Author's Note:
Thank you to everyone who has read and continues to support my story. I will be continuing this story through the events of the movie from Dolores' perspective and after I might do Camilo as well (We'll see).
This chapter is going to talk about Quinceañeras. For those who aren't aware a Quinceañera is a Latina girl's 15th party which marks them becoming a women. They used to also be used to mark when a woman was ready to be married and to present them to the men of the town. Each country has different traditions associated with them and I did my best to make sure that what I wrote was accurate, but I am human and I am sorry if there are any mistakes. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 9:
(Dolores POV)
Things were tense in Casita the next few days. Word had spread throughout town that Bruno disappeared and coupled with the fact that Mirabel did not receive a gift, some were questioning the strength of the miracle. I reported what people said to Abuela and she seemed to be upset by it. One night I heard her talking to the adults in the kitchen.
"As you are all aware Mirabel wasn't blessed with a gift from the miracle," she started and I could hear Tío Augustine huff in annoyance. Abuela continued, "I believe that one of you should have another child. So that we could find out if something is wrong with the miracle or not." there was a silence amongst the four of them as Tía Julieta leaned forward, "You want Pepa and I to bring children into this world so you can test if our miracle?" the questioning tone in her voice was laced with anger. Mamá and Papa didn't say anything and didn't really have to before Tía and Tío stood up and left. She turned towards my parents, "Just think about it Pepa." They left quietly as Abuela stayed in the kitchen.
- less than two years later -
People in town still whispered about the familia, thinking that maybe Bruno left because he knew something about the miracle or that he saw something so bad that he couldn't be here anymore. I would tell Abuela whenever anyone said that and then usually Luisa would be sent out to move a bridge or the donkeys would mysteriously get out and Luisa would have to gather them all. Isabella, who had always been a community favorite, went into town everyday and helped beautify the community with her flowers. Camilo was also becoming a community favorite, people were always asking him to turn into different people or he would play games with the children in town changing form and shape as he did. Mirabel was the only one who didn't always go into town but, she had started sewing at home and seemed to be happy with Papa and Tío Augustine. Sometimes she would come with Tía Julieta into town but, not often. As for me, I started working in the marketplace again. Abuela wanted to keep a good public image and having the entire family in town united fit that mold.
I still had to walk the perimeter, twice a day now. Once in the morning and once before I went home, listening for anyone on the other side of the mountain. Part of me thought that Abuela wanted me to listen out for Tío Bruno on the other side because she was convinced he was no longer within Encanto and that was why she made me walk out there a second time each day. I didn't mind. Walking the perimeter had become the best part of my day because it was when I was farthest away from all the noise around me, even though I could still hear everything.
We were all gathered around the table for breakfast when Abuela said, "Before everyone goes into town today I need to speak with Isabella and Dolores." The family left and Isabella and I followed Abuela inside, "As you girls know, your quinces are quickly approaching." She turned to face us and we nodded our heads, "This is an important day as it marks the end of your childhoods and you looking to take your places in the community." We nodded our heads again to acknowledge what she said. Even though I knew that our childhoods actually ended at our gift ceremonies, I knew better than to actually make the comment.
She smiled and began walking as we followed her up the stairs, "Well Isabella, Mariano has agreed to be your escort at your quinceañera and we have assembled your court of honor." She then turned to face me, "Dolores, we are still figuring out who your escort will be, but thankfully we have a bit of time for you. And you of course are a member of Isabella's court along with Luisa, Mirabel, Camilo and a few other girls and boys from town." I gave a weak smile and nodded my head. I knew why she was having a hard time finding an escort for me. I could hear what the people in town said including the boys in town and they wanted Isabella not me. Abuela refocused on Isabella as she began telling her the details for her night. From the sounds of it Abuela had been planning this night for years. I just felt a pit in my stomach as I thought back to Tío Bruno's vision. I knew that it was going to start coming true soon.
We both went into town together later that day and as we were walking I looked over at Isabella, "Sounds like it is going to be a great party." She smiled and nodded her head, "Yeah with everything Abuela has planned it should be the perfect night." She smiled, "But I can't wait to see what the family does with yours." I then sighed as I looked up at the sky, "Well, I wonder what poor soul's family is going to strong arm them into being my escort." I joked she turned to face me, "Come on Dolores." I just looked at her, "Please if they aren't scared of my gift they are scared of my Mamá's." She looked at me, "Your Papa wasn't. Besides, it is just an escort for a quince. It's not like we are marrying them." I nodded my head as we walked. I knew that wasn't true, at least for Isabella, and from the sound of her voice Isabella knew it too.
