strange girl.”

“Ouch.”

“Dolores, you’re here! Oh, who are you talking…to? I wasn’t aware that we were having a guest over.” Félix glances at Mirabel, at Dolores, then back at Mirabel. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“Right back at you…Señor.”

Dolores couldn’t help but internally groan.

“Your new friend?”

“Nope. Stranger. I found her horribly hurt in the woods and brought her back.”

“Whose hurt?”

“Félix, who are you talking to?”

“What’s taking so long?”

“I didn’t think it was right for us to leave in the middle of dinner.”

That’s when Mirabel gets a full view of Dolores’ family.

Wow.

What a big family.

Her gaze fell on one of the women.

“Alma Madrigal?”

“Uhm, what? No, I’m Isabela Madrigal.” Isabela did not mind getting compared to her abuela. “That’s…my grandmother, her,”

To their surprise, Alma looks appalled at the sight of the girl.

“Almita?” Mirabel says in shock, her eyes wide. The other Madrigals looked stunned at the use of the matriarch’s first name said by a teenager. Then she turned to look at Dolores. “You’re related to her? And here I was thinking that Madrigal is a common last name.”

“Mirabel?” She says in a strangely soft voice.

Mirabel eagerly nods, grinning. “You can’t be Almita anymore because you’ve grown! I didn’t know you lived here! This is your granddaughter? I met your granddaughter,” The elation is clear in her voice. “And you got rid of the braids! I thought she was you at first and you somehow didn’t age.” She gestures over to Isabela, who looks sheepish. “I guess I was wrong!”

“You know my…abuela?” Dolores asks hesitantly. She can hear Alma’s heart rate go up, and Mirabel’s heart rate was…stable. She couldn’t tell. She couldn’t even focus on the girl’s heart. Huh, maybe it was because there were too many people in the house.

“You see, Alma and I go way back.” Mirabel winks as Alma shoots her a glare, though there’s no heat behind it. “I’ve known her since she was a little girl! Last time I saw her was…” She trails off, humming. “Oh, that makes sense now. Pedro is a good man, may he rest in peace. He was the one to set up that flimsy barrier, wasn’t he? I’m surprised, really,”

“Of course you had to walk through the barrier. For your information, it isn’t flimsy. You’re just you. It has protected us for many years. You don’t count.”

“Wow. Thank you!”

“It’s not a compliment.”

“Ouch!”

Camilo asked the question that everyone was thinking. “Uh, if you knew my abuela since she was a little girl…why are you so…young?”

“Camilo!” Pepa scolds, although she’s glad her son asked. She just didn’t want to be the one. “You don’t just ask that to a lady.”

“You’re Pepa,” Mirabel suddenly says, making Pepa blink in shock. She then turns her gaze to Julieta. “Julieta…and we’re missing the last triplet.” The others winced, which did not go unnoticed by her. “I was there when the three of you were born! I also got to help with the naming! My, you three grew up like fine wine!”

“…Thank you?” Julieta’s voice was uncertain, smiling awkwardly. This girl looked Camilo’s age, but was apparently much older than she appears. She wasn’t sure how to handle that information. “You’re also very pretty, Mirabel.”

“Do not compliment her. It gets to her head.”

“It’s been about fifty years and you remember that about me? Impressive, Alma.”

“I couldn’t forget about you.”

“Aye, I’m just that memorable.” Mirabel twirls one of her curls, batting her eyelashes dramatically. “Not complaining, though,”

“But, why are you here? You shouldn’t…”

“I didn’t mean to find you.” Mirabel answers. “I didn’t expect to find you again. I prefer not seeing the same people again. I also thought you had died during that night.” Mirabel did not like meeting the same people because they would notice that she hadn’t aged a bit. “But, look at you now, a grandmother. It has been too long.”

“I thought you died.” Alma points out, narrowing her eyes. “You were nowhere to be seen.”

Mirabel shrugs in response. “Because I left. Why would I stay? It’d be better for you to forget about me.” She pauses for a moment, her eyebrows raising. “Wait a moment. You knew that I couldn’t die—except for my first time, but nobody needs to know that. You’re silly, Lita. Nothing can actually kill me, not even those damn soldiers. It’s not the first war I’ve been in.”

It takes a little while before the Madrigals register what Mirabel says in their head.

“Can’t die?”

“Lita?”

“War?”

“Oh, I’m immortal. Oh you know, can’t die, live forever, always young. That’s me. Immortal.” Mirabel says it as if she’s just speaking about the weather.

“But you left and didn’t come back. I thought I had truly lost you, I thought something had finally gotten to you. Not only did I lose my Pedro, I thought I had lost you, too. You’re alive and clearly well—“

“Not really. Some strange people tried to kill me. They thought I was a witch and started throwing rocks at me and chasing me! Oh, the mental strain that took on me! I was a bloody mess, Lita, a bloody mess, I say! That’s not well.”

“—You’re well and talkative as usual.” Alma deadpans, unimpressed. “You’ve been alive all this time. Did you even think of returning?”

“To that burnt down place? Nope.” Mirabel replies. “Not once. For one, I had thought you were dead. I didn’t need to see your body and I wasn’t aware of the sacrifice until now. Second, if I returned, that would’ve meant I was attached to you and Pedro. You won’t ever catch me getting attached to people again.”

“Attached?” Alma repeats the words as if it’s foreign to her, as if Mirabel’s speaking another language. “You took care of me since I was in diapers. You even knew my parents. Even when I was in my teenage years, you were still there for me, watching over me. Mirabel, how could you not say you were attached to me, to us?”

“Twenty something years to me is nothing. It wasn’t me getting attached either,” Mirabel huffs. “Especially when centuries have passed and you still look like a damn teenager. Also, if I wanted to get attached to you and Pedro, I would’ve accepted that offer of running away with you two and never coming back.”

Alma’s cheeks flush in embarrassment. “You—“ Her voice humiliatingly cracks. She clears her throat. “You remember that?”

“I have a journal. I write down everything that happens in my life. So, yes, I remember that. I also have great memories,” Mirabel points out. “That confession from you and Pedro was one hell of a shocker to me, though.”

“Mirabel!” Alma hisses through gritted teeth.

“There’s a lot that I’m learning today.” Camilo whispers to himself, making Dolores elbow him in the side. “Hey! What was that for?”

“I do not need to hear your inner monologue.”

“We’re just going to skip over the fact that we have someone that’s immortal here?”

“To be fair, we do have magical gifts.”

“Mamá…confessed to you?” Julieta says slowly, Mirabel nods in response and Alma’s face turns impossibly red. “That’s—that’s surprising,”

“I’m just that great!” Mirabel grins, her smile wide and cocky and very infuriating to Alma. “Guys and ladies drool over me.”

“You’re so annoying, arrogant and embarrassing. You hear me?”

The Madrigals are surprised to see this side of Alma. She’s always so stern, never one to falter, always having this huge wall to guard her.

With Mirabel, she was oddly soft, showing emotions that the Madrigals haven’t seen in so long, and that damn iron wall had finally collapsed.

They exchange glances.

“I had to reject you because I’m way too old for you despite my appearance. I was there for you when you were born. I’ve been around this world for longer than I can remember. It’s depressing, really. I once had a husband and children.” Mirabel sighs, her head hung low. “I miss them terribly. But, I know that somewhere in this world, I’m someone’s great-great-great grandmother. A shame I won’t meet them. Too many different last names and less DNA connected.”

“Unbelievable,” Is all that Alma says.

“There’s other magic in the world?” Isabela asks meekly.

“Magic? Hm, I never really considered myself a magician or anything like that. Too flashy. I just thought of myself as immortal, not magical like you all.” As far as Mirabel lived, she remembered the days when magic was absolutely forbidden and called for execution. It still does in some parts of the world. She just never considered herself magic, though. “Yes, there’s witches, wizards, mages, and stuff like that hidden in the world. However, I must say, your source of magic is unique. The others’ magic usually came from within, not from an object. It makes me want to study it.”

“…You’re asking to stay, right?”

“If it’s not a bother to anyone. If so, I’ll leave.”

“Stay here, Mirabel.” Alma says almost immediately.

“I think it’ll be nice to know how my mother was when she was a child.” Julieta smiles warmly, while Pepa snickered.

“I’ll gladly fill you in!”

“Not.”

“I don't mind.” Isabela says, looking like she’d rather be anywhere else but here. Honestly, nobody can blame her.

Dolores was staring at Mirabel with wide eyes. “I thought you were a teenager. A hurt teenager. You’re older than me. Way older than my abuela. Oh my god. What is my life?”

Luisa sheepishly rubs the back of her neck. “Uh, I don’t mind either.”

“How can anyone say no to immortality?” Camilo grins.

Mirabel only had one thought in her head.

Don’t get attached.

Chapter 233: Not So Secret-Secret

All of the Madrigals are superheroes.

Well, all of them expect Mirabel.

The reason being that she did not receive power at the age of five like the rest of them. It was unexpected considering that everyone else had one. Even Camilo had gotten power.

The Encantos.

For everyone’s sake, Mirabel could not know about them being superheroes.

***

Mirabel Madrigal did know that her entire family was a bunch of superheroes. The Encantos. It was honestly hilarious that her family thought that they were being subtle and that she was really that oblivious.

She had figured it out years ago. Truthfully, it wasn’t that hard. Her family had too many slip ups around her. Slip ups, which she had to cover up for them. She doesn’t know how they haven’t gotten caught yet. She doesn’t know nor care about what kind of magic her family has or how their masks concealed their identities, but she can recognize her family’s faces, bodies, and voice.

Mirabel is not like them, though. She is a Madrigal, but she doesn’t have any cool powers, or any powers. She is utterly normal in a home full of heroes. She is seen as powerless and weak in their eyes for not being like that. That would explain them being overprotective at all times.

Mirabel wasn’t jealous of their powers, she did not want to get involved in those kinds of things. She was more curious than anything. She waited, waited, and waited for them to tell her. They didn’t. It seemed as if they had no intention of telling her. Which wouldn’t be much considering she already knows.

So, Mirabel spent her life pretending as if she didn’t know her entire family is superheroes, who are fighting against villains and getting hurt daily. No wonder they’re overly rich and come up with half-assed excuses about where they’ve been.

One thing she is frustrated about is that they got Antonio involved in their superhero schemes. She really was different. Antonio got powers and she didn’t? What luck did she have? Good luck, apparently.

She is still a Madrigal.

She was okay with them not telling her about their powers and identities.

But they could at least try to hide it from her better.

I.

The Madrigals had way too many encounters with Mirabel almost figuring out their identities. Too many for comfort, actually.

They were just glad that Mirabel is so oblivious. What she didn’t know was better for her. They couldn’t imagine the hurt on her face if she ever figured out the truth. She could not be involved with them because she is powerless and would only be in danger. They could not do that to her.

They will not place that burden on her.

Alma isn’t an active superhero. She used to be. She only shows an appearance when they attend galas or some, but rarely any interviews. She had been returning back from analyzing her family members’ spar with each other from the secret building underneath their mansion. There was a certain painting in their house that is used as a lever for the hidden elevator. She had been intent on giving them tips and advice about their style of combat.

“Abuela?” A voice says from directly behind her. It had startled her, almost instinctively ready to attack the intruder. Though, she had instantly stopped once she realized who it was. Mirabel. “What are you doing up so late?”

Alma could feel the sweat drip down her forehead. She just hoped that Mirabel did not see what she had done. How was she going to explain to Mirabel that there was a secret elevator and an entire building underneath their mansion.

Thankfully, it seems as if Mirabel didn’t notice.

She was staring at her with curious eyes.

“I can ask the same to you,” Alma did not realize that Mirabel would be awake at this time of night. She had expected anyone else, but Mirabel. “I was simply checking around our home. It’s something I like to do sometimes, nieta.”

“Oh, I was actually going to grab a late night snack before going to sleep.” Mirabel smiles sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. “Hopefully, that isn’t a problem. I was going to go back to sleep, I swear.”

Alma felt herself relax. It’s fortunate that she hadn’t slipped up yet. Even if Mirabel saw, she could just convince her that it was the lack of sleep making her see things.

“It’s alright. We have many snacks to spare. Lord knows that we have too many.” Alma murmurs, shaking her head slightly. They really did. With Julieta enjoying cooking and her gift and their chefs. Too many cooks in their house. “Don’t stay up too late. Alright?”

“Of course,” Mirabel is a great liar. “Sweet dreams, abuela.”

“Good night, Mirabel.”

Mirabel turns away, pretending not to see her grandmother arrive from the secret entrance. She had been there multiple times without her family’s knowledge.

She did not want to give her abuela an early heart attack from revealing the truth.

Not yet.

II.

Julieta is careful when it comes to hiding her identity. It’s easy considering that her powers revolve around manipulating wounds and healing with food. She’s good with combat, but is really the only healer in the team.

A huge part of Julieta wants to tell Mirabel about their secret identities. Mirabel is the only Madrigal unaware about their status. She feels bad knowing that Mirabel forever not knowing the truth is inevitable. She has prepared for that moment many times. The hurt, the anger, and the betrayal on her youngest daughter’s face is something she cannot be prepared for.

“Mamá,”

She can feel the wounds and bruises on Mirabel’s hands. She is rightfully startled. Mirabel should always be safe. She should not be hurt. They will and always have protected her. Who did this?

“What happened to your hands?” Julieta finds herself asking, concerned.

Mirabel lets out a hum, her eyebrows raising. “My hands,” She lifts them up and they’re wrapped in bandages. “I was sewing and pricked myself far too many times. I kept going and…yeah, that didn’t end well. They’re sore. I should be fine in a week or less.”

Julieta frowns. “Does it hurt?”

“Uh, a little. Didn’t really register the pain until afterwards.”

“Hm,” Julieta softly grabs Mirabel’s hand, observing it. She was tempted to straight up heal her and get rid of these bruises. Her baby’s skin shouldn’t be ruined nor harmed. But that would cause suspicion. “You’ve seen the doctor already, I presume.”

Mirabel nods. “Yep,”

As Julieta gently presses her lips to the bandages, a surge of her healing power courses through her. She could feel the bruises on Mirabel's hands throb and then diminish, their dark, painful presence fading away under her power. Similarly, the small pricks on Mirabel's skin slowly disappeared, replaced by a smooth and undamaged surface.

Mirabel smiles.

As Julieta realized the impulsive nature of her actions, a slight panic set in. She had always prioritized the well-being of her family above all else, and the fact that she had acted so hastily didn't sit well with her.

Mirabel does not say anything about the fact that her hands are completely better now.

Which Julieta is so thankful for.

As long as Mirabel didn’t notice.

III.

Pepa’s powers are undoubtedly the hardest to hide due to the fact her emotions are connected to the weather. She did her best to never let Mirabel see her with a certain weather over her head.

So, Pepa does not have a rainbow over her head.

Mirabel glances up at the rainbow, before taking a look outside. Another rainbow.

Mirabel does her best to pretend not to know anything about their powers. But, damn, it was pretty hard.

“I love the use of the projector, tía. It looks so realistic.” Mirabel comments, making Pepa stare at her with a confused expression.

“Projector?” Pepa tilts her head, trying to figure out what Mirabel meant. Her eyes widen in realization as she looks up, noticing her own rainbow, which instantly gets overshadowed with a cloud. “Y-yeah, it’s a projector! One of those realistic ones. That’s it. Yep.”

Pepa knows that the other would have her head if Mirabel figures out the truth because of her.

Mirabel’s lips purses. For a moment, Pepa is worried that she had overdone it.

“This—this is not real. I mean, it can’t be. There’s no way that this can be real. It’s not possible.”

“Superheroes are possible.” Mirabel’s smiles widen at the startled look in Pepa’s eyes. “Oh, who am I kidding? There’s no way that you’re a superhero, tía. If you were, you’d tell me, right?”

Pepa smiles nervously. “Uh…of course. But, I won’t because I’m not a superhero.”

“Right.”

Mirabel felt like her brain cells were getting smaller the longer she pretended not to know anything.

IV.

Bruno is worried. Not his usual worries, but worried. He doesn’t know what he’s worried about, but he can’t help the feeling. He knows it has to do with her powers.

Bruno does not slip up often. It’s hard for him to slip up when he is a background superhero. He does not get into combat often. He’s more like an analyst, giving The Encantos the information they need, but he will fight when needed.

When he does slip it, it’s because he’s purely exhausted.

Mirabel only takes one glance at him, before looking back at her work. “I like your green contacts, tío.”

“G-green—what?” Bruno sputters, immediately catching on to what Mirabel was saying.

“Your green contacts. They’re nice.”

“Y-yes…nice,” Bruno has looked into the future multiple times. He does not know if Mirabel ever figures out their identities or not. No matter how many times he looks. “I wanted to try something new…you know…for theater.”

“It’s cool. The…cosplay, I’m assuming,” Mirabel is trying her hardest not to laugh. She does not need to turn around to see the flush on her uncle’s face. “The green is really bright. Like emeralds. I don’t think I’ve ever seen contacts like that. Those types of bright colors for contacts are usually obnoxious. Strangely enough, they suit you, tío. They fit you perfectly.”

“T-thank you,” Bruno would rather Mirabel believe that he is interested in cosplaying than that he is a superhero. “You don’t want any contacts,”

“Nah, I prefer my glasses. It builds my character.” Mirabel grins. “Contacts aren’t my thing.”

“I agree…not saying that you can’t wear contacts! You look good with and without conta—“

“I understand what you mean, tío. Thanks.”

V.

Isabela is protective of Mirabel for the right reason. Unlike the rest of them, Mirabel did not receive any powers or showed that she was going to manifest any. Unfortunately that meant Mirabel could not be a superhero like them. As much as she wanted to tell her, Mirabel could not be informed about them being heroes like them. She wishes Mirabel could be like the rest of them, but at the same time she doesn’t. She does not want to see her baby sister injured and bloodied like the rest of them.

The Encantos always win.

They have been close to losing before, but they have never lost.

She cannot and will not let Mirabel get in harm's way for discovering their identities.

There are times where Mirabel almost discovers them, but they are always careful. Fortunately, Mirabel never did and remained oblivious to what they did.

She loves Mirabel. She really does.

It’s just a shame that Mirabel is the odd one out. Even Antonio is a hero. Not Mirabel.

“I love your plants, Isa.”

Mirabel does not fail to give her a heart attack every time she mentions her plants. She knows that Mirabel thinks she’s a gardener, well, technically she is, but that’s far from the truth. With her power being revolved around plants, she has to be careful.

“Really? Thank you, hermanita. That means a lot to me.” Isabela smiles. “I do my best to take care of them.”

Mirabel laughs. Oh, she can tell. Isabela doesn’t visit their personal garden often. The flowers and plants should’ve been dead. “I see. You’re doing a great job. It’s almost as if they’re alive.”

She does enjoy seeing Isabela jolt in panic.

“W-what? Alive? That’s nonsense. Utterly nonsense…hah…Plants can’t be alive, Mirabel. That’s ridiculous.” Isabela abruptly shuts her mouth, realizing that she’s only digging herself a deeper hole. “I mean, you’re right, though! Plants are living organisms!”

“Correct,” Mirabel especially enjoys teasing Isabela. “I have never seen anyone as dedicated to plants as you are.”

“Mm…”

“Say, Isabela, you remind me of a certain hero.”

“W-what—“

Mirabel is a little mad that Isabela had messed up her brand new clothes that one time.

VI.

Mirabel had gone to a private school instead of being tutored like the rest of them. That had led to arguments between Alma and Mirabel’s parents. They wouldn’t be home most of the time and they didn’t want Mirabel to be lonely, so they insisted that Mirabel go to a private school. Alma did not want Mirabel going to a private school claiming that she’ll feel left out either way if she’s the only one not being tutored.

Dolores wouldn’t say that Mirabel is dumb or anything like that. She’s just dense. Really dense. She would have thought that Mirabel would’ve figured it out by now. Or at least figure out one of their identities. They make a lot of mistakes when it comes to keeping their identities a secret from her.

She’ll give it a few years before Mirabel figures it out. Give or take.

Dolores is ashamed to admit that she had made her fair share of mistakes with Mirabel. Too many to count actually.

“Dolores,”

Despite her power having to do with soundwaves, she is quite easy to sneak up on. She does not use her power at home.

“M-Mirabel?”

The glass in Dolores' hand shattered, the sound of the shards hitting the ground echoing through the room. Neither Mirabel nor Dolores spoke, their silence speaking louder than any words could have.

And, damn, does Mirabel seems to make it a habit of sneaking up on her.

The edge of Mirabel’s lips curled up. “I didn’t mean to scare you, Dolores.” She takes a step back, avoiding the glass. “Should probably clean it up.”

“Oh, um, you’re fine.” Dolores thinks that Mirabel is oddly quiet. She is not a talkative person. She thinks that Mirabel has a mask on. Not literally. She does not think they make Mirabel happy. If they do, she’ll genuinely be surprised. “It’s my fault, anyways.”

Mirabel will not comment on the fact that Dolores broke the glass with her power.

“You’re silly,”

“Excuse me?”

VII.

Luisa can control her power well. If she doesn’t control her gift, she can and will destroy things. If she wanted to, she could actually destroy an entire building. She holds back a lot. Luisa is strong. Stronger than any other superhero. She is too dangerous when unrestrained.

Especially when she was younger, she broke a lot of things.

Luisa will protect Mirabel.

It’s what her power is for.

Mirabel had always been safe within their home. They have eyes everywhere. Nobody would dare harm a Madrigal if they know what’s right for them.

There are a few times where she accidently breaks some things in front of Mirabel.

Mirabel watches as the chair breaks in Luisa’s bare hands. She can see the panic on her older sister’s face and in her eyes. It’s amusing.

Before Luisa can say anything, she plasters a smile on her face and clasps her hands. “Woah, you’re really strong, hermana! Or maybe that chair was just weak.” She will play the role of the oblivious little sister well.

Luisa laughs nervously. “Y-yeah, this chair was just old. Really…weak. I’m not that strong. I’m as strong as a normal person that works out can be.”

“We should definitely replace the chairs if that’s the case.” Mirabel does get tired of pretending not to know anything. “We don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

“Right,”

Luisa is glad that Mirabel thinks that all of this is normal.

VIII.

Camilo isn’t as close to Mirabel as he liked to be. When they were younger, they were very close. Close enough to call each other twins. As they got older, with all the secrets involved, it was pretty impossible for them to stay as close.

Mirabel went to school while he didn’t. It was only natural for Mirabel to get close to other people and drift away from them.

But he does try his best to stay close with her.

It hurts him to keep such a secret away from her, but it’s not like he’s a choice. If he wants to keep her safe, he cannot tell her.

He’d be lying if he said it wasn’t hard.

There had been multiple occasions when Camilo almost spilled everything to her.

But, if he had to say anything, he was the best at keeping his identity a secret out of all the grandchildren.

Mirabel eyes the barley hidden mask under the blanket. Funny. “And what have you been doing, Milo?”

“Oh, I—“ Camilo’s voice is too pitched, feminine, unlike his regular voice. A mistake. He clears his throat, hoping Mirabel wouldn’t catch on. “I’ve just been…hanging around, you know me!”

Mirabel will turn a blind eye for his sake.

“You’ve been doing really great at your theatrics.”

Mirabel has to say, Camilo was one of the worst at keeping his identity a secret.

How did he last that long?

IX.

The only reason Camilo wasn’t one of the worst at keeping his identity a secret was because Antonio is.

He is five years old.

Mirabel is very close to Antonio. So, it was no surprise to her when Antonio had come up to her and told her his identity and the others.

She had to tell him not to tell anyone what he told her.

Did her family even think about the possibility of Antonio telling her?

It was absolutely hilarious at first then it became torture pretending not to know.

Her life was utterly stupid.

Her entire family was stupid, too.

Chapter 234: Not So Secret-Secret — Part 2

Mirabel thought it was a little egotistical of them to have themselves playing on the television. She did not see the appeal in watching them fight villains.

“So, Mira,” Mirabel turns her head to Camilo, who was grinning at her. “Who’s your favorite hero out of all of them?”

“My favorite hero out of the Encantos?” Mirabel had no choice but to notice all them staring at her with anticipation. Even Alma. Wow. What were they going to get out of this? Bragging rights? Why couldn’t her life be a little more peaceful? “I don’t think I have one. I don’t pay attention to them much. They’re not as interesting as people claim them to be.” Mirabel could barely concern her smirk at their reactions. “Honestly, I don’t care about them.”

Isabela was staring at her little sister in disbelief. “Seriously?”

“Seriously. They’re costumes are alright, I guess. I wouldn’t say I have a favorite, though.”

“Favorite costume then?”

“I’d have to go with the youngest then. Better?”

“Mimic?”

“Youngest.” Mirabel corrects.

Antonio, sitting in Mirabel’s lap, jumped out. “Me! Mirabel’s favorite costume is mine!”

Mirabel tilts her head. Hm, that wasn’t the worst way to be told.

She could see the Madrigals’ expression slowly turning horrified at Antonio’s words.

“Animalis,” Oh, this was going to be a good change of pace. “You’re…Animalis,” That wasn’t any news to her.

“Mirabel, my love,” Julieta whispers. Never did she think that Mirabel would find out so soon. She couldn’t gauge Mirabel’s reaction. Did she believe Antonio or not? She could tell that the others were thinking the same thing.

“It’s just a—just a joke!” Camilo exclaims, trying to salvage the situation. “Antonio, you’re so, so funny. Us being superheroes? What a hilarious joke.”

“Hush,” Dolores eyes Camilo in exasperation, elbowing him. He was talking too much to the point it was suspicious. “But, Camilo is right, it's just a joke.”

Mirabel had to say that only three people carried a brain cell. Alma, Julieta, and Dolores. The problem was that it was singular.

Antonio blinks, confused. “But it’s not a joke?”

“Woah, is it April already?”

Mirabel’s lips pursed in thought. She was getting tired of all this lying and excuses. She was also sick and tired of everyone tiptoeing around her and being terrible at it. “Personally, I think all this superhero talk is ridiculous.” She would rather tell them now than tell them years later. “I also think me pretending not to know anything anymore is even more ridiculous. What do you think?”

Suddenly, it was quiet.

Absolutely silent.

Mirabel could see the mixture of confusion, shock, disbelief, and nervousness on their faces. It was baffling that they thought they could keep it a secret when they were that bad at it. They weren’t even being subtle at all. Nobody, absolutely nobody can blame her for being down with their bullshit.

“You…you know.” It is not a question.

“I’ve known for years now. You can’t blame Antonio when I already knew.” Mirabel groans, shaking her head. “I don’t know what magical stuff you all got going on, but it was pretty easy to figure out who The Encantos were.”

“You knew?!”

“About everything. The secret buildings, passages and entrances. Powers. All of that stuff. Yes, I knew.” Mirabel replies, outright scoffing. Oh, they were really ridiculous. And they had thought she was the dense one. “It wasn’t hard when I knew my family.”

Alma was stunned. She thought they had been doing well in keeping it a secret. But Mirabel knew everything. “…How long have you known?”

Mirabel’s response was immediate. “Ten years ago.”

“We’ve been sneaking around for nothing this entire time?”

“That’s…not the point.”

“You knew ten years ago, which would make you five, which is also around the time that Camilo got his power.” Luisa murmurs, turning to stare at him. “Hm?”

“Hey! I didn’t say anything!”

“As I said, it wasn’t that hard. I figured it out on my own. You all are really obvious.”

“Well…why didn’t you tell anyone that you knew?” Pepa asks. “I think it would’ve saved a lot of trouble.”

“It was funny,” Mirabel says with a shrug. “It was funny watching you all try to keep a secret from me that I already knew. The real question is why hasn't anyone told me?”

At that moment, the Madrigals opened their mouths and began to speak over each other.

“We didn’t want you to feel even more left out!”

“We could not let you be involved in such a cruel scheme!”

“We didn’t want you to be hurt!”

“If you found out, we did not know what you would do!”

“You were already so young and—and inexperienced! We just…couldn’t.”

“If anyone figures that you’re close to us, you can become an even bigger target!”

“We were only looking out for you!”

Annoyed, Mirabel interrupts their yelling. “How can all of you decide that for me?”

A beat.

“Did you all even think that maybe keeping it a secret from me would hurt me more than telling me? Did you all think that maybe, just for one second, that telling Mirabel would be better than keeping it a secret?”

“…Yes, we did. Ultimately, we had decided that it was better to keep it a secret.” Julieta replies, her features filled with regret. “We never meant—wanted to hurt you, mija.” She knew that Mirabel not being hurt was out of the question.

“Your mother is right,” Alma says with a frown. “There were multiple times where we questioned ourselves, wondering if we’re making the right decisions when it comes to keeping this from you.”

“Maybe, maybe not.” Mirabel says after a moment. “I don’t think it was. I’d be even more hurt not being told versus being told. What did you all think would happen if I was told? That I’d be some kind of mastermind? I’m not interested in superheroes! That I would snitch? Why the hell would I snitch on my own family, who I love very much? So, really, what’s the excuse?”

“We were…worried how you would react?”

Mirabel groans in frustration.

“I could be angry that you all decided to keep this a secret from me.” Mirabel says, shutting the Madrigals up immediately. “And, please, don’t give me any crap about protecting me and the greater good. It’s not like I would’ve snitched or gone out to fight while powerless if told. We’re family.”

“It’s—it’s not like we’re going to keep a secret forever!”

“Then when?” Mirabel will not let them play that card. “I am not hurt. I am not angry. Well, maybe a little. But that’s because you’re all so stupid!” Finally, she said it. The Madrigals just stared at her in shock. “I had to pretend that I didn’t know for years because I was sure that one of you would tell me! But, no, I’m fifteen years old and nobody told me! Then you all suck at keeping your identities a secret! I couldn’t stand it! I was losing brain cells being around you all! I couldn’t stand it!”

It was clear to Mirabel that they hadn’t expected this. They weren’t prepared for what to say when she found out, either.

“We’re…we’re so sorry. How could we make it up to you?”

Maybe she could drag this out, too. There was this rather expensive fabric that she’s been eyeing.

She deserves it for putting up with them for so long.

Chapter 235: Not So Secret-Secret Snippet

Notes:

I couldn’t resist doing it

Mirabel Madrigal has a big target on her back.

It is expected considering she’s the second youngest of the Madrigal family. Annoyingly, The Encantos could not hide their fondness for her, either.

She had been kidnapped a few times and held for ransom. Of course she always returned home safely. Whoever dares to kidnap her, not so much.

They really couldn’t have been any less obvious.

Honestly, it was no surprise to her when one of the villains that had kidnapped had figured out The Encantos’ identities and their connection to her.

Thankfully, it wasn’t a dangerous villain, who wanted her dead or harmed.

It was a villain, who can control and manipulate the shadows.

Shadowbane.

Shadowbane is his name.

When he had first kidnapped her, Mirabel thought that he was doing a horrible job at it. For someone with a lot of potential in his powers, he was a low-risk villain.

Mirabel will give him a few points for trying to threaten her and revealing The Encantos’ identities. It wouldn’t work because The Encantos and the Madrigals have been seen together thanks to Multifecta. He wouldn’t be able to prove it.

He didn't get caught when the Encantos arrived since the alarm had alerted their arrival. He left before they could severely harm him like the other villains, who kidnapped her.

Mirabel found the whole situation amusing already. Someone had finally figured out their identities. She knew she should’ve warned them, but they didn’t have anything to worry about when it was Shadowbane. If it was a high-tier villain, she would’ve told them, but that wasn’t the case.

Then a month had passed.

He kidnapped her again.

Yes, Mirabel could’ve fought back since she took self-defense classes, but that was too much work. She wanted to see what he would do.

Thankfully, he had improved a bit in his kidnapping methods. She’ll give him props for that.

He just seemed confused and had questioned her a lot.

He knew that she knew their identities but pretended otherwise. Even the Madrigals didn’t know that she knew.

She just told them the truth because she had nothing to worry about. Shadowbane had nobody backing him up nor was he a threat to her.

He was in absolute disbelief.

Finally, someone understood what she was feeling.

“I don’t know how you deal with it.” Shadowbane groans, shaking his head. It’s only been a few months and he feels like killing himself just for getting involved. He regrets kidnapping Mirabel.

“I don’t,” Mirabel replies easily. “I usually just go out to buy me something or hypnotics to not deal with them. You think you have it bad? Imagine pretending not to know for ten years.”

Shadowbane pities Mirabel. “You’re right. I can’t imagine. I can’t believe they believe they’re being secretive, either…”

“Exactly!” It’s such a relief to Mirabel to have someone to talk to about this. She would’ve actually gone if she pretended not to know for another year. “And they think I’m the dumb one. Trust me, I’m plenty more observant than any of them!”

“I know,” Shadowbane snickers. “Maybe too observant for your own good, kid.”

It had been a surprise to Shadowbane when Mirabel had figured out his identity during their second encounter.

Mirabel rolls her eyes. “Well, someone has to be.”

“Certainly.”

Shadowbane does not understand why Mirabel is not a superhero. Besides the obvious of Mirabel not wanting to become one, she’ll make a good analyst.

“I just can’t stand them. They give me too many migraines.”

“I think that—“ Shadowbane is cut off as a blaring, piercing red alarm rang out across the room. “I’ll see you next month?” Shadowbane asks hesitantly. He does not have much time left, but he doesn't mind. The Encantos have to go through a few more traps before they actually reach them.

“Hmm, how about the first Wednesday? There’s this upcoming test that I really don’t feel like doing. I need a valid excuse, too. I think having a villain kidnap me is valid enough.” Mirabel suggests, watching as her family panics and yells over each other to find her. “Will that fit your schedule?”

Shadowbane nods. “Yes. That’s fine. I’m not doing anything on that day.”

“Thank you,” Mirabel says, beaming at the villain. “Lord knows that I need a break from all of this.”

“I would feel the same way.” Shadowbane laughs. “Can’t say that I’ll be able to handle it if I were you. And The Encantos were supposedly the smartest. No offense, of course.”

“None taken. It’s true.” Mirabel tests out the ropes that are tied around her wrist. They weren’t tight, they were rather loose. Oh well. “Blindfold me? If I look at them, I think my brain would outright explode.”

“Definitely,” Shadowbane glances at his timepiece. Less than five minutes. “Maybe exaggerate what I did to you. Get yourself some sympathy points and something expensive.”

“I’ll surprise you with a gift, too.”

“Oh, you don’t have to.”

“I insist.”

“Please, try not to get kidnapped during that time.”

“That’s asking for the impossible.”

“Mirabel,”

“My family would give me your head as a gift if I wanted them to.”

“…Touché.”

Chapter 236: Sorry Not Sorry

Mirabel sat alone in her room, the dim light of the moon streaming through the window. She is still dressed in her quinceñera dress, the beautiful fabric rustling gently as tears quietly roll down her cheeks.

In just five minutes, her birthday, her quinceñera would officially be over. Not like it matters. Not like anyone actually remembered. It had been just another normal day to them.

She had reminded them several times, months beforehand—even then, she shouldn’t be the one to remind them of her birthday. At first, she thought they were planning to throw her a surprise party. But as the sky got darker, it had become clear to her that they had forgotten. She is not worth remembering.

She is alone, crying in her dress, which she had to request to be made herself. She is alone, and deep down, she knows that she has always been alone. No cake. No gifts. No damas and chambelánes. No father to change her shoes. No mother and daughter dance. No toast. No rose ceremony. No crowning ceremony. Nothing.

She does not know why they can’t just love and accept her. She does not know why her not receiving a gift makes her any less family. She doesn't know why she still pretends as if everything is alright. She doesn't know why keeps pretending as if her family is so great.

Make me proud, she remembers her abuela saying. She remembers everyone close to her saying at least once before.

Mirabel has not and will never achieve that.

That much is clear to her now.

She is a stain to them. A black sheep like the name they do not speak of. She is a reminder that the Madrigals aren’t so perfect. She is a reminder that something is wrong. She is a mistake. They will not say it, but she knows they think it. All of them.

Mirabel is invisible in the eyes of the Madrigals. Mirabel cannot provide them with what they want. What is it that they want? She is not sure, but she knows even if she did magically get it, she is not up to their standards. She will never be.

Giftless. Miracless. Normal.

It is an invisible brand that is seared into her skin and her very own bones. She can not not care when that’s all they care about. She can not pretend to be fine anymore.

Mirabel Madrigal.

Ten years.

And, now she can finally understand it. She is on her own. They will not care for her in the way that she wants. They will not extend that affection to her that they share with each other. They will not treat her the same way they treat the people of their town.

She is stupid for finally realizing. No. She always knew it. She just tried her damn hardest to get them to see her. To finally be proud of her.

Supposedly, this is the consequences of her actions for being so naive and selfless.

Mirabel Madrigal is silently crying.

Antonio is asleep next to her, turning five in two months. He will receive a gift. She knows he will. That will be it. She will truly be the only Madrigal without a gift. She will be the only one different.

She cannot stand it.

She is a sobbing mess, a pitiful and pathetic sight to look at.

Mirabel is alone surrounded by Madrigals. She is not comforted by them, no, she is comforted by a house. A house that is more family than her actual blood family.

But, she understands it now.

She is not worthy.

What is the point of waiting for something that’ll never come true? What is the point of constantly wishing for the inevitable?

She understands.

She doesn’t need any apologies.

They made their point very clear to her.

***

Tomorrow comes by quickly.

She cannot describe what she feels. She cannot describe the anger she feels. She is too hurt for her emotions to be put into words.

As expected, they don’t notice. If they do, they say nothing. It is cowardly, but Mirabel can’t say she is surprised anymore.

They do not care.

They don’t.

When she was younger—A naive, foolish idiot, she did not believe that. They were once close. Her birthday wasn’t blasphemy at the time. They were stupidly happy. Her birthday was a day of excitement.

Too bad her door faded in front of everyone.

Too bad her birthday meant nothing but bad things to them.

Too bad she never fits in with them.

Too bad she is not important to them.

Breakfast goes on as usual. Her abuela ignores her as usual. She cannot smile and pretend that it’s fine anymore. She is not happy. They don’t care. As long as the gifted ones are in the spotlight while she’s in the shadows, it apparently was okay. She didn’t have much value.

Mirabel does not wait.

She can’t wait for them anymore.

Then her mother approaches her after breakfast when everyone is gone. Nobody is in sight.

Her mother’s face is etched with regret and guilt. “Mirabel,”

At the moment, Mirabel already knows what it’s about. No apologies can make up for it. It cannot make her pain disappear. It cannot make her hurt go away. It cannot give her tears back and wasted time. It can not.

“Yes, mamá?” Mirabel does not feel well. Even as her mother opens her mouth, she will never feel well with them. Her grandmother is more important to her mother than she is. If she was placed on her higher pedestal, Julieta would not have waited until breakfast was over. She would have talked to her first. She did not.

“Y-yesterday was your birthday. Your quinceñera. I’m so, so sorry. We didn’t mean to forget, I could’ve sworn we had more time. We’ve just been so busy and exhausted with everything coming up lately. Aye, I’m sorry, mija. I can bake your—“

Excuses.

All Mirabel can hear is excuses coming from her mother’s mouth. Her mother is not speaking for herself, she is speaking for all of them. She is speaking for them because they do not remove like her. She is apologizing for all of them because she knows they will not.

Mirabel would’ve rather her mother said nothing than this.

It’s humiliating and embarrassing.

She doesn't like it.

She cannot accept the apology.

“It’s fine, mamá,” Her eyes are red from crying so much. Her mother does not comment on it. “There’s always next year.” It’s always next time, isn’t it? That next time will never come. It will not make up for what has been forgotten. “You and the others were so busy yesterday. I understand.” Her words are empty. She feels empty.

Her mother hesitates as if she knows.

Then she apologizes once more, pressing kisses against her forehead, and murmuring sweet lies to her.

Mirabel knows there will not be a next year because she’s not sure if she can spend another year living like this.

It is not fine.

***

Mirabel remembers the days when her abuela actually liked her. She actually loved her and treated her like a granddaughter. They had a healthy relationship and she was treated fondly.

Years ago, her abuela had planned to teach her how to sew and embroider. She taught her all the beginning stuff for sewing and embroidery, giving her little lessons. Her abuela would ask about her day. They would bond.

Mirabel didn’t even have much of an interest in sewing to start with. Only her abuela, father, and aunt did. But she wanted to bond with her abuela, so she accepted. She is the only grandchild who does sewing and embroidery.

She loves it.

And occasionally Pepa and Agustín would join in. It was nice.

It was their thing.

Something they did together.

Until it came to a stop.

When her door faded and Bruno left, all of it stopped. Even when she had asked her abuela about their lessons, she simply dismissed her. She couldn’t teach her lessons anymore.

Her father and aunt couldn’t, either.

Mirabel did not understand and could only cry in confusion.

She could not learn by herself. It was way too hard. Too many pricks by needles. Too many potential accidents. She wanted to make them—her proud of her.

After begging the local seamstress to teach her multiple times, she eventually accepted.

She is much better and proud of her work.

However, her abuela is not.

***

Mirabel found herself sitting on the roof mate at night, gazing up at the stars and the full moon that hung in the sky. The night air was cool against her skin, the silence of the night interrupted only by the distant sounds of wildlife. The stars twinkled above like diamonds, their light casting a gentle glow over the surroundings.

She cannot convince herself that things will get better anymore. Her abuela, aunt, and father would not spend time with her by teaching her how to sew or embroider. Her uncle will not teach her how to dance anymore. Her other uncle will not come back. Her mother does not have enough time to teach her how to cook together like they used to. Her oldest sister will not make flower crowns with her anymore or like her. Her oldest cousin will not do her hair and gossip with her. Her older sister will not spend time with her or have sleepovers anymore. Her older cousin will not play pranks on other people with her or sneak food late at night with her.

It will not happen.

She’s tired of her wistful thinking.

She cries on the rooftop.

She wishes she doesn’t.

Again, she’s tired of her wistful thinking.

