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Five years later...

The now ten year old Mirabel burst out of the nursery a smile on her face "Buenos dias la familia Madrigal!" she called out as she knocking on each door as she passed. Despite everything Mirabel kept a positive outlook on life at least that's how it appeared on the outside, but it was all a mask-a mask to hide the pain. "Morning, Abuela!" she greeted the older woman as she walked out her door.

Alma hardly glanced at Mirabel as she walked past without a word leaving Mirabel crestfallen.

Not since that night had Alma looked at her with any sign of love, not since that night had she felt that warm embrace, not since that night had Alma been proud of her..not since that night...

Mirabel shook her head to get rid of those thoughts, it's not her fault she didn't get a gift...was it? It didn't make her worthless did it? No course not! Her Papá and Tío Félix didn't have gifts either and they were still special. One day Mirabel would prove to Alma she could just be just as useful as her sisters and cousins.

A groan behind her caused her to turn her head, to see Pepa walking towards her pregnant belly swollen..any day now and Mirabel would have a new prima or primo and for the first time in five years she would not have her room to herself.

"Tía Peppa!" she ran towards "¿Cómo te sientes?"

Pepa gave her youngest sobrina a small smile "Like I'm about to explode, soon you'll have a new roommate. I just hope he or she doesn't-" end up like you Pepa finished in her head. She didn't want her child to be confined to life in a nursery, she didn't want her child to be the scorn of her mother, she didn't want her child to be a stain on the family, she didn't want her child to be...tainted.

Tainted. Polluting the family's perfect image. Tainted. A blemish to hide. Tainted.

Mirabel noticing the cloud forming above Pepa's head asked nervously "Tia?"

Snapping back to reality Peppa shook her head closing her eyes muttered "Clear skies, clear skies..." as the cloud vanished, opening her eyes she met Mirabel's wide with concern "Why don't you go downstairs and help your mother with breakfast?" she suggested with a smile "I'll fetch your sleepy head cousins." she looked away so Mirabel couldn't see her face, every time she looked at her she couldn't help but see that vision again, clear as if it was right in front of her face.

Mirabel brightened "Alright! Cuídate Tia!" skipping down the stairs she called out "Good morning, Casita." the tiles rumbling in response. Entering the kitchen she sat at the table "Morning, Mamá."

"Good morning Mira, mi amor." Julieta kissed her on the forehead "Breakfast is nearly ready, could you be a dear and set the table?"

"Of course, Mamá." Mirabel jumped up and Casita tossed the plates at her, catching with a laugh "Thanks, Casita." as she set the table she chatted away "Tía Peppa should have her baby any day now, I can't wait to have a roommate. Maybe I'll even get to teach him or her embroidery."

Julieta smiled at her daughters excitement but she couldn't help but feel afraid. Bruno's vision still fresh in her mind.

Casita broken. Tainted. Mirabel centre. Tainted.

No. How could she think such things of her sweet little Mira? Her brother got it wrong. He must have. Her mother overreacted. She must have. The miracle had been going on strong for forty five years. Her child won't destroy it. She can't.

By now the rest of the family had arrived and was choosing a place to sit, Julieta smiled seeing Luisa choose the seat next to Mirabel giving her baby sister a smile as she did so. That smile faltered when she noticed the glare Alma gave her and Luisa sinking into her seat.

Mirabel's gaze dropped to the table at her grandmothers scorn. She just wanted to know what she did wrong. She thought back to the night of her gift ceremony and the words Alma told her.

Make your family proud

But she didn't. She failed. Maybe thats it. She failed. She couldn't even open a door. She failed.

A pain filled cry filled the air causing everyone to jump in their seats.

Mirabel looked around the table, Dolores covering her ears in pain. Pity filled Mirabel, sometimes her gift was truly more of a curse. She quickly found the source of the noise. Pepa was breathing heavily clutching her stomach. Turning to Julieta she asked "Mamá-"

Julieta interrupted her "Children, all of you go to your rooms please." darting to her sisters side "Breathe..breathe.."

"Mamá?" Camilo's eyes widened in fear "Papá whats wrong with her?"

"Your new sibling is ready to join this world." Félix gave his son a hug "It will be very hard, you must stay out of the way. I'll come get you when it's time."

