Camilo wasn't sure what he was expecting but what Mirabel just said definitely wasn't it "You're going to what?".
"Destroy the miracle." Mirabel repeated as if it was the obvious thing in the world.
Camilo looked at Dolores waiting for her to tell him they were joking, but that never came instead both just smiled more "You're...you're...serious..."
"Of course we are, why would we joke about it?" Dolores questioned "Everyone will be happier."
"...and you need my help why?"
Mirabe grinned as she grabbed his shoulders "Join us Camilo, stand against Abuela. Stand on our side and help us deliver justice."
"Do as you will, Camilo. But in the end you'll either be with us or against us." Dolores stood behind Mirabel "And I'd much rather you be with us, Abuela deserves what's coming but you don't. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you."
Camilo knew he didn't have much of a choice, if he turned against them now he had no clue what they'll do to him. He would like to think they wouldn't hurt him but with the way the pair have been acting..he wasn't sure. He didn't want to be the target of Mirabel's rage. That and he promised he would be there for them..the both of them. And after all wasn't the chance to be free what he always wanted? "O-o-okay. But I don't want to hurt anyone."
"Oh don't worry, Dolores and I will be doing all the hard work. You just have to stand on our side when the time comes..oh and don't make it too obvious. I want to see the shock on Abuela's face when everyone turns and stands with me. She turned everyone against me..well two can play that game. I'll turn everyone against her." Mirabel let Camilo go "Oh this is going perfect, just perfect. Don't you just think so, Dolores?"
"Indeed. Just as we planned."
Camilo could only stare as the two shared a victorious grin "And how are you going to destroy the miracle?"
Mirabel gave him a dismissive wave "You'll see, but you'll know when the time has come."
"Dolores?" Camilo asked his sister.
"You'll know when the time comes." was all Dolores would say.
"Any other questions, Camilo?" Mirabel asked "Been having any...gift issues?"
"Ah..people still ask me to babysit."
Mirabel tutted "Never want just Camilo, do they? Such a pity..such a pity..but once Dolores and I are done you'll never be asked to become someone else again..poor little town will have to learn to function by themselves. I would say my heart will break for them but if anything the thought brings a smile to my face."
Dolores chuckled "Aww come on, Mira. Show them some pity, don't you feel sorry for them? The fact they have no clue what's going to hit them?"
"Umm let me think..no. But if it pleases you I'll try and remember to shed a tiny little tear for them."
"More than they do for you."
Mirabel huffed "Indeed."
"Should...I go?" Camilo "Or do you two need something?"
"Oh you don't need to go. Stay and talk." Dolores put an arm around Camilo's shoulders "We love company."
Mirabel nodded "Oh yes, please do stay a while. How's things been going for you?"
"Uh...well. Nothing much been happening. Both your names are forbidden to be mentioned in front of her. She's ranted all throughout dinner last night how you ruined the arrangement she had with Señora Guzmán." he rose an eyebrow when both girls snickered "Did you actually kidnap Isabela? She keeps going on about it."
"Yeah, we did." Dolores admitted with a shrug "Is she still on about that though? It's been weeks. What did you do to her Mirabel?"
"Nothing, she's being over dramatic. She's the one who knocked me out."
"Wait..you actually did it?" Camilo's eyes were wide in shock "She was telling the truth?"
"She doesn't even want to marry Mariano, she needs to let it go. She's acted like we tortured her." Mirabel rolled her eyes "You see Camilo...Dolores likes Mariano a lot. But Mariano was arranged to marry Isabela...so some interference was required."
"How do you know she doesn't want to marry him?"
"There's not much going on around here I don't eventually hear about. And I been observing. The forced smile she put on when ever he was mentioned. And often I would hear her pacing back and forth by the river. Repeating over and over how she doesn't love him that way but she has to do it for the family. For Abuela."
Neither Mirabel or Dolores looked even slightly bothered by what happened if anything they looked pleased.
Huh, Isabela was telling the truth after all. And Mirabel is completely nuts...I mean guess I would be too can't hold that against her. Camilo ran his hand through his hair "But it backfired didn't it? Dolores got thrown out."
"Not really, all Abuela did was make things easier. I no longer have to sneak around, Mirabel and I can work closer. Abuela has no clue what she has done, I will not forgive her even if she came now and begged me on her knees. She removed me from the family tree! Threw me out into the night! And now the town has turned against me, after everything I'm treated worse than dirt." Dolores fumed "Which is why unless you want to end up like us out here...you'll have to be very secretive about this matter. And keep an eye out for boca grande Isabela."
