Dolores followed the backroads around the town Mirabel one step behind her as usual. Some weeks had passed since she was was thrown out and with Mirabel's help she was learning quickly. She understood now why Mirabel usually insisted on wearing her hood up and keeping her head low when venturing into the town, it helped hide her identity just long enough for her to slip by. It was for that reason she now wore a red ranua-a gift from Pepa who joked that now she could look the part. Having had things thrown at them, pushed, insulted, tripped Dolores quickly learned to not linger around too long. Between visits with their family Mirabel would attempt to pass on her embroidery skills to Dolores or they would just take the time to relax waiting to make their next move. Dolores sighed hearing Mirabel's stomach growl. Having slept in this morning their food was left outside the door now locked from the inside of a night at Dolores's insistence they woke up to their food thrown across the ground and ruined. If they wanted to eat today they would have to get it themselves, but from where? Dolores really didn't want to risk going into the marketplace to get more off Julieta though she would give it to them no questions asked. But if she had to she would go.
"I don't get it..who would ruin our food? Someone who just wants to see us go hungry?" Mirabel grumbled "I mean it's not surprising for this damn town but come on-really? They going to try starving us now?"
"I know Mira...I don't get it either." Dolores tried to comfort the younger girl but inside she was fuming herself. They reached the bakery the smell making both their mouths water. With small hope Dolores entered, she knew the owner Señora Díaz very well and had often given the family free goods. Surely she can show them some mercy now? Even if it was something small as long as Mirabel got to eat Dolores didn't care. "Señora Díaz?" she called looking down at the basket she was carrying "I was hoping-"
The older woman looked at the pair like they were some stray animals that wandered in "You two! Get out! Señora Madrigal made the request to refuse the pair of you any service. Now scat!"
"You can't be serious!" Mirabel protested pushing past Dolores "You're just going to mindlessly obey every command she gives you? You spineless-"
Dolores shoved Mirabel towards the door "Leave it, Mirabel. We're not welcome here." she threw a dirty glare over her shoulder as they left. So much for me being to call in a favour anytime.
"So now what? We should just go to Mamá-" she crashed into Dolores when she suddenly stopped "What's wrong? Is someone there?"
"Abuela is talking with Señora Guzmán neither look happy. Mariano is there too."
A grin spread across Mirabel's face "Can we go investigate? And besides you been wanting to speak with that dumb hunk. Here's your chance."
"Ohhh..fine. But I know what you're like, don't bait Abuela for once...please." Dolores took a hold of Mirabel's arm putting a smile on her face she walked forward ignoring Alma "Oh hello Señora Guzmán, Mariano. Don't mind us we are just passing through."
Señora Guzmán gave the two a small smile ignoring the glare Alma gave her "Oh, Dolores...Mirabel."
Mariano stared at Dolores for a moment before smiling "Having a nice day Little Red Riding Hood?"
"Excuse me?" Dolores stared at him.
"Oh sorry..it's just the fact your wearing a hood and it's red...and your holding that little basket...oh nevermind." he glanced towards Mirabel who was clenching her growling stomach "Hungry?"
"Someone destroyed our food this morning." Mirabel growled "And no shops will serve us, so yeah we're hungry." her eyes narrowed as she glanced sideways at Alma who looked away with a smile of satisfaction on her face. Could she of been the one who destroyed our food? I wouldn't put it past her I really wouldn't.
"We tried to go the bakery but..well it didn't go well. I'm just trying to get Mirabel something to eat. I'll be fine." Dolores looked away as her own stomach growled.
Mariano held out his hand "Give me the basket, I'll go get you BOTH something to eat."
Not sure what else to do Dolores handed over the basket and watched Mariano disappear down the road before a clearing of a throat startled her.
"What do you think you are doing?" Alma moved to stand in the front of them "What are you up to now?"
"We told you, idiot." Mirabel snapped back at her "We're just trying to get a bite to eat..you were the one who destroyed our food weren't you?"
"Why would I do that? Got any proof? Why would I even be over there?"
Mirabel narrowed her eyes as she began walking forward "I know you did it you-"
Dolores pulled her back shaking her head glaring at Alma "Did you destroy out food supply or no?"
"No of course not. Are you just going believe her over me?"
Dolores gave a scoff of amusement "Is that even a question? Absolutely." straightening herself up "I do apologise Señora Guzmán, I hope we are not interrupting anything too important."
