Chapter 1
Notes:
(SKIP THIS RANT IF YOU WANT)
My toxic friend of 6 years deleted my MiraVal (Red Hot Eyes, Ice Cold Lies) fic without my knowledge and permission (plus using my phone without my knowledge and permission too) and gave me a whole lecture about red flags in a FICTIONAL relationship and said it didn’t fit her preferences and called FANFIC “RANDOM” and nonsensical. So now I have to REWRITE this whole thing in a new version because of her.
Sorry for the blabbing about my personal life.Yes, rHeIcL is now renamed to Blindsided.
Chapter Text
Dolores sighed. “This is the third time someone has rejected Mirabel, and I’m not exaggerating.” She said as she stacked up a plate for breakfast.
"Mirabel? In a relationship? Really?” Isabela scoffed. “Come on, Dol, we know she’s only trying to prove something. I don’t think she can maintain one.”
"How about two of your past relationships when we were nineteen?”
“How do you know that? Those were supposed to be a secret!” Isabela asked.
“I think you forget I have superhearing.” Dolores replied.
They watched as a heartbroken-looking Mirabel came up to the food stand, systemically adding food to her plate. Not once glancing up to them. Then, she took another plate, stacking it up as high as possible, shocking the older girls.
"Who’s that other plate for?” Dolores asked quietly.
"Camilo.” Mirabel said blankly. “You think i’m gonna eat two plates of arepas? I can barely finish my own plate.”
"Should’ve known.” Isabela said.
"Time to eat!” called Abuela’s voice as Casita moved the chairs to the table Luisa had set down.
The girls followed the rest of the family to the table.
Breakfast had surprisingly gone well without any problems. Except with Mirabel being overly gloomy even Camilo failed to cheer her up. When the Madrigals were expecting to be dismissed but the matriarch stood up.
"An announcement." Abuela said, earning a inaudible groan from Mirabel on the other end of the table.
Oh great.
Perfect timing.
“I’ve decided that Isabela's engagement will be a few months from now. The date hasn't been decided just yet.”
Isabela choked on air, quickly covering it up by forcing it down. “Isn’t it a little too soon, Abuela? Not that I won’t get engaged, but…me and Mariano haven’t gotten that far in our relationship.”
“Your relationship will progress after you get engaged. You’ll love each other once you’re engaged!” Abuela smiled sweetly. “He also wants five babies to keep the magic going.”
Half the family looked horrified at the mention of five babies.
“….Right….that’s amazing…”
“You’re coming with me to find a dress for your engagement. Everyone else, dismissed.”
The other Madrigals left as soon as they could. Probably to try and work themselves into forgetting the five babies comment. Three siblings with each other was already a bit hard. None of them could imagine five siblings together.
Anyways it was still a long time before that happened so they shouldn’t worry.
For now.
Chapter Text
Mirabel barely made it to the middle of town before the village kids decided to rush at her feet. She did promise them she’d explain who her family was the day before. Some of them being her tia Maya’s children from her papá’s side.
“What are the gifts?” Cecilia asked.
“I can’t remember who’s who?” Alejandra followed up.
“Tell us everything! What are their powers, prima?” Ramiro, her tia Maya's son, added.
“TELL US WHAT THEY CAN DO!” Juancho yelled before gulping down on his coffee.
His friends side eyed him as he drank the coffee.
... ...
“That’s why coffee is for….grown ups, only.” Mirabel said as she carefully took the cup away from Juancho. How he got a cup of coffee she’d never know. She threw it away in the nearest trash bin she could find. The boy pouted. “Don’t give me that face now, chico.”
"But I want my coffee back!" He said.
"It's for grown ups. Tell me, do you like dealing with your hyperactive younger sibling?" Mirabel asked.
"No, not really, Mirabel." Juancho replied.
“Exactly.” Mirabel responded.
“Okay, Mirabel, I won’t take my dad’s coffee anymore!” Juancho said back.
“That’s good.”
“Okay, now tell us about the amazing Madrigals!” All the kids chorused as Mirabel’s smile faded ever so slightly. She knew she’d promised them this, but it did kind of feel like…whenever anyone used that term, it only meant her actually gifted family, not her.
The kids looked so eager to listen, though. Even Ramiro looked a bit excited to hear about his tio Agustín’s extended family.
“Lo siento, chicas and chicos, maybe another day. Lo siento, Ramiro, I know how excited you were.” The kids’ expressions slowly faded into disappointment and Mirabel couldn’t bear to see it.
“But…prima…you promised!!” Ramiro stomped his foot.
“I know. Maybe another day, alright?” Mirabel said.
“Okay....” Ramiro replied.
The children looked down at their feet.
“Heyy, Mira!” Came Camilo's voice from behind. “Need any help with the kids? I can entertain them if you have to do anything else.”
Mirabel turned around at her primo's voice. "I don't... really have anything to do, but I need you to keep these children, and Ramiro too, entertained for a while. They've been asking about our entire family, so... would you mind telling them about us?"
“¡Claro!” Camilo joyfully replied as he gave her a thumbs up.
“Gracias, Cami.”
Mirabel soon left the area, looking over her shoulder to see Camilo dramatically shift into a member of their familia.
Dramatic. As always.
She left to Gabriela Sanchez's shop.
“You cannot be serious.” Mirabel said, glaring at Gabriela Sanchez—her mentor. “You’re literally a liar. You cancelled my apprenticeship for another— another piece of stuck up brat?”
“I wasn’t the one who did that, Mirabel. If you could just try to liste—” Gabriela was cut off.
“There is no other side to this story. That’s your signature on the paper.”
“Somebody else forged that signature. I don’t use that type of pen.”
“Exactly what a liar would say when they’re trying to convince someone into believing their side.” Mirabel responded. “I could be less bothered about the pen. There’s no way that isn’t your signature, Señora. Now, who’s the bitch you decided was better than me?”
“Language, Mirabel. There is nobody else better than you, I didn’t forge the signature on the paper, and I most certainly did not choose another girl as my apprentice.” Gabriela replied.
“Too bad, too sad, because I’m leaving.” Mirabel said, without waiting for a response, she left her former mentor’s shop. “Have fun looking for someone else.”
The door to the shop slammed shut, indicating that she was actually serious about the whole thing.
So, Gabriela just ruined her life, not even on purpose was this. First, she got framed by someone else for no reason. Second, Mirabel actually believed said someone else without hearing her side and then left.
She does not know how to fix this.
Camilo looked worried when Mirabel passed by him seething in anger, he didn’t know what to say to her, though.
“Hey…Mira, you good?” He asked before she went out of shouting range.
Mirabel whipped her head around. “I am wonderful, actually. It’s such a great day, right?!”
“Yeah…lovely day…”
“I am not in the mood for your jokes here. I don’t care what Abuela or Dolores says, I’m going home.”
“Okay, then, see you later.” Camilo said as Mirabel turned around again, and left.
In a very different direction than La Casita.
My life loves going wrong in soo many different ways. First, it’s me being giftless, then it’s me being an outcast in my own family with Isabela and Abuela hating me, then me being rejected, now Señora Gabriela had the guts to lie in my face. Mirabel internally began cursing out everyone.
She sat down on a nearby bench.
Of course Isabela decided that it was the perfect timing to bloom flowers near her.
Could this day get any more worse?
“I do not need to see your flowers early in the morning, Isabela.” Mirabel said.
“I didn’t know you were here.” Isabela responded. Well, it was true, she really didn’t see her sister there when she arrived.
Bull-crap.
“You look like you knew I was here, and decided to ruin my day. Who are you trying to convince?”
Isabela rolled her eyes, and scoffed, then turned around to leave. Because she does not want to deal with this early in the morning.
Who even wanted to, anyways?
“Hola, my dear,” Mirabel flinched when she heard a man’s voice. Not right next to her, but he was standing a little far from the bench. She stood up and looked at him.
“What’s a girl like you doing here, all alone?” He asked.
“Sitting? I couldn’t possibly be doing anything else, Señor.” Mirabel replied.
“You’re sitting like you’re on timeout.”
“I’m…internally raging, okay, Señor?!” Mirabel said as she looked away.
“Valentino. Call me Valentino.” He said, ignoring her own answer. “What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing, really, Valentino…just…watching my family set me aside for not being as talented as them and like my sisters, and…getting rejected thrice in a row, and a bunch of other things that’s been making me kind of rage.” Mirabel ranted. "I wish I could have the things my sister, Isabela, has. Fame, love, admiration, everything."
“You can.”
Mirabel turned to look at Valentino as if he had said something out of pocket.
“Really?”
“Yes. It’s something I always offer, and only I can offer it.” Valentino grinned a bit creepily. “You act so mature for your age compared to the other girls I know when they're rejected, they'd cry. But you just keep pushing through. How about I put a stop to all of your pain, dollface."
"Yes, please! What will I get out of it, Valentino?" She asked. Valentino walked towards her.
"You'll get everything you ever wanted from your family, the things they never gave you. Fame, love, admiration, anything you desire. Do you accept my offer?"
"I accept!" Mirabel said a little too enthusiastically.
"Then sign here with your real name." He handed her a folded paper and pen from his jacket.
Mirabel took the paper and pen from his hands, unfolded the paper and signed it. Mirabel Madrigal. She handed it back to him.
"Excellent, Mirabel, you just made the best damn decision in your life. Now everything is within your reach, the power, the glory, the admiration, the fame.." Valentino smirked.
"You won't regret this. Ever." He added.
Chapter Text
Mirabel laughed. “Why would I regret this? it’s practically my dream come true, Valentino.”
“No, I know.” Valentino said. “I've seen it, quite the sight.”
She looked at him in confusion. “You already know?” That was quite the surprise. She didn’t know people noticed her envy, much less Valentino, who was staring at her with a knowing smirk. As if he’d planned this.
“I’m not a stalker. I just know.” He responded.
Well, that was…reassuring.
“Don’t look at me like i’m a stranger. Do you not trust me? I just helped you out.
True, true.
Mirabel turned the other way to leave when she saw Dolores walking up to her.
“Dolores?” Mirabel questioned as she came up to her.
“There you are, Mirabel! I've been looking for you.” Dolores exclaimed in a hushed tone.
Wait what? Why would Dolores be looking for her now?
“Why?” Mirabel asked when Dolores grabbed her arm. “Did I do something wrong to set off Abuela that she decided to send you to get me?”
“No, you didn't. You just need to come with me.” Dolores said.
“Alright...” Mirabel let herself be dragged away from Valentino by her prima. She tried to keep up with Dolores' pace as they walked, but Dolores was speedwalking away from the scene.
“Prima, slow down! It's not like we have an emergency or somethin—” Mirabel was cut off when Dolores took her to a secluded spot and stared at her.
The better term would be her prima giving the warning eyes.
“You are not going anywhere near that man, Mirabel.” Dolores said in a tone so serious.
Mirabel looked appalled. “Why not? He seemed so nice! He even offered to make my dre—”
“No. That was a lie.” Dolores replied.
“No, it wasn't, why else would he help me? he told me that he'll make it come true if I signed. Valentino isn't...bad.” Mirabel responded and watched as Dolores' eyes grow wide.
“YOU SIGNED?!” Dolores flinched at her own raised voice.
“Yes, I did! what are you gonna do about it?! Tell Abuela?!”
Dolores was about to respond when she heard Abuela's voice from afar. “Dolores, you and Mirabel are late!”
For what, exactly?!
“You're safe...for now, Mira."
Mirabel rolled her eyes.
They walked back home in silence, with Dolores glaring over her shoulder at Valentino who was staring at them with a creepy grin, and his tongue sticking out.
Ew. Ew. Ew. Dolores thought.
“You two are late.” Abuela said.
“Si, we know. I helped Mirabel out of a situation.” Dolores replied, she then heard Isabela scoff loudly from nearby.
“The day just started, and she's already tripping over her own shadow.” Isabela mentioned. “Why can't she walk in a graceful and a straight line?”
Oh, how nice of Isabela... not.
Abuela sighed. “Look, Dolores, you or someone needs to watch out for that girl. We can't have her going around embarrassing the familia's image."
She only nodded. "Yes, Abuela. I will... try."
“Good. I do appreciate you looking out for her. You—”
“You act so mature for your age compared to other girls I know.” Her mind completed the sentence for her.
She hadn’t realised Abuela had left her standing in the courtyard. Alone with Mirabel.
“If someone needs me, I’ll be in my room.”
They’d just forget about her existence the second she leaves.
But her prima already retreated to her room.
Time to find out more about this….Valentino.
The best thing about his deal was that she was so easy to get her into it. She didn't hesitate, she was so eager.
Even if Valentino had to frame someone to get his way.
Even if he saw that girl's cousin nearby. Watching him. Clearly looking replused. He didn't care.
Mirabel Madrigal.
She signed and gave it back to him.
"Excellent, Mirabel, you just made the best damn decision in your life. Now everything is within your reach, the power, the glory, the admiration, the fame.." Valentino smirked.
"You won't regret this. Ever." He added.
Mirabel laughed. “Why would I regret this? it’s practically my dream come true, Valentino.”
“No, I know.” Valentino said. “I've seen it, quite the sight.”
She looked at him in confusion. “You already know?”
“I’m not a stalker. I just know.” He tried to convince.
Now she was looking at him like a damn stranger.
Ugh.
“Don’t look at me like i’m a stranger. Do you not trust me? I just helped you out.”
Then that girl's cousin swooped in.
She almost ruined his plans.
She grabbed Mirabel and they walked away from him.
He heard them talk.
"YOU SIGNED?!" He heard the older Madrigal girl yell.
Mirabel outed him.
That ungrateful—
He's about to make her dreams come true.
And this is what she does.
When they turned to, probably go home, Valentino saw the older Madrigal girl give him a glare over her shoulder.
He smiled at both of them with his tongue out.
Valentino saw the older Madrigal girl shudder at his grin.
He has never seen someone look so repulsed.
Quite the sight.
This was gonna be fun.
Chapter Text
Antonio quickly ran inside Casa Madrigal, dodging a frightened Isabela who let out a animalistic shriek.
"Antonio! What are you doing?! Play outside, not here!" She yelled which made him stop in his tracks and turn to her.
He gave her the most innocent eyes he could muster up.
"Lo siento, Isa." Antonio said. "I was just going to find Prima Mira!" he added enthusiastically which made Isabela scoff.
"What did she do now?" Isabela asked.
"She didn't do anything, Isa!" Antonio replied which made her raise an eyebrow.
"So... why are you looking for her?"
"I am looking for her because I met some guy on the way and he told me that Mira is a very special girl so he gave me these flowers to give it to her!" Antonio said with a smile as he showed her the flowers. Isabela's eyes grew slightly wide at the roses. For some reason, it made her eye twitch.
No man gave her flowers. But her sister got to have them?
"Oh, that's...nice, Antonio." She replied, trying to surpress the envy bleeding out in her voice.
Not like he’d notice it, anyways. Her primito was four years old.
Why was she jealous? She could literally conjure up those roses herself!
Those roses smelled a little... weird, though. It made her feel a bit light-headed.
"Do you know where prima Mira is, Isa?" Antonio asked.
"Dolores said she was in her room, I think, tonito."
"Gracias, Isa!" Antonio said before dashing off upstairs to the nursery.
Mirabel was going to love her gift.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Mirabel stood up from her chair and walked towards her bedroom door to open it.
She saw Antonio standing there, looking up at her with his bright eyes.
"Uh... sí, Antonio?" She asked.
She saw a bunch of roses behind him, and stared at them confusedly.
"Mira! Some guy told me to give these to you!" He brought out the flowers from behind him and presented them to her.
Mirabel snatched the roses from his hands.
She was actually very special.
Valentino wasn’t lying.
"Mira, you should’ve seen Isa’s reaction!" Antonio said.
Isabela’s reaction?
"Isabela's reaction?" Mirabel asked.
"She looked at the roses funny, I don't know why." Antonio shrugged. "Maybe because Mario or Mariano doesn't give her what that guy gave you!"
Oh.
"Cool flowers you got there, Mirabel." Antonio and she turned to look at Camilo who just passed by them and was going to his room.
"Cami! See, I told you, Cami! Mira does have admirers like Isa!" Antonio said as he ran to his older hermano. Mirabel was blushing at the sudden spotlight she now had.
"She isn't completely alone!!" Antonio added.
Camilo turned to look at Mirabel. "So... which guy gave you those? Is his name on there?"
Camilo swore he felt a bit dizzy. Some weird smell filling his nose.
Mirabel laughed as she tried to find Valentino's name on the roses. She turned them around to show the name V written in red ink curling into smoke.
Camilo squinted. "Uh... that's a nice, anonymous name. Very vague."
He really needed to get out of here. The weird smell from earlier was getting much stronger. How was she not smelling it? How was Antonio not smelling it too?!
"Right?! And... are you okay?" Mirabel asked as she put the flowers down and looked at her primo.
Camilo waved her off dismissively. "Yeah, I'm fine. I think. Just some weird smell."
"But I'm not smelling it, though?"
"I never said you have to."
"There's no smell here, Camilo. You're just going insane."
Camilo looked appalled.
"Me?! Insane?!" He asked.
"Yes. But seriously, are you okay?"
