Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It had just been another day in the Madrigal family as everyone was getting ready for Antonio's Gift Ceremony. They had been mostly spread out in Casita getting everything set up and ready and Mirabel was keeping Antonio entertained and trying to keep both of them out of the way of the decorating.

"Woah!" They had not however been prepared for Casita to suddenly all but force them into a chair and slide them across the floor and into a hallway.

"What the hell?!"

"What's going on?"

"Camilo is this a prank?"

"Not me this time Mami!"

"Someone explain to me what just happened."

It seemed like the rest of the family were brought sliding down the hallway as well before they were unceremoniously tossed into a room that Mirabel had never seen before. It had some couches and chairs and a table and some snacks and a nice warm fire but... she had never seen this room before.

As everyone got up, Luisa apologizing to their dad for landing on him even though it wasn't her fault, Mirabel glanced around while holding Antonio in her arms protectively. She didn't recognize this room...and there was already someone else here.

"Who are you?" Mirabel's voice cut through the noise of her family trying to figure out what was going on and if anyone was hurt from the surprise slide and rough landing. That and the noise of her Tio Bruno apparently joining them and being near hugged to death by his sisters.

Immediately everyone in the family turned towards her and in turn looked at the young man sitting on a loveseat.

"Oh you haven't met me yet. Nice to meet you. My name's Adrien." The young man, he must be close to Luisa's age, said nodding at them all with a small wave.

"How did you get here? Were you the ones who brought us here?" Abuela asked stepping forward as she stared down the man. Was he a threat? She didn't recognize him and with how small Encanto was everyone knew everyone else. She especially knew everyone in the village.

"Us? Nah we thought you did it. One minute I'm about to be struck by lightning as a warning and the next I'm here with mi amor." The man said nodding towards the snack table where a woman in a teal dress was standing and apparently grabbing some food.

"Struck by lightning? By me? Why would I strike you with lightning as a warning?" Pepa asked looking confused as she looked at the man.

"Because you're very protective of your special little cloud. Right mi vida?" Adrien asked grinning as he looked over at his wife as she turned and started making her way back towards the love seat. Pepa gasped sharply. She only used that title for one person.

"Adrien I swear you'd better not set Tia Pepa off again. She and Tio Bruno had you shaking like a leaf when I managed to call them off." The woman said and everyone gaped as she sat down in Adrien's lap with her plate on her lap, her dress showing off the bulge of her stomach.

"Is that..." Isabela was gaping in disbelief at the woman while Mirabel squeaked, a tic she picked up from Dolores.

"Me?!" Mirabel asked in a rather high pitched voice as she stared wide eyed at the pregnant slightly older version of herself in the mans lap.

"Oh man their faces are hilarious. I wish we had a picture. But yes. Hello family. As you've pointed out I am indeed Mirabel Madrigal. This is my husband Adrien Madrigal." The slightly older Mirabel said kissing her husbands cheek before she began snacking on some of the arepas.

"YOU MARRIED MY SOBRINA?!?!?!" Pepa nearly shrieked, Felix covering Dolores's ears just in time, as thunder and lightning flahsed around the weather witch.

"Tia Pepa please don't kill my husband." Older Mirabel was entirely too calm about this as she contently snacked on the food.

"You don't....you don't look much older than my Mirabel does now. How old are you?" Julieta asked stepping forward and eyeing her daughter with tears in her eyes. Her baby girl was so grown up but still looked so young.

"Seventeen." Older Mirabel said immediately and everyone glanced at Mirabel who was holding Antonio.

"Don't look at me! I don't know him!" Mirabel said defensively while Abuela was glaring at her.

"Of course not. You haven't left the Encanto yet." Older Mirabel said and every head whipped towards her at that.

"You left the Encanto?!" More than a few voices cried out in shock and disbelief as a few looked back at Mirabel who looked just as stunned.

"Mhm. According to the note that was on the table this book here should explain it." Older Mirabel said leaning forward a bit to tap the coffee table that had a note and book on it.

"Why should I accept your husband as part of the family? Especially since it seems you abandoned us?" Abuela demanded sharply but Older Mirabel smiled at her.

"I forgot that being in the past meant you still had your head up your ass. Just read the book Abuela, and be glad the Abuela from my time isn't here. She'd probably punch you for thinking I abandoned you all." Older Mirabel said and everyone gaped at her for that while she took a sip of some orange juice.

"How do I tell between you and my Mira?" Antonio asked as Mirabel let him down from her arms only for him to immediately walk over to Older Mirabel who smiled softly and pulled him onto the loveseat next to her.

"Well everyone can just call me Mira I suppose. Or you can just call me Mami like you do in my time Tonio." Mira said tickling him a little while everyone slowly sat down in stunned disbelief and confusion.

Mirabel squeaked at hearing that Antonio called her mami in the future. Did something happen to Tia Pepa? But that couldn't be possible. Not when Adrien said he had just been threatened by Tia Pepa. Looking over at Tia Pepa who was on a love seat with Tio Felix Mirabel saw the same confusion on her face that she felt, although thankfully it didn't look like Tia Pepa was upset.

"So who wants to read the first chapter?" Adrien asked nodding to the book on the table to bring everyones attention to it.

"Candle in the Night?" Isabela asked reading the title and honestly confused about what the hell was going on anymore as she sat on a couch with Luisa and Dolore. Her little sister, her hermanita, had left the Encanto? And gotten married and pregnant?

"I'll read." Luisa said taking the book into her hands and looking at the small summary on the back of it. She felt her blood run cold and her mouth go dry as she read the summary.

" Mirabel is tired. " Everyone glanced at Mirabel who looked confused.

"Tired of being pushed aside." Suddenly Mirabel found her shoes to be very interesting.

" Tired of being known as the giftless one. She decides to run away the night of Antonio's ceremony far away."

"So this starts next week?" Bruno asked although he looked upset and worried from where he sat in an armchair between the loveseats his sisters were occupying with their husbands.

"Looks like it. Mirabel..." Julieta looked worried as she looked at the younger version of her daugther who was sitting on a couch with Dolores who merely reached over and put one hand on her arm.

"Don't look at me. I've got no clue." Mirabel said and everyone glanced at Mira now who continued to munch on her food while Antonio had his arms around her expanded belly, hugging her close and his head resting on her stomach.

"Will they be able to find her and bring her back home?"

"We shall not leave the encanto to look for you." Abuela said and she was glaring at Mirabel who shrunk in on herself a little bit but wasn't surprised even if it hurt a bit. Dolores wrapped an arm around Mirabel's shoulders and pulled her into a side hug while glaring at Abuela.

"Oh you didn't." Mira said casually and everyone else suddenly looked awkward or upset.

"But you'll figure out what happens faster if you read the story si?"

Adrien apparently feared Pepa, rightly so in everyones minds, but had no fears of Abuela. No one was sure how to take that.

Chapter Text

"Chapter 1, tired of walking alone." Everyone glanced at Mirabel who didn't look at them as she was pulled into Dolores' side. Looking at Mira they saw her tilting her head slightly, a piece of fish in her mouth.

"Probably about the night I ran away then." Mira said and the room seemed to get a lot more gloomy at that. A cloud hanging over Pepa as she latches onto her brother while keeping her eyes on Mirabel, a position mimicked by Julieta.

"Another photo without her in it." There was a minor outrage at that.

"We took a photo without you in it?" Pepa looked alarmed and confused and worried as she stared at her sobrina who just shrugged, not looking at them.

"I'm used to it." Mirabel said and that answer broke their hearts, the cloud over Pepa's head getting bigger and starting to rain a little.

"Pepa your cloud." Abuela said chidingly and Pepa began to mutter clear skies to herself.

"Oh calm down Abuela. Of course she has a cloud, she's hearing how a member of her family is running away." Mira said rolling her eyes at Abuela while Adrien frowned slightly, Pepa looked over at her niece surprised and was rewarded with a warm smile.

"Don't worry Tia Pepa. You know I don't mind the clouds and rain. And I'll try to keep Abuela in check until she gets over herself again so don't worry about repressing your emotions." Mira said and Pepa's cloud diminished some just from hearing that. Everyone was gaping at her slightly while Adrien grinned a bit.

"Until she's threatening to strike me with lightning and gets close to it. That's when you jump in mi vida." Adrien said kissing Mira's neck and she rolled her eyes a bit.

"Yeah Tia Pepa is protective and to be fair she had no idea what was going on when she came to visit. She just knew that I was sitting there crying and you were standing over me. Of course she'd nearly strike you with lightning." Mira said and everyone tensed as they started glaring at Adrien, Luisa cracking her knuckles and Pepa's cloud thundering darkly.

"In my defense, I did not expect you to start crying when we were talking baby names." Adrien said smiling at her and she laughed a bit while the family calmed down at hearing that.

"You already picked out names?" Julieta asked looking curious and eager to know her grandchilds name.

"Yes but we don't know which one we're going to use yet so we'll keep them as a surprise." Mira grinned at her mother before motioning for Luisa to keep reading the book.

"Just a perfect family. Everyone with magic and she was just the defective madrigal." There was another outrage at this.

"Who dared call my little cloud defective!?" Pepa demanded as she glared darkly, thunder and lightning rumbling over her head. Camilo looked ready to start beating people with his fists.

"You are perfect the way you are Mirabel." Dolores murmured to the girl who was cuddling into her side. Something that was quickly echoed by Julieta and Luisa.

"Some of the villagers have been calling me defective since I was five. When I tried to bring it up one time Abuela said that I must have been provoking them or lying and brushed it off telling me to not say another word about it. I got used to it." Mira said shrugging her shoulders unbothered. She was treated to the sight of her mama, Tia, and Tio all glaring at Abuela while her papa and Tio Felix looked very much like they weren't going to stop their respective wives.

Luisa tried to read to distract everyone, making a mental note to get the names of those who insulted her hermana from Dolores later, and then frowned with tears in her eyes as she quietly read the next lines in her mind.

"I don't think I can read this. Now when it's Mirabel running..." Luisa said softly and everyone immediately drooped in on themselves at that.

"Ah I should probably read then. Everyone will definitely be emotional about it. Tonio can you get up for a second please?" Mira asked about to stand and get the book. Before Antonio could even make a move to do anything Camilo was already on his feet with the book in hand to give it to her.

"Here. You should rest right? I know mama was really tired when she was pregnant with Antonio. So you should probably rest and relax...just tell me if you need something." Camilo said and he looked so worried and was hovering slighlty while Mira smiled at him. Pepa smiled as well, her cloud easing slightly. Her hijo's were so sweet and loved tehir prima so much.

"Thank you Cami. I should have remembered that you'd be just as worried and protective as Adrien." Mira said with a laugh as she took the book and Camilo blushed a bit but just retreated back to his seat.

"Mirabel had enough. She took off from the room and ran into the nursery, grabbing a bag and packing it. Casita was clicking in panic, pushing Mirabel’s bags, dumping out clothes." Casita was clicking now as it raised some floor tiles to nudge Mira's ankles gently.

"I know Casita. I'm sorry that I worried you." Mira said smiling softly as she tapped her foot lightly against the tiles.

“Casita stop it! Just let me leave.” Mirabel sobbed as she fell to the floor. “You were always so good to me, but I can’t stay anymore. The only ones to love me were Mama, Papa, and Antonio."

"I love you too Mirabel." Dolores said looking stricken and Mira smiled at everyone while they were rushing to let her know that they loved her. All but Isabela who looked stricken and Abuela who had her face closed off.

"I know everyone loves me don't worry. Everything just got to be too much right then and I had to leave. I know you all love me, and I love everyone too." Mira said and everyone watched as Pepa stood up from the loveseat, grabbed Dolores and Mirabel's hands and dragged them both to the loveseat.

"Mama we're not little anymore. We can't just sit in your lap!" Dolores said although she was smiling a little as her mama sat down and dragged the two of them into her lap, Dolores halfway in her papas lap.

"The hell you can't. You listen to me Mirabel Madrigal." Pepa made sure that Mirabel was staring her in the eyes as she gave her sobrina a serious look.

"I may not have given birth to you but I helped raise you. You are Camilo's gemelo. Dolores loves you like a hermana, Tonio calls you mami. You are part of my family. You are my hija just as much as Dolores is. My niño. Do not ever doubt that I love you just as much as I do them." Pepa said sternly to her sobrina who blushed and looked away but had a small smile on her face.

"I understand Tia." Mirabel murmured and Pepa smiled at her and wrapped one arm around Mirabel and one around Dolores.

"Good now you two are going to sit right here and cuddle with me." Pepa said kissing both of their heads as she held them close. Neither of them protested.

"Hermana stop trying to steal my daughter." Julieta said although she was smiling at her sister.

"I helped raise her she's mine too."

"You two can argue later please. Let me finish this chapter." Mira said although she was smiling at them.

"Please, they’re better off without me.”

"The fuck we are."

"Pepa language!"

"English Juli."

Mira began to read over them to avoid another brewing argument.

"Casita clinked sadly before pushing her the bag of clothes, the window sills frowning. She picked up her bag and placed a kiss on the wall. “Don’t worry, I won’t forget you.” Mirabel held onto her bag and slipped out, trying to remain as quiet as possible. She was about to slip out of the door when she heard a sharp whisper and a hand.

“Mirabel!”

"Someone stopped you?" Camilo looked surprised and worried as he glanced at the rest of the family, wondering who had caught Mirabel.

"No. Not stopped me. Just wanted to see me off." Mira said smiling at Dolores whose eyes had widened.

“Dolores? What are you doing here?” “Sending you off.” Mirabel was confused before Dolores turned her around and placed arepas wrapped in countless napkins into her bag. “So you won’t be hungry.”

"Thanks for that by the way." Mira said grinning at her hermana while everyone was staring at Dolores now.

"Anytime." Dolores said and she smiled at Mirabel who had latched onto her and now there was one big cuddle pile going on. Pepa cuddling both of her girls, Felix holding all three of them, and Dolores and Mirabel cuddling together in Pepa's lap.

"Why wouldn't you stop her?" Isabela demanded staring at Dolores who gave her a cold look in return.

"Because I want my hermana to be happy." Dolores said glaring at her and making Isabela puff up.

"Oh man I forgot how you used to mention you and Isa fighting about that." Mira said looking amused and drawing everyone's attention to her and Adrien.

"Of course the first time I met them officially they were threatening me and working together flawlessly to do it." Adrien said dryly and Pepa looked at her eldest.

"Did you really threaten him?"

"Mama if I did it's in the future so I haven't done it yet."

"But you will?"

"Of course I would. If he wants to marry my hermana he'd better know to treat her right."

"That's my girl!"

"Pepa should you really be encouraging your daughter to act like that?" Abuela asked frowning at her ginger haired daughter who shot her a disbelieving look.

"Of course. She's just protecting her hermana. If he gets scared off by a little threat then he doesn't deserve mi nube." Pepa said as if it were obvious.

"She's still my daughter Pepa."

"I helped raise her and she's Camilos' gemelo. That makes me her second mama."

"Pepa I swear-"

"You know how to swear?"

"Bruno we grew up with Pepa why are you surprised I know how to swear?"

"Good point!"

"Oi!"

"I don't know why you're offended mama. Camilo's first word was a swear."

"Wait I thought you said my first word was papa?"

"It was close enough."

"Pepa!"

"What?!? I'm not wrong!!"

"She really isn't."

"Felix I don't need to hear that."

"Wait what was Cami's first word?" Mirabel asked looking confused and curious.

"Motherfucker." Pepa cheerfully said and Camilo nearly choked, Mira started laughing hard, and Mirabel snorted.

"Like I said. We knew he meant me."

"Dios mios papa."

"I mean...Felix did answer to it which didn't help the situation any."

"You did papa?"

"Of course I did. After all who else would you have been calling that?"

"Felix!"

"Mi vida let's be honest here. He learned the word from you and Abuela looked furious when he said it at dinner. The best thing I could have done was answer to it like he said papa. It had Bruno laughing for an hour."

"He dropped something on his tray, said motherfucker, and you without any hesitation looked at him and asked what he needed. What was I supposed to do? Especially with how red Pepa turned!"

"I would have laughed too." Camilo said snickering because honestly that did sound hilarious.

"It was about as funny as the look on Pepa, Abuela and Juli's faces when Mirabel started talking and the first thing she did was call one lady complaining about a vision I gave her a bitch. While sitting in Pepa's lap."

"I did?" Mira and Mirabel both looked amused and disbelieving about that.

"I remember that. Juli nearly killed me with her rolling pin."

"You taught my daughter how to swear."

"Juli I taught all your kids how to swear. They were bound to pick it up while living with me."

"I will strangle you."

"Better get a chair so you can reach better."

"Sometimes I think you both forget that we're fifty years old not fifteen, and that you both have three children one of which is five years old and in this room." Bruno said dryly to his sisters although he was smiling slightly. It was almost like he had never left at all.

"It's okay Tio Bruno! I hear mama say those words all the time!" Antonio wasn't helping.

"I'm going to keep reading before we get even further off track." Mira said although she was laughing a bit and making a mental note to keep her baby away from Pepa when she was in one of her cursing moods.

“Dolores, why?” Dolores sighed sadly. “You saw me as a person and not a gossip machine."

"You are not a gossip machine Dolores. No matter what anyone says."

"I know papa. Thank you."

"Who's been calling you that hija I just wanna talk."

"I'll help."

"Mirabel please don't encourage mama."

"I promise nothing."

Mira started reading louder over everyone again.

"I took care of you when they pushed you aside. You’re a little sister to me.” Mirabel felt her eyes burn with tears as she rushed forward to hug Dolores. “You’re not going to stop me?” “It would be wrong of me to keep you here. Your adventure is waiting for you, Mirabel. I won’t stop you. Please write to me and I’ll keep it a secret.”

"I'll write to you as much as I can Lola." Mirabel murmured to Dolores as they cuddled together again and Dolores smiled and kissed her head.

"Write me too Mira." Pepa murmured and Mirabel nodded softly as she curled her body mostly into Dolores' while her head was on Pepa's shoulder.

"Dolores wiped away her prima’s tears and held her face. Before leaving, Mirabel gave Dolores the necklace she received as the last birthday gift.

“Keep this to remember me,” she said, putting the necklace onto Dolores who then gave her the pair of earrings she had."

Everyone was silent now but they did look over at Mira who was wearing Dolores' usual earrings.

"I'm giving you one of my dresses or a headband or anything else of mine that you might want so you can remember me too mi nube. Please say it's a dress though, you'd pull off yellow and orange so well."

"Tia..."

"I'm giving you a dress. Yep definitely a dress." Mirabel smiled slightly as she turned to nuzzle Pepas neck, earning a swift kiss on the head from her favorite tia.

“Stay safe, hermanita.” “I will, Lola.” With one last hug, Dolores watched Mirabel sneak into the night. She felt the tears streaming down her face as her prima, her hermana, waved back one last time before disappearing into the ocean of trees. She clasped her hands together and cried as she prayed for her safety. “Protect her.”

"Don't worry Lola. He guided me right to where I needed to be." Mira said reassuringly as she tilted her head to smile at Adrien.

"She can still hear the sound of her footsteps retreating, her heartbeat still strong. She could hear the various sounds. ( Wow this is so much fun!-Another great gift.-)"

"So this happens next week when Antonio gets his gift." Julieta said and Antonio looked worriedly up at Mira.

"Did you leave cause I got a gift? I don't want one if it means you leave." Antonio said and Mira peppered his face in kisses.

"No sweetheart. I didn't leave because of your gift. You have such an amazing gift that you're going to love and it fits you so well. I'm so proud of you and I love you so much, don't ever doubt that. I just knew I had to go for a while okay? But don't worry. You send me lots of letters and I send you lots of pictures and letters too and you are going to be the best playmate in the world to this baby. And none of that would have happened if I didn't leave." Mira said softly as she continued to pepper Antonio in kisses and tickle him until he was laughing again.

Adrien was staring lovestruck at his wife and the adults in the family minus Abuela smiled at seeing how much he adored Mira.

"The sound of the river and birds. Wind and (Lola, I love you.) ‘I love you too, Mirabel.’/"I love you too, Mirabel." Dolores said softly and she kissed Mirabels head again.

"Dolores felt angry with her family, tears streaming down her face. She ran to the painting in the wall and climbed through, running all the way to find her tio."

"What? Bruno?" Julieta asked staring confused at her sobrina and her hermano.

"I've known where he was this whole time but he wanted to be kept hidden. So I kept it a secret." Dolores said and she sat up from the cuddle enough to glare at everyone.

"Ay. Pepa and Julieta are going to kill me." Bruno said wincing since he knew that his secret hiding spot was now revealed.

"Why would we do that?" Pepa asked turning narrowed green eyes onto her brother.

"Why did the way the book describe it sound like you were living in the walls?" Camilo asked and Bruno and Dolores both went very quiet at that.

"THE WALLS?!" There was a twin shriek from his sisters and thunder from Pepa's cloud.

Squeak! While Dolores and Mirabel had both had their hands over Dolores's ears to muffle the noise of the shriek, Dolores knowing it was coming and Mirabel noticing what her hermana was doing, it was still really loud since they were literally right on top of Pepa.

"Oh Dolores sweetie I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell in your ear." Pepa immediately calmed down to look apologetically at her daughter and cluck over her, kissing her forehead in apology.

"The walls Bruno?!" Julieta also lowered her voice with an apologetic look to her sobrina, but was still glaring at her brother who shrugged sheepishly.

"Well I couldn't bring myself to leave ya know? I mean...I love my family, you and Pepa are literally two thirds of my soul...I couldn't just leave everyone but I couldn't stay where Mama could get ahold of me after that vision so...Casita let me stay and I've been able to sneak some of your delicious cooking every once in a while." Bruno said and Camilo jumped up pointing at him.

"That was you! I've been the one getting blamed for that motherfucker!"

"Camilo language!" Julieta immediately scolded him but Bruno looked his sobrino right in the eyes with a straight face.

"Camilo. I've done a lot of things, but your mother isn't one of them." Mirabel, Mira, and Dolores started snickering at that.

"Bruno!"

"What?! You're my sister, my triplet! That's just gross and wrong! Besides that's Felix's job and since you had a kid at forty five he must still be doing a good job."

"You aren't wrong but that doesn't mean you should say it!"

"Well I would have said that I don't fuck mothers but I would have just been lying about that one."

"Wait what?"

"Remember when we were twenty three?"

"Oh...OH YEAH! I forgot about that!"

"How did you forget that? I was scarred for life."

"That's because you walked in on them, I only heard about it from you."

"Gee thanks for the reminder Pepa."

"Anytime Juli!"

"Can we please keep reading the book? I really don't want to hear about mama, Tia Julieta's, or Tio Bruno's sex life." Camilo said pulling a face as he sat back down.

"You're the one who implied that I keep it in the family."

"Okay let's stop this here."

"Keep reading nube, please."

“Tio!” “Dolores, what’s wrong sobrina?” Bruno asked as she made her way through the room. “She’s gone. She’s gone.” “Who’s gone?” “Mirabel, mi hermanita.” Bruno held onto the sobbing girl before turning to the new vision he had. So it was true.

Mirabel was leaving."

"You had a vision of her leaving?!"

"That was my first one in ten years and it was about my sobrina leaving. And it happened the night that she was leaving or else I would have probably left the walls and said something."

"I still can't believe that you lived in the fucking walls Brunito."

"And I can't believe that you still act like you're twenty despite being fifty and having three kids."

"Ay!"

"I'm just jealous that she's the only one of us three without grey hairs. And that she can still fit into her wedding dress."

"Trust me. Camilo has been trying to give me grey hairs."

"And yet you're still as beautiful and look as young as the day we married mi vida."

"Te amo, mi amor." Pepa and Felix exchanged a sweet kiss while Dolores and Mirabel were either pulling faces or cooing over the two. Camilo fake gagged.

"Oh don't fake gag like that Cami. How else do you think the three of us were born?"

"I'd rather not think about that thank you."

"Mirabel was at the edge of the river where her Abuelo died."

All the humor drained out of the room and Abuela sucked in a sharp breath at that, her gaze locked onto the book.

"Where the miracle was born. Her stomach lurched. Why? Why did she have to remember her mama? Her sweet mama who babied her and loved her even though she had no gift. Her mama who would give her life to protect Mirabel."

"In an instant. I'd rather die than watch any of my hijas die before me." Julieta's voice was firm and Agustin nodded seriously as he wrapped an arm around her.

"Anyone wants to hurt or kill my hermana or our niños they're going through me and a hurricane first!"

"I'll make sure I look into the future and tell you who to go after."

"Appreciate it Brunito."

"Try not to break your hand this time Pepa."

"I stand by what I said. It was worth it and Ricardo never bugged Bruno again now did he?"

"I want to hear the story behind that." Dolores said looking at her mother curiously.

"I'll tell you later hija." Pepa said kissing Dolores' head with a smile.

"Mirabel fell to her knees and felt the tears. She didn’t even say goodbye or an ‘I love you’ to her mama or papa. Dolores was the only one she got to say goodbye to. Dolores wanted her to be happy. Oh, Dolores. Her prima. Her true hermana when Isabela couldn’t be one. She was going to miss her."

"What...what do you mean when I couldn't be one?" Isabela asked quietly and she looked stricken. Mirabel gave her a flat look, raising up from Pepa's arms and neck and Dolores' tight comforting hold to stare at her hermana.

"For the last ten years you've either pushed me to the side, ignored me, or got mad at me for even coming near you. Luisa at least had the excuse of being overworked by the villagers for why she couldn't spend time with me. And she tried to spend time with me when she could. You didn't even try." Mirabel said and Isabela looked stricken at that and fell silent while Luisa looked a bit upset at not having spent a lot of time with her hermana.

"Dolores is my hermana just as much as Luisa is. Don't like it? Go whine and complain to someone who cares." Mirabel grumbled as she cuddled into Dolores and Pepa again, earning kisses on the head from both of them.

"Don't worry mini-me. Isa gets better." Mira said smiling at her younger self who had been bottling that up for ten years. That and her cramps were pretty bad from what Mira could recall, which was probably why she was cuddling into Dolores and Pepa so much. Dolores was safe and warm and loving and quiet and Tia Pepa although louder was just as loving and safe and even warmer given that her body was naturally warmer than anyone elses due to her gift. Tia Pepa was a living heat pack or ice pack if it started snowing around her.