Señora Guzmán shook her head "Oh we were just discussing Mariano marrying Isabela. Frankly after the way she stood him up last time I want to break the whole thing off..but your Abuela here keeps pushing it."
"I told you Isabela was kidnapped but those two!' Alma pointed at Dolores and Mirabel "They ruined the night."
"Those two..one of them blind? I'm sick of the excuses Alma. Just admit your granddaughter stood up my son."
Mirabel had to bury her face into Dolores's side to muffle her snickering. Oh this is great.
Mariano returned shoving the now full basket into Dolores's hands "Here..some breads, cakes...cookies. Not sure what you would of liked so I got a little of everything."
Dolores and Mirabel could only stare at the goods in shock not quite believing it. "You.." Dolores looked back up tears forming in her eyes "You have no idea what this means to us. This is the first bit of kindness we have been shown. ¡Gracias! ¡Gracias!" she would of hugged him if her hands were not full.
"It's..no trouble. Really."
Mirabel couldn't help but be suspicious "What's the catch? Are they poisoned or something? No one ever shows me any mercy."
"No catch. I'm not the bad guy here Mirabel. Really."
Alma folded her arms "Why are you doing this?"
"They're hungry. Mamá raised me to help those in need for one day we may need help in turn." he smiled at Señora Guzmán who beamed back proudly.
"Well we thank you, but we must be on our way." Dolores turned her away so no one could see the blush starting to spread along her face.
"Goodbye, Dolores."
Mirabel waited until they were far out of hearing range before snickering "The dumb hunk likes you Dolores."
"Oh don't start." Dolores looked over her shoulder "At least there's one person in this town with a heart. The rest of this town would see us starve before giving us a crumb. I know we can get something off Tía Julieta anytime but that's not the point."
"Welcome to my life, Dolores. Now you're with me everything you have done no longer matters. They see you lower than the dirt they walk on."
"I don't regret my choice. I'm staying at your side, if that means being seen as a demon to then so be it. You're my priority now..and I meant what I said. Once all this is over I'm still staying with you." they entered the barn and Dolores plopped the basket on their table pulling put a a small round cheesebread handing it to Mirabel "Eat this, you need it."
Mirabel watched Dolores as she grabbed something for herself "Were you really planning on starving yourself if we couldn't get enough food for both of us?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"You need it more than I do."
"You have to look after yourself to, Dolores. You just throw yourself between me and any threat without thinking." Mirabel smiled softly "Its quite something."
Dolores pulled her into an embrace "I would do it anytime, just as I would for Camilo or Antonio. Luisa..is well Luisa no one would dare mess with her as for Isabela...it would depend on my mood but I guess she is still mi familia." Dolores put her hand on Mirabel's cheek "You're my hermanita now. And I must admit each day you do feel more like my hija...just don't tell Julieta." Dolores laughed Mirabel joining in. A squawk made Dolores turn her head as Pico flew in dropping two pieces of folded paper at their feet before flying back out "Huh?" Dolores bent down picking the papers up, each of them had a name written on them in childish scribble. Dolores and Mirabel. Passing the one with Mirabel's name on it to her she opened hers up and smiled when she saw it was a letter from Antonio.
To my favourite sister, Dolores
I miss you and I wish you didn't have to go away
I am sorry Abuela was mean to you and made you leave I miss you kissing me goodnight
Mamá said one day you are going to come home and bring Mirabel with you.
I hope so! Then you and Mirabel can play with me everyday.
Mamá said she'll bring me to visit soon and we can all go on a picnic.
Mamá helped me with the spelling, but I know how to spell a lot of words on my own now!
From your favourite brother, Antonio.
"Oh, Antonio I miss you to hermanito." Dolores held the letter close to her heart "What does yours say, Mirabel?"
"Uhhh..." Mirabel was staring at her letter like it was a foreign script "I can't..."
"You can't?"
"I can't..read it..I can't make out the words..it's too blurry they are all just smudged together and.."
Dolores took the letter "Hey it's okay, I forgot about your problems with reading. I am sorry, I'll read it for you."
To my favourite (don't tell Luisa or Isabela) prima, Mirabel
It makes me sad that everyone makes you sad I want you to be happy.
Abuela says bad things about you. But don't worry cause I like you!
Mamá said you and Dolores will come home one day and since you don't have a room you can share mine.
I think you'll like it with all the animals I don't have any donkeys though..but I could get you one!