"I think I'm fine. Just... gotta leave the hallway." Camilo said as he put Antonio down and ran downstairs in a haste and then outside to get some air.
Was the 'smell' that strong for him? Mirabel thought. She didn't smell anything. Antonio didn't question anything about the air as well.
"I'm gonna guess his name." Antonio said as he walked back to her.
"No, Antonio." Mirabel replied, which dampened his spirits.
"Okay..." Antonio responded sadly as he walked away.
She set the flowers down and walked out after closing the door.
And just in time, Abuela called from downstairs.
"The town needs our help!"
Not again.
Ramiro cornered his prima Mirabel when he saw her in town.
"....Yes, Ramiro?" She asked confusedly.
"Primo Camilo's explanation about La Familia was boring, prima Mirabel." Ramiro said in full honesty It sounded like he was complaining. "So I just went around asking everyone what they could do."
"And?"
"And I finished asking everyone else, except for you."
Oh no.
"So, what is your gift, prima Mirabel?"
"I can physically heal people." She said. Knowing very well she just used her mother's gift for show. She couldn't care less right now.
"Really?" Ramiro said in awe.
"Yes." Mirabel replied.
"I thought that was tia Julieta's gift?"
"I know." She said proudly.
"That's so cool, prima!" Ramiro replied happily. "I need to tell Mamá. I didn't know having the same gift was possible."
"Who knew?" Mirabel's eye twitched. When would Ramiro get away from her and play with Antonio? His voice was hurting her teeth, and she had to smile through the pain.
Ugh.
"Do you want to play with Antonio? He's over there." She pointed to the fountain in the main plaza where Antonio, Cecilia, Juancho and Alejandra were playing. Ramiro took one look at them and shook his head.
"No, I don't want to. They don't allow me to be near them." Ramiro crossed his arms.
God, no.
"Can't I stay with you?" Ramiro looked up to her.
"No. Go to your mamá because I'm not staying with you." Mirabel replied sweetly as she tried not to let a flicker of irritation surface up.
His eyes filled with tears before he blinked them away. "Okay…"
"Good. Now I’m sure tia Maya—your mamá—is looking for you. So, run to her before she panics, okay, primito?"
Ramiro nodded. "Okay…" He repeated before sniffling, then walking away.
God, he was so sensitive. No wonder Antonio wouldn’t let him play with him and his friends. He was about to cry over something insignificant.
Anyways, she couldn’t waste her time on someone like him. She had better things to do.
Like, trying her absolute best to upstage Isabela—
Wait.
Upstage Isabela? The most spoiled rotten Golden Child?
Yes.
The perfect idea. She could totally do it!
It wouldn’t be so hard at all considering her sister only had to smile and wave.
Which got Isabela the attention of men instead of her.
Which got Isabela the attention of the whole village. And their family. And their Abuela.
Atleast one man—Valentino—noticed her! Her and not her sister.
Okay. Mirabel finally had a plan which would get her men’s approval. And her familia’s approval. And her Abuela’s approval.
Be Isabela.
Chapter 5
Summary:
Mirabel meets Velvette on a day out with Antonio.
Notes:
There is some child negligence in this. Be warned!!! Mirabel neglects atleast five kids during this chapter.
There is also swearing, but it's only three swear words.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Pepa knocked on the nursery's teal door the next morning.
When opened, she was met with a strong smell. A cloud appearing on her head in discomfort.
Mirabel, unaware of the growing discomfort and the cloud, smiled politely at her tia. "Yes, tia?"
It wasn't untill the cloud thundered for a spilt second which got Mirabel to look up at the cloud.
"Did...Did I do something wrong, tia Pepa?" She asked worriedly, her eyes wide with panic.
"No, not at all, Mirabel! I just— I just wanted to ask you about something!" Pepa said, working quickly to shoo the cloud away but failing.
"Oh. Oh, okay. Well, what is it?"
"I have some errands to run for Camilo's fifteenth in twenty five days with the rest of the familia, so you wouldn't mind taking care of Antonio today? If... that's not too much?"
Mirabel stared at her.
Another exclusion.
She should've known.
"Of course I'll take care of Antonio. Who I helped babysit for four years. Who's my favourite cousin. Who he loves more than you and tio Felix."
"That's wonderful, dear. It will be only for a little while, alright? I'm sure you can handle it. Antonio is usually always disciplined." Pepa replied.
"Of course, don't worry, tia. I've been babysitting much worser and rowdy kids for a while. Antonio won't be any different."
"Right. I need to go now." Pepa said. "Antonio must be playing with his animal plushies in the family room, I've already told him."
"Understood, tia."
"Lovely.".
With that, Pepa hurried down the staircase and soon enough, outside of the Casita.
It must've been important. Whatever errands her tia had to run.
Antonio was planning a game of hide and seek he would play with his friends since the last few minutes pacing around.
Not just any game of hide and seek, a full-on elaborate version he made up in his mind with it's own set of rules and players.
"Juancho will be the seeker and me and Cecilia will go together to hide first, then—"
"Toñito?" He turned to look at his older prima who unexpectedly walked in, bringing him back to reality after being so hyper focused on his elaborate game in his head.
"I'm gunna take care of you today! Isn't that exciting? To have your favourite prima be looking after you?" She said.
"Huh?"
He blinked, as if to process what she just said, but then remembered what his mama had told him. Mirabel will take care of you today, okay? Don't act out for her and be a good child.
"We're going near the fountain today. I'll help you get ready; I'm sure your little...friends must be waiting." Mira's smile grew a tad bit tighter at her own words. Not like she hated her cousin's friends but they were just too loud, and boisterous. They were not like them. Antonio needed better friends who wouldn't keep him all shelled up in his cocoon and she would find them for him.
"Okay! I'm getting ready!" He replied as he dashed out of the family room and upstairs to the nursery.
Now she'd have to play the waiting game for atleast ten to fifteen minutes because of his hair.
Guess it was time to wait!
"Ready?" She asked after, surprisingly, ten correct minutes.
Casita slid Antonio his shoes and he put them on.
"Yes, I'm ready!! I have a cool game to play with Cecilia, Alejandra, Juancho and Montse and everyone else! It's this cool game of hide and seek we heard this girl say a few days back and we decided to make our own version of it!" Antonio ranted as they stepped out of La Casita.
"How many players, Antonio?"
"Uhh, seven players! No, six! No— no— it's..." Antonio stopped and began to count his friends on his fingers. He looked back up at Mirabel.
"It's five of them, and including me so that's six!" He said proudly.
"Hm." She replied distractedly. "That's nice." having friends. She mentally thought in her head when they continued walking. She barely had any herself.
No, she is not trying to make herself the center of the world. It's just an experience.
"Can you play with us, Mirabel?!"
No.
"We'll see, Antonio."
"Fine." Antonio responded, before holding her hand and dragging her to reach the fountain quicker.
"Woah, woah, woah! Slow down, primo!"
It fell on his deaf ears.
She rolled her eyes. Disciplined, it seems. She scoffed. She did love the kid, don't worry.
"Hurry up, Mira! Otherwise I won't be the first one to reach the fountain! Cecilia always reaches first."
"Alright, alright. We will reach on time, okay? Calm down your panic levels." She replied.
They sped through a few people and dodging some more townspeople before finally reaching the fountain.
Exactly forty seconds later.
Antonio was fast like a cheetah, she'd have to admit. But as expected, Cecilia, Juancho, Alejandra and Montse weren't there yet.
"We're the first ones! Yay!"
"Indeed." Mirabel said.
"And here they come!!' Antonio pointed animatedly to the trio with Montse following behind.
He forgot all about his prima, his vision zeroing on his group.
"You know, I planned a cool version of hide and seek!"
"After hearing that girl speak about it?" Montse asked.
"Yes! I brought papers and pencil to tell you the rules." He said as he took them out of his pant pocket. The other four following him to sit on the fountain's edge.
"Chicos, chicas, stay in my line of sight, okay?" Mirabel announced.
"Okay!" The five children replied before going back to their game.
Well, that was easy.
They are going to be fine, if she just takes her eyes off them for a few minutes, right? Yes. Her primo's the most disciplined. He'll be fine.
Mirabel walked away from the fountain to a nearby bench and sat on it.
"No, you guys didn't understand! I said that Juancho will seek first and me and Cecilia will hide first. Alejandra and Montse are not supposed to tell him where w—" Antonio was talking loudly of the game, pointing to Juancho and then himself and Cecilia.
Mirabel looked around everywhere except towards the kids.
Look, she knows she has responsibility for them, mainly Antonio, but she also knows Antonio can take care of himself. He's quiet, content in his own world and with his friends.
Nothing's gonna go wrong.
She doesn't know why she keeps repeating it to herself over and over again, but yes, everyone will be fine and nobody's gonna get any injuries which'll make her panic.
A girl, maybe around eighteen, sat down next to her unknowingly.
Mirabel looked at her curiously. The other girl didn't seem very interested in talking to her.
"...Hello?" She said nervously.
Donttrytoforcefriendshiponher.
The other girl looked at her. "Hey." she replied with a smile.
"I'm Mirabel." She said.
"I'm Velvette. Lovely to meet you."
Something clicked behind Velvette's back.
"You too—"
"Wait, your name is Mirabel?" Velvette questioned. She nodded.
"Uh, yes, my name is Mirabel." She repeated confusedly. It's not like she never said her name.
"Look, I'm not a stalker or anything, but do you know a man by the name Valentino?"
"Yes, I do. I met him a few days ago. Handsome man. I think I might be in love!" Mirabel said with a smile.
"Oh, I know him too! I'm his best friend!" Velvette replied.
"Best friend, huh?" Mirabel's eye twitched.
"Yes, I'm his best friend, and his fashion designe—" Velvette was cut off.
"Fashion designer? Really?" She was suddenly interested in the conversation, forgetting about the babysitting responsibility. This girl was practically living her dream right now.
"Yes, I'm his fashion designer and his best friend."
"No wonder he looked so pristine when I first met him! those were undeniably some of the best clothes I've seen!"
"I know. Are you a seamstress or a fashion designer by any chance? Your skirt looks fabulous."
Mirabel looked down and back at Velvette. "I actually am a seamstress and designed and made this skirt myself. I love my family so much I decided to add their symbols to my skirt! I would've been famous if my apprenticeship didn't get... um.. taken by some other girl."
"You know, with your history of sewing and designing, you can be a famous designer!" Velvette responded.
"I know! I would've been. If my mentor didn't take some other bitch into my position."
"Damn. That's fucking hard."
"Can you not? There's kids around."
"Not like they'll remember it anyways!"
"True."
"Do you want to join the Triple Vee's?"
"The...Triple Vee's?"
"Yes. We're considering changing it to AudioVisuals." Velvette casually said.
"Sounds exciting. Sure! I'll definitely join." Mirabel replied. "AudioVisuals is a cool name, by the way."
"Wonderful." Velvette responded as she turned around.
MISSION COMPLETE!
She mentally thought.
"Welcome to the AudioVisuals, Mirabel." Velvette said back as she turned to face her again. She smirked.
"We'll make sure you'll have a lovely time." She added.
She had been talking to Velvette for the past twenty minutes or so when Cecilia came up to her.
"Mira! Mira! Antonio's really hurt." Cecilia said, stopping both of the older girls' conversation.
Mirabel stared at Cecilia with a blank look and then squinted at her.
"Okay? So? Go find the food stand to get healed. It's that simple."
"But... but I don't know where tia Julieta's food stand is.."
"So go find it! I'm busy. Maybe if you come across Camilo or Dolores, ask them to take Antonio to the stand. I don't have emergency healing food on me."
Cecilia looked a bit hurt. "Alright... I'll go do that..."
"Oh, and tell Antonio I'm picking him up in twenty minutes to go home. He's played enough today." Mirabel said and watched as the little girl nodded her head and run away.
"I seriously don't understand why kids just have to bother us." Velvette mentioned.
"I know right! Like, I'm on babysitting duty and I did tell them not to play any dangerous games that would result in someone getting hurt and then all the blame will be on me. And it's usually somehow my fault! Can you believe it?!" Mirabel replied.
"It doesn't have to always be your fault. I just can't believe parents aren't teaching their kids manners and aren't teaching them the word no. I literally had a kid steal designer clothes the other day at my shop. The parent wasn't even watching the kid! And they let their kid do whatever they wanted!"
"Okay, now that's a harsh no."
"Yup. Kid's now banned from my shop along with the parents."
"It's nice talking to you, Velvette. My babysitting duty is completed for the day so I'm just... taking my cousin, Antonio, home." Mirabel stood up.
"See you again another day?"
"Definitely!"
Velvette stood up from the bench and began to leave, cutting off the recording on her camera.
I've got her, Val.
Mirabel looked around. "Antonio! Come on, we have to go home!" She called out.
Antonio walked—no, limped—to her with blood flowing freely down his scrapped knee, tears in his eyes.
"I couldn't find tia Julieta's stand, Mir—" He was cut off.
"I don't have my emergency food stash on me right now, but once we're back at La Casita, I'll fix that knee up, alright?" She smiled sweetly.
The four year old didn't say anything.
"Alright?" Mirabel repeated, her voice a little tighter this time.
Antonio sniffled. "Alright..."
She took Antonio's hand and they walked back home. Antonio was limping more than he was walking as he waved a sad goodbye to his friends, crimson red splotches of blood falling on the ground.
Well, that's one job done and completed for the day. Mirabel knew her aunt was gonna be happy.
Though, she'll admit she got a little bit distracted. But she did her job nonetheless!
A little distraction from babysitting doesn't hurt anybody.
And nobody criticized her for the first time! She even didn't feel remotely invisible with Velvette!
What's next?
Notes:
This chapter was supposed to be out on Friday. Thanks to the dance practices for my boy cousin's upcoming desi wedding, it went over my head.
Also, shout out to Emeraldqueen07 for being my most frequent commenter!
Chapter 6
Summary:
Camilo’s birthday arc begins! Amidst all the prepping and planning—something darker gets plotted.
Chapter Text
It was lunch hour when half of the Madrigal familia returned back to La Casita. Mirabel had already healed Antonio and made lunch herself so her mamá wouldn't have to.
She's such a great daughter. Sister. Cousin. Niece. Granddaughter.
Too bad no one sees that. Not that they care anyways.
She's, like, the biggest monster in the room for helping them out.
"Mirabel." A voice called out from behind her. She turned around.
"Yes?" She asked. It was Abuela. "I'm sorry, yes Abuela?" she repeated herself in a polite manner while simultaneously correcting her stance.
"I heard you were supposed to take care of Antonio today after breakfast?" Abuela said as Mirabel nodded.
"And I did my job, Abuela. I took care of Antonio but because his friends were also with him, I took wonderful care of all five of them." Mirabel responded. "It was my duty as the only babysitter."
"Oh really? And did anyone get hurt under your watch?" Abuela questioned.
"No one except Antonio!" She said proudly.
Abuela sighed irritatedly. "You weren't supposed to let him play any dangerous games with his group."
"I told him, Abuela. It's not my fault he didn't listen to me. From what I remember, they were playing hide and seek and he only got a minor injury which was a scrapped knee."
"Don't tell me you got distracted."
"Abuela, I promise you, I didn't get distracted!"
"Mirabel, your tia trusted you with Antonio and it was your responsibility to make sure he wasn't hurt. I feel like she did a mistake. Camilo should've been watching Antonio as he's better at that."
Mirabel took a deep breath, trying not to let a flicker of rage surface up.
How dare Abuela compare her to Camilo?
Him of all people?!
Doesn't she know all Camilo does is be lazy. She's seen him in town. Sitting on a bench while the kids played. Only cracking jokes with his friends.
Camilo does practically nothing compared to her. She does everything for the family.
"I would've appreciated help, Abuela. Too bad I didn't see Camilo anywhere." Mirabel replied.
"It sounds like you've been out of trouble today. I want you to continue doing that and not be in the way like always." Abuela responded. "Do you understand me?"
"Yes, Abuela."
"That's good. Atleast you're not being useless for once and you're actually doing something."
Noted.
"Continue this for the next twenty five days until Camilo's cumpleaños. Be useful for once." Abuela added.
"Of course Abuela." Mirabel replied sweetly. "Oh, and Abuela, lunch is prepared so Mamá doesn't have to do it."
Abuela looked appalled.
"You prepared lunch?"
"Yes—"
"I really hope you didn't burn anything, didn't overcook anything or undercook anything."
"What."
"Julieta! Come into the kitchen and make sure Mirabel didn't burn the food or undercook or overcook anything!" Abuela called out.
"Coming, mamá." Julieta called from downstairs.
"Apparently Mirabel has prepared lunch?"
Julieta entered the kitchen a few seconds later. "I know Mirabel has prepared lunch. I asked her to do so yesterday because you told the familia we'd be extra busy today for Camilo's upcoming fifteenth."
Mirabel watched as Abuela sputtered in shock. As if what Julieta had told her was something new.
"W—Well, just make sure she didn't burn anything!" She said. "And quickly serve it to the familia."
"Sure." Julieta replied blankly as her mother left the kitchen.
"Mirabel, would you—" Julieta was cut off when she saw Mirabel walking right past her to go downstairs. Not waiting for anything else. "—mind helping me....?"