***

Mirabel is taking care of Antonio. She doesn’t not like him. She loves him very much. But, she is very much envious of him.

It’s stupid, isn’t it? Being jealous of a child. She can’t help it.

She knows that this good relationship she had with him will come to an end soon like it did with the others. He will forget about her the moment he gets a gift. She will not let her heart break again.

“Are you okay, prima?” Antonio’s voice is quiet. He’s looking at her with a worried expression.

Mirabel isn’t sure whether she wants to laugh or cry.

Antonio is the first person in the family to ask her that question in years. A literal child.

If it was another family member, if it was a question that was asked years ago, maybe she would’ve answered truthfully. Maybe she wouldn’t be in this position.

“I’m fine, Toñito,” Mirabel smiles.

It’s too wide. Too many teeth. Too fake.

Mirabel is not fine.

Mirabel will not comment on it, but the mood afterwards had dampened between them.

She has no one to blame but herself for that.

She will not make that mistake again.

Never.

***

Mirabel does not get along with her family members well. It’s not like they’re at each other’s throats or anything like that. They’re just distant.

They treat the people of town better than her. They treat them as if they’re their familiar and not her. She is not a stranger inside of her own house because she would be treated better than the way she is now.

She cannot reach out to them anymore. She will not apologize for things that aren’t her fault. She will not play the role of a peacemaker for them.

She can’t.

And that is fine.

It’s not like they noticed that anything is wrong with her. Emotionally, at least. If they did, they do not care.

She knew that nothing would ever be the same.

There used to be a time where they actually cared about her. There used to be a time where she could cry in someone’s arms. There used to be a time where she was welcomed.

Mirabel does not bother them anymore.

They do not notice her withdrawal.

***

It is breakfast once again. The matriarch is giving out her usual orders and everyone is listening. Nobody spares her a glance, not like she expects it.

Then she asks about everyone’s day and what they had done.

Of course, everyone answers.

Mirabel is the last one and before she could even open her mouth, the matriarch begins talking. She outright skips over her and ignores her.

They do not notice anything.

Mirabel does not expect anything from the usual. Her abuela does not acknowledge her like the others. She is forgotten.

That is nothing new.

Even then, her chest felt tight. She feels like shouting and crying at the same time.

But she can’t.

Her throat is clogged up with so many words. She wants to tell them how she truly feels and how much they hurt.

She can’t.

But does it matter?

No.

No, it doesn’t.

Not when nobody will even listen.

Or care.

***

Mirabel does not like who she is becoming. She doesn't feel like herself. She feels like a puppet with someone controlling her strings. Her every single move. She cannot find herself to be happy, the way she used to be. Her eyes are empty and she feels so helpless.

It’s not the first time she had felt that way. She had felt that way during her ceremony. Not her fifth birthday. But her ceremony.

Her quinceñera just had been her wake up call. Nothing will ever change. Not when the place that she lives at is so afraid of change. Mirabel Madrigal is someone not worth changing for.

There are times where she’s tempted to leave. Not just leave The Encanto, but leave permanently. It’ll be so easy.

A knife. A noose. Water. Pills. Anything.

But she will not.

She is not scared of death, she is scared of the pain that will come with it.

Would they even care if she dies?

***

The night sky was filled with a cacophony of colors as fireworks burst overhead, their explosion sending showers of sparks and sparks into the air.

Mirabel had come to the realization that The Encanto is not for her. It is not right for her. There wasn’t anything in The Encanto for her. There wasn’t anyone in The Encanto for her anymore.

It wasn’t a new discovery. It was something that she already knew. Something that she refused to believe until recently.

Mirabel, who stood among the crowd, found herself blending in seamlessly, her small figure hidden by the throng of people.

It is Antonio’s fifth birthday, his ceremony.

As she predicted, he did get a gift. The ability to communicate with animals.

She is right.

Something is wrong with her.

Just her.

She should be happy, but she is not happy. She’s not clapping, cheering, or smiling like the others.

She does not have the energy to pretend today. She will not pretend to be happy when she isn’t.

The entire Madrigal family stood together, their faces filled with smiles as they posed for a family photo. Everyone was there, from Alma to Antonio, each family member standing in their place. However, there was one notable absence—Mirabel.

They look complete and happy without her. That much is expected of them. She has always been the odd one out. The new black sheep. Different. Not one of them.

It is a family photo, but Mirabel Madrigal is not included.

They do not notice.

They will never notice.

If they do notice, it will be far too late.

Mirabel turns around and walks away.

She’s tired.

What did she even expect?

***

Mirabel wants to leave The Encanto. She has been planning to leave for the last two months. If the Madrigals knew, they would obviously disapprove. Not because they care, no, it’s because another Madrigal cannot leave. It will affect their reputation.

Mirabel is not fit for The Encanto. Mirabel is not fit to be a Madrigal. It is becoming increasingly obvious each day.

Mirabel is not sure what is outside of The Encanto. She is not sure if it is even safe considering Alma’s stories of how dangerous it is. She is not sure how she will continue with her life outside of The Encanto. If she will even try.

But she’s tired of waiting for a miracle.

She’s been patient for too long.

They’ve given up on her first, not the other way around.

***

Mirabel is aware that Isabela's engagement dinner with the Guzmáns is coming up. She does not let the words of Isabela affect her. She tells her to stay out of the way and not cause any trouble. Not anymore. Mirabel does not want to be there, either. But she has no choice.

She is still planning on leaving The Encanto. She will not be able to leave The Encanto before Isabela’s engagement. Not because she wants to be sentimental but because the traders wouldn’t be here, yet. She will leave with them when the time arrives.

Unfortunately, she will have to attend Isabela’s engagement. Isabela does not want her there. Alma does not want her there. She does not want to be there. The only good thing is that she will not have to attend the wedding. She will be gone. At least Isabela wouldn’t have to worry about her ruining her wedding.

If she stays, Mirabel is not sure what would happen to her. When Isabela has children in the future, where would she even stay? It is common for the children to stay in the nursery. Before Isabela’s children are five, she will be twenty. She will not stay in that nursery and endure that. She will not be humiliated and stay in the nursery as an adult.

Mirabel is sure that the older Madrigals had discussed something similar with each other. It is a problem in the future that they cannot ignore any longer.

They can’t kick her out, even if they wanted to. She is a Madrigal in name. Casita will not make another room unless it’s for a gifted Madrigal. Mirabel will not move out because she knows the Madrigals will make a spectacle out of it and she will still see them in town.

Her leaving Casita will not change anything. It will only make it worse. The rumors would grow, they would try to convince her to come back, and it all would be so terrible. Her leaving Casita will only provide her temporary relief. It will not change what she feels. It will not make them better.

However, leaving The Encanto will. She will not have to see them. The expectations of being a Madrigal will not weigh on her. Nobody will know who she is. She would be normal just like everyone else. Because, if anyone is the strange ones, it’s the Madrigals, isn’t it?

Potentially, her life could be worse outside The Encanto. She doesn’t know that. Maybe she’s taking advantage of this paradise. She doesn’t know that. Maybe she will be struck down the moment she steps a foot outside The Encanto like her abuelo.

She does not know.

She doesn’t wish to know, either.

She is alone.

Hadn’t she always been?

Mirabel sighs.

***

Mirabel is right.

Antonio does forget about her.

Even when she expected it, it did not hurt any less. She does not let her hurt show at all. If she did, they would not notice nor care.

The Madrigals are talking to each other like a family. Isabela’s engagement is approaching in a couple of days. Apparently, today is one of the days where they could relax.

Alma is looking at Antonio with a fond expression.

Mirabel gets deja vu.

They are laughing, talking, and smiling with each other. They are having a great time. Without her.

And that’s all Mirabel needs to know.

When she leaves, they will be just fine without her. Perhaps they will be even happier without her.

God, they look like a real family.

They really do.

Mirabel feels like crying a bit. She needs to leave. They have it all handled without her. She doesn’t mind. She already knew that.

She turns around and leaves without a word.

As expected, nobody says anything or even notices.

She has given them her everything and it’s not enough. It’s never enough. She’s never enough. She loves them and they don’t love her. That’s the cold truth.

She thinks about the name they do not speak about.

Bruno Madrigal.

She can see it now.

She can understand him now.

He is right in leaving.

When she was younger, she didn’t understand why he would want to leave the Madrigals. He had everything he could’ve possibly asked for.

Except for the love of his family.

And that was all they really wanted.

Asked for.

Something that should be so simple to give, but they couldn’t even receive that. She wishes that Bruno had taken her with him.

She would be happy anywhere else but with them.

She will be.

In the nursery, her bags are already packed, stuffed neatly in the closet. Nobody goes to the nursery anymore. Nobody but her. She is truly alone. That much is obvious.

She is prepared to leave.

Been prepared to leave.

She cannot wait.

This is a wish she can actually achieve.

She will not miss her chance.

She has given them too many chances. Too many chances, times, apologies, but it is not enough. They wasted every single one.

A strange part of her is hoping to meet Bruno Madrigal outside of The Encanto.

A part of her also despises him for what he had done.

***

It is Isabela’s engagement dinner. Once again, Isabela reminds her not to ruin anything. Even Alma tells her to not do anything that could potentially scare them away and stay to herself.

Mirabel does just that.

Mirabel is quiet, only speaking when spoken to just to be polite.

She is not angry. She is not sad. She just feels numb at this point.

Mariano Guzmán is a nice man. His grandmother is a nice woman, too.

A perfect match for Isabela.

Though, he’s a little bit simple-minded. A himbo is what they call people like him.

She doesn’t have to worry about him when it comes to Mariano. He likes her. Loves her, even.

Good for him.

He’s in love with Isabela’s perfect persona and not her true rotten personality. Who is she to ruin that? Nobody.

Absolutely nobody.

Her voice and opinions hold no value whatsoever.

Then Mariano proposes.

Isabela says yes.

Everyone cheers and claps.

Even her.

It’s all fake.

Mirabel is just glad the dinner is over.

It just means she’s closer to leaving The Encanto.

***

One more day.

One more day then she’ll be able to finally leave.

“Hey, Mirabel,” Mirabel tenses up at the voice of Camilo. He does not mean any harm. They were once close enough to call each other twins. Not anymore.

Especially not since he’s friends with her bullies.

“Yeah?” Mirabel will not fault him for his friends’ actions. But she knows that he’s aware of how they’re treating her. His friends never did hide their dislike towards her.

She is curious about what he wants, though. They aren’t casual enough to have such a carefree conversation. He only talks to her when he wants something from her. Such as asking her to do his chores or asking for her food.

It is not something like wanting to hang out or bond. Nothing like that. They are past that age. It is far too late to go back to that point, too. They will not be able to make amends. They couldn’t.

She will move on. They will move on.

She knows they will.

Because she deserves so much better for herself.

And staying here is not better for herself.

“Are you, uh, feeling alright?” Camilo asks, much to Mirabel’s surprise. He’s shuffling his feet, something he does when he feels awkward or nervous. “I’ve noticed you have been spacing out more recently. Or, uhm, being distant. You know what I mean? Antonio also said you haven’t been hanging out with him. So did the children in town. So, I came to check up on you.”

“I’m fine,” Mirabel lies through her teeth. She has gotten so much better at lying. It wasn’t hard when she was lying for most of her life. “I just have been…tired lately. You don’t need to check on me. You have your own things to worry about.”

It’s already too late. So, why are you asking me this now when you could’ve asked years ago? She will not say that.

“Oh,” Camilo doesn’t know what he expects. Mirabel isn’t sure if he believes or not. It doesn’t matter as he says, “Alright. If you need someone to make you smile or anything like that, I’m your guy!”

“Alright,”

He smiles.

She smiles.

Both smiles are obnoxiously fake.

***

Trenton carefully placed Mirabel's bags into the cart, one by one, making sure they were securely situated. As he finished, he glanced at Mirabel, who was watching him intently, and gave a small nod to signal that everything was in place.

Today is the day.

She will finally be able to leave The Encanto. After all this time, it will be over. No Madrigals to worry about. Of course there is a part of her that wants to abandon all of this and turn around to go back to Casita. But a bigger part of her knows what’s right and will go through with this.

In just a few minutes, she’ll be able to leave. She will not have to worry about them anymore. She will be free.

“Mirabel!”

But nothing will go smoothly in her life, will it?

Mirabel turns around to see Dolores. Someone who hears all, but does a damn good job at ignoring her. Someone who she was hoping to be asleep or busy. Just ignore her again. Just this once she’s asking for that.

Mirabel does not respond, she just stares at Dolores.

Was the others also arriving?

Dolores is staring at her wide eyes, she looks a mess. “Mirabel,” She says, her voice softer. “What are you doing?” She gestures over at the horses, carts, people, and everything else.

Thankfully, Trenton gets the hint. “I’ll be waiting, Señorita. Tell me if you change your mind or not.” She nods and he walks away.

Mirabel does not know what to say. She has prepared so many things to say to each Madrigal. To express her anger and sadness at them.

Her throat feels tight and her mouth feels dry.

Mirabel does not know what Dolores wants.

What did it look like she was doing?

“Mirabel?” Dolores’ voice is quivering and it makes Mirabel take a step back. She cannot stand this. “W-whatever this is, we can fix it together. As a family. We can talk.” Dolores takes a step forward.

Mirabel is angry.

She feels like crying already.

That is something she wanted to hear for years.

It’s too late, Dolores.

Far too late.

Mirabel blinks back her tears. “No, we can’t.” She does not wince at Dolores’ hurt expression. “W-we can’t. We really can’t.” She glances over at Trenton, who’s waiting. A few minutes left. “I’m leaving, Dolores. I’m leaving The Encanto.”

“No,” Dolores is staring at her in disbelief. As if she couldn’t comprehend the fact that she had enough of their crap and leaving. “We can fix this. Talk to me, primita. Please. What is it?”

Mirabel remembers all the times that she wishes that someone would just talk to her.

Dolores had heard her struggling but ignored her.

“All I’ve ever done is talk.” Mirabel frowns. “And you never hear me or listen. Nobody does. There’s nothing I have to say to you.”

Mirabel turns around to leave, but Dolores grabs her arm.

Dolores can see it now.

Mirabel can see that Dolores understood the gravity of the situation.

“Yes, you do. You have so much to say. I’m listening, Mirabel. I’m listening. I am. So, please, say what you have to say. I know you do.”

“Dolores—“

“How can I possibly let you leave without fighting for you?” What type of cousin would she be? An even worse one? “I can’t let you walk away without doing something. I can’t return home and tell them that I just let you leave.”

Mirabel pulls her arm away, scowling. “Yes, you can! That’s what you’ve always done. You never fought for me. Nobody did.” Dolores is in shock, but Mirabel does not care. Not anymore. “When I walked away, nobody said anything or even noticed. You can tell them that you let me leave. It wouldn’t change anything. You won’t change anything.”

Dolores frowns. “Mirabel—“

“I am not staying here. I thought about this for a long time and my decision is final.”

“…Why can’t we work this out?”

“Because it can’t.” Mirabel hisses. “Nothing I did made you all love me. It’s too late, Dolores. I gave you all far too many chances.” She lets out a sigh. “And I’m tired. I’m so tired of pretending to be alright. I’m so tired of loving you all when all I do is get hurt in return. That’s why. You are years late.”

Dolores’ face lost its color. “M-Mirabel,” Her voice is shaky. “No, no, that can’t be it. I can change. We can change. Give us another chance. One more. You won’t regret it. P-please…”

Mirabel has always been alone.

“I cannot do that.” Mirabel will not give to them anymore. “It won’t work out. You know that abuela has never liked change. I’ve changed. They won’t. You won’t. I’m leaving, Dolores. Goodbye,”

Then she turns around.

She will not look back.

This is the last time she’ll ever see the Madrigals again.

Chapter 237: The Kit

Julieta does not know what to expect when she sees her family huddled up outside of the bathroom.

They’re not panicking or yelling, so she does not need to worry about any injuries.

“Julieta,”

“Yes?” Julieta blinks. “What’s the problem, mamá?”

“Didn’t I tell you not to leave your health kits around?”

Julieta tilts her head. “…I don’t do that anymore.” Her eyes are immediately drawn to what’s in her mother’s hands. At the sight, Julieta looks concerned. “And you found this where?”

“In the bathroom.”

“Oh,” Julieta grabs the kit and looks at everyone who is present. “Whoever’s kit this is can talk to me in private. We do not have to discuss this in front of everyone.”

Mirabel felt a knot of anxiety tighten in her stomach as her mother talked, her mind racing with fear of being discovered. She tries her best to keep her expression neutral, forcing herself to remain outwardly calm, but her heart beats loudly in her chest.

She holds her tongue, saying silent and hoping that nobody would not notice the hidden scars on her skin.

Of course her mother instantly recognizes the kit.

Félix blinks. “Is it not yours?”

“No, it is not. I do not need this nor will I ever need this.” Julieta says seriously. “However, the person that does needs this…” She trails off, shaking her head slightly. “Just know that my door is always open.”

It didn’t take long for them to realize that something was wrong.

“Julieta,” Alma’s eyebrows furrow. She didn’t understand the gravity of the situation, but she knew that it was serious. “What is this kit? What’s the matter with it?”

There is no use of a med-kit or any kind of medical equipment considering that they have Julieta’s food. It wouldn’t be odd for Julieta to carry one, but that wasn’t the case. It was someone’s else.

Julieta hesitates then she answers. “A self-harm kit,” She can see the shock on her family’s face. “It contains razors, pocket knives, and other weapons. It also contains first aid supplies like antiseptic wipes, antiseptic cream, gauze, etcetera. It gives the…owner of this kit control over their tendencies. That’s the basics of a self-harm kit.”

There is a stunned silence in the room as Julieta finishes speaking.

“A self-harm kit...that's…” Agustín begins, his voice shaking. “That's what you found?” It makes him realize that someone in their family is using this. He knows that the others are thinking the same. He is worried.

Pepa’s face pales, her eyes darting to each of her family members. She cannot determine who it belongs to. “…Who?”

“Which is why I had to clarify that it is not mine.” Julieta sighs. “And that I will talk to whoever this belongs to. We can talk privately and nobody will know but us.”

“It’s certainly not mine. I get enough injuries by being clumsy.”

“I’m not—it doesn’t—“

It is clear what the older generation is thinking. They fear that it belongs to one of their children.

“It is not mine.” Isabela says before anyone can ask. “I am perfectly fine with my life and have no desire to harm myself. You can cross me out.” She glances over at her sisters and cousins. She knows it’s not her which makes her feel more anxious.

“Not mine,” Dolores shakes her head. “Being loud is torture enough for me.”

Luisa smiles sheepishly. “I-I mean, it’s not like this is capable of harming me. Only fire actually can. So, this is not mine.”

“I didn’t even know what this was, so it’s not mine!” Camilo sighs. “I’m happy with my life.”

“Yeah. It’s not mine, either. I’m also happy with my life.” Mirabel says. “There’s also your food, mamá.”

It is clear that the adults aren’t sure who to believe or who not to believe.

They know it’s not each other.

The self-harm kit had only appeared afterwards. They also have each other to talk to. Really, it only leaves the third generation. And that’s excluding Antonio.

All four of them gave short answers and one of them was lying straight to their faces.

It’s hard to work out who it possibly could be. One of their children is hurting themselves for who knows how long and they don’t know who.

“Julieta is right,” Alma is looking at her grandchildren with concern. “None of you have to speak up in front of all of us. You can speak to Julieta privately. We will be here for whoever it is.”

“Yes and if you don’t want to speak to Julieta, you can speak with any of us privately.”

“Right,”

All the grandchildren looked uneasy.

Especially the culprit.

Mirabel used self-harm as a coping mechanism.

It wasn't the best coping mechanism, she knew, but it was her way of dealing with the emotional pain she couldn't express. She couldn't talk about the pressure she felt, the constant disappointment she faced, or the way her needs were often overlooked in favor of others' expectations.

She had been caught with a cut on her wrist before. She had to come up with a quick excuse for the cut. Her lie was accepted without question.

Mirabel didn't want to raise any suspicions, so she stopped cutting in visible places like her arms. She also avoided wearing long sleeves or anything that might draw attention to her hidden scars.

She was worried what would happen if she’s discovered. She doesn’t want to know their reactions. She doesn’t want to be seen as weak or mentally unstable.

She also doesn’t want to die. Which is why she uses the self-harm kit. It makes her feel more responsible and have control of her own behavior and body.

Maybe she should’ve hid it better.

She probably would’ve still gotten caught, though.

Her mother’s words are like something sweet to her, tempting. If she talks to her mother in pride, nobody would have to know. She’ll get the help she needs without worrying about anyone judging her.

Even then, her mother has always been accepting.

Would it really be alright to confide in someone?

Chapter 238: Sorry Not Sorry — Part 2

Notes:

I do hope that everyone had a great Christmas!

“She’s gone? Like, r-really?”

“Y-yes…I can’t hear her anymore, tío. She officially left.”

“N-no, no! My vision never showed me this outcome! What happened? How?” Bruno has never believed that Mirabel leaving The Encanto was an option. “She—she wasn’t supposed to leave! No. That’s not what should’ve happened! She’s just a child. She’s alone out there! I wouldn’t have s-stayed in the walls if I knew she was going to leave!”

Dolores could only weep.

***

Bogotá.

Bogotá is the place that they’re heading to right now. She doesn’t know much about the place besides the fact that Agustín used to live there.

She heard that Bogotá’s streets were alive with horse-drawn carriages and trams, while the city's squares and parks were bustling with people seeking refuge from the heat of the day. It was also known for its beautiful structure.

A vibrant city.

That sounds like a nice place.

She’s glad that she doesn’t have to worry about any Madrigals at least. She wasn’t sure if she would make it, but she did. She finally left The Encanto.

She felt proud of herself for not crying when facing Dolores and afterwards. That felt like a big improvement to her.

She just hoped she had enough pesos to get herself a job and to take care of herself. Food wasn’t exactly a problem, since it’s canned. But that would only last her a month.

The most important thing to her is having somewhere to stay. She did her research on how much it would cost for her to get a small place to live. The problem is that she’s a female and fifteen years old. Some people would take advantage of that.

That’s why she needed a trustworthy male on her side.

She couldn’t say that she knew any people outside of the Encanto, either.

“Ain’t you a little young to be traveling alone?” Cruz, the scruffy man, asks. He is clearly sizing her up by the way he is eyeing her. “What are you? Fourteen? Fifteen?”

Mathias, a gruff and rough-looking man, exhaled a cloud of smoke from his cigar as he spoke. “She’s on the young side, alright,” He says before taking another drag from the cigar. “Can’t be more than sixteen. Pretty little things like that are just begging to get hurt, traveling all alone.”

“Men like you are begging to get hit in the balls.” Mirabel quipes. “My age shouldn’t matter to you two, either. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. So back off.”

“Hey—“

“She’s with me fellas, too. Back off.” Trenton growls. “It is none of your damn concern what this young lady’s business is.” His eyes narrow at the sight of Mathias. “And you best take that smoke outta your mouth before I do it myself.”

Mathias, his cigar still held between his fingers, looks up at Trenton, his expression a mix of annoyance and discomfort. He took a final drag before extinguishing the cigar, seemingly choosing to avoid a conflict.

Trenton has an impressive muscular physique with broad shoulders and powerful arms. Among the men present, Trenton is undoubtedly the strongest and most physically imposing, a fact that was not lost on either Mathias or Cruz.

Selva, a slender and petite woman, shot Mathias and Cruz a withering glare. “Acting like damn bandits more than merchants.”

“Shameful,” Rosa agrees. “You men ought to learn some manners.”

Kain rolls his eyes. “Don’t lump me with these men. I’m just here.”

“Eh.”

“I’ll take it.”

“Gonna be dealing with a lot of them in the future.”

Mirabel thought that Trenton is rather trustworthy. Definitely not on a personal level, though. He can get in and out of The Encanto with ease. Which means he did not mean any harm to those inside. She also knew a little about him while he knew a little too much about her.

***

“Mirabel’s gone.” Dolores announces during dinner. It had been barely an hour since Mirabel left. Of course she had to speak to Bruno first. Mirabel has always been an unpredictable variable to Bruno.

It went silent as everyone turned their heads to stare at Dolores.

“Gone?”

Alma’s eyes narrow as she finally notices that Mirabel isn’t here at all. “Where is she?” She frowns. How rude of Mirabel to not show up to dinner.

“Gone?” Julieta repeats, her body tense. “Like, in the town?”

Isabela scoffs. “Of course she skips dinner again.”

“Again?” Luisa asks. “What do you mean?”

Dolores could feel her entire body shaking. “No!” She felt like pulling her hair out. She started to understand why Mirabel said the things she said. “Mirabel left The Encanto! She’s actually gone!” Her ears are ringing and tears are coming down from her eyes. “She left!”

“Excuse me?!”

“D-Dolores, what do you mean she left?”

“She couldn’t have!”

“Uh, is this a joke? It’s not a very funny one!”

“No! No, no, I refuse to believe that!”

“It’s—it’s the truth! All her s-stuff is gone! She won’t come back! She wouldn’t listen! She left!”

Mirabel is gone.

Mirabel has chosen to leave.

***

It’s been two days since she left The Encanto.

It would take at least five days for them to arrive at Bogotá. Thankfully, it seems like the people here actually like her. Something about her bubbly personality, but she didn’t mind. She wouldn’t have to worry about talking to nobody for an entire week.

She won’t lie, she is anxious.

She’s going somewhere she has never been before. She’s not going to be with anyone.

And the more that she hears about Bogotá, the more that she gets nervous. She’s hearing about things that she never heard about before. Television. Cellophane. Toaster. Hair dryers. Hearing aids. Folding wheel cheer.

It was just things that she was sure was made up. Or they were messing with her. But she doubted that everyone would do that to her.

Mirabel would never say that she is dumb. She is at the top of her classes in school. She studies books in her free time and even got moved into an advanced class.

So, what the hell are those things?

She felt like even the people in The Encanto wouldn’t know what some of those things are.

It really made her feel stupid.

“Aye,” Trenton says, making Mirabel glance up from the magazine in her hands. “Mirabel,”

“Yes?”

“I may not know much about your Madrigal business, and it's none of my concern, but like I said, I'm making it mine.” Trenton pauses, his gaze unwavering. “You're right. Being young and alone can be dangerous. Many people will take advantage of your innocence. But I deal with the Madrigals often, and I'd feel guilty if something happened to you and I'd done nothing. Tell me, Mirabel, what is your goal?”

Mirabel hadn’t expected that. “My goal…well, I’m not sure exactly. I guess I just want to find somewhere I belong. I want to live my own life. I just need a fresh start, you know?”

“And that’s Bogotá? Huh, surprising. The Encanto is really luxurious. You’d throw it all away for this. Hm,” Trenton says absentmindedly. “Eh. Whatever, we all do our own things. Even if that fresh start is at Bogotá.”

Trenton didn’t know much about The Encanto or the Madrigals. He’s just a merchant, who just wants his money. He got a lot of goods from the Madrigals and received a large amount of money from them. He didn’t know what to expect when he arrived at The Encanto. Everyone worships the Madrigals and the land is astonishing.

Honestly, he thought that the Madrigals were the leaders of a cult. They probably are. The Encanto is an isolated place and too lush. The people of The Encanto speak highly of them. All of them. He didn’t meet all of them, but he did meet the leader of the village and saw a few of them. He could not understand how one of them was at least six foot three inches in height. They weren't normal at all.

He wasn’t going to question it, but they are powerful. They could end him in one punch. The people of that village wouldn’t care, either.

A cult for sure.

Mirabel was probably more dangerous than she let on.

Damn it. What if this was a test from the Madrigals? Sending one of their youngest to the outside world to spread their influence?

“Yeah…”

Whatever this guy is thinking, Mirabel did not like it.

***

A large part of Julieta just wishes that Mirabel leaving is just a cruel joke from Dolores. But, no, it’s the truth. All of Mirabel’s things from the nursery were gone. The nursery looks as if nobody ever lived in there. Just spotless. Empty.

How could she not notice? Is a question that she asks herself many times a day. How could she not notice her own daughter’s pain and suffering? How could she not notice how withdrawn she’s been? How could she?

She should have known better. She should have done better. It already happened once. How the hell could she make the same mistake? How did she lose someone close to her like that again?

Mirabel had been walking down Bruno’s path. Her smile didn’t look as bubbly anymore. She didn’t talk as much as she used to. She didn’t bother joining them in family matters anymore. No. That wasn’t it. They hadn’t included her or even noticed. It is them who is at fault, not Mirabel.

How could she go wrong with both of them? How could she fuck up so horribly with them?

She swore to herself that she wouldn’t let Mirabel go down Bruno’s path. She swore to herself that she’ll be there for Mirabel. She said the same thing to Bruno and she failed.

She is a terrible sister and mother.

Both of them felt like they needed to earn their place in the family.

She could not heal their pain. It is far too late. She can not scoop them in her arms and apologize to them over and over again. She cannot because they’re gone.

Crying cannot fix anything. Crying cannot bring them back to her. As much as she wants to, she can’t turn back time.

Mirabel is really gone.

Her daughter, only fifteen years old, is actually gone.

She wasn’t there for her.

Never has been, has she?

The worst part is that Mirabel left nothing behind.

She didn’t even leave a note.

***

“Where exactly are you headed? Anywhere specific I should know about?”

“I’m not sure,” Mirabel shrugs. “Just…somewhere.”

Trenton’s eyebrows knit together. “You really are a lost cause.” He says with a laugh. “And carrying all that baggage. You’re gonna get robbed like that.”

He is right. “Probably,” She glances down at the road, muttering, “I’ll do my best to protect myself, though.”

“Best?” Trenton repeats, scoffing. “No, you need to protect yourself. What? You a fighter?”

Mirabel has never fought in a day of her life. That would simply be wrong since she’s a Madrigal. She has seen people fighting, but it’s rare. She’s not strong like Luisa, who could definitely throw a punch. Mirabel knows that she’s stronger than an average person, but she doesn’t know how to fight. She doesn’t know how to throw a proper punch. There was no need for that.

“Uh, no,” Mirabel could feel her face heat up. “Not a fighter.”

“Okay…” Trenton trails off, eyeing Mirabel suspiciously. She has muscles, but it’s vaguely visible. That meant she lifts some weights. His daughter is definitely stronger than Mirabel, though. “Shooter?”

Mirabel squeaks. “W-with a gun?”

“No. With a knife.” Trenton says. “Obviously with a gun. There’s no other option.”

“N-no! I have never used a gun. I do have a knife.”

“Mm,” Trenton hums. “You know the type?”

“…A kitchen knife?”

“A kitchen knife?” Trenton repeats with laughs, making Mirabel feel ridiculous. “Geez. You can’t really do anything with that. If you’re trained, yes. But you? I can now tell that you’re not trained at all. With your lack of training, it's practically useless.” He shakes his head. “Sure, maybe if you’re against one person you’d have a chance to escape. But against multiple people? You’ll be overpowered easily. Someone like you would be turned into their whore without a struggle. If you manage to hurt someone, they’ll turn you into their property or just kill you off after they’re done with you.”

Mirabel bristles at Trenton’s words, her cheeks flushing with anger. “Do not call me that.” She snaps.

“Oh, no, missy. I don’t think you’re a whore. You’re definitely a respectable, intelligent, and independent woman. A Madrigal. Royalty, practically.” Trenton says. “When it comes to men, especially the dangerous ones, they don’t care about your name or your status. They’ll seize an opportunity when they see one. And believe me, they’ll make sure you regret it. They’ll turn you into their whore if you’re alone. You’ll be a piece of meat to them. Easily disposable to them.”

Mirabel's cheeks reddened further in frustration, but she forced herself to listen to Trenton's explanation. She knew he was right, even though his words and tone chafed at her. “I get that,” She says, her voice slightly more measured. “But what choice do I have? What can I possibly do in my situation?”

Trenton’s eyes narrow. “Depends…”

“W-well, how do you protect yourself?” Besides the obvious. He could definitely protect themself.

“I carry one of these,” Trenton lifts up his shirt slightly, showing off a gun tucked into the waistband of his pants. “I also have my own gang of men, and trust me, they're nuts. They would retaliate against anyone who tries to mess with me, paying them back a hundredfold. It's how we operate, and it keeps us safe.”

Mirabel had never seen a gun up close before. “You carry it all the time?”

“All the time,” Trenton says casually, his hand dropping back to his side. “Unless I’m in the shower or stuff like that. Small stuff.”

“I can’t protect myself. You’re right.” Mirabel sighs dramatically, making Trenton’s eyebrows raise. “So, you should train me. Pretty please?”

“Train you?” Trenton muses. “And turn you into a little ole killer like me? Nah. If your family knew what I taught you, they'd kill me. Even my men wouldn’t be able to save my ass.”

“My family won’t do anything.” Mirabel knows that is a fact. They don’t know where she’s at right now. They wouldn’t even care. “I’m just a defenseless little girl right now. I can’t do anything to protect myself. You can. You can help me a lot if you just teach me. I do not want to suffer such a…terrible fate if I die. If I die, the blood will also be on your hands.”

For a moment, they just stare at each other.

“You’re a little shit, you hear me?”

Mirabel offers a grin. “Is that a yes?”

“Fuck it. Not like I can get any worse by training a kid.”

***

Isabela didn’t know why Mirabel left, not really.

She understood that she and Mirabel got into a lot of arguments. It was a usual thing between them. The last time she saw Mirabel, she looked fine. Maybe a little distant, but she was fine.

Mirabel actually left.

She left two days after her engagement. She left without a word. She left without even saying goodbye.

So, why the hell would Mirabel leave? When did she even get the chance to pack up and leave without them noticing?

She always messed things.

Their family is a disaster now.

They’re always arguing.

Including her.

“She had everything she could’ve possibly wanted!” Isabela finds herself yelling at Luisa. It reminds her of all the times she and Mirabel had a screaming match with each other. Mirabel is really gone. “Why did she have to go and ruin things?!”

“We don’t know that, Isabela!” Luisa tries to think of the last time that she and Mirabel actually had a conversation. She doesn’t. “And she didn’t ruin anything! Our b-baby sister is gone and you’re still acting like t-this!”

Isabela grits her teeth. She’s angry. She’s angry at Luisa. She’s angry at her family. She’s angry at Mirabel. Most importantly, she’s angry at herself. But, she would never admit that.

“Like what, Luisa? It’s the truth,” Isabela shoots back, earning a glare from her younger, only sister, now. “All she had to do was stay out of the way and she can’t even do that! It was that simple. She always have to make things harder for us.”

“For us or for you?” Luisa says. “You’re the one that always has it out for her! Damn it, Isabela, you’re six years older than her. You’re supposed to be an adult! You’re not supposed to be tormenting her like that. You always made things harder for Mirabel. You went out of your way to mess up her day!”

“I did not!” Isabela snaps. “All I did was give her a little sisterly advice—“

“Oh, is that what we are calling tormenting nowadays?”

“—and all she had to do was take it! I did nothing wrong! I will not coddle her for something that happened ten years ago! You will! I won’t! I do not care if she throws a petty tantrum or not! I will not do such a thing with her!” Isabela growls. “She had everything, Luisa! Everything! This is another one of her little tantrums!”

“And that’s the problem!” Luisa does not know what Isabela has against Mirabel. She doesn't like it. “This is not another one of Mirabel’s tantrums! Mirabel hadn’t thrown a tantrum since she was a kid! She’s actually gone! She’s not coming back and you don’t even care!”

“I care.”

“You don’t act like it, Isabela. As far as I can tell you’re just mad because she ruined things.” Luisa says mockingly. “You won’t admit it, but I know. You have always been jealous of Mirabel.”

Isabela’s eyes are wide. “Excuse me?”

“I know it. We all know it.”

“You’re actually crazy,” Isabela laughs incredulously. “Insane. I have no reason to be.”

“You’re jealous because of her lack of gift. You’re jealous because of her so-called freedom.” Luisa does not miss the way that Isabela stammers. “I have been jealous of Mirabel for that reason. Dolores has. Camilo has. And so have you. Especially you. You’re not exactly subtle. At least I don’t take my anger out on her, though.”

Isabela folds her arms over her chest with a huff. “Okay. So what? That makes you the better sister?”

“Oh, I know I’m the better sister. Without a doubt.” Luisa snorts. “But that doesn’t make us great sisters. Mirabel is fucking gone. And you can’t even bother to show a little bit of sympathy.”

“I am sad that Mirabel left,” Isabela breathes out. “I am also angry. She won’t even be able to—“ She pauses. “She can’t stay put! Why did she have to leave? Then she left without a word!”

“And whose fault is that?”

“Not mine!”

Isabela is in utter disbelief, and so is Luisa.

“I know you hate her, but most of us actually care about her!”

Hate Mirabel?

What a strange thing to say.

***

Mirabel knows better than to trust strangers and just walk into their house. She’s not crazy. Maybe a little. Which is why she’s following Trenton into his house.

She had met Trenton a few times in The Encanto. Of course she did. She needed to know the merchant who was taking her.

The Encanto didn’t allow anyone who wanted to harm them. Although he could change his mind randomly, she doubts that.

She’s way more safe with him than she is by herself.

“I’m going to kill you if you had brought one of your bitches into my house! And her, too!”

Mirabel does not know what she got herself into.

Mirabel blinks, looking at Trenton nervously. “Uh…?”

“That’s my wife, Adella.” Trenton looks just as nervous as she did. “Trust me, you don’t want to get on her bad side. I’m a gang leader, but she fucking terrifies me.”

Mirabel did not know how to feel about Trenton being a gang leader. He didn’t harm her and he had protected her. He also easily agreed to train her. It didn’t take a lot of convincing.

That meant that Trenton isn’t a morally good person.

He could be worse.

“…Okay,” Mirabel just hopes she would like her. Hopefully she wouldn’t kill her or anything like that.

“I brought in a stray, amor!” Trenton yells from the room, before glancing at Mirabel. “You definitely have to meet her, though.” He grabs her arm, pulling her towards the kitchen. “Be respectful as you’ve always been.”

“Uh, okay. Yes, I will.”

“I also have a daughter. Around your age. She’s not home right now, but you’ll have to meet her, too. I don’t think it’d be right for me to personally train you, so my daughter will. She’ll manhandle you. Don’t let her unless you’re into that.”

“E-excuse me?”

“Nothing. Meet my wife,”

Adella turns around to look at Mirabel. “One of Carolina’s friends, I suppose?”

“A Madrigal,” Trenton corrects. “Second youngest. Fifteen years old. She left that paradise and needed help. Who am I to deny a child in need, dear? Couldn’t leave her in the streets.”

“Hmm,” Adella eyes Mirabel for a moment. “Oh, I’m sorry, mija,” Her voice is drastically softer than it was a few minutes ago. “I thought you were someone else. If I had known who you were, I would have never spoken that way.”

“Uhm, it’s alright, Señora,” Mirabel tries to smile. “I’m the one intruding.”

“And aren’t you polite?” Adella grins. “Certainly politer than my husband and daughter. A Madrigal certainly has my interest. Your family helped us so much. More than you know. We are in your favor.”

It was more like they were in her family’s favor.

“…Thank you?”

Mirabel glances around the kitchen. There are a few things in there that she’s not familiar with.

“I’m also going to have Caroline train her.”

“She’d agree to that?”

“She’s her type. So, yes.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Okay…can I ask a question?”

“Of course. Ask away.”

“What is this?” Mirabel points to the rectangular thing with a control panel with buttons and dials on the outside. “I’ve never seen this before,”

“What?” Adella blinks. “She’s serious?”

Trenton’s lips press into a thin line. “She’s a bit…old fashioned. Where she’s from, a lot of things are old fashioned. Very old fashioned.”

Mirabel tilts her head. “I’m not old fashioned. At least…I don’t think I am.”

“You are, kid. Sorry.”

“Oh,” Adella did not know what she was expecting. “…That’s a microwave. It’s used for cooking, defrosting, and other tasks. Food, specifically.”

She did think that Mirabel’s clothes are old fashioned. She wasn’t going to say anything because she thought it was her choice of style. It definitely suits her, though.

God, that meant that she and her family are outdated and traditional. She thought that it sounded rather cultish of the Madrigals. Well, who is she to judge if they pay them well?

“Really?” Mirabel’s eyes widened. “I-I never knew such a thing existed. We don’t have those in The Encanto. How would it even cook food and defrost it at the same time? That doesn’t sound possible.”

“I don’t know. Never really questioned it.” Trenton shrugs. “Just use it.”

Adella groans, shaking her head. “It uses electromagnetic radiation to heat food.” She narrows her eyes at her husband. “How the hell are you a gang leader if you’re this stupid?”

“Why would I just have that information stored in my head?”

“That honestly sounds amazing. What more is there that I don’t know about?”

“Dear…just how old fashioned are the Madrigals?”

***

Alma didn’t know why but ever since Mirabel left, Casita has been strangely silent. She had seen Mirabel interacting with Casita numerous times. She can admit that Mirabel got along with Casita better than she did. She also recognized that Mirabel understood Casita better than she did.

She is upset that Mirabel left. She left without a word. There was no point in sending a search party when the other merchants had confirmed that Mirabel was with them and officially left. They had told them that Mirabel went to Bogotá.

Agustín had been praying that Mirabel would magically find his parents over there. Alma doubted that, but who is she to break their heart?

She did send a few merchants to find Mirabel. In such a big city like Bogotá, it would be hard. She wouldn’t lose hope, though. She will award whoever finds Mirabel well.

She loves Mirabel.

Of course she does.

Which is why she hopes that Mirabel is safe. The same way she did with her son. It had been too late to find her son, but it wasn't too late to find her granddaughter.

There’s still a chance.

They could still track down Mirabel.

When her son left, she felt the magic waver. The miracle had gotten undoubtedly weaker. She knew it had to do with him leaving. But with Mirabel leaving? She’s afraid.

Why did Mirabel leave?

What did this mean?

Was this what he had foreseen?