Mamá said she'll take me on a picnic and I can bring you and Dolores to, I promise Pico won't eat your food this time.
Mamá helped me spell all the words but I'm learning a lot at school and I'll teach you to.
From your favourite primo, Antonio.
Mirabel smiled "Antonio..so sweet. I do feel bad about taking his gift away but..if we have to. We'll just have to break it to him gently." the only guilt Mirabel felt about her plan was what it would do to Antonio he was too young to understand. So they avoided the topic around him all together, they'll explain later.
"Ah yes I been thinking about that, but he'll be okay. We will get him a pet or something, we won't take animals away from him all together. That would be like taking flowers off Isabela." Dolores's eyes lit up "Oh, lets write him a letter back he'll love it. We can get whoever comes here next to deliver it for us." she grabbed a pen and ripped a page from the journal she kept "I'll write but you can help with deciding what it says."
After back and forth discussion, scribbling out, scrapping the letter and starting over they were happy with their result.
To Antonio our favourite hermanito/primo (don't tell Camilo)
We both loved your letters they made our whole day.
We miss you to Toñito and we look forward to your next visit.
You'll have to tell us all the things you are learning at school you are such a smart boy.
Yes one day we will both be coming home but until Abuela stops being mean we have to stay in the barn.
But we promise when we do we will play with you as much as we can.
We can't wait for the picnic!
See you soon.
From your favourite hermana Dolores and favourite prima Mirabel.
Dolores smiled in satisfaction as she folded it over writing Antonio's name on it "He'll love it."
"MIRABEL! DOLORES!"
The two turned their heads as Alma stormed in "Do you two realise what you have done?!"
Dolores quickly hid all the letters "What on earth are you talking about now?"
Mirabel shook her head "Ever heard of knocking? Really now no manners."
"You two know exactly what I mean. Señora Guzmán called off our arrangement all together believing Isabela stood Mariano up."
"And that's our fault how?"
Alma grabbed Mirabel by the arm out of the corner of her eye she saw Dolores leap to her feet ready to spring to Mirabel's defence "It's your fault Isabela missed the dinner, don't pretend with me Mirabel I know you did it. You were always jealous of Isabela."
"Jealous of the fact she gets to be your little puppet and I don't? Give me a break. Besides how would I kidnap her?"
"Oh easy you had Dolores do the dirty work for you didn't you?"
Mirabel scoffed "Not my fault if Señorita Perfecta turns out no so perfecta. You really think I care wherever or not Isabela gets married or not? I have bigger problems."
Dolores edged closer eyes narrowed ready to pull Alma off Mirabel at a second notice "We know it was you who destroyed our food."
"I did not!" Alma protested "I do not lie, do not accuse me of lying."
"Oh please." Mirabel wanted to laugh "If lies were cats you would be a litter."
Alma's gripped tightened causing Mirabel to let out a cry of pain "How dare you-"
Dolores had enough, Mirabel's cry was her cue pulling Alma off and shoving her backwards "Just admit it, it was you wasn't it? And you made sure it would be difficult for us to get more. Telling shops not to serve us. Basically giving the public permission to attack us on sight. It's your attempt to try and stop us isn't it? Well it will not work."
Alma didn't say anything but her face told them all they needed to know, confirming what they already believed.
"You truly are a coward.' Mirabel dismissed her with a wave of the hand "Dolores get rid of her."
"Of course, Mira." Dolores began pushing the elderly woman out the door.
"Take your orders from her now do you Dolores? You're 21 and following commands from a 15 year old."
Dolores didn't answer just shoved her all the way out closing the door in Alma's face. Walking back to Mirabel she let the anger on her face drop "She didn't hurt you did she?"
"No. I'm fine. I just hate her so much."
"I know..believe I do too. Both of us will get justice. You'll get your revenge."
Mirabel smirked "And believe me when I say I look forward to the day Alma Madrigal is on her knees begging me for mercy. I can't wait to see her face when her precious candle crumbles in my grasp."
Dolores chuckled "And you know when that day comes I'll be right at your side. It's you and me against the world now."
Mirabel walked over the window where she could see the town "These fools better start getting used to doing things on their own, they called me dark from the start so I'll play the role as their bad guy." a grin spread across her face "I can just hear their cries as they realise their precious miracle is gone and it's.."
"It's what?"
Mirabel turned around still grinning "It's glorious."
...