"If you need to pass on a message, Antonio has got that bird of his delivering us letters. Give it to him to handle." Mirabel added.
"Right..message through birds..got it.."
Mirabel patted his shoulder as she walked past him "I know it all sounds horrible but trust me, it has to be done."
"Are we really all going to be happier?" Camilo questioned "I mean I'd be happy to finally figure out who I am but what about everyone else?"
"Yes." Dolores answered "I'm happy my gift is gone. Mamá isn't happy with hers she can never express her true emotion without someone complaining, Luisa is worked to exhaustion, Tía Julieta barely gets a chance to even look at her own children and Mirabel...well I don't need to explain about Mirabel."
Camilo's eyes went to Mirabel who sat herself down at the table and picked up her embroidery "And Abuela?" he saw a flash of rage in Mirabel's eyes when he said that.
"Abuela's happiness is not our concern." Dolores jumped in before Mirabel could start ranting "And Mirabel and Abuela could never live in the same house without wanting to kill each other, you know that. Mirabel blames Abuela for ruining her life. And Abuela won't forgive Mirabel for what she is going to do."
"Abuela can go where she likes, as long as it's far away from us." Mirabel didn't even look up "I hope she feels every bit of misery I had to."
Camilo glanced back to Dolores "Well..I better go...since you know...secretive."
"Of course, goodbye Camilo." Dolores gave him a squeeze "And thank you for your understanding. Your support will be much appreciated."
Mirabel looked up giving him a smile "Goodbye, primo."
Dolores closed the door behind him as he left "Well there's another one down. Now theres just Tío Bruno and Isabela."
"Tío Bruno will be hard...he doesn't like leaving the house much these days. Isabela...don't get be started. She believes every word Abuela says...converting her will be tricky. But not entirely impossible."
"You'll find a way I'm sure." Dolores sat in the chair across from her resting her head on the table "I say after all of this we make Abuela live in the barn."
Mirabel laughed "No that would be cruel."
"I thought you would be happy to make Abuela feel what you did."
"I meant it would be cruel to the donkeys..being stuck with her."
Dolores snickered "Always the one with the smart remarks ain't you?"
"Always." Mirabel cut her thread placing everything down on the table "I think I might go for a walk..I need some time alone if you would not mind. I'll just go to my usual spot by the river. I'll be back in a hour."
Dolores raised her head "Are you sure?"
"I been doing it for 5 years Dolores. I won't be anywhere near town." Mirabel stood up "Don't get me wrong I appreciate you looking after me so much it's just..."
"I get it, I've been overbearing I just can't help it. Go on then, but if you don't come back in a hour I'm coming looking for you. And if you see anyone who is not our family...just turn around."
Mirabel laughed as she opened the door "Of course, Mamá." she said the last word in a teasing tone "Anything else you need to tell me? Like don't go close to the riverbank?"
"Don't go to close to the riverbank."
"Darn there's goes my plans." Mirabel chuckled as she left.
Dolores stood up and grabbed a broom, she might as well do some cleaning. Humming softly to herself as she swept she was quite pleased with the progress being made, even if it was slow. She tried focus on the positive rather than the fact the whole town sees her as an enemy..well almost the whole town. Mariano...sweet charming handsome Mariano still treated her like an equal human being.
Mirabel kept promising her that his heart would be hers, that she would get her happy ending. And that's what she wanted more than anything...well one of them anyway. They were both going to get their happy ending.
Dolores would see to it.
...
Isabela walked along the river a soft smile on her face, she wouldn't admit it out loud but the news that the arranged marriage with Mariano had been called off. Even it meant the whole family had to listening to Alma cursing Mirabel and Dolores's names all throughout dinner. Mirabel for 5 years they hardly seen or heard her. But now all of a sudden it seemed she was everywhere...was this on purpose? It couldn't be coincidence that she started on the night of Antonio's ceremony, saw him get a gift proving it was just herself that was tainted and decided to take revenge out of jealousy.
"It's not our fault you're cursed." Isabela muttered to herself "Why take it out on us? Why ruin Dolores for your own selfishness?" walking back towards home she spotted someone sitting against a tree staring off into the distance coming to a stop when she realised just who it was. Storming over "Mirabel!" standing in front of her smirking "All alone huh? Where's your new best friend?"
Mirabel groaned "Oh how blessed am I, Princesa Isabela herself."
"What are you doing here?"