Mirabel leaving?

Did he leave The Encanto to Bogotá also? Was there something that happened to Mirabel there? Will they meet?

Alma clutches her locket.

She prays for Mirabel’s return.

Her family is in despair right now.

“What are we supposed to do?”

Alma’s gaze is not focused on Pepa’s words, no, she’s focused on Pepa’s gift. It’s sunny outside and she knows it shouldn’t be.

What could she do?

Where did she go wrong?

What would become of them?

What would become of their miracle?

Chapter 239: Protector

It’s obvious to everyone, to Luisa, that she is the protector in the family. She’s also the protector of everyone in The Encanto. With her gift of strength, she had to accept the role of the defender. To shield her loved ones and others from harm.

Especially Mirabel.

Mirabel is undoubtedly the weakest in the family. No offense to her. Even Antonio has his animals to protect him. Mirabel has nothing.

When Mirabel’s door had faded in front of practically everyone, Luisa’s heart ached for her. It still does. The utterly bewildered expression on Mirabel was heartbreaking and her heart broke even more knowing that nobody was trying to console her.

Even after her abuela had sent Mirabel to the nursery, the rest of the family had remained indifferent.

Unlike the rest of them, Luisa didn’t waste a moment before following, fully aware of the scolding she might receive if her abuela knew what she was doing. However, Mirabel's well-being surpasses any fear of discipline.

“Mirabel,” Luisa whispers softly, hoping that Dolores wouldn’t tattle on her for visiting Mirabel. But the moment she lays eyes on Mirabel, her expression softens. “Oh, hermanita…”

Mirabel raises her head from her hunched position. “W-why are you here?”

“You’re upset, that’s why I’m here. Why wouldn’t I be here to cheer you up?” Luisa says softly, sitting down beside Mirabel. Noticing her stunned expression, Luisa smiles. “Come on,” She continues, her voice warm and inviting. “Tell your older sister how you’re feeling.”

Mirabel's voice trembles as she struggles to hold back her tears. “I’m sad..I...I don’t have a gift. Why?” Her breath hitches, and before Luisa could respond, she says, “A-abuela looked so d-disappointed in me. I d-don’t know what I did or what to do.”

“I know,” Luisa replies, placing an arm around Mirabel's shoulders. “It’s hard, I know. But listen to me, okay? You didn’t do anything wrong.” She pauses, her eyes meeting Mirabel’s. “And abuela...well, she’s just disappointed because she had expected you to have a gift, like the rest of us. But she should have celebrated you anyway.

Mirabel let out a small sob, leaning into Luisa's comforting embrace. “But what if the others think I’m just a burden now that I’m giftless? How can I be special?”

Luisa gave her a reassuring squeeze, her expression firm. “No, you’re not. You’re not a burden. You’re my little sister, and I love you. That’s what’s important.”

“H…how can I be special?”

“Being special isn’t just about having a gift. You, with your kind heart and your creativity, that’s what makes you special to me!” Luisa decides right there that whoever thinks that, she did not like them. “It doesn’t make you less special than everyone else in our family. You can still do plenty without a gift! Don’t let it define your worth, hermanita!”

Mirabel, her tears drying up, flung her arms around Luisa’s neck. “Gracias, hermana,”

As her face was hidden behind Mirabel's embrace, Luisa’s frown deepened, a protective determination filling her expression. Mirabel was not only the youngest, but also the only one without a gift, making her even more vulnerable than the rest of the family.

With a silent promise to herself, Luisa tightens her arms around Mirabel, silently vowing to watch over her even more fiercely than before. She’ll step up since the others won’t do so.

She would gladly endure her grandmother’s wrath, even a million scoldings, to keep her little sister safe and her smile preserved.

***

Despite being only four years older than Mirabel, she filled the role of Mirabel’s mother well rather than their own mother. She never meant to replace her mother. Never. She knows that their mother has a special part in Mirabel’s heart. Yet, it’s her that Mirabel comes to.

She hates to even think about anything bad about her family, but her parents are rather neglectful when it comes to them. The entire family is neglectful of Mirabel.

It makes her feel ashamed and angry.

They do not pay attention to Mirabel because of her lack of gift. They do not treat her as well as them because she is not gifted like them.

She will gladly fill a parental role—any kind of role for Mirabel since they won’t. She cares for Mirabel and loves her deeply. She will protect her with all her might.

She will not let Mirabel get hurt.

“You’d think that a grown man would’ve had this fence fixed years ago.” Mirabel mutters bitterly under her breath, making Luisa chuckle nervously. “One day, I’m going to strangle him.”

“Can’t say I support the idea of you being violent, sis.” Luisa sighs, shaking her head slightly. “But, I do agree. Señor Rendon is just…careless. Abuela would be displeased if I’m less busy.”

Mirabel scoffs. “Of course,”

It’s amusing to Luisa to see Mirabel act this way. It also makes her chest feel warm and body feel all weak knowing that Mirabel’s like this because of her.

She’s supposed to be protective of Mirabel. Not the other way around.

“It doesn’t bother me. I swear,” Luisa attempts to give Mirabel a reassuring smile. “It’s kind of the point of my gift, after all.” To emphasize her point, she flexes her arm, causing them to ripple with muscle. “See?”

“Yeah, you’re so amazing.”

“Is that sarcasm?”

“Nope,” Mirabel rolls her eyes, but it wasn't directed at Luisa. “Just because you have strength doesn't mean you can't take a break. You can be weak. You always carry so much weight, not just physically, but emotionally too. You don't have to carry it all. It's okay to take a break and let yourself be weak sometimes.”

Weak?

The word isn’t foreign to Luisa, but she is not associated with the word itself.

She cannot be weak for the sake of Mirabel. Even if she feels her muscles straining under the pressure, she will push through it for Mirabel. She will not be weak when it comes to Mirabel.

She can and will destroy all that tries to hurt Mirabel and get between them.

“I know that, Mirabel.” That is a better reply than her thoughts.

All Mirabel needs to do is rely on her.

She’ll take care of everything.

“I don’t have a gift. I also don’t mind staying out of the way. The same logic should apply to you, too, shouldn’t it?”

Luisa’s expression immediately darkens.

She never wants to see that same expression on Mirabel’s face that she wore on her fifth birthday.

She’s not sure what she would do if that happened.

She doesn’t think she’ll be able to control herself.

“I don't mind when abuela orders me around. But you? It matters. I’ll go against her words for you. I don’t care. She’s unfair when it comes to you. I will not let her treat you like that. I will always protect you.”

Mirabel didn’t expect that response. “R-right. Yeah, sorry.” She’s happy to know that she’s loved like this, though. “I know you’ll protect me. I trust you.”

“And I trust you.”

“Which means you’ll take the scolding for me?”

Luisa manages a snort. “Yep. I’ll take it. It’s nothing new.”

“Sneak me extra dessert?”

“Sure,” Luisa muses. “That won’t be a problem.”

“Thanks, mamá. It means a lot to me.” Mirabel hums gently, setting the basket of sewing supplies down. “I know you said that you will always protect me and you are. You don’t have to entertain me, but you do. You even keep true to your word. I’m really lucky to have you. You’re the best.”

Luisa’s eyes widened in shock, letting out a small gasp. She’s sure she must’ve misheard Mirabel. She’s Mirabel’s older sister and she looks more like their father than their mother. “What?” And their actual mother isn’t nearby. No matter how close they are, Mirabel wouldn’t actually call her that. No way.

“Hm,” Mirabel turns to look at Luisa with a concerned expression. “What’s wrong?” A frown pulls on her lips. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Uhm, no, of course not. That’s silly.” Luisa laughs nervously. Yeah. Very silly. Mirabel didn’t have any sort of reaction meaning it was just her mind playing tricks on her. But it didn’t hurt to ask, “Can you repeat what you’ve just said a moment ago? Please?”

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” At the shake of Luisa’s head, Mirabel tilts her head. “Besides me asking you what was wrong. I had thanked you for doing this with me. That’s it. Why?”

“I just,” Luisa hesitates as Mirabel stares with a certain look she cannot describe. She’s sure that she’s acting weird. “I just misheard what you said. Sorry,”

Mirabel simply nods as she smiles. “Have I ever told you that you apologize way too much?”

“Yes…you have. Multiple times, in fact.” Luisa rubs the back of her neck, smiling sheepishly. “I just can’t help it. Force of habit, I guess.”

“Seems so,” Mirabel’s eyes narrow in suspicion, making Luisa gulp. “You’ve been getting your well deserved rest, right?”

“Who am I to deny my little sister’s words? You’re as stubborn as a donkey. Uh, not saying that you look—“

“I understand.” Mirabel chuckles. “Unless you secretly think that I look like a donkey?”

“Of course not!”

Mirabel’s smile grew twice in size. “I’m just teasing,” There’s a certain twinkle in her eyes. “Mamá.”

Now Luisa knew it wasn't a mistake or a slip of the tongue. Mirabel had deliberately called her mamá, knowing full well the significance behind that term. It shook Luisa to the core, leaving her almost speechless.

“M-me?”

“I don’t think I’m talking to anyone else. You’re the one taking care of me like no one else. Not even our actual mother. Unless it’s too awkward, I can just stop—“ Mirabel squeals in surprise as Luisa suddenly scoops her up into her arms. “L-Lu?!” She exclaims, her voice rising an octave. “I know I joke that I like getting picked up because it makes me seem taller, but not when I'm caught off guard! You surprised me!”

Luisa hugs Mirabel tightly, being extra mindful not to hurt her. “Oh my god,” She gasps, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “You're going to make me cry! You're the best sister and daughter ever!”

Mirabel couldn’t help but let out a hearty laugh as she pats Luisa's muscular bicep. “You’re also the best sister and mother ever.”

Chapter 240: The Misunderstanding— Part 2

Notes:

Happy New Year!!

“Uhm…are you alright now?” Mirabel mutters, smiling awkwardly as Isabela slowly recovers from her little meltdown. “Seriously, Isabela, I’m fine. I wasn’t even thinking…” She’s not suicidal. She didn’t think Isabela would care so much if she died, though.

“I’m fine. Maybe…maybe I was overreacting a little.” Isabela’s face flushes in embarrassment. “I’m sorry. I…I didn’t mean to…” She eyes the vines that are tightly wrapped around Mirabel. In a blink of an eye, the vines are gone. “Just—just seeing you on the roof with everything else that happened. It caught me off guard.” She could see the small lines of bruises that began to form around Mirabel’s forearms from how the vines gripped her.

“Uh-huh,” Mirabel nods slowly, her lips pursed. “Do I…” Mirabel wants to know what is going through Isabela’s head so badly. “Do I do stuff to make you think that I’ll…you know, jump?”

Isabela stares at her with a bewildered look. “Mirabel,”

“What? I just want to know, especially with all the stuff you were saying! I-I mean, don’t I have the right to know?” Mirabel did not know what Isabela meant by everything else that happened. “You were saying so many sentimental things…stuff I didn’t know you felt. I didn’t even think you…liked me.”

“Mirabel,” Isabela felt even more guilty. “I-I know it may not seem like it, but I do care about you. You’re my baby sister. I know I’m mean. Cruel, even. But, I love you. I notice some things that others might not notice. I mean it, you really do mean everything to me.”

“Oh,” Mirabel blinks, trying to bat away the heat that began to form on her cheeks. This is all too mushy for her. Even for Isabela. “Is that why you’re always the one going out of the way to bully me? To get my attention?” Isabela began sputtering in response, causing Mirabel to chuckle. “I’m just kidding…partially. It’s not like I doubt anyone’s love for me. I know everyone loves me. It’s just hard at times.”

“I’m sorry,” Isabela repeats. “I really am. I’m so sorry. I meant every word I said, though. We can become better. I don’t want you to…”

Mirabel still does not quite understand why Isabela thought she would jump. Even if she were to jump, she wouldn’t do it at Casita. She doesn’t want to traumatize Antonio. She’d prefer a quiet, peaceful death. Something like old age.

“I’m not suicidal.” Mirabel brings Isabela’s hands into her own. “Not once did I think about taking my own life, Isa. Or harming myself. You need to get those thoughts out of your head because that won’t happen ever. Okay?”

“I worry sometimes,” Isabela blurts. “We all worry about you.” She could see the confusion and disbelief in Mirabel’s eyes. She really is clueless. “We worry that one day…you might just stop. One day, you’ll decide that you had enough and leave.”

“I won’t ever leave The Encanto, either.” Mirabel slightly squeezes Isabela’s hands in reassurance. “But is it because of my lack of gift? Is that what’s making you worry? I swear, I don’t mind my giftlessness. I have accepted the fact that I won’t ever get a gift. I love our family way too much.”

Mirabel’s hands are warm against her skin. Sweaty, even. Usually, Isabela tended to avoid her sister’s odd sweaty hands because she’s perfect. For once, she wasn’t going to pull away. She’s actually grateful for her sweaty hands. It’s proof that she’s alive.

“I know that,” Isabela says softly. Perhaps Mirabel loves them too much. “But things can change.”

Mirabel’s eyes narrow. “Are you trying to convince me to be suicidal?”

“N-no! Of course not!” Isabela pulls Mirabel close to her, a pleading look in her eyes. “You have to stay alive. You wanted me to explain myself, right? That’s it. You’re not suicidal, that’s great!”

“In fact, I love my life. I love myself. I love our family.” Mirabel says. “I would prefer if you and abuela were a little nicer. I also would like it if our family was closer to each other. Besides that, I can’t say that I’m unhappy with things.”

“I can make that happen.” Isabela murmurs. “We can make that happen. I can have a talk with the others.”

Mirabel is surprised, really.

She didn’t think that her standing on the roof would be a wake up call for Isabela.

“I’ll be kinder. Just don’t ever leave me or the family. Alright? You have to stay with us, Mira.”

“Of course,”

Suddenly, there’s a shout from the window that they exited out of.

“Mirabel, please don’t!”

“We can talk this through!”

What the fuck?

“M-mamá?”

“Pá?”

One of Mirabel’s eyes twitches.

Alright.

Did everybody in the house just think she is suicidal? What type of person did they think she was? Actually, how low did they think of her?

“…Casita alerted them?”

“Casita alerted them.”

Mirabel is sure she does not look good with the ugly bruises on her arms that stood out like dark splotches against her skin. Isabela did not look good herself with her teary eyes. Mirabel had a feeling that her parents thought the same thing as Isabela.

“You have so much to live f—“

“I wasn’t going to jump!”

…

“Oh.”

Mirabel sighs. She was starting to sense a pattern. “You know what, how about we just get off the roof?”

“That might’ve been the smartest thing you said tonight.”

“And here I thought we were bonding.”

Chapter 241: Haunting Gone Wrong

When they were kids, they were close. Closer than ever. There was nothing that could come in between them. It was supposed to stay like that. Forever.

Then something went wrong. Mirabel didn’t receive a gift like the rest of them. She wasn’t blessed. That changed everything. They couldn’t be close anymore. Alma wouldn’t allow the giftless one to stay close to the golden child. The black sheep.

Truthfully, Isabela had thought she was protecting Mirabel from Alma’s wrath. She knows how stern their grandmother could be. With Alma always focused on her, Mirabel would not be controlled like them. She’d be free.

Yet she wouldn’t stay out of the way. No matter how many times she told her. How many jabs she got. No matter how many times that she’s ignored.

But Mirabel is only human. Just a teenager.

She can only take so much neglect and bullying before she had enough.

Mirabel had taken her own life just a week after her own quinceñera.

If she knew that Mirabel was in so much pain, she would’ve been kinder. She would’ve reached out to her. She would have gladly abandoned the title of golden child just to get her little sister back. To take back every single mean word that she had told her. She didn’t mean any of them.

She should have done better.

***

Isabela knelt down in front of the grave, her hand reaching out to touch the name etched into the stone. Her fingers trace over the letters, and a single tear rolls down her cheek.

It was embarrassing, Isabela realized, at Mirabel’s funeral they did not know much about her. They didn't even have many photos of her. What could they say? The obvious? Mirabel enjoys sewing and taking care of children. It was something that everyone knew.

Antonio, a four year old boy, their cousin, knew more about Mirabel than she did.

Things didn't go well afterwards, either.

Everyone was playing the blame game, getting into arguments with each other, and in a constant state of anger.

Julieta refused to talk to Alma, knowing how horribly she treated her youngest, now dead daughter. No amount of apologizing can bring Mirabel back from her grave. It will not make Mirabel’s heart start beating again. It will not make her skin warm. It will not erase the pain that Mirabel went through. It never will because Mirabel Madrigal is officially dead.

The weather is a mess, but nobody can blame Pepa. Not with what’s going on inside the walls of Casita. She was not that close to Mirabel and that made her feel even more guilty. Mirabel is more close to Antonio than she is.

Isabela is not feeling much better herself.

Dolores is silent as always, more so than usual. Isabela wishes that she would just speak up. She must’ve heard Mirabel’s suffering. Her cries. Her screams. She knows that it isn’t right to blame Dolores, but it feels so right. It makes her feel a little better knowing that she’s not alone. But Isabela knows that she has arguably treated Mirabel the worst. She’ll be a hypocrite just for a bit.

Luisa, damn it, she’s overworking herself. There used to be three of them and now there’s two. Just like the triplets. Luisa refuses to actually talk to her because she knows. She knows how cruel she was to Mirabel. She knows how much of a bitch she was to Mirabel. She knows that she is one of the reasons that Mirabel took her life. She doesn’t know how Luisa feels. Her younger sister, someone who seemed so happy just the day before she took her life is now dead. Her older sister, who has gone out of her way to spit out cruel comments to her younger sister and make her feel little, is still alive. What a joke.

Camilo is lashing out at everyone, blaming everyone for not being enough for Mirabel. Blaming everyone for not being there for Mirabel. He’s blaming everyone but himself. Because he’s the guy that makes everyone smile, right? He was there for Mirabel, right? He can make mistakes. He didn’t mean anything by it. They’re to blame. They’re adults. What a hypocrite.

She does not want to get started on Antonio.

Isabela can see that Alma is trying her best. She’s trying to be kinder, softer, to make amends. She cannot do that. Not when it’s too late. The damage is already done. Mirabel is gone.

And it’s all their fault.

“I don’t know why you’re here.”

Isabela freezes at the sound of the voice, her heart skipping a beat. All the sounds around her seemed to mute, replaced by the hauntingly familiar voice. She didn’t understand, couldn’t understand. The voice is so clear, so real, yet it couldn’t be. It was the voice of her little sister, who is gone.

She turns around.

“Mirabel?!” Isabela's voice cracks as the name slips from her lips, the tears filling her eyes finally flowing down her cheeks. She couldn't believe her ears, couldn't believe what she was seeing. But there she was, standing before her. Mirabel.

It was a sight that sent a shiver down Isabela’s spine. Mirabel, standing before her in the same clothes she had been buried in, looked different. The vibrancy and liveliness that had once filled her eyes were gone, replaced by an eerie lifelessness. And the sight that made Isabela's heart constrict in her chest was the unmistakable rope bruise around Mirabel's neck.

But Mirabel was dead. Isabela had seen her buried with her own eyes. It was a truth she had reluctantly accepted, albeit with a heavy heart. So was she losing her grip on reality? Was this some sort of hallucination?

Isabela blinks, trying to gather her thoughts and make sense of what was happening. She rubs at her eyes, hoping that when she opens them, Mirabel would disappear.

But when she reopened her eyes, Mirabel was still there.

“Y-you—“

“I don’t like this color, Isabela. When have I ever worn black? It makes me look so dead.” Mirabel says, her smile faltering just a bit. “Right. I must say, I’m surprised. I didn’t think you would be the one visiting my grave the most. You can almost rival mamá with how much you’re crying.”

Isabela swallows hard. She doesn’t know what to say. Mirabel is gone.

“I didn’t think I had much of a future ahead of me, either.” The words came out matter-of-fact, as if there was no room for doubt or emotion. “I was doomed for failure the moment my door faded.” Mirabel took a seat next to her, ignoring Isabela’s shaking form. “Maybe not. I’m not sure. My heart stopped. I can’t breathe. What do you think?”

Isabela’s voice shakes as she finally finds the courage to question Mirabel’s apparition. “How—How are you here? You…you’re supposed to be dead,” She managed to croak out.

Mirabel looks at her for a long moment, considering her words. Her gaze is unwavering, and her expression remains eerily calm.

“My physical body might be gone, but the memories, the pain, and the grief I left behind keep me lingering here.” Mirabel says simply. “Again, why are you here? You hate me.”

“No, I don’t!”

Mirabel is gone the moment she blinks.

***

Isabela kept her experience to herself, dismissing it as a figment of her imagination. Perhaps it was a result of her exhaustion, a product of her mind playing tricks on her.

But as she returns to Mirabel's grave, Isabela's heart lodges in her throat. There, sitting amongst the flowers and trinkets, is Mirabel once again.

This time, Mirabel is dressed in her usual, cheerful attire. Her white blouse is embroidered with delicate butterflies, and her dress is adorned with the symbols of the magical gifts bestowed upon each member of the family.

It was exactly what she wore the last time Isabela saw her alive. The sight made Isabela shiver involuntarily, the memories of that fateful day flooding back.

“I've wondered if anyone would miss me if I was dead. Would they even care to bury my body? Pay me my respect?” Isabela could tell by the way Mirabel is digging her fists into her skirt and the way her nose is scrunched up that she is on the verge of tears. But she doesn’t. “Sometimes I wonder…is being a Madrigal worth the pain I feel?”

Isabela reaches out to Mirabel, but she cannot touch her. Her fingers pass through the air, passing through her. She could only feel the cold, empty air. “O-of course! We miss you! You are—were—our f-family, Mirabel. We…we love you.”

Mirabel lets out a bitter scoff. “I never felt loved. You have a cruel way of showing your love.”

“I…” Isabela begins, her voice failing her. “I didn’t…I don’t..”

A twisted smile forms on Mirabel’s face. It’s so unlike her. So unnatural. “Is that your way of showing love, Isa? Do you show love by harming me? Why didn’t you show anyone else that love?”

It was undeniable that Isabela had, at times, been harsh and critical toward her youngest sister. But the depth of the hurt she had inflicted upon her had never occurred to her until now.

But nothing could wipe away the fact that she had treated Mirabel badly in the past. No excuses, no explanations could erase the pain she had caused her little sister.

“You’re right,” Isabela admits, her voice quieter now. “I am cruel. I am selfish. And I’m sorry.”

Mirabel is silent.

“I’m so s-sorry, Mirabel. I’m sorry. I’m sorr—“

Mirabel is gone before she could even finish.

***

Isabela wakes up with a strangled scream, her heart hammering in her chest. To her horror, she finds Mirabel on top of her, blood dripping from her nose and lips. Mirabel’s eyes are wide as she stares down at Isabela, their gazes locked in a chilling tableau.

For a moment, Isabela struggles to comprehend the situation, her mind still fuzzy from sleep. But as reality sank in, panic claws at her chest, her breath coming in shaky gasps.

“Isabela,” Mirabel manages to say, her voice sounding faint and echoing as blood trickles down her chin. “Isaaa…” Suddenly Mirabel falls off the bed, making Isabela panic even more.

“Mirabel!”

As Isabela hastily climbs out of her bed, her mind racing with confusion. How is Mirabel here, in her room? Shouldn't she be stuck to her grave?

Mirabel lay motionless on the floor, her body limp and unmoving. Isabela felt a wave of worry wash over her as she knelt beside her sister, her mind racing. Can ghosts get hurt? Is Mirabel in pain?

“Uh…Mirabel?”

Mirabel sits up abruptly, a strangled cry escaping her lips, and Isabela is struck by the realization that she has never seen her sister in such a state before. Blood continues to dribble from her mouth and nose, staining her clothing and the floor.

As Isabela looks closer at Mirabel's face, she notices an expression she had seen on her sister before—embarrassment.

Mirabel is embarrassed.

“Are you—are you alright? Who hurt you?”

Mirabel glares at her. “You did.”

“I…did what?” Isabela shakes her head. Alright. She wasn’t going to get far with an embarrassed ghost sister. “I…um, I mean, h-how are you here?”

“I was watching you sleep,” Mirabel says, a hint of bitterness in her tone. “It’s not like my grief is confined to my grave—it’s right here. This is my home, and I can come and go as I please.”

She’s also a petty ghost.

Rightfully so.

“I never said this wasn’t your home! Of course, it is! I’m just wondering…why are you watching me sleep?”

“You’re not special,” Mirabel sneers. “I watch the others, too. You’re just the first to wake up.” Her lips pressed into a thin line. “Did it ever cross your mind that I’m haunting you? I’m going to make your life a living nightmare.”

Isabela felt a strange sense of happiness at her sister's words, her heart fluttering in her chest. It was irrational, she knew, to feel happy over the prospect of being haunted.

“You’re…going to haunt me?”

It dawned on her that her sister clearly had no intention of leaving. Mirabel is going to be a perpetual presence in their lives.

“Yes.”

She realized that, despite their strained relationship, this was an opportunity, a chance to say all the things she'd held back over the years. Even if Mirabel hated her, Isabela had no illusions about their feelings towards each other.

“Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!” Isabela takes a step forward, her arms almost instinctively reaching out, but stops herself. A flicker of disappointment crosses her face as she remembers the cruel truth—she couldn’t touch Mirabel, and it was unlikely that Mirabel would respond to any gesture of affection anyway. “You won’t regret it, I swear!”

Mirabel’s eyebrows knit in confusion.

Something is definitely wrong with her.

She should’ve stayed in her grave.

Chapter 242: A Lost Child

Notes:

This idea is by anothvortex, a great writer! :)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/33681325/chapters/90774706

Mirabel sniffles, rubbing her teary eyes. She didn’t know what went wrong! All she knew is that she didn’t have a gift like the rest of her family.

“Bruno, you have to!”

Mirabel quickly hid at the sound of her abuela’s voice.

“Mamá, I can’t.” Bruno says, letting out a frustrated sigh. “So what if Mirabel didn’t get a gift. It shouldn’t change anything!”

“But, it does,” Alma moves in front of Bruno, narrowing her eyes. “She is your sister’s daughter. A Madrigal. She is supposed to have a gift.” She sent a wary glance upstairs. “I felt it, mijo. The miracle’s flame wavered. Never in fifty years has it done that! Something is wrong with Mirabel.”

Bruno glares at his mother. “She’s five years old. There is absolutely nothing wrong with her.” He can’t believe what he’s hearing right now. “Mamá, maybe there’s a reason she didn’t get a gift. Whatever the reason is, it shouldn’t require a vision. Mirabel is fine!”

“But we don’t know that! Not unless you look into the future. What if she didn’t receive a gift like the others because she’s dangerous? What if she’s a threat to our family? Our miracle?” Alma questions, making Bruno stare at her with a scandalized expression. “That's why you need to look into the future! We need to know. I need to know. I’ll be damned if something horrible happens to us in the future knowing you could’ve prevented it! She may be a harmless, innocent five year old now. But in the future? She can become bitter, jealous of the magic around her. Brunito, you need to have a vision.”

“How can you say that?” Bruno gasps. “She’s your granddaughter! Family! She’s not a threat! I don’t need a vision to tell me that, either!” If Julieta knew what their mother was saying, she would not be pleased at all. She’d be angry as hell. “She would never hurt this family! She loves us!”

“She loves us now. But in the future? Who knows?” Alma wishes Bruno would think more about the greater good rather than his emotions. “If you have a vision, we both would have our answer.”

“And let’s say that it was true? What then? What would you do to Mirabel?”

Alma’s lips press in a thin line. “She’d have to leave.”

Mirabel could barely restrain her gasp as she ran away.

She never wants to hurt her family.

If her not being here means that her family will be safe and happy, then so be it.

***

The next day, the Madrigals were in absolute shambles.

Mirabel Madrigal was nowhere to be found.

They searched every single place in Casita and couldn’t find her. They called out her name just to receive no response. Even Dolores said that she couldn’t hear Mirabel or pinpoint her location.

The last time anyone had seen Mirabel was after her ceremony, when she got sent to the nursery. Nobody had seen her afterwards.

They had quickly sent out search parties to find Mirabel.

“How could she—how could she just be gone?” Julieta cries out, Agustín holding her close. “She was just here! I knew t-that I should’ve checked up on. I should’ve listened to my gut, but I didn’t and now she’s gone!”

“W-we’ll find her, amor. We’ll find her.” Agustín isn’t sure who he’s trying to convince more. Himself or his wife. “Maybe she wanted to get some fresh air and got lost! She couldn’t have gone too far. She’s just five years old.”

“And that’s exactly the problem!” Agustín quickly realized that he made the situation worse. “She’s just a b-baby! She’s defenseless, scared, and alone! And we’re not there for her!”

“Oh my god, oh my god…” Pepa murmurs, stroking her braid. There’s a thundering cloud above her head, rain falling down on them. “H-How can this be? What if she’s hurt? How long has she been gone? What if someone took her? She doesn’t even have a gift to defend herself. What if—“

“Not helping!” Comes Julieta’s muffled yells from Agustín’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry!” A lightning strike. “I’m panicking!”

“So am I!”

“It’ll be okay, Pepí.” Félix mutters. “Our niece will be found in no time. Maybe Casita’s hiding her because she’s upset. You know that Casita favors her over anyone else’s.”

“For this long, though? That doesn’t sound logical at all. Casita wouldn’t do that!”

“What did you do?” Bruno hisses, glaring at Alma.

Alma’s eyes widened. “What are you talking about? What did I do? I did nothing! I don’t know where Mirabel is!”

“You were the one talking about wanting Mirabel to leave! And now she’s suddenly gone?”

“I don’t have anything to do with that!”

“…What the fuck are you two talking about?”

“Language! There’s children here!”

“Well, one of my children is gone!” Julieta says sharply, before turning her gaze to Alma. “What the hell does Bruno mean that you want my daughter gone?”

“I’m gonna…” Félix begins, his voice trailing off as he tries to quickly herd the children out of the room. He knew it was best to keep them out of the way before the argument escalated into a full-blown shouting match between Alma and Julieta.

“But…but…Mirabel—“

“We’ll find Mirabel, don't worry. They all are just stressed. It all will be alright.”

Félix quickly escorted the children upstairs.

Agustín glares at Alma. “Where is our daughter?”

“I-I don’t know! I’m telling you, I haven’t seen her since yesterday! I didn’t do anything to her, either!”

Julieta let out a scoff. “Bruno, I swear if you don’t say a damn word, I’m going to—“

“W-well, mamá wanted me to have a vision because Mirabel didn’t have a gift! She thought—thought that Mirabel might’ve been a threat and wanted her gone if so.” Bruno stammers, making the others gasp. “I obviously didn’t have the vision nor did I agree with what she said!”

“Mamá,” Julieta says slowly, letting out a humorless laugh. “Where the hell is our daughter?! What did you do with Mirabel?!”

“Nothing!” Alma sputters out. “I did nothing! Yes, I suggested it, but I didn’t go through with it! How could I possibly have the time to do such a thing to Mirabel when I’m already so busy?”

“How could you two discuss that without us?” Agustín could not believe what they were saying. “Alma, you don’t get to decide whether or not Mirabel stays! She is not your daughter! We’re her parents! And Mirabel is not a threat!”

“I—“

“You've always prioritized the miracles before us! That damn candle has always held more significance to you than your own flesh and blood!” Julieta’s chest heaves with a deep sigh. “If Mirabel is not found, I swear to you, I will never forgive you. No matter the outcome, you will stay away from my daughters.” Her gaze bore into Alma's, her voice hardening. “You better pray for a miracle, mamá.”

Without uttering another word, she pushes past her and storms out of Casita, Agustín swiftly following behind her.

***

Months had passed.

Despite their relentless efforts, Mirabel Madrigal was never located.

The only remnants that were discovered were her light pink bow, one of her white and gold flats, and some traces of her torn white party dress, still clinging to nearby branches. However, there was no sign of Mirabel herself.

There was no denying the grim reality that it was highly unlikely for a mere five-year-old like Mirabel to survive alone in the treacherous forest. They had scoured every nook and cranny of the area, but still, they found no trace of her.

Resigned, they could do little but assume that Mirabel had not made it out alive, given the numerous dangers that lurked in the woods, both from wildlife and terrain. Their only comfort was the hope that, if she did indeed die, it had been a peaceful end for her, despite the overwhelming odds against it.

They were left with no choice but to hold a funeral in honor of Mirabel’s memory, even in the absence of her body.

***

Ever since Mirabel died, their gifts have weakened and diminished. The flame that had once burned brightly now flickers with a dim, almost sickly light. Furthermore, Casita itself seems less responsive, as if it too grieved the loss of Mirabel.

When Antonio was born, they didn’t think he was going to receive a gift the moment he turned five. To their surprise, he did have a door and it didn’t fade when he opened it.

Antonio’s room was designed in the appearance of a sprawling jungle, it was strangely devoid of any actual animals. They didn’t know what his gift was exactly, but they did know it had to do with animals.

It wasn’t complete.

“It’s…it’s not going to work.”

Bruno had initially contemplated fleeing The Encanto, or even distancing himself from his family. However, after Mirabel's passing, he couldn't shake off the feeling that it was mostly his fault. He had constantly questioned whether Mirabel had overheard his conversation with Alma and ultimately left because of it.

The thought gnawed at him all the time. If only he was good enough to find and save Mirabel.

He didn’t understand how Julieta and the others did not blame him. Pepa even forgave him for what happened on her wedding day. In fact, they were closer than ever.

Julieta still did not forgive Alma for what happened ten years ago. Though, Bruno strongly believed that Alma herself had not forgiven herself for her own words and actions.

The tensions escalated when Alma attempted to arrange a match between Isabela and Mariano, despite Julieta’s explicit request for her to stay away from her daughters. As usual, the discourse soon escalated into a fiery argument, leading to a flurry of cracks spreading across the walls of Casita.

That made them shut up quickly.

Which is why they were begging him to have a vision one final time.

Despite his initial reluctance, Bruno finally relented to his family’s pleas and decided to have a vision.

In his vision, Antonio, Luisa, and Isabela were venturing into the woods.

The three appeared to be closely trailing behind an ominous, shadowy figure that moved through the forest. The figure remained shrouded in darkness, its features and identity concealed from sight.

Then they were chasing after the shadow, causing the figure to dart through the trees, leaving only fleeting glimpses of its form.

The prophecy depicted a double-edged possibility—The meeting could either save them from the impending doom or lead to the devastating destruction of Casita itself.

Bruno just hopes that the three don't do anything stupid.

Chapter 243: The Accident

Notes:

Writer’s block has been absolutely horrible

Mirabel goes on the roof very often.

It’s a habit that Dolores, with her gift, knows well. However, despite Dolores’ disapproval, Mirabel ignores it, seeking the peace she can only find in being alone with her thoughts and the vast sky above.

It’s not like her family would have even noticed if Dolores didn’t have her gift.

She can slip under the radar without anyone noticing.

Would they even care?

Mirabel snaps out of her thoughts.

She scolds herself inwardly, realizing that she can’t afford to get lost in her own self-pity. Time is ticking, and she knows she should return inside.

The night has grown late, and the longer she stays out, the higher the chances of someone noticing her absence.

She wouldn’t be able to go on the roof anymore. Honestly, it’s a surprise that Dolores didn’t snitch on her already.

With a resigned sigh, she pushes herself to her feet, casting one last glance at the stars before turning to head back inside.

Then a large drop of rain falls onto her glasses. Then another. Then another.

She looks up, a frown on her face, watching as the rain begins to fall, drenching her hair, her clothes. Her glasses instantly blurs because of the rain.

Mirabel removes her glasses, glancing down at her blouse, searching for a dry spot to wipe them clean. Finding a relatively dry area, she carefully rubs the glasses, trying to clear away the raindrops that are blurring her vision.

Why is Pepa upset?

Is it something someone did? Is it because of Antonio’s upcoming ceremony? Did someone get hurt? Something worse?

All she knows is that she needs to get inside or else she’ll be drenched. She doesn’t want to get sick either.

As Mirabel carefully moves towards the window, she slips on the wet roof’s surface, her feet losing their purchase. With a surprised yelp, she stumbles and falls face-first onto the rooftop, landing hard on her stomach.

The impact takes her breath away for a moment, leaving her a bit dazed. She lay sprawled on the damp roof, rain still pelting down around her, cursing her own clumsiness.

“Ugh…why me?” Mirabel slowly pushes herself up, wincing at the pain in her stomach.

Her fingers automatically reach for her glasses, only to realize that they're not there. She squints, straining her vision in the dim light, trying to make out the surroundings.

They’re gone.

She can't see them anywhere.

Hesitantly, she gingerly moves to the edge of the roof and glances down, squinting through the blurriness of her vision.

And there, on the ground, she spots her cracked and broken glasses, lying shattered on the cobbled path. She can already imagine the scolding she’ll receive from her abuela.

Great.

Mirabel generally tries to avoid going on the roof when it's raining due to the slipperiness of the tiles.

Just great.

As droplets of rain continue to pitter-patter around her, she wishes she had stayed inside.

With shaky legs, Mirabel stands up.

A stupid mistake, really.

A horrible mistake.

A mistake that might cost her life.

Without warning, her feet slide out from under her once more. A scream of surprise falls from her lips as she begins to fall backwards.

Instinctively, she flails her arms, her fingers desperately grasping for anything to hold onto.

Thankfully, her hands find the edge of the tiles, her nails digging into the rough surface, stopping her descent. She dangles there, precariously, feet flailing, heart racing in her chest.

Mirabel isn’t as strong as Luisa.

The tiles are slick from the rain, and her sweaty, trembling fingers struggle to hold on.

She can’t use her vines to hoist herself up.

She tries desperately to find some footing, to find some purchase, but her feet can't find a stable ledge or hold.

She also can’t make her limbs longer or shorter.

As the seconds tick by, her grip weakens and her fingers start to spasm, slowly losing their grip on the edge.

She’s just Mirabel.

Mirabel Madrigal is never enough.

“Wait! H-help, Casit—“

***

Julieta's ears perk up at the sound of a sudden thud. 

The sound hadn't been loud enough to be a crash, but it was too distinct to be ignored. Her heart rate picks up, worry gnawing at her, as she heads towards the door.

Maybe it was nothing, but what if it wasn't?

Her mind can't help but jump to the worst possible conclusion.

Without a second thought, she steps outside, umbrella in hand, and begins her search in the courtyard.

Her eyes scan the courtyard, the rain making it difficult to see very far. With the umbrella held above her head, she begins moving forward.

The sight that greets Julieta is more horrifying than she ever could have anticipated.

There, in the middle of the courtyard, lies Mirabel.

There is blood streaming down Mirabel's head, blending with the rain and staining the ground with crimson streaks. Her arms and legs twist and bend in unnatural, sickening angles.

She’s unconscious.

For a moment, all she can do is stand there, paralyzed, the horror of the scene sinking in.

Julieta's heart clenches in her chest as she witnesses the gruesome sight of her baby girl, lying motionless on the ground, bathed in blood. The motherly instinct within her wants to scream and howl in anguish, but she knows she can't allow herself that luxury.

Then, with a strangled gasp, she drops the umbrella and rushes forward.

She's a healer, and she's seen many horrific injuries, but this one hits her harder, the reality of it being her own daughter makes it even more dreadful.

Julieta swiftly crosses the distance to where Mirabel lies. The rain and tears streaming down her face blur her vision, but she doesn't hesitate.

She quickly sheds her apron and uses it to wrap the wound on Mirabel's head.

She checks for a pulse, her fingers frantically pressing against Mirabel's neck, searching for any hint of a heartbeat. To her immense relief, she finds a faint pulse, barely perceptible, but it's there.

That’s all she needed to know.

She remembers countless times when her healing abilities had defied the odds and brought people back from the brink of death.

This is her daughter, her baby. There's no room for failure, no possibility of defeat. She can do this, she has to.

“Agustín!” Julieta calls out, fumbling with her dress pocket, her hand delving into her dress pocket for the healing vial. “Hurry! I need you!”

The rain pelts against her body, but she doesn't even notice. Her attention is solely focused on Mirabel, now cradled in her arms, and the precious vial clutched in her hand.

Each second that passes feels like an eternity, her heart racing as she waits for her husband to arrive.

What happened?

These wounds couldn’t be caused by another person. Casita wouldn’t allow its favorite Madrigal to be harmed.

A chilling thought suddenly enters her mind.

What if Mirabel intentionally jumped from the roof, deliberately seeking to end her own life?

Is her baby suicidal?

She had noticed her youngest daughter becoming increasingly withdrawn and distant, but her attempts to reach out had been met with forced smiles and fake reassurances.

Mirabel is just like Bruno.

The way they shut themselves off from the world.

She hates the thought of history repeating itself.

Even then…Bruno has never been suicidal. Closed off, yes. But suicidal? Not that she knows of.

Mirabel couldn’t be suicidal.

She can’t be.

She has so much to live for!

As Agustín hurries into the courtyard, he's confused at first, wondering what the commotion is all about. But as his eyes fall upon the sight before him, his confusion quickly turns to shock

Rushing over to his wife and daughter, Agustìn's face pales, horror etched on his features.

“What…what happened? H-how did this…?”

“She's not dead!” Julieta exclaims, her tone sharper than she intended. “I need you to hold her head up! She glances down at the vial clutched in her hand, her fingers gripping it tightly. “I'll—I'll heal her!” She repeats, almost more to herself than to him. It's a mantra, a promise, an attempt to convince both of them that everything will be alright.

It will be.

Agustin nods, swallowing down the lump in his throat. With trembling hands, he gently lifts Mirabel's head, holding it up as his wife instructed. His eyes never leave his daughter's face, taking in the extent of her injuries and fighting the nausea creeping up his throat.

“H-hold on, Miraboo,” He murmurs. “Please...just hold on.”

With a shaky hand, Julieta carefully pries open Mirabel's motionless lips, making sure that Agustín keeps her head tilted in a way that allows the fluid to flow down her throat.