That night Mirabel was tossing and turning whimpering in her sleep "No..no..don't hurt me please..no not the water...no..NO"
Mirabel screamed as she was shoved into the fountain she tried sitting up but something..no someone was keeping her face down in the water, instinct set in as she began thrashing. They were going to drown her, they were going to drown her. Suddenly feeling the relief of fresh air as she was pulled out sputtering out water as she coughed and inhaled the sweet fresh air. Laying on her back take deep shaky breaths she couldn't make out the face of her attackers.
All she knew is that she was scared and in pain, her arm hurt from being dragged along like a doll. Her knees stinging from where she skinned them on the pavement. Her throat sore from screaming for help that never came. All she could do was lay and cry and beg for mercy "Please don't hurt me...please don't hurt me...please.." all sounds were muffled as a sudden jolt of pain the world went dark.
"Don't hurt me..don't hurt me..."
Dolores was jolted awake from Mirabel's thrashing and crying "Mirabel?" she turned on their small lantern holding it over her "Mirabel what's wrong?"
"DON'T HURT ME!"
"MIRABEL!" Dolores shook her "Wake up you're safe, wake up. You're safe I promise wake up."
Mirabel's eyes snapped open "They hurt me..."
"Who hurt you?"
"They did. They hurt me."
Dolores didn't push the issue "It's okay, it was just a nightmare. It's just you and me here, and I'm not going to hurt you." she pulled the younger girl closer comforting her as if she was still back in the nursery with Camilo "Do you want to talk about it?"
Mirabel firmly shook her head "No...I'm sorry for waking you. I haven't had a nightmare in ages."
"Don't worry about it, everyone has them. I've had my fair share nothing to be ashamed of. Just close your eyes and go back to sleep.
Mirabel obeyed drifting off to a now peaceful slumber.
Laying beside her Dolores watched her unable to get back to sleep herself. It wasn't the first time Dolores was awoken by Mirabel talking in her sleep. Always about someone hurting her, but never had she actually seen Mirabel thrash around like that. Dolores didn't need to ask who 'they' were. Having experienced it all first hand herself. Dolores was glad of the fact they had magical healing food after having a sharp stone thrown at her face, in any other town without magic that would of left her with a nasty scar. She had to practically pin Mirabel to stop her from launching herself at the one who threw it. Dolores really wasn't sure how much longer Mirabel could hold back before she finally snaps. And if she was honest she wasn't sure how long she'll be able to handle it, those she once considered friends now seeking to cause her harm.
Dolores had 16 years worth of their darkest secrets up her sleeve. Dolores gave a silent chuckle at the thought. It was never the intended plan but if they do end up finally pushing Mirabel's final button. Then well theres only one thing she could say about that.
They would live to regret it.
...
"Abuela blames Dolores and me for the whole Isabela and Mariano thing."
Julieta shook her head "I know, Isabela still says you kidnapped her. What really happened that night mi amor? Why would she make such a claim?"
Mirabel looked from Julieta to Agustín the latter looking back at her like she had come back from the dead "Because I kidnapped her."
"Wait..you actually did it?"
"Yep."
"Why? Why kidnap your own sister?"
"I had to make sure she missed the dinner, that's all." Mirabel smiled feeling as if she did absolutely nothing wrong "But the whole Señora Guzmán calling the whole arrangement off was out of my hands."
Agustín reached out a hand which Mirabel simply glanced out but didn't take "But why? Mirabel what did you have to gain?"
Mirabel had a smug look on her face "Well you see, Dolores likes Mariano. And since I owe her so much I took the liberty to eliminate the competition. A success I would say, and didn't seem like Isabela wanted to marry him anyway. So really I did a good thing. Only thing I didn't count on was her spying on us and opening that pretty little mouth of hers. An error I must admit but oh well. In the end I got my way."
Agustín's face dropped "Mira...what's happened to you? You never used to be so...cold."
"I said it once and I'll say it again. You can thank my sorry excuse of an Abuela for what I've become. Thank this town for treating me the way they do. When the world goes out of their way to make you a monster...you become a monster. You want your happy singing little girl back? Sorry to tell you but she is dead, and she ain't coming back."
"Julieta? Can't you-"
Julieta shot him a look "What? Tell her everything she went through is okay? I can't do that Agustín."
"It's okay Mamá, revenge is going to me mine. Then we can all be happy again once that curse is out of the way." Mirabel laughed "Alma Madrigal took everything from me so...I'll be simply collecting on that debt. I believe they call it karma."