"Oh Mirabel's tummy hurts. That's why she's so grumpy." Antonio said looking at Mirabel and Dolores and Pepa immediately looked at each other. They knew the feeling and Felix was already getting some extra cushions set up behind the three. Mirabel wasn't going to be getting up and leaving Pepa's arms anytime soon. Or Dolores' for that matter. Pepa adjusted her hold slgihtly and warmed her body up a little bit more to be more comfortable and was rewarded with Mirabel sighing contently and melting against her Tia and Prima.

Camilo also understood immediately and raced to the snack table, bringing back plates of food and some drinks for his mama and hermanas. Bruno eyed his sobrina warily and scooted a little closer to Julieta's loveseat just in case. He remembered growing up with his sisters when their cramps got bad and while Mirabel might not be able to strike him or shock him with lightning he wouldn't put it past her to have something up her sleeve just in case.

Mira just chuckled as she turned back to the book.

"Getting up on shaky legs, she placed one foot in the water, her whole body submerged as she trekked through the coldness. She made it to the end and smiled sadly at the home she knew. No, it wasn’t her home. Casita was a house, but her family never made it feel like home."

"I'm so sorry I didn't try harder mi nube." Pepa whispered to Mirabel who hummed tiredly.

"Don't worry Casita. You're still home, it just took a while for my head to clear and be on straight." Mira was reassuring Casita who had drooped slightly while Julieta was getting up like she was about to go to her daughter but Antonio leaned up, putting his little hands on her cheeks and looked Mira in the eyes.

"You're my home Mami. I would have gone with you." Antonio said with such seriousness it stole everyones breath away.

"That's sweet Tonio but it's okay. You needed to stay here with everyone. Casita and the family are still my home. I just needed to leave for a while. I promise I'll be back." Mira said smiling as she kissed Antonio's head while he stared at her for another minute.

"Promise you'll be back?" Antonio asked and Mira nodded as she lowered her voice so only he and Dolores could hear.

"Don't tell anyone but after the baby is born, Adrien, his family and I are moving to Encanto. Just be patient Antonio and I promise I'll be back. You got to secure your hermano title for the baby don't you?" Mira asked and Antonio beamed at this and nodded his head happily.

"Okay then!" Antonio said and Mira kissed his head again while he kissed her cheek before he settled back down near her stomach and kissed it.

"I'm going to be your best friend and hermano." Antonio was whispering to the unborn baby and Dolores let out a squeak and cooed, whispering to her mama what she had just heard and causing a small rainbow to appear.

"She pushed on and walked on the bank of the river. “I’m sorry, Mama. Please don’t look for me.”

That was the last time la Familia Madrigal would see Mirabel."

"Wait the last time we would see you?!" There was an outrage over that as everyone looked at Mira who raised an eyebrow.

"The book is being dramatic. You all see me again don't worry." That calmed everyone down a bit however and earned large sighs of relief from them.

"Now who wants to read chapter two?" Mira asked holding out the book.

"I will hermana." Luisa said standing and going to get the book. She took that chance to kiss her sisters head and give Adrien a hard stare.

"If I don't think you're good enough for my hermana, or if I read one hint of you hurting her or making her cry. I will break every bone in your body slowly and with glee." Luisa whispered and earning a squeak from Dolores who looked at her surprised but then threw her a thumbs up as Luisa returned to the couch.

"..."Adrien stared after Luisa a little pale before he looked at his giggling wife.

"Am...Is your family going to threaten me all over again?" Adrien asked and he was answered by a small crack of thunder from Pepa and he noticed Bruno's eyes glowing green.

"Damn right we are." All three of the triplets said that and Adrien gulped loudly when he saw the dark warning look in Julieta's eyes.

Why did he feel like she would kill him and hide his body by baking him?

Chapter Text

"Chapter 2 first days alone." Luisa read that and everyone seemed to droop slightly as they realized that Mirabel was officially gone from Casita and the Encanto by now.

"She was walking for a while now, munching on arepas as she pushed through the trees and bushes. Adjusting her bag, she stepped across branches and watched as the trees had swayed with the calm wind. “This isn’t ba-UGH!” Mirabel yelled out as she fell down the mountainside along with the leaves."

"Taking after papa are you Mirabel?" Luisa asked with a small grin towards her sister while the rest of the family snickered slightly.

"Screw all of you." Mirabel muttered into Pepa's neck and she gave a small chuckle.

“Mierda, that hurt.” “Ay Dios, chica. Are you ok?” Mirabel looked up at the woman who stared at her with a little girl on her back. “Si, senora. I’m fine.” “Chica, you look like you’ve been traveling for hours. Come come. You can stay with me.” Mirabel grabbed onto her hand as she lead her through the trees and into a small town."

"Mirabel don't just talk to and trust strangers!" Julieta said sighing at her youngest who gave a small shrug.

"Considering that stranger is Adriens mama I think it's a good thing I did." Mira said cuddling into her husband while Julieta looked a little relieved at that.

“Where are we?” “La Macarena. You passed from Caño Cristales correct?” The young girl floundered. “How?” “Pequena no one has ever crossed the cristales unless you come from there or somewhere near there. Did you run away?”

"Smart woman." Bruno said looking a bit impressed by the womans deduction abilities.

"Mama has always been smart!" Adrien said proudly.

"Sounds like someone is a mama's boy." Camilo teased and everyone except Antonio and Abuela snorted at that.

"Camilo you were a mama's boy ever since you were born. You literally would not stop crying if anyone other than Pepa held you." Bruno said looking at his nephew bemused and making the boy blush a bit.

"Not to mention when she was pregnant. Out of her three pregnancies Camilo's gave her the least amount of trouble and he only kicked when no one else except maybe Julieta was touching her belly." Felix said and he pouted a bit. He still couldn't believe his eldest son hadn't kicked whenever Felix tried to feel back when Pepa had been pregnant.

"Stop pouting dear. It only makes sense. Dolores only kicked for you. Camilo only kicked for me, and Tonio only kicked for Mira." Pepa said smiling at her husband while Dolores pouted slightly at that. As did Camilo. After all Antonio was their brother but he never kicked their hands when Mama was pregnant.

"That's cause Mirabel's my favorite." Antonio spared no thoughts for anyones feelings as he said that, making Mirabel huff a small laugh while Dolores and Camilo pouted further at their hermano.

"Well this baby has everyone spoiled because they kick all the time for everyone to feel." Mira said laughing a bit as she rubbed a hand over her stomach and Antonio eagerly put his hand on her belly again to feel the kicks.

"A small nod was given as she was led into a small house, where she was met with other people. “Hi, I’m Jorge!” The little boy said. He had curly hair and tanned brown skin, much like Camilo. Oh, she missed her primos so much. “I’m Mirabel.” “You’re so pretty! Can you stay with my older brother?”

"Your little brother is trying to set you up." Camilo started laughing at that as he looked at an embarrassed Adrien.

"Don't underestimate the help of the hermano. If it wasn't for me you wouldn't have been born." Bruno said pointing at Camilo and everyone turned to look at him while Pepa blushed a bit but grinned.

"Mama tried to pressure you into having a vision of the perfect husband for us when we were sixteen. You did have a small vision to make sure we'd be happy and see who we'd be the happiest with. You never told us or showed us the vision tablet from that vision. But when Mama tried to get Pepa to go on a date with one of the Miguel boys you walked right up to him while they were on the date and broke his nose. Pepa got so mad at you for that and the argument you had that she ran off while storming and next thing we know a young man in red with a yellow umbrella is making her laugh and walking her back to Casita." Julieta said dryly to her brother who grinned at her unrepentant.

"So is that why you were waiting outside of my house that morning and handed me a yellow umbrella saying that I'd need it?" Felix asked suddenly as he looked at Bruno who nodded.

"If Pepa married that Miguel brat she'd be utterly miserable and would have rather died than have his child. Plus I saw some visions of her life with him if she did marry him, the minute I saw those bruises..." Bruno trailed off with glowing green eyes and a scowl on his face. Pepa looked alarmed and Felix pulled her, and their two girls by extension, closer protectively with a dark look on his face.

"Why didn't you tell me that instead of just breaking his nose and starting that argument?" Pepa asked looking at her brother who raised an eyebrow at her.

"Pepita you were the most rebellious out of us three growing up. If I told you he wasn't the one for you without any other context then there was way too high of a chance of you deciding to ignore me and date him anyways. If I showed you the image you would have gotten pissed at me for looking into your love life. I decided to go with the best path that did not result in me getting struck by lightning...again." Bruno said giving her a look and she had to admit that he had a point there. She would have been pissed that he looked into her love life and she probably would have dated Miguel out of spite.

"It was still funny seeing that Miguel brat trying to explain to me why he had a broken nose when he had been on a date with Pepa. I thought Pepa had done it, especially when the storm started, but instead it was Brunito who was a tiny little twig." Julieta said grinning at her brother who gave her a grin in return.

"I might be a twig but don't forget that I still wrestled with Pepa all the time growing up. Of course I knew how to throw a punch." Bruno said and Pepa laughed at that.

"Yeah I'd beat up any of the bullies that went after my Brunito while he beat up anyone who badmouthed me." Pepa said grinning at her brother while Julieta sighed slightly.

"Whereas I had to heal you two after every fight and heal the ones you beat up." Julieta said giving them both an unimpressed look.

"Except that Juane guy. He didn't even have the tact to omit the fact that I broke his nose and arm because he had tried groping Pepa when he asked you for an Arepa. You broke his hand with your rolling pin and then gave him an arepa while saying that no one would ever believe him." Bruno said making her blush slightly while the kids all stared at Julieta in disbelief.

"You shouldn't throw around accusations Brunito. After all I know for a fact that there is no proof that ever happened." Julieta said and Mira was grinning.

"Go mom." Mirabel muttered and Dolores let out a hum of agreement. Luisa quickly kept reading before they got distracted even further.

"Another man, who she presumed was the father, laughed aloud, grabbing the young boy. “Jorge, she’s a guest. Besides, you can’t plan your brother’s life.”

"The youngest siblings job is to help set up the older siblings and plan their lives." Bruno said sagely and Mirabel and Antonio perked up.

"So that means I can help set up Isabela and Luisa?" Mirabel asked and Abuela scowled at her slightly.

"Isabela is already dating Mariano." Abuela said and she didn't notice Isabela's slight flinch. But Mirabel, Dolores, Julieta and Pepa did. And they resolved to talk to her about it later. Luisa kept reading before Mirabel could turn on her next.

“But Papi, he doesn’t really have long.” Mirabel felt sadness take over her being. Was the brother dying?"

"Before anyone asks. No I am not dying. My hermano just listens to the abuelas in town that say if a man isn't married by eighteen he will forever be alone." Adrien said rolling his eyes at that and causing scoffs throughout the room.

"That's ridiculous. Agustin and Julieta didn't marry until they were twenty four, and Felix and I married a year after them." Pepa rolled her eyes at that thought and Abuela frowned a bit.

"Maybe so but that was a popular belief back when I was younger. The town was surprised that Pedro and I married when we were twenty eight since by then everyone that knew us thought we would never wed." Abuela said causing everyone to look at her, her kids especially. She almost never talked about their father outside of the story of his sacrifice after all. Abuela ignored their looks however and stared at Luisa until she kept reading.

“I’m sorry Mirabel, it’s just Jorge is worried that his older brother will die alone.” “No no, it’s sweet.” “oh how silly of me, I’m Mariana. That’s my husband, Aaron, and my son, Jorge. This little one is Sofia. My oldest son isn’t here since he’s working.” The woman, Mariana, smiled gently at her. It reminded her of her mother."

"Yeah it was a surprise when I met your mama mi vida. She reminded me of mine so much..." Adrien said and Julieta smiled slightly. She took that as a compliment because if that woman reminded Mirabel of her then that meant that Mirabel was in good hands.

"She was pulled to the table to sit as Mariana brought out a cloth and water to clean the young girl. “Tell me, Mirabel. Where exactly are you from and why did you run?”

Everyone wilted slightly at this again.

“You wouldn’t really believe it.” “try me.” Mirabel chuckled before sucking in a breath. “I am from across the Caño Cristales, from a small town we called the Encanto. It’s magical. My family is magical,” she said, slumping in her chair. “What can they do?”

"I like how she didn't even doubt that for a second. Just ready to believe her immediately." Camilo said with a small grin and Adrien laughed.

"Trading caravans pass through our town often. There has always been stories and myths of a magical safe haven. No one has just ever bothered to go looking for it themselves." Adrien said and that honestly explained it, making the others nod in agreement.

“My Tia Pepa-" Pepa squealed and cooed as she hugged Mirabel, thrilled that she was the first one her sobrina talked about"- she can control the weather with her emotions. My Tio Bruno can see the future. My mama, Julieta, can heal people with food.” Mariana looked at the young girl in awe. “Are you an only child?” Mirabel giggled. “Certainly not, I have sisters and cousins.” She sucked in a breath as she remembered. “My eldest sister Dolores can hear things from miles away and my other sister, Luisa, is super strong! My eldest cousin Isabela-"

Isabela flinched at being called a cousin and not a sister while Dolores was close to falling asleep as she cuddled with her parents and hermana, smiling at being called a sister. Julieta flinched at hearing how Mirabel didn't even see Isabela as a sister, but Pepa smiled slightly at her eldest being Mirabels sister.

"-can make flowers or plants bloom. My primo Camilo can turn into other people and Antonio can talk to animals!”

"I can talk to animals?!" Antonio looked thrilled at this as he looked at Mira who laughed and nodded.

"You do! Nearly gave Adrien a heart attack when you came to visit one day and he came home from work to find a jaguar laying on my lap like a house cat." Mira said and Adrien looked a bit embarrassed but everyone nodded slightly. Yeah they'd probably have a heart attack too in that case.

Antonio's face turned as serious as it could as he looked at Adrien.

"That means that if you hurt mami I can ask a jaguar to eat you." Antonio said with all the seriousness he could project and it caused Dolores to snort slightly while Camilo laughed. Bruno face palmed but smiled, Julieta sighed but looked fond and the duo of Agustin and Felix laughed loudly.

"That's my boy!" Pepa was beaming widely at that as she looked at Antonio while Mira laughed again.

"That's the same threat you gave him when you met him too." Mira said and Antonio grinned as he cuddled back against her, feeling the baby kick and talking to it softly. Abuela smiled proudly at Antonio, talking to animals. What a good gift, a useful one.

"Mariana continued to look in awe. “What about you? What’s your gift?” Mirabel wiped her eyes before she scoffed. “That’s why I left. I had no gift.” And all the humor drained out immediately at those words, Pepa and Dolores tightening their grip on Mirabel.

“What about your outfit? Did you embroider that?” “I did.” “Mija, you do have a gift. It’s a beautiful one too! Everyone else would see it as beautiful.”

"You really do have a gift with designing mi vida. I've seen those outfits you had started making for your mama and Tia and Tio's birthday and they are gorgeous." Adrien said kissing his wife's head and she smiled at him.

"It might not be magical but you're amazing with sewing and embroidery and that counts as a gift too." Dolores murmured as she looked at Mirabel, her eyes glancing over the embroidery of her outfit and she felt her heart nearly burst when she saw how each embroider had something to represent their family members.

"Mariana held onto Mirabel’s hands. She sniffed. “You remind me so much of my mama,” she choked out, pulling a picture out of her pocket from one of her birthdays. It was the only picture she took of her and her mama."

"It's also one of the only pictures in the house of Mirabel." Dolores muttered a bit upset about that. She felt her mama tense.

"What do you mean mi viento suave?" Her mama asked and Dolores gave a small snarl as she whispered so only her mama could hear.

"We're only allowed in the family pictures after we turn five and get our gifts. Since Mirabel didn't get a gift she wasn't in the family pictures, just like it said at the start of the book. Another family picture without her in it. I can count the number of pictures she's in on both my hands and have fingers left over. And most of those are the ones I took." Dolores said and she could feel a cloud start brewing over her Mama's head.

"Pepa you have a-"

"Abuela I love you but leave her alone about the fucking cloud." Mira said glaring darkly at Abuela as she cut the woman off, causing everyone to whip around to look at her in shock.

"She probably heard something bad or thought of something that upset her. Stop asking her to repress her emotions. She's not a fucking machine, she's a human being. Humans are beings of emotion, so shut up about her showing her emotions and let her have a fucking cloud already." Mira said and Abuela was so stunned she actually closed her mouth. Pepa was gaping at Mira so much that her cloud vanished.

"Go me." Mirabel said muttering into her Tia's shoulder and causing Dolores and Pepa both to snort slightly.

"Thank you Mira. And Mirabel don't ever change." Pepa said smiling at Mira before whispering that last part as she kissed Mirabel's head, making a mental note to pull the girl into every picture she could from now on.

"There was so much love in her eyes as she stared at her little girl lovingly. Mariana looked at the picture. “She is very beautiful. I can see where you got your beauty from. Do you miss her?”

"Every day." Mira said sighing but she smiled as her mama finally got up and came over to sit beside her, Antonio scooching over to fully be in Mira's diminished lap space.

“I do. I would have stayed for her. I didn’t even say goodbye to her or my papa.” Mirabel broke down in sobs as she grabbed the photo and clutched it close. Mariana held onto the girl as she cried, feeling the sadness of missing a mother. “It’s ok chica. Stay with us for a while before you go home. We will support you.” Mirabel nodded into her shoulder as they got up."

"Thank your mother for me for taking care of mi nube."

"While I agree with you...Pepa stop trying to steal my youngest!"

"I'm her second mother!"

"So they've been doing this for a while? Not just since they started coming to visit us?" Adrien asked looking amused as he looked at his wife.

"Mama has always claimed Mirabel as one of hers. Saying that since she helped raise Mirabel and since Camilo was her twin that made her Mirabel's second mama." Dolores piped up with that.

"Pepa stop trying to steal my daughter!"

"She's mine too!"

"Luisa please read or this will go on for an hour." Bruno said sighing and Luisa decided to do as he said and keep reading. It worked in getting the two to be quiet in order to hear the story.

“Don’t worry we’re here.” They sat there in silence before Jorge ran in yelling “Adrien is here!” “Oh Mirabel, you must meet my oldest!” She pulled the girl to her feet and led her to the dining table. “Adrien!” “Mama! te extrañé!” Mirabel watched the young male twirl his mother around, then going in to pick up his younger siblings. “Adrien, meet Mirabel. She’s going to stay with us.”
When their eyes met, Adrien’s face went red as he stuttered."

"Love at first sight huh?" Luisa asked amused as she looked at her sister who blushed a bit and didn't refute it.

"Awww that's so romantic!" Pepa had a small rainbow over her head as she stared at the married couple who blushed a bit.

"Like two soulmates drawn together in an act of fate." Pepa swooned and Mirabel blushed brightly on her shoulder.

"You've been reading too many romance novels again Tia."

"No such thing Mira!"

“Hola, senorita.” “Hola.” Mirabel was blushing, cause my goodness wasn’t he good-looking. Dark brown hair, tanned skin, and hazel eyes. He was tall too, with a light build to his body. Why did they remind her of her mama and papa?
Mariana walked to her husband and they watched the flustered interaction."

"Two bumbling dorks in love. How cute." Camilo teased his prima with a grin.

"Don't worry Cami. Maybe one day you'll find someone who can either make you grow up or be just as childish as you are." Mira said without batting an eye and making Camilo gape at her for a minute.

"I have some friends that think you're neat." Antonio offered which made most of the family snicker.

"No thank you Antonio. I don't need my little brothers help to get a date." Camilo said and Bruno snorted slightly.

"Funny. That's the same thing your mother and tia said. But they're still very happy with the people I set them up with." Bruno said looking at his sisters and then his eyes started glowing as some sand started whipping around him.

"You two better still be making my hermanas happy." Bruno growled threateningly and Felix and Agustin both nodded their heads rapidly, paling a little bit.

"Don't worry Brunito. Felix still makes me very happy." Pepa said giving her husband bedroom eyes and making her brother pull a face at her while Felix grinned and the two exchanged another sweet kiss.

"And you know that Agustin still makes me happy as well." Julieta said smiling at her husband who winked at her.

"Good cause if they don't...well...my room does have a heck of a drop and plenty of sand to cover the body." Bruno said with a dark grin on his face and making everyone stare at him.

"There is a very good reason why he's one of the three that scares me the most." Adrien said eyeing Bruno warily and earning a laugh from Mira.

"There's only two sentences left now." Luisa announced making everyone quiet down to let her finish.

“They’re going to get married before he leaves.” “Put money on it first.”

"Betting on your relationship already? I like them." Pepa said with a grin.

"You would." Bruno said smirking at his hermana.

"Who wants to read next?" Luisa asked holding out the book. Camilo swiped it from her hand immediately.

"Oh we should probably take turns threatening Adrien right? Does Antonio saying he could ask a jaguar to eat him count as the turn for this chapter or not?" Camilo asked glancing at everyone and then at Adrien.

"Having a five year old threatening to get a jaguar to eat you sounds like it should do it for this chapter. You can threaten him during or after the next chapter mi camaleón." Pepa said after a few seconds of everyone thinking about it.

Honestly Adrien didn't know whether to feel relieved about that or not.

Chapter Text

"I can't tell you." Camilo paused as he looked at the title looking confused.

"Who's can't tell who what?" Camilo asked confused as he looked up at everyone.

"You're the one with the book Camilo." Julieta said smiling at him softly and Camilo blushed a bit as he ducked his head and looked back at the book, earning snickers or snorts from everyone.

"Dolores woke up with various noises everywhere. She was tired. She was sad. It’s been a couple of hours since Mirabel left and all she could do was cry."

''So this must be the morning after I left. Sorry I made you cry Lola." Mira said looking apologetically at her prima.

"Don't be. I just saw my prima, her hermana, leave us and didn't know where she was going or if she was safe. Of course I was going to cry." Dolores said shaking her head and she wrapped one arm around the lightly dozing Mirabel. She knew that Mirabel was still half awake, barely able to listen to everyone and the story, but she was mostly out of it and she winced. Man the cramps had to be killer this time.

"She really misses her already and hopes she was safe. Getting out of bed, she hid her red eyes behind make-up and went downstairs, acting normal.

“Good morning, sobrina!” “Good morning, Tia. Are we eating outside today?” Julieta nodded in response, Dolores helping her take the food outside. The sun was too bright, and her head hurt. Sitting down, she stared across at what used to be Mirabel’s place at the table. No one really noticed, did they?" Everyone flinched at that.

"We...We didn't notice she wasn't there?" Julieta asked looking struck by that and Mira shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't know." Mira said and everyone winced, oh yeah...she wasn't there. Of course she wouldn't know.

“What a wonderful day since we have been blessed by a new gift. Now we have our engagement for our Isabela! Dolores, do we have a date?”

She was out of it, cutting off her hearing. ‘I hope Mirabel is safe. Will she send me a letter?’ “Dolores? Mija, are you ok?” Pepa asked, grabbing her daughter’s hand. She gave a weak smile."

"Of course I sent you letters. I made a promise and you know I always keep my promises." Mira said smiling at Dolores who glanced up at her and nodded but she was starting to be lulled into a light sleep as well. After all she could hear her mama's heart beat, her papas, her hermana and hermanos', even the unborn baby in Mira's belly. She could hear their heart beats and it was like a soothing lullaby to her.

“Sorry mama, I’m still a bit tired. And tonight Abuela. He wants 5 babies,” Dolores said, amusement in her eyes as she watched her older cousin." Isabela gave a small 'ep' at that and flowers sprouted in her hair. Abuela absently plucking out the white one so that only the pink ones remained.

"That's wonderful!" Abuela looked pleased but Agustin and Felix exchanged looks over the others heads. Isabela...didn't really look too happy. They recalled how happy Pepa and Julieta had been when they had proposed or when the woman knew they were thinking of proposing. Isabela....didn't show any of that same happiness.

“Wonderful!” The rest was just a blur. Dolores had the day off while the rest of the family left casita.

She climbed through the painting and walked through the small walkway in despair. Knocking on the door, she held onto herself as she was ushered in. “Dolores, what’s wrong?” “They didn’t even notice she was gone.”

Everyone deflated at that and there was a rain cloud over Pepa's head that she hurriedly batted away before it could rain on her two hermanas in her lap. Camilo had even lost his enthusiasm for reading the story. Abuela felt a small flash of guilt go through her that she hurriedly stamped out.

"Bruno hugged his sobrina as she released shuttering breaths. “You know what Mirabel would say? She would say: Dolores don’t be sad I’m gone. Be angry that they didn’t care. Cause drama and keep secrets,”

"Yeah that sounds about right." Mira said with a grin while Mirabel gave a sleepy murmur of agreement.

"I mean I'd probably throw in that she needs to throw or break something if she's that upset but yeah that's about what I'd say." Mira said and she was the only one who didn't seem to be too upset about how no one had noticed she was gone yet.

"Bruno said as he wiped her tears. Dolores laughed. That’s exactly what Mirabel would say. “It’s time for that engagement dinner. Go get ready.”

With a final push, she walked to her bedroom, a rest ‘don’t test me’ look on her face as she got ready. She picked up the necklace Mirabel gave her and put it on. ( “Ay Agustin. I’m worried about Mirabel. She didn’t show up for breakfast and I haven’t seen her all day.” “She’s probably tired mi amor, but we’ll check on her to bring her down for dinner.”)

"See? You did notice, you just thought I was tired from the party which is fair." Mira said smiling at her mother who was side hugging her and looked so devastated that she hadn't noticed her youngest missing.

(“I don’t want Mirabel in the way of tonight.”)

"Someone wants my foot up their ass." Dolores growled under her breath into her mama's shoulder as she drowsily heard that. Her mama snorted slightly and kissed her head, whispering softly.

"That and they want my high heels down their throat."

(“Mama, where’s Mirabel?”) (“Isabela! Your Boyfriend’s here!”) This was going to be harder than she thought it would be. " There was a whispered Sorry from Mira but no one else heard it but Dolores.

"At the table, everyone conversed, except for Julieta and Agustin who both looked at the empty chair. Pepa can feel her hermana’s distress, leaning over to whisper “Don’t worry, I’ll go get her. I’m going to put Antonio to bed.”

"Ohhh Mama's going to find out first. That's going to be a mess." Camilo winced as he read that.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Pepa asked giving her son a challenging look.

"Mirabel is pretty much my hermana and you treat her like it. We both know you won't be calm or happy to find out that she's missing and has been all day." Camilo said making his mother pause and then nod. Yeah that was a good point. She would definitely be thundering to find her mija missing and probably create a hurricane trying to find her.