"In what, mamá? Bringing the food down? I didn't prepare sixteen plates. Only eleven plates. Casita will help you out!" Mirabel said sweetly before continuing to walk down stairs. "You don't really need me."
With that, Mira left.
"Casita, a little help?" Julieta asked.
Everyone was soon seated at the table with Luisa's help of bringing it outside. Lunch was served and they began eating.
It was mostly silent except for the occasional announcement from Abuela.
"Camilo, have you sent out the invitations?" Abuela asked. All eyes darted to Camilo.
"Uh... yes, Abuela, I have. Half of my guest list are my friends." Camilo replied. "The other half being my cousins."
"That's wonderful—"
"Add my new best friend to your list too." Mirabel chimed in. Fully expecting a nod from her primo. Instead, she got confused looks from everyone. "What? Is it weird I have new friends now or something?"
"No, it... it just seems so sudden, Mira. I didn't know you got a new friend circle." Camilo said, scratching the back of his neck.
"Sudden?! Are you kidding me right now?!"
Everyone looked at each other awkwardly.
"Why can't you just be happy for me? For once!"
"Don't overreact, Mirabel. It's not our fault you never tell us anything. If you shared everything with us, the Encanto would be more perfect." Abuela replied.
"Not my fault. You never ask!" Mirabel responded. "It's always about someone else, never me."
"Stop being ungrateful. We do everything for you and this is how you act." Abuela said back.
"Oh, such a monster, am I right?"
"Maybe you should calm down, Mirabel." Julieta joined in.
"...why is nobody ever on my side..?" Mirabel said as she sunk back in her chair, crossing her arms and sulked.
"Do not make a scene at the lunch table, Mirabel." Abuela responded back.
"Fine." She muttered.
It was just ONE question. Camilo thought.
"My present to Camilo is the best one! I won't tell what it is because it is a secret!" Antonio giggled.
"Really? That's sweet, Toñito. I'm sure Camilo will like all of our presents." Isabela replied.
"I can already guess Isa's present. Flowers." Camilo dramatically whispered the last part.
She rolled her eyes.
"I can give something other than flowers, you know?"
"Alright then, prove it."
"I'm proving it on the 28th."
"We're talking presents now?" Mirabel asked as she leaned in, suddenly interested in the conversation.
"Yes, we are. What are you getting him?" Luisa questioned.
"I haven't thought about it yet." She replied. "I don't really know what Camilo likes, actually."
Everyone at the table, including Antonio surprisingly and except Mirabel, looked flabbergasted.
"What do you mean?!" Camilo said out loud. "I thought my likes and dislikes were clear?"
"You never told me though."
"What? I did tell you—"
"You know, I feel like you trust me so little to not tell me anything. And that really hurts me, Camilo."
Camilo remembered telling his prima exactly what he liked. Entertainment, acting, theatre, football—
And she oh-so conveniently forgot that?
"I literally remember telling you."
"No? I don't remember that."
"Is Camilo telling the truth?" Agustin asked quietly. Julieta just shrugged silently.
"I don't know who is telling the truth here." Julieta replied.
"Enough causing scenes at the table! Continue eating!" Abuela said loudly.
And so they did.
The first thing Mirabel did after lunch, and also after talking to Camilo, was go into the nursery and find Antonio's present.
It was already prepared.
There's no way a goddamn child had prepared a better one than her. She hadn't even begun, but still.
She unraveled the present.
It was related to theatre. Of course.
And it looked awesome.
Antonio wouldn't remember if she just took his name off it, right?
She'd have to bribe Dolores to not say anything, which is the annoying part because Dolores never keeps her mouth shut. She gets one new boss and one new friend and two partnerships from both of them and her prima decided it wasn't her time to shine.
So she ripped off the name and plastered her name on it. No offense, but his handwriting looked worse than a three year old.
She rewrapped it again and hid it somewhere safer than under the bed.
Nobody's gonna know. They weren't even in the room where it happened.
Now, about that cake...
"Mira, mi amigo Emiliano, is severely allergic to eggs, so you must ask tia Julieta to make the cake eggless for him." Camilo had said as he grabbed her arm before she left.
"Sure, maybe I can." She'd replied, barely listening.
"You just can't 'can'! You have to!" He'd responded. "It's not a request, it's an order. I really can't be the one responsible if he dies."
"Camilo, you're making a big deal out of nothing. Don't worry, I will tell my mother. Don't panic, it's not like I'll forget. I have everything noted down." She'd said back.
"I trust you to not forget this important thing, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, Cami, whatever. Don't put eggs in the cake, got it. Don't let anyone die, got it." She'd said, waving him off dismissively before speed walking away to the nursery.
"I'M NOT JOKING HERE!" Camilo yelled after her. She gave him a side-eye over her shoulder when she stopped for a split second and continued walking.
She knows what she has to do. But she vaguely remembers what.
She'll just ask him again because she doesn't want anything terrible to happen. And she'll somehow be at fault, so.. yes.
She needs to.... uh...
1. Keep the eggs off the cake.
2. Don't let anyone with an egg allergy die.
3. Remind her mother about it right before the party.
That's easy enough. And it's easy to remember.
... ...
Okay, time to start sewing for her birthday outfit.
Chapter 7
Summary:
Mirabel goes on a “date” with Valentino.
Notes:
TRIGGER WARNING(s): Please read with caution as this chapter handles stuff like sexual content and grooming, pedophilia, etc. THEY'RE IN BOLD TEXT. As stated before, please, PLEASE read with caution if you've experienced all of the above before and are trying to get past it. It's NOT explicit, though. Keep in mind, implied but it's still there.
Chapter Text
The past two weeks before Camilo's birthday was a bunch of back-and-forth between Mirabel and Dolores.
Things did calm down for a bit, and they forgot about it for a while.
Just earlier that day, she'd asked Mirabel a completely normal question about the story Gabriela and Valentino. All normal! She just wanted to know the history between them, if her prima even knew at all.
She wasn't even asking about the relationship. Just the history, because she knew Mirabel didn't like the former topic.
When she did, her prima had a particularly bad reaction to it, telling her to stop nagging her way into her life. Shutting down any questions about her and Valentino, and the other two Vee's.
Which had set off a chain of other reactions in the family. Which had resulted in Abuela yelling at Mirabel to stop screeching all her woes to the older girl and that if she has a problem, she can keep it to herself and not bother anyone.
Mirabel had scoffed and later stormed out of La Casita after Abuela's comment.
Nobody could believe the set of events which happened in the span of an hour.
Abuela pinched the bridge of her nose. "I don't understand why Mirabel is so stubborn."
"I think you were a little... harsh on her, mamá." Julieta said. "I do understand where you're coming from—"
"No, Julieta. I wasn't harsh. She needed to hear this. Mirabel's been doing nothing but causing problems since the beginning of December."
"Are we going to wait until she returns or what? Do you want anyone to go into town and find her?" Julieta asked, glancing at the open front doors.
"We wait until late afternoon for her to return. If she isn't returning by then, I'll send someone to get her."
They all nodded. Afternoon wasn't too far away.
"About chores—" Camilo was swiftly cut off.
"Yes, you still have chores. Go do them."
The family went into town quietly. Julieta, in particular, looked around if she could spot Mirabel anywhere.
She did not. So she continued walking to her stand.
Velvette did not once glance up from her unfinished designs as Mirabel was practically ranting to her, nor did she bother listening. It was like background noise to her in the AudioVisuals' studio.
"Can you believe it?! And are you even listening to me?!"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm listening. I know what you said." Velvette replied. "You don't have to remind me hundreds of times."
To be fair, her story was getting repetitive, and it was also getting boring, in Velvette's head.
"Well, I'm not going back to La Casita anytime soon. They'll probably won't even notice me if I disappeared." Mirabel rolled her eyes.
"...For tonight?" Velvette asked.
"Yes, Velv! for tonight! I'm not going back until they apologize. I basically have nothing to apologize for. I reacted to their disrespect. It's not my fault they love to overblow things!"
"Then you need a break."
Mirabel stared at her.
"A break? Really, Velv? Mi familia wouldn't be able to move on without me. They're dependent on me. I literally—"
"None of that shit, Mirabel."
She shut her mouth immediately.
"We were hoping you'd agree to something. Val's planned something for you."
Mirabel's eyes lit up at the mention of Valentino. Her heart skipped a beat.
"Really?! See! I do have an admirer! It's not just Isabela who does!"
"Exactly."
"Did he really plan something for me, or are you just lying?" Mirabel asked.
"Why would I be lying? He told me this before, though, I'm not sure you might like it. You're still a child."
"I'm three years younger than you, Velv. And Vox is eight years older than me. Both of you call me a child! Even Valentino does that!"
"You're literally the youngest of the AudioVisuals. Of course you're like a child to us." Velvette said. " I am just older than you."
"Right. So, about Valentino— should I actually go wherever he's... supposedly asked me to? I mean, not that I won't!"
"You should definitely go. You literally told me you're in love with him when we first met."
"True, true."
"Well, you have untill evening to get ready."
Mirabel's eyes widened. "I can take my time?"
"Yes. You can. Just be there before sunset. Val says he may be late. I can't guarantee you he'll be on time." Velvette responded.
"Figured. He has a busy schedule. I remember him mentioning he'd make an exception for me." Mirabel recalled.
"So, now that's figured out, we'll be waiting for you. The place he's taking you to, has cameras for safety reasons. Incase you get cornered by someone else." Velvette said back as Mirabel stared at her in confusion.
"My cousin can do that. She can hear if I'm in danger." Mirabel said.
"Wouldn't it be better to see rather than hear? Ever thought of it?" Velvette asked. "Obviously we care for you. Trust us! For your safety."
"Fine, fine. I guess I can. If anything goes wrong, I'm blaming you."
"That would be a failure in our system. It wouldn't be our fault. Okay?!"
Mirabel didn't flinch at the sudden defensiveness of her friend. "I understand."
"You're going with Val, right? You aren't declining anything, right?"
"I already told you my answer. Yes, I'm going."
"Perfect! Wonderful! We'll see you then!" Velvette smirked.
Back at La Casita in the evening, surprisingly, she already found a dress Val had liked. She wanted tonight to be perfect, not for her sake, but to see that admiration in his eyes, the same undivided attention.
Did she trust the fact they already had cameras in place? No.
Was it for safety reasons in case someone decided to corner them or threaten them? Yes.
They were telling the truth, after all. They would never lie to her.
And she was about to leave before a voice called out to her.
"Where do you think you're going?" Tía Pepa asked.
She turned around in confusion to her aunt. "Outside? My friends and I made plans."
"No, you're not. We're having guests over."
"I didn't know? Anyways, it's just one family dinner without me. I'm sure you can handle it, tía."
"We could. But you still need to stay."
"I cannot cancel my plans for your guests! Velvette and the others are waiting for me!" Mirabel said, stomping her foot.
"Your plans are probably not that serious, and it's just one night!" Tía Pepa replied.
"Abuela didn't care when I left for hours weeks ago. Why now?!"
"Well—" She was cut off.
"It's just one night. You'll manage, tía!"
Pepa rolled her eyes.
"Fine, but be back soon. We can't have our guests wondering why you aren't there."
"Can't guarantee when I'll be back, tía, but sure. I'll try to be back early."
Without waiting for another response, Mirabel left the Casita.
Mamá was right. Pepa thought. This girl is stubborn and rude. Rude to not even say a simple ‘gracias’ her way.
Vox was getting more and more bored while he walked behind the girls as they talked about random things.
"Ladies, I prefer if you hurried up. Val won't wait much longer." He said, earning two glares.
"It isn't hurting you now, right? We can take our time." Mirabel replied.
"What she said." Velvette added. "And it's literally near our place anyways, so essentially we'd just be walking past the AudioVisuals studio. Just two houses ahead."
"Huh? That's past Valentino's new sewing studio."
"You're so full of anxiety, Mirabel." Velvette rolled her eyes. "It's like you don't trust us."
"Forgive me for the fact a certain family doesn't want me to be popular and have a fanbase like them. I didn't control that." Mirabel retorted. "And the fact I'm not allowed to be special."
Not this story again. Velvette was getting bored fast.
So the girls changed the subject and moved on about other things.
Their guests bailed last minute. Alma was annoyed but didn't press the issue further.
Barely anyone noticed the empty seat on the left to Agustin at the dinner table. If they did, they shrugged it off.
Julieta, on the other hand, noticed.
"Where's Mirabel? She's usually the second one here."
The rest of the family, minus Pepa, finally took notice.
"You're right. Where is she?" Felix asked.
"Is she late? I can go get her." Luisa offered.
"She better come down in thirty seconds or we'd have to start without her." Abuela took a deep breath.
"Actually, mamá, she said she made plans with her friends." Some were surprised when Pepa spoke. "She said she'd be back soon, but it isn't guaranteed."
"She went out last minute?" Abuela asked. "And didn't even think to tell us about it?!"
"I'm shocked as well at the sudden plan, but she's made plans already. I can't go and find her now."
No one seemed to take notice of Dolores' expression.
"Our guests left us last minute, and Mirabel also left us last minute?! What?!" Isabela replied. "This is annoying! And where did she even go to?!"
Everyone turned to Dolores.
"...Yes?" Dolores asked quietly.
"Use your hearing to hear where Mirabel is." Abuela spoke up before anyone could make a sound.
"Abuela, I don't think I should." Dolores said.
Felix sighed. "Just follow your Abuela's orders, hija."
"I mean, what could possibly be so terrible about it? We only want to know if she's safe." Camilo added.
True, true.
Dolores listened to where her prima could be.
And was immediately hit with Valentino's voice.
"It's this untouched quality. This almost childlike innocence. It's incredibly alluring." Valentino said, his eyes flicking down to her body before returning to her face. "You have the hips of a child."
Hips of a what now?!
"Well? Where is she?" Abuela demanded.
"Oh, she's fine, alright. I can't really hear her over the music, but she's doing fine." Dolores lied.
"I'll go there in case she does something to herself." Luisa said, almost standing up.
"No! Don't!"
"You're really special, aren't you?" He asked. She nodded.
"Honestly, Val? I'm flattered you think I'm mature!" Mirabel giggled. Her heart beating fast.
"Mature in all the right ways, Mirabel." Val replied. "You're so much grown up than other girls your age. It's one of the things I admire about you."
No. She is not. Quit telling her that.
Why is she so flattered anyways?!
"Are you sure? If she's in danger, I won't hesitate to help her!"
"Mirabel will come back, Luisa. Sit down." Abuela retorted.
"Yeah...yeah." Mirabel responded, a bit of sadness creeping in. "Unlike Isabela. She's always getting praised for everything. No one noticed me for 10 years since my gift ceremony. They decided I was useless."
Valentino smiled and gripped her shoulders a tad bit tighter. "You have something that insufferable bitch could never have."
Mirabel almost laughed at the name. Isabela was obviously insufferable.
"Saints like her can get boring pretty fast. I prefer... thrill. And wildness."
"You really think so?"
"I do." Valentino said as he walked her backwards to the wall.
Thunk.
"For that trait of yours, perhaps you should receive a reward. From me, of course. Nobody else can give you this. So be a good girl for me."
Dolores was almost close to considering sending Luisa to barge to... wherever these two were.
"Uh, is it okay if I go along with Luisa? I also want to make sure she's okay." Camilo spoke up after being silent.
"Nobody's going! She'll be back on her own. I'm sure she can handle herself. If there is a problem, we'll see about it." Abuela's voice rose, making them all flinch.
"Oh, so we'll 'see about it' but we 'won't look into it'?!" Camilo added.
"Mirabel can protect herself! She doesn't need anyone, Camilo. If she's supposedly in danger, I'll see what I can do."
Half of the table glared at the matriarch. Including Antonio.
"Now that's not fair." Antonio said quietly.
"Life isn't fair, Toñito." Camilo replied.
"Mi hija needs protection, Alma. Luisa, you can go after dinner." Agustin turned to his middle child.
"Gracias, papá." Luisa responded.
"All of this is ridiculous." Abuela mentioned.
"No, it is not."
"Oh, Val, what could I ever do without you? The AudioVisuals were the best thing to happen to me!" Mirabel exclaimed, a bright smile on her face.
"I see you're already liking us, amor." He replied, a smirk growing on his face.
"Velvette's such a great friend, you're a great guy and Vox may be... a little insane, but—"
"Pull up your skirt." Val said blankly.
"What?"
Dolores wanted nothing more than to shut her ears close and never listen to that again.
Dinner lingered on with arguments of Mirabel. Abuela was getting more and more agitated by the second for the fact no one was listening. She'd told the family at least a hundred times by now it was nothing to worry about and Mira could handle herself. The family, obviously worried, tried to convince her.
It ultimately failed.
They all were shut down swiftly with a empty threat. If the topic of her kept going on with no end, she'd triple the chores in town and give them no break.
For worrying?!
At least it got the table shut up, though.
Dolores heard Valentino's hurried movements, only wondering when her prima would come home. She wasn't worried about Valentino. She was more worried about her prima.
Coincidentally, they finished dinner around the same time she heard Mirabel fall asleep in Valentino's bed after their perceived 'sex'. She also heard the Vees laughing about how easy it was to lure her in and do whatever they wanted with her.
Disgusting.