Julieta knew that smile starting to spread on her daughters face glancing at her husband she saw a look mixed with fear and confusion.
"W-w-w-what are you talking about?" Agustín stammered.
"We're going to destroy the miracle Papá! Then we can be a family again! Isn't that great?"
"Destroy the miracle? Julieta? Did you know-"
Julieta interrupted him "Yes I know. And if you're asking what I pick you should know. I'm not picking a candle over my daughter. I'm not even going to ask you what side you're on. I'm your esposa and she is your hija. That should say it all. You want to patch things with Mirabel? Here's your chance."
Mirabel just stood there smiling "It's for the best Papá. It's the only way we can all be happy. Don't you want us all to be happy?"
"Of course I'll stand on your side, I never had a gift so it makes no difference to me. But are you sure this is what you want? Revenge?"
"Absolutely. Besides I can't stand by and watch my family slave away to this selfish ungrateful town any longer. If Abuela wants to fight me over this well..I'd love to see her try and stop me. It's my destiny after all, and who I am to defy destiny?"
"And who else is in on this?"
"Dolores of course, Luisa and Tía Pepa."
Julieta froze in shock for a moment "Luisa knows?"
"Sí, she was actually the first after Dolores. Camilo...I'm working on him will be telling him very soon actually...but I'm sure he'll be willing. He is always saying how his gift prevents him from finding out who he really is. So I'm sure he'll be happy for it to go, just like Dolores was."
Agustín rubbed his face "How exactly are you going to accomplish all this?"
Mirabel chuckled "You'll see...you'll see. Though doing this will have a rather..unfortunate consequence for myself..." she took off my glasses "Having glasses blessed by a magic candle is nice and all but...when there's no magic candle...well I have no vision...I mean I'll manage I doubt blind people outside of the Encanto have magic sight giving glasses so I'll adjust I'm sure.."
Julieta's hand flew to her mouth "I..didn't think about that. Oh my baby...you'll be blind..."
"I already am blind, Mamá. Everyone else is giving up the magic so I must give up mine...I will miss my embroidery though will have to think up a new hobby that doesn't require sight..doesn't leave me many options." Mirabel placed her glasses back on her face taking in the saddened faces of her parents "Don't be sad for me, really don't."
"You won't be alone mi corazón." Julieta hugged her "You'll get all the help you need."
"What about Isabela?" Agustín questioned "Are you going to leave her out?"
"Señorita Perfecta? Oh I'll get her on my side...in time. Don't worry I know exactly what I'm doing...and I'm rather enjoying see the great Alma Madrigal get increasingly more paranoid." Mirabel laughed "Enjoying it very much...but anything I do to her isn't enough compared to what she did to me..." the creak of the door drew her attention "Ah, Dolores you're back. I was just talking about our plan, Papá here will be joining our side."
Dolores entered the barn followed by Pepa and Félix "I too was talking about it, and now theres two more on our side."
Mirabel stared at Félix for a moment "Ah, that's great Tío Félix really. Not that I had any doubt in you I knew you wouldn't choose Abuela over Dolores and Tía Pepa."
Félix and Agustín exchanged a look wondering just what they had gotten roped into.
"Everything is going exactly to plan, Mirabel. And I believe Camilo is ready...more than ready we really should of told him by now." Dolores took her place by Mirabel's face leaving their parents to exchange looks back and forth.
"He is and we should of...very well. Tomorrow...we will tell him tomorrow. Today I have..business to attend to..." Mirabel chuckled
"What are you thinking of now?"
"Well a little birdie told me Abuela is having another meeting with Señora Guzmán later to try and get her change her mind."
"You're going to go interrupt it, ain't you? Why?"
Mirabel giggled "For fun. Why else? Besides Isabela doesn't even want to marry him and you got a crush on Mariano-" seeing the surprised look spread across the faces of Pepa and Félix she put her hand over her mouth "Oh whoops I shouldn't of said that out loud."
A blush spread across Dolores's face "Doesn't mean he likes me."
"Oh he loves you, trust me." Mirabel turned to Pepa and Félix "Wouldn't your hija just make the most beautiful bride? I sure do think so."
Both of them couldn't help but beam at that "She really would." Pepa looked at her daughter.
Dolores folded her arms "And what exactly do you plan on doing La Diabla del Encanto?"
"La Diabla del Encanto?" Félix asked in confusion.