"Pepa excused herself before heading up the stairs with her son in her arms. Mariano had his eyes on Dolores and smiled. “Dolores, I like your necklace. It is beautiful.” Isabela looked closer at it from her chair before they narrowed. “That’s Mirabel’s necklace. Why do you have it?”

"Now we're getting to the part where everything goes down." Camilo said his eyes glinting and there was a mischievous smile on his face.

"Why do you look so thrilled about this Camilo?" Abuela asked shooting him a dark look.

"Because it's about time someone knocked senorita perfect off of her high horse." Camilo said immediately as he glanced at Isabela who flinched at the title and glared at him before he ducked his head to keep reading.

"Keep glaring at my mijo mama. See where that leads." His mama growled with a thunder backing her up as she glared at Abuela and Camilo bit down a grin. His mama was the best.

“None of your business.” “Dolores!” Abuela hissed as she watched the girl shrugged. Isabela’s temper spiked at the attitude of her cousin. “Why do you have Mirabel’s necklace?” She said in a scary tone. Mariano and his mother looked at the pair before Abuela took them to the living room. “Dolores.” “That’s for me to know and for you to never find out Senorita Perfect,” Dolores snapped. Camilo choked on his food. Dolores was never like this. What was going on?"

"Go hermana!" Camilo cheered slightly and Dolores snorted softly with her eyes closed. Isabela looked like she had been slapped, Dolores had never called her that before.

"Read the book Cami. You can cheer her on afterwards." Mira said although she was amused but also a bit guilty as she shot Isabela an apologetic look.

"Alma came back into the dining room where she watched the eldest grandchildren glare at each other. “Dolores. Isabela.” They looked to their Abuela and she was shocked to see hatred in Dolores’ eyes."

"Ohhh and she's the calmest of them all. If she's looking at you like that you know you've fucked up." Pepa said although she was grinning slightly. While her eldest might usually be the calmest and quietest one, she did truly have the same temper Pepa herself had. When she was finally ignited she blew up like a bomb.

"She was always the calm one. Always quiet and never spoke aloud. “Why do you have her necklace?” “Don’t start.” “Just tell me!” “She gave it to me!” “Why?!”

"Cause I'm her hermana and fuck you that's why." Dolores grunted into her mothers shoulder and Pepa snorted slightly. Mirabel had a small grin on her face and Felix snickered as he kissed his eldest daughters head.

“Dolores, can I-can I see the necklace?” Julieta asked, who was wringing her hands on her skirt, anxious. Dolores walked over to her and Julieta touched the piece of metal. A silver butterfly with blue gems and a cursive M in the middle was placed delicately on her neck. Julieta’s throat clenched. “Why did she give you this, Dolores? We gave her this after her 5th birthday.”

"Because it was my signature necklace and my favorite. That way Dolores wouldn't forget me and because Dolroes is my favorite." Mirabel murmured and Dolores grinned a bit smugly at that. Ha! She was the favorite!

"Before Dolores could speak, the sound of thunder and lightning sounded through the sky."

"Mama found out!" Antonio said and he bounced a little as he beamed at his mother who smiled back at him.

"I'm surprised it wasn't a hurricane." Bruno muttered and Pepa shot him a look.

"Don't make me hit you Brunito."

"Go ahead you've never needed a reason to before."

"You're my hermano you little shit that's a reason right there."

"That's not a good reason!"

"You just said a reason you didn't say it had to be a good one."

"Name one good reason to punch me."

"You stole some of mama's makeup and blamed it on me."

"That was forty years ago!"

"I was grounded for a month!"

"How the hell do you keep grudges for that long?!"

"Have you met our mother?"

"Pepa!"

"What!? Tell me I'm wrong Juli!"

"Just because you're right doesn't mean you should say it!"

"Hell no! I'm right and I should say it! You're the responsible forgiving one, Bruno is the shy insecure one. One of us had to be the spitfire with a grudge and a hell of a right hook."

"The fact that you've always been the tallest and physically strongest of us probably doesn't help."

"Brunito your room might have stairs but my room has ten feet tall ladders to get to everything but the small sitting room. I've been climbing those to do everything from go to bed to getting dressed in the morning for forty five years. Of course I'm the physically strongest of us three!"

"Wait mama your room has what?!"

"Camilo why do you sound surprised? Your room is an entire theater! Stage and all! Heck you've been in my room!"

"Ah but usually when he's in our room mi vida he's in the sitting room area making you tea and helping you calm down. Not any further so he's probably never seen the clouds or the ladders."

"Oh yeah..."

"That explains why you can still carry Dolores and Mirabel as if they weigh nothing at all." Isabela said having wondered about her tia's strength before and now knowing the reason behind it.

"My bebes are tiny!"

"No you're just too tall Hermana."

"Juli don't make me get up and come over there."

"Hey don't disturb Mirabel! She's like a cat when she sleeps, it's illegal to move her if she's on you!"

"Yeah Mirabel's cuddles are the best!" Antonio helpfully chirped in with that and Pepa smiled softly as she kissed both of her mija's heads. Dolores was pouting slightly.

"How about we all stop this arguing and finish the chapter before we wake the sleeping kittens?" Agustin asked and Camilo hurriedly went back to reading. He had woken up Mirabel when she was sleepy only one time before. One time and only one time because he was not dumb enough to do it a second time.

“She’s gone!” The room fell into chaos. Julieta ran from her chair to the nursery, Agustin right behind her as they stormed up the stairs to the green door. “Please. Please be there. Please,” Julieta was pleading as she reached the threshold, tearing the door open. Empty. The bed was made, the art was gone. Papers nowhere to be found. She opened the closet and found no clothes left, not even shoes. “No. no no no no no no no,” Julieta cried out."

"Sorry mama." Mira whispered as her mother held onto her tighter.

"Everyone gathered at the door, panic filling everyone at the now empty room. “Dolores! Where is she?! She’s ruining this night!”

"Someone is getting my fist in their throat! You're more worried about the dinner than about a family member missing!?" Pepa demanded and there was thunder over her head and her hair was starting to float up because of static now as she glared around the room as if trying to figure out who said that. Her main suspects were Isabela and Abuela however. But no one said anything. This was the future and hadn't happened yet after all.

“She’s gone.” Silence. “What do you mean she’s gone?!” “She’s just wandering in her head!” “SHUT UP!” Dolores yelled,"

"You know shit is going down when Dolores yells." Bruno muttered and everyone winced in agreement.

"tears streaming down her face as she walked into the middle of the nursery. She looked at her family with disgust and hatred, but her heart ached at the sight of her tia. She loved Mirabel more than anything."

"Of course I do. You're my baby girl." Julieta murmured into Mira's hair as she held her daughter tighter protectively with tears in her eyes.

"She glared at those who stood at the door. “She left, the night of Antonio’s party.” “Why didn’t you say anything? We could have stopped her!”
“I didn’t want to stop her!” “Dolores, what are you talking about?”

Everyone bowed their heads except for Abuela and Isabela. They knew what was coming next and they deserved it. Pepa sniffled slightly as she tried to fight her tears and the rain.

"It's okay Tia." Mirabel blearily blinked up at Pepa and gave her a small sleepy smile.

"I don't mind the rain. It's okay to cry." Mirabel said and that broke Pepa. She burrowed her face in Mirabel's hair and sobbed as the rain poured down on their loveseat, soaking all four people through almost immediately but none of them minded. No one else said a word either even though Camilo very much looked like he wanted to go over and join the cuddle pile.

“She never felt like she was a part of this family. NEVER! The only ones who loved her with everything they had were Tia Julieta and Tio Agustin! Antonio loves her like an older sister" "Mami!" Antonio called out to correct his sister as he burrowed into Mira before she whispered something to him and he scampered over to the raining cuddle pile and climbed up into his mother and Mirabel's laps.

"since she took care of him! Ever since she didn’t get a gift, we pushed her away as if she were a curse! She was 5! She was alone! So I didn’t stop her.” Luisa’s face fell as she realized. “You saw her leaving, didn’t you? You didn’t tell mama.” “Yes, I was the one who sent her off. I couldn’t stand by and watch her get insulted and pushed around. I wanted her to be happy!”
“Who are you to make that choice? You aren’t her sister-” “I was more of a sister than you!”

"I will fist fight you Isabela. Don't fucking tempt me." Dolores growled at her prima who looked struck and was upset but glaring at her.

"I'll do your chores for a week if you break her nose."

"Camilo!" Abuela scolded the boy immediately with a harsh glare.

"What we were all thinking it besides you! Besides it's probably going to happen if they do fight!"

"What do you mean?"

"Dolores has Pepas' right hook."

"How do you know that Bruno?" Pepa's voice was watery but she did look up at her brother for that question.

"When she first found my hiding spot in the walls was during our first birthday after I left. You and Juli were crying and she was upset that I made her mama cry. So she found me and...well..." Bruno looked a bit embarrassed as he rubbed his jaw.

"I broke his nose with a right hook and then gave him one Tia Julieta's arepas to heal him."

"Dolores!" Abuela looked shocked and horrified at that.

"That's my girl." Pepa looked proud of her daughter.

Camilo quickly read on when he noticed Abuela opening her mouth as if to scold his mama.

"Dolores wiped at her eyes roughly as she cried. She clutched the necklace and yelled. “That’s why she gave me this necklace. Because I was the only one who cared for her. She gave me something to remember her by.”

“Dolores, please tell me where she is. I need my baby back. Please Dolores,” Julieta pleaded holding onto her sobrina tightly."

"I couldn't if I wanted to. Not if she's outside of Encanto." Dolores said with an apologetic wince to her tia who merely nodded in understanding although she and Agustin were both now holding Mira tightly between them since Mirabel had been claimed by Pepa and Felix for the moment.

"Dolores felt her heartbreak as she looked at her tia with pain in her eyes. It was that look of a mother who just lost her child. She wiped at her eyes as she teared up again. “I can’t tia. Because I don’t know where she is. She left Encanto. She couldn’t say goodbye to you, because she knows you would have tried to convince her to stay. I had to let her go.”
The screams of pain resounded throughout casita the whole night."

"Sorry mama." Mira and Mirabel both said looking apologetically at their mother who was crying as well but she shook her head after taking a few deep breaths.

"It's...don't apologize baby. You did what you felt like you had to do. And obviously it led to you being happy so...so even if it broke my heart I'm glad you left. I only want you to be happy and safe." Julieta said kissing Mira's head and her eyes were locking onto Mirabel.

"I'm putting a leash on you. That way you can't leave without me or Dolores. That way when you do leave one of us is there in case you need help."

"Pepa oh my god. That's our sobrina not a pet. You can't put a leash on her."

"Fucking watch me!"

"Ruff ruff."

"Mirabel don't encourage her!"

"Sorry mama."

"Okay so it's my turn to threaten him!" Camilo said with a forced happy smile on his face as he closed the book and glared over at Adrien. Camilo stood up but didn't move towards the man as he calmly shifted into a perfect replica of Adrien.

"We can kill you, hide the body, and with my gift no one will know you're gone for a long long time." Camilo said all of this with that forced pleasant smile on his face.

"That's my boy!"

"Felix don't! Pepa already encourages him enough!"

"Oh hush Juli it's his right and job to be protective of his twin."

"She has a point. Remember what you did to that Manuel guy who wouldn't take no as an answer while trying to court Pepa even though she was already dating Felix?"

"Wait Manuel who tried to court Pepa? Do you mean the Diaz boy who vanished when you all were seventeen? We never found out what happened to him." Abuela said her eyebrows shooting up as she stared at her children.

"There is no proof of any of this and no one would ever believe you."

"It's always the quiet ones." Felix said eyeing his sister-in-law warily before glancing at his eldest daughter.

"Of course it's always the quiet ones. No one plans a murder out loud." Pepa scoffed slightly.

"You did. Remember Sebastian Averiz?"

"I was going for intimidation, I wasn't going to actually kill him if he stopped bugging you."

"Pepa you nearly struck him with lightning."

"You can't talk Bruno you smashed a tablet on his face!"

Chapter Text

“Guess I’ll read next so I can get my threat in.” Dolores sat up from her mothers lap and grabbed the book, making Adrien groan and bury his face in Mira’s shoulder.
“Is it too late for me to run screaming? She’s scary.” Adrien asked his wife who snorted slightly but there was a large crack of thunder.
“You’d better not run off from mi nube.” Pepa growled at Adrien who winced and raised his hands defensively.
“I’d take her with me!”
Dolores shot him a dirty look and adjusted to more comfortably rest against her mama while also having her fingers entwined with her hermanas.

”I want Mirabel (Antonio)”

“Of course he wants Mirabel. Mirabel is his favorite.” Camilo said smiling at his hermano who was latched onto Mirabel who was mostly awake but far too comfortable to leave her spot. Antonio stuck his tongue out at his hermano as he cuddled Mirabel.

”Antonio was confused. Why was everyone so sad or angry? Dolores looked like she was going to grab Isabela if she just looked at her wrong.”

“That is a fight I would pay money to see. Please tell me you’ll punch her.” Camilo said grinning at his hermana who grinned back at him while narrowing her eyes on Isabela.

“If she pushes me regarding my hermana there’s no telling what I’ll do.” Dolores said smiling thinly at Isabela but then looking back at the book when Abuela opened her mouth to say something.

”His brother was picking at his food, sadness in his eyes. His Tia Julieta had eaten only a little bit of food before she excused herself in a mess of tears, his mami following her. What’s going on in this family? He was sent off to help around the community, his body on top of his pet jaguar as he talked to the animals of the town. He kicked around the rocks of the floor.”

“He’s five. He literally just turned five. Why does he need to ride around helping grown adults just because he can talk to the animals?” Adrien looked confused and Mira smiled thinly at that.

“It’s how the Madrigals’ used to be dear. As soon as they got their gifts they were supposed to use them to the benefit of the community to strengthen the Encanto. To prove we deserve the gifts.” Mira said and Pepa glanced up at her surprised as she noticed the wording while Abuela winced a bit but then looked as if she was going to say something.

“You said used to be. Are we not like that in your time?” Pepa asked catching that and Mira hummed slightly as everyone swung to stare at her.

“Granted I’m not there and I only hear about it in letters from everyone and from visits but things definitely changed while I was gone. Perhaps the book will show how that happens?” Mira asked making Dolores nod slightly as she took a sip of some orange juice before going back to the book.

”Why wasn’t Mirabel in town? Was she sick? Is she tired? He bumps into someone as they catch him. “Careful, Mijo. You’re going to fall,” Felix laughed as he picked him up. They both watched as Pepa watered the crops as talked with the villagers. His mood was still damp. He couldn’t stop thinking of Mirabel.
“Papi, where’s Mirabel?”
Felix tensed visibly that Antonio felt it. “Papi?” “She’s just tired, Antonio. Very tired.”

“Why are you lying to me papi?” Antonio asked frowning at his papi with tears in his eyes as he cuddled into Mirabel further as if scared she’d leave him right then.

“Because they know how much you love me Tonio and they don’t know how to tell you that I wasn’t around anymore. They didn’t want to upset you right then but it might have been kinder to just tell you than lie.” Mirabel murmured to the boy who held onto her tightly as he buried his head in her shoulder.

”He didn’t believe him and went to ask again before Pepa cut him off. “Mirabel is tired, mijo. She had a rough day.” His mama smiled, but it looked pained and forced. He just nodded, knowing that he would just visit Mirabel later.”

“That lie is doomed to fall apart in less than a day. Antonio adores Mirabel and would go and visit her as soon as he got back to Casita. Not to mention he can talk to animals, if he asks them they’ll probably tell him that she’s gone.” Camilo said frowning slightly and Pepa and Felix nodded with a wince. Knowing that they couldn’t lie to their youngest forever but not knowing how to break the news to him.

”The trio walked all the way back to casita where Antonio made his way up the stairs and Pepa went to the kitchen to comfort her sister.”

“Gracias Pepa.” Julieta said smiling at her sister who shook her head.

“Don’t thank me Juli. What else are sisters for?”

“Stealing your dresses?” Isabela shot Mirabel a glare there.

“Helping you get into trouble?” Pepa’s answer was immediate.

“Beating up people who are mean to your hermanos.” Luisa cracked her knuckles pointedly.

“Blackmailing people who talk bad about your family into shutting their mouths?” Dolores earned a proud grin and smile from her mama for that one.

“Breaking someone’s jaw because they made fun of your hermana?” Mirabel said and everyone’s eyes snapped to her.

“You broke someone’s jaw?” Pepa asked in disbelief as she looked at her nube who hummed slightly and said nothing.

“Oh yeah that guy with the trading caravans who made a crude remark about Lolo. He had it coming.” Mira said smirking and earning a laugh from her husband.

“So you’ve always been a firecracker with a mean right hook then mi amor?”

“She must get that from me.”

“Pepa stop trying to steal my daughter!”

“I helped raise her! She’s mine too!”

Dolores quickly kept reading to break up the argument starting.

”Making sure his parents weren’t there, he ran across the hall to the nursery. He knocked on the door and called out. “Mira? It’s me, Antonio! Can we play?” He continued to knock as was about to open the door when he was swooped up. “Antonio, didn’t we say she was tired?” “But mami-” “go to your room, mijo. Take a nap before dinner.”
Antonio walked back to his room upset. Why wasn’t Mirabel answering the door? Was she really tired? As he laid down on his hammock, he frowned, thinking of everything that could have happened to his favorite prima. Paco landed next to him and tilted his head.”

There was a pout from Luisa and a small twitch of the eyebrow from Isabela at not being Antonio’s favorite.

“How come I’m not your favorite prima?” Isabela asked and Antonio blinked at her confused.

“You’re mean to me and Mirabel all the time and never play with me or spend time with me. Mirabel keeps me safe and taught me how to read and write and plays with me all the time even if she doesn’t feel good.” Antonio said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. It was to him. Isabela crossed her arms with a huff.

”‘Are you okay?’ “I’m okay. Thanks, Paco.”
‘What’s bothering you? Did you not eat?’ “I ate breakfast. I’m just really worried. My prima isn’t answering me. The one with glasses and a blue skirt. They say she’s really tired.”
‘Nice lady with the glasses? She carries a bag?’ “Yea that’s my prima. Did you see her today?”

“Oh the lie is about to come out. Antonio won’t be happy.” Luisa said with a wince at that. Out of her three kids, Antonio was the one who got the most of Tia Pepa’s temper. Especially if he was lied to.

‘She left at night. Didn’t want to be a burden.’ Everyone but Abuela flinched at that a bit while Abuela frowned a bit but quickly schooled her face.

“What do you mean she left?” ‘She doesn’t have a gift. The rats said that she didn’t want to ruin the family.’

“She would never ruin this family!” There were calls from almost every Madrigal in the room at that and Pepa and Dolores tightened their hold on Mirabel while Julieta and Agustin were hugging Mira close as Luisa moved over to sit on the floor at her sisters feet, laying a gentle arm over Mira’s lap. Camilo had moved to join the cuddle pile on his mama however and squished in between Mirabel and the edge of the couch, making his mother adjust her grip to accommodate him. Thankfully he did shapeshift into a smaller form to fit better.
“She would never-” Antonio paused. “They lied to me about Mirabel,” he whispered with a broken heart. His prima would never leave him, but he knew this family. He saw how they treated her even at a young age.” Everyone was wincing at the accusations and Antonio glared over at Isabela who had flinched and look struck but stubbornly remained in her seat beside Abuela.
”She left because she had nothing to offer. He felt Parce, his jaguar, nuzzle his side before picking him up. Holding on tight, the animal took off through the room, Antonio’s body shuddering with sobs.”

“I’m sorry Tonito.” Mirabel murmured and Antonio kissed her cheek and held her tighter, tears in his eyes.

“It’s okay. Long as you’re safe and happy.” Antonio whispered back and Pepa’s heart broke. Her youngest loved Mirabel so much he was willing to go through heartbreak just to make sure she was safe and happy. She was so proud of him but so broken up that he realized it at a young age.

”Later at dinner, he would poke at his food as his Abuela spoke. Dolores would rub at his hand, asking him if he was okay. Was he okay? No, he wasn’t. Pepa turned to her child and tried to pick him up, but he pushed her off.” Pepa winced but knew what was coming. She drove off Antonio’s Mirabel, her nube, and lied about it to him. She knew she what was coming and she deserved it. “Tonito. Come on. It’s time for bed. You have to rest to wake up early tomorrow.” “Why are the animals saying Mira is gone?” The room came to a halt.”

“And there it goes. The fuse is lit and there’s no taking it back now.” Camilo murmured and Pepa kissed Antonio’s head as he held Mirabel as tight as his little body could.

”Dolores bit her lip. Oh no, he found out.
“She’s very tired, Antonio. She’s fine.” “You lied to me.” Pepa felt her nerves acting up badly, her fingers wanting to tug at her braid. “We would never lie to you, mi vida.”

“I’m sorry Tonito. I just didn’t want you to be hurt or worried.” Pepa murmured to her youngest who looked up and kissed her cheek, already forgiving her since it hadn’t happened yet.

“You lied about Mirabel.” Everyone in the room froze at his statement. Felix shook as he stood to grab his son. “We told you she was tired-” “You’re lying again! She’s gone!” Antonio yelled, scaring his parents. “You made her feel like she wasn’t a part of this family! She stayed in the nursery for babies! She took care of me! My prima is gone because of you!"

All the adults winced at that and Adrien frowned heavily.

“The nursery for babies. That was your room until you ran mi vida?” Adrien asked his wife who merely nodded but motioned for him to shush. She knew emotions would be running high now.

“We really should have gotten her a room of her own even if it wasn’t magical.” Agustin whispered to his wife who nodded and had tears in her eyes. It was her own fault. She had never thought to make her daughter another room. Even when Pepa was pregnant with Antonio and the new baby would have been in the nursery with her then ten year old daughter…she had never thought to give her daughter her own room.

“That is no way for a Madrigal with a gift to a-“

“Shut up mama.” Pepa’s lightning enhanced glare and the thunder cloud over her head silenced her mother immediately. Abuela reeled back as if struck and stared at her middle child in disbelief as if she had never seen the red head before.

"Antonio that is enough. You are a Madrigal with a gift. You must act-" "I wish I never had a gift! I would have been just like Mira! She made me feel special when I was a normal boy!"

“Because you are special Antonio. Gift or no gift you’re my special little cub.” Mirabel said kissing his cheek softly and he burrowed his face into her neck.

Gasps resounded throughout the room before Felix picked him up. He screamed. He screamed and thrashed about kicking and punching, yelling the same thing over and over.
"I WANT MIRABEL!" His screams turned to loud uncontrollable sobs, Dolores reaching to take him in her arms. She rushed out of the room, hearing her Tia run after and slam the door to her room shut as she cried. Dolores walked to her bed and rocked back and forth, consoling her distraught brother. "Shhhh it's ok Toñito. It's ok." "I want Mira."

“I’m sorry Antonio.” Mirabel said and there were tears in her eyes as she held Antonio.

“I’ll forgive you if I get to be the big brother!”

“Oh you’re already claiming your spot as the best hermano huh? I don’t mind you being the big brother at all mi vida.” Mira said smiling softly at Antonio who cheered a little as he snuggled into Mirabel who had snorted at his request.

"Wanna hear a secret? Mirabel is okay." He looked up at her with big brown eyes as she mentioned Mirabel. "She is?" "Yes. She writes to me to tell me about her day and I tell her about mine. She asks for you and Tia Julieta a lot."

“You do?” Julieta asked smiling at Mira who smiled back at her and kissed her mothers cheek.

“Of course I do. Who wouldn’t miss the most wonderful mama in the world? Besides in my time not only do I write to everyone but everyone comes and visits me all the time.” Mira said chuckling as they all perked up a bit at this and Adrien snorted slightly.

“You all come to visit so often that it’s weirder to see Mira without one of you hovering around her. My hermanos have already started calling everyone primo or prima or Tia or Tio.” Adrien said with a chuckle and Mirabel laughed as she recalled how Tia Pepa had been caught flatfooted for all of five seconds at Jorge calling her Tia Pepa before she had let out a happy noise and swooped him up into her arms for hugs and kisses.

“Do you want me to read you her recent letter?" "Please."
Dolores opened her drawer and picked out the journal she had with a folded letter. He smiled at his Prima's beautiful writing, remembering when she taught him to write and read at a young age.”

“I don’t think I ever thanked you for teaching him did I mi nube?” Pepa asked sighing as she realized that by the time she had gotten a free moment to teach her youngest how to read and count he was already doing so.

“It was my pleasure Tia.” Mirabel whispered back.

"Dolores,
I made it to a small town a couple of hours away from Encanto. I met this nice lady who is letting me stay with her until I'm ready to go back home. I miss you, hermana. I miss my mama and Antonio too. Is mama ok? Please make sure she takes breaks. I know I'm breaking her heart. Does Antonio still read and write? Does he still sleep with his jaguar?”

“I don’t go anywhere without Jamie.” Antonio said and he was holding his stuffed animal right now.

“But if you mean Parce then he likes to curl up with me so he knows I’m safe!”

I have so many questions. If you let him know that I'm ok, he can write to me too and have one of his friends fly it instead of having to wait a week!”

“I’m going to write you a ton of letters mami.” Antonio whispered to Mirabel who smiled and kissed his head as he buried his face in her shirt.

”Anyways, I have so much to tell you. But I have to keep this short. I'll tell you in the next letter.
I miss you and love you,
Mirabel
P.S. give mama a hug for me or let her hold onto the handkerchief I made for her that's on my nightstand. I think she'll need it."
"Will my mami be back soon?"

“You call her mami?” Abuela demanded, having not heard the boys whispers of mami as he spoke to Mirabel and Mira.

“Yes? She loves me and takes care of me like mama does so why wouldn’t I? I love mami.” Antonio looked confused as to why he wouldn’t call Mirabel mami.

“And you let him get away with this Pepa? You let Mirabel get away with stealing your youngest?” Abuela demanded and Pepa shot her a confused look.

“She adores Antonio. Antonio adores her and has enough love in his heart to have two mamas. How on earth is she stealing him away when he calls me mama as well? Mirabel is Mami and I’m mama. Easy.” Pepa said as if baffled as to why her mother was even questioning this.

“Mirabel you corrupted-“

“Oh shut up Abuela. Man I miss the Abuela from my time.” Mira said rolling her eyes at her grandmother and making everyone look at her now. Adrien was frowning as he stared at Abuela.