She grips the healing vial tightly in her other hand, the glass cool against her trembling fingers, as she slowly, cautiously, pours the precious liquid into her daughter's mouth.

“Please...Please be okay…”

As Julieta continues to pour the healing liquid into Mirabel's mouth, her ears catch the distinct, almost sickening sound of snapping.

The sound of bones finding their rightful place, mending together. It's a sound she's heard countless times before. The skin, once torn and bruised, starts to weave itself back together, the wounds starting to close.

She’s never been more thankful for her gift.

“She’s—she’s alright?”

Julieta lowers her fingers to Mirabel's neck once more, reaching for the reassuring thrum of life. This time, Mirabel’s pulse is more steady, stronger.

A sigh of relief escapes Julieta’s mouth. “She will be.”

Chapter 244: Late Night Talk

“Mm, there are days where I can’t exactly sleep. Insomnia,” Pepa says with a weary sigh. “It got worse since…nevermind. Why are you awake?”

“I just…” Mirabel rubs the back of her neck. “Couldn’t sleep, either. I thought I could maybe grab myself a late night snack before I went back to my room. Probably chamomile tea or pandebono.”

Pepa lets out a hum, nodding her head slightly. “Right. That’ll help.” She glances over to the stove. “I can make you both if you’d like.”

Nervous laughter bubbles up in Mirabel's throat, and she starts to protest, “Oh, tía, you don't have to! I don’t want to waste an—“

But Pepa quickly interrupts her with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Ah, ah, that's nonsense! Waste? You're not wasting anything! Come on, help your old aunt out. Get the ingredients out.” She gives Mirabel a warm smile and adds, “You know your mother would be saying the same thing.”

Despite her initial hesitation, Mirabel starts gathering the necessary ingredients, albeit with a hint of reluctance. “Well, that's because it's mamá. She cares too much. She'd do it even if I came to sneak something to eat.”

“It's her duty as your mother to care too much. Even if it might feel overbearing to some, she always means well.” A soft chuckle escapes Pepa’s lips, “And you shouldn't be sneaking food, either.”

“It's—it's just a scenario!” Mirabel stumbles over her words. “I don't actually sneak food. I have…nothing to hide. I'm just saying that you don't have to...uh, I mean, you don't have to do so much for me. I'm fine.”

“You’re my lovely niece and family always takes care of each other. I do these things because I love you, not because I feel obligated.” Pepa says with a wink. “And, by the way, don’t tell your mother I said this, but she’s always hogging the kitchen. I’d love to cook for the others every once in a while.”

“I won’t, I promise.” Mirabel emits a sheepish giggle, her gaze flickering away momentarily before she speaks. “You, um, really should though, tía.”

“Thank you,”

Pepa's thoughts drift to the past as she realizes it's been years since she and Mirabel have spent time like this, speaking candidly with each other. Her bond with Mirabel isn’t as strong as she’d like it to be. She thinks of her brother’s disappearance, and a part of her had unfairly blamed Mirabel for him being gone.

Mirabel was only five years old at the time, and any idea of her being responsible for her brother's disappearance is ludicrous. Everyone was devastated by his absence, and Mirabel was no exception, especially given the timing of his disappearance after her own failed ceremony.

She also secretly knew that Mirabel had been carrying her own burden of guilt and self-blame, after overhearing a conversation between her and Julieta.

She can’t control her emotions.

And she sure as hell can’t control what’s over her head.

Pepa breaks the silence, her eyes fixed on the dough she's shaping into small, round balls. “I don't think I've ever thanked you for taking care of my son for me.” There’s a fond smile on her face. “Toñito adores you so much, Mirabel. I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts calling you mamí, too.”

“Oh, um, it’s nothing, really,” Mirabel stutters, fiddling with the edge of her shirt. “Antonio’s just so adorable, you know? It’s hard not to shower him with affection.”

“There’s no need to be modest. Taking care of a baby is no small feat. And sleeping in the same room as one is even more challenging.” Pepa looks up, a knowing look in her eyes. “Perhaps that’s why you couldn’t sleep.”

“I guess. But I don’t mind, tía.” Mirabel forces a chuckle, trying to lighten the tone. “I like babies.”

Pepa doesn’t even try to hide her skeptical expression. She takes in Mirabel’s weary appearance and the dark circle under her eyes.

How familiar.

“I don’t mean to leave Antonio with you as much as I do. I know it’s a big responsibility, especially for a thirteen-year-old. But, with my gift...ay, it makes everything so much more complicated.” Pepa lets out a groan, her eyes darting to the cloud forming above her head. “It's so frustrating to have a gift like this. I'm not as close to my children as I’d like to be. I’m not close to you as much as I’d like to be.”

“Tía…”

“Everyone is hesitant because they worry about my mood and…and even now, you walk on eggshells around me.” The cloud above Pepa’s head grows darker, now threatening to spill rain. “Ugh! Sorry, I didn’t mean to dump this all on you. This is just so…so annoying! It’s just...it’s been bottling up inside for a while.”

Mirabel’s eyes widen, struggling to find the right words to respond.

Pepa offers a small, embarrassed smile. “Oh, please don’t mind me. I have a tendency of getting carried away sometimes.” Her shoulders droop slightly. “How have you been so far?”

“I’ve…I’ve been better.”

“Oh, mi nube,” Pepa murmurs. “What’s been troubling you?”

Mirabel hesitates for a moment, contemplating how much to share with Pepa, but ultimately decides to open up slightly. “I just…feel like I’m never quite good enough. I know it sounds stupid, but…but…”

“It doesn’t sound stupid at all.” For a moment, Pepa wonders who put such a thought in Mirabel’s head. “That’s not true, either. Please believe me when I say you are more than enough. You’re such a wonderful and kind person. You always put others first, and you...you deserve the world. Don’t ever doubt yourself like that.” Then again, they’re Madrigals. It’s a common thought among them. Are they good enough for Alma Madrigal? “You don’t have to be good enough. You just have to be you. Okay?”

For Mirabel, it’s so hard to believe that.

They, Alma, expect so much. Mirabel knows that she falls short because she does not have a gift like the rest.

Being her isn’t good enough for her abuela.

But it doesn’t hurt to hear someone tell her that.

”Okay,”

Chapter 245: Jaguar Mirabel

Dolores isn’t too much of a judgmental person. Well, that’s what she likes to think. She’s sure that other people would say otherwise because they misinterpret her blunt speaking.

She notices a lot about her family. They do things that they aren’t even aware of until she points it out.

But it is pretty hard to notice Mirabel’s intake in meat. A lot of meat. Of course her aunt didn’t mind making Mirabel food. Unlike everyone else, Mirabel did not have a favorite meal, which is so like her. The odd one out. Mirabel just likes everything that includes meat.

She wasn’t going to comment on it because she doesn’t think it’s that strange. Camilo has as much of an appetite as Mirabel.

Nothing could really be considered strange when you’re a Madrigal.

Then again, Dolores had noticed Mirabel sneaking out of Casita in the middle of the night when she thought everyone was sleeping.

The first thing that came to mind was that Mirabel might have a boyfriend.

She didn’t see any other reason for Mirabel to be sneaking out.

Mirabel having a boyfriend is something that never crossed her mind until now. She had a lot of questions that she was too nervous to ask.

Is he a good influence on Mirabel? Is he good enough to be Madrigal? Why did Mirabel keep it a secret? Mirabel is at the age to be dating. It all just depends on their abuela’s approval.

She definitely didn’t like the knowledge of Mirabel actually sneaking out to see a boy. She won’t be able to hear anything when she’s in her room. She doesn’t like not hearing her family members.

She did the only logical thing a Madrigal would do and went to follow Mirabel one night.

***

Dolores hadn't expected their journey to take them into the heart of the forest, but she trusted Mirabel enough to follow her wherever she was leading.

She really was hoping that Mirabel and her potential lover wasn’t doing anything unsafe.

When she was done, Dolores was taken aback by the sight of Mirabel sitting alone at the riverbank. She glances around, searching for any sign of a secret boyfriend, but there's no one in sight.

It seems that Mirabel is truly alone.

She decides to wait a few minutes, wanting to give Mirabel's potential boyfriend a chance to show up. She positions herself nearby, but discreetly enough that Mirabel won't notice her presence immediately.

She wonders what she’ll do if Mirabel actually has a boyfriend.

She is practically the baby of the family.

Their family wouldn’t be too happy if they found out that Mirabel is secretly dating a boy. After all, Isabela is the only grandchild actively in a relationship. It’d be a big skip from Isabela being engaged to Mirabel dating some boy.

Their family would no doubt be overprotective.

She’d go as far to say that their abuela wouldn’t approve of Mirabel’s relationship, considering that it wasn’t courteous at all.

A secret boyfriend went against those principles.

Ten minutes had passed since Dolores started watching Mirabel from afar.

However, the minutes ticked by with no apparent visit from a mysterious suitor.

Dolores started to feel increasingly awkward and uncomfortable as time went by. She couldn't help but feel like a creep, standing there watching her cousin in secret.

She had already been called a creep because of her gift, but now she felt like she was actually acting like one.

Maybe she was just overthinking Mirabel’s actions.

Should she just leave?

Probably.

…Maybe that would be for the best.

But what if Mirabel’s potential boyfriend is just late?

Then again, there’s not much to prove.

Mirabel is rather friendly with everyone. She wouldn’t be able to pinpoint a specific boy to be Mirabel’s boyfriend.

Gosh, she’s going crazy.

“How long are you just going to watch me for?” Mirabel calls out, making Dolores squeak. “I know I’m beautiful, Dolores, but I would rather you just talk to me.”

Definitely.

Hesitantly, Dolores takes a few steps forward. “You knew this entire time?”

“My hearing may not be as great as yours, but I do have amazing hearing.” Mirabel chuckles. “I also do know recognize when I’m being followed. It’s not hard,” She pats the ground next to her. “What do you need from me, Dolores?”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because you didn’t say anything.”

Dolores joins Mirabel on the riverbank, taking a seat beside her. After letting out a tired sigh, she smooths out her skirt and begins to speak. “Why are you here?”

“I should be the one asking you that.” Mirabel replies. “But I’ll answer you first—I like coming here to relax. It’s quiet here and nobody disturbs me. Especially at night.” She then looks at Dolores, a sly undertone in her voice. “So, can I ask you that question now?”

Dolores could her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She didn’t think that she would have gotten caught. “I thought you had a boyfriend or something because you’ve been sneaking out. You are rather secretive.”

Mirabel laughs at her words. The thought of having a boyfriend is silly to her. She has a lot more things to worry about than starting a romantic relationship. “A boyfriend? If I had a boyfriend and tried to hide him, I would’ve been caught already. I’m completely single, Dolores. There’s no boy.”

“Oh,” Well, that’s a little awkward. “I still don’t get why you chose here out of every other place. If anything happens to you, nobody would know.”

Mirabel splashes the water towards Dolores, making her yelp. “I enjoy the water, too. It’s perfect to go for a late night swim.” She doesn’t even try to avoid the water that Dolores sent her way, wetting her face and clothes. “And nothing would happen. I can perfectly defend myself, prima. I can’t be stupid and defenseless.”

Dolores' eyebrows raise slightly as she allows her gaze to discreetly roam over Mirabel's physique. She had never paid too much attention to it before, but now, she can't help but notice how Mirabel is more muscular than she would have expected. She notes the broadness of Mirabel's shoulders, which is not quite as imposing as Luisa's, but still noticeable. Her eyes also take in the way Mirabel's damp clothes cling to her body, revealing a well-developed physique.

“I…I can see,” Dolores lifts her gaze to look Mirabel in the eyes. “Maybe a human, but animals?”

“You think I can’t defend myself against them?” Mirabel flashes her a cocky smile, flexing her muscles. “I promise you, I can,” She punctuates her words with a wink, causing Dolores's lips to purse into a thin line. “How do you think I survived all this time?”

“Sheer dumb luck, maybe.” Dolores deadpans. It seems as if the egoistic nature didn’t just stop at Isabela. “And what boy are you trying to impress? I have never seen or heard you work out.”

“There’s no boy! I swear,” The thought of impressing anyone had never crossed her mind. It was more so to defend herself and those around her. It was nothing like impressing anybody. “It’s not like I work out like Luisa. Or lift weights or anything like that. I just run around a lot.”

“You have abs, you liar.” Dolores says, her hand gently touching Mirabel's firm stomach, making her freeze. “You don’t just gain these from running around.” She lets her palm rest on Mirabel's abs, feeling the well-defined muscles. “Definitely not,”

Mirabel groans, her face reddening with embarrassment. “Eugh, you can't just do that to me.” She complains, squirming under Dolores' touch. “I'm ticklish, you know.”

“Oh, don’t be so prissy. They’re impressive.” Dolores doesn’t move her hands, if anything, she applies even more pressure. “If it’s not a boy, is it a girl? I did hear some girls your age taking interest in your…ahem…fitness level.”

“There’s no one! I told you, I’m not trying to impress anyone.” Mirabel protests, though her words come out more as a squeak than anything else. “Although…I wouldn’t mind hearing about these certain girls…”

A smirk tugs on the corner of Dolores’ lips. “You were saying?”

“Hey! You can’t blame me for being curious.” Mirabel pauses for emphasis. “And it seems like those girls aren’t the only ones impressed, considering you can't seem to keep your hands off of me.”

“Oh, I'm simply appreciating fine work when I see it. And you just so happen to have a very fine example right here.” Dolores chuckles, unable to resist adding one last tease before she withdraws her hands. “I'll leave it alone for now.”

“Next time, a little warning would be nice before you decide to feel me up.” Mirabel says, her tone sarcastic yet playful. She grins at Dolores, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Now that you know I don't have a secret boyfriend or girlfriend—you'll leave me alone for now?”

Dolores laughs, holding her hands up in surrender. “Alright, alright. No more surprise feel-ups, I promise.” She rolls her eyes playfully. “I still am a little concerned about you staying here late at night without supervision.”

“I appreciate the concern but I can take care of myself.” Mirabel responds. “It’s not the first time I’ve done this.”

Dolores hums, slowly nodding in agreement. “Not really a great thing. You can take care of yourself, no doubt. Doesn’t mean that it hurts to have someone else take care of you.”

“Definitely!” Mirabel affirms. “And I know that. It’s nothing…odd. I just came here to relax, just like I said earlier. There’s also not many dangers in the Encanto.”

“That’s true.” Dolores says. “I don’t think anyone would be comfortable with what you’re doing if they knew.”

Mirabel cocks her head, narrowing her eyes as she asks, “You’re going to tell them about this?”

Dolores can't help the nervous laughter that escapes her mouth. “Not...not if you don't want them to know. I won't, no.”

Mirabel folds her arms over her chest. “I don’t.”

“Alright, I won’t tell them. It’ll stay between you and I, even if it’s a little strange.” Dolores pauses for a moment, then adds, her tone turning a bit teasing. “Perhaps I might join you.”

Mirabel smiles. “I look forward to that!”

“Great,” Dolores croons, placing a hand affectionately on Mirabel's shoulder. “We haven't hung out in a long time. There's a lot I don't know about you, Mira. A lot that I want to know. And hey, swimming does sound fun.”

“Of course!” Mirabel couldn't help the soft chuff that escaped her lips, a sound involuntarily leaving her mouth. Her eyes widen in surprise at herself, and instinctively, she quickly covers her mouth.

“What was that sound?”

“What sound? I didn’t make any sound.” Mirabel laughs awkwardly, her face turning red with embarrassment.

“That soft sound you just made up.” Dolores stares at Mirabel with an incredulous expression, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tries to make sense of what just happened. She leans closer to her younger cousin, her tone mixture of surprise and amusement. “Hold up. Are you purring right now, Mirabel?”

“Haha…what? No! That’s what cats do! I’m a human, Dolores.” Mirabel says, waving her hand dismissively at Dolores. “You’re hearing things.”

Despite her words, the soft, rhythmic sound of her purring filled the air.

“My gift is literally—Nevermind. You’re an odd individual,” Dolores let out a huff, eyeing Mirabel suspiciously. “I’m not stupid.”

“I never said you were.”

“Right…you’re so strange.”

“It comes with being a Madrigal.”

Dolores can tell that although Mirabel isn’t hiding a boyfriend, she is hiding something.

Chapter 246: Butterfly Plush

Mirabel does not know what is happening, all she knows is that she got woken up by flowers being thrown in her face. She sits up quickly, finding Isabela standing over her.

“Eh…I-Isabela?” Mirabel sends a quick glance to her clock, twelve o’clock midnight, before looking back at Isabela with wide eyes. “Uh, what are you doing?”

“It’s your birthday, idiot.” Isabela already looks so over her and like she regrets coming in here. “Happy birthday.”

Mirabel’s brows furrow, looking utterly confused. “…What?”

“Your fourteenth birthday. Do I need to spell it out for you?” Isabela scoffs. “I can’t believe that your brain turns into even more morocho when woken up.”

Mirabel wipes the flowers off of her nightgown, letting out a yawn. “Isa, it’s only…now a minute after twelve. Not one ray of sunshine is shining through. You could’ve told me that when we all have woken up. Gosh…” She wipes the sleep from her eyes, reaching for her glasses and putting them on. “But t-thank you? I suppose,”

Isabela’s eyes narrow. “Yeah, you’re still an idiot.”

Honestly, it is too late for Mirabel to be offended. “You did this because you wanted to be the first one to tell me happy birthday?”

“Does it matter? I didn’t even realize it.” Isabela says, which is totally believable and a coincidence, and not planned at all. “I came to give you a gift.”

Mirabel squints her eyes through her glasses, and that’s when she notices that Isabela is hiding her arms behind her back. “Really?”

“Why would I lie?”

“That wasn’t what I was implying and you know it.”

“Do I?”

“You really could’ve waited until the morning if you’re going to act like that.” Mirabel frowns. “It wouldn’t have made a difference.”

“Yes, it would.”

In the dim surroundings, Isabela uses her vines to carefully transfer a soft object into Mirabel's hands.

Caught off guard, Mirabel emits a small yelp as her fingers feel the unfamiliar softness of the mysterious item. She cautiously runs her fingers over the item's surface, feeling the distinct outline of stitches.

“Uh…?”

“Look at it again,” Using a vine, Isabela flicks the light switch on, illuminating the room. She nods towards the object in Mirabel's hands. “Get a better look,”

Mirabel's eyes widen as she gazes down at the object in her hands. It's a plushie—a butterfly plushie, to be precise. The craftsmanship is clearly amateur, with its rough edges and less-than-perfect stitching. Still, the item is strangely endearing, almost as if a child had lovingly made it. Her gaze falls upon her name, neatly stitched onto one of the butterfly's wings. Probably the most perfect thing in the butterfly.

“Oh,”

Isabela musters up a nervous smile, her fingers fidgeting awkwardly. She can feel her neck heating up with embarrassment. Softly, she inquirers, “Is that…” Unsure of what reaction to expect, she swallows the lump in her throat. “Is that a good oh?”

Turning her attention to Isabela, Mirabel questions, “You made this?” Her next question comes out in a whisper. “For me?”

“I…I made it for you, yes.”

“You don’t even sew!” Mirabel exclaims, her words tumbling out without thinking. “You…how?”

Isabela shoots Mirabel a weak glare. “You can tell, can’t you? It doesn’t matter.”

Mirabel fights back a rush of tears as she looks down at the handmade gift. “Oh my goodness, Isa…” Her voice cracks with emotion as she speaks, her lips trembling slightly. “This is too much!”

That is a much better reaction than Isabela anticipated.

Isabela sniffs. “Oh, it’s nothing.” She folds her arms over her chest, briefly rolling her eyes. “I just had the time to do it and decided why not.” After a brief pause and Mirabel staring at her with a gobsmacked expression, her lips curl up into a subtle smirk. “Why? You don’t like it? If not, I will gladly take it back. I’m sure someone else will be more appreciative than you.”

Without a moment of hesitation, Mirabel holds the horribly sewn butterfly plush close to her chest, almost as if she is worried that Isabela would snatch it back. Which she would never do.

“No! I never said that. It’s mine now. You gave it to me. My birthday gift. Mine,” Mirabel says, stubbornly glaring at her older sister. “You can’t take it back.”

“I could if I wanted to.” Isabela replies flatly. “But I won’t since I’m so kind.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Do I not even get a simple thank you? Or is that too much for you?”

Mirabel’s eyes soften. “Hmm,”

Isabela cocks her head. “No?”

Suddenly, Mirabel closes the distance between them, enveloping Isabela in a tight hug. The unexpected embrace takes Isabela by surprise, leaving her arms awkwardly suspended in the air. “Thank you,”

“…It's nothing.” Isabela’s arms slowly drop to her sides, and she hesitantly returns the hug, her arms encircling Mirabel’s frame.

They hadn’t hugged in what felt like ages.

“You don’t need to put on a front. It’s just us here.”

“What front?” Isabela's voice remains calm on the surface, but there's a subtle hint of panic hidden within. “I don’t put on a front.” She pulls away from the hug as Mirabel stares at her. “You’re acting even more stupid now.”

Mirabel just shrugs. “Whatever you say,”

In a desperate attempt to change the topic, Isabela asks, “I got you the best gift, yeah?” She all but says with a little hope in her voice. Of course not. She does not care or need Mirabel’s approval. She has more things to worry about. As Mirabel’s oldest sister, it is her job to tease her younger siblings.

“No,” Mirabel sends Isabela an unimpressed look—But Isabela knows that Mirabel is truly grateful. She would be happy with anything they give her. Isabela isn’t sure whether to feel pity for Mirabel or furious at herself and their family. “Mamá and the others surely got me a better gift than you.” She purses her lips. “Then I’ll brag about my gifts in front of your face, Isa.”

“Oh, really?” Isabela lets out a disbelieving scoff. It’s not how she truly feels because she really does find Mirabel amusing. “You think their stuff can be better than mine?”

“Of c—“

Before her younger sister can finish, Isabela shoves a flower in Mirabel’s mouth, walking away with a chuckle. Yes, they would satisfy both of them for now. She just did her best to ignore Mirabel’s annoyed shriek.

She is the best, after all.

***

“—py birthday, Mirabel!”

Mirabel’s gaze couldn’t help but shift over to Isabela, who is currently being pulled away by Dolores. How weird.

“I’ll be back,”

She doesn’t understand why Isabela had gone as far as to wake her up as soon as the clock struck midnight to tell her happy birthday.

Then she made her something that should’ve taken a while and even gave her more gifts. Despite Isabela’s threats of taking them back and giving them away, it was very sweet. She knew Isabela didn’t mean any of her words by her barely concealed smile.

Honestly, it didn’t make any sense to her.

She didn’t think that Isabela liked her that much.

She was so, so wrong.

“Are your fingers alright?” Dolores asks Isabela, a look of concern on her face.

“Mhm, I’m fine.” Isabela waves dismissively, though Mirabel could see the way Isabela’s ears flush a dark shade of red. She’s sure that Dolores has also noticed, considering she is closer. “I had my mother’s food on standby, anyway.”

Mirabel blinks. What had happened?

“I heard you wincing and yelping in pain every second.” Dolores’ gaze briefly drops to Isabela’s fingers, making Isabela hide her hands behind her back, before looking back at her. “That is really kind of you, Isabela. Even though you totally suck at sewing, you still went out your way to make Mirabel a thoughtful gift.”

Now, Mirabel has pricked herself with a needle multiple times. Dolores never came to ask her if she was alright. Just how many times did Isabela prick herself to warrant that level of concern?

“It hurts like hell.” Isabela huffs. “I don’t understand how they do that all the time. I’m never doing that again, ever. So, Mirabel better cherish my present as if it that damn thing is alive.”

Dolores laughs in response. “I’m sure she will,”

Oh, she couldn’t wait for Isabela’s birthday.

She would get Isabela the best gift ever.

Chapter 247: Close Calls

“…What are you doing?”

Mirabel freezes, turning to stare at Pepa with wide eyes. “I…uh, n-nothing!”

Pepa’s gaze falls on the bag on Mirabel’s back and the nervous expression on her face, taking in her red-rimmed eyes. She quickly connects the dots, realizing what was going on.

It doesn’t require much deductive reasoning for her to put the pieces together.

“Mirabel,” Pepa says nervously and Mirabel looks so scared. Mirabel’s gaze darts to the front door, her body tense as if she’s considering making a dash for it. “Mirabel.” She repeats a little more firmly, finally diverting Mirabel’s attention. “What are you doing?”

Mirabel doesn’t answer.

As Pepa takes a step forward, Mirabel takes a step back closer to the front door.

Oh.

Was Mirabel really going to run away right in front of her?

Pepa furrows her brows. “…Mirabel,” She knows what she’s going and she doesn’t like it. She’s frightened. “If you run out, I will catch you. Despite my age, running on pure adrenaline and my desire to protect you, I’d catch you.” She pauses. “Do you really want to take that risk?”

Mirabel lets out a sniffle, wiping at her eyes. “W-why?”

Pepa cocks her head, desperately trying to calm down. “Why what?”

“Why are you here?”

“Why are you here?” Pepa asks instead, desperately trying to ignore the thundering cloud above her head. “You should be sleeping, Mirabel. Not packed up as if you’re about to go out on a trip in the middle of the night and never return.”

“I don’t—I don’t want to return!” Mirabel’s voice shakes and Pepa falters slightly. She looks absolutely devastated. “You weren’t supposed to be awake! You’re usually not awake at this time, nobody is! I made sure!” The only explanation is that Casita somehow alerted Pepa. “I…I just ruin things. Y-you saw what I did at A-Antonio’s ceremony. Just—just let me l-leave, tía. It’ll make everyone so, so much happier. Please…”

Pepa inhales sharply. “Just who told you that?” Did Mirabel really believe that they would be happier without her? “Y-you’re just fifteen and Antonio’s ceremony…” What’s with them leaving at a ceremony? “You didn’t ruin it. You don’t ruin things at all, Mirabel. You make them better. Why do you believe that we would even be a bit happy if we found out that you left in the middle of the night?”

Mirabel doesn’t answer. She doesn’t think Pepa would like to know her answer.

Yes, she does believe they’ll be happier without her. Maybe they’ll be a little sad, but they’ll get over it. They’ll realize how much things are better without her.

“Do you believe that your mother would be happy to know that she went to sleep in a good mood, only to find out that her daughter ran away the next day? To find your room empty?”

Mirabel’s lips tremble, but she says nothing. She’s glad that it wasn’t her mother she ran into, though. If she did, she wouldn’t be able to face her. She wouldn’t be able to hold back her tears.

“Do you truly think that Antonio would be happy that his best friend, favorite cousin, and second mother, left? Do you really think that?”

“They…they’d be sad for a f-few days and then they’ll be fine!” It is more so as if Mirabel is trying to convince herself.

“Mirabel…” Pepa frowns. “Do you really believe that foolishness?”

Mirabel flinches.

“Wait, fuck. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say it like that…” Pepa sighs. “Mirabel, we would miss you if you left. So, so much.” Her eyes soften. “Don’t run, mija, please.” Not from her. Unlike Bruno, she is there to see it happen. She is actually capable of stopping her before it’s too late. “It’s us, isn’t it? We’re the problem. We love you, Mirabel. We love you very much.”

Mirabel swallows against the gritty, tight feeling in her throat. “…You all do a t-terrible job at showing me,” As soon as those words leave her mouth, she instantly regrets it. She’s afraid that Pepa might snap at her. She’s afraid that she’s convincing herself that this is actually happening and nobody is really here. That her family truly might not love her. Nobody is here to save her.

“Don’t we?” Pepa’s voice sounds strained. And hurt. But that’s expected. “But we can change, can’t we?”

Mirabel’s eyes narrow. “Are you—are you asking me?” Her fingers clench around the straps of her bag.

Finally, Pepa nods. “Do you think it’s too late?”

Mirabel blinks rapidly because she knows what Pepa is asking her. And she’s talking to her like a child, which she absolutely finds infuriating. “Why—“ She gasps, her words choked by the tears streaming down her face. “Why must you—“ She tries to speak, but another sob interrupts her.

“I’m sorry,” Pepa says softly, stepping closer to Mirabel. This time, Mirabel doesn’t try to escape or push her away. Instead, she keeps wiping at her tears, her sobs muffled. Pepa continues, “I’m sorry for being a bad aunt. I’m sorry. I truly am. I’m sorry for not noticing how much pain you were in or how we neglected you…” As she says this, she wraps her arms around Mirabel, hugging her tightly.

Mirabel collapses against her, unable to hold back any longer. Her sobs turn into choked cries, the pain and pent-up emotions bursting forth and spilling over.

Pepa gently strokes Mirabel’s back. “I’d be an even worse aunt if I just you to run away in front of my face.”

Not in any universe would she ever allow that to happen nor would she not miss Mirabel.

She’d be drowning in guilt if Mirabel managed to leave while she’s right there. It doesn’t matter that she’s fifty years old. She’d muster all the strength she can just to make sure Mirabel doesn’t leave.

She also can’t bear the thought of another Madrigal leaving.

“It’s so dangerous out there, too…”

“I don’t care,” Mirabel mutters bitterly. “I don’t care what happens to me. It’s better than being so utterly useless here. Even in death, at least I won’t disappoint anyone.”

Pepa is absolutely horrified.

“Don’t say that. Don’t you ever say that again, Mirabel Madrigal. You are not useless or a disappointment.” Pepa gently but firmly lifts Mirabel's chin with her finger, forcing her to look at her. “We’d all be so devastated if you died. We'll miss you so much. You never disappointed us. Never.”

“But…but…”

“No buts. You’re sleeping with me tonight.”

“W-what about tí—“

“He’ll be a little confused, but he won’t mind.” Pepa says softly. “And it seems that we need to have a conversation about our self-worth.”

Mirabel searches for any hint of deception in Pepa's expression, desperately wanting to doubt her sincerity.

To her surprise, there’s none.

Chapter 248: Puppet Master

“What? You think I’m interested in your boyfriend?” Mirabel makes a face, before dramatically gagging. “He’s a sight for sore eyes, but, ew, that’s a definite no. That hunk is all yours.”

Right.

He’s all hers.

She has to marry him one day.

“Mm, I don’t think you’re interested in Mariano. He’s my age.” Isabela says. “It’d be pretty sad if you do have a crush on him.”

“You’d break up with him for me if I did?” Mirabel winks.

That actually causes Isabela to let out a genuine laugh. She’d use any excuse to break up with Mariano. If only Mariano isn’t such a good guy. She’s secretly hoping that he will cheat on her or something. Just give her a reason.

“Sure, I will.” Isabela muses. “For you, yes.”

“I’m glad.”

Isabela doesn’t notice the way that Mirabel’s smile dims a bit.

“I’m curious, Isabela…” Mirabel begins, making Isabela raise an eyebrow. “Why do you like him?”

Isabela responds with a nervous laugh. “W-well, for starters, he’s my boyfriend! Would I be with him if I didn’t like him?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t think Mariano was someone of your type. I can’t deny that he’s good on the eyes, but he’s a bit…” Mirabel trails off, pausing to choose her words. She scrutinizes Isabela's reaction before continuing. “Dumb. I don’t think I really see you actually hanging out with Mariano and liking him romantically. I feel like he’d be more of a friend to you than lovers.”

Isabela’s cheeks flush in embarrassment. “Uh, I…what? I definitely like him!”

“Who are you trying to convince?” There’s a slight twist to Mirabel’s lips. “You’re going to be married to him one day. I think you should love him instead of just liking him.”

Isabela's lips part, but no words come out of her mouth.

Mirabel just watches her in silence.

Isabela goes rigid, her eyes widening as her hair erupts in a flurry of flowers. “I…I do love him.” She blurts out, her voice so soft it's almost inaudible. “I do!”

Mirabel leans closer as she whispers, “I don’t think you do.” Isabela begins stammering, her voice trembling. It's clear she's trying to persuade herself as much as, if not more than Mirabel. “I think you just did it for the family. I think you can only like him, but that's it. You don't truly love him, and you dread the thought of a future with him.”

“What do you know?!” Isabela snaps, her voice rising as she glares at Mirabel. How could Mirabel know this much? How could she see right through her? How dare she see through her imperfections? How could she see through her but not her own parents and everyone else? “You’re not even in a relationship! What would you know about love?!”

Mirabel meets her gaze with an intense stare, her lips pressed into a thin line. She doesn’t seem a bit shocked by Isabela’s outburst.

Isabela quickly regrets lashing out, her eyes softening with remorse. “I…I, I’m sorry,” The flowers in her hair wilt, her hands trembling slightly. “I didn’t mean to yell. I’m sorry, Mirabel.”

“You don’t love Mariano.” Mirabel presses the point, her eyes never leaving Isabela’s. “I know that, Isa. So why are you lying to me? It’s just us. You can tell me the truth.”

Isabela’s shoulder slumps, her gaze falling to the ground. “…How?”

Mirabel already knows what Isabela is asking.

“Because I saw you, Isabela. You think I wouldn’t notice my own sister hurting? That she doesn’t truly love the guy she’s supposed to be engaged to?” Mirabel asks rather sweetly. “How could I not? I care.”

Isabela frowns, her fists clench around the fabric of her dress. “W-what? Are you saying they don't?”

Mirabel struggles to suppress her slight smirk. “I’m only saying…they should’ve noticed. Not me. I’m way younger than them and much more observant. Someone like Alma should know better than to set her grandchildren up with someone they don’t want.”

“What?”

“I don’t like Alma.” Mirabel says. “She’s not a good grandmother. That much is obvious.”

“W-what?” Isabela stammers, finally looking Mirabel in the eyes. “You can’t say that!” Though, she can’t deny that Alma is not a good grandmother. “And…and when did you start calling abuela by her first name? That’s—“

“Disrespectful?” Mirabel finishes. “Respect is earned, not given. Alma does not care about me since I don’t have a gift. I’m useless in her eyes, too. She does not respect me, so I can’t respect her.” She gives Isabela a wide, toothy smile. “I hate her, Isa. I hate her so, so much. I can’t stand he—“

“Shh!” Isabela exclaims, frantically looking around.

Mirabel’s lips twitch, raising an eyebrow.

Isabela just taps her ear.

“It’ll be fine,” Mirabel does not have any reason to worry about Dolores. She also has business with her older cousin. “Are you going to tell Alma what I said about her?”

Isabela freezes. She loves Mirabel and her grandmother. But she loves Mirabel more. “No. No, of course not.” Then, she asks, “Did…did abuela do anything to you?”

Mirabel practically likes everything and everyone, so her hating someone just sounds absolutely absurd. Mirabel would only hate someone if they did something wrong.

“Besides pushing me to the side, the off-handed comments, the neglect, and her obvious dislike for me, then no.” Mirabel says with a humorless laugh. “Why would I like her?”

Isabela chews on the inside of her cheek. “…I’m sure it’s not like that.”

“You’re her favorite golden child, Isabela.” Mirabel points out. “She thinks you’re perfect. Wait, actually, she pushes you to be perfect. She doesn’t care about me. She doesn’t care about you. She doesn’t truly care about your opinion, either. It’s rather obvious that I don’t like her.” She huffs. “Do you like her?”

“I…”

“Come on, Isabela. The answer is obvious.” Both of them know the answer to that. It should be obvious. Just say it. “She cares more about the miracle than her own family. She wants you to marry a guy that you don’t even like. She forces you to be someone you’re not. Can you really like her? Even if you pretend, you can be truthful with me, hermana.”

“Mirabel…”

“What? Are you going to continue to be her puppet for the rest of your life?”

“I-I mean, I don’t want to, but—“ Isabela’s face betrays her panic, the words catching in her throat.

“Would you let her do that to me?”

“What are you saying?”

“If she tried to marry me off to someone I didn’t like,” Mirabel clarifies. “Would you let her?”

Isabela’s reply is instant. “Hell no! I mean, of course not!” She would never let anyone, even her abuela do that Mirabel. Or any of her younger family members. “I would ruin my perfect image if she tried that.”

Mirabel's lips curl up in a faint, sly smirk, a glint of mischief in her eyes. “Good,” She starts, her tone dripping with calculated sweetness. “Then why don’t you stop her, Isa? If she does the same to you, she’s going to do the same to us.” She gives an exaggerated pout. “Can you stop her?”

Isabela pauses. “What exactly are you asking of me, Mira?”

Mirabel’s smirk widens. “You know exactly what I want from you. Alma cares more about the miracle than any of us. She’s going to work everyone to death.” She adds, “I want Alma to be stopped. Don’t you?”

Isabela lets out a shocked laugh. “You want to stop abuela?” She asks, leaning in closer in disbelief. “No. No…you want to take her down. That’s it. My god…you’re evil.”

“Is that a yes or a no?”

“I should say no. I should tell someone. I shouldn’t encourage this.” Isabela mumbles. “But, god, it’s a yes, Mirabel. Yes.”

Mirabel pulls Isabela in for a hug, her arms wrapping around her sister. “I knew you would say yes.”

***

Afterwards, Mirabel can see Dolores eyeing her warily. But as expected, she didn’t tell anyone about her and Isabela’s conversation.

She’s confident in that.

Turning Isabela against Alma was surprisingly easy. Honestly, she suspected that Isabela would be the hardest to convince, considering her perfect status.

But it wouldn’t be too difficult since Isabela harbors some animosity towards Alma for ruining her life. For turning her into a perfect puppet. Why wouldn’t she take the chance of being free? To get back after one who did her oh so wrong?

Also she wouldn’t want someone else to take her place, would she?

Okay.

Maybe Mirabel is a bit manipulative, but who can blame her?

Mirabel is not surprised at all when Dolores pulls her to the side to speak to her.

She expected it.

“I heard you.”

Mirabel cocks her head. “You heard what exactly?”

Dolores’ lips purses. “Your conversation with Isabela.” She lowers her voice as if her room isn’t soundproof and their conversation isn’t private. “…You hate abuela?”

“Yes.” Mirabel bites back her grin. “I do hate Alma.”

“I didn’t think that was possible. Someone really hating abuela. Better yet, you.” Dolores stares at her with wide, yet curious and intrigued eyes. “You actually hate her! You! Though, I can’t blame you…abuela is very…rude towards you. I’m sorry for not doing anything about it. I was surprised to hear your conversation with Isabela. Oh no…poor Isabela. I-I can’t imagine how tough it is—“

Mirabel is a bit caught off guard to hear Dolores ramble. She’s impressed. Perhaps Dolores won’t be so hard to convince. “I know you like Mariano.”

Dolores squeaks, blushing. “I…I…you do?”

“Yes,” Mirabel says. “But that doesn’t matter because Isabela does not like Mariano. You won’t be a homewrecker or anything like that.” She can see the hesitation on Dolores’ face. It’s clear as day. “I can help you.”

“Are you offering me the same deal as Isabela?”

Mirabel couldn’t possibly hold back her smile anymore.

She didn’t even have to say anything.

“Yes, I am.”

“I-I don’t think I hate abuela like you do, but I don’t like her. I don’t like the way she treats us.” Dolores says meekly. “Is that bad?”

Mirabel chuckles. “I mean, I hate her for the way she treats me, all of us. If that’s bad, then I must be a monster from hell. So, no, it’s not bad.”

“And, uh, how exactly do you plan on stopping abuela?”

“First, are you with Isabela and I?”

Dolores crosses her arms, letting out a huff. “I wouldn’t even be entertaining this conversation if I wasn’t.”

“Good!”

Hesitantly, Dolores asks, “So how do you plan on doing so?”

“Well, I heard from a little seer that I either destroy or save the miracle.” Mirabel grins. “I don’t really give a crap about the miracle. But I do care more about Alma. I want to destroy her. To absolutely ruin her.”

Huh, Isabela is right about Mirabel being evil.

Wait.

How did she know about Bruno?

“I do want to see Alma’s downfall, Dolores. To take it all from her.” Oh, Mirabel couldn’t wait to see Alma’s face. “What’s a better way than to turn her family against her? To finally open her eyes.”

“…And you think you could succeed?”

“I know I can.” Mirabel says firmly. “Even Casita is on my side. So, if I really wanted to, I could just kick Alma out.”

Dolores furrows her brows. “Then, why do you need us?”

“I’ll be lonely and it’s not like I hate any of you.” Mirabel shrugs. “If you’re against me, I’ll be sad, but I know I’ll have someone. I’ll still kick you out, but that would be an unfortunate situation.” Then, she says, “Also, that would be far too easy! I want Alma to know how much she fucked up.”

Dolores smiles sheepishly. “You, ah, really thought this through. You are evil, primita.”

“Thanks.”

“Is it just going to be us or are you going to try to convince the adults too?”

“Dolores, it’s not going to be hard to convince them, especially when they know how Alma treats us. What they did to poor Brunito. My dad and your father certainly aren't a fan of it. Our mothers, however, might need a little more convincing. I also wouldn’t dare tear Antonio away from everyone else. I’ll just divide the family from Alma.”

“Hmm, you’re right on that.”

“I’m glad we’re on a agreement, Dolores.”

Well, time to take a visit to Luisa and Camilo’s room.

Chapter 249: Puppet Master — Part 2

Slowly but surely, Isabela began defying Alma's expectations, to the latter's growing displeasure. She started with subtle acts of rebellion, choosing small actions that Alma had of course noticed.

Good for her.

Isabela proved herself to her.

Now, her other older sister is a different story.

Maybe.

Mirabel didn’t really expect to find Luisa in her room.

Her older sister is always working. Alma is a fan at overworking every single Madrigal. Something that Mirabel found aggravating. Though, she found everything Alma did aggravating.

And it’s not so hard to spot her sister in the crowd.

“Luisa!”

And it’s not so hard for Luisa to distinguish her little sister’s voice, either. “Mirabel?”

Luisa stops in her tracks, glancing over her shoulder as Mirabel catches up. Mirabel can see the beads of sweat glisten on Luisa’s skin.

Mirabel approaches, pushing the basket forward slightly. “Here,” She eyes the towel, her lips pursed. “You look exhausted.”