- a few weeks later -
Everyone in town was getting ready for Isabella to enter with Tío Augustine. As Abuela was making sure that everything was perfect. Abuela arranged for to him have the full court with 15 boys and girls and we were arranged on the stairs. Camilo and Mirabel were paired up. Luisa was paired up with one of the boys who's father worked out in the fields. I looked over at my partner and he kept clearing his throat and looking at his shoes. I knew that he didn't want to do this. I heard him talking to his family before he arrived asking if there was anyway out of it. I just kept to myself.
When Isabella arrived two rows of pink roses marked her path as she walked in with Tío Augustine. Everyone erupted into cheers as she smiled and was walked around the dance floor. She then performed her first waltz with her Dad, then my Dad, then even Camilo went in. Finally, it was time for Mariano and her to share a dance. He came forward into the center of the dance floor where Isabella was waiting when I heard Abuela whisper, "Pedro." Before I could think about that though the music started. All eyes were on them as he began guiding her around the dance floor. I took a breath as I forced myself to watch with a smile painted on my face.
It was time for us to join them on the dance floor. We all descended down the stairs and began to dance. I could hear all the ohs and ahs until I heard someone fall. I looked back and saw Mirabel had tripped on Isabella's skirt and tore it as she held up a piece of the fabric on the ground. Isabella took a deep breath and took the fabric from Mirabel as Camilo helped Mirabel up. Isabella just continued to smile out to everyone and we all finished the dance. After it was done. I hear Mirabel go to Isabella, "I can fix it. If we just go to the nursery, I can sew it up. Isabella." Isabella turned to look at her with a labored smile on her face, "Mirabel, you have done enough tonight." She walked away and I went over to Mirabel, "Hey, it could have been any of us. Why don't you give me the fabric and you can get an arepa? I heard them coming off the stove." She nodded her head and ran off and I wen to follow Isabella.
She excused herself and went into a room and I was right behind her. I held up the fabric, "Isa?" She looked up at me, "Ay Dolores, what am I going to do?" I just smiled, "Well you could let Mirabel sew it" She shook her head, "or you can patch it up. Just make a thin vine and use flowers to cover any green." I shrugged. She looked up at me and cocked her head to the side, "I don't understand how your mind works but, that would probably work." I shrugged again, "You're stressed, but we have a long night ahead of us and we can't have our princesa upset now can we." I gestured to the crown she was wearing when I said princesa. She rolled her eyes as I took a second to appreciate the quiet of the room away from everyone as Isabella finished up, "How does it look?" She asked. "Perfect," I said automatically, barely even looking at it. She nodded her head, "Alright, let's head back out there." I nodded my head and followed her the rush of everyone's words becoming louder as she opened the door.
Everyone circled around Isabella as she began working her way around the room. It wasn't long before she was back on the dance floor again dancing with different people in town. I looked around at the family and Luisa was moving stuff around going wherever she was called, Camilo was playing with the kids changing shape keeping them all entertained. Tía and Tío were talking with different people who were asking about Isabella, Papa took Mama to the dance floor and they were having fun out there.
The worst part about parties was never being able to tell where sound was coming from because it was coming from all over but at the same place. It was hard to explain. I waited until after the shoe ceremony before I went upstairs to my room. I listened to the party downstairs with my eyes closed as I laid in bed. I thought about the dancing and the music and the fun. I loved all of it but, it was so overwhelming being in the center of it. I heard a knock on my door and saw Camilo come in holding two pieces of cake, "I saw that you left and figured you could use this. I smiled as he set a piece down in front of me and in front of him. "Won't people notice you're missing?" I asked. He shrugged, "Do you know how much effort people would have to put it to figure out that I am not there and not just looking like someone else at the moment." I nodded my head, "True."