Hopefully Dolores would be able to convince Abuela to send Luisa to retrieve Mirabel from that place tomorrow before their work.
It would take a while, and Luisa would probably get a earful for being "lazy" in Abuela's eyes but who cared about chores at this point? Nobody did, anyways.
She just had to get Luisa alone tomorrow.
Should be easy enough.
Chapter 8
Summary:
Alma learns that Mirabel is keeping a few secrets of her own after a what was supposed to be a small talk with Maya Rojas and Ramiro Rojas. And starts worrying something is happening to her granddaughter.
Chapter Text
Mirabel woke up the next day with a pounding, throbbing headache. The sun filtering in through the curtains hurting her unfocused eyes. She took a look around.
This certainly wasn't her room for sure. Her room was all green. This was all lavender.
And that's when she remembered yesterday's date. Did the first date really get to this point so quick?
She took another look around.
Valentino was nowhere to be seen.
Alright, she could excuse it. Maybe something urgent came up. That's why he left. His schedule is packed anyways.
Her hand reached out to the bedside table, her fingers expecting to grab her glasses.
Instead, they grab empty air.
"My glasses?" She asked to no one.
Maybe she'd kept on Val's side. She scooted over to his side, her fingers reaching out again, only to find nothing but empty air once more.
No, no, no! She needed them! She could barely see without them!
Mirabel checked everywhere—under the pillows, the drawers, under the bed—all to no avail.
They had to be here somewhere. It's not like they magically disappeared into thin air after their date last night!
She should've kept it safely. And now, she might need a new pair but she also couldn't help but worry about her Abuela's reaction to losing her glasses. Oh wait— might not be safe to tell the woman where she went and who she even met up with. Mirabel wasn't asking for a lecture anyways.
"Val!" She called out. No answer.
"VAL!" She called out another time, much louder. Sorry, Dolores. And she heard his footsteps coming up the staircase.
The door opened in an agonizingly slow motion which hurt her ears.
"Val, just open the door! That creaking sound is annoying to hear!" She said with a pout.
The door finally opened after one excruciatingly long minute.
"Looking for something, Mirabel?" He asked casually.
"Yes. My glasses. Where are they? I've searched everywhere but I can't find them." She replied. "Do you have them?"
"Accusing me of stealing your glasses, mi amor? How terrible!"
"Whatever! If you have them, just return it to me. I can't see. You look like a blurry mess." She responded.
"In fact, I do have your glasses." He mentioned, taking them out of his pocket and tossing them up and down in the air. He then held them up properly. "Looking for these, Mirabel?"
Mirabel squinted. Her eyes burning from the effort to focus and the fact everything was blurring around her.
"Yes! Give them back, please, Valentino." She jumped down from the bed and made her way over to him.
Valentino's smirk grew. "Such a bother, isn't it? To be so....dependent." Valentino held it up higher, out of her reach considerably.
Mirabel stood on her tippy toes to reach them. "This isn't funny! I need to see!"
"What's the magic word, then."
It wasn't a question. It was a demand. Anger flared, red-hot and sharp but quickly doused by a ice-cold chilling wave of helplessness.
"Magic word?! I don't know? Please?!" She said, growing more and more desperate as she jumped up and down.
Valentino looked at her blouse crumpling up for a split second and her breasts bouncing up. "Getting warmer, Mirabel." He dangled the glasses once more before walking over to the open window.
Oh nononono. Mirabel's eyes widened in fear. "Wait, stop—"
"But there's not enough conviction. No, not nearly enough." Every syllable a deliberate jab. Like he'd rehearsed this all morning. He extended his arm further, holding the glasses just beyond the ledge that sent another fresh wave of terror through her.
"Cry for them, Mirabel. Let me see those pretty little eyes fill with tears. Or better yet, beg for them. Beg for me to give you your sight back." Valentino said breezily like he was just chatting about her tia Pepa's bright and happy mood.
The world suddenly became a shimmering mess through the deluge of tears welling up in her eyes. "No! Val, no!" She breathed heavily. "Please.... I... I beg you! Don't! I... I can't see!" The words swiftly made their way out before she could stop them.
Valentino watched her tears flowing freely, blurring her face into a pleading mask. This was what he wanted.
He held the glasses for another agonizing second, letting her truly believe they were gone. The breeze tugged at them. Then, with a dramatic sigh, he slowly, deliberately, pulled his hand back into the room.
He brought the glasses close to himself, looking at them, almost polishing them with a finger. "Good girl," he murmured, his voice soft, almost affectionate. He didn't look at her, but at the frames in his hand. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"
"Don't do that again, Val. It's fucking scary. I do not want to burden my Abuela with my nagging for another pair if this one broke." She said silently. Blindly reaching for the glasses and awkwardly fumbled them on her nose. And then wiping away the tears on her face.
"Don't ever forget who gives you your sight back." Valentino said calmly. "Now, you finally see me."
She rushed out of Val’s place, clutching her mochila bag like a lifeline, her eyes darting around and behind herself to see if he was watching her. She didn’t know he was watching her so closely! Knowing even half of her family’s dark secrets when they haven’t crossed paths with him.
Just how early was it? And she needed to set up the breakfast table as well. There is no way she’d be able to reach La Casita in time.
Wait…why does she need to do that for a bunch of adults?
It’s fine. She’ll make up for it during lunch…or dinner…whenever they need her to do it.
"Mamá! Prima Mirabel is here!" Ramiro’s obnoxious, loud, cheery voice called out. This kid never shuts up.
"Ramiro, hijo, wait!" Her tía Maya ran after him, barely catching him before the boy slammed onto Mira’s legs.
Mirabel gripped his hair hard, lifted him from her legs and set him down in not so subtle force.
"Ow…" He scratched the area of his head where she’d gripped him. Why does she not like me?
What an unpleasant greeting. Even Antonio greets her better than this.
Maya scratched the small head of Ramiro softly. "I’m surprised to see you out here so early, mija. Where are the rest of the family?" She noticed her sobrina's slightly disheveled hair and the rumpled blouse. At least she'd gotten the buttons on right.
Mirabel was busy smoothing out her skirt. "The others? Oh, lo siento, tia. I... uh... worked through the night yesterday. Intensive meeting with... the other co-workers...and Valentino...at the sewing studio. Val says he loves my input over the new clothesline ideas."
Maya's gaze sharpened ever so slightly at the mention of Valentino. She knew of Mirabel's new boss from her hermano Agustin. The sudden promotion the fifteen year old had gotten after the messy departure of Gabriela. "Oh? So he had you and a few other girls work through the night?"
"W—Well, not all of the girls. Just me and my friend, Velvette. She's what I aspire to be.. a fashion designer." Mirabel said. "She had to leave early, s—so it was just me and...him."
Maya's eyes narrowed. "Alone? At night?" Did Alma or Agustin or Julieta know? She thought.
"Well, at least it cut out the distractions. Me and distractions don't go together, you know that, tía Maya."
"Do your parents know about this?"
Mirabel froze.
"Do my parents know about this? No! No, they don't. I— I didn't tell them. I didn't think to tell them!"
"...I see."
"Tía, it was lovely talking to you, but I have to go. I gotta... set up the breakfast table for La Familia. They're probably waiting for me." Mirabel said before awkwardly shuffling past Ramiro and her tia.
Maya watched as Mirabel hurried back to La Casita without looking back.
Isabela's face scrunched up in disgust when Mirabel sauntered in proudly, hair all disheveled. Before she could ask her own question, Abuela beat her to it.
"Where were you? You missed dinner yesterday."
Mirabel looked at Abuela. "I'm pretty sure tia Pepa told you, Abuela. I made plans with Velvette."
"Yes, she did. But Dolores told us another story. There was apparently music?" Abuela replied.
"We put music because it was too silent. Then we had a impromptu work meeting with Valentino," Mirabel responded as she set down each plate. "which had us working through the night."
"Are you sure that's the story? There's three different perspectives." Abuela said back as Mirabel sat down in annoyance. Julieta stood up to get the food from the kitchen.
"Yes. That's the story. It's not my fault you don't believe me." Mirabel had to resist the urge to roll her eyes.
"I guess I can accept it for now." Abuela muttered.
"And why is your face all green in disgust, Isabela?"
"Because of your hair! It's messy, disheveled, frizzy!" Isabela called out.
"I just got out of work, Isa. It's not like I had the time to, you know, brush it."
Okay, that's true...kind of.
"Since Camilo's birthday is nearing soon, the workload will be less so we can focus on the preparations." The family nodded along to Abuela's words.
"I already have my present ready! Cami's going to love it!" Antonio beamed happily from his seat. "I can't really remember where I kept it...it's fine, anyways!"
Abuela smiled. "That's lovely, Toñito. I'm sure he'll appreciate it. We'll help you find it before we cut the cake."
Antonio nodded enthusiastically. "Okay!"
"Alright, here's what we have to do for the next few days..."
Abuela droned on about the workload for five minutes.
"And me? What will I have to do?" Mirabel asked.
"....Just step aside and let the others do what they do best." Abuela muttered. "Can't have you ruining anything even on Camilo's cumpleaños."
"Because it'll always be my fault for things no one decides to remind me about. I get it."
"Not this again." Isabela replied. What did this girl not understand? It's annoying the author as well
"Julieta, as always, you're in charge of the food and the cake on 28th." Abuela responded, earning a nod from her. "We'll see what we can do about the people with...allergies."
"Emiliano is allergic to eggs." Felix said. "Camilo told me."
"Really? I didn't know." Mirabel chimed in.
Camilo turned to stare at her in confusion. "I told you this a few times already."
"Did you? I don't remember."
"Oh, so you conveniently forgot?"
"What?! No! I just have a packed schedule! I can't remember every single detail about what you tell me!"
"I'm not attacking you or anything.."
"Exactly, Mirabel. Stop being so defensive." Abuela replied.
"You always do this, Abuela. Ugh." Mirabel responded. "Packed schedule equals laziness in Abuela's head." she muttered quietly.
Dolores tried not to laugh.
Of course she heard.
"Let's... let's just continue with breakfast." Abuela sighed.
The Encanto, later that same day, was surprisingly quiet despite it being just early dusk. There were a few children playing near the fountain, still, with their parents nearby.
Which also included Ramiro. With Maya standing close by.
"Maya? I didn't expect to see you here." The woman in question was startled slightly at Alma's voice. She turned around to face her clearly.
"Yes, Alma, Ramiro wanted to play with the other kids for a while. We are going to head home soon. Though, I suppose I'll let him play for a bit longer."
Alma barely glanced at the boy. "That's...nice." She didn't hide her disgusted expression when Ramiro put his dirty, brown hands in the water, turning it murky and then splashing it at the other kids. "He has no manners. Getting the other kids dirty."
Maya sighed. "He's being a kid, Alma. Isabela was like him at his age too, remember?"
"Our Isabela is a young lady now. Her engagement is fixed with Mariano Guzmán already. Her wedding isn't until next year. I cannot have her being wild and...dirty before her wedding."
"That's understandable, Alma." Maya gave a tight smile.
"Do you know the reason why...Mirabel arrived to breakfast late today? She said she had work, but I'm doubting it. There are three different stories to this situation. Pepa said she had plans, Dolores said a different thing, and Mirabel said she had work."
"Huh. I did meet her early in the morning today." Maya replied. "The poor girl looked terrible."
"As usual."
"Alma."
"What did she say?" Alma asked.
"She said about work. An...intensive meeting which had her working through the night, apparently."
"Intensive?" Alma was suddenly interested. "Go on."
"Some of her co-workers had to leave early, so it was just her new boss and her." Maya responded.
"I assume that's Valentino, right?" Alma said back as Maya nodded her head.
"Yes, it's...Valentino. They were alone, at night."
Alma now had an odd feeling. Valentino, while charming, as she's met him, always had a different kind of feeling to him. All his lines felt rehearsed, and practiced. And apparently, all the other girls could leave except Mirabel?
"I asked her if she'd told Julieta or Agustin that she had to work through the night. She...uh...froze. And told me she didn't tell any of you."
"What."
"I'm as shocked as you, Alma."
"Are you sure nothing...wrong is happening to her?" Alma asked.
"She didn't tell me anything else, so I can't tell you. You might as well try to ask her about it."
"Maya, Mirabel had a bad reaction to just Dolores asking about it. I don't know what reaction she'll have towards me about it."
"You're just going to have to find out, Alma."
"Mamá, can we go home? I'm tired." Ramiro walked up to Maya and tugged on her skirt.
"Sí, hijo, let's go home." Maya smiled.
"I also don't understand how you can... just... accept all that dirt on him."
"Are you...blind, Alma? Dirt is not permanent." Maya replied.
Alma gasped like she'd been slapped.
"Maybe you should worry over what's happening to Mirabel instead of the dirt on my son, Alma." She said back.
Ramiro let go of his mother's hand and ran away cheerfully.
Maya quickly chased after Ramiro when she realised.
"Ramiro!"
He giggled loudly as his mother chased him. Which led back to their home.
And Alma was left standing there, watching the pair. Eventually, she did turn around and walked back home.
She was going to talk to Mirabel about this.
Chapter 9
Summary:
"Feliz Cumpleaños, Camilo. Hope your birthday's unforgettable. I swear I didn't poison you." —M. Madrigal
Notes:
I'm sorry for the long delay! I got piled up with a new academic year and Desi parental pressure and burnout and much more. I wrote this around 5-7 times already. Thank you so much for your paitence. Lost motivation as well but pulled through with some help!
TRIGGER WARNING(S) : GASLIGHTING, THROWING UP (offscreen but implied) BLAMING, GROOMING INFLUENCE (if you squint hard enough) AND MUCH MORE
All mild because I couldn't really write any of them.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Mirabel arrived to La Casita Madrigal as quick as she could from the marketplace, her trip out had been fun—distracting, even—but now, according to one of the villagers, Abuela wanted to talk to her about something worrying.
If it was about a rumour of her neglecting a kid when she didn't do anything, she was not listening to it.
She barely walked in before flinching at Abuela's serious eyes. "Is....everything alright, Abuela?" Mirabel set the seemingly heavy bags of clothes down.
"Where were you?" asked Abuela.
Mirabel glanced around. "Out? Where else would I be?" With the kids?"
The old woman narrowed her eyes. "You're usually seen with the kids. And drop that attitude, Mirabel."
"I'm speaking normally. You're just seeing problems where none exist." Mirabel retorted back.
"Come, sit down. There's something I need to talk to you about." Abuela gestured over to the family room.
Mirabel let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine. This better not be about something helpful I did which you think is trouble."
Where did her attitude come from?
"That's not—"
"Can we get this over with? I'm running late." She crossed her arms.
Abuela decided to test her if she wouldn't get answers with the girl's new attitude.
"Answer a few questions," Abuela said, "where are you going and with whom?"
Mirabel opened her mouth, but no sound came out, she took a second longer like she was trying to remember what to say before she responded. "I am....going out again...with a few other....people."
Abuela raised an eyebrow. "You don't sound so sure of that.'
"It's... we're planning." Mirabel sheepishly replied. "Still in the works, you know..? haha..."
"I've noticed things, Mirabel, you've been going out more often."
"I'm allowed to have a life. And it isn't a crime to leave the house. Everyone in the family does that when you give tasks—" Mirabel was effectively cut off.
"It is concerning when a Madrigal like you comes home long after dark with bags of clothes that look too much like adult ones." Abuela responded back.
Mirabel blinked. Just once.
“You’re reading too much into things.”
"Maybe. Or maybe I’m seeing something you’re trying very hard to ignore.”
"I'm sorry, Abuela, but you're just seeing problems where none exist. He brought me these clothes because he told me I was mature for my age."
"I never said he."
Mirabel immediately tried to backtrack. "I—I mean he brought—"
Abuela sighed. "Mirabel, lo siento but I won't allow you to be seen in public like this."
Her world unraveled, and any joy from her shopping spree vanished, and rage painted her expression.
"Excuse me?"
Abuela continued, seemingly oblivious to the rage. "Starting now, you stay home unless you're with family, and no more trips out and no more plans with your new influences."
"Dios mio, they're not dangerous! Why do I have to explain this every time?!"
"Stop arguing with me,” Abuela said. “This is for your own good."
Mirabel almost laughed out loud. "How do you know what's good for me when you barely paid attention to me?"
"Mirabel, seriously, where is this anger coming from?" Abuela finally asked.
Mirabel froze for a second too long. "I...don't know. I never even..."
"From now on," Abuela said slowly, "you don’t leave this house without me or one of your cousins. And you’re not seeing him."
"You can’t make that decision for me! I'm not a child!"
"This is not up for debate. I've said what I said."
Mirabel rolled her eyes before turning for the front doors.
Casita immediately locked it up.
"Seems like even Casita agrees. You'll come to thank me for this in time." Mirabel's knuckles clenched, almost like she was going to hit something—or someone.
A new life under Abuela's hell was becoming reality, and she was expected to be grateful for it.
"All you do is destroy." Mirabel muttered under her breath before finally turning around and heading straight upstairs to the nursery her room.
Mirabel hated birthdays.
The courtyard buzzed with excitement, colorful streamers zigzagging from balcony to balcony like happiness was attacking the house itself. A new banner in gold script fluttered: ¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Camilo!