Luisa lets out a nervous laugh. “Can't really do that now, Mirabel. My hands are full of these donkeys and I still have to look for the others.” She turns and starts walking again.

Mirabel grunts internally, her steps failing to match Luisa's. She has to take two quick steps for every one of Luisa's. Keeping up with Luisa's pace, especially in this mode, requires Mirabel to break into a jog.

It’s a little more difficult with this basket in her hands.

“Luisa! How about we hang out?” Mirabel suggests, her smile wavering slightly. “Better take, take a break! I bet you haven’t even taken a water break! You’re always working! Come on, relax!”

“Not now, sis! I’m quite—“ Luisa lets out a grunt as she picks up another donkey. “Busy right now! Maybe later?”

Okay.

Mirabel couldn’t wait later.

Nor would Luisa actually have the time.

She can predict that right after Luisa puts the donkeys in their pens, that someone else is going to call her for another chore.

She could not let that happen.

Not when she’s right here.

Mirabel looks around the town, her eyes sweeping over the sparse crowd.

Great.

There’s not many people around and nobody is paying attention to her.

She couldn’t have her amazing older sister leave her when she had her right where she wanted.

…Now what could harm her?

It wouldn’t be too difficult, really.

Luisa would come to her aid and drop everything for her if she had a single scratch.

Mirabel looks at the basket filled with her carefully curated items and a sly grin forms on her lips.

“Huh. That’ll do.”

The things that she’ll do for love and family.

What a great person she is.

Then, without hesitation, she lifts it higher and slams it down on her feet with full force. The basket thuds onto her feet with a resounding impact, pain shooting through her foot, the impact causing her body to tense as she staggers slightly.

Mirabel cries out in pain, her voice shaking with a wince. Her eyes squeeze shut as she curls in on herself, clutching her foot. The pain is real, no doubt, but she is not one to easily let it show.

She does need Luisa's attention, and so she plays her part of the poor, injured younger sister, seeking her strong sister's support and care. She’ll play the role perfectly. Tears well up slightly in her eyes as she lets out a pitiful whine.

Luisa turns towards Mirabel in an instant, her face riddled with concern. She drops the donkeys in her arms, letting out a worried gasp. “Mirabel!” She moves swiftly, crouching down to check on her younger sister. “What—what happened? Are you okay? What happened to your foot?”

“I-I’m sorry, it was just heavy and—and I couldn’t hold it any longer and—and—“ Mirabel sniffles dramatically as she looks at Luisa with big, pleading eyes. “It fell! I’m sorry! I just…just wanted to h-hang out with you but I just got in the w-way again!”

Luisa pulls away the basket, setting it aside. “Oh, please don’t cry.” She murmurs. “If it was heavy, I would’ve carried it for you! That’s the point of my gift, and now…now you’re hurt because of me.” She knows this could’ve been prevented if she put Mirabel first. “Do you—do you have any of mamá’s food on you?”

Mirabel shakes her head, dismissing the offer of food. “N-no, I'm fine,” She forces herself to smile. As she attempts to stand, she immediately wavers and staggers. Luisa quickly catches her, preventing her from falling. “I'll be fine. Seriously.”

A little guilt tripping never hurts anyone.

At least the ones that aren’t aware.

“No, you’re not!” Luisa’s eyebrows furrow as she carefully sits Mirabel back down. “You’re obviously not okay. Oh no…I hope you didn’t twist or sprain anything. I’m definitely not going to leave you alone. You’re worth far more than donkeys. I’ll take you to mamá’s stand.”

“I can’t!” Mirabel exclaims, her voice a tad bit too high, catching Luisa off guard. “A-abuela wouldn’t like me wasting mamá’s food.”

“What do you mean by that? You’re hurt! You wouldn’t be wasting mamá’s food. It’s the point of her gift! To heal! Why would she not want her own daughter to be healthy?” Luisa asks, her worry growing. “Why would abuela not want her granddaughter to be healed if she was hurt?”

Mirabel hesitates, her pause deliberate. Her eyes dart briefly as she fabricates her response. “Well, abuela…she believes in not being a nuisance, even if I'm hurt. She doesn't want me to take from mamá's hard work unless it's necessary for the family.”

Luisa’s eyes widens further, genuinely baffled by her response. “No…no, that can’t be possible. And you’re not a nuisance, either! How could abuela say such a thing? Do the others know—no, of course not. They wouldn’t allow such a thing to happen…”

“It’s fine, Luisa, really!” Mirabel exclaims. “It’s…it’s because I’m useless. I don’t have a gift like the rest of you, so…it’s understandable. Something as precious as mamá’s food shouldn’t be wast—“

“You’re not useless!” Luisa snaps, startling Mirabel for a moment before she quickly regains her composure. “You’re anything but those self-deprecating words. I won’t allow it. Abuela is wrong. So, so wrong. How dare she treat you this way? Mamá has to know.”

“No, you can’t!”

“Mirabel…”

“Please.”

Luisa frowns, before letting out a sigh. “It wouldn’t be right to not tell mamá when her own mother is taking advantage of the gifts and—and abusing you! How could I—“

“Isabela and Dolores know.” Mirabel whispers to her. “That’s why Isabela is acting a bit more rebellious towards abuela and Dolores tries to avoid her. They’re helping me.”

“…helping you?” Luisa knows she doesn’t have the right to feel betrayed because they know and not her. “How?”

“We’re eventually working up to get rid of abuela.” Mirabel says softly. “Then, we would tell everyone else. You’re right, it’s not right…it’s so wrong. Abuela is the problem and…we need to stop her. Would you…help us, too, sis?”

Mirabel already knew her answer.

Luisa would do anything to protect her younger sister.

Even against her own grandmother.

“Yes, I will.”

A true protector, indeed.

***

That was…unexpectedly not hard. Mirabel had a feeling that maybe—no, not even maybe. She is certain that the Madrigals always felt this way about Alma, they just needed a little push.

And Mirabel will be there to give them that push.

She will absolutely ruin Alma Madrigal.

“Here,” Mirabel carefully slides a portion of her food on Camilo’s plate.

Camilo beams. “You’re the best!”

Mirabel smiles. “It’s nothing.”

Mirabel is willing to make this act a little more convincing for everyone to notice.

She’ll have Isabela and Dolores think that she and Camilo are just up to stupid stuff again. Though, she knows that Dolores knows better. She’ll have Luisa think that her words are true. She’s doing this out of genuine goodwill for Camilo.

She’ll take the risk, accepting the upcoming scolding from Alma for wasting Julieta's food. She’ll use this moment to gain sympathy points from her sisters and cousins, making Alma appear stricter and less understanding in their eyes. She’ll make Camilo feel a hint of guilt for her being scolded in front of Alma.

It’s so much more worth it when her mother and Alma get into an argument.

Alma really is digging her own grave.

This family is much more divided than they appear.

The Madrigals aren’t so perfect.

When will Alma see that?

“Oh my god, Mira. I am so sor—“

Mirabel cuts Camilo off with a laugh. “Milo, it’s fine!” She smiles. “I don’t care what abuela has to say to me. I chose to do this.”

“Yeah…” Camilo sheepishly rubs the back of his neck. “But you didn’t have to.”

“I didn’t, but I wanted to.”

Camilo wraps his arms around Mirabel, stunning her. It takes her a second to relax into his embrace. “You’re way too kind.”

“I try to be.”

“You must be trying hard.”

“Not that hard now.”

Mirabel makes a dramatic show of stepping back. “Is that all you needed me for? Your apology is welcome but not needed.” She muses. “I need to have a conversation with the others.”

“The others?”

“Isabela, Dolores, and Luisa.”

Just take the bait.

“About what?”

“It’s a girl thing.”

“Is that why you four have been so secretive?”

“Mhm!”

That’s all she needed to do.

“Wait,” Camilo blinks. “Why aren’t I invited?”

“Girl sleepover.” Mirabel responds. “Also a secret for a reason.”

“Hey, I can be a girl, too!” Camilo says—well, more like whines. “Come on, Mira, we’re twins. You have to tell me!”

Mirabel taps her chin as if in thought. “Should I?”

“Yes!” Camilo exclaims dramatically, before saying a little more shyly, “I know it’s a girl thing or whatever, but I don’t want to be left out. It can be the grandchildren’s secret, not just the girls’ secret.”

Mirabel’s eyes soften. “Okay. Okay…” She sighs. “You promise you won’t tell anyone?”

Camilo nods eagerly. “I promise!” Then, he lowers his voice. “Oops. I mean, yes, I promise. I won’t tell anyone, even if I’m being held at gun-point.”

“Hopefully it doesn’t come to that point.” Mirabel mutters. “First, how do you feel about abuela?”

Camilo hesitates for a moment, looking at her with a confused expression. “What do you mean?”

Mirabel crosses her arm over her chest. “I have to make sure you’re qualified for this secret.” If Camilo isn’t going to be on her side in plotting against Alma then that would be a shame. Really unfortunate. “That’s why the girls are aware of the secret because they qualified. Now, answer my question. How do you feel about abuela?”

“Uhm…I mean, how do you want me to answer?” Camilo asks. “Positive? Negative?”

“This isn’t an interview. Not really,” Mirabel chuckles. “Just answer honestly. Nothing leaves this room. You can speak of her in a positive or negative manner. They wouldn’t matter. I just need to know how you feel about her.”

“Uh…”

“I’ll start, I fucking despise Alma Madrigal. I don’t like the way she treats any of us. I want her gone.” Mirabel’s lips twitch upward at Camilo’s stunned face. “The others, the girls, agree with me, which is why it was our secret at first. Now you can go. How do you feel about Alma? Can’t you see it now? There's no judgement with me!”

Camilo expected anything but that.

“Geez, first name basis…” Camilo smiles nervously. “Now I can see why you four were being so secretive. So you all don’t like her?”

God. How many times is she going to have to make that clear?

Because she is Mirabel Madrigal, the bubbly granddaughter of Alma Madrigal. She’s someone who never lets anyone's words get to her or be upset. Right.

Mirabel nods. “Yep. To put it simply, we’re plotting against her.” Of course, she needed to get rid of Camilo’s hesitance. “I know that you eat a lot of food because shifting takes a lot of energy out of you. I know that Alma thinks it’s because you’re lying and being rebellious, so she stops you from doing so and scolds you. Doesn’t that make you upset?”

Camilo freezes, trying to maintain his smile. “…You know about that?”

“Why do you think I let you have my extras and desserts? I notice, Camilo. I can see when you’re out of it after shifting all day. What type of cousin do you take me for?” Mirabel asks, offering him a mock smile. “Alma doesn’t care about her grandchildren, she doesn’t care about her children, she doesn’t care about us. If it was between one of us or the miracle and she had to save just one, she’d choose the miracle every single time. No doubt.”

Camilo never heard Mirabel speak so bluntly. But he knows, deep down, that she's right—he's seen it himself. His shoulders slump as he sighs, “I…I guess you’re right.” He couldn’t exactly defend her because he knows how his abuela is. “And you’re like, what, the mastermind in taking her down?”

“I suppose so,” Mirabel says. “It’ll be much more exciting in the end, I swear. It also will only be Alma. You don’t need to worry about your parents or my parents. It’s only Alma. It’ll be oh so worth it in the end.”

“You know what, I’m all in for this villain takedown.”

Mirabel can see right through him like the others, his happy facade.

She knows that he’s genuine.

It’d be too much work if the adults weren't going to be convinced because imagine them, the grandchildren, taking over Casita? The miracle?

Mirabel’s face twists in surprise, before finally settling on glee. “I’m glad!”

What a dream.

Chapter 250: Amarena Cherries — Part 2

“I hate it,”

“That’s…” Mariano couldn’t blame her. Not at all. He’s sure if anyone knew her situation, they would feel the same. He won’t fault or shame her. “That’s alright.” He really wants to watch the life fade from the piece of garbage that raped Mirabel, like he snuffed out hers. “It’s completely understandable, considering where they came from.”

They may officially be husband and wife by paper and title, but he could truly only think of her as a little sister. Not to mention that Mirabel is only fourteen-years-old, seven years younger than him. A minor, yet married to a twenty year old man, an adult.

He wasn’t exactly there for when Mirabel was born, but he was around to watch her grow up. It’d be too weird for him to even consider Mirabel a potential love interest. Then again, this so-called paradise is mostly full of men, who are openly sexist. Even the Madrigals sometimes make him raise his eyebrows at their words and actions.

He felt bad for all of the women. He didn’t even think they felt safe in the Encanto. Who knows how many women had suffered in the hands of men and were forced to be silenced.

Mirabel sits up—surprisingly, she didn’t feel any pain or discomfort. Maybe besides the growing headache, but that isn’t anything new. She always gets a headache when she’s near the Madrigals and whatever nonsense is going on in town.

“What?” Mirabel asks, shooting Mariano a confused look. That’s definitely a misunderstanding right there. “I don’t…I don’t hate my babies. Not them. It’s not their fault I was raped. They’re innocent. I just…” She sucks in a shaky breath. “I just hate the way everyone’s acting. I hate the bastard that did this to me. I…I hate it all.” She can feel her eyes burning. “I-I’m not ready to be a mother. I’m too young. I didn’t want to be a mother this y-young. I’m just a kid. I’m just a kid, Mariano.”

“Oh, Mirabel…” Mariano breathes. He feels horrible. He feels as if he should do more. He knows he should do more. As a man, as an adult, as a person. He knows. “I know. You’re far too young to deal with this. You shouldn’t. You don’t deserve this. You deserve better. But just you know. I’ll be with you every single step of the way.”

Mirabel sniffles, wiping at her tears. “Thanks. You’re more of a family than they have ever been.” It’s true. Her brothers, one pretty much despised her existence and the other at least tried. One of her cousins ignored her, the other one bullied her nearly everyday, while her youngest cousin is just a kid—like her. The adults were pretty much absent in her life. They weren’t enough.

Mariano bows his head slightly. “I…uh, just doing what any man should’ve done.” It’s not much of an accomplishment, maybe, he isn’t quite sure. It’s something any good human being should’ve done—should’ve treated Mirabel like. It’s how he was raised. Treat people the way you want to be treated, his sickly abuelo used to tell him. He stuck with that ever since.

“Exactly,” That’s what makes Mariano much better than the others. It’s what other men should’ve done. But they didn’t. “However, these men aren’t so kind. It’s what should’ve been done, however, no man could have the balls like you.”

Mariano smiles thinly. “That’s a horrid expression.” Though, he knows it’s the truth. The men—who didn’t even deserve to be called men, are cowards.

Mirabel gives him a smile. An accepting one. It’s almost like she could read his mind. “But the truth.”

“An uncomfortable one,” Mariano tries to joke. To at least lift up the mood a bit. He beams just a little bit at the way Mirabel’s shoulders tremble slightly with a quiet giggle. He will take pride in that.

Mirabel glances around the room. White. Not really a room, a healthcare, really. She should be thankful that she’s alive, she supposes. If she died, that wouldn’t be so bad, either. “Where are they anyways?”

“Uhm, they’re currently waiting fo—“ Mariano begins saying as Mirabel tilts her head. There’s a slight quirk in her lips that made Mariano realize that he said something silly. “Huh? Did I say something wrong?”

Mirabel has always known that Mariano is quite the himbo, well, that’s what she read about. Handsome men, who aren’t so smart. Perfect description for Mariano Guzmán. “The children,” She corrects gently. “I’m asking about my children, Mariano. Not the Madrigals.”

Mariano blinks. “Oh!” He can feel the heat rise up the back of his neck and warm up his cheeks. “Yeah, that makes more sense.” He chuckles. “Your father has been tending to them since you were unconscious. But, they’re alright if that’s what you’re asking. Healthy. A boy and a girl.”

“That’s nice,” Although they didn’t come out the way Mirabel wanted them, it’s nice to know they’re alright. She loves children. She just hadn’t been planning to have her own so early in her life.

“Mhm,”

“What?”

“What?”

“What?” Mirabel repeats, eyes squinting. She’s been trying to ignore the way Mariano’s been fidgeting. But it was practically impossible. “You have something to say to me.” A statement, not a question. “What is it.”

“Did you…did you hear about what happened afterwards?”

Mirabel’s brows furrow into a frown. “What?” A rhetorical question. There was absolutely no way for her to hear whatever happened afterwards because she was unconscious. “No, I didn’t. What happened?”

Mariano can't help but think of how similar Mirabel looks to Julio. Not upset, but a look that they knew more than they were letting on. “You have a, uhm, you have a gift.” He winces as Mirabel’s eyes go wide, her knuckles turning white from how hard she is gripping the blanket. “…I guess they didn’t want to tell you until you were more stable.”

Mirabel isn’t sure whether she wants to laugh at Mariano’s awful joke or yell at him for telling her such a shitty joke after she gave birth. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Mariano clears his throat and slaps on a too-bright smile on his face. He’s an honest guy. “You, uh, healed…ah, down there without any medical help.”

No wonder she felt fine besides the few aches in her body. “I have a gift,”

“Yes, you do…” Mariano says slowly. Maybe he should’ve left this to the other Madrigals. “Regeneration, I’m assuming. Since you healed by yourself.”

“I have a gift.” Mirabel isn’t sure why she’s repeating it. It’s strange. Mariano wouldn’t joke with her like this, either.

“…Yes?”

“Damn it, I have a gift?!” Mirabel suddenly snaps, startling Mariano. She’s furious. At the Madrigals, at the miracle, at Casita, at this misogynistic town and at her damn dead abuela for cursing her like this. Fate seems determined to fuck with her. “After all these years—nine years, and when I give birth—I finally have a gift?!”

“Uh—“

“What type of shitty luck is this?! I’ve already come to terms that I wouldn’t have one and the others didn’t hesitate to rub it in my face! Now I’m fucking special?!”

Mariano may not be the smartest, but he’s pretty sure that a woman, who has recently given birth, shouldn’t be yelling like this.

“So, uh, names?” Mariano asks, once Mirabel is not in a yelling mood and trying to stray her away from the topic of gifts.

Mirabel resists the urge to scoff. Moody, the Madrigals had whispered to the other, which had earned them all of them a smack in the back of the head by Félicia and Agusta. “Names?”

Mariano perks up. “Names for the babies! One girl, one boy!” He exclaims. He’s always wanted children, a lot. Not in this way and definitely not with a minor. “I’ve already got a list if you didn’t have the time to come up with one! For example, Pablo and Paula! Juan and Juana! Rafael and Rafaela!”

Mirabel doesn’t know why she even bothered to listen. “No. I am not naming them that. Terrible names.” She says firmly. “Matter of fact, let me see that list.”

“Okay,” Mariano dejectly hands Mirabel the list of names. “Those are just three, so maybe the others will catch your attention!”

“Mariano…” Mirabel sighs. “All you did for the girl names is add an a to the boy names. All that time and this is what you come up with? I could’ve done that myself!”

Mariano clears his throat, smiling sheepishly. “…At least I tried?”

“…You damn himbo.”

“I try my best!”

Mirabel’s lips purses. “How about this? You pick your favorite name out of the entire list and I’ll name the other. Does that sound fair?”

Mariano nods in response. “I’m not complaining!”

“You’re funny,”

“Huh? What did I say?”

“Nothing.”

***

“Amor—“

“Oh my goodness,” Mirabel cuts him off with a pointed look. “Don’t call me that. You don’t see me calling you husband or mi vida. Sorry, but that’s just weird to me.”

“No, it’s fine. I understand.” Mariano respects Mirabel. He also isn’t entirely comfortable with this arrangement. He just wants to make it believable. “I’ll drop it,”

After quite a while, the Madrigals had figured out that Mirabel not only had one, but two gifts. Her first gift is regeneration and the second gift is healing others through food. The Madrigals were expectedly stunned while Mirabel disliked the whole ordeal.

Those two gifts go hand and hand with each other. Complementary.

“We should tell them, Mariano.”

Mariano raises a singular brow. “It is your decision. I’m here to help you. Whatever decision you want to make, I’ll support you.”

“Thanks,” Mirabel replies. “That’s reassuring.”

Mariano gives Mirabel’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Of course,” He smiles. “When?”

“Today?”

“Sure, why not.”

“I-I, uh, I wasn’t telling you we should, but if you—“

“Today.” Mirabel tells him, chuckling. “It’s not pressure. Not at all.” She raises their intertwined hand, a smirk on her face. “I’m just glad to have a supportive partner.”

“Oh, come on! That’s not fair!”

Mirabel snorts.

“Life isn’t fair.”

“You’re so cruel.”

“I’m just pessimistic and truthful.”

***

It isn’t hard to have the Madrigals, besides Antonio, since he was too young. Telling the Madrigals they had an announcement to make had caught their attention.

“You’re not pregnant again, are you?” Isador asks, his eyes flickering down to Mirabel’s stomach, before glaring at Mariano. It hasn’t been that long. “I swear—“

Mariano smiles nervously. “No, no! That’s not the case!” At least that misunderstanding would soon be cleared up.

Andre nods. “A new door would appear,” There's certainly no new doors. She would’ve been disappointed if that was the case. “There’s none.”

Isador huffs. “Good.”

“Isador,” Agusta hisses at his oldest, before turning back to Mirabel and Mariano. “What is it that you need to tell us?”

“Hopefully not a pregnancy scare?” Camilo tries to joke, receiving flat looks from nearly the entire family. “Fine. Bad joke.”

“It was.”

Luis sighs, tilting his head back. Hopefully it’s not bad news. “If you all keep talking, they won’t get anywhere.”

“Please.”

Mirabel takes a deep breath, before saying, “Mariano and I do not love each other.”

…

Mariano stares at her with wide eyes. “You’re going to say it like that?”

The Madrigals stare at them with equally wide eyes.

“What?” Pepa looks between the two as if they were telling some horrible joke.

“You two don’t love each other?” Julio repeats, startled. Mirabel chose Mariano and Mariano said yes. That wouldn’t happen if they didn’t love each other.

“But—but you two had…” Diego makes some gestures that cause Mirabel and Mariano’s face to turn a dark shade of red. “The twins?”

Andre’s brows furrow. “How could that be possible?” Did they realize afterwards? But they’re already married and have children.

“But…you…two…”

“I didn’t want to marry Mariano because I actually liked him like that.” Mirabel says firmly. “I never once saw him as a potential lover. I chose him because I knew he would take care of me rightfully. He wouldn’t harm me or do anything I didn’t want like the other men in town.”

“Yeah,” Mariano rubs the back of his neck. He’s glad to help Mirabel out in any way he could, though. “I only see her as a little sister.” He makes a face. “Which is, yuck, disgusting. I would never, ever get my little sister pregnant. Or see her in any other way than platonic. That’d be so, so wrong.”

The Madrigals are silent.

“…The children?”

“Mirabel and I haven’t touched each other sexually or even thought about the other romantically.” Mariano did find it more odd that the Madrigals are okay with arrangement when he’s around Isador and Diego’s age. Mirabel isn’t even legal. “Sorry not sorry, but I’m not just…interested in underage girls in any way.”

Mirabel nods along with Mariano’s words. “The most we did was just sleep in the same bed. Nothing sexual.”

“Then—then…how?”

Both of them grimaced, realizing what they meant. It is obvious.

“They’re not…” Mariano shakes his head, before looking at Mirabel, who just gives him a strained smile. “They’re not mine biologically.”

“What?”

“Excuse me?”

Agusta’s face slowly begins to lose its color. It couldn’t be true. It couldn’t. Hopefully Mariano isn’t implying what she is thinking. Please, don’t let it be true. “Mirabel, what is he talking about?”

Félicia shares the same horror as Agusta. “Mirabel…”

“I love the twins deeply, but…I wasn’t ready for them. Not at all. I didn’t dream of having a baby, better yet, twins when I was just fourteen years old.” Mirabel didn’t bother sugarcoating it. They needed to hear it. They needed to hear how badly they failed.

“Mirabel—“

“I was raped when I was thirteen in the alleyway. The Encanto was supposed to be a safe place, but I never felt safe. You’d think that someone would hear me struggling against a full grown man when we were in public. Maybe they did but they ignored me thinking I was asking for it. I figured out that I was pregnant soon after when I started to develop symptoms. Which is why I needed to marry Mariano because I did not want to get together with the man who raped me.”

“I-I would never—“ Andre is horrified. Who would dare touch his only granddaughter like that? How long? Was it the first? How could he be so oblivious? “I wouldn’t have…I wouldn’t have forced a marriage between you and that vile man, Mirabel.” Did he truly treat Mirabel so badly that she thought he would make her marry the man who forced himself on her and impregnated her? “If you had told me, I would have punished him. I would’ve thrown him into the cell and exiled him if I had known.”

Mirabel couldn’t help but scowl at her grandfather’s words. “No, you wouldn’t.” Did he think she is stupid? “This is before any of you realized I had a gift. I was always just some idiotic, naive woman, who needed to stay in her place. The only purpose I serve is to cook, clean, and make the man I marry happy.”

“Mirabel, no—“

“It’s what you told me, abuelo.” Mirabel sneers, making Mariano glare at the family’s patriarch. “And none of you are any better. If I had told you that I was raped, you probably would have thought that I I did something to tempt that poor man. You would be happy that there would be a chance of more magical Madrigals if they aren’t defective like me.”

“You’ve told her what?”

All of them feel like they’ve been physically struck. The rest of the Madrigals exchange looks of shock and shame, their eyes widening at the harsh truth she dares to voice aloud.

“You didn’t hear anything?”

Diego flinches, his face flushing in shame. “I…I don’t know. I didn’t hear anything. I just—just thought she—you were having some private time and blocked you out.” He stammers. “I’m so, so sorry, Mirabel. If I had known that someone was…was taking advantage of you, I would have never blocked you out.”

“Did my cries of help sound like pleasure to you? Did me saying stop sound pleasureful to you? Did me sobbing afterwards sound like I was having alone time to you?”

“Why…why wouldn’t you tell anyone?”

“Why would I?” Mirabel asks bitterly, her gaze hardening. “Why would I tell any of you besides Luis what happened to me when you all didn’t treat me any better than strangers?”

Chapter 251: Her Familiar — Part 3

Mirabel blinks, staring at him with a weird expression. “Why have you been hiding away, papá? I missed you very much. We missed you so much.”

“Uh—“

“You’re so skinny! You’re practically skin and bones, papá! Have you not been eating?

“Someone happens to be eating nearly all the animals in the forest.” Bruno grumbles, not truly angry. Never angry at his own daughter. Then, he squints his eyes at her. “I can see you’ve been eating well.”

Mirabel’s lips quirks up, looking more amused than anything. “Is that a jab towards my weight?” It is entertaining to watch her father’s eyes widen in a panic, sputtering and trying to save himself from that terrible comment. “Just kidding, papá! If I had known you were in the forest, I would’ve left a lot of animals for you! Not to mention, there’s not many animals left…oops. My bad!”

“Right…”

“Why are you here?” Before Bruno can respond, Mirabel shakes her head. “Nevermind! Let’s go home now that I’ve found you!”

“I-I can’t possibly go back there, Mirabel…”

“Yes, you can! They would accept you back, though. Always! Nobody is angry at you! They’re hoping that you come back anyways!” Mirabel exclaims. “Dolores’ words, not mine! But I do agree with her!”

Bruno’s eyes slightly widened. “Dolores knows?”

“Yes!” Mirabel doesn’t want to think about where she’d be without her. “I couldn’t hide it from the woman, who hears all. That’s impossible. She also helps me eat! What a good cousin that she is!”

“…Yeah, I’m sure of that.”

He’s glad that she didn’t snitch. He’s sure that her reaction towards Mirabel being an eldritch was funny.

“So, let’s go home!”

“Wait—“

“You don’t have a choice.”

Yeah.

He’s sure he doesn’t.

***

Bruno is fortunate enough that the first person to see him is Julieta.

“Mija! Where have you…” Julieta’s voice trails off, her eyes turning wide as she catches the sight of her missing brother. “Bruno?!”

“Heh…hi, Jul—ack!” Bruno grunts as Julieta instantly wraps her arms around him, squeezing him tightly. For a fifty-year-old woman, she sure is strong. He swears that he can feel some of his bones break and quickly rearrange themselves. “I’m glad to see you, too?”

Mirabel claps her hands together, beaming. Oh, she adores humans’ warmth! Especially between her mother and father.

“I’m glad to see you, too?!” Julieta repeats, just a second away from snapping. Her brother’s stupidity is annoyingly endearing. She does miss him, though. She will not deny that. But sometimes, most times, she wants to dig her hands in his stupid little head to know what the hell is going on in his brain. “You’ve been gone for ten years, almost a decade, and that’s what you have to say to me?! I should just strangle you!”

Maybe not.

Bruno may be an eldritch, but he fears many things. His family. They are scary. He’s pretty sure that Julieta would chop off one of his tendrils if she found out, maybe all of them. She’s a scary woman.

“But—but—“

“There’s no buts! I’m going to kill you, bring you back to life, scold you for your idiotic actions, kill you again, and then bring you back to life once more!”

You’d think that Julieta was the eldritch, with the way she invokes fear into Bruno’s heart.

“Is that really what you should be saying in front of precious, sweet, and innocent Mirabel?” Bruno asks, trying to calm down Julieta. Thankfully, it works, because she looks much more relaxed, and a lot more ashamed because her daughter saw her like that.

But, of course, Mirabel likes seeing him suffer. “Oh, I don’t mind! I’ll cover my ears!” She makes a show of covering both ears, while turning away to face the wall. “Continue on, mamí!”

He just came back and she does this to him? That little shit.

He’s pretty sure that Julieta will scold and hug him to death if she could.

He’s absolutely screwed.

And it doesn’t take long for his family to check out the commotion.

He’s double screwed.

When Mirabel catches sight of the other Madrigals, her face contorts into a wide, inhuman grin. “Look who I brought back!”

“Bruno?!”

Bruno awkwardly waves. “Hey…”

“Oh my god,” Alma whispers shakily, slowly approaching him. “Bruno, is that really you?”

“N-nice to see you, mamá,”

“Bro!”

“Where have you been?!”

“Tío?”

“It’s nice to see you again, tío. Mirabel is a handful.”

“Hey?!”

“I thought you were…taller. Huh. What a disappointment.”

“It’s been ten years, dumbass! And that’s what you say?”

“That’s exactly what I said!”

“How?”

“I found him!”

A chorus of odd clicks and whistles emanates from Mirabel’s throat. It’s not human, but it’s not entirely unfamiliar either.

Isabela glances at Mirabel, who looks pleased. “I’m not really surprised that she found him.” She totally does not jump when Mirabel’s gaze falls upon her. What a freak. “Why are we ignoring this?” Mirabel responds with another click as she sighs. “Sometimes, I feel like I’m the only sane one here.”

Dolores gently pats Mirabel’s head. “You’re a Madrigal. Nobody here is truly sane.” She gazes down at Mirabel. “Isn't that right, primita?”

Mirabel gives a contented chortle, leaning into her touch. “That’s right,” She says, her voice reverberating with an uncanny, otherworldly lisp. “We're all a little crazy in here.”

“Ah,” Luisa cuts in. “Don’t include me in that. I’m the most sane here.”

“That title goes to Antonio, actually,” Camilo grins. “You’re not the peak of sanity, Luisa.”

“Eh. I’ll take it.”

Pepa’s eyebrows knit together. She’s not sure whether she wants to strike him with lightning or hug him to death. “Where the hell have you been?”

Before Bruno can answer—well, it’s not like he was going to give her a full explanation about where he was and why—Mirabel says, “In the forest!”

“What?!”

“Well, that’s not creepy at all.”

“The forest, Bruno?! Why?”

“I’m not letting you out of my sight ever again.”

Bruno rubs the back of his neck. It’s not like he can avoid this forever. “The thing is…I was worried about Mirabel, so I left.” He can see them looking at him in concern and coming up with their own wild conclusions. “She’s not in any danger!” She’d destroy anyone that tries to harm her.

“Then, why?”

“You see…” Bruno stammers, and Dolores gives him an encouraging nod and Mirabel just gives him a thumbs-up. How reassuring. “Mirabel and I aren’t human.”

“Huh?”

“We’re eldritch beings so…I left because I didn’t want her to be like me, and a lot more.” Bruno can’t say that he really succeeded. Mirabel isn’t a monster. At least she protects her family. “So, I chose to live in the forest, but she found me. So…that’s that.”

“Oh,”

All of the Madrigals are surprised, but not that surprised by the truth. All of them are aware of Mirabel’s weird nature and her tendency to look rather inhuman.

They’re Madrigals.

One of them—or rather, two of them being eldritch entities isn’t the most surprising thing.

“Okay…not the weirdest thing to happen to me.” Luisa mutters under her breath.

“Hold up. What do you mean by Mirabel turning out like you?” Camilo asks, earning him a nudge from Dolores. “Shouldn’t she be more like…tía? How would that happen?”

“I’m not…actually Mirabel’s dad.” Agustín says awkwardly, earning him surprised gasps and stares at him. “Uh, B-Bruno, you take over!”

“I am Mirabel’s dad.” Bruno says, holding his breath. Not like he actually needs oxygen to breathe. It just makes him feel better. “Not him.”

Alma isn’t sure that the day can get any weirder. “How?”

Pepa folds her arms over her chest, looking at her siblings with narrowed eyes. “You two didn’t…uh, you know, right?” That’s the only possible explanation in her mind.

“Of course not!”

“Heavens no!”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

“Then why?”

“Mirabel is my daughter,” Bruno begins. “I…I gave her to Julieta and Agustín to take care of her while I leave.”

What a terrible explanation.

“He had asked me to take care of Mirabel the night of her ceremony.” Julieta sends a brief glare at Bruno. “Although it was abrupt, I couldn’t say no. I wasn’t going to leave Mirabel without a parent because of my idiotic brother’s decisions. So, I gladly took her in on my own.” Her gaze softens. “Well, the only thing that changed is the title. Nothing else changed. You’ll always be my daughter to me. No offense, Bruno, but I was the one taking care of her for the last ten years and I still am.”

“No offense taken, hermana.”

Mirabel never understood that. They all are family and have the same blood. Are family titles that important? They all are very dear to her and she loves them so much. Actually. She would be pissed if some stranger suddenly came and tried to claim her family as their own. She’d murder them and their entire family.

“Why don’t I remember that?” Félix asks. “I should remember Mirabel being your daughter, especially since she was five-years-old.”

“Exactly!”

“Eldritch beings can alter your mind. Memories, to be more specific.” Bruno answers. “B-but I didn’t do it, so I’m assuming that…Mirabel did.”

“Yep!” Mirabel beams. “But only a little, I swear!” If she altered it a lot, her mamá and pá wouldn’t be able to remember that. “Sorry!”

“…Today is just full of surprises.”

Isabela raises an unimpressed brow. “And here I was thinking you were just a creepy little shi—“ At the pointed look she receives from her mother, she clears her throat. “Nevermind. You may not be my sister in blood and a nonhuman entity, but you are my youngest sister in every other way.”

Mirabel gives an exaggerated gasp, and Isabela instantly regrets her words as she groans. “That was the nicest thing you ever said to me, Isa!” As she leans closer, Isabela shoves her face out of her way. “I’m so glad you finally admitted it.”

“No,” Isabela says, her voice absolutely dripping with annoyance. “I’m stuck up on how you bit me that one time and pretended to be oblivious.”

Luisa blinks. “You bit her?”

Camilo cackles. “Aw. I wish I was there to witness that!”

“And you,” Isabela turns towards Dolores, who is batting her eyelashes innocently and whistling. “She was trying to eat me?!”

“Well, I stopped her…” Dolores trails off, not even trying to hide her shit-eating and very much annoying grin. “Hey, I did you a favor!”

Mirabel presses her foreheads against Isabela’s palm. “You tasted nice.”

Isabela makes a face. Then, she lets out an exasperated sigh. She’s truly too old for this. Mirabel is going to give her gray hairs and she’s only twenty-one. “You’re a cannibal.”

“But she didn’t eat you.”

“I didn’t eat you,” Mirabel grins widely. “Because I love you and you love me!” Without hesitation, she wraps her arms and tendrils around Isabela’s torso, effectively trapping her. She ignores Isabela’s shrieking, saying, “I just wanted a taste, too. That’s all! I won’t eat you.”

“A taste is still eating!”

“You should see my food. That’s considered eating, Isa.”

“I’m not going to let you do a fucking taste test on me. Like, I know I taste good, but you can’t have a bite.”

“I already did! You tasted amazing as expected, but I won’t eat you. I swear on pá!”

“What the—why me?”

“…People usually swear on themselves, not other people.”

“Don’t worry, Isabela. Mirabel doesn’t eat family.”

“That’s not reassuring and you already knew?!”

“Yep.”

Mirabel did not care about humans who aren’t her family. All of them are vermin in her eyes. They could all die and she wouldn’t bat an eye. Though, she knows her family would be upset if she slaughtered them all, so that’s something she can’t do yet.

“—And you’re getting all your nasty, black goo on me—“

“Actually, that’s not—“

“I do not want to actually know what the hell that crap is!”

“Well, that’s understandable.” Alma says. She always knew about Bruno being an eldritch abomination or at least suspected it. It probably had to do with the fact that Pedro was also an eldritch abomination.

“What’s understandable?”

“Certainly not this.”

“The reason why Bruno and Mirabel are an eldritch is because Pedro was also one. It wasn’t the doing of the miracle. He just happened to be one, too.”

…

“Did you not think that was something important to mention, mamá?” Pepa questions, staring at her mother as if she grew two heads. Nothing. And she means absolutely nothing has been normal so far. Or calm. “Oh yeah, your father isn’t human. Just wanted to let you all know that as if that’s normal! We’re just being told this now?!”

Alma shrugs, looking completely unashamed as she sips her tea. “I probably should’ve.”

“Probably?!”

“It was obvious that your abuelo wasn’t human. He was an eldritch pretending to be human. I didn’t mind, though. His tentacles are very useful. No man can ever compare.”

All of them make a face at her words.

Disgusting.

“Abuela...I don’t think anyone needed to know that information.”

Chapter 252: Cat!Mirabel

Notes:

I need to write about Mirabel having a gift more

Mirabel is absolutely overjoyed when Antonio gets his Gift. Finally being able to really talk to her feline friends is like a dream come true.

Of course, Antonio didn’t mind spending more time with his favorite Madrigal.

“It seems like Antonio’s jaguar likes you.” Dolores muses. She’s not that surprised. Both of them are felines. Well, yeah. Mirabel is part-feline. There are days where Mirabel is more cat than human. “Doesn’t it bother you?”

Mirabel doesn’t seem disturbed at all. In fact, she looks pretty pleased by what Parce is doing. “Nope! He’s grooming me.” She gives him a pat on the head, causing Parce to let out a chuff. “Ay! I’m older than you. Don’t do that to me.”

That’s when Dolores realizes that Parce is nipping at Mirabel’s hair and ears. She cocks her head, and her lips quirks up. Mirabel really just scolded a jaguar. Only her cousin and little brother can do that. “It doesn’t hurt?”

“Feels like sandpaper,” Mirabel responds, sitting up straighter as Dolores raises a single brow. “Whatever you’re thinking, no.”

Dolores huffs out a laugh. “You don’t even know what I was going to say.”

“Didn’t have to. I could guess what you were thinking from your face.”

“Anyways,” Dolores tilts her head. “Why are you letting him groom you? Isn’t that way too…” She trails off. Mirabel is half-human, half-cat. Nothing is normal around here.

“It’s how we show affection, clean each other, and bond!”

“Hm. That sounds about right.”

Dolores would consider Mirabel more cat than human at times. She’d know for sure, but Mirabel did not have any fur when she’s in this form. Thankfully.

“Wanna join?”

“Hah! No, I’m definitely good on that offer.”

Dolores already didn’t like the sound of a jaguar’s tongue licking Mirabel. It’d definitely overstimulate her if she let that happen. Not to mention, she didn’t like the thought of having her hair all wet.

“Well, your loss.”

“Not really.”

“My turn!”

“What?” Dolores’ eyes goes wide. “Oh my god, Mirabel, don’t lick him back!”

“What? You can’t tell me what to do!”

“Bad girl! Don’t let me get the spray bottle and tía again—“

It’s safe to say that Mirabel sadly isn’t able to return the favor to Parce.

---

“Tía, Mirabel’s stealing the cats again!” Camilo calls out as he walks by the kitchen, not even bothering to hide his laughter. “She’s in the tree!”

Julieta could only let out a fond sigh. “Thank you for telling me, mijo.”

“Mhm!” Camilo grabs an arepa before walking off.

Classic Mirabel.

There’s not a day when Mirabel isn’t gathering cats and trying to start a cat army or to adopt them all. She’s used to it.

“Casita, can you please go get Isabela for me?”

Casita gives a small, gentle shake.

“Thank you.”

It only takes a few minutes before Isabela joins her downstairs.

“Yes, mamá?” Isabela tilts her head. She’s used to helping her mother in the kitchen. Which is not very often, considering some people are banned from the kitchen.

Julieta gives Isabela a glance, causing her to raise a brow. Then, she gives her an apologetic smile and just says, “Mirabel.”

Isabela could only sigh. “Of course,” With her Gift, it’s either up to her or Luisa to catch Mirabel. “I’ll get her back and try to come back in one piece.”

She remembers the last time she tried to get Mirabel—she ended up with scratches all over her arms and face. Thankfully, her mother can heal any injuries with a simple arepa. She wouldn’t be so perfect if that was the case. Though, she’s not sure if that’s a bad thing or not.

She simply cannot understand how Mirabel can like those furry creatures and how those felines like Mirabel so much. All those cats do is hiss and scratch at people. The most obvious answer is that she’s part cat.

Isabela isn’t a huge fan of animals or pets, really. With Antonio’s Gift, at least she didn’t have to worry about his animals randomly running out…at times.

Having a feline sister did not help at all.

Especially when said feline sister likes causing mischief.