"La Diabla del Encanto is what people in town call Mirabel." Dolores laughed as Mirabel took a bow "She's quite proud of her title."
"Indeed, the fact the whole town is scared of little old me so much they call me this she devil. It amuses me to a great extent."
Dolores shook her head in amusement "So what are you going to do? You won't have to do much, just your existence sends Abuela into a rage."
"You need not worry, I know what I'm doing. Don't you trust me not to provoke her on purpose?"
"No." was the immediate response.
Mirabel scoffed and flicked her hand "Come with me than, you'll see I'll be on my best behaviour." she walked over to hug Julieta "Thank you for coming to see me but you know how it goes..things to do...mischief to cause." she giggled.
"Mirabel...please don't go stirring up more trouble for yourself...just leave it." Julieta cupped her daughter's face.
"I can't do that Mamá."
Julieta just sadly shook her head as Mirabel pulled away.
Dolores hugged her parents goodbye "I will make sure she doesn't do anything to stupid Tía Julieta."
"I'm just going to have a little fun. I have to do something for entertainment around here. Oh we must be on our way if we are not to be late." with a wave she left the barn Dolores following her with a smirk of amusement.
"Are we not even going to try to stop them?" Félix asked concerned with each day that passed Dolores was becoming more like Mirabel..and as for Mirabel herself no one needed to say it they could all see it, each day she fell deeper into the pit of madness that no one could pull her from.
"There's no point..you can't stop them...if they don't get what they want one way they'll get it another. You saw the vision one way or another Mirabel will get exactly what she wants. Fighting against them will do no good." Pepa rested her head on his shoulder "Believe me..I'm concerned about them but I'm afraid it's far too late..."
"There's no turning back." Julieta said softly "Mamá thinks she has helped us but in the end..she has just guaranteed the destruction of it all. And I won't turn my back on Mirabel again."
...
Mirabel and Dolores watched in amusement as Alma begged Señora Guzmán to reconsider calling off the arrangement. Seeing her beg and plead like that filled them with a joy they couldn't describe.
"I don't understand why you won't give us a second chance."
"I have discussed it with Mariano. He supports breaking it off, look Isabela is a sweet girl but Mariano told me he doesn't want to marry her. I won't force him to."
"But-"
Señora Guzmán threw her hands in the air "Oh let it go Alma, you'll have women throwing their sons your way to marry your granddaughter. I would like to merge our families but not if it means my son being unhappy. Besides, Isabela isn't the only Madrigal girl."
Alma frowned "Who else is there? Luisa?"
"And that Dolores."
"Dolores is no longer a Madrigal."
With a quick glance and a nod at each other Mirabel and Dolores decided to make their presence known. Mirabel being the first to speak "Ahh everyone always forgets poor little Mirabel." with a grin "Hola, Señora Guzmán. Having a fine day I sure hope."
"What do you two want?" Alma snapped at them "Where you two go trouble follows."
"Oh nothing.." Dolores smiled "We just couldn't help but over hear that Mariano doesn't want to marry Isabela."
"Yes because of you two! You ruined everything!"
"Huh. Guess I'm more powerful than I thought..interesting.." Mirabel chuckled in amusement.
Señora Guzmán turned away from Alma smiling at the two former Madrigal's "Hello girls, no more food issues I hope."
"No, we are just fine." Dolores's grin got wider when she saw Alma getting angrier over Señora Guzmán favouring paying attention to them. "Please do tell Mariano again we really appreciate what he did. We both got to eat our fill."
"I'm glad to hear that and I'll pass on your message, Mariano would be glad to hear it to."
Mirabel moved around reaching her arms out to Alma "Hey, Abuela how about a nice warm hug for your least favourite nieta? I mean I guess someone has to be the least favourite."
Alma just glared at Mirabel "Do you ever just go away?"
"Nope!" Mirabel said in delight "Because me going away would make you happy..and that's not something I want." Mirabel started laughing with Dolores joining in.
"See what I mean with these two?" Alma turned to Señora Guzmán "Trouble. Dolores was such a good girl until Mirabel got a hold of her. I would advise you keep your son away from them."
"Whatever you say, Alma."
"Aww Abuela..you're no fun.' Mirabel turned away pleased with the frustration she was causing "Come, Dolores clearly we are not wanted here."
Dolores nodded with a smile "We never are, are we? Such a pity." grabbing Mirabel's arm she waved to Señora Guzmán with her free hand "Goodbye, Señora Guzmán do tell Mariano he can drop by anytime."