"That's how babies get here? Why does it have to make her hurt?" Camilo began asking questions but was ushered out of the room with the rest of the children as Félix returned to support Pepa on one side, Julietta on another and began to walk her to the stairs.

"Casita, help us up there." Alma followed closing behind breakfast forgotten.

Mirabel watched as the stairs turned into a ramp allowing Pepa to easily be guided up to her room. Mirabel didn't mind she was getting soaking wet from the cloud above her Tía's head. She was elated, finally her new baby cousin. She couldn't wait! Spinning around she ran smack into Isabela who jumped back with a shriek "Isa I'm sorry-"

"Watch where you're going!" Isabela spat out brushing invisible dirt off her dress "If you ask me you shouldn't be allowed near the new baby. You're a bad influence. Nothing but a curse!"

Tears formed in Mirabel's eyes "Isa-"

"Mirabel."

Mirabel looked up to see Alma standing above them, towels and blankets in her arms. "Apologise to Isabela."

"But I didn't-"

"NOW"

Tears streaming down cheeks Mirabel looked rapidly around for back up, only one remaining was Dolores but one glance from Alma sent her fleeing up the stairs into her room hands still over ears. Where was her father? Luisa? Or even Camilo?

Isabela tapped her foot "I'm waiting."

"I'm..s-s-s-orry. I'M SORRY!" Mirabel cried before running up the stairs slamming the door behind her. Sliding down she put her head in her hands and sobbed. She remembered how close she and Isabela used to be. How she comforted her when she didn't get her gift. But as time went on the distance between them grew. Alma kept Isabela away, turning her against her own hermana. For what, Mirabel didn't understand.

Isabela, the perfect golden child. Alma's favourite. Everyone could see that, she could do no wrong. While Mirabel just had to breathe the wrong way it seemed,

Still sobbing, Mirabel crawled onto her bed and looking across the room, all her belongings had been moved back to one side to make room for the new arrival. Wishing she had a soundproof room like Dolores she wrapped her pillow around her ears to block out the cries coming from Pepa's room. With no one around to hear, she cried. it wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair.

ᙙĬᙖ

She must of fallen asleep at some point as she awoke to the sound of the door opening. She sat up to see Juileta and Pepa walk in, Pepa cradling something small in her arms. "Is that my-"

Juileta chuckled "Yes, mi amor. This is your new primo, Antonio."

Pepa glanced back and forth between Mirabel and her new child "Will he be safe in here with..."

"Of course!" Julieta cried "Why wouldn't he be?"

"But Mamá said..and the vision..."

"What vision?" Mirabel asked "Is the vision why Abuela doesn't love me anymore? Did I do something wrong?"

Julieta gave Pepa a look that said 'zip it' and sat next to Mirabel on the bed "Oh mi amor, I know it hasn't been easy. But Abuela is just..worried about the magic. We don't know why you were not given a gift. But you did nothing wrong."

Silence filled the air as Alma walked in "We have been blessed with a new magical miracle. A child who will grow up and help our community. Keep the magic strong. And to show" she gave Mirabel a look "The miracle will survive."

Julieta opened her mouth to point out how her daughter was treated but decided against it, this was Pepa's moment. "Have you seen him, Mamá? So much like his father."

A smile, a real smile spread across Alma's lips as she gazed down at her little nieto "Very much so. You are a wonder Antonino Madrigal."

And I'm not? Not anymore? Mirabel wondered with a sigh "Tía Pepa? Can I have a look at him? ¿Por favor?"

"Of course." Pepa kneeled down so Mirabel could see better, a smile on her face.

"Wow..he does look like Tío Félix!"

"Mirabel. I would like to speak with you. Alone."

Mirabel looked up in shock "Abuela?" she looked back at her mother who looked just as shocked.

"Come now." without waiting for an answer she left the room as Félix ran in, Dolores and Camilo right behind him.

Juileta followed Mirabel out, giving her sister's family their space. "Mamá" she began "What do you need to speak to Mira about?"

For the first time since the failed ceremony Alma grasped Mirabel's hand. But the touch wasn't loving and warm. It was cold and without love. "I just want to speak with her, Julieta." without another word she lead Mirabel towards her room.