She’s pretty sure that her abuela purposely turns a blind eye to Mirabel’s behavior and actions. Her tía Pepa just encourages chaos.

She’s also sure that she’s growing gray hair herself because of Mirabel.

“What the—“ Isabela cuts herself off with a groan. What is she talking about? This is Mirabel. She’s always doing odd things. Especially with her cat features, Mirabel is much more agile. An absolute nightmare. “Mirabel!”

Mirabel leans over the branch, looking down at Isabela. “Isa? Oh, hi, Isabela!” The most obvious thing and something Isabela couldn’t ignore is that there’s about ten cats around Mirabel. “Do you need something?”

“You.”

“Huh?”

Isabela can already feel her nose twitching and she’s not even by those hairballs!

“You’re going to get a lot of hair on you.” Isabela says flatly. “And, yes, I do need something from you. For you to come down!”

Mirabel frowns. “But…”

“No buts! Come down!” Isabela chides, trying her best to channel her inner abuela. It clearly doesn’t work because Mirabel doesn’t back down. “Don’t make me use my vines on you again!”

“But—but, the kittens! They love me! I just can’t leave them here or ignore them!”

“Mirabel, when are you not surrounded by cats? It’s not like you’re ignoring them. They probably think you’re their mother.”

“Exactly!” Mirabel squeals. “They’re my babies! I have to take them home!”

It’s not the first, and sure as hell isn’t the last time that Mirabel has attempted to take some cats back to Casita.

“You can’t take them home, Mirabel.” Isabela sighs in barely hidden amusement, folding her arms over her chest. “And those aren’t strays, either. They have groomed fur and collars.” There are no pets allowed in Casita because they are either too busy or too irresponsible to actually take care of a pet.

She’s not calling Mirabel a pet, but her little sister is already a handful to deal with.

Mirabel is a big fan of contact. There isn’t a time when she’s in the presence of a family member that she isn’t touching them, rubbing against their skin, or even slightly nuzzling them. Claiming that she’s scenting them so the other humans knows that they’re hers, or whatever that means.

“So? Antonio’s literal gift is communicating with animals!”

“That’s different. We can’t have someone coming up to us again saying that their cat is missing and they think you might have it. The week just started.”

It’s only Monday.

No wonder their mamá is the triplet with the most gray hair.

Mirabel’s tail flicks, humming thoughtfully. “Hmm…”

“Mirabel, please. You’re giving everyone’s gray hairs way too early. Choose the option that’s the best for all of us.”

“I want them, Isa. I didn’t just choose them.” Mirabel holds the small kitten, and it nuzzles against her touch. “They chose me.” The purring sound that escapes her throat blends seamlessly with her words. “See?”

“That’s not the best option.”

“Yes, it is!”

“No, it’s not!”

“Hey!” Isabela recoils slightly, her eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected hiss that escapes Mirabel's lips. “Don’t take that tone with me, young lady!”

Mirabel's cat ears droop back against her hair, her eyes narrowing to slits. “No.” She gathers the kittens close to her chest, holding them protectively as she climbs higher into the tree. “Leave me alone!”

Isabela grits her teeth. “Damn it, Mira,” She huffs, grabbing the hem of her dress. “I’ll climb this tree if I have to! Don’t think I won’t!”

Mirabel glances down at Isabela, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she cocks an eyebrow. “And risk getting your dress dirty? I’d like to see you try.”

“That’s it, you little shit—“

---

“Mamá, disown her.” Isabela simply says, as if her face, arms, and legs aren’t adorned in scratches and bite marks.

Mirabel stands next to Isabela, her eyes wide and innocent, tail swishing gently from side to side, and a vine wrapped around her waist. “Isa, that’s rude!”

“You extracted your claws and bit me on purpose!”

“That’s my affection!”

“Mija,” Julieta chimes in softly. “What did I say about scratching and biting your older sister?”

Mirabel pouts. “Not to do it…”

“She’s going to do it again.” Isabela deadpans, taking a bite of the arepa given to her, her injuries fading away. “She’s already plotting. Look at her!”

Mirabel flashes Isabela a bright grin. “I wouldn’t dare.”

Isabela rolls her eyes. “See?”

“I won’t…maybe.”

Isabela raises her eyebrows in surprise as she feels Mirabel's tail brush against her leg. She looks over at Mirabel, noticing her slightly lowered head and the soft purring sound emanating from her.

“You’re one hell of a dork.”

“Shut up!”

“…I’m glad my daughters are getting along in their own strange way.”

Chapter 253: The Other Casita — Part 2

Summary:

Part one is chapter eighty! :)

Mirabel freezes, taken aback by the sight of her family, or more accurately, Pedro’s family, sitting patiently in their chairs.

Now, Mirabel isn’t the one to judge, so she does her best not to judge them. Considering she’s very much used to being judged over something she has no control over. Well, tries to. To the best of her capabilities.

She plasters a smile on her face to disguise the tinge of discomfort. It’s not everyday someone has buttons replacing their eyes. It is a Gift. It’s not the strangest thing to happen to her, she supposes.

With a deep breath, she continues towards them, her steps slow and cautious. They’re quiet. They’re just watching her—if she had to assume from their turned heads. It is very strange.

“Our family is finally complete!” Pedro’s eyes, if he truly had them, would undoubtedly have been wide with excitement. They are oddly animated, though. She can strangely convey the emotions of them.

The other Madrigals cheer and clap at Pedro’s words. They seem really excited to see her. She does ignore how they don’t speak until the patriarch does. It’s just respect. Nothing wrong with that.

Although they are her family with button eyes, they are very doll-like. Mirabel isn’t talking about their appearance since all of them have smooth skin due to her mother’s food. It would definitely be rude to call them dolls just because of their lack of eyes. Even though they would look exactly like that if the doll maker decided to make them into dolls.

Rather, she is referring to their actions. Maybe calling them a puppet would be more fitting. That certainly fits the description well. Again, rude. She’s so thankful that Dolores doesn’t have the Gift of reading minds. Wait. Do they still have their Gifts here?

Alma pushes herself up, taking Mirabel out of her thoughts. The most strange thing about the other Alma is the warm smile gracing her face. The exact opposite expression that her grandmother would look at her with. An expression that Mirabel yearned for her abuela to look at her with for years. “I couldn’t agree any more with my Pedro.” Her expression softens. “It is truly a pleasure to have you here at last. We’ve anxiously waited for your arrival for so long. And, ah, it was no fault of yours that your Door finally appeared. I speak for all of us when I say welcome back home, mi pequeña mariposa.”

Her abuela hasn't used that nickname for her since she was a child. It’s odd. It’s welcoming. It makes her feel warm inside.

“Thank you,” Mirabel finally manages to say after her moment of silence. “I never knew this side of my family…” She trails off, clearing her throat and smiling awkwardly. “But it’s nice to be with you all, even though it’s a bit…intimidating. Uhm, no offense, of course!”

Pedro gives a soft laugh. “No offense taken! We understand, nieta.” As the other Madrigals nod their heads in agreement. He gently pats Mirabel's cheek, his touch cold against her warm skin. “See?”

“Right!”

Alma takes a step forward, wrapping Mirabel into a hug, causing Mirabel to stiffen. “Oh…Mirabel, I sincerely apologize for how the rude version of me treats you. If it was me, I would always make sure you were included and loved. Gift or no Gift.” She murmurs. “It’s a shame that you have such a…disgraceful family. How foolish of them to be so blinded for something as trivial as the Candle.”

Mirabel’s smile wobbles slightly. “I…oh, what?”

“There’s no need to be nervous.” Mirabel turns her head to see her mother speaking. “We’ll treat you just right. Think of us as your actual family, we are,” Julieta pauses for a second. “But not those people. We’re better.” Mirabel could hear the underlying bitterness and anger in Julieta’s voice that she had never heard before. Despite everything, her mother is always warm and nurturing, never showing her rage or losing her temper even when stressed. As quickly as the bitterness is heard, it disappears, replaced by that kindness that Mirabel knows so well. “Besides that, we made you a welcome back cake!”

Mirabel’s eyebrows raise. “Welcome back?” Wouldn’t that only apply if she had met them before? She would have remembered her other family if she had met them before.

“Yep!” Camilo grins, winking at her. He’s so excited to have his cousin back! He waited so long! They have so much to do, so many pranks to play! “Though I was tempted to eat it all by myself, mi melliza. Of course, I had to wait on you! You get the first and biggest slice! Or you can give it to me!” He laughs loudly. “No worries, we’ll eat until our stomachs burst out with cake!”

Pepa shakes her head. “Definitely not,” She muses, chuckling under her breath. “That’s unless you actually want to do that, Mira? I’ll tell you right now, the stomachache afterwards will be a pain in the ass—“

Pepa is cut off as Bruno playfully swats at her, earning a huff from her. “Can you not handle that potty mouth of yours?” Bruno didn’t mind the swearing, but his niece is finally here! He knows that she doesn’t swear herself and he’d really, really like it if Mirabel stayed forever. He didn’t want to scare her away. “There’s children here.”

“Oh, please, like this is stuff they hadn’t already heard.” Pepa says with a fond smile. “But I will tone it down. Not because you told me to, but because I want to not make my Mirabel feel uncomfortable with my swearing.”

“You can release all the words you want to say in the bedroom, Pepi.” Félix grins, causing Pepa to blush.

“Ugh. Please, keep this in the bedroom and not at the dinner table.” Camilo groans. “Disgusting.”

“That much would be helpful.” Dolores mutters. She does need to hear her parents attempting to make her another sibling again.

Félix laughs. “Sorry,”

“If it’s not much of a bother, what do you mean by welcome back?”

“You met us before.” Bruno tells her. “Well, to be accurate, you met me and pá.”

Mirabel blinks in shock. “I did?”

“When you were younger, around five-years-old, and had wandered off into the forest unsupervised. That was our first encounter. And gosh, you gave us a heart attack!” Pedro shakes his head at the memory, clutching his chest. “You were lost and had no clue how to get back to that Casita.” It made him realize that Mirabel would not be safe with the Madrigals. He had to keep her to himself. With his family. They wouldn’t be able to make her happy like them. They won’t provide her with the things she wants. They will. “We saved you.”

“Uh-huh…” Surely Mirabel would remember seeing the counterparts of her family members. She doesn’t remember that at all, though.

“You don’t remember us leading you back, do you?”

“…I don’t remember much about my childhood. I do have a diary that I wrote in for years. If I checked it…” Mirabel trails off hesitantly. “Maybe I could try to remember it?”

“Oh, we’re not forcing you.” Pedro clasps his hands, smile widening. “I was just telling you that this isn’t our first time meeting. I thought it would make you more familiar with us.”

“We are your family, after all.” Luisa chimes in. “It’s nice to have my sweet little sister here.”

“W-what about—“

“I can talk to animals!” Antonio beams. “Isn’t that cool, Mira?”

“U-uh,” That does sound cool. “Yes, it is, Toñito! It fits you perfectly!”

“I’ll go get the knife to cut the cake.” Julieta also stands up, smile never faltering. “I wasn’t expecting my daughter to be here so early. I’m glad.”

“Oh, oh, can we set up decorations for Mirabel’s return!”

“A party?” Alma hums. “Why not?”

“O-oh, there’s no reason—“

“We insist.” Agustín states. “It’s for you!”

“Yeah!”

“You deserve a party! A ceremony.”

A ceremony.

Her failed ceremony.

Her ceremony, which people do not talk about, yet associate her with. The only Madrigal without a Gift. Giftless Mirabel. The Odd One Out. The Left Out Child.

It’s what caused her family to become so different.

And distant.

Mirabel jumps when she feels a tap on her shoulder, turning around to see Isabela.

“I-Isabela?”

That made Mirabel realize that Isabela didn’t speak at all. She didn’t say one word to her or to anyone else, just staring. The only Madrigal who didn’t say a word so far.

“I’ve been wanting to meet you for a while, Mirabel.” Isabela says softly. “I wasn’t sure how you’d react to, well, me.”

“I…” Mirabel isn’t sure how to react. There is no underlying bitterness or hatred in her voice. Just softness. She didn’t think Isabela could speak like that to her. “I don’t mind you. I was just surprised. You’re unusually…quiet unlike my Isabela. Not that I mind!” She begins sputtering frantically, eyes widening in panic. “I-I mean, it’s up to you whether or not you want to speak!”

Isabela laughs. It isn’t snarky or condescending, it’s pure joy. She sounds more amused by her rambling than anything. “Oh, it’s alright. I know what you mean, hermanita.” Hesitantly, she steps forward. “I’m pretty quiet because I’m not sure how you want me.”

Mirabel didn’t expect that. “H-how I want you?”

“To be.” Isabela finishes off with an unsure smile. “I know you have issues with the other me and I don’t want to be like her. I want you to be comfortable, you know. What do you want from me?”

“Uh, I…I don’t know.”

“Really?”

“I don’t think so. I just want my…sister back.”

“Alright.” Without warning, Isabela envelopes her in a hug. “Is this something that you want?”

Slowly but surely, Mirabel wraps her arms around Isabela. “…Yes,”

Isabela catches Pedro's gaze behind Mirabel's back, noticing his small smile.

Then, he opens his mouth.

Keep her here.

And Isabela gives him a subtle nod.

She is going to do that anyway.

She couldn’t have her little sister leaving them again. She couldn’t have that terrible version of them trying to take Mirabel away from them.

They’re the better Madrigals.

Chapter 254: A Mentor’s Concern

“We need to talk, Mirabel.”

Mirabel stills because we need to talk usually means nothing ever good. It means she’s in trouble or she did something wrong. Most likely both.

But that’s the thing, she didn’t do anything wrong this time! She’s been extra careful every time she’s here. She had to prove to herself and abuela that she can handle having a job. That she’s not disturbing anyone and anything. She did everything right. At least she thinks so.

“I d-didn’t do anything wrong, did I?” Mirabel is very aware that she’s about to start rambling because she does that when she’s nervous, and if she doesn’t let it out, she fears she won’t get the chance to speak again. A habit that she knows she should get rid of. Abuela, Isabela, and others told her so. It’s not becoming of a Madrigal to do so. It’s weird. “I swear, I thought the deadline of the dress is n-next Friday! I, uh, I can make i—“

Estella holds up her hand, a gesture that immediately silences Mirabel, who has seen it countless times before. Mainly from her abuela and her elders. “The deadline for the dress is still next week. That will not change.” Mirabel stares up at her, wide, disbelieving. Then, her tone softens as she sighs. “You haven't done anything wrong.”

Mirabel forces a smile, though it doesn't quite reach her eyes. “Then...what is this talk about?” She can't help but feel like a child being reprimanded, even though she hasn't done anything wrong yet. She doesn’t like this.

“I don't usually pry into the personal lives of my apprentices. As long as they do their job properly, it’s not my business. Especially not a—“ Estrella glances at Mirabel meaningfully. “—Madrigal.” She notices Mirabel's fists clenching around her skirt, her knuckles turning white with the intensity of her grip. Her gaze flickers back up to Mirabel’s face, who’s looking everywhere else but her face. “You help me with the customers and give your input, and in return, I teach you how to sew and pay you. That's the agreement, right? Nothing more, nothing less. Simple, isn't it?”

“Y-yes…” Mirabel’s not sure where this conversation is going and she doesn’t like it. The uncertainty. Is she about to be fired? “Yes, it is.”

“Exactly,” Estrella snaps her fingers together, and that causes Mirabel to look back up at her. “It should’ve been simple. You see, Mirabel, I’ve grown fond of you. You’re like the daughter I couldn’t have.”

Mirabel finds herself blinking in surprise, taken aback by the unexpected comment. She's not used to such directness when it comes to the topic of affection. Certainly not Estrella, who is known far and wide to be infertile, which often led others to view her as harsh and stern. Her sternness can even rival the sternness of Alma, which is saying a lot.

“I care about you,” Estrella continues, reaching out to grab something from behind the counter. Paper. “It’s only natural that I’d be concerned about you as well.”

“I…” Mirabel feels a sense of unease wash over her. She doesn't believe she's done anything to warrant such attention. Such concern. “About?”

Estrella holds out a paper for Mirabel to read and simply states, “I've been watching you for a while.”

Mirabel's eyes widen further in shock as she glances down at the note, and the full weight of its subtext sinks in.

Is everything alright at home?

The weight of the questions behind those words is clear. It's a question that hints at the possibility of something deeper going on.

Estrella thinks the Madrigals, her own family, are hurting her. Abuse.

For a moment, silence envelops the room as Mirabel struggles to find words, her mouth opening and closing as if trying to speak, but no sound escapes her lips.

Estrella remains silent as well, carefully observing Mirabel's reaction, her gaze sharp.

Mirabel would never refer to the actions of her family as abuse. She knows that no member of her family would ever touch her with malicious intent. They’re family after all! She understands why they can’t always be with her. While she may not be particularly close to her family, she even enjoyed caring for Antonio, which is a far cry from abuse. It is all just normal, right?

No abuse.

Nothing.

People have it worse.

Finally, Mirabel manages to find her voice, realizing that her silence might make her situation worse than it needs to be. “No—I mean, yes. It’s fine. I’m fine.” Nervous laughter bubbles out of her mouth, and she forces a smile. The accusation is wild. She can see why she wrote it on paper. If Dolores heard, she would tell their abuela, and she would never be able to work for Estrella. “I’m fine, I promise. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s not happening.”

Estrella stares at Mirabel as if she doesn’t believe her.

“S-seriously!”

“Okay.”

“…Okay?”

Estrella gives a slight nod, repeating. “Okay.”

That somehow makes Mirabel feel worse.

Chapter 255: Jealous Madrigals — Part 3

Summary:

Part one is chapter 31 & part two is chapter 47

Alma was a bit disappointed when none of her children took after her and Pedro in sewing. It isn’t a vital skill, but she would’ve liked for at least one of them to learn it.

She tried to teach Julieta how to sew, but that did not end well, either. She kept getting food stains on the cloth and had to check that her food wasn’t burning. To put it simply, Julieta was too occupied to even take sewing as a hobby. 

Then, she tried to teach Pepa how to sew. It went as well as she expected. When Pepa kept pricking her fingers, she obviously didn’t like it, which caused her to rain and resulted in the cloth getting wet.

Finally, there was Bruno. He got the furthest compared to his sisters. He at least knew the basics of sewing. The only downside was that Bruno always got distracted if he sewed too long. Or he might have unexpected visions.

That left her with no children that knew how to sew.

A shame, really.

Then, when her grandchildren were born, she was absolutely ecstatic.

To her dismay, Isabela was way too wild and wasn’t able to sit still for a second to even learn how to sew. Dolores would do a few stitches before she got distracted for something. When Luisa pricked her finger, she’d wail and refuse to go near a needle for at least a week.

Alma didn’t bother trying with Camilo and Mirabel.

“But I want to learn, abuela!” Mirabel utters, voice animated. She’s four-years-old. It’s just a few weeks before her ceremony. She’s seen her pá sew at times and fix up people’s clothing. She also saw her abuela sewing and toys. It’s just so cool! It’s almost magical, which is pretty ironic, to fix something up like that. Whether it’s broken, torn, or even on the verge of being nothing—it can be fixed. Just like that.

“Oh, Mirabel,” Alma shakes her head fondly. In just a couple of weeks, Mirabel would be too busy figuring out her Gift and serving the community to even think about sewing. “You’ll soon get bored and prick your fingers many times. It’ll take a long time before you’re even able to make a handkerchief. I do it because I’m old and this is an old lady activity. Are you sure you want to learn?”

Mirabel purses her lips. “But papí is none of those two!” Her dad isn’t old old like her abuela. He also isn’t a lady! At least, she doesn’t think so. “I really, truly want to learn!”

“Okay, mariposa,” Alma concedes, cracking a smile. It’s sweet. It is. “I believe you.” Her eyes gleam with mirth. “Just so you know, boys will make fun of you for learning silver-haired activity. You sure you still want to learn?”

Mirabel nods in affirmation. “Yes!” She declares with absolute certainty. Well, as certain as a four-year-old girl could sound.

“I’ll teach you the simple stuff, okay?” Alma proposes, and Mirabel nods once again with the biggest smile on her face. “But the real lessons will start when you’re older. That’s if you’re still interested. And that’s if and only if you’re still interested.”

Mirabel, as eager as ever, just nods.

***

Alma doesn’t understand why Mirabel didn’t receive a Gift or what’s wrong with her. Because, yes, that’s the most sensible answer. Nothing is wrong with the Miracle, the Candle, it must be Mirabel’s fault.

So, she left it at that. She couldn’t have Mirabel tainting the Gifted Madrigals. She just couldn’t. She made sure that the Madrigals served their community even harder. Owing to the fact that the Miracle is not for them, it’s for the community.

She’d also have to be blind to not notice Mirabel spending time with another family. The Lucians. A baker’s family. She didn’t know why her family was so upset at that revelation. It’s a good thing that Mirabel is hanging out with another family! At least she isn’t bothering them.

It’s totally fine.

No, Casita totally does not feel lonely without Mirabel in it. Casita hadn’t been sulking and was less active because Mirabel is in another house. Nope. That’s not true.

No, Alma does not miss Mirabel, either. She sometimes sees her at dinner, so it’s fine. Everything is alright.

Which is why she’s going to check on her! Just to make sure that girl isn’t bothering the Lucians because she loves to bother them—even though Mirabel doesn’t stay at Casita much or interact with the Madrigals unless she has to.

“I’m so proud of you!”

Alma’s head turns, peering at the shop. She sees Mirabel with an older lady. Alma recognizes her. She’s the local seamstress. Estrella. She’s around her children’s age, maybe a bit older.

“It’s only thanks to you!” Mirabel smiles bashfully, cheeks flushed. “You taught me everything I know. Without you, I wouldn’t even be able to make a skirt!”

Estrella laughs. “Always so modest, aren’t you?” Her eyes twinkle with amusement. “You already knew the basics, so it wasn’t that hard. You’re giving me too much credit, Mirabel.”

Alma Madrigal does not get jealous.

Okay, maybe she does. She didn’t like it when other ladies were flirting with Pedro. But that’s it! That’s something reasonable to be jealous about.

She really, really loves Pedro and didn’t want any woman to take him from her. Fortunately, Pedro wasn’t a savage and remained faithful.

But over a family member? Never.

She has nothing to be jealous about.

Certainly not over another older woman teaching Mirabel how to sew when she was supposed to teach Mirabel.

She understands, it’s her fault. She was supposed to teach Mirabel and Mirabel still remained interested in sewing like she said she would ten years ago. It is her who didn’t stick true to her words.

When Mirabel didn’t get a Gift, she suddenly became busy. She didn’t have the time to teach Mirabel anymore. She didn’t want to.

She had to figure out what was going on with the Miracle. She had to figure out why Mirabel didn’t get a Gift like the others. There just wasn’t enough time. She didn’t give Mirabel enough time.

So Mirabel went to someone else who’ll give her time.

And that someone turned out to be Estrella.

Maybe she is jealous.

Chapter 256: The Land Of Dead

Alma Madrigal is dead.

So, she doesn’t know why she’s so surprised to see both Pedro and Mirabel. As unfortunate as it is, both of them died before she did. They’re family. Of course they’re going to be hanging out with each other.

Alma couldn’t hold back her gasp when she saw Mirabel. Her skin has paled significantly, and her once vibrant brown eyes have turned pitch black. Marks are visible on her neck, which were left by the rope, bruises permanently marring her skin.

Mirabel Madrigal had hanged herself shortly after Antonio’s ceremony. Or before. None of them were really sure because they didn’t know how long Mirabel was gone. The last time they saw her was during breakfast. She could’ve hung herself in the morning and they wouldn’t know. They went to sleep with a dead body in the same house as them. They didn’t notice. The next day, Julieta had gone to check up on Mirabel because she overslept, only to find her not breathing.

It was too late.

Nothing could be done.

It only took a couple of days for Casita to collapse after Mirabel’s passing. Slowly but surely, the cracks got worse. Their relationships got more strained. The arguing increased. Nobody was fully prepared to take the blame for Mirabel’s death. To take accountability for the way they treated Mirabel.

It doesn’t take long for both of them to notice her.

“Alma?”

Mirabel’s smile quickly twists into a scowl upon seeing her. “How are you here?”

The answer is obvious.

Alma Madrigal also died.

She lived long enough.

Longer than Mirabel.

Alma can hear the barely restrained anger in her voice. “M-Mirabel,” She regrets it all. The way she treated Mirabel. Her last words to her. How she treated everyone. She has so much she wants to say to Mirabel. To both of them. “I’m…”

“Sorry?” Mirabel finishes with a mocking laugh and Alma hesitantly nods. “You’re sorry?” There’s a slight twitch in her eyes, and Pedro places a hand on her shoulder. She doesn’t falter. “Do you hear that, abuelo? She’s sorry! She’s actually sorry! That’s funny, Alma! The funniest thing you ever said to me! You ruined my life! You ruined me! You have the nerve to say sorry and couldn’t even say it properly! I fucking hate you!”

Alma winces at Mirabel’s harsh words, gaping at her.

Pedro looks between both of them. He knows that the moment Alma died and Mirabel saw her again, it wouldn’t end well. There are many spirits and Mirabel is a vengeful one. She’s relatively calm but when it comes to the Madrigals, she loses all rationality.

She obviously didn’t mind him. Well, now. When she first met him, she hated him, not as much as Alma, but hated him nonetheless. For her lack of Gift, for putting her in this cursed family, for everything.

She didn’t mind some Madrigals like Bruno, Luisa, and Antonio. But that is it. She hates the others and even then, Mirabel is slightly bitter towards Bruno and Luisa.

“I k-know—“ Alma, obviously, now knows she didn’t treat Mirabel right. She neglected her. She treated her terribly. She is the one that installed those negative things in Mirabel’s mind. “—that I was wrong, but…but I want to make things right. We’re dead and surely you don’t want to hold a grudge forever. We’re…we’re family.”

Pedro exhales heavily, almost facepalming.

Mirabel stares.

“Mirabel—“

“We’re f-family,” Mirabel repeats, voice strained. “We’re family yet you treated me worse than strangers. You always told me to stay out of the way. To leave things to the Gifted Madrigals.” Her gaze hardens. “I can and I will hold a grudge, even after death! You and every other Madrigal cannot stop me! You truly haven’t changed!”

“Mirabel, I’m sorry, I didn’t mea—“

Suddenly, Mirabel lets out a cry of frustration and pain. For a moment, it seemed as if the very world trembled with the force of her cry.

But then, just as suddenly as it had echoed, everything fell silent again.

Mirabel is gone.

There is no indication of where she went, no trace left behind. It was as if she had simply vanished into thin air, disappearing entirely without a trace.

“M-Mirabel…”

Pedro notices the look of fear on Alma’s face. “She'll be back. She’s rightfully angry, we can't fault her for it. She just needs some time to cool off and sort her thoughts out. That's all.”

“Yes, I-I know,” Alma murmurs. “She has every right to be angry with me. I've treated her terribly and made terrible decisions. And I deeply regret them.” Her voice cracks on the last word. “I killed her,” She whispers, her words barely audible. “I killed my own granddaughter.”

Pedro's gaze remains fixed on the spot where Mirabel had stood mere minutes ago. “You didn't kill her.” He states firmly. “You played a huge part in her death, but you can't blame yourself for what she chose to do.” He pauses. “As harsh as it sounds, she made the choice to take her own life. It was her decision, not yours.”

“B-But it was my fault.” Alma says. “My decisions and actions caused her so much pain and suffering that it led to her taking her own life.”

Pedro nods again. “You’re not wrong about that.” His voice is low. “I don’t approve of your actions, Alma.” He watched as Alma mistreated Mirabel, and was unfortunately unable to do anything. “I wasn't meant to meet my youngest granddaughter before anyone else. Mirabel should have had a long, happy life, but it's a tragedy that she won't ever get the chance to grow into adulthood. Her future, her growth, was cut short.”

“I-I know…” Alma’s eyes fill with tears. “I know…I ruined everything. I f-failed her, failed her in e-every possible w-way. I couldn’t see it then…but—but now I do…”

“It’s never too late to make things right, querida. It won’t happen overnight, and it will probably take years, considering the circumstances. But when the third generation arrives, when the family becomes whole again, the family that Mirabel holds a grudge against…” Pedro’s gaze softens. “The first step to forgiveness is to acknowledge the wrongs you’ve done.”

***

It doesn’t take long for Alma to see Mirabel again.

Mirabel sits in the river, her body submerged in the cool, clear water, leaving her nose and above exposed to anyone that might be nearby. Her curly hair is loose, floating in the water like a dark halo around her head.

There, just beyond the river, is a ghostly figure, an older woman who seems to be around Julieta's age. She stands at the edge of the river, her feet gently dipped in the water while the rest of her remains on the shoreline. The most striking aspect of this ghost is the fact that she is literally without a head. She holds her head in her hands to speak to Mirabel.

Mirabel is visibly in a better mood as she interacts with the decapitated woman. Her face is more relaxed, and she seems more at ease than she was when speaking to Alma.

Alma takes a hesitant step forward, stepping on a twig.

The crack of the twig breaking under her foot is loud, and it immediately garners the attention of both Mirabel and the decapitated lady.

Mirabel lets out an exasperated groan and submerges herself under the water. As a ghost, she is not at risk of drowning or facing any physical harm.

“Mira…”

The decapitated lady raises her head, never talking her eyes off of Alma. Alma is sure that the discomfort on her face is very rude and obvious. “Mirabel may come across as impolite, but she's actually far kinder than others spirits that roam here.” She chuckles. “Don’t take it to heart. Once you’ve gotten to know her better, you’ll understand her circumstances more clearly. I can tell that you’re new.”

That’s certainly not the first time Alma got that comment from other ghosts. Some recognize her, some don’t. It seems that the decapitated lady belongs to the latter group.

“Though…” The decapitated lady glances back at Mirabel. “I don’t think I've ever seen Mirabel like this before. You know her personally, yes?” Alma nods. “Who are you to her?”

Alma goes silent for a moment.

“My name is Alma Madrigal.”

“Oh,” The decapitated lady reels back, her eyes widening in surprise when Alma introduces herself. “Oh!”

Alma raises an eyebrow. “What is it?

Then, her head suddenly drops in shock, rolling around in a disconcerting manner. “You’re her grandmother! I know you!”

Alma eyes the body, shifting uncomfortably. “Yes…I am.”

The decapitated lady gasps, crouching down and frantically searching for her missing head, her hands feeling the ground around.

“Uhm. Do you need help?”

“Yes, please!”

Alma retrieves the loose head and gently places it in the decapitated lady’s awaiting hands. “Here you go.”

“Thank you!”

Alma can’t help but compare the decapitated lady to Agustín because of their clumsiness. Despite the obvious differences, she’s a lady and very much dead. She feels as if Agustín were to get into a horrific accident, he would be like this lady.

“It’s no problem at all, Señora.”

The decapitated lady chuckles sheepishly. “Sorry, I've been dead for so many years now, but losing my head still happens occasionally. My body keeps moving even when my head isn't attached. Sometimes it's because my arms get tired or I'm just in shock. Usually, Mirabel or other spirits end up helping me find and put my head back on.”

“Oh, I see,” Alma replies, her voice slightly strained. “That’s not…great.”

“But Pedro’s wife! Nobody doesn’t know who Pedro is! I’m just surprised because…because,” The decapitated lady pauses for a moment. “I was surprised because you’re related to Mirabel. Sorry, my memories are a little hazy because of, you know, my head.” She smiles. “I can definitely see you and Pedro in Mirabel! Oh, that just makes me more curious how Mirabel looked when she was alive! A shame that you all drove her to death!”

Alma grimaces. Well, that’s not far from the truth. How did she even know that? She didn’t recognize the lady at all.

Unless Mirabel’s death is something well known across the deceased.

“Mirabel’s like the child I never had!” The decapitated lady gasps. “Or did I have a child? I don’t remember. Oh well, Mirabel is like the child I don’t remember having!”

“Uh-huh…”

Mirabel simply glares at her from in the water.

“Wow, she looks like she really hates you!”

Alma sighs. “You don’t say…”

Chapter 257: Murder Mystery

“Your daughter—that monster, Mirabel tried to kill me!” Jario exclaims, his eyes widening in shock as he stumbles back, sweat beginning to trickle down his neck and soak his shirt.

Agustín brows furrow in clear displeasure. “Excuse you?” That just sounds ridiculous. “Also, I don’t appreciate you coming to our door, calling my daughter a monster.”

Julieta stands by her husband’s side, looking just as displeased by the accusation of their youngest. “Are you alright?” She’s debating whether or not she should heal him. Clearly, he’s not well in the head. Though that’s not something her Gift could heal. “My daughter is no monster and she certainly isn’t a killer, either.”

“O-Of course, you wouldn’t believe me because that’s your daughter, but—but I’m telling the truth!” Jario takes off the handkerchief wrapped around his neck, revealing bruises underneath. “She did this to me! She tried to strangle me to death!”

Julieta’s lips press into a thin line. “It’s bruised for sure…but you expect me to believe a stranger over her? I’ll heal you, yes, but please don’t say such lies about my daughter. I wouldn’t want to go through that again.”

“And Mirabel should be babysitting some of the children in town. It doesn’t add up.” Agustín says. Even if she wasn’t, he doesn’t believe his sweet Miraboo would do something horrific like that. “She also wouldn’t be able to…” Mirabel is strong, that’s for sure, but she wouldn’t be able to gain the upper hand over this man easily. If she went for strangling instead of using weapons, he should’ve been able to knock her off. “Point is, our daughter isn’t like that. I know you’re new to the Encanto and might be intimidated or weirded out by the Gifts, but we truly mean no harm. Nor do we tolerate lies that can harm our family.”

“N-No!” Jario shouts, startling the two. Casita rumbles underneath his feet threateningly. “A-Ask the all-hearing! Darla!” Both of them raise their brows, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that he got her name wrong. “D-Doris?”

“Dolores.” Julieta corrects slowly. “My niece's name is Dolores.”

“Right! Uh…sorry, but ask Dolores!”

“For the sake of our niece’s ears, refrain from yelling. If you continue to do so, we’ll have to kick you out without hearing you out.”

“S-sorry,”

“Dolores?”

Unsurprisingly, Dolores walks in with a squeak. “Hm?”

“This man here,” Julieta gestures to Jario. “Has a question for you.”

Dolores just nods.

“Your cousin, M-Mirabel, tried to kill me!” Jario gets a warning glance from Julieta and Agustín. “Didn’t you—didn’t you hear anything?”

Dolores stares at him, unimpressed. “I wouldn’t have any clue what you’re talking about. So, I didn’t hear anything.” She says. “Also, Mirabel wouldn’t do that. She’s too kind.”

How is it that she hears everything, but suddenly when it comes to him, she doesn’t?! He knows that she’s lying! He doesn’t know how, but he’ll prove it!

“See? She’s innocent. Here goes an arepa for your neck.”

***

No matter what Jario did or said, nobody believed him! Mirabel actually tried to kill him! If it wasn’t for those kids about to come around that corner, she probably would’ve succeeded!

He’ll get her to tell the truth eventually. She’s just a teenager. She’ll spill soon, then she’ll be in prison where she belongs.

He heard all about her saving the Miracle and bringing that curse back into the family. All of it revolved around her. She brought their house and Candle down before, who’s to say she can’t do it again? He’s doing them a favor by revealing her true self!

“Admit it!”

It was perfect when he caught her surrounded by family and strangers. She won’t be able to handle the guilt and admit it! He doesn’t know what she has against him, considering that he didn’t have more than three sentences with that freak.

“What?”

He wasn’t sure what he was expecting when the mountains, that had been closed for many years, suddenly opened up, and he had entered the Encanto, along with several others. The land is simply luscious and the people are extraordinary.

He thought this was a place that belonged to a cult at first! Everyone was praising the Madrigals and just overly nice. They were talking about Gifts, a Candle, and the Miracle. Crazy. Crazy people for sure.

That was until he saw it with his own eyes.

It was all true.

There were actual people with powers. No wonder this village was blocked by some supernatural force. Magic existed.

Even if it’s all weird and abnormal to him.

They’d surely overtake the world or something like that sometime in the future. Nobody with that much power wouldn’t let it get to their heads. It’s going to be so much trouble.

Wouldn’t it be better to get rid of all of them before it’s too late? Before the inevitable happens?

“You tried to kill me! Admit it!”

Mirabel doesn’t even look surprised at his declaration. Instead, she looks tired of him. Bored. As if she wasn’t going to take his last breath. Steal his life away.

“Oh, yeah, I definitely did it. No doubt about that.” Mirabel states, gasps echoing in the air. “And I’d do it again. You deserve death. I’m sad that I failed.”

That’s not what he was expecting. He knows he told her to admit it, but he didn’t expect her to actually do it.

“I told you all! I was right! Arrest her!”

Nobody makes a move.

Mirabel simply raises an eyebrow at him. “Arrest me?” She snorts. Then, she smiles, holding her hands out to Mariano. “Go ahead, arrest me.”

Mariano stares at her, wide-eyed. The others—everyone is waiting for him to do something. Obviously, as the head of the guards, he should be the one to arrest her.

The Madrigal eyes Mariano and Jario warily. Of course, they’re stunned like everyone else. Mirabel just admitted that she attempted to murder someone!

“Well…” Mariano clears his throat awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. He never expected to be in a situation like this. He turns to Jario, asking, “What did you do to warrant such a thing?”

Jario gasps, wide-eyed. He can’t believe that he just asked him that. “Seriously?!”

“Yeah!” Someone from the crowd agrees. “What did you do?”

Camilo lets out a sigh of relief. “Well, I’m glad he asked that before I did.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything, but…he does make a fair point.”

“Mirabel wouldn’t murder someone for no reason at all!”

“Exactly!”

“…I really didn’t want to be the one to say that, but I agree.”

“Despite Mariano’s lack of brain, he’s right.”

“Hey?!”

Julieta and Agustín glance at each other. Their daughter tried to kill someone. Should they be lecturing her or something? They certainly don’t want her to be arrested. What did he do to make Mirabel want to do such a thing?

“If you said you didn’t, we would’ve believed you.” Félix whispers to Mirabel.

“But I did?”

“But you can’t admit that.”

“Oh,”

“Okay, elephant in the room, I’ll be the one to say it. Mirabel is one of the most wholesome, forgiving people to have ever existed.” Isabela begins, murmurs of agreement coming from the crowd. “She’s put up with a lot of bullshit from me, from you, from all of us. If she can forgive everything this family and this community have put her through yet she takes one look at somebody and then decides without a second thought or even much of a first one that they deserve to die—“ Her eyes narrow at Jario. “Well, then I absolutely fucking believe her.”

“Language,” Alma coughs. “But I agree.”

“Huh, she does make a fair point.”

“What is wrong with you all?!” Jario exclaims, utterly shocked. Is everyone here crazy? How can they be so calm? She even admitted that she attempted to kill him!

“Dude, you’re literally twice her age and weight.” Someone from the crowd deadpans. “If you died there, it really would’ve been a you problem.”

“What the—“

“Agreed!”

“You’re honestly lucky that you lived.”

“Hate to burst your bubble, but nobody here is normal.”

“Literally.”

Camilo nudges Dolores. “You knew?”

“Yeah, I knew. I hear everything. Duh.” Dolores scoffs. “Obviously, I was going to cover for my cousin!” Before anyone can say anything, she looks at her family. “You all would do the same, so don’t look at me like that!”

Slowly, a boy from the crowd raises his hand. “I would do the same for Mirabel, too, if that counts.”

“Same!”

“I’ll take the charge for you, Mirabel!”

“She’s too young!” Luisa cries out. She can’t comprehend the thought of boys and girls trying to court her younger sister. “Not yet!”

“She can be a murderer, but can’t date?”

“Yes!”

It became obviously clear to Jario that everyone is extremely biased when it comes to Mirabel. They’d probably thank Mirabel if she tried to kill them. They’re acting like she’s their savior!

“Seriously, what did you do wrong?”

“Right,”

“Are we just not going to talk about this more?”

“Nah.”

“You should go to me for murder advice. I’ll teach you how to successfully kill someone.”

“Pepa!”

“What? We don’t want another incident like this to happen again! She’s not supposed to get caught!”

”…Fair point,”

Chapter 258: If I Can’t Have A Gift, Why Should He?

Notes:

I already did this before in my birthday-shots, I just decided to rewrite it and change some things up. I also needed to get something out while I still felt a bit motivated. Next chapter will definitely be longer

“Will his ceremony go well?” Mirabel asks Bruno. It’s been a few months since she found out her missing uncle is in Casita’s walls. It was purely by accident. She saw Dolores talking to the painting and leaving a plate of food by it when she thought nobody was around.

Bruno glances up at her. “It depends,” It’s no surprise to Mirabel that Bruno has grown bitter towards their family because of the way he’s treated. She has as well. She couldn’t find it in herself to pretend anymore.

Mirabel lifts slightly. There’s no way that she would miss his pointed words. “Depends?” She has been wondering about Antonio’s Gift for a long time now, she’s sure it’s the same for the others. Will he receive a Gift or will he be like her? Is she the sole mistake or did the Miracle end with Camilo?

Bruno lets one of his rats crawl up in his poncho. Unbothered. “It depends what you’ll do, Mirabel.” He says simply. It’s ominous. “Then you’ll see whether or not it’ll go well.” Now, he doesn’t care about Alma’s expectations or anything else. Not really. The Miracle, Alma, and townspeople ruined his life. They made him up to be some boogeyman. Someone who gets pleasure from causing others to suffer. Purposely giving people bad visions. He didn’t! It’s not like he could control what he sees or their future! He wishes they’ll understand that. It’s fine. He doesn’t need to explain nor do he need to try to make them understand. He’ll just be the bad guy they always made him up to be. He’ll prove them right.