And just seeing his name so big made her stomach twist.
They could've done something less flashy, though...
Somebody called her name. She flipped around.
"Yes?" She replied in that joyful tone.
Mamá.
"Could you make sure Camilo doesn't see the cake? We want it to be a surprise."
"Just how big is that cake...?"
"Not big. Just— just make he doesn't get into the kitchen. And one more thing—"
Without waiting for further instructions, Mirabel practically glides to the kitchen with a smile too wide.
She was finally trusted with something.
And that was the cake.
Luxury.
"Anything to add?" She calls out from inside the kitchen.
Before Mamá could speak, Luisa, who was passing by, replied—"Nope, nothing. Mamá said she's done with the cake. I heard her talking to Abuela about it."
Mirabel turned around to look at the instructions, and on it, everything was ticked off except the eggs.
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
"No eggs? Did Mamá forget to add eggs?" She asked as she turned her head to face Luisa. It's like Camilo hadn't been telling her 'no eggs' since the last twenty five days.
The girl watched as Luisa's face filled with panic, but their mother was the first to respond back.
"No. No eggs. Hadn't Camilo been telling you that?" Mamá replied. "One of our guests are allergic to them."
"Well, that's boring." Mirabel crossed her arms. "And Camilo never told me about that."
"Camilo has told you exactly a thousand times in the last twenty five days.. I counted." Luisa countered back blankly.
Her sister's face almost contorted into rage but she effectively hid it behind a smile.
"Never knew you could keep track of other things just like your workouts." Mirabel responded sweetly. "I always wondered if you ever had extra space in your checklist that's not just reserved for numbers."
Luisa now looked a mix of both nervousness and confusion. Was that a compliment? Well...she does rarely get time out of her own tight schedule.
"Gracias...for, you know, reminding me. You'd never know if I had accidentally added something else." She laughed.
"Please don't joke about something like that." Luisa replied while Mirabel just waved her off like she was swatting a fly. "You know Emiliano's parents would distrust us if that ever happened."
"Relax, Luisa. You're too sensitive."
Well, if being "sensitive" helps me stay safe from Abuela's wrath and a two enraged parents then I'm staying sensitive.
Papá suddenly calls from somewhere. "Luisa, you need to—"
Agustin doesn't even finish the sentence before the girl is already making her way over to whatever help he or someone else might need in a few strides.
It's just Mirabel and Julieta now.
"Luisa always takes it the wrong way. I was just joking. She just needs to toughen up a bit. She's lucky I even care about Emiliano."
Her mamá was cut off by a townsperson calling her over before she could even speak. "Not again."
The townspeople had filed out after all their help and a few disasters which had taken place. And now La Casita was unusually quiet for a birthday afternoon.
She looked down at her hands. She hadn’t realized she’d already slipped on gloves.
Mirabel inhaled slowly. Counted to five. She turned toward her satchel—not rushed, not hesitant, just routine. The lining was torn slightly, but still secure enough to hide things. Useful things. Strange things.
She pulled out the tiny vial with steady fingers.
It was a healing vial. Nothing more. One her mamá could use if she ran out of food. Or for dead people.
By the time someone called from the hallway—"Mirabel, you seen the plates?"—the vial was buried again in the folds of her bag, and her gloves were back in her pocket.
She turned, smiling gently. "They’re under the main table. Second drawer, right side."
"Gracias. You're helpful today."
Her smile turned tight and she muttered under her breath, "Only today? What about other times?"
It's not a crime to remind other people you're still there.
"Did you find Antonio's present yet? The wrapper was red." Pepa said.
"Wasn't it inside one of the drawers or somewhere in the nursery?" Felix asked.
"No, no it wasn't. Not even under the mattress."
When the party began at seven, and Antonio had run excitedly to the nursery to get his present for Camilo, he found it wasn't under where he had originally kept it. He had spent the last twelve minutes searching every corner of the room, checking every drawer and even the closet.
He couldn't find it.
None of the Madrigals had ever seen a kid so worried about a present they could just easily replace.
When Dolores had offered to buy a last minute present from town, Antonio declined.
And both parents were currently trying to calm him down in Pepa's room.
"I want my present back!"
"We'll find it, Toñito. Don't worry," Pepa told him softly.
The door to Pepa's room opened slightly.
"Lo siento for the.....disturbance, but Abuela says the party starts in twenty minutes." Isabela announced.
Antonio sniffled.
"You can buy Camilo a better present next year." She said calmly. "It was probably trash anyw—"
"ISABELA." came Pepa's shout, followed by a cloud.
"....I said nothing." Isabela slowly backed away from the door and sauntered back downstairs. But that fear in her eyes never left.
Good.
When people began filing in, Antonio didn't really go anywhere and just sat in one place, sulking about the lost present. He wasn't crying anymore—Dios, gracias—he was somewhat greeting the town's adults whenever they passed by him. Pepa was finally relieved.
But he needed more distraction to forget about it. Antonio was always a fixator.
And since half of the Madrigals were busy, the only other available Madrigal was Mirabel.
That girl coincidentally made eye contact with her tia.
"Mirabel!" Pepa shouted across the room, hoping she'd hear. "Mirabel, I need you here!"
Pepa didn't notice the way her niece rolled her eyes in exasperation as she walked over to her.
"Yes, tia?" Mirabel asked, looking like she'd be anywhere else.
"Would you just distract Antonio for a bit? I—" Pepa was effectively cut off.
"You don't need help distracting a toddler. You're his mother. I'm not."
"Excuse me? What did you just say?"
Mirabel barely noticed the growing cloud above her tia's head.
"I said 'you don't need help distracting a toddler. You're his mother. I'm not.'" She repeated, like that would make it any better.
"I don't understand your attitude these days."
"What attitude. I'm practically normal. This family's lucky I even care."
When Pepa was about to strike her with lightning, Abuela's voice sounded loudly. "It's time!" She'd called out joyfully. Antonio immediately stood up, forgetting about the lost present and hurrying to Camilo's cake.
Everyone practically rushed to gather around, barely giving any space to Camilo himself.
Right on time, Emiliano's mother, Adriana, stopped Pepa. Alongside her, Emiliano.
"Pepa, I know your sister is a great cook, but just to be double sure, there's no eggs in that cake, right?"
The redhead took a long glance at the cake and then back at Adriana. "No, Julieta has baked it carefully. We know he has allergies."
Adriana smiled. "Good to know. Wouldn't want to have a disaster tonight."
Camilo was practically soaking up the spotlight not noticing the man with the gold rimmed glasses in the corner who Mirabel had knowingly invited, and who was watching him like he was his to use when his party reached it's high.
And after reminding her so many times the last twenty five days, she finally got it right—no eggs for Emiliano.
But something....something felt horribly wrong. Not him, for sure. But the cake felt wrong.
He doesn't remember there being this weird smell.
And he definitely doesn't remember tia Julieta saying she made the cake a yellow-ish looking colour. He remembers asking for white.
He cut it anyways.
And took the first bite.
Emiliano was the second to take the next one.
Mirabel's voice from somewhere. "How's the first bite feel, Cami?" She giggled a little too loud for his liking.
"What?" He asked with his first bite still in his mouth, clearly confused.
"Nothing, primo. Keep going. This cake's getting served to everyone tonight." She smirked.
Camilo thought nothing of it, and continued eating anyways.
The cake was soon served to everyone inside La Casita Madrigal.
It was slow, barely anyone noticed it. Camilo was sitting down on a nearby available chair and holding his stomach, and Emiliano was clawing at his throat every few seconds like he couldn't breathe.
Camilo's stomach tightened with cramps. Nausea crawled it's way up to his throat.
"Are you boys alright?" Adriana asked as she passed by them.
"We're fine," Both of them replied, Camilo sounding lesser than Emiliano.
"Emiliano, you don't look well. Should I get Señora Julieta?"
"What? No! Don't. It's just the crowd of people. I'll be fine, mamá."
"Make sure there's healing food nearby, ¿sí?"
Emiliano gave his mother a thumbs up as she walked away. "I'll be fine. Not sure what was in that cake."
"There was nothing in that cake, Em. Sure, it looked yellowish but there were zero eggs in it." Camilo replied. His hand hovered over his plate, but his appetite vanished after two bites.
"I think I overdid on the cake."
"You ate two bites." Emiliano stated blankly. "Don't forget—you literally have a void of a stomach."
"I guess that's true." Camilo replied.
"It's a damn fact."
"You're telling me everyone knows?!"
".....Yeah. You literally take second helpings every few seconds like you're about to die."
Camilo stood up from his seat too fast. "Hang on, I'll be right back."
Emiliano breathed like he was gasping for air, but no sound came out. "Where— Where's tia Julieta?"
Camilo was already gone.
Damn it.
Emiliano backed away from the crowd, throat swollen, and his lips feeling bigger than they should, his breathing feeling uneven. It suddenly hurt to swallow. Was he having a reaction??
The sound was muffled, too faint to carry through the party noise. A muted retch. Another.
No one saw him come back out. Or maybe they did, but the lights were too bright, and the music too loud, and someone was already calling for the next game.
The itching came fast. A deep discomfort curled up behind Emiliano's ears and crept under his skin. He tried to laugh it off, eyes darting to the others. “Hey—uh—is the frosting supposed to feel like... bees?”
Someone chuckled. They thought it was a joke. Until he coughed. Not once, but twice. Then he stumbled back into the table.
“Emiliano?” asked Dolores, eyebrows drawing together.
He was breathing. But it sounded... wet.
By now, a few heads were turning. The kids stopped their game. One of the townswoman dropped her fork.
“Is he choking?” someone asked.
“No—no, it’s his throat,” Pepa said sharply, moving toward him with the storm clouds already forming over her shoulders. “What was in the cake?!”
"I didn't do anything!" Mirabel called out. "I swear— I swear I didn't touch the cake!"
Half of the people nearby looked at her weirdly.
"We never said you did..." Felix replied.
"I know how this will turn out. All of you will blame me for something I never did."
"What if you did?"
Mirabel whipped her head around to face Isabela.
"I. didn't. do. any. thing." She said it so calmly, like she wasn't yelling a few seconds ago. It was terrifying. "You're crazy."
Isabela looked appalled.
Her?
Crazy?
It was Mirabel who was going crazy.
She followed the instructions. What on earth were they talking about?
Pepa was muttering rapidfire questions to Camilo, who had finally reappeared, pale-faced and sheepish. He didn’t answer much—his stomach still uneasy, his voice lost somewhere between discomfort and confusion.
And then there was her.
“I really don’t get why everyone’s looking at me like that,” Mirabel said with a humorless laugh.
No one answered right away.
She turned toward Adriana and Emiliano, arms crossed so tightly they looked fused to her ribs. “Did you eat anything else? Maybe someone else made something badly. Or maybe it was that soup. You always get weird with herbs, right?”
Adriana’s expression didn’t budge. “He didn’t eat the soup.”
“Okay, but he didn’t eat just the cake either, right?” Mirabel’s tone grew clipped. “I mean, I don’t want to be rude, but there were like—ten other dishes here. Any of them could’ve caused it. Or maybe he’s just being dramatic.”
Adriana’s lips parted. “Excuse me?”
“I’m just saying. Emiliano’s always been sensitive, hasn’t he? I mean, you can't always blame the person—maybe it’s his own immune system!”
“I don’t think that’s fair, Mirabel,” said Dolores quietly from behind her.
Mirabel blinked. “What?”
“I just mean... it doesn’t help to blame him when he’s the one reacting.”
“I’m not blaming him. I’m just pointing out the facts,” she said with a brittle smile. “Unless facts are a problem now.”
Adriana narrowed her eyes. “What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing.” Her voice flattened, eyes wide and unblinking. “Nothing’s going on with me. I helped bake a cake, I followed every rule, and suddenly everyone’s acting like I poisoned the town.”
“No one said that,” Adriana snapped.
“You didn’t have to say it,” Mirabel shot back, her smile faltering. “It’s in the looks. The whispers. You people love to turn on someone the second something goes wrong.”
“Mirabel, that’s not what this is—”
“Oh please, it is.” Her voice cracked—just slightly. "I try to help, and this is what I get? Of course I’m the villain. It’s always so easy to make me the villain.”
Adriana finally took a breath, then turned her gaze to Emiliano. “Let’s go.”
He nodded, one hand still pressed to his throat.
And they left.
Not in a rush. Not in a panic.
Just with purpose. And disappointment.
Abuela turned to face the center of the room, and addressed the crowd at large—“Thank you all for coming. But this party is over. Please make your way home safely. We will not be playing games tonight.”
Most of the children groaned. A few scattered voices muttered “sí, señora,” before the crowd started to thin out like mist breaking up in the morning sun.
She didn’t speak to Mirabel again. Not directly.
Not even when Isabela tried to mutter something about what Mirabel said earlier.
Not even when Camilo whispered, “I didn’t even get a picture with the cake.”
Not even when Félix said, half-joking, “Guess we’ll be eating leftovers for days.”
No, Abuela didn’t say another word.
And from the quiet corner where Mirabel stood — stiff, smiling like nothing had just happened — even she couldn’t meet Abuela’s eyes again.
Not that night.
Not after....whatever confusing incident just happened.
Camilo hadn’t slept yet. Couldn’t.
And then—scrrrt. A soft sound. Paper.
He sat up slowly.
A little folded note slid neatly under the door. Silent. Smooth.
No knock. No footsteps. Just the note.
He stared at it.
Long and hard.
Don’t pick it up, his instincts said.
Read it immediately, said the chaos in his brain.
He did.
The handwriting was unmistakable. His cousin’s curvy, too-neat loops like she was trying too hard to look effortless.
"Feliz Cumpleaños, Camilo. Hope your birthday's unforgettable. I swear I didn't poison you." — M. Madrigal
Another paper slid under the door.
He picked it up instinctively.
"There's someone who wants to meet you tomorrow. I think you'd like him. Don't be late, primo!! — M. Madrigal
Notes:
Hey readers, I should've said this before but updates will be sporadic from now on. As I said in the first note—first few years in highschool, parental pressure and everything—I can't expect when to really post. I am literally drowning lol. Anyways, hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Chapter 10
Notes:
I'M BACK and hoping to be consistent in October to November. I can't promise December as my aunt's baby is gonna be born during or around that time (my second cousin, actually)
WARNING: Mirabel being a little too much self-righteous!!
ENJOY!!
Chapter Text
"Are you sure that the plan is coordinated? what if he suspects me and never wants to talk to me again?!" Mirabel was pacing around the alleyway with Velvette, who looked quite bored out of her mind.
"For the hundredth time," Velvette says, clasping her hands. "everything is perfect, there is no loose thread. No mistakes, nothing."
Mirabel tries to interrupt with a—"Are you sure?"
"YES." Velvette declared.
"Great! everything's set! I just need to inform mi primo." Mirabel turned around and left the alleyway and happily skipped on her back to Casita. One hour and forty three minutes after the unfortunate disaster at Camilo's cumpleaños, and how her plan completely backfired on her, the least thing she could do for her family is to apologize.
No, her plan wasn't to make Camilo sick. She would never do that to her cousin. It was only supposed to flavour his cake since it looked ugly and probably tasted bad.
She passed by villagers who gave her weird looks, some of them scurrying themselves and their children away from her.
She helps once and this is how they repay her?
Fools.
She's innocent. Always has been, and always will be.
Back at Casita, around an hour later, the house was dead silent. All the lights switched off and the moonlight making it creepier.
Guess everyone went to sleep.
Camilo's bedroom light was still switched on. Means he hadn't gone to sleep yet...like the others.
Should I really do this? Mirabel thought to herself. Maybe this is a bad idea and she shouldn't get him.
She could lie and tell the Vees a different story, but then she'd feel bad about lying. Especially to Valentino
She shudders at the thought. The last time she lied, which was three days ago, he punched a hole in the wall of her studio.
You don't need to know what she did to make him do that.
Anyways, she takes the stairs up to the second floor, and takes a left and is met with Camilo's door.
Glowing, shiny door. Her hands feel like stone when she stares at it.
How dare he—
She takes out a paper and a pencil from her mochila bag and begins writing.
"Feliz Cumpleaños, Camilo. Hope your birthday's unforgettable. I swear I didn't poison you." — M. Madrigal
She slides it under the door.
It's a long time of waiting as she listens for footsteps inside if he's actually awake or asleep.
She finally knows he's awake when his footsteps begin their movements to the front of the door, where her note is.
She quickly writes another note.
"There's someone who wants to meet you tomorrow. I think you'd like him. Don't be late, primo!!" — M. Madrigal
Mirabel practically drags Camilo to the side after breakfast the next day when the Madrigals are leaving for daily chores around town.
Velvette had bailed on their plan as she was unreachable, as said by Val.
She didn't know how true that was, but she knew Velvette wouldn't skip out on a highly prepped and perfected plan.
So she was dealing with a risky plan that could either backfire.....or succeed.
"What do you need, Mira?" Camilo asked.
"I don't need anything except this one thing I asked you to do."
"You mean meeting someone sketchy?"
Camilo watches as her face morphs slightly to rage, before morphing back to normal. "He is not sketchy," she said with clenched teeth. "he's just...." Mirabel trailed off, not having a word to describe him. "We'd love to make you a star."