"I always sit here, what are you doing here? You might get dirt on that pretty dress of yours."
"I can do what I want!"
Mirabel laughed "No you do whatever Abuela tells you to like a good little girl. And if you were wondering I'm very pleased with myself for the trouble I caused. As for Dolores, she is back at home."
Isabela growled "Abuela was happy! The family was happy! But you had to go ruin it!"
"Yeah about that..I don't care. Making Alma Madrigal miserable is one of my greatest goals in life."
"I HATE YOU!"
Mirabel pulled herself to her feet "Oh Isabela..poor naive Isabela...don't you see what is really going on?" she reached out with her arms "How about a sisterly hug?"
Isabela took a step back "You're not my sister! I HATE YOU!"
"You let Abuela brainwash you...such a pity..such a pity. Freedom could be yours..if all you would do is listen to me. Come with me Isabela..see the truth."
"I WISH YOU WERE DEAD!" Isabela screamed at her not being able to stop herself "IF YOU WERE DEAD EVERYONE WOULD BE HAPPIER!" Isabela gasped realising what she just said. Did those words really come out of her mouth? She didn't mean it..no she didn't mean it. She really didn't mean it.
Mirabel stared at her fury filling her gaze no longer seeing her sister Mirabel threw herself at Isabela taking both to the ground. With the stunned Isabela underneath her Mirabel snapped. Delivering blow after blow to her sister's face "You...you..selfish...entitled...brat. You have no idea the hell I've been through."
Isabela groaned with the pain the shock preventing her from fighting back starting to wear off. When Mirabel's attacks didn't let down but got more aggressive Isabela realised if she didn't fight back Mirabel would kill her. Rage filling her she let her fist connect with Mirabel's stomach before shoving the winded Mirabel off "YOU MONSTER!" she screamed pinning her sister down and attacking her with full strength as she felt Mirabel's own failing. "You attacked me for no reason!"
"I had every reason!" Mirabel tried to shove Isabela off her but found her sister stronger. Glasses went flying off leaving her completely helplesss Dammit if I ever needed Dolores it's now."Get off me you-" her words we cut off as something wrapped around her throat and she began choking.
Isabela didn't realise she did it at first, it wasn't until the gasping sounds reached her ears it hit her what she was doing. Without knowing she had summoned vines and wrapped them around Mirabel's throat, now she lay underneath her slowly being strangled to death at her hands. Rage leaving her she saw her baby sister again, underneath her..dying. Gasping she called the vines off and jumped away from her sister. Her sister that now was bloody and bruised just like herself. The sister that tried to kill her. The sister she tried to kill.
Mirabel coughed "Y-you're no better than me Isabela. We are the same."
"We are nothing alike!" Isabela turned and ran pain burning from her own injuries a small trail of blood following her.
Mirabel stood up her legs trembling and slowly walking forward...tired...she felt so tired. And she couldn't see. She was sore she knew she was bleeding, she was tired. Oh so tired. How long had it been? Dolores said she'll come get her if she wasn't back within an hour. How long till that?
Her legs gave way, the grass was so soft right now. So tired, surely she could rest until Dolores got here. It's not like she could see where she was going anyway. Just a quick nap until Dolores got here..yes that was the plan. She closed her eyes she knew she had messed up and she had explaining to do but Isabela just made her so angry...but she'll worry about that later. For now all she wanted to do was rest. The world faded around her seeing nothing. Hearing nothing.
Not even Dolore's scream of horror.
...
Isabela stumbled through the door Casita opened for her and into the kitchen where Julieta, Pepa and Alma were gathered drinking coffee in silence "Mamá-"
The three women looked up gasping in horror at the sight of Isabela standing in front of them wounded and bloody. Alma was by her side in an instant as Julieta rushed to get something to heal her with. Pepa joined her mother at Isabela's side trying to keep the cloud at bay.
"Isabela...what happened?" Alma asked her eyes taking everything in.
"Mirabel...Mirabel attacked me..she tried to kill me..." Isabela whimpered. I provoked her...I tried to kill her...we tried to kill each other... Isabela wouldn't say that last part out loud she couldn't.
Julieta dropped the plate she was holding when she heard that colour draining from her face "Mirabel..she would never.."
Alma's face filled with fury "The evidence is right in front of you Julieta. Pepa get some clean cloth NOW. Julieta get her something to eat." she waited for Pepa to dart off hand over mouth then guided Isabela out of the kitchen and onto the courtyard bench helping her lay down "It'll be okay, mi linda flor. It'll be okay." Damn you to hell Mirabel, damn you. You'll pay for this.