He stuffed in a mouthful of cake and then said, "So in two month we have to do all of this again." I gave him a side smirk before looking down at the cake, "I don't think it will be this big of an event." I shoved his shoulder slightly, "I'm not a community favorite like Isabella or Tía Julieta or you." He looked at me and shoved my shoulder, "Hey you are one of my favorites. You are definitely my favorite sister." "I'm your only sister," I said. He threw his hands up in the air, "Making you the favorite by default." I laughed and so did he as we kept eating cake. "So what do you think about Mariano?" I asked. He shrugged, "I don't know. He seems to like Isabella. And they look good together." I nodded my head, "Yeah they do." We talked for a while longer before I heard people asking about him, "They noticed." He looked at the clock, "3 hours. New record. I better head down." He took the plates and went to the door, "Are you going to join me?" I shook my head and gestured to my ears, "It's a bit too loud for me." He grimaced but, nodded his head, "Well see you tomorrow." I nodded my head, "See you tomorrow."
- 2 months later -
Mariano and Isabella's announcement was never made at her quince, which only made me dread mine more. Would Abuela make that kind of announcement today? Yes. I thought to myself. I could feel my stomach flipping in circles as Papa patted his hand on mine, "Don't be nervous mi vida." I gave him a soft smile and we opened the door. The crowd cheered as I made my way inside. I looked over at my court of honor and smiled as Camilo was clapping and cheering for me. I smiled at him. I didn't have a complete court like Isabella, but I was fine with that. I had my cousins my brother and a few people from town who I knew well enough and that was enough. Isabella and Mariano had been paired up because Abuela asked him to be in my court before she asked who I wanted included. I was trying my best to be happy for them but, I was worried about what might come. Good thing I didn't have Mamá's power otherwise everyone might know.
I started to waltz with Papa, then Camilo and then Tío Augustine before I danced with my escort and entire court. My escort was a family friend's son who I knew secretly had a girlfriend. He knew that I knew which I think is why he agreed to being my escort in the first place. After I finished I made my way to the side as everyone began dancing. I began to hear people whispering. Mostly parents to their sons about asking Isabella or me to dance. Their responses ranged but, one stung my ears as I heard it, "Why would I dance with Dolores? If the miracle is dying then what is the point of pursuing anything with her. At least Isabella is... I don't know the word to describe her... exceptional. What is Dolores?" I nodded to myself and continued making the rounds a fake smile across my face.
I was on the outskirts of my own party and I was fine with it. I saw Camilo look over at me and then he made his way over, "Hey what's wrong?" I shook my head, "Nothing you need to worry about." He didn't accept the answer though and took my hand, "Come on. It's your birthday you should be dancing too." He dragged me out to the middle of the floor, "Come on everyone is watching now." I rolled my head back as I smiled. Camilo started making himself taller, shorter, turning into someone else entirely as he circled around me and we continued to dance. I laughed with each change. Camilo then looked over my shoulder, "I'm going to go drag Mirabel out here. My work is never done" He announced to me as he pointed his finger up into the air and then in Mirabel's direction calling out "Mirabel."
I laughed as he walked off but as I turned around their stood Mariano. "Dolores, it's been a while," He said. I nodded my head, "Yeah since Isa's quinces." Or if we were going off when we last talked to each other it had been a few years still I offered him a smile "How have you been?" He looked down at his feet, "Fine." I looked over at Isabella and saw her dancing with someone. I looked back at Mariano, "I don't think she will mind if you cut in." I offered. He looked over at Isabella and shook his head, "No, it's fine. Besides I still haven't had my dance with the birthday girl yet." He took my hand and started to lead me in a very basic salsa. He twirled me around and I started to laugh. That was when I started hearing people murmur. Talking about how I was trying to steal Isabella's boyfriend or what I was doing. I toned it down a little bit as I quieted myself down. I saw that Isabella was now free. I didn't even wait to hear it before saying, "Your Mamá is saying something about how you should ask Isabella to dance. She is free now." He looked over at her and back at me before nodding his head.
I made my way off the dance floor and watched my family and smiled. I wished Tío Bruno was here. I missed him more than ever. I was supposed to have a special dance with him because he is my godfather but, I couldn't. I could just hear him calling me Chiquilla and complaining about how I stepped on his toes. I felt someone touch my shoulder and saw Abuela, "Dolores, do you mind if I speak to you for a minute?" I nodded my head and we walked upstairs together before going into her room.