Camilo stares at her to process what she just said. The last part doesn't get to him until a full minute later. "Make me a star?" he scoffed. "Prima, I'm already a star! With the children!"
"I know." Mirabel replied with a monotone voice. "But we could make you more famous." she added with sudden enthusiasm. "Don't want only children flocking to you with jobs."
"I'm fine with my fame. The children love me as their babysitter—"
She's supposed to be the children's only babysitter.
"I insist on making you famous, so follow me! That 'someone' from my note yesterday? He's the one you should meet, and he'll make you more famous than you are right now!"
Camilo let himself be dragged, once again, by Mirabel. This time to outside of Casita. He'd admit they'd gotten a side eye from their Abuela when she saw them divert from their assigned tasks.
Luckily she didn't stop them.
He gave her a small smile as they passed by her.
As they walked, the more afraid Camilo got. The main plaza in the distance got smaller and smaller, as they slowly entered dangerous territory.
"Mira, are you sure this is the meeting spot? this is the furthest distance away from the plaza." Camilo asked, looking around.
Mirabel, to his dismay, only laughed. "It's only an hour away. If you run back, it'll reduce the distance. But I'd go against running for right now."
What did that even mean?!
What was she planning?
Should he sprint out when she's not watching?!
No. That looked worse. And he's not the one to give anyone a bad first impression whether they are parents or children or even outright elders.
"Wait, you're leaving?" Camilo said when Mirabel began walking out of the alleyway.
Mirabel didn't respond to his question and simply kept walking like he hadn't even asked.
"Hey, Mira," Velvette stopped Mirabel on their way to the studio. "I don't think we should execute our plan in that specific alleyway." she said, making Mirabel look appalled.
"What do you mean, Velv?! we spent days on this! Surely you remember all the time we took to plan, and coordinate and line everything up! You can't back out now!"
"I get it but—"
"This could either backfire or succeed! And you love the fame that comes with success!" Mirabel shook the shorter girl's shoulders. "Don't you?"
Velvette couldn't deny that.
"Val said he's coming to the alleyway through a different route, so it's not like he'll jumpscare my primo or anything."
"We should still—"
"NO!" Mirabel shouted as Velvette flinched at her sudden loud voice. "You're clearly too weak to see the plan through."
Velvette rolled her eyes and froze, her blood running cold, when Mirabel uttered twenty eight words. She couldn't believe it. She must've misheard the girl.
"If you back out now," Mirabel began, her eyes glazing over, "and I swear on the Miracle, you're out. Permanently. No exceptions. I won't let you ruin my hard-earned reputation in the AVs."
What the fuck? Velvette thought when staring at her now crazed friend.
They had invited her. There's no way she could kick a permanent AudioVisual member out.
It didn't make sense.
Unless Valentino promoted her as the moderator of the AVs.
She's lost it. was Velvette's following thought running through her mind, and for the first time in the sinner's girl's life, she was actually hoping that she'd be able to placate this....Valentino-like woman long enough for a rescue to be possible.
A whole hour passed, and Mirabel was getting impatient. Everyone had returned to Casita after their chores and she was still waiting for Camilo to return.
He could just run back in his fastest speed... but then again, it's a whole hour away from the main area.
He doesn't have to be so...lazy....walking.
Thankfully she hadn't met her other older cousin on the way.
She'd ask too many questions and look crazy and paranoid.
By the time it was almost lunch, Camilo had retraced his steps back to Casita.
Completely expressionless and unresponsive.
"HOW WAS IT?!" Mirabel asked, not noticing Camilo flinch at her loud voice. "Did you say yes? Are you officially with the AVs?!" Her smile grew wider.
Camilo merely blinked at her silently. "Is that what this was for?" She had to lean in to hear him.
"Well.. yeah! that was my plan!—It gets lonely, you know? Being the only other Madrigal. But don't worry, I'm sure you'll make us even more famous!—what else did you think it was for?!"
"I said no. End of story."
Mirabel did a one-eighty as her face turned serious.
"You said no?"
"What else am I supposed to say to him?"
Mirabel looked like she wanted to punch him.
Atleast that could help him register and process what happened two hours ago.
"Well, I would've liked it if you just said yes! Valentino didn't hit you or anything now did he?!"
So that's his name?
Valentino?
"How would you know? You weren't even there." Camilo said. "Anyways, I'm gonna need you to move. I want food. And I also need to compensate babysitting duties."
"Ugh. You and your fondness of food. I'm surprised you aren't flabby like Luisa yet."
Camilo had to blink, once again, a couple of times to realise what she just said.
What did she just call him?
"....What."
Doesn't she know he needs food for his Gift to work?
And she still hadn't moved from the damn door. So he pushed past her and entered Casita.
"Camilo!" She shouted after him. "Don't push past me like I don't even matter!"
"Just trying to get inside, Mira." He muttered with whatever last bits of strength he had.
"WELL I'M COMING TOO!"
Mirabel followed him inside.
Guess that plan backfired. Just like yesterday's plan.
Chapter 11: What Dolores Hears [I]
Notes:
The sexual stuff in this is marked with ∆ in italics and bold. Dolores' POV during it with others is in plain bold. It starts from [] and ends with √ in the middle of those brackets. It's a seriously long flashback which is why I didn't put it in normal italics like I usually do.
Oh yeah, before I forget like always, the sexual stuff in this is NOT given back.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
✥✥✥
Dolores felt uncertain about where Mirabel was headed on this specific morning, especially since she was dressed up and resembled Isabela a lot.
Sure, she has excellent hearing, but to catch what her younger cousin is talking about or who she's been hanging out with lately, which excludes the Triple Vees, she would need to sift through countless chats.
She stopped her just before she exited out of the front doors.
"Good morning, Mirabe—"
"Dolores, don't."
What? She was just saying good morning!
"...Don't what, Mirabel?"
Mirabel crossed her arms. "I know what you're doing and I don't want to hear it."
"I didn't say anything."
"I have a right to go out on my own!" Mirabel suddenly said in this loud voice that made Dolores flinch. Another reason why, luckily, she doesn't see Mirabel much. She'd get all defensive the moment someone tries to start a good conversation.
It's like she's trying to turn every other single sentence into an argument.
Arguments give Dolores a miragine. It's like they've placed two loudspeakers inside her ears since she was five.
"And no matter how hard I try, Abuela still finds a reason to imprison me in a personal hell!" Mirabel says it as if it's venom.
"What have you tried?"
Mirabel stomps her foot. "Why are you never on my side?!" She's about to leave before, once again, Dolores stops her.
"This conversation must be awful from your perspective." Dolores says.
"Yes, it's awful and infantalising and Abuela does it alot!" Mirabel replies back.
"I'm sure it is, I wouldn't be surprised if you hated us."
Mirabel stammers for a bit. "We—Well," she begins. "hate is a very strong word. I wouldn't say I hated the familia."
"So what would you say about us?"
"That...is subjective, Dolores." Mirabel mutters. "There's a lot of things I say about this familia."
Dolores already knows what her primita doesn't mean.
"A break? Really, Velv? Mi familia wouldn't be able to move on without me. They're dependent on me. I literally—"
A Madrigal, who's also a teenager, telling her "friends" that her own family is dependent on her. For Dolores, that's her definition of infantilising.
"You know, Isabela's engagement dinner is in a few months." Dolores suddenly says.
"Yeah...I do know. Everyone's talking about it like it's the biggest event of the year."
"It's after Antonio's gift ceremony, too. I'd say second biggest event of the year."
Dolores watches as Mirabel resists the urge to roll her eyes. She could already hear the internal thinking. You act like he's superior than me.
"I'm jealous that a child gets more attention than me." Mirabel replies casually, and that wording catches Dolores off guard.
A teenager talking about a child like that. Beyond horrible.
"Tell me, what do you think is important to you from your perspective?" Dolores asks and watches Mirabel think.....for a long time.
"I don't know...I can't say. Everyone is important to me. Valentino,"
Bingo.
"Velvette...who else?"
"Our familia?"
Mirabel dismissively waves her hand. "This familia? You guys can't handle yourselves for a day without me having to fix everything. Why would they be important to me?"
They're not as incapable as Mirabel narrates them to be.
She couldn't imagine what other lies her primita has been spewing to the townspeople.
"Did Camilo look awful to you yesterday?" Mirabel piped in. "He barely talked to me."
"Oh did he now?" Dolores asked. "Do you recall anything that happened prior to that?"
It was evident that Mirabel was becoming enraged as her hands made fist fights. "What happened before that? Of course, it's not true, Dolores."
"Don't take me for a fool, prima. I wasn't asleep that night."
"Are you sure that the plan is coordinated? what if he suspects me and never wants to talk to me again?!" Mirabel was pacing around the alleyway with Velvette, who looked quite bored out of her mind.
"For the hundredth time," Velvette says, clasping her hands. "everything is perfect, there is no loose thread. No mistakes, nothing."
Mirabel tries to interrupt with a—"Are you sure?"
"YES." Velvette declared.
"Great! everything's set! I just need to inform mi primo."
Mirabel shakes her head rapidly. "What are you saying?!" Again, in another high pitched tone she says. "That never happened! I don't remember it! Stop making things up!"
"I'm not." Dolores replies calmly.
"You're insane, and you're wasting my time. I can't miss the plans I've made—"
"Mirabel, do you truly want to start an argument here?"
Dolores looked at her struggle to speak.
"I can't. It would destroy my reputation."
Dolores nodded with a smile. "So, tell me, what was your plan yesterday??"
Mirabel didn't answer for a long time. She almost turned around and left, but as if on cue, Casita shut the doors. "Not again!" she cried out. "I'm not going to stay trapped in this hellhole!" She began banging on Casita's doors, begging to be let out.
"I will ask you again. What was your plan yesterday?"
Again, Mirabel stayed silent.
"Do you realise what happened to Camilo?"
Silence, then finally...
"I don't really know what happened, but I know he said no."
"To what?" Dolores asked with a smirk.
"Would you stop with the questions if I answer this?"
Dolores laughed, but it wasn't the normal funny laugh. "I already know, prima."
"So, why are you asking all of this if you already know?"
"I know many things that happened yesterday. The major thing which caught my ears was when you left Camilo alone in that alleyway."
[]
∆"You seem pretty nervous." Valentino said.
"Obviously! My cousin just left me stranded here alone in this dark, creepy place. I don't know when she's gonna return, or if she ever does, that is." Camilo replied. "Anyways, who are you again?"
"The name's Valentino, my dear."∆
Dolores froze in her tracks.
∆Camilo tilted his head. "Valentino..." he trails off. "Mirabel talks about you a lot at La Casa Madrigal. And I finally get to meet you in person!"
"You must've gotten it wrong, querido." The man's smirk widens.
"What?"
"We met yesterday. I am quite surprised you don't remember that."∆
Dolores has never run so fast down the staircase.
∆"I don't....think I ever saw you at my party." Camilo says nervously.
"How would you?"
"Your name wasn't on the guest list."
"Querido, I don't have to be on a guest list to know you."∆
"Where are you going in such a hurry?" Abuela asked, but Dolores barely looked at her.
"I'll be back in an hour, Abuela."
"Is everyone at home? I swear I gave tasks."
"I don't have the time, Abuela, lo siento, there's something I need to do." Dolores quickly said before speedwalking her way out of Casita.
———
"Hey, Mira," Velvette stopped Mirabel on their way to the studio. "I don't think we should execute our plan in that specific alleyway." she said, making Mirabel look appalled.
"What do you mean, Velv?! we spent days on this! Surely you remember all the time we took to plan, and coordinate and line everything up! You can't back out now!"
"I get it but—"
"This could either backfire or succeed! And you love the fame that comes with success!" Mirabel shook the shorter girl's shoulders. "Don't you?"
Velvette couldn't deny that.
"Val said he's coming to the alleyway through a different route, so it's not like he'll jumpscare my primo or anything."
"We should still—"
"NO!" Mirabel shouted as Velvette flinched at her sudden loud voice. "You're clearly too weak to see the plan through."
———
That's....one way to keep fear. Dolores thought.
———
"If you back out now," Mirabel began, her eyes glazing over, "and I swear on the Miracle, you're out. Permanently. No exceptions. I won't let you ruin my hard-earned reputation in the AVs."
———
......
Her cousin has definitely gone crazy. There's no doubt in that.
∆"What are you doing?" Camilo asked him.
"What am I doing?" Valentino chuckled. "I'm just gonna spend some....quality time with my novicita's cousin." ∆
The next thing Dolores heard was Camilo getting face first slammed into a stone hard wall of the alleyway.
She hopes her brother's face isn't scarred.
∆"No, no, no, please stop— please, Val, this wasn't what I had agreed to. Mirabel never told me this!"
"Stop whining, Madrigal." Valentino gripped his neck and pressed hard.
"St—stop—" Camilo wheezed, attempting to shove Valentino off of him, but the man ignored him.
His lips trembling, he tried to call out—"Dolores!" but the constriction of his airway rendered his voice inaudible.
Camilo went completely silent when he heard something crack in his throat from the pressure.
Valentino pulled back immediately, taken by surprise before a smirk snarled across his face.
"Well, since it seems like you're done complaining..." He began. "let's hear the right answer."
Camilo opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. ∆
The right answer is no.
∆Tears trickled down Camilo's face and he shook his head, wincing in pain as the motion aggravated his injury.∆
That was what Dolores heard for the next hour—tons of screaming, crying, begging—before she was eventually forced to retreat back to La Casita like the rest of her familia.
[✓]
"No, no, no! No way. That never happened. I never orchestrated that heinous act." Mirabel's voice was getting louder now.
"Why would you do that? You disguised it as a 'request' to join his evil team."
Dolores observed the way Mirabel dabbed her eyes, wiping away the crocodile tears.
"Quit blaming me for things I wasn't ever present for!"
"So it's true." Dolores said.
"What's true?!"
"It's true that you did orchestrate it, and because of you, Camilo has hardly talked to any of us since yesterday." Dolores said matter-of-factly.
"I—"
"You know what you truly need, Mirabel?" Dolores immediately shushed her. "You need a leash and a person watching over you twenty four seven. Clearly you can't be trusted."
"I'll rip the leash apart." Mirabel stated loudly.
"Then we'll lock you in your room." Dolores countered back.
"I'll break through the window."
"We'll barricade that window."
"You selfish woman. I don't understand why this familia loves to keep me in their control!" Mirabel exploded.
"I'll tell Abuela to start limiting your social life when she returns from the Guzmáns' Casa."
Mirabel gasped like she'd been slapped.
"You wouldn't dare. She's already limited half of my life and now I have to make plans in advance!"
"Try me." Dolores smirked.
And in a fit of rage, Mirabel lunged at Dolores, shocking the older woman.
"Casita!"
Notes:
UPDATE NOVEMBER 6, 2025 IST — Okay so Dolores said this arc will include many flashbacks and lots of different POVs in plain bold. This was NOT the plan but you gotta listen to the muse and it's character.
Chapter 12: What Dolores Hears [II]
Notes:
*SIGHHHS* In the eyes of a mother like Julieta, her daughters, excluding the middle child, can do no wrong.....even when the youngest is a narcissist.
Most of this chapter was formatted on my ipad instead of my phone because it broke, so if you see “” instead of "" it was written on my ipad.
TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of stalking!! If you or someone you know (or your loved ones) have been stalked, you can skip that part where it is marked with ——— in bold. (not a flashback — it's just What Dolores Hears. There's another one without bold, but that's in the near end)
Chapter Text
The first thing Dolores did after getting Mirabel restrained was check on her youngest brother in the nursery.
“Antonio?” she asked softly.
The four-year-old looked up, eyes bright. “I am drawing.”
He showed her a picture of their side of the family, all done in warm, sunny colors.
Dolores smiled faintly. “Good.” She hesitated before asking, “Did you see your prima Mirabel... hug.....me?”
Antonio blinked. “No.”
“No? Did you hear any loud noises?”
He shook his head. “No. I am drawing.”
Relief washed through her. “That’s good. Do you have any crayons I could use?”
Antonio handed her a bright orange one. “Color Mamí’s hair.”
Dolores sat down on the nursery floor beside him and began to draw. For a moment, it almost felt normal.
Then—three sharp knocks.
“Dolores!”
The voice was harsh, commanding.
Before either of them could react, the door flew open.
Tía Julieta stood there. Rage already blazing in her eyes.
Dolores barely had time to move before the yelling started. She clamped her hands over Antonio’s ears, wincing at the shrillness but refusing to let go.
“Why was my daughter tied up?! What did you do, Dolores?! Why did she say you attacked her?!”
"Wha—"
“Why did you yell at her?!”
“What?!” Dolores stammered. “Tía Julieta, I think this is a misunderstanding, I never—”
“I think I understand very clearly, sobrina.” Julieta’s voice went cold. “I know my Mirabel is a truthful girl. She’d never lie to me.”
Dolores actually scoffed. She couldn’t help it.
What version of the story had Mirabel spun this time? Oh my—was that truly Mirabel or was Valentino's influence coming through? The way she spoke, the way she tricked, the way she blamed, it all sounds like him, does it not?
"Tía, have you seen Mirabel lately?" Dolores asked, her voice shaking now. “The way she acts? Or dresses?”