“Are we sure that’s the same lady who kissed your cheek and cried when hugging you when she saw you again? She acts so…different.” Adrien said frowning as he looked from Abuela to his wife and then back to Abuela.

“Don’t worry dear. This version of Abuela just hasn’t pulled the candle out of her ass yet.” That caused Abuela’s jaw to drop in disbelief alongside Isabela’s while Pepa and Camilo burst out laughing which set off the others.

“Mirabel!” Julieta scolded her daughter lightly but she had to admit it was funny.

It took a solid two minutes before Pepa and Bruno stopped cackling enough for Dolores to finish reading the rest of the chapter with a smile on her face and some giggles sneaking past her lips.

"I know she will. I know she will.”
“I miss her.” “I miss her too.”

“There that’s the end of the chapter.” Dolores said closing the book and then handing it to her father as she sat up enough to glare death at Adrien who rapidly paled.

“Ah shit here we go again.” Adrien whimpered a bit making Mira snicker at him.

“I can hear everything. It won’t matter how far away I am. If I hear a single tear of sadness from my hermana, if I hear a single fist being raised to her, if I hear anything I don’t like at all. I don’t care how far away you are or where you run and hide. I WILL find you and I will slowly and brutally torture you until I hear your heart give out its final weak thump. ¿Me entiendes?” Dolores said loud enough for him to hear but it still sounded like a hiss as she stared at him, her eyes glaring daggers into his heart and soul.

“¡Entiendo!” Adrien squeaked and Dolores looked pleased as she leaned back into her mother and fathers arms and cuddled with her siblings.

“That’s my girl.” Pepa was so damn proud of her eldest as she grinned like the cat that caught the canary while Felix chuckled and kissed his eldest childs head before grabbing the book.

“I’ll read next then.”

Chapter Text

“Is it wrong that I think he’s the least scary one of your family?” Adrien murmured to his wife who grinned a bit and nudged him.

“Oh trust me. Felix is a total sweetheart but the minute you mess with those he deems as his…he can be scarier than Pepa.” Julieta whispered to him and Adrien gulped a bit.

”Chapter 5 Shhhh it’s a secret (admirer).”

“Aww mi nube has a secret admirer!”

“Tia Pepa I’m literally married to him.”

“Not in our time you aren’t! So I reserve the right to withhold judgement on him while also teasing you about your boyfriend and helping you get ready for dates!”

“Pepa stop trying to steal my youngest!”

“Fuck you I do what I want!”

“Pepa language!”

“English and Spanish mama!”

“Josefina Madrigal there are children in the room! Do not encourage them to curse! Antonio do not repeat that word!” Everyone winced when Abuela pulled out the full name. Most of the kids were confused though, they hadn’t known that Pepa’s full name was Josefina.

Antonio turned and looked dead at his Abuela.

“Fuck you I do what I want.” The whole room rioted just about at what the boy said, Camilo laughing his ass off. Dolores snorted slightly and Mirabel was grinning even as she scolded Antonio lightly.

“PEPA!” Julieta was not happy but Mira was laughing her ass off and Agustin was trying not to snicker. Isabela and Abuela looked horrified, Luisa was stunned, and Felix just sighed fondly and kissed his wife’s neck while she grinned proudly.

“Antonio you have to be at least eight to say that word from now on okay? Unless you drop something on your foot or things go to hell.” Pepa said although she was grinning a bit.

“Okay mama!” Antonio said but he was still smiling as he snuggled closer to his mothers chest and Mirabel’s shoulder. It took another minute or two for everyone to calm down so that Felix could read.

”Mirabel walked throughout the small town, smiling as everyone greeted her. She was happy. It has only been a couple of days, but they welcomed her with open arms. Did she mention she got an apprenticeship as a seamstress?!”

“Of course you did! Your work is always so beautiful nube.” Pepa said beaming at Mirabel who blushed a bit but was happy. She loved to sew and embroider. To work as a seamstress…

”Mariana had introduced her to Senora Gonzales, an old woman who loved to sew. She was walking to the small shop, smiling brightly at the older woman who waved her in.

“Hola, Senora!” “Nonsense ni ña! Call me abuela! I’m not getting any younger.” “Ok, abuela!”

Abuela looked struck as she heard her nieta calling someone else Abuela. She frowned a little and felt a mix of sadness and jealousy stir up inside of her. Mirabel was her nieta not this other womans. She ruthlessly shoved those feelings down although she did still have a small frown on her face.

“The whole town pretty much adopted you as one of our own after a few days mi amor.” Adrien said kissing his wife’s head and she smiled a bit.

“It was kind of strange at the time. I hadn’t expected everyone to be so nice to a total stranger from the mountains.” Mira said and her family looked a bit happy.

“So they took good care of you?” Julieta asked her daughter who smiled and nodded.

“Si. Everyone was nice, well except for Samuel. He didn’t like me much…feeling was rather mutual however.” Mira said with a small chuckle.

“That’s because he had a crush on you and hadn’t grown out of that stage of pulling a girls pigtails. He said you were beautiful within the first three minutes of meeting you and then tried to kiss you and say you were his girlfriend before you ever learned his name or he ever learned yours.” Adrien said with a chuckle and Mira frowned at that and shrugged.

“That’s no way to treat a lady.” Felix said frowning heavily at that. He had made sure that Camilo knew to treat any woman as if they were a queen and had personally made sure that Dolores and Luisa and Mirabel knew that they deserved to be treated like queens by any prospective suitors, Isabela hadn’t bothered listening to him and ignored him every time he had spoken to her about it.

“Oh trust me. She didn’t let him get away with it. The second he grabbed her and claimed she was his woman while trying to kiss her she broke his nose and knocked out two of his teeth. Then she ripped a piece out of his hide verbally about how he should never treat anyone like that and he’d never get or keep a girlfriend if that’s the way he behaved. His mother saw the whole thing and was furious with him and actually thanked Mirabel for knocking some sense into her son.” Adrien said with a grin at his wife who blushed a little sheepishly.

“Good job sis.” Luisa offered her a gentle fist bump.

“That a girl!” Pepa looked thrilled at hearing that and Dolores and Camilo both shot her thumbs up.

“Oh that was nothing. You should have seen what happened when Tia Pepa came to visit and he met her. Now that was funny. Especially the look on his face.” Mira said with a laugh as she accepted the gentle fist bump.

“He thought she was your older sister, didn’t know she was in her fifties, tried hitting on her and flirting with her, and then ended up with a bolt of lightning missing him by a hairs breadth after he groped her. The only reason she missed was because Camilo and Dolores had also seen it happen and tackled the guy to beat him up themselves.” Adrien said dryly and seeing the dark look on Felix’s face he now knew what Julieta had meant about Felix being scarier than Pepa.

“Got to admit it was fun watching them take turns beating the snot out of him, they had literally tagged in and out like a wrestling duo and the only reason I hadn’t joined them was because I was already showing and Tia Pepa refused to let me over exert myself. Should have seen the look on his face when he realized the two who beat the crap out of him were her kids and she really is the same age as my mama. Tio Felix was not happy when he learned what happened. Pretty sure Samuel joined the fishers and left out for sea as soon as he was healed up enough to just to hide from Tio Felix.” Mira said with a laugh while Felix gently grabbed his wife’s chin and turned her to look him in the eyes.

“He touched what’s mine. No one is allowed to do that.” Felix said and his eyes were dark and possessive as he stared at his wife who melted at the look in them.

“It hasn’t happened yet dear and don’t worry. I’m all yours.” Pepa said giving him a love sick smile before he pulled her into a deep possessive kiss that left their lips bruised.

“You’re mine and mine alone. No one else can touch you but me.” Felix reiterated when they separated for air, and because Camilo was pulling a grossed out face at them. Seriously his parents were making out with their kids in their laps.

“No one but you.” Pepa agreed with a dazed smile on her face, Mira wolf whistling at the two of them playfully.

“Just wait until we’re alone mi vida. I’ll make sure to thoroughly remind you of why you need no one else.” Felix growled quietly into her ear and she shivered slightly in anticipation.

“Papa. Perhaps you should keep reading and remember that you’re not alone.” Dolores said coughing slightly to bring her parents attention away from each other. Both of them blushed brightly and wouldn’t look the kids in the eyes. Felix hurriedly went back to the book to avoid having to look at anyone. Pepa’s face went even redder and she ducked her head to hide it in Antonio’s hair when her brother pulled a grossed out face at her while Julieta shot her a knowing look.

”Mirabel and Senora Gonzales had picked up their works and began to work on the latest project. The oldest daughter of a Farmer was getting married and was looking for a dress. When she took notice of Mirabel’s works that were displayed at the counter, she immediately asked the young girl to make her wedding dress. Of course, Mirabel said yes.

Now here she was, working on the intricate lace designs on the bodice of the dress. Senora Gonzales smiled brightly at the young girl before getting up to answer the door. “Oh! Hola, Senora. I have a delivery for Miss Mirabel Madrigal.” “Oh yes, I’ll give them to her. Thank you.”

Taking the small bouquet of flowers she chuckled slightly before walking back into the workroom as Mirabel finished up the small design. “Deliver for Miss Mirabel.” Mirabel scoffed and shook her head. “Niña, I think someone has a crush on you.” “Nonsense Abuela.”

“It took you a while to believe that someone was actually genuinely interested in you mi vida.” Adrien murmured as he kissed her head and she hummed slightly in return, not saying anything. Dolores frowned as she heard that though, had Mirabel’s self-confidence been so shot she hadn’t seen just how beautiful she was?

Didn’t she know about her fan club in the village, made up of guys and the occasional girl who had crushes on her?

“Then why are you blushing?” Mirabel touched her cheeks and sure enough, they were heated. “I am serious. Someone is taking interest in you.” Mirabel continued to work a small smile on her face. Someone noticed her. That was something new and this feeling..well she liked it. It felt nice.”

“Something new…Mirabel you do know you have a fanclub in town right?” Dolores asked and Mirabels’ head shot up so fast that she almost headbutted Pepa.

“I’m sorry I have a what now?” Mirabel and Mira both asked staring at her in disbelief.

“You have a fan club in town made up of the people who have crushes on you.” Dolores said and Mirabel looked utterly baffled as did Mira before a light seemed to go off over Mira’s head.

“Wait is that why I’d sometimes find a bag or box with some thread or chocolate in it with my name on it? Or why the kids would play ‘delivery’ and give me a present with chocolate or other snacks in it?” Mira asked and by the look on Mirabel’s face, one of dawning realization, she remembered that as well.

“They’re usually asked by your admirers to give you the presents and not tell you who it’s from.” Dolores said with a small grin at the look on her hermanas face.

“I thought it was the kids being nice or their parents thanking me for playing with them…” Mirabel said softly in disbelief.

“Make sure you give me a list of these fanclub people later hermana. I need to vet them.” Camilo said seriously as he peeked around Mirabel to look at his big sister.

“Cami you do remember that I’m married now right?” Mira asked amused and Camilo shot Adrien a glare as well.

“I’m withholding judgement on him for now. The fanclub however needs to be checked.” Camilo said and he tightened his hug around Mirabel.

“Good. That gives me permission to have a chat with your fan club as well then.” Dolores said and Camilo blinked rapidly.

“I’m sorry my what now?” Camilo asked looking just as baffled as Mirabel did.

“The entire family has fan clubs, the biggest ones are for Camilo and Mirabel with Luisa a close second. I try not to listen to the ones for Isabela, the adults or myself. I had a little chat with the senoras who were already mentioning introducing their daughters to Antonio however and they’ve backed off until he’s at least ten.” Dolores said as if it wasn’t anything big or important while Pepa frowned a bit.

“Give me a list of names of who all is in which fanclubs mija. I definitely want to vet the ones in the ninos clubs and Julietas.” Pepa whispered to her daughter who nodded. Felix made sure that he made a mental note to learn some names from those lists and have a chat with anyone interested in the kids and especially his wife.

”The gifts didn’t stop there. From more bouquets to baskets of fruit to chocolate. The gifts continued to come and Mirabel couldn’t really stop the teasing. She would walk back to Mariana’s with arms full of gifts. Mariana and Aaron would laugh and help her set them in the dining room. “Ay, you have a secret admirer. I wonder who it could be?” Aaron said with a slight smirk on his face.

Mariana elbowed his side, shutting him up before they spilled the secret. “It just feels really weird and good at the same time. I was never noticed before, and now that I am, it makes me feel giddy. Ay, my face again!”

“Oh trust me you were noticed. Especially when you would be dancing around town with the children. I overheard Senor Tomas saying how it was incredible how good your reflexes were when you were dancing through the throwing games. Of course that caused Senor Miguel to make a crude remark but Senor Tomas broke his jaw for it.” Dolores said with a chuckle that was semi-dark at the end.

“Ugh I know just which Miguel you’re talking about mija, honestly that guy is the same age as me and he’s making remarks about mi nube like that? I’m gonna flood his fields.” Pepa grumbled with a dark glint in her eyes. Abuela very pointedly didn’t say anything about it this time. Even she could admit that if a fifty year old man was making crude remarks about a fifteen year old then he deserved anything he got from the protective Tia.

“Mirabel huffed out a breath, taking the small toddler who had walked into the dining room into her arms.

“Mi’bel, play?” “Of course senorita!”

Mariana and Aaron watched from across the room as the 15-year-old played with their youngest child. It was heartwarming. Both of their youngest children had taken a liking to Mirabel. She played with them, took care of them and that made the couple happy.”

“I like playing with the kids.” Mirabel said as she settled back down against her Tia’s neck, Antonio cuddling into her shoulder immediately while Camilo snuggled against her back with Dolores having an arm slung over the three of them.

“The kids like you too Mirabel. Honestly you should hear how much Cecila and Juancho and the rest of the little ones talk about you to their parents and siblings. Yesterday when you did a backflip especially had them hyped up. Cecil went on and on to her mama about how she wanted to grow up to be just like you.” Dolores said smiling softly at her hermana who blushed at that and tried to hide her face in her Tia’s neck, making Pepa giggle slightly as she pressed a kiss to Mirabel’s cheek.

“Plus Antonio adores you. Don’t you Tonito?” Pepa asked her youngest who beamed.

“I love mami!” Antonio agreed and Mirabel blushed brighter but smiled as she kissed Antonio’s head.

”Their oldest? He had it bad. Mariana noticed. The glances at the girl. The blushes filled his face whenever she smiled at him. It was very obvious that he is crushing on her. Aaron playful bumped his wife as she smiled, being pulled into the kitchen. “I think Adrien is smitten with her.” “Very.”

“Geez do they have to call me out like that?” Adrien asked with a small embarrassed smile.

“Sounds just like Agustin was before you two got together Juli.” Bruno grinned over at his eldest hermana, even if only by thirty minutes, and earned a laugh from her.

“The adorable dork who sends me presents?” Julieta asked making Pepa snicker as well while Agustin blushed but shrugged.

“Hey I got the girl didn’t I?” Agustin asked kissing his wife’s cheek.

“Agustin you dropped to one knee to propose to her and she thought you fell. She shoved a bread roll in your mouth as soon as you opened it.” Pepa said snickering at her brother-in-law who had the grace to look sheepish at that.

“Not to mention that he dropped the ring like ten times before he managed to propose. Julieta even picked it up a few times.” Bruno threw in there and Agustin blushed brighter and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

“When she finally said yes he fumbled the ring before he could put it on her finger and ended up taking out the table trying to grab it.” Abuela said dryly as well as she gave him an unimpressed look.

“You were a riot that night bro!” Felix laughed as he remembered that.

“Well not all of us can literally sweep our spouse off of their feet without falling over and hide the ring in a glass of wine.” Agustin said pouting at Felix who grinned.

“Don’t forget the two dozen wild flowers and the slow dance.” Pepa said grinning as well as she glanced at her husband who kissed her cheek.

“Alright stop bragging.” Julieta throw a roll at her sister who laughed as Camilo snatched it out the air immediately and stuffed it into his mouth.

”Later that night, Mirabel would sit on the couch. A single candle lit the room as papers scattered the small desk. She was reading the recent letters from Dolores and Antonio that she received through his toucan friend, Paco.”

“I can’t believe I’m saying that but remind me to give the toucan some extra treats.” Pepa muttered and she felt as her kids tried not to laugh at her.

“She giggled at the thought.

“Hola Hermana!
I really miss you. So much had happened in the past few days so let me tell you. Everything hit the fan when they found out you were gone. I wore your necklace every day and I think I pissed off Isabela. She can go sit on a cactus for all I care.”

“Dolores!”

“Save your breath Abuela cause I’m not apologizing!”

Isabela looked upset as she stared down at her lap, just listening to the story and thinking about everything.

”Your mama is heartbroken. She won’t cook or come outside of her room. I gave her the handkerchief as you said. She wouldn’t let it go. She kept murmuring that a piece of her was missing and I agree. We miss you.”

“Sorry.” Both of the Mirabels apologized at the same time while Julieta hugged the older version of her daughter tighter and Pepa tightened her grip on her kids. >

”Antonio blew up a couple of days ago and threw a tantrum. Now all he wants to do is write to you in my room. He really misses you a lot.

Camilo tried blowing out the candle.”

“CAMILO!” There were multiple stunned shouts and the boy glanced up with a glare on his face as he tightened his arms around Mirabel who moved around to look at him shocked.

“That damn candle already cost our family so much and it’s to blame for mi gemelo leaving! What the hell did you think I was going to do?! If it’s a choice between shapeshifting and Mirabel then I chose Mirabel every time!” Camilo snarled back at them all as he tugged Mirabel closer to him protectively. Felix quickly kept reading.

“He yelled at mama when she caught him.”

“I will apologize for yelling at you though mami.” Camilo said looking at his mother who kissed his forehead.

“Forgiven Cami. Honestly I can’t blame you.” Pepa whispered so that her mother wouldn’t hear her.

”He really blames that candle. He wishes that he was able to make up with you and be your twin and favorite primo again.”

“Well since Antonio is apparently my hijo that makes you my only primo and my favorite by default. And we never stopped being twins Cami.” Mirabel said smiling at him and he had tears in his eyes as he buried his face in her shoulder.

“I’m definitely dressing you in yellows and oranges.”

“Pepa stop trying to steal my daughter!”

“I helped raise her and she’s Cami’s gemelo! She’s mine too! She’d just be wearing her rightful colors!”

”More drama. The Guzman’s withdrew the engagement.”

“What?!” Both Abuela and Isabela looked stunned at this and confused. Why on earth would the Guzman’s withdraw the engagemenet?!?!
”Apparently, Isabela was out of order when it came to you and Mariano was not having it.”

“So because of you the engagement is ruined?” Isabela asked staring at Mirabel with a strange look on her face, part anger and part happiness.

“No because of your actions and behavior the engagement was ruined. Try actually listening to the book.” Dolores snapped at her prima who was staring at them with conflicted eyes now. Abuela was just glaring at Mirabel and Mira.

”He said and I quote “Mirabel was the best Madrigal there was. She was extraordinary.”

“I knew I liked him for a reason.” Adrien said with a grin as he hugged his wife.

“Well he’s not wrong. You are extraordinary Mira.” Felix said with a chuckle as he reached over to pet the girls hair a bit. Mirabel was bright red and buried her face in Camilo’s hair much to everyones amusement.

”I couldn’t agree more. We really miss you, hermanita. Please come home when you find it right.

Love,
Dolores 💗”

That was something new. She didn’t know if she wanted to laugh at Isabela’s misfortune or feel upset.”

“I’d probably laugh if I were you. She’s been mean to you since you were five.” Camilo said and Mirabel just shrugged slightly.

“Just because she’s been mean to me for ten years doesn’t mean I don’t want her to be happy. She’s still family and I still love her, so I want her to be happy.” Mirabel said softly as she glanced over at Isabela who was staring at her now.

“You are far too kind Mirabel. I swear you don’t have a mean bone in your body unless you’re defending the family.” Dolores said sighing heavily at that and Pepa snorted a bit.

“That’s because she’s just like Juli. Always kind and forgiving until you go after the family, then she’ll beat you half to death.” Pepa said looking at her hermana who blushed a bit but was actually looking pleased instead of upset.

“To be fair he was beating up Bruno over the fish and Bruno was half dead when we got there. You weren’t allowed to use your powers to hurt them so one of us had to teach him a lesson.” Julieta said and Abuela frowned heavily.

“Is…Is that why the Ozma family didn’t come near Bruno and refused to consider marriage with you or Bruno when you were thirteen?” Abuela asked and all three of the triplets nodded.

“Yeah Juli bout beat the oldest brother to death with her bare hands while I hustled Bruno back to Casita. It’s hilarious now because we know Bruno is safe now and I can look back and laugh at how this twenty year old with a head and shoulders and at least a hundred pounds was beaten black and blue by my slip of sister who almost never fights. And the fact that he cowers away from her even now if she so much as looks at him.” Pepa said with a smirk.

“Go mama.” Mirabel said wide eyed.

”Mirabel wiped the tears from her eyes as she read on. Her sweet mama was breaking slowly. Mirabel knew that she was already stretched thin from the cooking. Her disappearance was what broke the camel’s back. She hated the fact that her mama was upset.”

“Oh mi amor don’t apologize. Of course I’d be upset at one of my daughters leaving like that. And like you said. I’m stretched thin from cooking for the whole town…it’s not your fault.” Julieta said kissing her daughters cheek.

“I’m still pissed that they do that to you Juli. Seriously they need a healing arepa to save them from a papercut? Broken bones yeah I get it but come on? Every bruise and bump? Weak skinned bastards.”

“You act like you didn’t cause a couple of those broken bones Pepa.”

“They were whining and complaining about a few bumps and bruises! I just gave them a reason to go to Juli!”

“You also act like I’m not aware of the fact that you cook for the family sometimes without telling anyone and you refuse to come to me for healing unless it’s truly dire. Don’t forget that I know about your scars Pepita.” Julieta said staring at her sister who shrugged her shoulders.

“A few scars never hurt anyone. They show that I survived just fine without being magically healed.” Pepa said unbothered and she felt how Felix had one hand on her back and was tracing one of her scars through her dress now.

“Tia is badass.” Mira said impressed and Pepa blushed a bit while the rest of the grandkids nodded in agreement.

“She picked up a new letter that was messily scribbled. Antonio’s letter. She cooed at the drawings he sent her on little pieces of paper. She tucked them away in her journal to keep them safe and close to her heart.”

“I still have every picture!” Mira said proudly as she beamed at Antonio who grinned happily at that as he whispered to Mirabel that he'd make her hundreds of pictures.

“Mami,

I miss you. Lola said you left. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it a secret and I will keep on writing you every time! Paco said he will deliver letters and that you give really good treats. I wanna see you one last time, but I know you’ll come back when it’s safe! Be happy, Mami.

Love,
Antonio”

This little boy. She couldn’t hold in her tears. She missed her mama and papa. She missed Dolores. She missed Antonio.”

“I missed everyone.” Mira said smiling as she wiped away her tears as well. That earned her a few more kisses from her parents and a gentle hug from Luisa. Pepa was lightly raining on the couch but no one said anything.

”Wiping her tears, she plucked out a piece of paper and began to write a letter to each of them. She went on and on about her apprenticeship and even told Dolores of her secret admirer. She could tell Dolores anything and everything. Maybe one day she would write to her mama, to tell her she was safe. Maybe one day she would go back to Encanto.””

“And it turns out that you all came to visit me first.” Mira said with a watery laugh while Adrien was lovingly wiping her tears and whispering soothing words to her.

”Her family needed to realize their mistakes first and she was sure Dolores was helping them see.”

“You bet your ass I am.” Dolores said grinning slightly as she glared at Isabela and Abuela.

“Camilo we need to talk about you trying to blow out the candle!” Abuela said sternly as she stood up.

“That’s right.” Pepa said nodding her head and she looked her son straight in his eyes.

“Next time you try to blow it out let me know. I’ll create a storm or something and cover for you.” Pepa said sternly to her son who grinned widely and kissed her cheek.

“You’re the best mami!” Camilo said and Pepa grinned at him while Abuela staggered back in shock as Dolores and Bruno quickly chimed in that they would help. All four of them hated their gifts for various reasons after all.

“You’re damn right I am.” Pepa said grinning back at her son.

“Now I believe it’s my turn to threaten him?” Felix asked closing the book after marking the page and turning dark dangerous eyes onto Adrien who froze.

“I’m not as scary as the rest of the family I’ll admit, and I’m probably not as dangerous as them in your eyes but be aware that I am a lot stronger than I look and I know a lot of places to hide the dead. I also have very strict ways that I believe a man must treat his wife. Fail to follow those ways or hurt her or that baby and I promise you. I’ll make anything my amor or ninos come up with look like a joy compared to what I’ll do. Comprende?” Felix asked and his voice was a growl at the end. Everyone pretended not to see the way Pepa was eyeing her husband and how her eyes were half lidded. She loved his protective and possessive sides.

“Comprende!” Adrien yelped which made Felix grin again as he held out the book.

“Now who wants to read next?” Almost immediately it was snatched out of his hands by Bruno who was on his way back from the snack table with snacks and drinks for the cuddle pile and himself.

“I will.”

Chapter Text

“Chapter 6 Mi Querida (Julieta and Agustin)” Bruno read in a soft voice and he glanced at his eldest hermana (Even if only by half an hour) sadly.

”Julieta stared out the window of her room, her figure looking drained of life.”

Agustin wrapped his arms firmly around his wife as she cuddled their daughter who gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.

“She looked…lost. Her hair was a mess. She had bags under her red-rimmed eyes. Her palms were marked from the times she pinched herself to wake up from this nightmare. To hear her daughter’s voice as she sang to invisible music. To feel her daughter’s warmth in her arms.”

“I’m sorry mama.” Mira said softly and Julieta shook her head at her daughter.

“Don’t apologize baby. You did what you believed was best for you. As long as you’re safe and happy I can live with it.” Julieta murmured to her daughters hair.

”But every time she opened her eyes, every time she opened the nursery, she was reminded that her mariposa, her baby, truly was gone. Agustin would go into the trees and look for her but to no avail. He always comes home empty-handed.”

“And covered in bee-stings.” Everyone said immediately and in unison, making him pout a bit.

”Julieta looked at the handkerchief in her hands, tracing the intricate designs of butterflies around the edges before tracing the cursive J in the middle of it with herbs like chamomile, mint, etc. The last thing she had of Mirabel and she carried it with her every day.

Where did she go? Is she safe? Is she-alive?