Mirabel looked over her shoulder as she was pulled along not understanding. Why did her mother look worried? Alma was finally spending time with her! Sure her touch wasn't as loving as it once was but maybe one day it will be again. A smile spread wider across her face.

She failed to notice the grim look on Alma's face.

ᙙĬᙖ

Mirabel never been into Alma's room before. It was simple but well suited, decorated like the rest of the house. Pictures of her children growing up lined the walls. On the window sat the candle. The source of their miracle.

Alma sat in a chair and cleared her throat "Mirabel, as you know I would do anything to protect the miracle." she began.

"I don't understand why are you telling me about-"

Alma held up her hand for silence "The night when you didn't get your gift. I asked Bruno to look into it, to make sure the magic wasn't failing. And he had a vision." Alma reached over and picked up the green slab Mirabel didn't see before "And what he saw-the miracle dying, Casita nothing but ruins-the magic lost!"

"What does that have to do with me?"

"Because the cause of it all was.." she held up the slab to reveal the image displayed "..you."

Mirabel froze in horror. Grabbing the slab she stared down at it. Casita..ruined..and an older version of herself standing there..proud of it. So this is why Alma didn't love her anymore. This is why she was treated her like an outcast. With a scream she threw the slab across the room watching it shatter. Spinning around to face Alma, Mirabel for the first time was pleased to see the fear on her face.

"Mirabel-" Alma saw it in her mind. Cracks forming..Casita crumbing..the flame burning out. Trying to hide the fear she rose her voice "For safety of this family you can't stay here any longer."

"You're going to make me leave the Encanto?"

Alma's face said it all. If she could she would but the mountains surrounding made that almost impossible. "No..I made the arrangements with Señor Pérez for you to stay in the barn. Where you can not harm anyone."

Anger filled Mirabel. What did she do to deserve this? Once the beloved baby of the family now to be tossed outside treated no better than a donkey and all because of some stupid candle- Mirabel cut of her own thoughts as the candle caught her eye..maybe if she destroyed it and got rid the magic everyone would be better off. Her Mamá wouldn't have to slave around in the kitchen all day, her Tía would be able to express emotion without effecting the weather of the whole town, Luisa wouldn't be treated as a packmule and herself..wouldn't be an outcast and maybe...Isabela would hug her again. Yes it was better for everyone. She stormed towards the candle ready to put it out once and for all.

Alma followed with her eyes jumping up when she realised what Mirabel was going to do "NO! DON'T-"

Mirabel reached out to end this once and for all. The candle seeming to sense danger lashed out hitting Mirabel with a blast that sent her stumbling back.

Pain, searing pain. Mirabal screamed as she felt more pain than she thought possible. She heard the door slam open and someone call her name in horror. Pain so much pain.

"Mirabel! What..."

"The candle..she went for the candle...it defended it's self.."

It all faded to black

ᙙĬᙖ

"I told you she was a curse!"

"She tried to destroy our miracle!"

"Bruno was right!"

"Is she dead?"

"No she's still breathing."

"Her face!"

Consciousness found it's way back to Mirabel she opened her eyes her face still burning. But something was wrong, her world was not there. She could hear the voices, feel another hand holding hers but her sight was gone. Did her glasses fall off? No thats not it even without them she should still be able to but she should be able to see. "Mamá!" she called out "Mamá!"

"I'm here mi niña pequeña." Juileta stroked her daughters face "I'm here..." she had to look away. She couldn't bare to see her daughter face like that..horribly burnt. The wounds extending down her neck. And her eyes...

"I can't see Mamá!"

Eyes. Clouded over. Eyes so bright this morning. Now dull.

"T-t-ry your glasses. Maybe they'll help..." Julieta mumbled placing the knocked off glasses back on her face.

Sight. Mirabel blinked as a fuzzy world came into view "It's all blurry! Why is it blurry."

"Because the candle decided this was the punishment you deserve!" Alma's shouted the candle firmly in her grasp "Bruno's vision spoke true. You are a danger to us. The candle knew this and so you are now marked forever to remind you of what you have done."