“I’d like a better explanation than that ominous crap.” Mirabel says, lightly glaring at Bruno. She doesn’t blame him. They’re on the same side. They went through the same thing. Gift or Giftless, they’re both seen as a curse. They both have been wronged by their family. Mainly by Alma. They’ve never been appreciated. They cannot stand the Miracle or the Madrigals thriving. “What do you mean?”

“I looked in your future,” Bruno says, and Mirabel nods, because she already knows that. She’s been told before that Bruno had once looked in all of their futures. Not just that, but the other vision of her standing in front of a destroyed Casita. “Antonio can receive a Gift, but it’s up to you. You see…you’re way more valuable than the other Madrigals think. You’re way more connected to Casita, to the Miracle more than they think.” He chuckles deeply. “Do you want him to have a Gift?”

Mirabel cracks a smile. It’s too wide. Strained. “Do I want him to have a Gift?” She laughs a bit. “Oh, tío, you’re giving me too much freedom. You shouldn’t ask me that.” She’s just a teenager. She was forced to grow up too fast. Unappreciated. Useless.

Bruno grins. “As I said, it’s ultimately up to you. Do you want your little cousin to have a Gift or not?” He didn’t care, and he had a feeling that he already knew Mirabel’s answer. Both of them hated the Miracle for what it did to them, but Mirabel did love Antonio.

“I have to say…it’s getting pretty lonely being the only ordinary Madrigal.” Mirabel taps her chin, as if thinking. “It’d also be great to see how the Madrigals treat Antonio if he isn’t so special like them. If it goes badly…that’ll just make my hatred for them more justified. If not—“ She chuckles. “—I’ll be really annoyed if they just treated me like crap while treating him better than me.” She carefully reaches out and gently picks up a nearby rat, letting it climb onto her shoulder with ease. The small rodent settles comfortably on her shoulder, its tiny feet gripping her blouse as it makes itself at home. “Quick question, how would that work?”

“What Alma and the others don't know is that you’re the next holder of the Candle. Her heir. They’re blinded by your lack of Gift.” Bruno had been so damn tempted to just take Mirabel and leave ten years ago. But he hadn’t. He could be patient. He is. He’ll watch the whole thing play out before his very eyes. Like a real life telenovela. Casita falling, the Miracle being destroyed, and them being seen. He sighs. What a dream. “Antonio’s going to say three words to you. Three simple words. You’ll know what I mean. That’s when you’ll realize it’s up to you whether or not he receives a Gift.”

“Oh, thank you so much, tío!” Mirabel beams, pressing a kiss to his cheek. He’s the only one that actually understands her. They went through similar things. They have the same goal. “You’re so helpful!” Bruno’s grin transforms into a warm, affectionate smile. “Are you going to be watching?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, mariposa.” After all, Antonio’s ceremony is going to be the catalyst of it all. Either way, Mirabel isn’t too keen on saving the Miracle. “I'll be watching.”

“Good. I’m not sure how I would do this alone. I’m glad I have your support.” It’s better to have two heads than one. How could she possibly exclude Bruno when they’re so close to achieving what they want? “I’ll see you then.”

“Remember, it’s up to you.”

“Mm-hmm.”

***

Antonio’s ceremony isn’t long. She got told the usual stay out of the way and let the Gifted ones do what they do best. It makes her even more frustrated and eager. She’ll open their eyes. She’ll make them see the truth. They’re not better than her because they have Gifts.

“I need you,”

Bruno is right. Mirabel immediately realized what the three words were. Someone like Antonio needing her? Yes. That’s how it always has been. She took care of him. She is more of a mother to him than Pepa. Why would he not need her? He didn’t reach out to his siblings or his parents or even his abuela, he reached out to her. That’s saying something! She’s useful.

Did she want Antonio to have a Gift or not?

Truthfully, no.

That’s why she didn’t walk him to his door or answer his pleas. She’s not a bad person nor is she a good person. Like everyone else, she hides behind her mask. Some masks are better than others.

She watches with an unreadable expression as Camilo takes it upon himself to walk Antonio to his door. It’s so bright. So full of light. Magical.

She’s not shocked like the others when she watches his door fade away. She made her decision. She doesn’t regret it. Finally, she’s not the only one without a Gift.

It’s not like they know it’s her fault, either. They can’t blame her. They also can’t blame her for being petty! She did nothing wrong.

Also, wouldn’t the blame fall onto Camilo?

No other Madrigal had walked to their door with someone else. All of them had walked alone and touched the Candle. Camilo walked Antonio because of his nerves, again, never has been done before. Camilo is also the last Madrigal to receive a Gift. Did he take all of the magic? Why did it stop at him? They may not be thinking now, but they’ll eventually be thinking that it had something to do with Camilo.

“You’re terrible,”

Mirabel turns over to see Dolores standing at her side, barely able to concern her smirk behind her hand.

On the other hand, Mirabel didn’t bother to hide her grin. “Am I?” It turns out that both of them had a mutual hatred towards Isabela. Dolores has been in Isabela’s shadow for far too long, not to mention that Isabela is knowingly dating her crush. Who can blame Dolores for being pissed at her? Mirabel certainly can’t. “I didn’t even do anything.”

“That’s the problem,” Dolores chuckles, bringing her hands up to cover her ears. She can hear the ongoing murmuring about Antonio’s lack of Gift. A shame. They have nothing better to do than to gossip about a five-year-old boy. Their family is more worried about the Miracle than how Antonio feels. How familiar. “You didn’t do anything.”

“Oh, I couldn’t! It’s not so bad that we’re ordinary, is it? It has a nice ring to it. The ordinary Madrigals.” Mirabel says, a dark gleam in her eyes. “We all could be ruined.”

Dolores gives a hum. “Not so bad. I like it.” She lowers her voice. “But I have to say, they deserve worse.”

Mirabel laughs. “You’re terrible, Lola.”

“I can’t disagree with that.”

“Well, I should go comfort Antonio as the other Giftless Madrigal. Yeah?”

“Be kind.”

“When am I not?”

“You know what I mean.”

Chapter 259: Adoption

“Can you and papí adopt Mirabel?” Dolores asks, and she swears that it never has been this silent. She wants Mirabel as a little sister. She always treats her like one! It’s not like Mirabel’s side of the family pays attention to her.

Both Pepa and Félix stare at their daughter with wide eyes. That’s not what they expected to hear from their daughter’s mouth. She does unfortunately get that bluntness from Pepa. She’s also still a child, so that just adds on top of that.

A nervous laugh bubbles from Pepa’s throat. “What do you mean by that, mija?” She glances at Julieta, whose back is turned to them, and not even a few feet away from them, preparing for dinner. She definitely heard that.

Dolores’ mouth twists into a frown. “Mirabel is not happy now, but she’s happier with us. I want her to be happy forever. Adopt her.”

“Uh. What do you mean by Mirabel isn’t happy?”

“I can hear Mirabel cry. A lot.” Dolores says. She does. Ever since her fifth birthday, Mirabel has just been sad. “She’s sad because she doesn’t have a Gift. She’s especially sad when she’s with abuela and Isabela. I don’t want her to cry anymore and she wouldn’t be if you both adopt her.”

That they didn’t know. Pepa and Félix suspected—no, knew that Mirabel was sad about her lack of Gift. It doesn’t make it much better that their mother and townspeople made a big deal out of it. They’ll love Mirabel, no matter what. The problem is that they thought that Julieta and Agustín had it handled. Of course, they comfort Mirabel when they have the chance, but Mirabel’s parents have much more time with her than they do.

That also got Julieta’s attention, though she tried not to let it show. It would’ve been funny if it was a different context of Dolores asking her parents if they could adopt Mirabel. But it's not. Dolores is one-hundred percent serious. Mirabel isn’t happy?

Julieta did find it weird how Mirabel stopped coming to her and Agustín for her problems. If she was feeling any kind of way, she’d come to them, right? She always does!

“It, uh, it doesn’t work like that, Lola.” Félix smiles sheepishly. “We can’t just adopt Mirabel.”

“Why not? We’re better.” Dolores says bluntly. “I’m there for her more than Isabela and Luisa. I’m more of a sister to Mirabel than they are. Mirabel and Camilo call each other twins. We’re already family. I don’t see why you can’t adopt her!”

Pepa and Félix glance at each other with nervous looks then at Julieta. She doesn’t look back.

“Hah…” Julieta is chopping the raw meat with much more force necessary. They can hear the counter shaking. “Is that so?”

“Yes! No offense, tía, but it’s the truth.” Dolores doesn’t understand why they can’t. They can just put Mirabel in warm colors. It’s that easy! They already share a last name. “Plus, Mirabel already calls my mom mamá. She would be happy!”

“Hm.”

“You see, Lola…Mirabel already has a set of wonderful parents. For us to adopt her, it requires a lot of paperwork and her parents’ consent—which I’m sure they don’t want to give Mirabel away.” Félix explains as easily as he can. “That’s why it won’t work out and Mirabel might not like the idea, either.”

“Tía, can mamí and papí adopt Mirabel? She’ll be happy! I swear! We’ll treat her better! I also always wanted a sister! Milo and I will protect her from bullies, too!”

Julieta forces a smile. “That sounds…nice.” She needs to remember. Dolores is a child. She is her niece. “But unfortunately, Mirabel is my daughter. I have no intention of giving her away to your parents.”

“Yeah!”

“You both are close cousins, too!”

“There’s no need for adoption.”

Dolores looks unimpressed. “Okay? I’ll just steal Mirabel when I’m of age. She’s going to be my daughter and she’s going to be happier with me.”

That causes Julieta to crack and Pepa didn’t even bother to hold back her laughter.

“Mamá, we need to have a family meeting about Mirabel and how people treat each other! Now!”

From that day onwards, nobody mistreated Mirabel.

Chapter 260: The Traders

Despite what her family might think, Mirabel does have friends. Actual friends. She isn’t offended by their actions, honestly, she’s more offended by them pitying her. She had given up on her family. She had given up on trying to make them proud and trying to gain their attention. It’s clear to her that no matter what she does, the Gifted Madrigals are more important than her. So why should she care about them when they stopped caring years ago?

“Mira!”

Mirabel’s smile widens at the call of her name. Ever since her failed ceremony, well, that’s what others refer to it as when they don’t think she doesn’t hear, she has been friends with the traders. They decided to start looking after her once they noticed that the Madrigals weren’t doing a great job of taking care of her. Neglect would be the better term.

When they first met her, she was outside alone. Anything could’ve happened to her, although the Encanto is called paradise or a haven, you can never be too sure about someone’s intentions. Even if nobody were to harm her, she could’ve easily had an accident. She could’ve horribly hurt herself, or run into a wild animal. The point is, she was just a little girl and anything could’ve happened to her.

Though they didn’t stay for long, most days they are out bringing goods back to the Encanto. Of course, they took breaks. Or switch with other groups to trade for the time being. During those certain days, they spend their time with her.

Mirabel would love nothing more than to go on the trip with them. Just anywhere outside of the Encanto. It’ll be amazing. She enjoys listening to their stories about the outside world and the many different things there. She likes trying new things, and she would go with them, but she knows that her family would be against it without even asking about it.

But as much as they care about her and dislike the Madrigals, the traders could not take Mirabel outside of the Encanto without her parents’ permission. It’s illegal, and if the Madrigals wanted to, they could file a case of kidnapping for taking Mirabel somewhere without the knowledge or permission of her family.

“Javier!” Mirabel rushes to wrap her arms around her fiancé, Javier. They’ve been together since she was thirteen. They’ve been friends since she was a child and Javier happened to be the youngest trader. They got along very well. He hadn’t gotten the blessing of her parents—well, Julieta and Agustín, but she didn’t really consider them her parents. He got the blessing of Estrella, the only other adult that she’s actually close to. She sees her more as a mother than she does with Julieta.

“I missed you,” Javier murmurs into her neck. “It was so boring without you! Gosh, I’m tired of all this paperwork and trading. At least it would’ve been more interesting with you by my side.”

“Oye, no hey for me? What am I, chopped liver?” Javier’s dad, Omari, asks jokingly as Mirabel quickly moves away from Javier to greet him. “Hello, mija. It’s nice to see you, too.”

“Papá!” Although Omari isn’t her biological father, she has come to see him as her father. To be fair, once she and Javier get married, he’ll be her father-in-law. So, nobody is complaining. “How have things been?”

“Even better now that I get to see my lovely daughter.” Omari coos. Then, he brings out something from his back. “And, hey, I even brought you back a souvenir!” He holds the object out to her.

Mirabel blinks as they stare at her with awaiting expressions. “A lamp with liquid inside of it?” Hesitatingly, she grabs it. “Oh,” She watches in awe as the colorful, flowing shapes inside of the lamp move. She tilts it back and forth. It’s almost hypnotizing. “What is this called?

“It’s called a lava lamp.”

“What?! Is there actual lava in there?” Mirabel asks in fascination. “How does it work? There’s no way that it’s possible!”

Omari laughs fondly. “No, no, definitely not. I can see why you think that. Despite the name, there’s no lava inside of it. It’s mostly colored wax and colored water. There’s other things, but that’s just the basics of it.”

“Really? It's so mesmerizing! Magical, even! I’m definitely keeping this next to me—er, not saying that I don’t with your other gifts, but I’m sitting it even closer to me! On my dresser!

“And guess what? They also glow in the dark!”

Mirabel stares at it with wide eyes. The way the light reflects off the glass and the shapes that the wax takes as it moves, creating an ever-changing array of patterns and colors. “You’re not serious.”

“I am so serious!”

“This is the best gift ever! The outside world is so cool! I’m going to ask the Madrigals if I can start joining you two on your trips! There’s so many things that I’m missing out on!”

***

Alma cares about her family very much. She loves them. She’d do anything for them, but they have to understand that what she does is to keep them safe. To keep the Miracle and the Encanto thriving. It’s all for them and Pedro.

When Alma arrives in the kitchen, she certainly isn’t expecting any guests. She looks at Julieta for an explanation. She recognizes them, though. They’re traders. Father and son. She just doesn’t see any reason for them to be here now unless they had some news to inform her.

Before Julieta can say anything, Omari steps up. “We are Mirabel’s guests.” He says as politely as he can. He’s heard about her, seen the way she treats Mirabel, and he does not like her. He also does not like the way she looks at Mirabel when he says this. “I could’ve sworn that Mirabel informed you, unless…?”

“No, I did.” Mirabel says firmly, and Alma’s smile turns more strained. “I told them all two days before.”

“It must’ve…slipped my mind.” Alma says through gritted teeth. How rude of that girl! She knew that they were busy. “What exactly are you two here for?”

“It is something important that the whole family needs to be here for.” Omari begins. “Well, we only needed to tell her parents, but Mirabel insisted on the whole family being here. Who are we to say no?”

“She’s in trouble, isn’t she?” Isabela asks as she walks by. Why else would they be there? Typical Mirabel. Always getting in trouble. “What did she do this time?”

“Isabela,” Luisa hisses, but besides that, she doesn’t do anything.

“What? You know that I’m right.”

Dolores sighs. “We’re not going to get anywhere if this continues on.”

“Don’t worry, Mirabel is not in trouble nor did she do anything bad.” Javier says. It frustrates him that they assume that Mirabel did something bad and not anything good.

Julieta smiles slightly. That’s reassuring. “Then, what is it?”

“As you know, we’re traders. Since Javier is Mirabel’s boyfriend, we think it would be nice to have Mirabel join us on our trips. It’s better for her to be used to it when they’re married. We came for your permission.”

It’s like a pin dropped.

“What?!”

“You have a boyfriend?"

“What do you mean by married?!”

Mirabel slowly nods. She almost rolls her eyes, too. “I’m engaged,” It is satisfying to see how their eyes go wide and jaw drops. It’s also very annoying. “I’d rather tell the whole family about the trip than only telling mamá and pà. But is that a yes?”

“What—we’re not just going to brush past that!” Camilo exclaims, just as shocked as everyone else.

“What?”

“How could you be engaged?!”

“We didn’t allow this!”

“How could you sneak behind our backs and do…this?”

“Okay, first, I find it funny that everyone is caring now.” Mirabel scowls. “Second, I was not sneaking behind anyone’s back. I have told everyone in this room before about Javier. When I leave Casita, I go over to their house. This has been happening since I was six years old. This has never been anything new. You never once asked who I’m going with or how long I planned to be outside. That says more about you all than me, doesn’t it?”

It does.

It really does.

“I even asked many times if I could invite Javier over. I thought it would be very nice for my family to meet my boyfriend!” It’s common courtesy for the boyfriend to meet his girlfriend’s family. “But I get told no! Even before we started dating, it was still a no. How could I be so selfish to make my own mother cook more food? It’s even more hilarious that you tell my mamá that the Guzmáns are coming on short notice, but nobody is complaining! All of the sudden, it’s a problem when Mirabel wants something!”

All the Madrigals grimaces. They do sorta remember the times that Mirabel asked if she could invite someone over for dinner, but was denied. They didn’t think it was a problem.

“As for family blessings, I tried so hard to tell you about Javier only to be brushed off. So he asked Señora Estrella for her blessing. She has been there for me more than any of you. He also asked for Casita and Antonio’s blessings. Why do you think they’ve been looking dejected? Oh, yeah. I was told to fix whatever was wrong with him because it was affecting his duties.”

Though they have bigger things to worry about.

“You’re saying that you want to leave the Encanto, too?!”

“Yes!” Mirabel exclaims. “It’s only going to be for a couple of days and then I’ll be back. It’s not like you all notice my absence either way, and when I am here, I get ignored, so I don’t see the problem.”

Oh.

When someone marries into the Madrigal family, Alma never expected one of her family members to move out. It is always the spouse that moves in Casita. Not the other way around.

She never even thought about Mirabel being married. She’s only fifteen. She was more focused on Isabela’s engagement. After that, she was going to set Dolores up with an acceptable suitor. It never crossed her mind to set Mirabel up with someone.

And to leave the Encanto? It’s dangerous! She can’t trust some strangers with her granddaughter!

She glances down at Mirabel’s hand.

A ring.

She didn’t even notice.

She knows it is typical for women to marry young. Pepa married Félix when she was seventeen. She was ecstatic for Félix to join the family, but she doesn’t want her other family members to marry young as much as she wants great grandchildren.

She can never truly trust people she isn't familiar with. Omari and Javier fall in that category. Could they be manipulating Mirabel? Trying to take her away from them. Trying to take her last name?

Mirabel is young.

A teenager.

Naive.

Easy to prey on.

They could have ulterior motives.

She never once thought of Mirabel in a manner that was too weird. Alma isn’t blind. She knows that many people try to date her family to become a Madrigal and have children with Gifts.

But Mirabel?

Since she doesn’t have a Gift—Is there still a chance for her future children to receive a Gift? Antonio received one. Is it just Mirabel? What went down that night? Why did the Miracle deny Mirabel of a Gift and a room? Why did her son leave? What did he see?

Have they truly been so neglectful when it came to Mirabel?

“So…is that a yes? Do I get permission to leave?”

They could not let Mirabel leave.

Chapter 261: I Now Identify As Invisible

Summary:

This reminds of my other work, which I haven’t updated in *squints* a year. I probably should, but won’t

It was a mistake.

It never should have happened. It shouldn’t have been possible. Mirabel was just a kid. A stupid, emotional kid. She didn’t think that her wish would come true. It was something said from the heat out of the moment—she didn’t truly mean it! No. If she could, she would take it back in a heartbeat.

It was eight years ago. Her seventh birthday. She was not treated the best after the night of her ceremony, or rather, her failed ceremony. Unlike her sisters and cousins, she did not receive a Gift for some reason.

Her family, who used to be so affectionate with her, became distant. Her abuela didn’t look at her with fond eyes anymore, instead telling her to stay out of the way. Her parents tried to cheer her up and convince her that she’s just as special as everyone else—but that’s not what she wanted. She just wanted them to be there for her. They failed. Her tío and tía suddenly didn’t have time to teach her how to dance anymore. Her other uncle disappeared. Almost just like her. Her oldest sister looked at her with disdain. Her oldest cousin didn’t have time for her and pretended not to hear her. Her older sister became busy. Her older cousin was suddenly too cool for her.

So, Mirabel made a wish to the Candle, the Miracle. She didn’t think it would work. No, of course not.

Mirabel overhead her abuela talking to the adults. It was about Bruno, the one they do not speak about. Not just about him, but about her, too. Because they believed that she had something to do with his disappearance. Because they believed that something was wrong with her because she didn’t receive a Gift.

They didn’t say it to her face, her family at least, but she had heard the townsfolk whispering about it. It genuinely hurt her heart to hear her family talking about her behind her back in such a manner, too.

They didn’t know what to do with her. There must’ve been a reason she didn’t get a Gift and why Bruno left. She’s only been causing trouble.

What did she do wrong?

She doesn’t know.

Why did she only cause trouble? She doesn’t mean it. She doesn’t mean it. Truly. She loves them.

Why can’t they love her back?

She couldn’t stop the tears from overflowing.

It was night.

She went to the Candle.

The Candle that caused her so much pain. The Candle that should’ve granted her a miracle, but didn’t. She was different from the family. They weren't happy because of her. She wanted them to be happy. If it wasn’t for her, things would be better. If it wasn’t for her, Bruno would still be here. If it wasn’t for her, her abuela wouldn’t be so hard on everyone.

If it wasn’t for her…

So she opened her mouth and spoke—

“I wish to be invisible, so I don’t cause any problems for my family! I want them to be happy!”

And

And the Candle glowed.

Brighter than ever.

It blinded Mirabel.

It blinded Casita.

It blinded the entire Encanto.

Poof!

To Mirabel, she…well, she looked the same. That’s until she went to bed and woke up to her family yelling out her name.

She didn’t understand. Was she in trouble? Did they somehow figure out that she was on the roof talking to the Candle?

But something was off.

They weren't looking at her.

They didn’t even acknowledge her despite calling out her name.

They just ignored her.

She followed after them.

She thought they were playing a cruel prank on her.

But no.

She knows her mamí and papí wouldn’t be mean to her even if they’re not really happy with a daughter like her.

They really couldn’t see or hear her.

That's when she remembered her wish.

She wished to be invisible.

Did it work?

Mirabel Madrigal.

The nursery was the same. Nothing was taken out of there. They didn’t want to suspect that Mirabel ran away because she was eight and there was nowhere to go. She wouldn’t be able to succeed. She didn’t even pack anything. Dolores didn’t hear her leave in the middle of the night, but that could be due to being asleep at the time. They figured out that she was gone because she didn’t show up to breakfast.

It was safe to say that the Madrigals were horrified. At first, they thought that Mirabel might’ve gone into town without saying permission, or hiding somewhere in Casita.

They couldn’t find her.

It wasn’t like her existence was erased. She wasn’t erased from their memories. No. The entire Encanto remembers Mirabel Madrigal well.

She was just gone.

Nobody knew what happened to her.

Nobody knew where she went.

Dolores couldn’t hear her.

The search party couldn’t find her no matter how deep they searched the forest.

Mirabel Madrigal wouldn’t reply no matter how loud they called out her name.

She was suspected to be dead.

They knew she had to be dead as much as they hated the thought of it. She was only eight. Mirabel wouldn’t be able to leave the Encanto. Not by herself, at least. Dolores also couldn’t hear her. Not even a heartbeat. And Casita wouldn’t let a stranger inside of Casita or Mirabel outside in the middle of the night by herself.

Where is her body?

No matter how much it hurts, they needed to find her body. Did she suffer in her last moments? Is she still whole? Did she cry out for them? Was it peaceful?

They needed reassurance. They didn’t want to stupidly hope that maybe…maybe Mirabel is still alive somewhere. She’s just far out and Dolores somehow can’t hear her. She’s planning on returning home. She’s fine. It’s fine. They’re fine.

It’s not.

There was just one problem, a singular issue with her wish. Her wish wasn’t just one wish. There were two wishes, yet only one was granted. To be invisible. The reasoning being the Madrigals could never truly be happy with Mirabel being invisible.

It was a lesson that Mirabel learned immediately after seeing her family’s grief.

They cried.

They screamed at each other.

They prayed.

They blamed each other.

They demanded answers.

They didn’t touch anything in the nursery.

They left everything the same way that Mirabel left it.

They didn’t want to ruin the last few things they had of Mirabel because they really didn’t have much to remember her by. Not even many pictures. Unfortunately.

Even when Bruno returned shortly after Mirabel’s disappearance, they couldn’t truly be happy.

And Mirabel?

She wants to do nothing more but be visible again.

To reassure her family that she’s alive.

She can’t.

It would take another miracle to do so.

Too bad Mirabel Madrigal has never been too good at receiving miracles properly.

Chapter 262: Why Should I Play The Grieving Girl And Lie?

Summary:

I had to do this again. So much potential

“Mirabel?” Camilo calls out, peering in the room. His eyebrows are furrowed, staring at her like she’s a puzzle yet to be solved. “You good? Should I get tía Julieta?”

Blinking, Mirabel musters up all the strength to actually stand up. Her entire body aches and her throat is painfully sore. She feels like digging into her throat to get those damn flowers out of her lungs. “Y-Yeah, and no. Don’t get mamá,” She didn’t expect anyone to pop into the nursery unannounced. She knows it doesn’t look good for her. She was kneeling over, vomiting into a bucket. “Sorry, Camilo, I just don’t think—don’t think that mamá’s food sat well with me.” Her vision is blurry. She can hardly make out his expression. From her disease and lack of glasses. “I’m just, uh, a little sick, you know?” That’s not exactly a lie. She is sick. Terribly sick.

Camilo squints at her, like he can see straight through her lies, and that makes Mirabel’s heart spike. “Er. I didn’t realize that tía’s food can make anyone sick. I didn't think it was possible. You sure you didn’t eat anything from somewhere else?” He frowns, concerned. But that can’t be right. He doesn’t care about her. He doesn’t love her. “You look horrible.”

Mirabel lets out a laugh, though it doesn't even last a second as she coughs. She feels like doubling over again to throw up those flowers that damned her. She can feel her throat tightening, her face paling. Sick. That’s what she is. If he stays here any longer, she’s going to choke. “I…I know. Can you, please, g-get out?” She turns back away from Camilo. She’s going to get even worse if he stays here. She doesn’t want him to see her like this. “I think I…might’ve…”

That’s the problem.

It’s not a secret anymore.

Not really.

Mirabel has been sick for years. With what? The Madrigals aren’t exactly sure of. As she grows up, it only intensifies and gets worse.

They cannot ignore Mirabel trying her best to avoid them, her hollow eyes, her forced smile, her hoarse voice, her trembling body, and even the blood.

One thing they came to realize is that Julieta Madrigal’s food cannot heal Mirabel. Not when it comes to this sickness. In fact, it makes it worse. There were several times at dinner when Mirabel began to choke from a singular bite of her food.

She gave them many scares.

They fear for Mirabel’s life.

They don’t know what’s wrong with her.

What sickness is claiming her life?

Julieta takes her to the daughter many times a year, praying to at least know what’s wrong with her daughter. Or to see some change.

Her lungs, every single remaining doctor in the Encanto had pointed out. There is something wrong with her lungs.

What was wrong?

They couldn’t say.

Because Mirabel was healthy—even though she was a premature baby, she had grown up well. She didn’t have any problems until she was seven years old. They suspected it to be health issues that developed because she was premature.

And from the looks of, Mirabel Madrigal will not live long. Mirabel Madrigal will not even make it to her twenties. Mirabel Madrigal is fortunate to live this long. Cherish her while she is still breathing.

They were terrified.

Could this be the reason the Miracle didn’t give Mirabel a Gift? She wouldn’t live long enough to know how to use it?

How could this be?

What did they do to deserve this?

What did Mirabel do to deserve this?

She’s too young.

There had to be some way to change her future.

Julieta’s food heals everything except illnesses.

She should be able to heal her.

She can’t.

She can only watch as her daughter accept death’s door with open arms.

“Yeah…” Camilo doesn’t really know what to say. He’s known for years that Mirabel was sick. He was told that Mirabel wouldn’t live for long. They all were told that. They said that the issue was her lungs due to being a premature baby. He could never truly accept his cousin dying. She seems weaker and weaker as the years pass. “Just…just yell out or get Casita to help if you’re—you’re struggling, okay?”

“…Okay,” Mirabel’s voice is hoarse, and she can taste the blood on her tongue. Though both of them know that she won’t call out for help. Even if her voice is available. It’s always Casita alerting one of them that she’s coughing her lungs out. She never does.

She doesn’t even pretend that she’s not dying.

To them, it’s like she doesn’t care.

And Camilo really wishes that Isabela would stop leaving flowers around Mirabel. Fortunately, Mirabel told him that she doesn’t mind and not to tell Isabela about the flowers.

***

It hadn’t started until a little after her seventh birthday. When Mirabel began questioning did her family love her anymore. Was she still a Madrigal in their eyes—their sweet, little Mirabel anymore?

They started acting differently after she didn’t receive a Gift. Distant would be a great term to describe how they act with her.

Useless.

Defective.

She heard their whispers.

And she was oh so worried.

When she wanted comfort from anyone, she was pushed to the side, told that they’ll comfort her later on. That time never came.

It happened every time.

The Madrigals were busy with other things.

With each other.

Bruno left because of her.

And they…they didn’t love her anymore.

All this misfortune happened because of her.

She made her family unhappy and now they’re forced to just deal with her.

She hates this.

She hates that she’s so unlovable. She hates that she can’t be better in their eyes no matter what she does or says.

She spent so long crying.

Sobbing.

Nobody came.

As expected.

It confirmed everything for her.

And it took so long for Mirabel to finally accept the truth.

The Madrigals no longer loved Mirabel Madrigal.

It’s fine.

It started off so small, delicate, and beautiful. Those flowers. They were in her lungs. When she first coughed them out, they didn’t hurt as much as they did now. There was barely any blood back then.

Then, it was bigger. Acid. Flowers. Vines. Thorns. Blood. She choked way too often. Vomited way too often. There were days where it physically hurt too much to speak. There were days where she couldn’t eat because she would only throw it back up.

She couldn’t hide it from them.

Not for long, anyways.

At first, they thought she was doing it for attention.

Typical.

Then that’s when they realized she was getting worse. Dolores commented that her heart sounded off.

So, they took her to the doctor.

Mirabel is glad she won’t live for much longer.

That she won’t even make it to the age of twenty.

At least the Madrigals will be happy.

Then, the Madrigals finally looked at her after so long of ignoring her as if she wasn’t one of them.

She knows they’re only doing it out of pity because they don’t care. The only reason they’re surrounding her, paying attention to her nowadays is because she’s about to die.

They do not love her.

They pity her.

She knows it.

The flowers will only continue to bloom.

They do not know about her disease.

Hanahaki disease.

They thought it was because she was born premature and the effects are catching up to her. Oh they couldn’t have been any more wrong.

Most of them do not know about the flowers.

If they had seen them, Mirabel had lied and said they were Isabela’s.

They never noticed the blood on the flowers.

She didn’t give them too much time to look.

Didn’t want things to get more difficult when she’s so close to death.

***

Julieta knows—as much as she hates it, she knows that Mirabel is going to die. Her baby is going to die before her. Nothing can help her. Nobody can heal her. If she’s lucky, she’ll make it to her twenties, though it’s highly unlikely.

She doesn’t know what to do.

She hates watching her daughter be in pain, not being able to help her. She's getting skinnier. Her skin isn’t so vibrant. She looks so close to death’s door.

Everyone knows.

They did their best to spend time with Mirabel because they don’t know what day might be her last. It doesn’t last long because every time they stay near her for too long, she ends up having a coughing fit. She can’t sit with them at dinner, either. It makes things worse.

It’s so heartbreaking.

Despite being the one in so much pain, Mirabel says it’s fine. Like she doesn’t care. Like her death won’t matter.

She can’t understand.

What is the point of her Gift if she can’t heal her own daughter?

She thought that she had four years left with Mirabel maximum.

She just didn’t think that she would lose her daughter this soon.

“Mirabel!”

Mirabel is hunched over, coughing uncontrollably. Her lungs are aching badly. She can feel the deadly vines inside her body starting to twist and turn, as if they are trying to fight their way out of her body. As she coughs, she can see thick, dark, red blood pouring from her mouth, staining her clothes and the floor beneath her.

She’s dying.

Mirabel Madrigal is dying.

“M-Mamí…mamí…” Mirabel pants. She doesn’t understand why her mamá is looking at her with those terrified eyes. “S-Sorry,” She hates when her mamá looks at her like that. She gets it. She looks disgusting. She’s ruining Casita’s floors. “I’m sorry,”

“Oh no,” Julieta doesn’t want to believe it—her daughter is dying right in front of her and yet she’s apologizing? Why? Why is she apologizing? Why can she help everyone else but her daughter, who must be in so much pain? “D-Don’t apologize, mi vida. There’s no need to apologize.” She gently cups Mirabel’s cheeks to look her in the eyes and her hands are covered in redredredred—her baby’s eyes are wide and pained, breathing unevening. She fears if she even attempts to heal her with her food, she’ll just choke, speeding up the process. It’s like someone twisted a knife in her chest. “Mommy’s here…mommy’s here, bebé.”

Mirabel chuckles, and it’s wet, worn, and ends with her coughing up more blood. Her eyes widened at her mamá’s wet cheek. She’s crying. Why is she crying? “What’s…W-what’s wrong, mamá? Why are you so—“ Why are you shedding tears right now? Aren’t you happy that I’m dying? “—smile? Please?” Because it hurts to see her mamá like this. Even more so than the flowers in her lungs.

But Julieta cannot smile in a situation like this. No matter how hard she tries. Her baby is going to die in her arms. She can’t do anything about it. She’s the healer. She can’t heal her. Her baby is about to die. Her baby is about to die. Herbabyisabouttodieandshecantdoanythingimsosorry—

Life is cruel.

Death is cruel.

It does not discriminate based on one’s actions or character. It’s a brutal reality that affects everyone regardless of who they are.

Mirabel can feel her strength draining quickly.

Every breath is a struggle.

It’s painful.

The world around her is becoming hazy and blurred.

The sounds of everything are fading away into a distant him.

This is it.

Her time is almost up.

This is her last day alive.

“Just a little longer…just a little longer…!” Julieta’s body is trembling. Not more than Mirabel’s. Dontleavemedontleavemeicanthandlethis—She can’t save her. She can’t save her baby as she’s choking and coughing up blood on the floor, on herself, and on her. “It’s okay. It’s okay. I-It’s okay,” She’s not too sure who she’s reassuring. Herself or Mirabel. Most likely, both of them. She can’t. What Mirabel is going through is painful, she knows it. She can’t heal her. She’s too young and they need her.

She doesn’t pray, only speaking to her daughter because she knows this will be her last words to her.

“I love you. I love you so much!”

In just a few moments, she’s going to be holding her baby’s lifeless body.

“I’m s-sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I can’t heal you. I’m sorry.”

She wants her baby to know that she’s there for her and even though the rest of their family isn’t here because nobody expected Mirabel to die so soon. She’s only fifteen.

“We love you so much, mija. Y-You are a miracle, Mirabel Madrigal.”

Huh?

Mirabel suddenly finds herself frozen, her heart skipping a bit, loudly, as she hears those words, the ones she thought she'd never hear again. She had forgotten what it was like to hear those words from anyone.

I love you.

It feels like time itself has stopped.

I love you so much.

It's as if someone has rewound time and changed something fundamental.

We love you so much.

Can it be true? Could her mother really mean it when she says those three words that have eluded her for so long?

She wants to believe in those words so badly that it hurts.

Mirabel stares at her mamá in disbelief. “You…Y-you love me?”

For the first time, there is absolute silence.

There is no pain.

There is no coughing.

There is no wheezing that had wracked her body only moments ago.

All of it had vanished.

Just silence as tears flow freely down both of their faces.

Chapter 263: Why Should I Play The Grieving Girl And Lie? — Part 2

Julieta stares at Mirabel in visible confusion and heartbreak. “Of…of course, I love you.” Why did Mirabel say it like that? With so much hesitation and doubt in her voice? “I love you so much, mija. You’re our little miracle. My baby girl.” And did her coughing stop? She looked so close to dying just a minute ago.

“Oh,” Mirabel utters quietly. She supposes if her mamá didn’t love her, she wouldn’t be crying like this. She wouldn’t be fussing over her like this. This is strange. She’s not used to this. Love. “R-Really?”

Julieta would brush a curl away from Mirabel’s face but her hand is still just so bloody. She doesn’t want to cover Mirabel in even more red. “Really.” Did Mirabel think she didn’t love her? How could that be? “How could I not love you? My amazing, talented, and adorable daughter. You mean so much to me. Words alone cannot describe my love for you.”

Those words shouldn’t have hurt as much as they did. They should fill her with warmth. Instead they filled her with the opposite effect. A strange burning sensation. As if a cold flame had taken hold within her chest.

She can feel the pressure on her throat eases, allowing her to breathe more easily. The once-sharp and painful thorns seem to soften and smooth over.

Julieta stares at Mirabel with concern. Always concern. Never pity. How could she be so wrong? “Mirabel—“

Then, Mirabel feels it.

Something soft and fluttery caught in her throat, her body instinctively struggles to expel it. She coughs frantically, her body lurching as she gags and gasps for air.

“Mirabel!” Julieta cries out once more. She's all too familiar with this pattern, having witnessed Mirabel cough and gasp for breath many times before. Whether it's from a mix of blood, food, or even air, it always sends a shiver down her spine. Each time, the worry and fear are just as intense, never diminishing in its intensity no matter how many times it's happened. “It’ll be okay…it’ll be okay. Let it out.”

She hopes so. Mirabel wants things to be okay. Her abuela wouldn’t like anything else besides that. She knows how she feels about anything being imperfect.

After a painful struggle, a blue flower falls out of Mirabel’s mouth, the petals stained with blood.

Mirabel groans, her hand rising to wipe away the blood off her lips. A blue flower. She knows what it symbolizes. She finally believes that her mother loves hers. Love and acceptance.

However, Julieta is just baffled, brows furrowed in confusion. “…A…flower?” Her daughter just coughed up a bloody flower. Has Mirabel been eating flowers, of all things?

Mirabel tries to smile, but she’s sure it didn’t reach her eyes. It never did. “C-Can you hug m—“ Before she can finish her question, her mother's arms envelop her in a tight, comforting hug. “I…I want to tell you something, mamá. I want to be…truthful. Can I?”

Julieta pulls back just enough to look into Mirabel's eyes. “Of course,” She responds gently. “You can tell me anything. I'm here for you, no matter what.”

“The reason why I’m coughing up blood…why I’m so sick and this…flower…it’s not because I’m premature.” It never has been. Besides her disease and eyesight, she is perfectly healthy. “My sickness…my disease…” She thought Dolores would’ve been the first person to find out. She supposes it makes sense, considering she never paid attention to her. “I have Hanahaki Disease. Have you…heard of it?”

Unrequited love.

Julieta had read about it before. She just didn’t think it was real. It’s curable, but, “…Yes. Yes, I have.” Please say it isn’t so. Please say it isn’t them. Either way, it still horrified her. She asks, “Who is it?”

“You,” Mirabel chokes out. And she can see the resignation in her mother’s eyes. Like she suspected after telling her. “E-Everyone in our family besides Antonio.” She loves her. She loves her.

Her mother doesn’t blame her like she expected. Or said anything along the lines of how could you not tell me?

“I-I don’t think you hate me,” Mirabel blurts out, the silence quickly becoming uncomfortable, and she means it. She never once thought that her mother hated her. Didn’t love her, yes, but hate? No. “Abuela…and Isabela…yes. You’re far too kind to hate someone, mamá. I thought you just…tolerated me.”

“I don’t,” Julieta says, and her voice is horribly uneven. She tries her best to be calm and steady. Just for Mirabel. “That’s not even close to the truth. You’re my daughter, my flesh and blood. I carried you in my womb, I watched you grow, I held you in my arms when you were an infant. How could I just tolerate you? It breaks my heart to know that you think that way. Tolerating you? No. You’re my baby, my precious child, and I could never just tolerate you. You mean the world to me. I’m sorry that I made you feel that way.”

Mirabel had always harbored doubts about her place in her family, questioning whether she was truly wanted and loved. Hearing her mother's genuine words of reassurance, her confession that she didn’t just tolerate her—no, she means the world to her—it all becomes too much. All she can manage to say is a quiet, tearful, “Mamí…”

“I’m—I'm so sorry.” Julieta apologizes once again. “I am so sorry that we made you feel unloved. That we didn’t show you enough love. We always have loved you and I wish…I wish we weren’t so idiotic when it comes to important matters like this. It is our fault. We should have shown you more love. We should have told you we love you more often. It’s my fault. How could I, as your own mother, not say those three words for so long?” She holds Mirabel tighter, as if to make up for all the years of neglect and doubt. Mirabel almost died because of their foolishness. They almost killed Mirabel. “Ay…I love you, Mirabel Madrigal. I love you so much. More than you know. I will do anything in my power to make up for it. To let you know how much we love you.”

Mirabel yearned for their love. She needed to hear her mother say that. She needed to be told that she is loved. She wants to tell her mamá that it isn’t her fault—even though it is, as long as the other Madrigals’ fault, but she knows her mamá would deny not being blamed. “I’ll…I’ll hold you to it, mamá…okay? You have to tell me more often. N-Not out of pity but…but because you mean it.”

“Of course, mija, of course. I’ll make sure to tell you every single day. Not out of pity or because I feel guilty, but because I do mean it, with all my heart, with every fiber in my being. Because you deserve to hear it, every day.”

Mirabel presses her face into her mamá’s shoulder, allowing herself to bask in the comfort. She felt alone and as an outsider for so long. She craved this.

“And as for your abuela and oldest sister, they don’t hate you. They never have,” Julieta takes a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. “They just…they’re just so worried about keeping up appearances, about keeping the image of the perfect family. You’re vibrant, unique, real. That’s not a bad thing. They just don’t know how to handle that. They’ve forgotten what truly matters, but that doesn’t mean they hate you. They do care about you, in their own way.”