Julieta choked on a sob. No, she couldn’t be. She was her mother’s daughter.”

“Si. She’s incredibly similar to you hermana. Almost a carboard copy with a bit of Agustin sprinkled in here and there.” Pepa said and she smiled as she kissed Mirabel’s head again, quickly kissing the other three children in her arms as well.

“Quick-witted. Clumsy but smart. She curled in on herself, holding onto the material tightly as she sobbed. She closed her eyes, going down a line of memories to when her daughter had been born.

~15-years-ago~
“She’s perfect. I told you she would be a copy of you.”
Juliet laughed weakly as she held onto her daughter 3 days after she was born. The tiny baby was very quiet and very curious.”

“You were. You were so quiet when you were born that we all thought that something was wrong. That you were…” Bruno trailed off as he glanced at his sobrina while Dolores tightened her grip, she remembered that. She and Isabela had been near her room for when the screams got to be too much for Dolores’ enhanced hearing and they had heard their Abuela announce that the baby was out and a girl and Dolores remembered her heart threatening to stop when she didn’t hear a cry or scream from the baby. When Camilo had been born he had screamed and cried immediately. Mirabel hadn’t.

It had scared both of the then six year olds and they had only been relieved of that fear when Dolores listened closely and heard the soft strong heartbeat of the baby.

”Her eyes would flutter open before closing shut to which Julieta would rub her head just to see her eyes. Brown eyes would meet hers and she would be met with countless little smiles from the baby. “Mirabel…” Julieta sang as she rubbed her tummy in the crib.

“Mi corazon. Wake up, sweetie.”

The baby would open her eyes slowly before closing them again. “Ay, she definitely got my habits,” Julieta giggled, remembering her mama telling her how as a baby, she would want to sleep all the time even though Pepa and Bruno would be awake.”

“You did. I was worried that something was wrong with you at first.” Abuela said glancing over at her eldest.

“I had to share a crib with those two. More than likely I was sleeping just to avoid them.” Julieta’s response was dry and immediate while her siblings gave small noises of protest.

“That is fair. Bruno was a very loud baby and Pepa had always been a loud little firecracker.” Abuela said and she smiled sadly and softly as she thought back to when her little ones were babies.

”Another tummy rub and Mirabel would bring up her tiny fists to rub at her eyes as she yawned. “There she is. Hi, mi bebe.” She watched as the youngest Madrigal would open her eyes and try to grab onto her mama’s fingers that caressed her cheeks and traced her nose.

Her birth was long and strenuous. Almost 2 days in labor as she laid in her room, groaning under the stress her body endured.”

“Yeah that was the longest birth of any of them. Even Antonio despite not being born until I was forty five wasn’t that hard on me.” Pepa said wincing as she recalled those long two days she had spent recovering from giving birth to Camilo and trying to take care of him while also being worried about her hermana.

”She waited and waited for this day to come and now she would meet the baby that she grew to love.

When she was born? A rainbow had filtered into the sky that was once dark.”

“There’s always a rainbow when a new baby is born. I can’t help it!” Pepa said smiling over at her sobrinas even as she held her kids tighter and kissed each of their heads.

”She remembered the cries and wails from her youngest as she took her first breath of air.”

“After you were silent for the first four minutes of your life hearing those cries were the best noise I’ve ever heard.” Julieta said and she kissed Mira’s head again while Mira winced and rubbed her own belly.

“I hope my baby doesn’t take after me like that then.” Mira said looking worried about that but Adrien kissed her cheek.

“Mi amor you are beautiful and perfect. If our baby is even half the person you are then they will be just as perfect.” Adrien said and Mira smiled and kissed him back.

“She remembered the tiny hands trying to clumsily latch onto her finger. She remembered the first time she opened her eyes and Julieta fell more and more in love with her baby girl.

A cry bubbled into the air from the newborn, Julieta picking her up and swaying gently as she walked to the bed in the corner of her room. The cries reduced and turned into small whimpers, eyes full of unshed tears as she held onto Julieta’s fingers. Leaning her daughter back to lay on closed knees, Julieta grabbed the tiny waving fists gently and moved them in tiny circles, Mirabel looking at her mama curiously.

“Welcome to the family Madrigal, Mirabel. You are my everything, mi vida. My little miracle.”

“You really were a miracle baby Mirabel. You were born a month too early and still made it.” Pepa said and she was smiling softly down at the blue clad figure in her pile of orange and red clad children.

“I’m a fighter like mama.” Mirabel said smiling slightly up at her Tia who laughed at that.

“Si you are!”

”~present~

Julieta walked out of her room, stopping at the stairs the moment she heard shouting. Dolores had covered her ears, walking over to clutch at her tia’s arm. “This is all her fault! She ruined Isabela’s engagement!”

“Abuela for the love of everything holy how the hell could it be Mirabel’s fault?! She wasn’t even there! They called it off because of Isabela’s actions and behavior not because of Mirabel!” Luisa demanded looking confused and in disbelief as she stared at her Abuela who said nothing.

“You can’t blame this on Mirabel!” Agustin’s voice was carried heavily around casita.

“Isn’t it good that she left? Now you won’t have to-”

“Won’t have to What mama?” Julieta’s eyes were glowing blue as she glared death at her mother who didn’t look at her. Isabela looked uncomfortable as she stared at her Abuela. Sure she was upset with Mirabel running away, but glad her engagement was called off, but that mean she thought it was good that Mirabel was gone.

Abuela said nothing and refused to look at any of her children who all had their eyes glowing their respective colors. Something that amazed the grandkids in the room since they knew of Tio Bruno’s eyes glowing but not Pepa and Julietas. Julieta’s were glowing a cold cobalt blue and Pepa’s were golden with flecks of lightning sparking from her eyes.

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence. Mirabel was the light of our lives. Just because she didn’t have a gift, doesn’t mean she was any less a part of this family. She earned her place!”

“She shouldn’t have had to ‘earn’ her place. Gift or no gift she was still part of this family and always will be.” Camilo growled as he latched onto Mirabel protectively, glaring at Abuela with his own eyes starting to glow a light brown color.

“She did nothing!”

“She did everything!” The calls from the adults and Dolores and Antonio were immediate as they all glared at Abuela who glared back at them a little bit with a stern look on her face but didn’t say a word. They’d get over it and realize it soon enough.

Mirabel burrowed her face in Antonio’s hair and Pepa’s shoulder to hide from her Abuela’s gaze while Mira was frowning heavily and had tears in her eyes as she stared at her Abuela.

“SHE DID EVERYTHING! Listen to yourself! It was Mariano’s decision to not marry Isabela. Mirabel has nothing to do with this! I will not stand you accusing my youngest daughter because things couldn’t go your way.”

“Go dad.” Luisa said holding her large hand out to her father who immediately gave her a fist bump, glaring at Abuela as well.

”Agustin stormed out of casita, not without kissing his wife and promising to come back. Dolores watched in distaste as Abuela left without a word. “Tia?” “Why did she have to leave? What did I do wrong?” Dolores felt her heartbreak at the pain-filled words. She can’t hurt her tia. Not anymore.”

“So that’s why you told mama about it. Honestly I was expecting it a lot sooner.” Mira said softly so that Dolores could hear.

”Sorry Mira, but I have to.”

“That’s alright Dolores. I don’t mind mama or papa knowing.” Mira said immediately and she shot her hermana a smile.

“Tia, come with me.” Though confused, Julieta held onto Dolores as she guided her to her room, softly shutting the door behind her. “Dolores.” “It’s okay tia. It’s ok.” Julieta broke down crying into her sobrina’s arms as Dolores rubbed her back. She reached to her nightstand and pulled out the one letter, placing it on the bed.

“You were a great mother to Mirabel, Tia. It wasn’t your fault. Abuela and Isabela pushed her too far.”

Abuela frowned and looked away while Isabela recoiled as if she had been slapped and stared at Mirabel who didn’t look up.

“Why couldn’t she come to me? Did she not trust me?”

“Of course I trust you! You’re the best mother in the world!” Mira and Mirabel both said immediately as they whipped around to stare at Julieta who smiled at them and kissed Mira’s head as she cuddled her daughter, smiling wider when she felt her nieto kick at her hand.

“She trusted you with her life tia. She loves you so much.” Dolores sucked in a breath before she spilled.

“I lied to you. About Mirabel.” Julieta looked up confused at the statement. What did Dolores lie about?

“I know where Mirabel is, but-” Dolores had to hold down her tia when she tried jumping up. “Where is she, Dolores? Where is my baby?” Julieta felt hope bubble in her chest. Someone knows where Mirabel is. She was going to get her baby back.”

“Sorry to get your hopes up Tia.” Dolores called softly and Julieta shook her head.

“Don’t blame yourself Dolores. I should have known that if she was that close by we would have found her.”

“I can’t tell you tia. I promised Mirabel.” Dolores watched her tia visibly deflate, trying to come up with a sentence. “I have been keeping contact with her, and she told me a lot of things. She even wrote a letter for you.”

She handed to letter to Julieta who traced her daughter’s writing. “Who else knows?” “Antonio. Paco sends and receives the letters. Go to your room and read it, Tia. We’re sending another letter in the evening if you want to write her one.”

“It’s not having my baby in my arms but it’s the next best thing. Thank you Dolores.” Julieta said softly to her sobrina who gave her a sad smile.

“I’m sorry it took me so long.”

“Don’t be hija. You made a promise and promises are meant to be kept.”

“Now who’s trying to steal a kid?”

“Shut up Pepita. She calls one of my hijas hermana that makes her mine.”

“Why can’t we just call both of you mama and get it over with?” Camilo asked and he saw how his mother and Julieta stared at each other for a long minute without breaking eye contact or saying a word.

“I’m fine with it if you are.”

“It means I have four hijas and two hijos. I’m fine with that.”

“Not to mention you’re about to be an Abuela. So if I call both of you mama that means you both are Abuelas.” Mira said smirking at her mama and Tia.

“Yes! I get to be an abuela!” There was an immediate rainbow over Pepa’s head at that and she gave a soft squeal as she hugged and kissed each of the children in her arms.

“It took you two twenty one years to finally come to that idea.” Bruno said dryly as he stared at his hermanas deadpan.

“Shut up Brunito.”

“At least now you two will stop trying to steal each others kids. I was expecting this when Luisa was three and confused as to which of you was her mama.”

“Shut up Bruno.”

“How can I shut up if I’m supposed to read.”

“Brunito, mi favorite hermano….I am currently cuddling my husband and four of my ninos. If I have to get up from this comfortable spot I am not going to be happy.”

“I’m your only hermano.”

“Bruno. If I have to get up you aren’t going to like it.”

“Sorry Juli. I’ll keep reading now.”

“Oh what kind of bullshit is that?!”

“Pepa you get mad at me all the time, I’m used to you trying to kill me. Juli though…”

“…Okay yeah that’s fair.”

”Dolores guided her tia out and Julieta made her way to her own bed, opening the letter carefully.

“Mami,

I’m pretty sure Lola told you about me. I’m sorry you had to find out this way, but you wouldn’t have let me go. I love you too much to break your heart if you stopped me. I’m doing okay. A really nice family took me in and are helping me.”

“Please thank your family again for me.”

“You’ve thanked us hundreds of times Senora. It was our pleasure.”

“Do. Not. Call. Me. Senora.” Julieta said glaring darkly at Adrien now. Adrien stiffened in fear and stared at her wide eyed.

“You married my daughter and make her happy. Call me Senora again and I will hurt you. To you it’s ‘mom’.” Julieta said and Adrien let out a sigh of relief.

“Si. Sorry about that mom. I just didn’t want to offend.” Adrien said and Julieta kissed his cheek.

“It’s okay Hijo. Just don’t do that again.”

“I became an apprentice to the town’s seamstress. I even finished my first project for a wedding dress! It was beautiful mami, you would have been proud of me.”

“Oh baby girl I’m always proud of you.” Julieta was smiling proudly at her daughter now and everyone was alarmed when Mira let out a sniffle and had tears in her eyes.

“What’s wrong sweetie why the tears?” Agustin was worried as Mira wiped away her tears, everyone staring at her alarmed and confused.

“I’m sorry. It’s just…all the emotions and the baby…” Mira trailed off but the older members of the family understood.

“Ah mood swings. How I do not miss those.”

“At least you were allowed to have those. I couldn’t or else I would have probably destroyed the town.” Pepa said and Felix kissed her cheek.

“Would have been worth it.” Felix murmured into her ear.

“At least your nausea wasn’t too bad when you were pregnant. God I couldn’t even look at a fish without getting sick.”

“At least you weren’t showing too much. You barely had more than a small bump. I swelled up like a balloon!”

“You dropped all that excess weight in less than a year after you gave birth though, unlike me who kept it on for years.”

“That’s only cause I got a bit more exercise than you did.”

“You almost immediately started trying to get pregnant again as soon as it was safe for you to do so.”

“I wasn’t trying for another pregnancy immediately. I was just doing some exercising. Besides you can’t really talk or did you forget about how you were all over Agustin during your second trimester?”

“At least I kept it confined to my room when clothes came off! That’s more than what you and Felix could say or did you forget about-“

“Mijas I believe I have both of you beat. Or did you forget that I had three of you at once?” Abuela stopped the two mothers from continuing on with their conversation as Felix gave a small grin remembering some of the places he and Pepa enjoyed their marriage, and her pregnancy hormones.

“I believe that I don’t want to hear anymore of this discussion especially whatever Tia was about to say.” Camilo said dryly and the adults looked a little sheepish as they remembered the kids were around.

“Trust me kid. You don’t want to know. Just be glad you didn’t walk in on it.” Bruno said dryly, ducking when Pepa launched a bread roll at him.

“Hm…maybe Tia has some ideas we can use later dear? Think I should ask her?” Mira whispered into her husbands ear with a small mischievous grin while his face went bright red. Dolores gave a squeak and would not look at them as Tio Bruno began to read again.

“How is Papi? Please keep him away from bees. I took a picture of you and me from my bedroom so I’ll always remember you.

Since I didn’t have a quinceanera, the family and town are going to throw a sweet sixteen for me (I don’t blame you. You and Papi gave me a gift and made a cake).”

“You…you didn’t have a quinceanera?” Luisa sounded like she was swallowing sand as she slowly stared at her sister, looking from Mira to Mirabel who didn’t look up.

“…”

“My birthday was two weeks before Antonio’s ceremony. It’s fine. We needed to make sure his ceremony went perfectly after all. Besides you were busy and mama and papa gave me cake and changed my shoes and all. Dolores and Antonio were there and gave me a gift and a hug too.” Mira said softly and the family looked heartbroken at that.

One of the most important nights for a Columbian girl and they had forgotten it or not even thought about it?

“I’m sorry mi nube. I’m so so sorry.” Pepa was crying as she buried her face in Mirabel’s hair. No wonder the girl thought no one aside from Dolores and her parents loved her. They had forgotten her night. Her special day.

Camilo had tears in his eyes as he held Mirabel closer and Felix looked devastated. Luisa was bawling and crying and apologizing for being a bad sister while Isabela was gaping in disbelief and looked like she had seen a ghost and Abuela looked like a deer caught in the headlights of a car.

No…they hadn’t…surely they hadn’t forgotten her quince? They…they…

Bruno frowned at that, feeling guilty about how he hadn’t been there to wish her a happy birthday or give her a gift. He had been in the walls after all. He had sung to her when she went to bed the night before and had whispered a happy birthday to her that morning and that night, just like he did for each of his sobrinas and sobrinos on their birthdays. He decided to give them all a moment before he kept reading although not many were paying attention anymore.

They were too busy realizing just how badly they had fucked up.

“Don’t worry, I’ll send you a picture through Lola so you can keep it.

I wish you were here. I miss your kisses and your hugs. I miss you, mami.

I love you,
Mirabel ♡”

Julieta sobbed happily. Her baby was okay. She held the letter close to her heart and smiled through her tears. She picked up a piece of paper and ink, starting the beginning of her letter.

“Mi querida bebe…”

“That’s the end of the chapter.” Bruno said softly as he sat down the book.

Not many paid any attention to it as they were lost in their own heads realizing what they had done. They had forgotten a quince. They had essentially forgotten one of the most important days in a Columbian girls life.

No wonder Mira had run away.

Chapter Text

“Mira…I’m sorry mi nube. I’m so sorry.” Pepa murmured as she kissed Mirabel’s head while the girl said nothing, relaxing into her Tia.

“You know what? Nope. You’re never leaving my eyesight again. I’m sorry gemela.” Camilo was also murmuring softly as he cuddled into her back while Antonio wiggled to be closer to her and kissed her cheek.

“It’s….it’s okay. It’s already happened. Can…Can we just finish the story?” Mirabel asked and she didn’t look at any of them, just keeping her face buried in Pepa’s shoulder and Antonio’s hair.

“Dear perhaps you should read next.” Mira said moving more firmly into her parents arms and letting her husband get up to grab the book.

“Your wish is my command mi vida.” Adrien said and he retrieved the book but also made a stop by the food table and got her some of her latest cravings.

“And you once more prove that you’re amazing and give me more reasons to love you.” Mira said grinning as he handed her the plate full of papaya arepas that she eagerly dug into.

“Ah pregnancy cravings. Don’t miss those.” Pepa said with a small grin although there was still a dark cloud over her head.

“Me neither.” Julieta agreed with a small smile while Mira happily munched on the arepas.

“This is honestly one of her more mild cravings. One time she wanted mango smothered fish with a blueberry compote and had mayo covering the whole thing.” Adrien said with a chuckle while more than a few people looked disgusted with that.

“Not to mention that time Tia Pepa nearly tackled me.”

“Why would I do that Mira?” Pepa looked baffled as she stared at the older version of her little cloud.

“She was trying to eat soap. Covered in chocolate.” Adrien said dryly and everyone stared at Mira in disbelief for a long moment.

“In my defense it was a pregnancy craving!” Mira said and Julieta sighed heavily.

“Good lord you somehow got some of Pepa’s cravings.” Julieta said pinching the bridge of her nose and making a couple of heads turn to look at an embarrassed and sheepish Pepa.

“Okay also in my defense was that it was only the one time and you kept me from eating too much of it.” Pepa said and there was a raising temperature in the room from the embarrassment.

“You ate half the bar while you were pregnant with Camilo.”

“Start reading love.” Mira whispered to her husband who nodded his head and opened the book.

”Chapter 7. I was better than you (Isabela)”

Everyone glanced at Isabela who glared at them and Dolores glared right back at her.

”It was quiet at breakfast, but you can tell that the eldest grandchild was fuming. Where exactly was Mirabel? She was angry at her sister for leaving but was angrier with Dolores. How dare she keep this a secret.”

“Fuck you I want my hermana to be happy. If that means she gets away from you then you better believe I was going to keep it a secret.” Dolores looked more than ready to get up and start swinging a fist at Isabela.

Isabela glared back at her but didn’t say anything at a glance from Abuela.

“She had to find out. Isabela walked into town, a fake smile plastered on her face. Though that was short-lived when she saw Dolores talking to Mariano. While she never like the man, she had to make the family perfect, but no.
Dolores and Mirabel had to ruin everything.”

“Ex-fucking-cuse me?! You were going to marry him even though you didn’t like him?! And you’re blaming us for keeping you from getting into a loveless marriage?” Dolores was definitely fuming now and if she had her mothers power there would be a definite thunderstorm and lightning over her head.

“You don’t like Mariano?” Julieta asked staring at her eldest in confusion and disbelief while Abuela frowned slightly and stared at Isabela.

“Of course I don’t! I was only marrying him for the family!” Isabela snapped and Mira shook her head sadly.

“Isa…no one should marry out of obligation. Marriage is supposed to be about trust, love, respect. Not duty. If you had told someone that you didn’t want to marry Mariano then we would have done something to keep you from ever being in that position to start with.” Mira said softly to her eldest sister who shot her a glare.

“It was supposed to be what was best for the family! Who would have stopped me from doing it if it was what was best?!” Isabela demanded and everyone frowned.

“I would have.” Mirabel said softly as she stared at her eldest hermana.

“Me too.” Luisa said and she was frowning at her sister.

“I’m always down to cause some chaos.” Camilo pipped up earning a few chuckles.

“Your madre and I would have never let you go through with it if we knew mija.” Agustin said firmly and Julieta nodded once in agreement, her eyes locked onto her eldest.

“Mira was right on how love and marriage is supposed to work. Supposed to be about. I’m a firm believer of that. If I knew I would never let you marry him. Neither you nor he deserves that.” Felix said softly as he stared at his sobrina.

“If someone tried to force you to marry someone you don’t want to you could have come to me and I would have gotten things settled quickly.” Pepa said and there was a dark thunder cloud over her head but it was raining slightly. She felt bad for her eldest sobrina. The girl felt like she had to marry Mariano.

“If you had merely told me that you weren’t interested in him then I would never have made you date or marry him. I am many things Isabela but I will never be a woman who forces her family to marry for anything less than love.” Abuela said staring at Isabela who looked stunned at that as she stared at her Abuela in disbelief and a bit of shock.

“ Everything was ruined for her.
~Flashback~
“Why do you even care if she’s gone?! She doesn’t even have a gift!”

“While I feel bad that you seem to think you have to Marry someone you don’t love that is no excuse for saying that Isabela. Have you forgotten that your Abuela, Tio Felix and papa don’t have gifts either?” Bruno asked frowning seriously at his sobrina who seemed surprised as if she hadn’t thought of that.

“I don’t have a gift either, Isabela!” Mariano yelled. “She was more human than any of you, always pushed aside and forgotten. She’s your sister! She helped me and I helped her!”

“You helped Mariano?” Abuela asked looking at Mirabel who hadn’t said anything for a while now. Glancing down at the girl Pepa knew why and she smiled softly. Even after she had failed her sobrina so badly the girl still felt comfortable and safe enough to fall asleep on her. Pepa adjusted slightly to lean further back into the couch and into Felix to be more comfortable, her children adjusting as well to be comfortable and not wake Mirabel.

“Well he wanted to learn how to do basic stitches to repair his clothes and I would help him make something for his mother on her birthday. Or fix his clothes when he would bust a seam or something training.” Mira said shrugging her shoulders a bit before snacking on another arepa.

“Oh please, what could she possibly have done to help you?”
Disgust. Pure disgust filled Mariano’s features. “Don’t you dare talk about her like that! She is special!”

“You are mi nube. You are so special.” Pepa murmured to Mirabel’s hair while Julieta was telling Mira the same thing minus the nickname.

He turned away from her, catching a glimpse of red walking through the town. “You know what. I’m done. I renounce my engagement to you. I don’t even want to see you.”

Isabela looked torn between happy about this but also upset. After all she had thought she had needed to marry him for the family and yet now she wouldn’t have to! All…all because of her hermana.

“Mariano.” “No, the moment you insulted Mirabel, was the moment I saw how truly ugly you were.”
~End~

“While I don’t agree with the words I do agree with the meaning behind them. It doesn’t matter how beautiful someone is on the outside if the inside doesn’t match. Shouldn’t have called her ugly but I can understand where he was coming from.” Adrien said with a small hum as he kissed Mira’s head when she laid it on his shoulder.

“Oh?” Everyone stared at him now and Adrien shrugged.

“Mi padre taught me to always treat women with respect and to never hurt one or insult one. Not unless they truly deserve it or hurt me first and even then I refuse to harm a woman unless it is a life or death situation.” Adrien said and he smiled softly at his wife while Felix stared at him hard for a moment before smirking.

“I’m liking you better and better.” Felix said making Adrien look confused while Felix pressed a kiss to Pepa’s head when she rested it against his shoulder. Adrien looked confused but Mira nudged the book a bit.

”She shuddered in anger, petunia’s growing around her as she walked back to Casita for dinner.

Sitting in her chair, she watched as Dolores at her food quietly, a poker face resting on her features. She was wearing that necklace, AGAIN. She wasn’t Mirabel’s sister. Just her cousin.”

“Fuck you I’m her hermana in every way that counts!” Dolores said and she shot Isabela a venomous glare.

“It is unfortunate that Isabela’s engagement was renounced,” Abuela said in distaste. Agustin looked ready to fight as Julieta held onto his hand, clutching a knife dangerously.”

“Which one of you was clutching the knife? Because no offense Gus but you do not need to be holding a knife.”

“None taken Bruno. Juli probably was holding it.”

“Then we’re all fucked.”

“Pepa language around Antonio!”

“He fell asleep on top of Mirabel!”

“Still be careful!”

“Yea, it just had to be ruined”

“Oh shut up Isabela.”

The whole family looked at Camilo who was angrily chewing his food. “Excuse me?” “You heard me. Shut up.” She scoffed loudly, grabbing her food and throwing it at Camilo who ducked.”

“Yes real smart. Throw food like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. Especially throwing it at the one who plays with kids all day to give their parents a break and is used to dodging random things.” Camilo scoffed at Isabela who flushed darkly and couldn’t understand why she had thrown food of all things. It wasn’t something the Perfect Madrigal would do.

“Camilo! Go to your room.” “Yes thank you. I don’t want to be in Senorita Perfecta’s way,” Camilo sneered as he walked up to his room with Antonio in tow. Dolores smirked and let out a snicker, Isabela glaring her way. “You think that’s funny, Mouse?”

“That better not be an insult or based around her squeaking.” Pepa warned dangerously as she stared at her eldest Sobrina. She didn’t let anyone make fun of her daughters tics and stims.

“I found it quite funny actually.”

“Cual carajo es tu problema?!” “Tu eres mi maldito problema!” Dolores shouted, slamming her hands on the table. Pepa hissed at her daughter who glared fiercely at Isabela.”

“Language Dolores.”

“Mami you were literally just cursing.”

“Watch your language around your Abuela then. You know how she gets about you kids cursing.”

“This is all your fault, Dolores! You let her leave! Just admit it. You were always jealous of me.”

“What’s there to be jealous of? Cause I could only think of one thing and you didn’t even have any say in it.”

“What’s that mean?”

“The only thing I’m jealous of is that you have sisters. I love my brothers but forgive me if I wanted a little sister too!”

“Well we could try and fix that.”

“Felix!”

“It was a joke mi vida!”

“Jealous? Of you? Please. The only thing I was jealous of was that you had sisters.” “You have Camilo and Antonio!”

“I love my brothers! Forgive me for wanting a sister. I wanted someone to confide in and someone to confide in me. Someone who would see me as a role model! You have 2 sisters and yet, you treat one like mierda.”