Bruno and Pepa stared down at Mirabel as if she was some sort of monster. Félix had his arm around his wife muttering in her ear trying to prevent a storm breaking out. Alma no longer saw her nieta she saw el diablo-the devil.

"You must leave at once, Mirabel. You are no longer one of us."

"Wait! No please. I haven't healed her..and you can't..." Julieta began begging "Let me try another arepa-"

"Julieta. These scars were given out from the candle it's very self. The candle has chosen to mark Mirabel this way. They can not be healed, if the candle didn't do this without reason it would of have worked by now." Alma forced Mirabel to stand up pulling her to her feet "I will escort her to the barn where she shall remain, Mirabel you must never return to Casita you are no longer part of la familia Madrigal. I banish you."

"You can't please-" Mirabel began to beg as she was pulled towards the door "Mamá!"

"NO! YOU CAN'T TAKE HER PLEASE!" Julieta was held back by Pepa "Agustín!" she turned to her husband "Stop them.."

"Maybe..it's for the best..." Agustín "Maybe she'll be better off...somewhere else.."

"HOW COULD YOU SAY THAT?! SHE'S YOUR HIJA!"

"We also have to think about Luisa and Isabela..if Mirabel truly is a threat."

Julieta swung her head around "You can't be serious! Pepa,Pepa please-"

"Keep that...monster away from my son." Pepa muttered.

ᙙĬᙖ

It all passed in one big blur for Mirabel. Dragged kicking and screaming from her home. Taken into the barn. Handed some food and blankets and left. Mirabel sobbed to herself as night settled in not understanding how a day that started so well ended so awfully. That candle...that stupid candle.. She wanted to go home, she wanted her mother.

The days passed into weeks. Mirabel kept hope up that Alma would change her mind and let her come home. Julieta would come spend as much time as she could with her. Bringing her food, clean clothing and scraps of material Mirabel could sow with. The candle destroyed her vision, but it seemed to show some slight mercy if you call it that. With glasses she could see just enough to do her embroidery. The one thing stopping her from going completely insane.

The weeks passed into months. Mirabel accepted Alma was not coming back for her. Julieta now forbidden from spending her days in the barn neglecting her duties started meeting with her secret at night. Julieta refusing to see her daughter as a monster. Never forgiving Agustín for not standing on her side. Isabela seemed almost glad her baby sister was gone. Luisa crying at the mere mention of Mirabel's name refusing to talk about it.

Alma made a new family rule. We don't talk about Mirabel.

The rest of the family moved on, their attention showered on the family's newest addition.

All of Mirabel's belongings were moved out the nursery and into an empty stall in the barn, it was as if Mirabel never existed in the walls of Casita.

The months passed into years. Alma found out about the nightly visits and at her request Casita locked at night. Julieta and Pepa would take turns each morning leaving enough food to get Mirabel through the day by the fence.

Mirabel would attempt to visit Casita only to have the house throw her back out, eventually the house would sense her approach and lock all doors and windows.

So Mirabel now fifteen years old would spend her days wandering around the village square looking forward to moments Julieta can sneak in a hug or sitting in the barn with only her thoughts for company. Luisa would give her a smile if no one was looking but if the rest of the family saw her they made it a point to ignore her save Agustín who would look away in shame. Mirabel could never figured out if he was ashamed of her or the fact he didn't stand up for her. She somehow became a favourite among the children who would bring them their ripped clothes to fix before their mothers found out. And thats where they would find her on a sunny day, under a tree by the river working on some sort ripped clothing item.

The burn marks from the candle left both eyes horribly scarred a scar almost like a streak of lightning ran down her neck. One would think children would find her frightening but quite the opposite despite their parents protests of '"stay away from her".

Still Mirabel was far from content, every time she looked at Casita. Every time she saw the villagers work her family to the bone not even bothering to say thank you. Bitterness filled her heart. How could they sleep at night exploiting her family like that? How does Alma sleep at night knowing and encouraging it? All while she was left to rot because she didn't have gift.

Mirabel remembered the prophecy given to her, she was the one destined to destroy the miracle. A smile spread across her face as she looked towards Casita. If she was the one who was going to make it fall, she was going to do everything to fulfil it.

She will do what she tried to do five years ago...

That candle will be going out for good.

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