Julieta appeared with a plate "Eat, mi amor."
Alma helped Isabela sit up relief filling her as the bruises faded as she ate but there was still blood, where the hell was Pepa? "Isabela..there's blood all down the front of your dress...". Pepa finally reappeared cloth tucked under one arm and carrying a bucket of warm water. "So much blood.."
"Some of it is Mirabel's blood...I had to fight her off...she got wounded..."
"Mirabel is out there hurt?!" Julieta cried looking towards the door.
"Dolores is taking care of her.." Isabela knew she was just assuming. For all she knew Mirabel could still be lying out there. No, Dolores would find her and give her something to eat and she would be fine. She didn't like Dolores much these days but she knew how protective she got over Mirabel.
"Forget Mirabel, Julieta. Just look what she's done! She tried to murder Isabela!" Alma was wiping the blood off with a cloth relieved to see the wounds were indeed gone.
"I just don't believe Mirabel would do such a thing. There has to be more to the story..Isabela please tell me."
Isabela looked at the three faces around her ending with Alma's. She should tell the truth, tell them she provoked Mirabel into doing it. Tell them it was also her fault but she couldn't. Her pride couldn't let her do it. "Mirabel attacked me with no warning. She had this crazy look in her eye, she was trying to kill me." I told her I wished she was dead..it just slipped out..I didn't mean it..I didn't mean it. I swear I didn't mean it.
"Well there we have it, Mirabel has gone to far. Any one of us could be next." Alma rubbed Isabela comfortingly "There there..Mirabel won't hurt you anymore."
"Was...Dolores there?" Pepa asked worriedly.
"She..didn't take part in the attack..but she sided with Mirabel when she saw what happened." I can't tell the truth..I can't..they won't believe me anyway...I'm perfect Isablea I would never..I ran and left Mirabel injured..and she can't see...what have I done? I'm sorry!
"Oh of course she did." Alma snapped turning to face Julieta and Pepa "Now you see, stay away from the both of them. I told you they were just tricking you. They are demons the pair of them."
"I just can't believe Mirabel would do this..." Julieta ran her fingers through her hair.
Alma scoffed "Oh Julieta you were there that day she went insane, the devil is in that one. No one is to step foot near that barn. For any reason."
"We don't even have Mirabel's side of the story!"
"Oh that girl would do nothing but lie!"
"At least let me speak with her!"
Alma frowned "I'll go see her later, I would love to see how she tries to justify herself. I swear Mirabel will pay for this." turning back to Isabela "Let's get you into in a bath, it'll make you feel better."
Pepa edged closer to Julieta whispering in her ear "I know Mirabel has been acting...well..you know...but could she really of done this?"
"I don't want to believe..I don't want to believe it..." Julieta whispered back watching Alma guide Isabela to the bathroom "But why would Isabela lie about Mirabel attacking her? I don't know who to believe Pepa...I don't know who to believe."
"We'll figure it out..but...if Mirabel truly did try to kill Isabela...I'll be wondering if Dolores is safe...all it will take is for Mirabel to turn on her..."
"Mirabel would never! She adores Dolores!"
Pepa bit her lip Or...my daughter might be just like her now. She supported Mirabel's actions according to Isabela. Oh Dios I'm scared of them..scared of my niece...and my own daughter.
...
Dolores was getting worried. Luisa like to joke she fretted over Mirabel like a mother and Dolores wouldn't deny it. Mirabel had been gone for well over a hour and with each minute that passed her worry grew. Mirabel always kept her word, if Mirabel said she would be back by now she would be..unless she couldn't. Had something happened?
Making up her mind to go find her, planning in her head to jokingly scold her for being late and telling her she said she would come get her. Chuckling to herself to push out the worry she walked to Mirabel's favourite spot. Her steps getting heavier as she got closer and saw the trail of red through the grass. More patches of red on the ground. "Mirabel?". Oh she hoped this wasn't what she thought it was. She paused when her foot hovered over something, a familiar pair of green glasses and...blood.
"No..no...no. MIRABEL!" she screamed picking up the glasses she ran forward her eyes scanning in every direction and then she saw her. Seeing Mirabel laying there motionless and bloody a horrified scream escaped her lungs."MIRABEL!" she threw herself down to the ground next to her "She's dead...she's dead...she's dead..." she said to herself over and over, the even rise and fall of her chest easing her fears a little. Mirabel was alive...but she was hurt.