Isabela winced. She couldn’t….she couldn’t really deny that now could she? Not when her own actions and thoughts were being read aloud in that book.

“I love my sister.” “Do you really? Cause you have a fucked up way of showing it. Admit it Isabela, you hated her!” “She ruined my life!”

“Isabela Rojas Madrigal! I understand that you’re upset but your sister in no way ruined your life! I don’t ever want to hear you say something like that again young lady!” Julieta snapped at her daughter looking furious.

“Even when we were mad at each other I never thought that Bruno or Juli ruined my life. My wedding maybe but-“

“Pepa I said I was sorry! It was a joke to make you less nervous!”

“Sure tell the one who can control the weather it looks like rain! That was a great joke Brunito!”

“Pepa stop pretending to be upset. We both know Brunito has horrible jokes.”

“Oh you both can bite me! I tell great jokes!”

“Adrien keep reading please.” Agustin asked his son-in-law who nodded and broke up the impending triplet argument.

“You ruined hers! All she wanted was a sister! Someone to love her. Yet you blamed her for everything!” “Learn your place, Dolores. You are not her sis-”

“I know my place. That’s about five steps ahead of you in being a hermana. I was always more of a sister to her than you were.” Dolores sneered at Isabela, her temper fraying and she was half a second away from launching herself at the other woman.

“Why you-“ Adrien quickly continued reading.

“I was more of a sister than you! She came to ME with her problems! She came to ME when she was sad. She came to ME when all she wanted was for someone to listen to her!”

Isabela gripped the table in anger, their Abuela trying to call their attention. Pepa and Felix looked away, Felix trying not the smile because he was proud his daughter was standing up to Isabela.”

“So damn proud of you baby girl. So proud of my little princess.” Felix murmured as he kissed his daughters head and she smiled happily. She had always been a daddy’s girl after all.

“She did nothing useful. She got in the way.”

“Excuse me! She did everything! Who do you think set the table and woke us up in the morning? Who do you think mended our clothes and made sure they were clean all the time? Who do you think entertained the townspeople for a little while just so the rest of us could have a break? It sure as hell wasn’t you!” Camilo was well and truly pissed as well now as he glared at Isabela.

“So useless you decided to hurt her right?” Isabela’s eyes widened and fear took over. The adults stiffened.”

“Isabela. What does she mean by that?” Julieta asked her oldest coldly while Mira was pointedly not looking at anyone. Isabela was tense and didn’t look at any of them while Dolores sneered at her.

“Julieta’s gaze hardened, holding onto Agustin as his breathing grew heavy. “Isabela Marie Madrigal. What did you do?” Agustin asked, voice full of anger towards his eldest daughter. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t try to lie about it. I hear everything remember?” Dolores sneered at Isabela who wouldn’t look at anyone while Abuela was frowning at her confused.

“Don’t play dumb. You got so jealous because of my relationship with her. She was in the nursery that day doing nothing wrong! You ripped all the drawings she and I made. All the papers she had with designs of clothes for US and she retaliated. She ripped out all of your roses from the garden.”

“That’s why she ripped up the garden roses? You told me she had done it because she was jealous and being petty.” Abuela said her voice cold as she stared at her eldest grandchild who flinched but didn’t look at her. She wasn’t looking at anyone.

‘She stood with a fierce snarl on her lips. Isabela gulped.

“You went to Abuela who catered to her perfect little girl and believed everything she said. Blamed Mirabel when you never told the whole truth. YOU WRAPPED VINES AROUND HER AND LOCKED HER IN THE NURSERY!”

“You did what?!” There were shouts of disbelief and anger from everyone else at that, surprisingly Mirabel and Antoino were sleeping through it all.

“And here I thought that we weren’t allowed to use our gifts against other people. Especially intentionally. When the hell did that change?” Pepa demanded and there was a furious storm brewing over her head as she shot a golden eyed glare to her mother and Isabela.

“And like always, Abuela turned a blind eye. If it wasn’t for me, she could have been hurt. I had to tend to her because at that moment she never hated you more. She needed an older sister!”

She heard the hitches in-breaths and the sound of thunder filled the air, but all she sees is red. “Dolores it’s bad to tell lies.”

“My hija never lies! Even when it would keep her from getting in trouble she has never lied!” Felix snapped out angrily although he was holding his children and wife tightly as he glared furiously at Abuela. She was the only one who would say that.

“So you’re saying my daughter is lying? The one who is always honest!” Pepa yelled, thunder cracking.

“Face it Isabela. You wished Mirabel was never born. You were just waiting for the day she left the Encanto, so everything could be ‘perfect’.” The word was spat out with so much disdain that it sent a chill down everyone’s backs.”

Isabela flinched at that and stared in horror at everyone. Did they really believe she wished Mirabel had never been born?

“It’s alright Isa. Sometimes I had wished I was never born too.” Mira said with a small sad smile on her face and immediately Adrien threw the book aside to bring her into his arms as several head whipped around to look at her in shock and horror.

“Mi vida don’t ever say that. If you were never born we would have never met. We wouldn’t have fallen in love or gotten married and had this beautiful little one on the way. Without you I would never be complete.”

“You would have found someone better. Someone not screwed up who would be a better wife and moth-“

“Hey now none of that. No one is allowed to talk bad about you like that, not even you. This baby will be so very lucky when it’s born because it will have you for a mother and you’ll be an amazing mother. I would never have anyone who is such a perfect match for me as you are mi vida.” Adrien continued to whisper soft soothing things and reassuring things to Mira that had Dolores melting at hearing it and deciding that she liked him. Julieta and Agustin were clutching their grown up youngest tightly and Luisa was half laying on her sisters legs as if to reassure herself that her sister was here.

“I’m glad you were born. You’re mi gemela.” Camilo whispered to the sleeping Mirabel.

“Thank you for being born Mi nube.” Pepa murmured as well and there was rain falling on all of them but none of them cared. Bruno longed to reach over and assure Mirabel of the same thing but she didn’t know him so well so it…well he was bad luck and it was best not to risk it.

Abuela and Isabela were horrified and shocked as they stared at Mirabel and Mira. They…they had wished they were never born?

After a few minutes Camilo leapt up to grab the book and finish the chapter. Adrien was too busy comforting and reassuring Mira.

“With that Dolores, shoved her chair back and stormed to her room. Isabela looked to her parents her mother’s face was unreadable. Luisa scoffed and walked out of the room.
“Mama..” Isabela started, reaching for the healer. Julieta shoved the hands away and looked on in anger and disappointment. “You disappoint me Isabela. She’s your sister. And yet-” Julieta wiped her eyes roughly.

“I hope you and your Abuela are happy now. I’ll never get to see my baby again because of you.” Everyone stormed out, and Isabela was left in a heap on the floor. What had she done?”

Isabela was sitting in her chair staring down at her hands as she thought everything over. What kind of sister was she?

~In the walls~
“I don’t know if I should be proud that you stood up to Isabela or shocked that you haven’t gotten struck by lightning yet.”

“I’d never strike my ninos with lightning!” Pepa said defensively as she looked at her brother who shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t mean on purpose Pepa.”

“I’d take the lightning into my body first before I let it touch mi ninos.”

“I’ll accept either.”

“Mirabel would be proud of you for standing up to Isabela.” “I’ll protect her no matter what.”

“That’s the end of the chapter.” Camilo announced before he tossed the book over to Abuela and curled back up against Mirabel’s back again to cuddle her some more.

Chapter Text

There was a small flash of light at the end of the chapter and everyone looked alarmed or confused as it began to fade. There was another Abuela there. One who looked a bit older but her face seemed softer.

“Abuela!” Mira was beaming and the second Abuela was looking around curiously and in disbelief as her eyes fell on Mirabel and then on her own self.

“Ay Mira one of these days you’re going to give this old woman a heart attack.” The newly arrived Abuela said after a long moment of silence as everyone gaped at her.

“If you didn’t have one when Tia Pepa was growing up or when Cami and I got into mischief then I doubt I’ll be giving you one anytime soon.” Mira said grinning while the older version of Abuela began to walk around the room and distribute hugs and kisses to each of her kids and grandkids.

“That’s true.” Older Abuela said and her eyes softened even more as she glanced at Mirabel sleeping in Pepa’s lap

“Been a while since you’ve slept in your Tia’s lap mariposa.” Older Abuela said with a chuckle while Adrien snorted.

“You act like she doesn’t steal my wife and cuddle her at every chance. If Senora Pepa is around there’s a very very small chance of her not having her arms around Mira in some way.” Adrien said with a chuckle as he kissed his wife’s head while Older Abuela seemed fine with sitting on the couch that had originally been occupied by Camilo, Mirabel, and Dolores.

“How…How do we separate you from her?” Luisa asked in confusion as she stared from Older Abuela to slightly younger Abuela.

“Just call me Bisabuela. That’s what I’m going to be soon.” Older Abuela said as she shot Mira a soft smile. Abuela stared at Bisabuela in confusion wondering why she seemed so happy and calm.

“Would you like to read next?” Adrien asked as Luisa held up the book wondering who would read next. Bisabuela immediately agreed and took the book, giving Luisa a smile and a gentle hand pat as she took the book.

”Chapter 8. The sky lost a cloud.” Bisabuela read and everyone almost immediately glanced at Pepa who gave a small whimper and held her children closer.

“Wake up Chiquita, it’s time for breakfast,” the redhead said, rubbing the little girl’s stomach to wake her up.”

“Only way to wake her up most of the time.” Julieta said with a smile as she looked from Mira to Mirabel.

“That never changes. She was sleeping in one time while Camilo and I were visiting and she refused to wake up for anything else but the minute I rubbed her stomach she started waking up.” Bisabuela said with a chuckle and Mira gave a small sheepish grin.

“Good to know.” Camilo said with a grin as he glanced at Mirabel.

“Just remember that right now she has some killer cramps and is sleeping peacefully. You really want to wake her?” Dolores asked her brother who froze with his hand reaching over Mirabel’s side and he looked horrified.

“I have never been so glad as when I went through menopause.” Bisabuela said with a snicker and Julieta gave an agreeing noise to that.

“Thank goodness that my gift takes away most of the more painful parts of it and eases most of the symptoms. Right Pepa?” Julieta asked grinning at her sister who looked a bit sheepish and embarrassed.

“I wouldn’t know Juli. I…I er haven’t gone through menopause yet.” Pepa admitted sheepishly and her sisters jaw dropped.

“What? You’re fifty Pepa how have you not gone through Menopause?!” Abuela asked staring at the red head who shrugged her shoulders.

“I don’t know mama! Maybe it’s something to do with my gift, maybe it’s just the way my body was designed but I haven’t even started menopause yet.” Pepa said with a chuckle as she leaned into her husbands side, adjusting so that she could rest her head on his shoulder.

“If she gets pregnant again I’m out of here.”

“Make sure you take me with you Brunito.” Bisabuela said immediately and everyone stared at her in disbelief while she gave her son a flat look.

“We remodeled your hiding hole and I still have plenty of liquor and non-perishable food to bring with me.” Bisabuela said without a single hint of joking.

“What? I’m old and already lived through three of her pregnancies, including one where she and Julie were pregnant at the same time! I’m just glad that Mirabel is mostly taking after her mother and not her tia with her pregnancy so far!” Bisabuela said and then looked at the book again while the family gaped and Abuela was staring at her in disbelief and confusion.

”Curls poked up from behind the blanket as she yawned. “Tia Pepa?” “Si mi sobrina. Come on. Let’s get you ready. You’re going to spend the day with me.” The little girl’s giggle sounded throughout the whole room where rainbows covered the sky the whole day.”

“There’s always rainbows when you get to have Mira with you for the day.” Agustin said with a grin towards Pepa who hummed contently as she cuddled her children and husband.

”Pepa woke up slowly, wiping the tears from her eyes that fell in her unconscious state. It’s been weeks since Mirabel left. It’s been days since Dolores’s blunt confession about Isabela wanting Mirabel gone. She rolled over in bed before sluggishly sitting up, her curls surrounding her face. She heard ghost-like giggling and looked to the side. Memories playing in front of her very eyes.”

“Sorry that I made you cry Tia.” Mira said softly and there was a cloud over Pepa’s head.

“Don’t apologize mi nube. I should be the one apologizing for making you believe that we don’t love you. You’re my nube, my second hija, and I love you so very much baby girl. If it came down to it I would give my life to save yours in an instant, just as I would for any of my children.” Pepa said softly as she stared at Mira, getting kisses on her cheeks from her two awake children.

“Pepa you’re cl-“

“Shut up about the cloud. Josefina Madrigal there will be no more talk of sacrificing yourself. While I know you would in an instant if need be that will never happen while I am alive. I haven’t had to bury my children or grandchildren yet and I refuse to do so. If anyone in this family dies first it damn well better be me and I don’t care if it’s peacefully in my sleep or covered in the blood of someone trying to hurt mi family. I will be the one dying first in this family and that is final.” Bisabuela said sternly and almost immediately Bruno was by her side and he looked upset and worried and a bit shy but she pulled him into her side and tucked him there as if he were still a small child.

“Mama…” Bruno said looking upset and worried and Bisabuela smiled and kissed his head.

“Don’t worry Brunito. I’m not going to try and die. At least not before I meet that little troublemaker in the making.” Bisabuela said and she smiled as she pointed her lips over to Mira pointedly.

“Ay already calling the baby a trouble maker?” Mira asked grinning and making the older woman snort.

“I’m pretty certain you’ve caused more than your fair share of grey hairs. If that bebe takes after you my hair will be pure white by the time he or she is two. Dios when you were learning to walk…” Bisabuela said shaking her head and all those who remembered back then nodded rapidly in agreement. It had been common for either Pepa and Julieta or Isabela and Dolores to chase after Camilo and Mirabel once the two had started learning how to walk.

(“Tia Pepa! You have so much hair!” The 4-year-old girl giggled as she tried to braid the redhead’s mess of curls.)

Pepa smiled at that memory. She was trying to teach her how to braid that day.”

“I remember that. You ended up with your hair all messy and your braids were worse than when you had first started doing them yourself.” Julieta said with a chuckle as she looked at her sister who hummed.

“True her first attempts were bad but she got better fast and I loved doing that with her.” Pepa said and she kissed Mirabel’s head.

“Just wait Tia. You get to help teach this little one how to braid when they’re big enough.” Mira said grinning at her Tia who beamed at that news, her rainbow popping up immediately.

“Do…do you already know the gender?” Bruno asked eyeing his sobrina and wondering if he had given her a vision of the baby.

“Not at all but boy or girl learning how to braid is a good idea.” Mira said and the rest of the family could only agree.

“Getting up and dressing for the day she walked out, an obvious cloud above her head. She walked into the kitchen and rested her head on Julieta’s shoulder, grumbling. “Good morning to you too.” “I miss her.” “I do too, Pepita.” “I just want a sign that she is okay.” She heard more giggles watching the scenes unfold before her.

(“Shhh, we can’t let your mami know.” “Ok tia.” She smiled as she watched the small scene of them sneaking into the kitchen, trying to get some arepas con queso. “What are you two doing?” Shrieks of laughter filled the air as Julieta grabbed her daughter and sister, tickling both of them.)

“God I remember when they were that small. I miss you all being so tiny.” Pepa murmured as she kissed each childs head.

“Believe it or not but you used to be just as tiny as they were once upon a time.” Bisabuela said and Abuela’s eyes softened as she recalled that as well. Out of the three children Pepa had been the tiniest at first, some of the midwives and Abuelas that had been there when she was born had proclaimed that Alma shouldn’t get attached because there was a big chance that little Pepa wouldn’t make it a month.

“Smaller even. You were the tiniest of the trio. None of the midwives even thought you’d survive a month.” Abuela said and her eyes were distant as she recalled that, how she had spent every waking moment with her children worried that one of them would suddenly perish. Be taken from her like her Pedro had been.

“True…but you were a temperamental little fighter and ray of sunshine. So you managed to pull through.” Bisabuela said and she smiled softly as she looked at her tallest child.

Pepa blushed and looked a bit lost on how to react as she cuddled her children.

”The more Pepa sees, the more she misses her sobrina. “I’m sorry Juli.” “Don’t be sorry Pepa.” With a kiss to the head, she pulled her sister and sat her at the table with a plate of food. She pecked at it, feeling the tension around the room between Dolores and Isabela.

When did Dolores become so protective of Mirabel? Was it after the failed ceremony?”

“In my defense I always was protective of Mirabel. Her heartbeat had been so much slower than Camilo’s when Tia was pregnant…and it scared me when she didn’t cry for a little while after she was born. Not to mention she’s mi hermana. Course I’m protective.” Dolores said and Mira shot her a grin.

“The fact that I make you earmuffs and cover for you when you need a break helps.” Mira said with a smile and Dolores smiled back.

“Pepa, you have a-” “Don’t say it,” Pepa growled out, pulling her chair away from the table and storming to her room. She fell straight onto her bed and pulled at her braid as tears filled her eyes. More memories flooded. This time, not the good ones.

(“Mirabel leave me alone.” “Tia?” “Leave.”)

“I’m sorry mi nube.” Pepa looked upset as she felt those memories assault her as well.

“Tia I was bothering you while you were trying to sleep and we didn’t know it but I’m pretty sure you were pregnant with Antonio right then. I never held it against you.” Mira said smiling softly as she looked at Pepa who had tears in her eyes and a drizzling cloud.

(“Camilo, stop playing you have work to do!”)

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay mami.”

(“Stop trying to make this about you, Mirabel.”)

“I’m sorry.”

“Tia you were pregnant and snapping at everyone it was fine.”

(“You were trying to ruin Anontio’s night.”)

“I’m sorry.”

“I can’t blame you for thinking that Tia, stop apologizing.”

“That was partially my fault for waving things away and claiming that she might have gotten into the spiked drinks.” Bisabuela said with a wince as she glanced at her daughter who was looking more heartbroken with each sentence read aloud.

“I should have waited to get you alone to tell you about the cracks but I panicked. Sorry.”

“Mira if any of us had seen those cracks and the way the candle flickered we probably would have reacted the same way.” Bruno said with a small smile towards her to reassure her.

(“Just stand aside Mirabel.”)

“I’m sorry.”

“To be fair to you I was clumsy and had probably stumbled into the way. You don’t have to apologize Tia.”

“I do. I should have never…” Pepa was cut off when sleepy brown eyes opened and glared up at her tiredly.

“Stop ‘pologizin’. I love you an’ was never mad. So no more pologizing. Just cuddles.” Mirabel grumbled and she kissed her Tia’s jaw since she didn’t want to raise her head anymore and Pepa broke down crying at the immediate forgiveness and unconditional love Mirabel was giving her. None of them cared about the rain as Pepa clutched the children close while they all held her tightly and Felix silently held her close.

“Pepa you’re getting all we-“ Abuela started to say something but was shot glares from everyone else. And an arepa slammed into her face from her older self.

“Was that really what I was like?” Bisabuela asked making Bruno nod timidly.

“Damn I was a bitch.” There were more than a few choked laughs and disbelieving looks at the womans words while Abuela was spluttering and staring at herself in horror and disbelief.

“You let it all out Pepita. Don’t worry about her. I can claim seniority and I’m telling you that you can let it all out.” Bisabuela said softly to her daughter who nodded with stunned but still teary eyes as she cuddled the children.

”The day Mirabel left, the sky lost a cloud. Pepa lost a piece of herself like how Julieta did. She remembered the late nights, the clothes changes, the hugs, and the cuddles.”

“Tia mama.” Mirabel murmured as she cuddled even closer to her Tia, pressing another kiss to her tia’s jaw while Antonio continued to sleep in her arms. Mirabel wasn’t too far from falling back asleep as well.

“That’s right little cloud. Tia mama.” Pepa murmured softly into Mirabel’s hair with tears and rain drizzling down onto them.

“Why did she have to be such an awful tia to her? Camilo and her were close.”

“You’re an amazing Tia. And course we were close. We were twins.” Mirabel muttered and her eyes were closed again as she snuggled her Tia.

”Twins they use to call them even though they were months apart in birth. Those two would be everywhere together. Her mama was the cause of their separation. She remembers Camilo sleeping outside of the nursery even after her gift ceremony.

And Antonio? She would never forget his cries for his mami. She knew it wasn’t her that he was calling. She knew. Antonio called Mirabel mami and she couldn’t blame the girl. She was 10 when they put him under her care. 10 when she parented the boy when he had nightmares, was hungry, etc. Pepa remembers a time when Antonio wouldn’t calm down and she was at the point of crying. Her sobrina, her sweet sobrina, took the little boy in her arms and watched as his sobs softened and he fell asleep.”

“You were always a mami to him. Always a member of our family and always so full of love and so sweet to everyone. I’m so sorry Mirabel. I should have been better.” Pepa murmured softly as she continued to kiss Mirabel’s head.

”She would never forget that day.

“Pepi, mi amor. Wake up.” When did she fall asleep? She groaned as the light hit her bleary eyes. “That’s it, mi amor. Come on, let’s talk.” Felix shifted around, wrapping his arm around his wife’s waist to comfort her.”

“You are far too good to me mi amor.” Pepa said and she gave her husband a soft loving but still sad smile. He kissed her nose gently, doing his best that he didn’t jostle the children in their laps.

“Actually I think it’s you who’s too good for me. Mi diosa.” Felix murmured as the two exchanged a quick sweet kiss and the cloud over her head was starting to stop it’s drizzling and lightning up a bit.

Bisabuela smiled softly at the two. Felix had always been such a good fit for her Pepita. She wished she hadn’t been so hard on the man when he had started courting Pepa and when they had just married.

”The cloud was still above her head and it worried him. “What were you thinking about?”

“Mirabel. Felix, I was awful to her.” “Pepi.”

“No, I was. I didn’t even take the time to know her. She used to follow me everywhere as she tugged on my headbands and dress. I never got to know who she was or the young woman she grew up to be.”

“Aww Tia don’t worry. You were always busy and I know after my failed ceremony everyone else had to work twice as hard to make up for it. It’s okay. We have forever to get to know each other again. And you’ve already claimed you were going to be the ‘awesome Tia’ for the baby.” Mira said and she smiled at her Tia. She wanted to go over there and hug her second mama but she was pinned a bit by her husbands arms and Luisa on her legs and her own mothers arms around her. Not to mention her Tia had her arms and lap full.

“No fair I’m going to be the awesome tia.” Dolores said pouting a bit at that and Pepa smiled slightly.

“I can literally make rainbows and cause rain puddles and mud for the baby to play in.”

“That’s cheating mami!”

“Don’t blame me for the gift I was given! I had no choice in it!”

Everyone smiled slightly at how Pepa was feeling a bit better as she and Dolores bickered softly on who would be the better tia to the baby.

“Not sure if Tia fits though.” Mira said smiling softly as she rubbed her belly and was staring at her red haired Tia.

“After all you’re my second mama aren’t you? That’d make you Abuela not Tia.” Mira said and the rainbow that popped over Pepa’s head was bright and shimmering. She squeed softly at that and was already planning on how to best spoil the baby.

Bisabuela chuckled at that as she went back to the book and kept reading.

”Felix held onto his wife who cried, the cloud raining on them. “She was my little ray of sunshine. My little cloud. I left her alone. I miss her so much.” “I miss her too.” He chuckled softly. “Remember when you took her to the fields when she was 4? And she was more interested in playing with the mud than talking about crops. I do remember you coming into the house with mud on your clothes as well.”

“I don’t remember that.” Mira said tilting her head slightly but she was smiling and Pepa was giggling as she recalled that.

“That was common when you were little and I had to water the crops.” Pepa said smiling as she remembered all of the times she came home with mud on her dress because Mirabel had gone to the fields with her.

”Pepa laughed at that memory. Her sobrina was covered in mud when she reached her and Pepa couldn’t resist.”

“I really couldn’t. You were so cute I just had to hug you mud or no mud. Of course then someone thought it was right fun to put muddy little hand prints on my cheeks so that ended up in both of us covered in mud.” Pepa recalled that and how she had been ordered by her mother and Julieta both immediately to go to the bath and clean up and to take Mirabel with her.

“I believe I told you to take Mirabel and get a bath as soon as you got back to Casita. Something about how since you let her get so dirty you could help get her clean too.” Julieta said grinning at her sister while Bisabuela snorted a bit with a grin.

“Not that it helped much. Sure you two got clean but you managed to flood your bathroom Pepa. And Mirabel tried to keep a bubble beard. As soon as you two were let back outside with Camilo I nearly threw you three into the bath together myself when you got into the dirt and mud again.” Bisabuela said grinning at her middle daughter who grinned back at her.

“I’m not apologizing!”

“I wouldn’t ask you for one hija. You were having fun playing with the children.” Bisabuela said with a soft fond smile and everyone was struck again by how different she was from their Abuela.

“The thing is mi amor, Mirabel will always love you no matter what. I bet you she misses you because she chooses to look at the good instead of the bad now.”

“Course I did. Why wouldn’t I miss my second mama and the best Tia in the world?” Mira asked and Pepa beamed at her.

“If I wasn’t stuck under a cuddle pile that I’m more than happy to be in I’d come over there and drag you into my lap so I could smother you in cuddles and kisses.” Pepa said and Mira laughed at her.

“And she once more tries to steal my wife.” Adrien said but he looked fondly amused as he smiled at his wife.

“You think that’s bad she’s been trying to steal my youngest ever since I was pregnant with her!”

”The knock on the door made them look up as Dolores opened the door with a tray of tea and cookies. Felix kissed her head before leaving the room to go to the village. “Mama? Are you okay?” Pepa nodded, watching as Dolores poured the tea carefully, placing it in her hands. “You miss Mira?” Another nod.

“Mija, when did you start seeing Mirabel as a sister?” Dolores smiled. “I was having a breakdown one day because of the noise 2 days after her ceremony. She came into my room and rubbed my ears. It continued for a few days until she gave me earmuffs. I vowed to protect her that day.”

“The fact that she’s a cute little chica and I always wanted a sister helped.” Dolores muttered but she was swiftly starting to fall asleep too as she listened to the calm heartbeats of her family around her.

”Pepa smiled at her daughter. “I’m proud of you Dolores. I just wish Mirabel was here. I want to know if she’s ok.”

“Mama, Mirabel is ok.”

Pepa felt suspicion rise in her. “How do you know?” “I may or may not know where she is. But it’s a secret. Tia Julieta, Tio Agustin and Antonio know. She’s okay Mama.” Pepa felt her heart beat with hope. Her sobrina was ok. She was ok.”