Alma watched them leave What are you two planning next? I know you two are just waiting for something. Your little acts don't fool be one bit. I promise you whatever you do next, I'm prepared to fight back.
They can't be this unstoppable force...right?
No, there has to be a way.
...
"Do you feel guilty?"
Isabela rolled her eyes as she glanced over to Luisa who was standing in front of her bed "Guilty for what?"
"For getting Dolores thrown out."
"No." Isabella snapped and turned her back to her sister, but deep down a pang of guilt would not leave ever not since she heard that front door slam. Dolores was her best friend and yet she chose Mirabel over her, helped her kidnap her! "And before you ask I don't feel sorry for Mirabel either, I hate her."
Luisa shook her head "Do you really believe Mirabel is the demon Abuela claims her to be?"
"Yes, she is nothing but trouble. It's dangerous just to have her in the Encanto. Abuela wanted to remove her completely but since the mountains are impassable...we're stuck with her."
Oh Isabela why can't you open your eyes...I don't want to be your enemy..but I don't want to be Mirabel's either. "She's our sister, Isabela." Luisa pointed out "Even if we're not allowed to consider her one, she shares our blood."
"She's not my sister! Not anymore! All she has ever done since the day she was born was bring everyone misery." Isabela got off her bed and into Luisa's face "Abuela says it would of been better for the whole family if she died from one of those illnesses she always had."
Luisa was shocked "She...said...what?"
"You heard me."
"And do you agree with that?"
Isabela looked away "If she did..we would be remembering her as the sweet innocent girl she was not knowing her as the monster she has become." deep down all Isabela wanted was her youngest sister back. She wanted to hear Mirabel's laugh, see that huge smile as she begged Isabela to teach her about flowers, to see the playful mischief in those brown eyes as she played with Camilo. But that Mirabel was never coming back, in a way her sister was dead. Died tragically young. That's what she told herself, Mirabel Madrigal her beloved hermanita was dead. The Mirabel out in that barn was not her sister.
"How could you think that way?" Luisa tried to meet her eye but Isabela refused to meet hers.
Don't you get it? I want Mirabel back but Mirabel is GONE! Isabela screamed in her head The real Mirabel died years ago, I've moved on and so should you.
When Isabela didn't answer her Luisa just sighed and began walking out "I know in your heart, you never really stopped loving her. Deep down in there somewhere..you know Mirabel didn't choose for this to happen. All she ever tried to do was earn your love."
Isabela waited a few minutes after her door clicked closed to scream into her pillow. Screaming in frustration for the life she was trapped in, screaming for her sister. Screaming out a feeling she felt ever since she first saw Mirabel's scarred face.
Regret.
...
Camilo knew it. He knew it. Mirabel and Dolores were up to something, and his mother telling him they wanted to speak with him about something important just confirmed that for himself.
Now he stood in front of them in the barn, both having smiles on their faces but the smiles were off...Camilo wasn't sure how to describe them. "So...what did you call me here for?"
Dolores glanced at Mirabel "You can do the honours this time, Mira. You're the one in charge around here after all."
Mirabel nodded and stepped forward "Camilo my dear primo we are going to need your help..."
Camilo looked back and from between his sister and cousin "Help with what?" he locked eyes with Mirabel "What is going on?"
"We're going to destroy the miracle."
Mariano is a good guy here, he and his mother one of the few townspeople who are kind to Mirabel and Dolores.
The romance between Dolores and Mariano will be a minor side plot.
Mirabel's nightmare is intentionally vague.
Just a nightmare or a memory from the past? You decide
You guys voted for the town to pay and so I shall obey.
Evil Mirabel and Dolores it is, it'll be very interesting to write them as villains.
Justified villains but villains.
How the rest of the family will react to this and how this effects Dolores's relationship with Mariano well you'll have to wait and see.
And I'll say it again, they ain't going to go and kill the whole town that's going overboard.
In the original idea I had for this, Mirabel does accidentally cause the death of a minor character...I could always keep that concept but make it not an accident. Or scrap it all together. I'll see.
Review responses
Reedz22: I mean Pepa could destroy the whole town by herself if she wanted too and Luisa could just crush everyone in her path. So if the family does decide to turn against the town, they are screwed.
Z-King: I'm afraid it's too late, the family knows they are too late and it seems Dolores is following her down that path.