Julieta frowned. "Is that what you’re concerned about?"
"Tía, you really haven’t seen her?!"
"She dresses fine to me," Julieta snapped. "But we’re not talking about her wardrobe right now, Dolores. We’re talking about what you did."
Dolores’ jaw dropped. "Tía, por favor—your golden girl lunged at me." She forced the words out as evenly as possible.
But apparently, that was the wrong move.
“My Mirabel would never do that!” Julieta’s voice rose again, cutting sharp through the air. "You know she’s kind! She’d never hurt anyone!"
Antonio whimpered, eyes glassy. “S–Stop, tía—”
But Julieta wasn’t done. She was just getting started.
"She's been apologizing for nothing the whole time I was comforting her! I raised Mirabel to be patient,” she continued, voice cracking. “To forgive, even when people spread rumors about her!"
Dolores froze. “What rumors?”
"That she's dangerous, and unstable."
For a second, Dolores blinked, slowly, trying to process that this—this—was what everyone believed. “You think she’s not?”
“You’re just like everyone else— always blaming Mirabel for your own mistakes!”
“You think you know her because you want to. You just hear what makes you feel safe.”
Her tia pinched the bridge of her nose. "My daughter doesn't tell me 'what I want to hear'. She's not the one to tell anyone lies. Especially not to her mother or father."
"You all really think I hurt her." Dolores muttered.
Julieta hesitated. “Dolores, listen—”
"No, Tía. I did listen. You think I don’t know what she’s capable of?"
Julieta’s face fell, horror behind disbelief. "You’re talking about her like she’s some kind of monster."
"Maybe you should start asking yourself why that sounds believable."
For once, Julieta had nothing to say.
Antonio had gone still, clutching his broken crayon, eyes darting between them. His voice came out small—"Dolores… why is everyone mad?"
Dolores forced herself to smile. It didn’t reach her eyes. "No reason, hermanito. Just... grown-up things."
As Julieta sped by her, grumbling about misunderstanding and her trust in her daughter, Abuela stayed silent. Only when the door groaned once again and Dolores appeared did she look over.
"Julieta, what's going on?" She asked, calmly. Her eldest daughter barely glanced at her and grumbled once again.
“Dolores.” Abuela’s voice was calm—too calm. “What is going on? Why is your tía so... upset?”
"Misunderstanding. Insisting on Mirabel's innocence."
"What misunderstanding? What trouble did Mirabel cause now?!"
"She lunged at me."
Abuela looked appalled. "Excuse me?"
Dolores nodded softly before replying, "Yes, Abuela, she lunged at me."
Her Abuela's face gradually changed from shock to anger, and then to pure rage. "Where is she now?! I need to talk to her!"
Dolores tilted her head to the side, listening.
———
"You are late."
"It's only twenty minutes. My crazy cousin decided to restrain me for no reason." Mirabel said. "Anyways, did you order?"
"I already ate with another." He shrugged.
"What do you mean, you 'ate with another'?!" Mirabel raised her voice slightly.
He shrugged once again. "Like I just said, you're twenty minutes late, so I got someone else to sit here."
"Are you kidding me?! I spent time getting ready for you and—"
———
"She's....outside." Dolores said.
"I told her she can't leave the house unless she's with family! No more trips and plans with her new....influences."
"I know."
"Get her back here now!" Abuela yelled. "Where's Camilo? Tell him to get her back here!"
"Abuela, I'm afraid Camilo would much rather—" Dolores was cut off.
"I don't care what he would 'much rather do', Dolores. Bring him here and tell him to go and get her from wherever she is."
Camilo burst out laughing. "No way. I'm not going near them."
"She's not poison, Camilo." Abuela said.
"But— what she did to me was." Camilo replied.
Abuela blinked for a mere moment, then her eyes narrowed slightly. "What did she do?"
"Not her, specifically, but her new boyfriend. You wouldn't understand."
Abuela took a long breath.
This boy.
Why is he always so dramatic about things?
"Just go and get her, Camilo. That's the least you could do for this family."
"Fine! I'm going! Who is she with?"
"Just Valentino." Abuela said.
There was a sudden stop.
The next pulse slammed him with a force Dolores jumped. It seemed frantic and was rapid, shaky. As if it was attempting to forget what he had just heard.
———
"I don't want to talk about the Madrigals. Stop bringing them up!"
———
Mirabel had suddenly yelled—the sound shrill.
"No way. I am not going next to him."
Dolores decides it's best if she was the one to get Mirabel.
No way she was going to stand here and listen to an argument.
She urned around on her feet and walked straight out of La Casita and it's Courtyard.
"DOLORES!" Abuela yelled at the top of her voice. "Where are you going?!"
Dolores didn't respond. After all, with the way she speaks in whispers, nobody would hear her anyway.
She heard another conversation.
———
"Oh, Velv! Where were y—"
"Are you insane, Mira?!" Velvette yelled.
"What?" Mirabel's voice dropped slightly.
"You're stalking a stranger?"
"I am not." She rolled her eyes.
"You just went to that woman's house!"
"I wanted— who told you that?"
"Other strangers. You attacked Dolores?"
"Oh please, I stood up for myself. I still have scratch marks on my cheek from that horrible woman!"
"Mira, you're crazy."
"What can I do, Velv? I need my freedom somehow!"
"You cannot force your will on people. Admit you messed up."
"And I've apologized! I'm not a bad person....right? Do you think I'm a bad person?
"Some do make mistakes." Velvette said. "I guess it's what you do after the mistake."
Here it comes...
"Why is that I'm the only one who has to tiptoe around everyone's feelings?"
———
Dolores laughed. "I give, I give, and everyone takes advantage." She mocked.
In the same moment, before she entered the restaurant, Mirabel walked out all pink in the face from being angry.
"What are you doing here?" Mirabel asked.
"I came to get you."
"Are you stalking me?"
“Oh no, querida,” she said softly. “I stopped caring enough to stalk you. I just came to bring you home.”
Mrabel was fuming now. "Don't act innocent. Abuela wants to yell at me so she sent you, didn't she?"
"What makes you think that?"
"She always does. It's in her nature. Don't be—"
"Oh no!" Dolores said. "Are you feeling taken advantage of?"
"I am afraid to do or say anything! I get in trouble for everything!" Mirabel's face got pinker. "Don't start this drama in public, Dolores. You're embarrassing."
"Your attitude is embarrassing."
"I'm not going home today. Don't wanna tiptoe around the Madrigals' feelings anymore."
"You? Tiptoeing around us?" Dolores let out a laugh. "That's funny, Mira."
"Shut up! It's not funny! You never think about what I feel!"
"Alright, Mira," Dolores crossed her arms. "why is it always about your feelings and not ours?"
Mirabel sighed. "Because you...." she trailed off. "You..."
"Come on, primita. Tell me! I'm not judging you."
"Ugh! You're making this worse with that tone!"
"I'm being genuine. Not sarcastic."
"It's the same thing!" Mirabel exploded, causing a few people passing by to turn their heads. "You always do this!"
"Oh, do I?" Dolores said. "Remember when you said you were jealous of Antonio?"
Suddenly, as if on cue, her cousin had a blank and confused face.
"What? I never said that."
"You did. Remember?"
"No, I don't. Stop making up stories. Who said anything about me being jealous of a four year old?" Mirabel quickly said. "I have to go, and you're wasting my time exactly like this morning."
"Fine, fine, primita. Go on." Dolores moved out of the way. "I won't, not anymore."
Her prima's face changed from anger to surprise. "Oh. You're....actually listening to me for once. Gracias."
"Don't you want people to listen to you?"
Mirabel barely glanced at her before making her way to her next destination.
Just as Dolores had predicted she would. "Don't worry, Mira, I'll also make sure Abuela doesn't double down on you tomorrow."
Mirabel paused in her tracks. Okay, now that's...really nice of her.
"See you tomorrow, primita!" Dolores said in this affectionate tone, before a look of unsurprise crossed her face.
"Did I really make things worse at Casita?" Mirabel turned as Dolores thought about it.
"No, not at all! Maybe your mother argued with me—"
"My mamá stood up for me?" Mirabel's eyes sparkled.
Dolores blinked for a second.
"Sí, she did. You know, tía helped me realise how awful I was acting this morning." Dolores clasped her hands together. "And I also realised my mistake of not taking your perspective into account. I would've never realised how horrible I was being to you."
"You understand me now, don't you?"
"Sí, I do. I'd love for you to come back to Casita so we can figure out your feelings on this whole matter."
Dolores watched as Mirabel dissected her words.
"Alright fine, I guess. I'm going back to Casita but just this once. I can't cut my plans short all the time, okay, Dol?"
"I completely understand, primita! How rude of me to do so."
"Exactly, Dolores."
"Let's go home, yeah, primita?"
".....Fine. I'm cutting my plans short this one time, okay?"
"Fine by me, Mirabel."
Both women turned on their feet and returned to Casita.
Chapter 13: What Dolores Hears [III]
Notes:
I've hidden one word in this. Hope you can find it! It's mentioned quite a few times.
(This chapter was inspired by Turn It Down - by OR3O. On YT.)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Everyone in town was restless, and Dolores could hear it, for they asked too many questions. What they were saying was true, though.
Casita had been closed off since treinta y uno de diciembre, and they also hadn't gone out for the entire first week of Enero. It seemed Casita was getting more and more....restrictive with her actions.
"Casi? What's going on with you?" Abuela had once asked.
Casita refused to answer her question. She stayed silent, only physically answering questions which were necessary.
Most of the family, including Mirabel, surprisingly, shrugged it off and resumed as normal....except going out.
Maybe Dolores was going insane when she heard a slight crack in the corner of the courtyard.
She tried to tell her Abuela, but the woman just brushed her off. "The house is strong," Abuela said. "it cannot break."
....When you have somebody who can hear things from a whole mile away, you think she's a liar?!
Wonderful.
"You're being paranoid, Dolores. Stop worrying about problems that don't exist." were Abuela's next words.
She couldn't stop worrying. First, there's a ghost or some demon in the walls of their house since the last ten years, and no one has believed her.
Or maybe she is being paranoid and dragging others into her own problems.
—crack, crack, crack, crack— It went.
———
"Did you hear about the Madrigals, by any chance?"
"No. From what I heard, they're....in a bit of a trouble? That Casa isn't letting them out."
"It's gotten more restrictive. I've seen it physically close doors and windows, like it doesn't want us to see something."
"The house may even fall, and then decay."
"DON'T SAY THAT!"
"You'll jinx it!"
———
Someone had said Casita was no longer listening to the family.
Only responding when she wanted to.
Underneath the courtyard, strange noises creaked.
Nobody dared to ask Dolores what she heard anymore.
Deep down, she already knew.
But knowing and speaking were two different things.
Last time she tried, Abuela called her paranoid.
Again, she bit her tongue.
Dolores could hear Casita breathing—
Except she sounded angry.
———
"D’you think they’ll ever step outside again?”
“Some say it’s for safety. Others think something darker’s happening.”
———
For the first time in almost five decades, the candle seemed to tremble.
"Again with your fantasies." Abuela said, shaking her head. "You really need to stop this, Dolores."
Except she couldn't.
She wanted to find out what was happening. To the house. To the candle.
She isn't going to stop now.
C R A C K
Dolores flinched hard.
She turned to see where the sound had come from.
The cracks on the tiles floor stared back at her.
"Casita?" She asked carefully.
The house shivered hard, and before she knew it, they began spreading rapidly across the courtyard.
All Dolores did was stand there frozen as deep cracks filled, and run up the walls, the staircase railings, almost everywhere, including their doors.
It soon reached the window where the candle stood.
Like before, the candle trembled and shivered.
She had, maybe, approximately one minute to tell everyone to evacuate.
The first person she went to was Abuela. Running up the stairs as fast as she could, and sprinting down the hallway, then bursting into her Abuela's room.
When she did, the old woman did not seem to look troubled at all, but the moment she turned to Dolores, that same exasperation. "What is it now, Dolores?"
"H—How are you not....?"
"Not, what?" Abuela asked.
"Worried that our house is...about to fall apart?!"
Abuela rubbed her temples. "Mija, you said the same thing a few days ago. I'll repeat it again: the house is strong. It cannot break."
"What about—" Dolores turned her head to look outside of the room, only to find—
nothing.
"Huh?"
"You're overreacting, Dolores. Just because Casita is acting up, doesn't mean that you can too. I swear, you've been a lot more than Mirabel, lately. At least that girl isn't escaping anymore."
"Abuela, I swear I saw it."
"Of course, Dolores. You definitely saw what never existed there."
"Are you calling me a liar?" Her voice rose up a bit.
"You're spreading misinformation." Abuela said.
"No way." Dolores replied. "I know what I saw, and I know what I heard. I never mishear."
"And you need to know that Casita is solid. She can never break."
"So why the Gifts?" Dolores suddenly questioned.
"¿Indulto?" Abuela asked.
"If La Casa Madrigal is solid, why do we need our Gifts?" Why do we need Luisa's Gift?"
"To keep the Miracle burning, obviously."
"What Miracle? Do you know what the townspeople are saying, Abuela? The last time we'd gone out, when Casita allowed us to, they were saying we'd falter and decay."
"Impossible. We've been strong for forty nine years!"
"But how long do you think we'll last in this home? Eight more months?"
"Don't say that! We'll last for generations!"
"You believe that." Dolores muttered. "But I don't."
Abuela glared daggers at her. "You've been picking fights like a child, Dolores. You need to stop this."
Dolores shrugged. "Maybe I'll keep picking fights until I get answer."
"I cannot deal with you. Get out. Casita."
"W—"
Casita obeyed and forcibly took Dolores out of the matriarch's room.
"Casita! I wasn't done yet."
She only flapped her tiles like she was helpless.
Dolores sighed. "Alright, fine. What do you want me to do now?"
The Casa went silent for moment, before swishing back to life. She quickly made her tiles point towards the Tower like arrows.
"You want me to go to his tower? It's been off limits for years."
The Casa gently glided her towards the Tower anyways, regardless of her protests.
"I'm not going in." Dolores crossed her arms. "Why do you still do this even if you know the reason?"
The tiles flapped.
Dolores rolled her eyes. "This is not going to help me."
She turned around to leave.
Obviously, Casita pushed her back.
"Ugh. Casita! You're being restrictive and stubborN these Days."
But eventually, after a small argument with the house, she was let go.
"Where are you coming from?" IsabeLa asked later that same hour.
Dolores barely glanced at her. "Nowhere you should know. And shouldn't you be in your room, daydreaming your family life with your soon to be?"
Isabela smiled at her with clenched teeth. "Of course, I should. Shouldn't you be confined to your room, because of all the noise?"
"You think you're so perfect?"
"Who do you think I am? Mirabel?" Isabela hisseD.
"I hear things about you which you think I tune out."
Isabela was now glaring at her, vines appearing behind her. "I swear I'm gonna kill you one day."
"That might as well lead you to Hell." Dolores shrugged.
"YOU PERR—"
Dolores waved a finger in Isabela's face like she was a child. "Is the Perfect Princess trying to act out of line? Oh, how rebellious. That's not right. You're trying to swear? Oh, how cute."
"I'm throwing you from the balcony the next time I see you."
"That is, if you can, with Abuela's permission."
"I'm not too confined. Am I?"
"I'll let you believe that for now."
———
"Why this meeting, Mamá?" Pepa asked as she sat down with Julieta.
Alma sighed. "Listen, mi hijas, I know Casita is...."
"Acting weird." Julieta said.
"Si, acting weird, but Pepa, what Dolores said is....frightening."
"What did she say?" A cloud was now growing on her head.
"Our house is about to fall apart."
Julieta blinked. "She said the same thing days ago. What's the difference?"
"It's a very serious accusation." Alma stated.
"Oh, please, Mamá, you get offended over almost everything that slightly hurts our home."
"We cannot lose our home!" Alma yelled. "I lost it once, I won't lose it again."
"We're fine, Mamá! Everything's fine! right?"
"I hope so. Let's pray we don't fall by candle light because of them."
"Them?" Julieta piped in.
"Mirabel and Dolores. More specif—" Alma was cut off.
"Mamá, you are not dragging my Mirabel's name through the mud. She's an honest girl." Julieta began talking over her mother.
"Julieta, quiet down. I wasn't done yet."
"Do you have to always do this?"
"Julieta Madrigal." Alma warned. "If you—"
"Don't tell me what to do."
"I am your mother. You listen to me!"
———
"They're fighting in the middle of their meeting?" Dolores almost scoffed. Even the adults in their family couldn't talk responsibly. There always had to be a fight.
———
"Are you telling us we'll end up losing it all?!"
"We're definitely ending up homeless."
"Both of you! Stop it! Don't jinx it! We will not lose our magic, nor our house. We will last for generations!"
"How do we know for sure, Mamá?" Julieta said. "What if we really—"
"Stop acting scared. Just pray and hope everything goes smoothly this year too." Abuela yelled.
This fear will pass.
A new day will shine.
Her daughters, forty nine, acting like children afraid of the dark.
———
Clear blue skies, no rain, just shine. Everything will be okay.
HAHA— YES— everything will be okay. They're just being irrational.
"If I'm being honest," Isabela begins. "you're like an exorcist."