“Thank god you were okay. I don’t know what I’d do if something had happened to you.” Pepa said and she kissed Mirabel’s head even though she was looking at Mira who smiled at her.

“Well I’m pretty sure I know what you’d do. You’re as overprotective as Isa, Lola or Luisa from my time are.” Mira said with a smirk and Bisabuela laughed a bit.

“More so I’d say. Someone bumped into you once and Dolores and Luisa knew it was an accident and didn’t get too mad. But when someone bumped into you around Isa and Pepa Isa nearly shoved a cactus down his throat and Pepa was ready to fry him with lightning.” Bisabuela said chuckling a bit and she was giving Isabela and Pepa fond looks while Isabela looked a bit hesitant but started moving closer to Bisabuela who welcomed her with open arms. Isabela smiled slightly as Bisabuela tucked her into her free side and kissed the top of her head like she had done for Bruno.

“She doesn’t want to be found?”

“No mama. She wants to find herself, find her happiness. I think she found it, mama. She writes all the time. She tells me to tell you that you have to relax when you overwork yourself and that you should lay in bed when you feel really sad.”

“Ay mi nube you’re going to make me cry again. Caring about me still and wanting me to take care of myself even though you wer-“

“I always care about you and want you to take care of yourself tia. I love you after all.” Mira smiled brightly at her Tia who sniffled but didn’t cry.

“I love you too mi nube.”

”Ay her sobrina. Always thinking of others. It was good she finally thought of herself. “If Mirabel is happy, then so am I. Mama, she is really happy. We just have to wait for her.”

“You’re right Mija. You are right.”

(“Tia, will you love me even if I’m not special?”)

“Always baby girl. Always.” Pepa murmured quietly into Mirabels ear.

”‘Always mi pequeña nube. Always. I'll wait for you to come home.’”

“That’s the end of that chapter. And don’t worry Pepa. Sure it takes longer than we would have liked but she does come home. And she’ll bring along the new members of the family with her.” Bisabuela said smiling softly at her daughter who was being peppered in kisses to the cheek by Felix while the four children curled up on top of them were sleeping peacefully.

“Course I will. Mi bebe has to know their entire family. And we weren’t going to leave Adrien’s family behind.” Mira said smiling as she gave her husband a quick kiss.

“Strangers? In the Encanto?” Abuela demanded sharply.

“Not strangers. Family. Now shut up until you realize what you’ve done.” Abuela's mouth snapped shut as she stared at herself in disbelief.

“Did you literally tell yourself to shut up mama?”

“Julieta sometimes I’m the only person I’ll listen to. In this case most literally.”

Chapter Text

“I guess I’ll read again since I’m right here.” Bruno said and then he glanced over at Mirabel who was still asleep curled up in Pepa’s lap and arms.

“Should we wake her?” Bruno asked as his mother handed him the book.

“Nah let her sleep through it. That way when it happens she’ll be surprised.” Mira said with a grin on her face Bisabuela chuckled.

“Still a prankster.” Bisabuela said fondly and Mira grinned at her.

“Didn’t me putting streaks in your hair last time you came to visit teach you that Abuela?” Mira asked making everyone look at her while Adrien snickered.

“I had red streaks in my hair for two months you little terror.” Bisabuela said but she looked amused and fond and Mira gave her best innocent smile.

“What? Tia Pepa looks a lot like you already. I just wanted everyone else to see it as well.” Mira said making Bisabuela snort and shake her head at her grandchild.

”Chapter nine. Mirabel, I see you.” Bruno began reading while everyone was looking between Bisabuela, Abuela, and Pepa seeing the similarities that Mira had obviously been talking about.

“I hope you do since your gift relies on vision.” Camilo’s response was immediate as he cuddled his twin and mama.

”She’s sixteen. Wow. She can’t believe it’s been a year since she left. Mariana treated her like a daughter, but she would never replace Julieta.”

“Nothing ever could replace you.” Mira said smiling softly at her mother who kissed her cheek and pulled her closer, her and Agustin cuddling their seventeen year old daughter while Luisa was still on the floor in front of them and her big gentle hands were on Mirabel’s belly. Her eyes would widen every time she felt her sobrina or sobrino kick.

” Speaking of her family, she just received a bunch of letters from 3 birds today. She opened the first one and read over it from her mama and papa.

“Mi Vida,
Feliz cumpleaños, mi corazón. Tienes 16 años ahora. Your papa and I wish we can spend this beautiful day with you and see you dressed up, but we’re sworn to secrecy. We sent a small gift with Antonio’s friends. Your Papi and I had it made with extra love and care.
I miss you, mi amor. There is not a day where I don’t miss your smile, your hugs, and kisses. I remember when you were just born and didn’t want to leave my arms. How those years have passed.”

“You really didn’t want to leave her arms. If anyone but Julieta or Pepa held you for more than a minute you would begin to wail. Even your padre couldn’t hold you for a minute before you started crying for Julie.” Bisabuela said and she sounded so fond as she reminisced on those times.

“I’m a mama’s girl and proud of it. I just have two mamas.” Mira said and Pepa had a rainbow over her head as she beamed at Mira.

”Your Papi is sad he won’t be able to change your shoes or dance with you, but he’s happy someone is filling in that role. We just pray that you come home real soon.

Please send pictures and tell me everything when you get the chance. I want to know everything.

Have fun mi bebe. I love you.
Mama ♡”

“I did have fun and don’t worry papa. You got to dance with me and change my shoes on my actual fifteenth birthday even if it was just us.” Mira said kissing her papas’ cheek and not knowing how those words sent a spike of guilt through everyone again.

“And I love you both too!”

”She opened the small box and gasped. The necklace was beautiful. Silver with teal jewels filling in the outer wings of the butterfly shape. She was her parent’s mariposa.”

Everyone glanced at the necklace on her neck now and saw it was the same one.

“We had that ready for you ever since we learned you were getting a big proper quince.” Agustin said smiling as he kissed his daughters head while she beamed up at him.

” She opened the next letter from Dolores who gifted her a pair of matching earrings.”

“Of course. You have to match.” Dolores said smirking although she never opened her eyes as she glanced over at Mira who smiled at her.

“Hermanita,
You’re 16! I’m so happy! I want to so badly leave to celebrate with you. Everything has been so quiet here. We miss you so much. I miss hearing your heartbeat and your voice. It’s not the same without you here.

Send pictures. Lots of them. I think your mami wants to keep them in an album she made for you. She’s getting better. Your letters are reassuring her that you’re fine. She misses you more than ever.

She sets her foot down now and so does Mami. Camilo got snappy with Abuela and refuses to do work.”

“Camilo!” Abuela said and Bisabuela shot her a glare.

“Oh shut up. Honestly I still don’t know what exactly I was thinking having him babysit the children in town from the age of seven onwards. He was still a child himself! And of course he’d be snappy with us. He and Mirabel were nearly twins when they were little and we drove his twin sister away! I’m glad my daughters had finally put their feet down.” Bisabuela said and both of her daughters stared at her surprised but then smiled almost shyly at her while she shot them both soft loving smiles.

“They’re mothers themselves. You and I have no right to tell them how to parent their children, only their husbands have that right. Honestly I should have been talking to them and asking them about anything involving their children long before now and you need to realize that your children are grown and some of your grandchildren are grown as well. You can’t control them and shouldn’t even try to.” Bisabuela said rolling her eyes at her slightly younger self who was staring at her wide eyed.

“Can we keep that version of mama?” Pepa muttered quietly to her husband who made an agreeing noise.

” Mariano and I are courting. No marriage yet. We’re going to wait for you to come back to us.

I didn’t tell anyone about your crush on Adrien. He seems so sweet and perfect for you. It reminds me of our parents when they fell in love. Good luck!

Love,
Dolores”

“He really does. Half the time when Abuela or Tio Bruno is around they talk about how much Adrien reminds them of Tio Papa or Papa act around Tia Mama or mama.” Mira said smiling at her husband and that certainly did earn him quite a few brownie points from the family.

“He nearly worships the ground you walk on just like those two do for my girls. Half the time if you’re riled up he’s the only one who can calm you down too.” Bisabuela said looking fondly amused.

”This girl. Mirabel giggled loudly when she read about Adrien. Yes, Adrien. The tall dork who thinks he’s sneaky in sending the gifts. He reminds him of her papa, funny and awkward. She planned on confessing to him tonight. The last letter was from Antonio who sent a medium-sized gift.

“Mami,
Happy birthday! I know you couldn’t celebrate your quinceanera so here. Lola told me you were having a party today and would wear a big dress! Mami helped me make it because she says you’re her very special mariposa. Send me a picture and one for mami! We miss you!

Love,
Antonio”

“Thank you again for that Tia. You have no idea how much it meant to me reading and knowing that you still called me your mariposa like you did when I was little.” Mira said smiling softly at her Tia who smiled at her but there were tears in her eyes.

“You’ve always been mi mariposa and mi nube.” Pepa said softly as she stared at Mira who smiled brightly.

“And your gift definitely made her look like a princess.” Adrien said and Pepa quirked an eyebrow at him but she had a feeling she knew what the gift was.

”She opened the lid to the box and gasped in awe. “Tia Pepa made this? It’s beautiful,” she whispered, gazing at the silver tiara in her hands.”

“You can make things like that Tia?” Isabela asked surprised as she looked at Pepa.

“I’ve always been good with my hands and took an interest in blacksmithing and metal working when I was younger.” Pepa said shrugging her shoulders.

”I’m really going to thank her for this.”

“And you did. You spent half an hour thanking her for that and another half an hour thanking and being embarrassed over our wedding present while she teased you mercilessly.” Adrien said smirking at his wife who blushed a bit as she recalled the wedding present.

“Mirabel, hija, come on let’s get you ready!” Mariana called out, pulling the dress from the closet. Sitting in the chair, Mariana and a friend of Mirabel, Elena, began her make-up. She decided to forgo the glasses and trust her vision.”

“What vision?” Everyone in the room asked immediately.

“I love you dear but you’re vision without your glasses…” Adrien kissed her forehead in apology when she elbowed him.

”Deep teals and pale silvers complimented her skin and the color of her eyes. A couple of days ago, she decided to style her hair like her mama. Mariana agreed, helping the young girl with her curls that grew in the last year. Her hair was twisted, curls left in her face as she looked at the picture of her mama. How she wished she was here.”

“I wish I was there too sweetheart.” Julieta said and she looked at her daughters riot of curls.

“You’re an exact clone of your mama and I know you must have driven the boys in that town up the wall with how beautiful you are baby girl.” Agustin said and Luisa cracked her knuckles a bit.

“Don’t worry Mira, we’ll take so many pictures and send them to your familia. Your mama will be so lucky to have a daughter like you.”

“I am. I’m so lucky.” Julieta murmured as she kissed Mira’s head.

” Mariana held onto the girl’s shoulders and placed the tiara on her head, fitting it perfectly behind her curls.

“Ay, it’s almost time to celebrate. Let’s get you in that dress you made.”

That was her greatest achievement. With the help of Senora Gonzales, Mirabel was able to make her dream dress with a small change. It was a deep and dark teal like her mama’s apron and skirt. Across the bottom of the skirt, were white embroidered designs to make her mama’s apron and top exactly the same. There were butterflies in white on her bodice and flowers and herbs surrounding the large skirt.”

Everyone was picturing the dress and quite a few jaws began to drop open as they imagined it along with the jewelry.

”The dress was sleeveless with a baby blue embroidered shawl covering her shoulders. “Ay, don’t you just look like a princesa. Oh, I might cry.”

“I don’t blame her! I’m about to cry just picturing it!” Pepa said looking stunned and close to tears. She should have been there to see Mirabel in that dress…but…because of her own actions and inaction she hadn’t. Because she had let Mirabel be driven away, let her little cloud be driven away, she hadn’t been there to see it.

“I send you all pictures don’t worry.” Mira said smiling at them and recalling how even after they had been sent pictures the first time around when they came to visit and were shown the pictures they nearly all started crying again.

Especially Abuela and Isabela.

”Mirabel was led out of the room where the rest of the family, except Adrien, was waiting. “Mirabel looks so pretty!” “Mi’bel pretty!”

“Muchas Gracias.” “Mirabel, this is Alejandro. We go way back and he makes beautiful photographs.” Shaking hands with the man, she smiled as they ushered her outside for photos. She was overjoyed taking pictures with her friends and her step-in family. What truly broke Mirabel was the hand-carved candle that was given to her for photos. It was identical to the one that gave her family their gifts.”

Everyone went completely silent at that as they thought of Mirabel holding the hand carved candle. Just…something about Mirabel holding a candle like that felt right.

”She misses them so bad.

After a few more photos, they ushered Mirabel to the town where everyone cheered at her entrance, children rushing to greet the blue princess. The prepared foods by the villagers were divine. She felt happy. The candle sat lit at her table where she stared sadly.

“Mira? It’s time to change your shoes.” How she wishes her papa were here to see his little girl.

And as the heels were placed on her feet, she finally lived out the quinceanera she wanted. Aaron gave her a hug as they began to sway to the music being played.”

Everyone was quiet as they listened, guilt eating at them for forgetting and not setting up a quince for her.

“Thank you for taking me in and stepping in when my father can’t be here. He would have liked you.” “I’ll always be here when you need me. I’ll support you when you leave too.” A kiss was placed on her forehead as she was twirled into Mariana’s waiting arms.”

“I do like him. Just because he took such good care of my baby mariposa.” Agustin murmured as he kissed his daughters head.

”Mirabel began to sob in the other’s arms, instantly remind of her mama. Julieta would have loved to be here. Dancing with her little girl as she whispered in her ear how much she loved her. “You miss her a lot. It’s okay hija, let it all out.”

“I missed you every day mama.” Mira murmured to her mother who kissed her head and had tears in her eyes as she held her youngest close.

”She danced with Sofia and Jorge, instantly reminded of Dolores and Antonio. She just wished they were here to see her. That would have made her day so much better. Sadly, a big group can’t leave without the matriarch noticing the disappearance of her family.”

“I’m sorry Mira…” Bisabuela said and she looked truly upset that she had been the reason why the family couldn’t go and see Mirabel on her special day.

“It’s okay Abuela. I forgave you a year ago.” Mira said smiling softly at Bisabuela while Abuela looked a bit stricken at hearing how she was the reason why the family couldn’t be with Mira during her quince.

“She wandered outside into a nearby clearing, watching the way the moon lit up the sky. She closed her eyes and prayed.

“What’s a princess like you doing out here alone?”

Mirabel smiled as the blush made its way to her face. She turned to face the very person she wanted to see. Adrien was dressed in a dark blue shirt and white pants, his hair as messy as ever, a small smile on his face. Removing his hands from behind his back, he presented her with a bouquet of flowers. The very flowers she received a year straight.”

“Is this when he asks you out!?” Dolores asked eyes wide and eager as she sat up a bit and Mira hummed in agreement as she smiled at her husband.

“You’re a romantic dear.” Mira said kissing her husbands cheek and earning a grin from him.

“You love it.” Adrien said as he pulled her a little closer to him now and wrapped his arms around her.

”Taking the flowers, she giggled. “You know, you aren’t that sneaky, Senor Jimenez.” “I know Senorita Madrigal. Nothing goes unnoticed by you.”

“She is scarily observant.” Camilo said pouting since her being so observant is what usually led to him never being able to fool her with his shape shifting.

”He rubbed the back of his neck as he blushed. He stuttered a bit before grabbing her hands. “Mirabel. I see you. You are more than what you think. When you told me of your family and how you told me you didn’t get a gift, I scoffed in my mind. You are the gift for your family. You are a gift to my family.”

“He’s right. You always were a gift Mirabel.” Bisabuela said smiling softly at the girl and she loved hearing about the love confession now instead of hearing about it after the fact.

“I like him a little more now.” Camilo and Felix definitely approved as they grinned.

”Mirabel felt her face heat up as the smile made its way to her lips. She stared up at him as he stared down at her. This felt like something her parents went through.”

“It was. Just with more Agustin tripping over his feet and getting bruised.” Julieta said with a small hum and Agustin did look sheepish.

“I like you. No at this point it’s love. I can’t help it.”

Mirabel giggled before pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I like you too.” Who knew she would get a boyfriend on her birthday? She has some good news for Dolores.”

Dolores was currently squealing quietly and near vibrating in excitement and happiness while Pepa giggled with a rainbow over her head.

”Not wasting any more time, Adrien cupped her face and leaned down as Mirabel stood on the tips of her toes. Why was she so short? Why couldn’t she be her mama’s height?”

“Cause you were born premature and never really caught up. Look at it this way at least you’re not shorter than Bruno.” Julieta said smiling as her brother pouted at her.

“Not my fault you two stole all the food before we were born.” Bruno said and he was glaring pointedly at Pepa.

“Actually Bruno. You and Julie were bigger than Pepa when you were born. You two stole all the food from her and she was just as tiny as Mirabel had been when she was born. She just ended up having a growth spurt that it seems Mirabel won’t get.” Bisabuela corrected with a chuckle and Mira stuck her tongue out at everyone for that.

Bruno pouted over being the shortest now and went back to the book.

”Her brain short-circuited as their lips met in a sweet kiss, but that wasn’t the most surprising. It was the bright light she saw even though her eyes were closed. She felt the wind pick up as she held onto Adrien.

When they pulled back, he held her close, hand clasped in his as he held her waist. They stood in awe as the sight of glowing butterflies filled their vision. Mirabel giggled before running away from her new boyfriend, who promptly chased her through the butterfly-filled air. They were unaware of Mariana and Aaron who watched and captured the moment of their first kiss.”

“I had wondered who took that picture.” Mira murmured while she smiled as she recalled racing through the butterflies with Adrien chasing after her.

“He better make her happy.” “If she decides to leave and take him, good. He needs to get away from here.”

“Love you too dad.” Adrien said dryly.

”Mariana smiled at the young couple in love. It reminded her of when she met her husband and she was so sure that Mirabel was reminded of her parents. She deserved all the love in the world.”

“She does.” Most all of the room nodded in agreement with that while Mira blushed. Even Isabela had given a small nod of agreement. Her baby sister deserved to be loved.

“Should we plan the wedding?” “Already on it.”

“They just started courting and his parents are already planning the wedding?” Camilo asked in disbelief as he looked over at Adrien who shrugged.

“You think that’s bad? Mama was planning my wedding before Felix and I even started courting.” Pepa said dryly as she looked at her mother who looked away sheepishly.

Bisabuela just snickered.

“Oh please. You two were infatuated with each other ever since you were children. The chances of you two not falling in love and getting married were so small it’s laughable.” Bisabuela said and Pepa and Felix both blushed a bit but smiled at each other. It wasn’t like she was wrong after all.

Chapter Text

“I’ll go ahead and read since I’m right here Tio Bruno.” Isabela said reaching over and he handed her the book willingly.

”Chapter 10 Here comes the hurricane.” Everyone turned to look at Pepa for that while she looked confused.

“What did I go visit you two and find you necking or something?” Pepa asked but Mira looked just as confused.

“You walked in on us doing more than necking and offered advice before walking back out. But no. You didn’t walk in on anything at around this point in the story. I didn’t get to see anyone from the family until my wedding.” Mirabel said and Pepa raised an eyebrow while Adrien blushed bright red as he recalled Pepa walking on him satisfying his wife’s horniness one morning. Pepa had walked in, commented that she usually enjoyed it more when she was face down, and then walked out telling them to come find her when they were done.

God he had never blushed that red in his life and refused to look at her for a while. He pretended he didn’t hear her giving Mirabel tips on other things they might enjoy that weren’t too rough for the baby.

“Okay one, tell me later because that sounds like it must have been hilarious. And second, that means whatever it was probably wasn’t my fault.” Pepa said and Mira snorted at that with a grin on her face.

“It was. Adrien couldn’t look you in the eyes for a month, we did put the advice to use though.” Mira said and Adrien went even brighter red.

“Don’t tell her that!” Adrien said looking mortified.

“Dear I’m already pregnant. They know we’ve had sex. Her giving us advice on how to do so while I’m pregnant and horny without risking hurting the baby probably surprises no one.” Mira said giving him an unimpressed look.

Pepa started cackling at the look of mortification on her mothers face and the way all of the kids but the still slumbering Mirabel and Antonio went bright red and pulled faces.

Isabela buried her face in the book to keep from anyone seeing her own bright red mortified look.

”Luisa was overworking herself.”

“Luisa you need to take a break or you’re just going to collapse one day.” Mirabel said looking at her sister who was leaning against her legs protectively.

”Anyone can tell. Her baby sister has been gone for a year and all she did was work, work, work. She worked before when Mirabel left and is working more now. Her mama could see it. Her cousins could see it.”

“To be fair we can see a lot most people don’t. Lola is naturally good at noticing things and I have to be observant to mimic people so well.” Camilo pointed out and then smirked.

“Most people don’t notice since Dolores is quiet and Camilo is so playful but my babies are super intelligent.” Pepa said proudly as she kissed their heads.

“Of course they are mi vida. They take after you.” Felix said kissing her cheek and she blushed but smiled at him.

Isabela quickly kept reading to keep them from flirting more.

“Luisa, can you fix this?”

“Why would they ask you to fix something? You’re strong not a handyman.” Abuela seemed confused.

“Luisa, the bridge needs to be moved.”

“Wait why do they need you to move the bridge? Couldn’t the builders just make another one?” Abuela seemed very confused now.

“Can you move the church?”

“Is that why I’m always late for mass?!” Abuela demanded baffled, why on earth would they need to move the church.

“Yep. I swear I thought I was going senile with how often I couldn’t find the church.” Bisabuela said nodding and she didn’t look happy either.

”Luisa. Luisa. Luisa. Luisa. Luisa. “-LUISA.” She snapped out of her thoughts and turned to see who called her. She scoffed and left immediately, seeing her older sister standing there. She walked away from her, just like how Mirabel walked away from the home she knew.”

Isabela flinched at that but kept reading.

“Hey! Luisa! Luisa!” “I heard you,” Luisa answered, not looking back to her sister. Isabela huffed. “Why aren’t you turning around?” Isabela said, trying to catch up with her younger sister. She watched the strongest Madrigal push back houses and lift up blocks, ignoring her sister.”

“I…er…sorry Isa. I guess I’m pretty mad at what happened to Mirabel.” Luisa said looking sheepish and embarrassed and Isabela gave her a strained smile.

“Luisa.” “Go away, Isabela. I don’t want to see you.”

“Sorry…” Luisa winced at her own words.

“Don’t be sorry. I believe this is what led to you two getting along and you finally getting the break you need.” Bisabuela quickly stepped in and stopped Luisa from apologizing.

“Like a spoiled child.” Camilo coughed out and Isabela blushed in embarrassment and shame since that is what she sounded like according to the book.

“Camilo I understand why you’re doing it but please stop for a moment on those remarks. Isabela does get better.” Bisabuela didn’t scold him like Abuela would have and instead her voice was gentle with only a slight chiding to it. Camilo found he’d rather her just scold him.

"Por el amor de todo lo que es santo, what Isabela?!" Luisa yelled, turning over to face her. Her face ridden with nothing but anger.

“I did nothing wrong!” “You did everything wrong, you selfish, entitled princess,”

“Er…wow…sorry Isabela. I must be really stressed and upset if I’m acting like that.” Luisa said looking embarrassed and ashamed and Pepa shook her head.

“You don’t have to apologize for your emotions Luisa but if you’re that tired then you definitely need a day off. And if you want I can show you some meditation exercises later.” Pepa offered and Luisa gave her tia a thankful smile. She would definitely take her up on that later.

“Luisa spat out. Her eyes began to twitch as she felt tiredness take over. Still, she blinked it away lifting up a barrel. Why was the world suddenly swaying? Why is this barrel so heavy? Before she knew it, Isabela was in her face, mouth moving frantically.”

“What happened?! What’s wrong?” Julieta looked very upset and frantic as she kept one hand in Luisa’s hair and Luisa herself looked confused and alarmed.

“You were exhausted and passed out.” Bisabuela said looking upset herself at how tired her nieta was.

”Was she screaming? Why can’t she hear anything? Maybe she should take a nap.

Hours later to wake up in her own bed, her mama in the corner of the room.

“Mama?” “Luisa, mi amor. What happened?” Luisa recalled exactly what happened and Julieta sighed. It was something much deeper than that and Julieta could tell. “Mi amor, what’s really going on? You’re not like this.” Luisa felt her lip quiver a bit before she spoke in a whisper. “I’m supposed to be the strong one mama. The one to protect everyone. But I couldn't protect Mirabel.”

“Oh Luisa…you didn’t have to protect me. You shouldn’t have let like you had to.” Mira said looking upset as she looked at her sister, pulling gently to get her sister to rest her head in Mira’s lap.

“I’m your big sister. The older siblings are born first to protect the younger ones.” Luisa said using her personal creed and Isabela flinched at that. She was the oldest of the three but when had she ever protected her sisters?

“But you’re also your own person and can’t protect me forever or from everything. Especially not my own emotions.” Mira said softly and she continued to whisper soft reassurances to her sister as Adrien motioned for Isabella to keep reading.

”Julieta tensed. Was Luisa thinking like her? Blaming herself for Mirabel’s absence. “Mija, Mirabel didn’t leave because of you. You know that. She loved you the most. She worried about you overworking.”

“Honestly overworking yourselves seems to be a theme in the family.” Mira said dryly as she tugged her Mama closer so she could whisper assurances to both of them.

“It was.” Bisabuela agreed sadly, knowing that it had been her fault that it had even gotten to that point.

“I’m not talking about that mama.” Confusion filled the air as Luisa sucked in a breath. Do this for Mira. “A couple of months before Antonio’s birthday, Mirabel was being harassed by men of Isabela's age.”

“What?!” That call rang out through the room and none of the adults or Camilo looked pleased with that.

“Give me names. I just want to talk.” Pepa growled although her cloud rumbled dangerously overhead and there was a hint of lightning in it.

”~Flashback~
Luisa was walking through town on a sunny day, smiling at the villagers and helping build houses. She noticed a bounce of curls and a blue skirt, happy as she walked over to her hermanita. Before she spoke, she felt her breath being forced out of her.

Mirabel was pushed into a corner where no one could see, men of Isabela's age crowding her. She got close and saw the way their hands tried to crowd her in.”

“I’m going to rip someones throat out. Tell me who Mija.” Julieta hissed and Agustin was cracking his knuckles while Camilo was slowly sitting up, his features darkening angrily and Bruno’s eyes were glowing.