It was hard to believe. After all the cold glances and dismissive words. Perhaps there was more than just hatred.

“Then how come they treat me so badly? They never listen to me, they always belittle me…It sure feels like hatred, mamá.”

“I know it must seem that way, and I can't excuse their behavior. But their coldness, their indifference…It's not hatred, it's fear. Fear of change.”

“Fear of…change?”

“Yes. It has been for a long time. It blinded your abuela…which blinded Isabela, making them unable to see what’s in front of them. It causes them to miss out on appreciating the wonderful person you are. Scardy-cats, more like.”

“Oh,”

“Still, it’s not an excuse for the way they treat you. It’s not right. How we treat you isn’t right.”

Chapter 264: I Now Identify As Invisible — Part 2

Notes:

Can’t even post regularly. This storm going on is actually going to be the death of me…hah, hopefully not.

Mirabel can’t have an actual conversation with anyone. It’s always one-sided. She never gets a response, which is expected. She can touch things and move things around as if she isn’t invisible, but they just assume that she’s Casita. It’s so annoying. Though she supposes that it’s her fault for making the wish. At least she can see herself in the mirror. She’d hate to forget what she looks like. Things like eating, using the bathroom, and sleeping—she still does all of that. She is human, after all. Just invisible.

Of course, Mirabel leaves Casita. She likes following after her family members and seeing what they’re doing. She would take up sewing, but she’s not exactly skilled at it. She doesn’t want to spy on the local seamstress, either! That’s just weird. She wouldn’t consider following around her family as spying because she’s not being sneaky about it. They just can’t see her. Unfortunately.

Just the consequences of her dreadful wish. Honestly, she’s just glad she hasn't gone insane yet. Years of not having a conversation with anyone and unable to truly interact with anyone really did take a toll on her. She does her best to remain positive and she’s not too sure how long that’s going to last in the future. She probably will go crazy in a couple of years. She thought it through and she really doesn’t want to spend the rest of her life invisible.

If the push comes to shove, she’ll end her own life. Seriously. There’s no way in hell that she’s going to survive another ten years. As sad as it is, she’s just going to be miserable. She’d rather die than spend the rest of her life invisible. She cannot and will not handle that.

For her clothes, it’s a bit tricky. She doesn’t want to steal from people and her education isn’t, well, the highest. For the first few years of being invisible, she didn’t go to school—she used to complain about it and was actually happy she didn’t have to go to school anymore because it was boring. Which did backfire on her. She did come to realize that she needs to learn things or else she’d have the same intelligence as an eight year old. It took a while, but she did start going back to school. The downside, there was nobody to help her when she made mistakes or grade her papers. There’s a lot more cons than pros.

So, the dresses that she wears are Isabela’s, although the dresses are a bit too long and tight on her figure. Again, she doesn’t want to steal from any businesses! She’s okay with stealing from her sister, though. Yes, she feels a little bad when Isabela blames the others, but it’s not like she can say anything about it! Her clothes just magically disappeared, just like some of the food and other convenient things for her.

She does take some clothes from her mamá and Camilo since they’re the closest in size. If her mamá knew, she’s sure that she wouldn’t mind. Who would want their daughter to walk around naked even though nobody could see her? No sane mother would allow that! She likes Camilo’s clothes because it's less restricting. She also tries on her other family members’ clothes, too.

Though she tries not to dwell on that for too long. It gives her a headache. Clothes aren't her biggest issue. Invisibility is.

And honestly, she’s pleasantly surprised that she got a younger cousin! Unfortunately, he does not know much about her. He only knows her name, her age she disappeared, and her relation with the others. Wait. Nevermind. Mirabel is pretty sure that’s all the Madrigals knew about her before she disappeared.

How sad.

When it’s Antonio’s ceremony—eight years to be exact, after her disappearance, she’s excited. She knows her Gift ceremony did not go well, but she didn’t care. She was happy for her little cousin. She’s happy for all of them.

But imagine her surprise when Antonio receives the Gift of communicating to animals. She expected that, of course. He’s always been an animal guy. His Gift isn’t what caught her off guard, it was his animals.

Mirabel cocks her head at Parce. “Huh…you can see me,” He’s looking directly at her. He looks curious, even. Nobody was behind her. “You can see me!” She squeals. She forgot about animals. They can see what humans cannot. “Aren’t you a cute little jaguar?”

The jaguar, obviously an adult one, sends her an unimpressed stare. He doesn’t appreciate being called cute and little when he’s far from it.

“Can you do me an important favor?”

Antonio can communicate to animals.

Parce can understand her.

He could translate her words to Antonio, so he could tell their family what happened to her. She isn’t dead.

This is her only chance.

Parce gives a huff.

“Thank you! Can you tell Antonio to gather up o-our family and tell them about me? He can translate your words. You can understand me, can’t you?” Mirabel is aware of how desperate she might sound—it’s not like anyone can hear her besides this jaguar. Maybe. But she doesn’t care. This might be her only way to tell her family what happened to her. In response, Parce gives a low purr. “Good! That’s great. A-Absolutely amazing. Is that a yes? Please?”

***

“Uhm. Parce has something to say,” Antonio is curious about his new friend. It’s about some cub—teenager. A teenage girl. Around his brother’s age. “I, uh, I just repeat after you? Okay!”

“Hopefully we didn’t hunt any of his friends or family.” Félix tries to joke, which miserably lands, and he swears that the jaguar rolls its eyes, too.

“Okay…cool. The jaguar has some words for us.” Camilo whistles, more to himself than anyone else. “Hopefully it doesn’t try to attack us. I’m watching you, jaguar. I am.”

“You’d lose,” Isabela murmurs, having the misfortune of sitting next to Camilo. Why are they actually gathered here? Are they actually about to listen to this jaguar that they can’t even be sure of?

“Hey!” Camilo cries out in offense. He can just shift into someone bigger, someone stronger to win. It’ll be an effortless victory for him!

“She’s telling the truth.” Dolores says, taking a sip of her coffee. “Your ego is out of control, hermano.”

“Why do you have coffee? It’s late.”

Dolores whistles. “I got…thirsty.”

“For coffee?”

“Yes. Very.”

Alma hums. “What is it that the jagua—Parce wants to talk about?” It’s not too strange. They are already strange. She’s curious, too.

“A-About Mirabel?” All the Madrigals freeze at the name, though Antonio doesn’t notice, too focused on being his jaguar’s translator. “He wants to convey—what’s convey? Um. He wants to c-convey a message from Mirabel to you all.”

The Madrigals first thought is this is the jaguar that killed Mirabel. Antonio’s jaguar hurt our Mirabel. He has to go. He can’t stay here. They won’t let him get the chance to harm Antonio.

But they were proven wrong by Antonio’s next words.

“Her words are that she is alive—“

“What?!”

“M-Mirabel is alive?!”

“How?!”

“This can’t be possible!”

“Is she—is she—“

They’re stunned.

There’s no way.

They searched everywhere.

Dolores cannot hear her.

Antonio looks at his family, feeling uncomfortable. He doesn’t know what caused this strange reaction. Isn’t it typical for people to be happy when someone is alive?

It is Julieta who speaks up after a while, voice strained yet strangely calm. “…Where is she?” This is her chance. Somewhere, deep down in her heart, despite what the others might’ve thought, she knew that her baby was still alive.

“She’s…” Antonio glances around, looking at where Parce is sitting. It doesn’t take a second until Parce gives his answer. “….She’s next to you, tía. Er. Like you would for having a normal talk!”

Julieta could imagine it now. Mirabel standing next to her, looking up at her, a wide smile on her face. But something is off. She’s sure that all of them are aware that animals can see things that humans cannot.

She’s a ghost.

“She says that she missed you all.”

Mirabel also said she was alive, which didn’t make sense. Could she have died and not realized that she’s a ghost? Could she not move on because of them?

This confirms their suspicions, doesn’t it?

Mirabel Madrigal died that night or day—They’re not too sure. They don’t know whether Mirabel left in the middle of the night or in the morning before anyone woke up.

“Miraboo,” Agustín utters softly, voice shaky. His daughter. His baby girl is here. But…she’s dead like they always feared. “W-We miss you, too. We love you so much.”

It’s weird talking to thin air but they don’t care. They want Mirabel to know how loved she is.

Each of them say their own personal feelings to Mirabel, praying she’ll get their message, their true feelings.

They love her so much. They miss her. They wish they were there for her. They’re so sorry that her life ended so early. If they could turn back time to change things for the better, they would.

“Uhm. Parce says that Mirabel is…letting out a string of…swear words. Oh, I-I can’t repeat that!”

The Madrigals can’t even fathom the thought of sweet, innocent little Mirabel cursing. Where did she even learn that from? It’s almost laughable. Almost. Though it brings them more to tears than anything. Mirabel really grew up. It’s been eight years since they last saw her. She would be fifteen. They missed her quinceañera. They celebrated it, but it’s not the same without the birthday girl.

“…Why?”

“Casita also isn’t haunted,” Antonio adds. The missing food and drinks. The shower turning on randomly. Missing clothes. Things being moved. “Oh, and Mirabel is offended that you thought she was Casita.”

“H-huh?”

“Mirabel knows that she isn’t dead. She eats, sleeps, and even bleeds like every other human being. She just isn’t visible. She would’ve remembered getting into a tragic accident.” Antonio repeats. “She also said that she…spoke to the Candle and made a wish to be invisible. She regrets it. She isn’t really happy about that. She also isn't very happy about being accused of being a ghost.”

What?

Now that they think about it, it does make sense, sorta. Mirabel disappeared. She took nothing with her. Nobody could find her despite The Encanto being an isolated place. Some of their things went missing before reappearing again, washed and dried.

“Why would you…why would you wish that?”

“Isabela…!” Luisa hisses, and she knows that Isabela doesn’t mean it like that, but that sounds rude.

No response.

A full minute passes.

Antonio fidgets nervously. “Parce says…that Mirabel is getting upset. She wants her family. She wants everyone to see her. O-Oh…she’s crying. Oh no…she thought that everyone would be happier if she wasn’t here.”

She couldn’t have been any more wrong.

They were absolutely devastated by her disappearance.

“S-So, she’s alive? Like…like actually alive? Just invisible?”

“Yes!”

Alma presses her lips together. “Is she still listening?”

“Yes.”

“No—no, mija, never. We would never be happier without you. Do you hear me?” Alma’s composure wavers just for a second before she straightens, eyes burning with conviction. “This family has been shattered without you. Lost without you. Every day without you has been a mistake we’re desperate to fix. Every meal has been too quiet, every room too empty. Do you think we could ever be happier with you gone? We have spent every moment searching for you—begging the saints to bring you back to us. We miss you. We love you. And we are so sorry we made you feel this way. Never think that.”

Antonio still doesn’t say anything, presumably because Mirabel doesn’t say anything, far too stunned by Alma’s words to reply.

She’s also a crying mess, thankfully they can’t see her right now, even then, she’s sure they already know.

Bruno hesitates, before saying, “The only possible way to see Mirabel is to get rid of the Candle.” The others stare at him with wide eyes, except Alma. She had expected that to be the solution the moment she heard Mirabel’s story. “That means no more Casita, no Gifts, and no Miracle.” At first, he didn’t understand why he was seeing an older version of Mirabel, but now he understands. She wasn’t dead. She’ll be back. “But I think it’s worth it.”

“I’m in agreement with Bruno, mamá. I want my daughter back. If losing our Gifts is the way to get Mirabel back then so be it.”

“I agree!”

“Having Mirabel back…will be really worth it.”

“I-I think it’ll be the best birthday gift ever! To see my older cousin!”

“There's no need for convincing,” Alma smiles, it’s barely there, but a smile nonetheless. “I was going to get rid of the Miracle no matter what after I heard it was the way to bring Mirabel back.”

Chapter 265: Times like this, I wish that I could let go

People would ask, how does it feel to be the only Madrigal without a Gift?

She would simply smile and laugh it off, saying not any different! Gift or no Gift, I’m still a Madrigal. It doesn’t change anything.

Then she would realize what exactly they were asking. The purpose behind that question.

She would pretend like she couldn’t see their shared glances, their quiet snickers, and their smirks.

She would pretend.

(She’s been doing it for so long to the point that it’s so convincing.)

(It convinces everyone that she’s genuinely fine and that she’s okay with being the only Madrigal without a Gift. She’s so good at pretending that she’s starting to convince herself.)

(It’s fine, She’ll say to others and herself.)

(The Madrigals have always been so good at pretending to be someone they’re not.)

(Must be genetic.)

There was a time when that used to be the truth. When Mirabel used to actually believe that yeah, I’m okay with not having a Gift. My family will love me no matter what. Nothing will change. She was young. Naive and oblivious. She loves her family to death and she hoped that it would be reciprocated. Nothing would ever change that.

Like every other Madrigal, she was forced to grow up too fast. She learned the oh so awful truth early on. Her family, the loving Madrigals? They wore masks. All the time.

Behind Alma’s gentle smiles were expectations like iron bars. Behind Pepa’s laughter was fear of her own storms. Behind Julieta’s perfect arepas and Bruno's silence—so much pain no one would speak aloud.

And now? Now she sees it in herself too—the way she swallows down what she really wants to say, how she grins instead of scowling when things hurt, how she plays along when all she wants is to break something.

(Because that's what being a Madrigal means. Smiling until it doesn't feel like lying anymore.)

The first time Mirabel realizes that everything won't ever be the same again, she is seven.

It's a cool, quiet evening when she stumbles onto Alma talking to the Candle, whispering to it like she's talking to a friend. Mirabel doesn't mean to listen, but in Casita, she—it allows her to do things that normally wouldn’t be allowed for other Madrigals.

And she can hear every word. Something like dread crawls up her spine as she hears the words “Gift.” “Stay out of the way.” “Mirabel.”

Mirabel is just a kid, no older than seven, when it hits her.

Things won't be the same anymore.

She's not like everyone else in her family. She can't make flowers bloom with a hum, can't summon sunshine with a whistle, can't change bodies as she desires.

Maybe it's stupid to feel like an outsider among the Madrigals. Maybe it's selfish of her to wonder why.

But that thought sticks, sharp as a thorn.

Ordinary.

That’s what she is, isn’t she?

In a blink of an eye, she's no longer just a kid, with endless possibilities ahead. She's a Madrigal, with all that name means expectations, secrets, masks, and a burden—a lack of Gift—more than she ever could have imagined.

The cracks start small.

It’s almost unnoticeable.

A skipped seat at the dinner table. A conversation that stops when she walks in. The way Alma’s smile doesn’t reach her eyes when she looks at her anymore.

Mirabel tries so hard.

She laughs a little louder, works a little faster, stays up later perfecting stitches just to prove she can be useful, valuable, even without magic thrumming under her skin.

But it’s not enough.

Her family drifts further each day, their voices muffled behind closed doors she isn’t invited behind anymore. And no matter how tight she hugs them—how many chores she does without being asked—she can feel it.

She doesn’t belong.

It’s fine, She tells herself again.

She pretends not to notice the distance growing between her and her family, pretends to believe things would be better if she could just be a little less herself.

The words feel empty, no matter how many times she says them.

(Because she knows that no matter what, things will never return to the way they used to be.)

Mirabel is ten when the loneliness sinks in. The kind of loneliness that makes her heart ache, that settles like a heavy weight in her chest.

She's sad, with no one to laugh with, no one who understands the emptiness in her eyes when she smiles. The family she once felt so close to isn't a family. Just a group of people who share blood but not the thing that really matters.

Love.

She desperately wants company, wants connection. But how can she find it when everyone seems to look right through her?

The weight of it all bears down on her heavily, and when she's really honest with herself, she doesn't know how to cope.

So she pretends like always.

She smiles. She jokes. She acts like nothing hurts.

It’s fine.

It's a familiar lie—one Mirabel tells herself again.

Over and over in her head.

It will be fine. Everything's fine. It'll all work out.

The words feel hollow, almost as a prayer, even as they cross her lips. She knows deep down that things are far from fine.

But what else can she do?

The rest of her family has no time for her, the town is filled with whispers she doesn't want to understand.

(Because nothing is fine. Nothing has been fine for a long time. And no amount of pretending—no amount of forced smiles or swallowed tears—will ever change that truth.)

 

---

 

(Mirabel is ten and Pepa announces her pregnancy.)

(She tries to feel happy. She does.)

(She tries to ignore the single bitter thought that gnaws at her heart, no matter how hard she tries to push it away.)

(She knows she should be happy, but instead, a cold, cruel feeling grips her chest.)

(Will this baby replace her?)

(Her family is so joyful, and Pepa's smile is just a little brighter. Everyone is gathered around, congratulating her excitedly.)

(No matter how hard she tries to smile bigger, it won't go away.)

(That night, she curls into a tight ball under the covers, silent tears streaming down her face. She tries to stay quiet, to keep this weakness at bay, but it's so hard.)

(She remembers the way the others' eyes shone when they talked about the baby, the way Alma had smiled and touched Pepa's stomach—a future that seemed so bright.)

(And in her head?)

(Only one question remained.)

(Will they even need me anymore?)

(The fear is a living, breathing thing inside her, threatening to drown her in a wave of doubt and insecurity. She doesn't want to know the answer to the question that keeps her up at night—the one that makes her scared to even whisper its words.)

(But there's no escaping it. The doubt creeps in, poisoning her thoughts with a whisper that sounds so much like a promise.)

(They won’t. They won’t need you anymore.)

 

---

 

The moment Félix proudly presents the tiny bundle, Antonio, still wrinkly and red-faced. Mirabel forces her lips into a smile. “He's beautiful,” She lies automatically, because that's what you're supposed to say.

But deep down? She can’t help but think babies are all a little ugly at first. Splotchy skin, squashed noses, clenched fists like angry little raisins. It doesn’t matter how much the family coos over him, he looks like every other newborn. Fragile and strange and loud.

And yet…despite herself…something protective stirs in her chest when his little fingers wrap around her thumb, gripping tight like he's holding on for dear life.

And in that moment?

Mirabel doesn’t see an ugly bundle anymore.

She sees the future—this little boy will be someone important. Someone their family will love and protect.

If they fail?

She knows she has to be there for him.

Because she's felt the sting of being left out. She knows the ache of loneliness, the emptiness of being ignored by the people who are supposed to love you most. And she'll be damned if she lets her baby cousin feel that way ever.

She runs a gentle fingertip across his pink, wrinkly forehead and whispers—soft enough for only him and Dolores to hear, “Welcome to the family, Antonio.”

(For a moment, Mirabel lets herself hope. Maybe just maybe things won’t be so bad. Maybe this new light on the family won’t push her further in the shadows.)

(It’s a fragile hope—one she tucks away before it can shatter.)

 

---

Mirabel isn't stupid. She sees the way the villagers stare at Antonio as he's introduced.

She also sees the way her family, especially her abuela, watches him with hopeful eyes, almost desperate for him to not end up like her.

One day, she hears it, too.

Mirabel isn't trying to eavesdrop. She's just walking through the halls of Casita when she hears the soft murmur of conversation from an open door.

It's Félix and Pepa standing in the nursery, voices hushed. Antonio is asleep in the background, tiny and perfect. Mirabel pauses, heart suddenly stuttering.

Pepa's voice is low, a whisper of worry. “I hope he receives a Gift. I don’t want him to be…like Mirabel. He can’t—he can’t be like her.”

And just like that, any fragile hope of belonging shatters inside her chest.

Like me?

The words burn behind Mirabel’s teeth like a scream waiting to erupt. What’s so wrong with being like me? Her throat tightens as hot, furious tears prick her eyes.

I used to be your nube—your little cloud! Did you forget how you held my hands when I was scared, or laughed when I tripped over my own feet?

And now—now she was something to be avoided. A bad omen whispered about behind closed doors. A warning of what Antonio must never become.

She clenches her fists until her nails bite into her palms, swallowing back the sob clawing up her throat. Because the truth hurts worse than any insult ever could.

They really do think there’s something wrong with me.

Félix's eyes widen, a horrified expression flashing across his face when he realizes the terrible thing he's just witnessed. An apology already half-formed, he opens his mouth—

But before the words can even be spoken, Mirabel's gaze locks with his.

She forces a small, fake smile to her lips, and mouths a single word, it’s fine.

And oh, Félix knows it isn't. Mirabel Madrigal might be kind. She might be sweet-natured. But she's also a damn good liar.

(Mirabel learned to fake her smile from the best.)

(Her very own mother.)

(Julieta Madrigal might have the Gift of healing and the ability to make the most delicious foods, but she's also a master at pretending everything is alright. Her mother is an expert at hiding her true emotions, her exhaustion and worry behind a smile that never wavers.)

(And now, Mirabel can do the exact same.)

(A good liar.)

Félix hesitates for a moment before he looks back at Pepa without another word.

Because what could he say? That Mirabel heard every awful thing they never meant for her to hear? That the damage was already done?

So he doesn’t speak.

He just lets it happen.

He lets the moment slip away like sand through clenched fists.

 

---

 

(Mirabel doesn’t remember when it started—only that at some point, the pain inside became too much to carry.)

(The blade in her trembling hand catches the dim light, a small, glinting thing that feels both terrifying and necessary. Her thigh burns—her vision swims. The locked door makes the room feel like a cage.)

(She can’t breathe. She can’t think.)

(All she knows is this, For one terrible moment, hurting herself made the storm inside her feel quiet.)

(Blood is slowly flowing from the cuts, staining the floor a deep, dark red. She feels nauseous at the sight, her stomach churning uncomfortably.)

(She is too young. Far too young for this pain.)

(She doesn’t remember her exact age, only that Antonio wasn’t even born yet. She was still just a child, drowning in loneliness no one seemed to notice.)

(The blood on the floor looks wrong, out of place. Just like she feels in her own family.)

(The pain is sharp. Unfamiliar and terrifying.)

(Mirabel has known bruises from clumsy stumbles, scrapes from reckless play but this?)

(This is different.)

(This was chosen. A knife pressed against her own skin, trembling in her hand as she tries to understand why.)

(Her breath comes in shallow gasps. She wasn’t used to this kind of pain. The kind she had complete control over)

(The realization hits her like a punch to the gut—)

(Madrigals are taught to never stop.)

(Never stop smiling. Never stop pretending. Never stop bearing it, no matter how much it hurts.)

(How horrible. How cruel. Because if you can't even admit that you're in pain—how could you ever ask for help?)

(And worst of all? Mirabel knows she’s already learned this lesson too well.)

 

---

 

Antonio stands in front of her, all wide eyes and chubby cheeks. He's still a baby in her eyes—no bigger than a tiny duckling. With a small, innocent smile, he asks that inevitable question.

“What do you think my Gift will be?”

It's a question all Madrigals have asked when they were younger. Of course, it's no surprise that little Antonio would ask it, too.

Mirabel freezes for a second, her throat tightening at the innocent question. She forces herself to breathe—to smile—before ruffling his curls gently. “Whatever it is,” She says softly. “It’ll be perfect for you.”

But inside, her chest aches. Because she knows what comes next. The anticipation, the whispers from the family, the pressure already settling on his tiny shoulders before he even touches that doorknob.

(And part of her wishes he'd never ask at all.)

 

---

 

(The moment Antonio’s door gleams to life, something inside Mirabel breaks.)

(The cheers around her are deafening. Alma’s proud tears, Pepa’s joyful sobbing, the townsfolk gasping in awe. The Miracle had chosen him, just as it had chosen every other Madrigal before him.)

(Mirabel stands frozen in the crowd, her smile a brittle mask.)

(She really was the problem.)

(Not the magic. Not fate or bad luck or some grand misunderstanding. Just her. The one who wasn't worthy of a Gift at all.)

(The knife doesn’t lie to her. The knife doesn’t pretend.)

(The sun is setting.)

(She finds herself retreating back inside of Casita.)

(Alone.)

(The voices are muffled, the laughter twisted and haunting.)

(How insane is it that she finds the edge of a knife more comforting than anything else?)

(She curls into herself, gripping the cold metal tight in her shaking fingers.)

(It doesn’t tell her she should be happy for Antonio. It doesn’t whisper that she should have been enough on her own. It doesn’t judge. Doesn’t pity her. Doesn’t whisper behind her back about how wrong she is for the family.)

(It just—exists.)

(A sharp, quiet truth against skin already marked with too many scars of not being good enough.)

(Her breath comes in hiccuping, shuddering gasps as she stares down at the ruin of her nightgown—the pristine white fabric now soaked in crimson. The stains spread like gruesome petals, each one a screaming testament to her failure, her unworthiness as a Madrigal. The metallic scent fills the air, mixing with salt from her silent tears.)

(Red. Red everywhere—on her trembling hands, on the floor beneath her knees. Red like Casita’s tiles at sunset. Red like failure.)

(She just sits there—numb and hollow and so unbearably young—wondering if this is how it always ends for broken things no one knows how to fix.)

(She is fracturing.)

(Body and soul.)

(The wounds on her skin split like the cracks in Casita’s walls—uneven, jagged, merciless. Each one a mirror of the brokenness inside her. Every cut whispers what she already knows.)

(You don’t belong here.)

(You were never enough.)

(Even your pain is messy.)

(Just a girl made of shattered pieces no magic could ever put back together.)

She makes sure to throw the nightgown away.

 

---

 

The truth is Mirabel stopped being Mirabel a long time ago.

The girl who used to dance across the halls, humming under her breath? She's gone. The dreamer who spun stories under Casita's glowing walls? She's vanished.

Somewhere between the ignored birthdays, the hushed whispers of disappointment. The real Mirabel is buried under layers of forced smiles and swallowed screams.

And no one notices.

Or worse—maybe they do, but it’s easier to pretend she’s still that cheerful, resilient girl who doesn’t need saving. Maybe broken things are only worth fixing if they still look whole.

She's just the shadow in the corner, the figure no one glances at twice.

A shell of the brilliant, hopeful girl she once was.

It’s so lonely.

 

---

 

(Mirabel sits in the nursery—the room that never changed, unlike her—staring at the wall as if it might hold answers.)

(Is any of this worth it?)

(The Miracle. The family. The unspoken rule that suffering is just part of being a Madrigal.)

(For the first time, she lets herself consider, Maybe it isn’t.)

(Maybe la familia Madrigal will never change in the ways she hoped they would. Maybe Bruno wasn’t wrong for leaving—maybe he was just brave. Brave enough to walk away from all the lies and blame and suffocating guilt festering behind these golden doors.)

(She wonders if staying is really strength or just another kind of defeat.)

She walks toward her bed, her hand absently tucking a curl of hair behind her ear. But her attention is elsewhere, fixated on the space under her bed. She has to reach deep beneath the wooden frame, fingers curling around the familiar feel of the knife.

(The nursery is empty now)

(Antonio has his own room. She doesn't share a room with anyone anymore. Everyone else is out doing their duties, taking care of Encanto.)

She's alone.

She thinks about it.

(Will they miss her?)

She almost laughs at the absurdity of her thoughts.

(No, of course they won't miss her. They barely noticed she was here in the first place. She was like an afterthought. An inconvenience.)

They will be better off without her. She knows it. No more disappointment. No more shame on the family name. Just like Bruno, she'll be gone.

(But not just by leaving the Encanto, no, that was too good for her.)

She'll disappear, too.

(Except instead of leaving, hers will be a different kind of departure.)

Mirabel's hands don't shake anymore as she presses the blade to her throat.

Fifteen years old. That's how long it took for her to decide—truly decide—that living hurts more than the alternative. That her family, the Miracle, even Casita itself would be better off without her. She's a mistake. A crack in the foundation of their perfect legacy.

And mistakes?

They get erased.

(Her last thought isn't of hope or second chances—just a numb relief that it'll finally stop.)

Chapter 266: Love Of A Blind Girl — Part 2

Notes:

I haven’t posted in 13 days 😭 writer’s block has unfortunately got me and still got me in a chokehold 💔

Isabela is panicking. Hard. She would know if Mirabel was blind. She would realize that Mirabel has been struggling to see for who knows how many years! Everyone else would notice that her little sister couldn’t see!

But they didn’t.

“My…” Isabela’s voice trembles. Has she really been so horrible? So neglectful to Mirabel? How can she be so ignorant? She’s a terrible older sister. “Hermanita,” She hesitantly reaches out to cup Mirabel’s cheeks, heart clenching at the way Mirabel flinches, clearly not expecting her to touch her. “I’m sorry.” But even she knows that a simple apology will never make up for her actions. It will not return Mirabel’s sight. “I-I’m so sorry, I should’ve—“

“—You couldn’t have known.” Mirabel chimes in. She isn’t completely blind. Well, it’s not like she sees complete darkness. Yet. She cannot make out anyone’s faces. She can still, thankfully, perceive some light and dark. She just…forgot what her family looked like. Everyone. How depressing. “It’s not your fault, either. Kinda. I’ve been asking for new glasses and complaining about my worsening eyesight to the adults for years and you? You…”

“I thought you were doing it for attention.” Isabela whispers, horrified. Her little sister’s vision was deteriorating before their very own eyes and she thought she was doing it for attention. For jokes. If they had taken Mirabel’s words seriously, all of this could’ve been avoided. Mirabel would be able to see. “You were hurting and I thought you were doing it for attention!” She sounds hysterical at this right. “We thought you were doing it for attention. Mirabel, o-oh my god, I—I should’ve known! It’s so—it’s so obvious, I mean—“

Mirabel couldn’t even look her in the eyes. Her eyes always seemed unfocused and foggy. How could they be so stupid? She couldn’t even find her glasses when they fell a few feet in front of her.

“I think…it’s harder to focus on other people’s problems when you’re already dealing with your own.” Mirabel responds. “I don’t really…blame you. Considering my circumstances and abuela’s influence, I can tell why you believed that.”

“But it doesn’t mean that it’s right!”

“…You’re right. It doesn’t.” Because Mirabel is angry at Isabela. She’s angry at the way Isabela treated her. “But it doesn’t mean I want you beating yourself over it.” That’s a lie. A part of her finds the suffering that Isabela is going through so painfully good. She finally noticed. Someone finally noticed. A part of her wants them to see the results of their neglect. To feel bad for what they’ve done and haven’t done to her. “I won’t…and it’s not like I’ll get my sight back. Probably. Mamá’s food can’t fix…this. It’s permanent. If anyone is to blame, it would be…” Their parents. Abuela. The actual adults who are supposed to take care of her.

“It doesn’t matter! I’m still supposed to notice these kinds of things! I’m not blin—“ Isabela immediately clamps her mouth shut as Mirabel stills. “I…”

“Well, I’d hope not. We can’t have two blind Madrigals.”

“S-Sorry,” Isabela stammers out. “It’s just…just a, uh, expression…I wouldn’t have…sorry.”

“It’s fine. I wouldn’t take offense to that especially considering I’m blind.”

“Which gives you a bigger reason to be offended!”

“I wouldn’t.”

“I’m—I’m curious. How…how bad is it?”

“…My sight?”

Isabela nods though she’s not so sure if Mirabel can see that. “Y-Yes, your sight. How…how well can you see?”

Mirabel pauses for a moment, thinking of her answer, before replying carefully, “I can’t see you. Just…er, smudges.” She says, and Isabela’s heart breaks. “I…I don’t know what you look like. Or anyone. I can’t remember. Embarrassingly enough, I don’t even know what I look like. Antonio helps me match my clothes.” Her voice is quiet. She doesn’t need her sight to know that someone is crying. “I associate you all with smells. It’s the only way I can recognize you all as family. Your—your scent is obviously flowers.”

Mirabel instinctively associates each member of her family with distinct scents. Alma with the scent of candle wax and smoke. Julieta carried the fresh, earthy scent of herbs, constantly clinging to her hands like second nature. Félix and Pepa both smelled of rain, though Félix’s laughter could be heard from a mile away. Agustín had an affinity for smelling like bananas, resulting in frequent bee stings. Honeybee magnets, indeed. Dolores posed a challenge. She is always so quiet, like a mouse scurrying in the shadows. Luisa’s footsteps were always the heaviest. Deliberate, grounding thuds that echoed before she even spoke. Close enough, Mirabel could catch the musk of sweat and rich earth clinging to her skin, proof of hours spent under the sun hauling and tending to the needs of the townspeople. Camilo, though? A puzzle. His scent flickers like candlelight—one moment sweet pastries from helping in Julieta’s kitchen, the next sharp citrus from a borrowed coat after shifting into some townsperson. He was never just Camilo. Always changing form just before Mirabel could memorize him fully. Antonio is the easy one. He always spoke freely, announcing his presence with a cheerful Hi, Mirabel! making him instantly recognizable among the rest of the family.

Mirabel lets out a startled yelp as arms encircle her. “Isa—?” Isabela didn’t answer immediately. Instead, burying her face in the crook of Mirabel’s neck. She freezes as she feels hot tears soak into her shoulder, Isabela's entire body shaking against her. “I-Isabela…”

Isabela clutches at the back of her blouse like a lifeline, gasping between ragged sobs. “I-I’m sorry!” She chokes out, voice muffled and broken against Mirabel’s skin. “‘M so sorry! I would’ve—I would’ve helped—!” Her grip tightens almost painfully, nails digging into fabric as if afraid Mirabel would vanish if she let go.

And all Mirabel could do is slowly wrap trembling arms around her sister in return—her own eyes burning with unshed tears.

Isabela hadn’t hugged her in ages.

That’s probably what she shouldn’t be focused on out of all things.

She’s starting to feel terribly guilty and she hasn't even done anything wrong!

How is she supposed to comfort Isabela?

What is she supposed to say?

“I-Isabela, can you—can you…possibly tell me what you look like?”

She truly didn’t mean to make Isabela cry harder.

Chapter 267: The Other Casita — Part 3

“I don’t understand,” Mirabel starts, prompting Isabela to let out an attentive hum. “If there’s, uh, another version of my family—you guys, how come there isn’t another me with the…um, buttons?”

Isabela chuckles. It’s sweet and not mocking. Something that Mirabel hasn't heard from her sister in ages. “Mirabel, it’s your Gift. Not any of ours. Why would there be another you?” Her tone softens. “You are our Mirabel. We are your family. There can’t be another you.”

Mirabel finds herself strangely flattered by Isabela’s words. In her world, she knows that she’s replaceable. Antonio had already replaced her. It’s reassuring to be told that there can’t be another her. “Oh,”

Isabela looks at Mirabel fondly. What fools the Madrigals are. They just made everything easier for them. They practically gave Mirabel to them on a golden platter. “Anything you want is possible. Just ask and we’ll give it to you.” Anything to make you stay.

“Even if I ask for another sibling?”

Isabela’s eyes widens a fraction. “You’ll have to ask mamá and pá for that.” She says, tone teasing. “Although mamá is considered a miracle worker, even she can’t guarantee that. She’s, ah, a little older than who a pregnant woman should be. Don’t tell her I said that, she’ll grill my head off!” She exclaims dramatically, causing Mirabel to giggle. “Though I strongly doubt that they would try for another child when they have you. Perfect.”

Mirabel blushes slightly. “You sure do know how to butter me up.”

Isabela shakes her head and looks down at Mirabel. “It’s not buttering you up, it’s just the truth. I’m being perfectly honest, you know? Buttering you up is just a bonus.”

In the distance, they heard the sound of something crashing and laughter.

“It sounds like they’re having fun,” Mirabel mutters absentmindedly. If they ever got this loud in her world, their abuela would immediately scold whoever’s involved. She swears, at times, it seems like her abuela may just be allergic to happiness.

For what feels like an eternity, there's nothing. A sudden, painful silence settles over them all. Isabela, always quick with a retort, is now blankly staring at her.

“Why wouldn’t they?” Isabela starts, brows creased and genuinely looking so confused at her words. “You’re back. They’re setting up the party for you. It seems they can’t contain their excitement.” Laughing, she pulls Mirabel into another hug. “I’m excited. As much as they want to be with you, it’s still a surprise. You have to see it when it’s finished.”

A giggle escapes Mirabel, snuggling into Isabela’s embrace. “Again, buttering me up.”

“Am not,” Isabela counters. “Just happy to see you.”

Mirabel gives a grumble, trying to wiggle her way out of Isabela’s grasp. Thankfully, she lets her go, not without another squeeze, though. “And clingy, huh?”

“Again, happy to see you.” Isabela mocks though not unkindly. “You may have to get used to my clinginess. Oh, and the others. Especially mamá and pá. They’re very, very happy to finally have their youngest back. They just don’t want to let you go,” She smiles. “Ever.”

“Oh, um,” Mirabel tries, not noticing anything strange about that sentence. If anything, she’s still caught off guard by this Isabela being affectionate. “Flattered again?”

Suddenly, Isabela laughs. “My, I have you speechless! I’ll do my best to tone…it down.” She quiets down. “But, really, we are happy to finally have you here. I’m not too sure if we can contain our happiness. It’s surreal. After years, we actually have you. Of course we’re clingy. We’re scared that you might disappear on us.”

Mirabel squints her eyes, rubbing the back of her neck rather awkwardly. “Wow…I’m not even sure that my family has ever been this concerned about me. I bet they didn’t even notice I was gone.” It was meant to be a joke, sorta, but clearly it didn’t land as Isabela frowns. “Sorry, it’s just that I…”

“Ay, Mira…” Isabela manages to say. She looks remotely normal if not for the sadness that tinged her voice. “To us, you’re ours. Our family, I mean. You don’t have to talk about them when they make you upset.” She exhales softly. “You have us. We just want to make you happy. You won’t have a problem or a care in the world when you’re with us.” So please stop talking about them. We are all you need. We’re better, aren’t we? she wants to ask, but chooses against it. “They’re not good for you.” She would say worse but Mirabel still thinks highly of them despite their actions. Too highly in her opinion. “We are.” She realizes that she’s going too deep into this so fast, before adding, “But you’re sweet. You see the best in everyone. I can’t worry myself about the other world too much.”

“It’s, ah, fine. I’m kinda…happy? I guess. I don’t know. That you’re worried about me. My Isa…never mind. You’re just different.” Mirabel admits shyly. “In a good way, of course! Not b-because of the buttons either! I mean they’re different, but probably normal in your eyes—er, buttons—“

“You really are curious,” Isabela genuinely sounds amused as she leans down until she’s eye to eye—eye to button with Mirabel. Her younger sister lets out a startled yelp, looking unsure. “Go ahead. Touch them.”

“But—but those are your eyes!” Mirabel cannot control her volume, staring at Isabela like she’s grown two heads. Maybe so. It’s probably possible in this world. For Christ’s sake, she has buttons for eyes and she is nice! The latter is much more shocking, too. “Wouldn’t it…hurt? Those are your eyes, y’know, if someone directly touched my eyes, it would hurt. I don’t want to hurt you, Isa.”

“Mirabel,” Isabela murmurs, before raising her hand, and tapping her own buttons-for-eyes. “It doesn’t hurt. I promise you. Don’t hesitate. Normal people wouldn’t dare ask,”

“We are far from normal.”

“You’re right,” Isabela sounds pleased. “I won’t force you to touch them. You just seemed curious and I wanted to satiate your curiosity.”

“…Can I?” Mirabel asks hesitantly, reaching out to cup Isabela’s face instead. Her sister would never let her get close to her like this. “Are you sure? Like really sure?”

“You can.” Isabela gives her nod. Then, Mirabel's fingers glide over the smooth, polished buttons sewn into Isabela's face. She doesn’t flinch. She can’t. The dark stitches holding her eyelids open ensure that—no matter how much Mirabel pokes and prods at them—she can't even blink away. “See?” A low hum vibrates in her throat as she leans in closer. “No pain. It feels like actual buttons.” Her grin is sharp-edged when Mirabel pulls back slightly. “This is sweet and all, but did it really answer those pretty little questions rattling around in your head?”

“Uh. Yeah. I’m pretty sure, yes.” This Isabela is rather straightforward in a way that her Isabela isn’t. Her compliments seamlessly blend in with her sentence. “This may be an…invasive question, but were you born with buttons? Or was it like—“

“You were right the first time. We’re born with them.” Isabela murmurs. “We're like every other person, except physically. You though…” Her thumb gently traces the curve of Mirabel's jawline. “You're not.” Her voice drops to a whisper, almost reverent. “Your eyes,” Awe leaks into her tone. “They’re…They're beautiful. They're real.”

Mirabel can feel her cheeks heating up as Isabela leans in, examining her face—specifically, her eyes. “I-I—“ She begins, words failing her. Her proximity is distracting, almost dizzying, filling her nose and thoughts with that heady scent of roses.

“Do you want buttons?” Isabela suddenly asks, never looking away from her.

Mirabel stiffens at the unexpected question. “H-Huh?” She doesn’t quite understand what Isabela means by that.

“Like us!” Isabela clarifies. “Do you want some? You can have them in any color you want! White! Teal! Rainbow! Any! Our family will truly be complete if so! It’d be so nice. Do you? There’s no pressure, but we will be so happy if you say yes!”

“Isabela…” Mirabel practically just met them. She likes them, too. But getting buttons in her eyes? How would she be able to explain that to her family? Also, wouldn’t it hurt? That doesn’t sound fun. “This is…sudden.”

“…Do you not like the idea?” Maybe she did come off as too strong. Shit. She didn’t mean to make Mirabel uncomfortable. Perhaps this is too soon. “Ah, sorry, I-I’m just…excited. To finally have you here, I mean. I wanted you to be…a part of us.” Officially.

“I don’t know—how would I even…even explain the buttons to my family? How would I be able to see—?”

Isabela stills, smile turning more strained. They’re Mirabel’s family now. Not those other Madrigals. “You wouldn’t need to explain anything.” She wouldn’t go back to them. There would be no need to explain something to people who won’t even be there to hear. “You’d be able to see. The buttons are magical. You wouldn’t even notice the difference. It won’t hurt either! Well…only a little, but it’ll feel just like a pinch! You would hardly even notice we’re doing something! You can even be asleep during it!”

If Mirabel had to use one word to describe Isabela, it would be weird.

“No pressure, of course.”

Those Madrigals would really had no idea what had hit them.