"How?" Dolores tilts her head.
"You just… notice things. People, patterns, the little energy shifts around them. Most people don’t see it."
Dolores shrugs. "I guess I just…listen."
She caught a shimmer in her peripheral vision, gold and impossible, gone the moment she blinked.
"More than listen," Isabela continues. "You anticipate. You move before others even realize they’re in danger. It’s uncanny."
"Better be careful how you go about this now."
"Are you threatening me?"
Dolores gasps, and clutches her chest. "Me? Threaten you? Who would do such a thing?"
"Stop ruining my day!"
A sudden cold draft slid down Dolores’ spine, like someone exhaled right behind her ear.
She whipped around.
Nothing.
Isabela kept ranting like normal, but the woman noticed it anyway. "What are you looking at?"
"I swear I felt someone or something behind me."
"Great." Isabela pinched the bridge of her nose. "Now you've gone crazy."
"I'm not crazy!"
"Believe it all you want."
The house groaned again.
Dolores felt it.
She just didn’t know if she was the only one who did.
Notes:
Did you find it?
Chapter 14: What Dolores Hears [IV]
Chapter Text
———
"You're my last hope."
———
Dolores blinked and it took her a second to process the words she was hearing.
It sounded...near.
Really near, like it was within this house.
Someone was walking.
Someone familiar, but also wrong.
There was a hiss like someone was sliding dry grains over stones. He was even muttering don't let her hear me, don't let her hear me, don't let her hear me... under his breath more than she could count.
She would tell Abuela but she would risk getting called insane and laughed in her face. So, no. Dolores absolutely does not need that humiliation.
She heard the sound of winds being pulled up.
"Dios mio, is that—"
"What the hell?! This isn't supposed to show this?!"
The images were flash forwarding by themselves. What was supposed to show the future of La Casita, was now showing circles of wings spun behind, layered with eyes that blinked in uneven rhythms.
Not human eyes. Bright, prismatic, watching everything at once. When it moved, it sounded like wind chimes made of bone and light.
"Who are you?"
The sound crackled like breaking glass. Then came the sound — wings, but wrong. Too many. Too heavy. The air hummed with a frequency that made Dolores press her palms over her ears, like the universe was trying to sing through her skull.
"Make it stop, make it stop."
It abruptly changed from wings to two people shaking their hands like they've fixed a deal.
The figure sharpened.
Bruno froze when it turned to look at him.
He knew one thing or a two. One, is that people in his visions have never looked at him.
The being vibrated like a piano.
"The sound you ignore will become the truth you fear."
Two, is that people in his visions have never talked to him.
"Does that mean danger? Is someone in danger?!" Bruno quickly asked.
It never replied back to him. It only said—"She will hear what the rest will refuse—but she will not hesitate."
"Who? Who is she?"
“The Soundblade is already listening.”
Bruno’s stomach dropped.
He didn’t know that word.
He didn’t know that title.
He didn’t know her.
Something shattered inside He Who Must Not Be Named's tower.
Dolores turned around and made a run towards it.
Bruno himself was confused when he heard footsteps running, and coming increasingly closer to his Door.
In that moment, he realised he had to run.
Bruno could not be seen by any of his old family members.
He wished he had Camilo's shapeshifting right now. Atleast he could make himself smaller and disappear faster. At his current age, he was, in no shape, fast.
He grabbed his rats and put a bucket over his head.
"STOP RIGHT THERE!" Dolores flinched at her own volume when she entered his tower and pushed the door open.
Bruno was mid way into putting the bucket over his head.
"Tío Bruno?"
"Dolores?"
"I don't understand....where were you?" She asked while following him out of the vision cave.
"Wouldn't you like to know? I was in the walls."
"The walls?!"
Bruno sighed. "Yes, the walls. No, I did not spy on any of the women. I am not a creep."
"I...never asked if you did." Dolores said.
"People would if they found out."
Truly the townspeople would do so. Señor Flores would be the first person to ask if he ever spied on like a creep.
"Tío, some people aren't so terrible...."
"You don't know them like I do, Dolores. I know what they'd say about me. Even after ten years of hiding, they'll never change. 'Oh, he's creepy and his vision killed my goldfish!'" Bruno mocked in the last part. "Which, is another reason, why I stopped doing visions."
Dolores tilted her head. "Weren't you doing one a few minutes ago?"
Bruno went silent. "I'm not showing you that vision. It's....incomprehensible."
"We need to go back to the vision cave immediately." Dolores said, and she swears she heard her tío's heart stop for a split second.
"No." Bruno replied quickly, his eyes blinking rapidly.
"That'll show us something! Maybe it'll help me get an answer for Casita's cracks!"
"What cracks?" Bruno asked.
"O—Oh, you know....uh...." Dolores began stammering.
"Is Casita falling apart?"
"Kind of.." Dolores winced.
Bruno let out a big sigh of relief, but soon fear took over as well. "That vision isn't about Casita, Dios gracias, but....it's something else. Something you or the family may not be ready for just yet."
"Tío, you need to show me it! You know I can't make conclusions based on...your cryptic words!"
True.
But he's scared of how she'll react.
To the bright winged flame on that vision tablet.
"No." He said firmly. "No one will ever see it, from now till the end of time."
"What's so bad about it?!" Dolores asked.
"Everything! It's incomprehensible, I've told you that!"
"I'll try to understand!"
"You won't!" Bruno yelled. "I don't even know who that Seraphim is!"
Dolores froze. "Seraphim?"
Bruno froze at his own words too.
"What Seraphim, Tío Bruno? How did you....foresee a Seraphim?"
"Forget I said anything. I should've never come out of the walls." Bruno pulled his ruana's hood over his head.
"I'm twenty, not six. You can tell me."
"How many times, Dolores? It's incomprehensible."
"Clearly it's not when you have a literal Seraphim on that tablet!" Dolores said. "Wait, how is a Seraphim connected to our Casita?"
He shook his head violently.
“I don’t know, Dolores! I don’t know their name, I don’t know their purpose, I don’t know why they spoke to me—visions don’t talk! They don’t look. They don’t notice. And this thing—this thing—turned its head.”
Dolores’ voice softened. “So it wasn’t part of the vision.”
Bruno looked at her with terror-wide eyes.
“…No. It was in it.”
“Meaning?” Dolores pressed.
Bruno whispered—“It wasn’t a prophecy. It was a visitation.”
Dolores’ stomach dropped. “By a Seraphim.”
He nodded.
“And if a Seraphim is visiting my visions…”
“Then what?” Dolores breathed.
Bruno’s face fell pale. “…then something’s coming. Something big enough to bend a prophecy out of place.”
Dolores felt that same wrongness crawl up her spine—the wings, the prismatic eyes, the frequency that felt like it wanted to split the world open.
“Tío… what does that mean? For the Casita? For us?”
Bruno finally looked at Dolores instead of anxiously darting his eyes around.
“It means whatever’s connected to that Seraphim…”
He swallowed.
“…is already inside."
....
"The good thing is that it didn't smite us!"
"Tío, you're worried about that?!"
"Seraphim don't exactly mingle! They come down when something is either dying or about to be.”
"So which one are we?"
"I don't know. I've never seen the Miracle break."
The sky began to get darker....and darker... until the sun was completely covered in grey clouds.
Dolores and Bruno looked up
"You should probably go now. Don't want your mamá to find out you're in here." Bruno said.
"What about the visi—" Dolores was cut off.
"Just go! I'll get the vision!" Bruno replied as Dolores took a run out of his room and tower.
Mirabel bumped into Dolores in the hallway.
"Where were you? Tía got pissed at me!"
Dolores blinked at her. "Why would my madre get angry at you?"
"Oh, I don't know?! Maybe because I was the last person seen with you?! They immediately assumed something?!"
"Wonderful." Dolores rubbed her face with her hands. "I—"
"Whatever it is, I'm not the one to calm Abuela down right now." Mirabel put her hands up. "She's acting insane! Just because there's a little crack in the corner, does not mean we're in danger!"
"You saw it too?"
"Tía Pepa's Gift is going haywire, apparently. Don't you see what that woman's hail did to my hair?! She ruined a perfectly styled hair!"
Dolores took a step back and finally noticed her head—all of Mirabel's curls were completely frizzed out, and having mini ice bullets, which were slowly melting.
"You better clean that up....however you can." Dolores said.
"I will....once Tía gets her Gift under control!" Mirabel replied.
"Didn't you just say that it wasn't....working properly?"
Mirabel froze for a split second but quickly regained her composure. "What? No, I never said that."
"Ohh, of course, you didn't!" Dolores said. "Lo siento, Mirabel, I must have imagined it."
Mirabel smirked. "Of course, you imagined it."
———
"Dolores never told me about the magic failing!"
"Alma, she did several times! You just never bothered to listen! You said it would last for generations, didn't you?"
"Why are you making things up, Félix? I have done my best and listened to her!"
"You—"
"Félix, listen, it is not my fault she speaks in whispers. If she were more louder about this, I'd be able to do something!"
"Mamá, her Gift doesn't allow her to speak louder than whispers!"
———
Ouch?
Dolores has tried hard to warn Abuela.
How is it her fault Abuela never listened?
She heard the adults fight for the next few minutes before they eventually departed.
Maybe what she's thinking might be right....if reality continued to be like this, then in eight more months, their reputation and all they've worked for would disappear.
Maybe she's wrong, and she's thinking the worst outcome. Maybe the Madrigals will reign their town for years to come.
She dispersed from the hallway and back to her own room until she was sure everyone wasn't seething at each other anymore.
As she walked to her room, the tiles beneath her were snapping back into place, as if they weren't already steady and in good condition.
Symbols—jagged, curved, impossibly bright—etched themselves across the tiles.
She whispered, horrified, "What's this?"
Not because she understood the symbols— but because the sound stitched itself into her head.
Clarisse.
A name that didn’t echo, didn’t repeat, didn’t even sound spoken.
It just arrived.
Inside her skull.
Like it had always been there.
Something was seriously wrong with La Casita Madrigal. A vision started this.
thgilf ni roirraW
esira uoy shtped eht morF
swodahs eht esare oT
Alma held the locket in her hand, fingers brushing over Pedro’s photo. The room was quiet, creepily so.
“You’re my last hope,” she whispered, barely louder than a breath.
She stared at Pedro's face in her locket, tracing it with her eyes, and swallowed hard. “I can’t mess this up….I just can’t.”
Her hands tightened around the locket. “You’re my last hope,” she repeated, like saying it again could somehow make it true.
Even if nobody else understood. Even if everything was falling apart. She had to hold on. For him. For the family. For Casita.
Chapter 15: What Dolores Hears [V] — Prickly Unravel [I]
Notes:
TRIGGER WARNING: mentions of drowning if you squint
Inspired by: "Devil Fore The Fall" by Lydia the Bard on YouTube.It’s gonna get biblical from now on.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
♛⛧⛧♛
H.E.A.R.
T.H.E.M.
P.L.E.A.D.
♛⛧⛧♛
Time flashed by like it was in a hurry to escape someone...or something. Encanto was calm, but time was not.
And it seemed as if they were hit by a large amount of misfortune — disaster followed after disaster. May was at it's worst. Someone would expect the Madrigals to make sure nothing.... disturbing happened to anyone since it was Antonio's Gift ceremony.
Everyone was excited.
He got the gift to communicate with animals. A perfect fit for him.
Abuela loved it. The family loved it. The town loved it.
Mirabel did not.
She disappeared before the pictures were taken, and when they found her, she was passed out near the waterfall. Just behind where the pictures took place.
Nobody knew how she got there.
Abuela and Dolores barely showed any reaction. Especially Dolores, as she knew this would happen. This was planned. Not a single man was near her as she claimed. Mirabel didn't trip, Dolores heard her walking calmly.... before the jump into the water.
Skipping a few pages forward to the first week of September, Isabela's engagement was now the talk of the town.
Mirabel seemed livelier than the bride to be herself. Talking animatedly about rings, dresses, and the following events in rapid. When asked about her sudden change in attitude, she simply replied—
"I am excited for my sister. Can a sister not be overjoyed?"
That sounded rehearsed and practiced, but Dolores couldn't prove it.
"You have nothing to worry about." Mirabel smiled. "I am only trying to help."
Dolores did not trust this new energy, but it felt all so familiar.
Valentino.
To be honest, she hasn't seen the man in a long time. She should be happy — Mirabel isn't running around with him anymore. The more she thinks about it, the more she....misses him.
Velvette hasn't been around too. Vox as well but Pico cut the cable on one of the man's TVs and he died due to electric shock.
Maybe the duo left....or were hiding. Dolores couldn't tell. She hasn't heard of them in so long. Probably since April.
Why is she thinking about them right now? Especially Valentino? Again, she should be happy that he isn't here to torment anyone.
A slow smile crept on her face. She must've done something great if he isn't around anymore.
———
"I was thinking...maybe we could go dress shopping together!" Mirabel said cheerily.
"Well, Mira," Isabela begins. "I'm not interested in that. Especially with you."
Mirabel's face crumpled. “Whatever. I should’ve known better than to expect you to appreciate anything I do. You always ruin things for me. I don’t even know why I bother."
"That's not what I mean. You know it."
"I'll look good in your dress!"
"My..."
———
It turned silent almost abruptly.
Dolores tried to listen in harder.
What went wrong?
It was like something stole her primas' voices.
———
"...dress? Are you hearing yourself?"
Mirabel tried to backtrack. "Nope! Not your dress. That won't fit me anyways."
———
Dolores blinked for a long moment. "The hell?"
The more she kept listening, the more it kept glitching out. Both women either spoke in distorted words, or just completely lost their voices.
This was getting frightening.
What was more frightening than this? The vision?
She had no idea anymore.
This will get better, right?
Nobody is losing their minds. Nobody is losing their gifts....atleast not yet.
They'll get through this year like the last year.
"Clarisse?"
"Not Clarisse."
✥✥✥
♛⛧⛧♛
R.E.M.E.M.B.E.R.
T.H.E.
F.A.L.L.
♛⛧⛧♛
Mirabel had to jog to catch up with Isabela. She doesn't know how her sister doesn't notice she's walking much faster.
"I was thinking...maybe we could go dress shopping together!" Mirabel said cheerily.
"Well, Mira," Isabela begins. "I'm not interested in that. Especially with you."
Mirabel's face crumpled. “Whatever. I should’ve known better than to expect you to appreciate anything I do. You always ruin things for me. I don’t even know why I bother."
"That's not what I mean. You know it."
"I'll look good in your dress!"
"My dress? Are you hearing yourself?"
Mirabel tried to backtrack. "Nope! Not your dress. That won't fit me anyways."
Isabela sighed in exasperation. “I need peace.”
Mirabel blinked. “Wow. Dramatic much? I’m literally trying to help you. This is a big moment. Your engagement. People are going to look at us. At me. I should at least be there when you pick something so I don’t… clash.”
“There it is,” Isabela murmured.
“There is what?”
“You,” Isabela said, turning around fully now. Her expression wasn’t angry—just tired. “You keep talking like this is something happening to you.”
Mirabel’s smile stiffened. “I’m your sister.”
“Yes,” Isabela replied. “Not the bride."
Mirabel crossed her arms. “God, you’re so ungrateful. I’m the only one thinking ahead. Do you even know what you want? Or are you just going to let everyone decide for you like always?”
Isabela’s jaw tightened. “This isn’t about everyone.”
“Oh really?” Mirabel scoffed. “Because from where I’m standing, this looks exactly like the life Abuela wanted for you. And I’m just trying to make sure you don’t embarrass yourself.”
Isabela inhaled slowly. Exhaled.
“You know what? Fine. I get it.” Mirabel said. “You don’t want help. You want everything perfect without anyone touching it. Just like always.”
"This has nothing to do with perfection.”
Mirabel smiled again—soft, almost sweet. “Then let me come. Just once. Dress shopping, fittings, whatever. Not for me. For the family.”
“…I’ll think about it,” Isabela said finally.
Mirabel’s smile widened, victorious and immediate. “Great! See? Compromise. I knew we could do that.”
Notes:
My phone broke right as I was motivated to write and update, and the repair shop had to do a whole factory reset which erased almost everything, but luckily my AO3 account is still intact! (Unfortunately, my OC roster for this AU in my notes app got deleted.) My phone's gotten much slower now. So, sorry if any typos exist.
(ps: Tomorrow's my birthday! 15 December IST)
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Emeraldqueen07 on Chapter 1 Tue 25 Mar 2025 02:03PM UTC
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SanityYourFriend on Chapter 1 Tue 25 Mar 2025 02:22PM UTC
Last Edited Tue 25 Mar 2025 02:27PM UTC
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Emeraldqueen07 on Chapter 2 Mon 31 Mar 2025 11:18AM UTC
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Last Edited Sat 03 May 2025 02:45AM UTC
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SanityYourFriend on Chapter 7 Wed 21 May 2025 03:09AM UTC
Last Edited Thu 22 May 2025 10:43AM UTC
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BooksRBetterThanPeople on Chapter 8 Thu 22 May 2025 11:44AM UTC
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SanityYourFriend on Chapter 10 Wed 15 Oct 2025 06:11PM UTC
Last Edited Thu 16 Oct 2025 02:21AM UTC
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