Abuela looked as if the rug was being pulled out from under her and she looked horrified while Isabela was gripping the book tightly.

” Her sister had a look of fear in her eyes as she curled in on herself. “Useless.” “She isn’t special.” “What should we do?”

Luisa felt her blood boil before she shouted, scaring the men. “Stay away from her!” She stomped over as the men scrambled to getaway.”

“Good job Luisa. Next time if that ever happens again to anyone and you spot it, throw the offender into a wall.” Bisabuela said and Luisa gave a dark grim smile at that. If she ever saw that again, especially happening to her little sister, she was going to throw them through the walls.

“She scooped up Mirabel who latched onto her tightly. She ran back to casita, sheltering her sister before laying her in the nursery, going to find someone.

"Abuela!" "Yes, Luisa." "It's Mirabel. Some guys tried to do things to her and I stopped them-" "enough Luisa. We will not speak of this. "Finish your chores."

“WHAT?!” There were outraged cries from everyone except Luisa and Abuela and Bisabuela. The two Abuelas looked ashamed, Luisa was grim faced.

“You mean you wouldn’t even tell me that my youngest was nearly assaulted and would have been if it weren’t for her sister?” Julieta looked furious with her mother and Agustin looked as if he was contemplating slapping Abuela.

“It said this happened a few months before Antonio’s ceremony. That means this already happened.” Camilo said grimly and Luisa nodded once while Abuela and Bisabuela closed their eyes in shame.

Julieta let out a truly impressive string of swears at hearing that and Abuela’s eyes nearly popped out of her head as she gaped at her eldest.

“Always knew you had the dirtier mouth Julie.” Pepa said but her eyes were dark and she was obviously planning who was the culprit and how she could ‘accidentally’ strike them with lightning when Julieta would be too busy to heal them.

”"But Abuela!-" "you will keep quiet about this. We can have the whole town hearing this. You are better than this. You have a duty to your community! You will not speak a word."
~End~”

“A duty…to the community…after she saved her sister from being assaulted?!” Agustin demanded and he looked furious, more furious than anyone had ever seen him.

He went off on a tirade that had everyone gaping at him in shock and disbelief while Abuela gaped but also paled greatly since she was the target of the rant.

“Huh that’s close to word for word what he said to me when he found out the first time.” Bisabuela said wincing at the rant and nodding to the man when he finally started to lose some steam.

“Keep reading Isabela.” Agustin said and his wide eyed awestruck eldest nodded slowly and turned back to the book, everyone else gaping at Agustin and Julieta whispering something to him that made him blush and look embarrassed while Dolores pulled a disgusted face at them.

”Luisa was sobbing into her hands as she recounted the day of the event and what followed after. Her sister was locked away in the nursery, her overworking in fear of Abuela. She couldn't handle it. It was about time that she broke.

“I’m her older sister and yet I didn’t even see her hurting. I did see her falling apart in front of my eyes whenever she smiled at me.”

Julieta on the other hand felt anger in her bubble up.

"Was Isabela? A part of this?" "No mama, she came out of her room and heard everything. I think she even left stuff for Mirabel."

“Oh so that’s who left me the empanadas and some flowers. I thought it had been Dolores. Thank you Isa.” Mira said looking as if she had just realized that.

“No I snuck you some fabric and thread…and a couple of papayas.” Dolores said making Abuela wonder how they got that past her.

“If anything like that ever happens again I want you to tell me or your father immediately Dolores. Understand?” Pepa asked her eldest seriously and Dolores nodded her head easily agreeing to the order.

She had heard her Abuelas order to Luisa to not speak of it and went along with that order herself…she should have told her mama. Her mama would have raised hell on Abuela for hiding that. Probably almost as badly as Tio Agustin did.

”So it is her mother. Her mother is trying to force perfection on her family while also shunning Mirabel. It was her who molded Isabela into the person she had become. Before she could speak, the sound of footsteps sounded as the door burst open. Her oldest daughter, disheveled with bloodshot eyes, ran to the bed and tossed her arms over her younger sister.”

Abuela winced at it being bluntly stated that she was to blame and then confused at how Isabela was described. What could have caused her perfect Nieta to be so out of sorts?

Oh…yeah she had seen her younger sister collapse a year after her youngest sister ran away.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry I wasn’t a good sister to you or Mirabel! I love you both so much, please. I’m sorry.”

The oldest girl was sobbing profusely into her sister’s neck, muttering apology after apology. Julieta couldn’t mask the surprise on her face, neither could Luisa. Was Isabela realizing now that her baby sister is gone and may never come back?”

Isabela choked on those words and Bisabuela gently took the book from her and shooed her off. Almost immediately Luisa had an arm full of her older sister who was also reaching up to hold onto Mira almost desperately.

“Shh. It’s okay Isa. I do come back. I promise I will.” Mira murmured to her sister as she held tightly to them while crying and burying her face in Luisa’s blouse.

”Luisa cleared her throat before patting Isabela’s back. “It’s ok, Bela. I’m ok.”

“No, you’re not. You feel guilty when you shouldn’t be! It was my fault she left. It was my fault. She just wanted her older sister and I pushed her away!”

Isabela continued to sob before Julieta dragged her firstborn into her arms. “Isabela. Do you regret what you did and said to Mirabel?” “Everyday mama. Every day I remember and I can’t forget it.”

“Oh Isa.” Mira murmured and she slowly, carefully settled down in Luisa’s lap to hug both of her sisters as Isabela turned to be crying into Mira’s shoulder now. She would need help getting back up but she'd worry about that later. Right now her sisters needed her.

“Your Abuela has been much too hard on both of you and I’m sorry I couldn’t see it sooner. I should have seen it with Mirabel, but I didn’t.”

Isabela sobbed into her mother’s arms. “Mama, I want her back. I want to be better. I don’t want to be perfect. I just want Mirabel.”

Julieta shushed her, before moving her to Luisa’s side. “Both of you rest, please. I’m going to find your Tia.” “No need, I’m right here.” Pepa was leaning on the door frame, smiling sadly at her sobrinas. With a kiss to their foreheads, Julieta locked arms with her hermana before they walked out. “I assume Dolores told you.” “Yes, she was in the room with me.”

“I’m surprised I’m not storming already.” Pepa said dryly as she looked at her sister who nodded to her thankfully.

“Pepa! You have a cloud.”

“There it is.” Pepa said sighing and moving one hand as if to stroke her braid.

“It’s alright Pepita. I don’t mind the cloud.” Bisabuela said smiling at her middle child who froze and stared at her wide eyed.

“Are we sure that’s the same mama?” Pepa muttered to her husband who looked just as surprised but definitely pleased at hearing that his wife would no longer have to suppress her clouds.

“Nope, not today,” Pepa said, pulling Julieta into Dolores’ room where the young girl was removing her earmuffs, Antonio sitting in the mountain of pillows. “Hi, Mama. Avoiding Abuela?”

“Yes, I can feel a hurricane beginning.” “No wonder the wind picked up today.” “Don’t judge me.”

“No judgement here hermana.” Julieta said smiling over at her sister.

“A little hurricane every now and then never hurt anything…except maybe the crops…maybe don’t hurricane the fields.” Bruno said awkwardly and Pepa snorted at her brother. Good to know he was still just as socially awkward as ever.

”Julieta ran her fingers through her sister’s hair, rubbing her temple to calm her down before the winds picked up more. “We've been learning new things each day since Mirabel left. Poor Luisa.”

“It happened to Isabela too. I may dislike her at the moment, but I worry for her. Abuela is tightening the reins and Isa is about to snap at any moment,” Dolores said softly, quiet concern for her older prima.”

Abuela flinched at hearing. It was all because of her? Wasn’t it? That’s why…

“I’d honestly pay money to see Isabela snap.” Camilo said smirking a bit and wondering what kind of jungle she’d make when she finally let loose.

“Can this just get any worse?” knock knock knock. “Dolores, have you seen your mother? The weather is bad.”

“Thank you for jinxing it.” Pepa said dryly and she didn’t know who it was that had jinxed it, probably herself honestly, but it didn’t matter. They should have known better than to ask if it could get worse.

“I stand corrected.”

The door opened, Alma froze in place at seeing her daughters inside with Dolores, and was that Antonio? She recovered from her surprise, before addressing Pepa. “Pepa you’re about to start another hurricane.”

“And you are about to snap my patience.” “I didn’t raise you to be disrespectful, Pepa.”

“You raised me to be an emotionless machine yeah I know.” Pepa hissed darkly and Bisabuela flinched at that and Abuela looked as if she had been struck. After all it wasn’t much like Pepa was wrong.

“You raised me to be emotionally contained. I get it.”

“Pepa!”

“No, I’m done. I’m tired of you. It’s always ‘Pepa, you have a cloud’ ‘Pepa we don’t need you to rain.’ I’m tired! You never recognized me! The one person aside from Julieta and Felix who recognized me was Mirabel! She cared and told me to always relax and that it was okay for me to cry! I didn’t need to please the town!”

“What about me?” Bruno looked very offended to not be counted among that list.

“The one person outside those two who I’ve seen in the last almost ten years.” Pepa corrected dryly and he nodded, that was better.

“Julieta. Control-”

“No one can control Pepa. Gift over weather or not she’s a force of nature. And do you really think I’m going to stop her when I agree with her?”

“I’m not controlling her. She can say whatever she wants! We were 5. 5! When we were seen as gifts and not people! It was always about the community, but what did the community do for us! You treated Mirabel the worst and so did they! Just like Bruno!”

“Bruno didn’t care.”

Bruno flinched and looked upset about that as he stared at his mother, did she really think he didn’t care?

“Bruno loves our family.” Dolores, Pepa, and Julieta all hissed at the same time.

“Bruno loves this family, Mama! You pushed him too far. You and the town blamed him when he had visions they didn’t like! It wasn’t his fault! He couldn’t control the future!” Pepa yelled, Dolores putting earmuffs on her younger brother and herself. This was too much of an argument and her ears were ringing from the thunder.”

“Sorry my little windchime.” Pepa murmured the apology to her daughter who smiled at her.

“It’s alright mama. It needs to be said or done, just let me put earmuffs on first.” Dolores said and Pepa nodded, still kissing her head a few times in apology.

“We failed to save Bruno and Mirabel from going too far. We won’t let you do this to our other children!”

Silence filled the room before a rumble sounded and Casita shook. Everyone ran out of their rooms and watched as cracks filled Casita. The candle, the one that blessed them with a miracle, flickered as wax melted down the side.”

“What?” There were confused murmurs and everyone glanced at Mirabel or Bisabuela now and Bisabuela merely grimaced but nodded.

Abuela looked horrified. Her candle. The last thing she had left of Pedro…

“The candle. The Miracle is fading.”

“Good.”

There was dead silence for a long moment and Abuela looked like she was going to have a heart attack.

Chapter Text

“What do you mean good?!” Abuela demanded looking horrified at the thought of the candle going out.

More than one of the Madrigals present opened their mouths to answer while Mira was looking stunned.

“No need to get into it right now. This chapter will likely talk about it.” Bisabuela said sternly as she took the book back and flipped it open. It’d be easier for her to read it since she already lived through this.

”Everyone stood in shock but not surprised at what Camilo said. He had his arms crossed over his chest, glaring directly at the candle. The very candle that had done more harm than good. The candle that decided not to grant Mirabel a gift.”

“Aw Milo.” Mira said smiling sadly at him and he scowled as he thought about it.

“Stupid fucking candle.” Camilo said and got a kiss on the head from his mama and a light smack on the shoulder from his papa.

“How can you say that Camilo? You have a gift!” “An awful one! You don’t even know the struggles.”

Camilo swiped at his ruana and glared at his abuela. “Do you know what it’s like to be the town babysitter? To shift and shift until you’re bone-dead tired, but can’t get a break. ‘We need another Jose.’ ‘Another Ana.’ What about me? Why does no one want Camilo?”

“We always want you. Just as you are Camilo. Your papa and I always want you to be just Camilo.” Pepa said smiling softly and her heart was breaking for her son as she gave him extra cuddles while Abuela looked upset and confused as if she didn’t understand or knew how to take that.

” His stare got dark as he looked at the candle, shifting into his prima favorita, his Mirabel. The light and heart of this family. He can see the unshed tears in his tia’s and tio’s eyes as they stared at the form of their little girl. He swiped at the skirt and continued to stare down his Abuela.”

“Mira can’t be your favorite. She’s my favorite.” Antonio muttered sleepily as he blinked to blearily look at his brother.

“Mirabel is your mami. She’s mi melliza. Different kind of favorite there Tonito.” Camilo said smiling at his brother who gave a um and dozed back off again.

“Mirabel was always there for me. Always. She was my safe space and I was hers. We shared the nursery together. We grew up together. We followed Mami, Tia, and Tio Bruno everywhere! Heck, we were Tio Bruno's favorites!”

“Rude.” Dolores said but she grinned at Bruno who gave a small whistle and looked away.

“She asked me one day to hug her since she was sad on her 12th birthday. I shifted into Tia because I thought she would want to hug her mama. Do you know what she told me? She said she wanted Camilo there with her. She wanted Camilo to hold her as she cried. She was the only person who wanted me, the real Camilo instead of some imposter.”

“Oh mijo.” Pepa pulled her eldest son more firmly into her arms to press kisses to his face and hair.

“Your papi and I want you, the real you. You know that right mijo?” Pepa asked staring at her son and she was raining softly over the couch while Felix pushed himself more firmly into her side and wrapped his arms around all four of the kids and his wife, pulling Dolores a little more into his lap so that Camilo was now sharing his mama’s lap with Mirabel and Antonio.

“I know mama.” Camilo said softly as he snuggled into his mother. Abuela looked heartbroken and upset, having never thought about what shifting so often would have done to Camilo.

”~Flashback~
“It’s ok Prima, you have me and Antonio. Don’t worry.”

Camilo was trying to comfort a sobbing Mirabel who was put into the nursery on her 12th birthday. All she wanted was a family dinner, of course, Abuela wouldn’t want that.”

“You said she was sick and wanted to be alone.” Julieta’s voice was frigid as she stared at her mother who winced a bit.

“I did a lot of things I am not proud of mija. And I will never apologize enough to all of you.” Bisabuela said looking sad but accepting as she stared up and looked at her family.

“Abuela you know I forgave you…” Mira said looking at Bisabuela sadly and she gave a small smile and shake of her head.

“I know you did Mira. But that doesn’t mean I deserved your forgiveness. I don’t deserve anyone’s. And I certainly don’t forgive myself for what I’ve done.” Bisabuela said and no one was sure how to react to that. None of them aside from Mira were used to or had ever heard Abuela apologize or take the blame for anything.

“I can shift into your mama if you want!”

“I just want the real Camilo here. I just want you to be you.”
~End~”

“I always want just you Cami, I don’t want you to be anyone else…and I’m sure the baby wants their Tio Cami to just be himself too.” Mira said smiling at Camilo whose head shot up at that as he whipped around to stare at her.

“I’m going to be the best Tio ever!” Camilo said grinning wildly and causing both Bruno and Felix to protest that.

”Camilo wiped his tears away roughly as she looked at his-no his prima’s hands. He flickered between different people before settling onto the 5-year-old version of Mirabel. “It wasn’t her fault. She was special. Casita knew she was special. She didn’t need a gift. She felt useless always asking if she was good enough for this family.”

“You are mi vida. Gift or no gift you were always good enough.” Julieta and Agustin hurriedly assured their youngest who was in her sisters arms and didn’t look bothered by that being brought up.

“You were too good for us mi nube. You were so special you never needed a gift and I’m so sorry if I ever made you feel like you weren’t good enough.” Pepa murmured into Mirabel’s hair as she kissed the girls head.

”Casita clicked around the young boy who shifted into his normal self before pointing at the candle. “That candle made her feel less special. I walked around town and through the trees to find clues of where she could be. Nothing. The only thing I have left of her is the very ruana I am wearing right now.”

“Camilo you need to”

“What? Not talk about Mirabel? Just like we don’t talk about Bruno? She was cast aside, just because she had no gift. If it were up to me, I would have begged the candle to take my gift away, just so I can spend more days with Mirabel. So she knows that she never hurt this family and that the candle is the biggest enemy.”

“And if you hadn’t gotten a gift you know your mami and I would have loved you just the same right Camilo?” Felix asked his son in a quiet whisper to keep anyone else from hearing.

“I know papi.” Camilo murmured back, after all his parents never shied away from telling him how much they loved him and he knew that they had always loved Mirabel as if she were another daughter to them.

“He’s right, you know. The candle hurt this family.”

Everyone turned and noticed the missing Madrigal standing at the entrance of Casita. “Bruno!” Julieta yelled, running to hug her brother who welcomed it. Pepa punched his arm a couple of times before the triplets embraced. They were always his safe space and his home. Without Julieta and Pepa, he would have lost himself years ago.”

“I would have. You two are the world to me.” Bruno said looking at his sisters who shot him soft warm smiles.

“Don’t get all sappy Bruno. It’ll make me want to get up and hug you and I can’t really move right now.” Pepa said smiling at him and he grinned back at her.

“Pepa..” “You’re forgiven.” “You didn’t even let me speak.” “We’re triplets, I can read your mind.” “ok, mind reader.”

“Besides if it was about the wedding then I forgave you a week after it happened Bruno. I knew you were just trying to make a joke and calm me down given how nervous I was. You just have horrible jokes.”

“Excuse you my jokes are funny!”

“Brunito I love you hermanito but no…no. Your jokes are the worst and sometimes your sense of timing is horrible as well.”

“Mama! Julie and Pepa are picking on me!”

“Ay no fair! You’re the baby! Mama always takes your side!”

“Oh like you can talk Ms. Favorite.”

“Mama doesn’t have favorites among us three!”

“I call bullshit!”

“Yeah got to agree with Pepa there. You’re mom’s favorite Jules.”

“And you’re still the baby Bruno.”

“I’m fifty years old! I’m only younger than you by ten minutes!”

“Still the baby!”

“Pepa I’m only younger than you by four minutes!”

“Baby Bruno. Baby Bruno.”

“Mama!”

“Ninos! Are you fifty or five?” Bisabuela asked staring at her triplets who froze and then looked embarrassed as they stared at their mama and then in unison stared at the ceiling.

“Fifty.” The three said at the same time in matching almost sulky tones.

“Then why are you acting like you’re five?”

“Pepa started it!”

“What?! How did I start it?! All I did was say you had bad jokes!”

“Ninos!” Bisabuela cut them off before they got started again.

“Sorry mama.” The three sulked slightly and the kids were giggling or snickering at their parents.

“Good now you three get along and play nicely or I’ll treat you like you’re five and make you stand in a corner.” Bisabuela said and all three of the magical triplets pouted at that.

”Released from the hug, he stares at the family before resting on the candle. “This family was only seen as a way to get out of work. Not as people. We had no breaks. No protection.” “The community needs us.”

“They did just fine with the plants and the hard work before Luisa and Isabela got their gifts. They managed to baby sit their children just fine before Camilo started doing it. Which I still don’t agree with.” Pepa said scowling slightly as she cuddled her babies close.

“I don’t know what I had been thinking, telling and letting a five year old babysit literal babies. I should have listened to you and not let him do that.” Bisabuela said shaking her head as she glanced at her daughter who looked surprised but then nodded slightly.

“Forget the community! They wouldn’t care about us! We aren’t perfect!” Isabela yelled from the second floor, Luisa holding her still. “We aren’t tools Abuela. We’re not pawns in this game of chess. Camilo is right. Look at the damage it does to us.”

Isabela pointed to each member, starting with her mama. “Mama can’t get a break! She wakes up at dawn every morning to start cooking! Tia Pepa has to bottle her emotions and let them go on the community’s demand. They don’t care if she’s hurt. Tio Bruno couldn’t control the future, but everyone continued to blamehim for things that were bound to happen anyway. You outcasted him when all he did was give a vision.”

“Go off Isa.” Dolores said grinning slightly.

“I wish you could sleep in or at least just stay in bed and cuddle a while mi amor.” Agustin said sighing as he stared at his wife who cuddled into his arms.

“You know that you can always let it out around me right mi vida? I love you no matter the weather.” Felix whispered to his wife who had a small rainbow over her head as she kissed him.

“Don’t worry Tio. We know you can’t control the future, some people are just too stupid and want to blame the messenger.” Isabela said smiling at Bruno who gave her a small grin.

”She looked around the room, wiping her eyes as Luisa rubbed her shoulder. She wasn’t done.

“Camilo has to shift every day and that starves him. He’s seen how the community is with Mirabel and how much they love her. She helps him when he needs a break just so he won’t burn out.”

“Dolores has to listen to everything and everyone! She hates invading people’s privacy, but you don’t understand. People question her, send her back and forth and she gets yelled out for telling the truth!’” Isabela pointed around the room, shocking her cousins and the adults in the room.”

“Give me names mija.”

“Later mama.”

“Luisa doesn’t get a break! She has been overworking herself every day and blaming herself for not protecting Mirabel. We all played a part in this. I played the biggest part and it hurts me!”

Isabela looked ready to jump from the railing as the doors flickered like the candle sitting on the window sill. “Isabela, that is enough.” “I am tired of bending to your every complaint and demand. I'm tired of it!” Camilo glared at his abuela.”

Abuela looked around wildly at her family and none of them met her eyes, and the ones that did meet her eyes were glaring or looking disappointed in her.

“Be yourself nieta. Just be yourself.” Bisabuela murmured as she glanced at Isabela who was cuddling and being cuddled by her sisters.

“I wouldn’t be sad if that candle went out. Because I was a normal boy once. I was just like Mirabel. If losing my gift means finding and getting back Mirabel. Then so be it. I am tired of this.”

“Ay Cami gift or no gift you know I’m not coming back right then.” Mira said looking at her mellizo who gave her a small sad smile.

“I know. But you better believe I’m coming to find you and hug you to bits.”

“Oh you did. Adrien literally pulled you off of me at one point because he was worried you were hugging me too tight.”

“He was nearly laying right on top of you mi amor and you know you aren’t supposed to have too much weight on your belly or pick things up over a certain weight.” Adrien said and the mothers in the room nodded in agreement.

“Sorry Mira.” Camilo said sheepishly and Mira shot him a smile.

“Don’t worry about it Camilo. Besides you fuss and fret over me just as much as Adrien does whenever you come to visit. You wouldn’t even let me pick up a basket the last time you were around.”

“Of course not! What if it was too heavy?” Camilo asked looking worried and Mira gave him a flat look.

“It was a basket of flowers the children in town picked for me. It didn’t even weight two pounds max.”

Camilo didn’t say anything to that as he looked sheepishly embarrassed but not apologetic. Nope he was definitely going to fret and fuss over his twin and her baby.

”Bruno cleared his throat. “I left that night to protect Mirabel from one of my visions. She didn’t deserve to be treated like me. She was the real gift of this family.” He held onto Julieta and Pepa who stood their ground.”

“You left to protect me?” Mira asked looking surprised as she stared at her Tio who gave her a shaky smile and nod.

“Thank you Tio Bruno. Thank you so much although I wish you didn’t have to.” Mira said and she was teary eyed and Bruno just gave a small shrug.

“I would have done it for any of you kids, or for my sisters…maybe not for Agustin but-“

“Please tell me you’re not still upset about that?”

“You managed to destroy the bridge in my room that leads to my vision cave, and then also managed to somehow break the door that leads to my bed in my room. And it still hasn’t been fixed yet, even though it’s been twenty years.” Bruno said dryly as he stared at Agustin with his arms crossed.

“You haven’t fixed it yet? Agustin!” Julieta gave her husband a stern look as she crossed her own arms at him.

“I tried but ended up breaking my hand with the hammer and then shortly after that was when Isa was born and I got distracted and then everything else happened and I…kind of forgot about it by the time Mira was born.” Agustin said looking sheepish and apologetic as he rubbed the back of his neck.

“You’ll be fixing both the bridge and anything else wrong in my hermano’s room as soon as we get back to Casita. Understand?” Pepa was scowling and there was thunder over her head as she stared at Agustin who nodded his head rapidly in agreement.

“I’ll help P-“

“No Luisa.” Julieta stopped her middle child immediately.

“I know you want to help and I thank you for it. But Agustin should have fixed this twenty years ago. So none of you are allowed to help him unless he gets hurt. Understand?” Julieta asked giving the kids a stern look and they all reluctantly nodded.

“There is never a day where I don’t miss her. Where we don’t miss her. We came to face the fact that we were wrong. That we pushed Mirabel too far, but it seems that you don’t even want to admit it. She never celebrated her birthday because you never allowed it.”

Everyone drooped again at that, reminded of her missed Quince and Abuela winced.

“Not entirely true. Tia Pepa told me that Antonio had almost been my birthday present. So I got him as a present when I was ten. And sometimes I’d get a cake or you’d remember to wish me happy birthday.” Mira said brightly and they all winced at that. Sometimes she’d get a cake. Sometimes they would remember.

Sometimes.

But they remembered everyone elses’ birthdays every time and they always got a cake, and presents, and hugs…and their favorite food for dinner.

”Bruno wiped at his eyes before he closed them.

“She would be proud that we’re standing up for each other because she always did that for us. She cared for us when you couldn’t.
Casita rumbled again in agreement before more cracks filled the walls. Every door flickered in anger. Tiles clinked and furniture was bounced up and down. Camilo gripped his ruana, remembering everything.”

No one really said anything as they listened to the story. Each of them absorbing the information while also still trapped in their guilt as they thought of how badly they had failed her.

”Countless days of searching. Countless screams of her name that the wind carried away. The immense amount of guilt that he had pushed her away when all she needed was someone to love her.

The tears gathered in his eyes as he stared their Abuela down, who looked flabbergasted from who knows what.

“If Mirabel is happy where she is, then I am happy too. If she chooses to return one day, I know I’ll protect her from you.”

Abuela flinched again. Protect her from you. Protect Mirabel from her. As if…as if she were a threat to Mirabel…

Did…is that really how everyone saw it? As her being a threat to Mirabel?

”Camilo was done walking out of casita as the ground rumbled again.

"We didn't deserve you, Mirabel."

He really wants to blow out that candle.”

“Ay mijo. Like I said just let me know when and I’ll create a storm to distract everyone for you.” Pepa said softly as she kissed her sons head and he nodded into her shoulder while Bisabuela closed the book and set it on the table for the next reader to grab it.