Dolores pressed her ear to Mirabel's chest "Heartbeat normal..." she wanted to collapse with relief but she could do that later she shook Mirabel "Mirabel...wake up. Wake up." panic returning when the girl didn't respond. Dolores turned her head screaming "HELP! HELP US! WE NEED HELP!" oh who was she kidding no one was coming to their aid. Who did this...who did this? Oh Mira I'm sorry. Dolores had no way of knowing the extent of the injures..but she could heal her. She looked over her shoulder wondering if she should back and get something. But what if Mirabel got worse? What if whoever did this came back? Dolores glanced back down at Mirabel, she had no choice she would have to carry her.
Tucking the glasses away she grunted as she lifted Mirabel up resting her over her shoulder. The walk seemed to be longer now she was supporting Mirabel's full weight. Who did this..who did this? They left her for dead.
Dolores had never been happier to see that old donkey barn, placing Mirabel down she ran to grab something from the basket Julieta bought them. Kneeling back beside she realised her problem. How was she supposed to get Mirabel to eat? "Mirabel...Mirabel you have to wake up...you need to eat this.". She glanced at the arepa in her hand than back at Mirabel. Does she just force feed it to her? No wouldn't that choke her? She had no wake her up...just long enough so Dolores could feed her. "Wake up please..." Dolores began shaking her "Wake up..wake up..wake up..." she pleaded through the sobs. "Please don't do this to me..wake up."
Mirabel groaned opening her eyes to..well nothing. But the voice pleading next to her...so familiar "Dolores?"
"Mirabel! Gracias a Dios!" Dolores helped her sit up flinching when Mirabel winced in pain "Here...this will heal you." she placed the arepa into her mouth watching her take a few small bites "What happened? Who did this to you?"
"Isabela...had a fight with Isabela..."
"Isabela did this to you? What happened?"
"She..she said she wishes I was dead...and everyone would be happier...I just got so mad...I hit her first...it just got out of control..."
Damn it Isabela, you had to go open your mouth again. I know exactly who will get full blame for this. The evil demon Mirabel attacked poor little Isabela for no reason, that's what they'll be saying. "Oh, Mira..." she placed the arepa towards her mouth again "Eat some more, we need to heal your injuries before we worry about anything else."
"You came for me."
"I told you I would...but..."
"But?"
'When I saw you...I thought you were dead. I thought you were DEAD! I was so scared..."
"I'm sorry...Dolores..."
Dolores gently put an arm around her "It's not your fault...you shouldn't of done what you did...but there's another person involved here. I know Isabela provoked you...things just went way to far..."
"I ruined everything..the plan...everything..I let that entitled princess get to me. They'll never take my side over hers..they'll just think I'm some monster." she sat in silence for a moment "Isabela...left..me...she saw I was injured and LEFT ME. SHE LEFT ME THERE TO BLEED!"
"Shh shh..calm down..you'll injure yourself more. You really need to eat this whole arepa..please.." Dolores tried to get her to eat it but Mirabel was refusing. Catching her as she nearly collapsed back down "Your body is exhausted..you used up all your strength. If you won't eat at least rest."
"She said she wishes I was dead. That's why she left me. She wanted me to die! She tried to kill me!"
Dolores could feel Mirabel trembling "Rest, before you pass out on me. Por favor." she laid her down pulling a blanket over her "We'll talk about this when you can think with a clear mind. Just let me know if you're in pain."
Mirabel wanted to protest but she was tired, as if all the energy in her body was drained. I tried to kill Isabela...she tried to kill me...we tried to kill each other...she left me for dead...she wishes I was dead..
"Just go to sleep. I'll stay right here."
Mirabel allowed herself to drift back into a slumber to the sound of Dolores's whispers of comfort.
Dolores wasn't sure how long she was sitting there guarding over Mirabel, arepa put away for now when the barn door swung open with a bang. Dolores didn't even need to look to know what was happening. She glanced down at Mirabel who wasn't even stirring despite the shouting that was getting closer. She could use this to her advantage...she'll make her apologies to Julieta later. She had stopped holding back the tears letting them flow freely down her face. She didn't get up as three people now stood outside the stall. Alma's face a look of fury. Julieta and Pepa both looking distraught. "What do you want?" Dolores choked out between her now forced sobs.
"Mirabel tried to kill Isabela!" Alma pointed down at Mirabel "Get her up so she can explain! NOW"
"I would love to get her up for you...I too would love to know why I found her laying half dead. But unfortunately...I can't get her to wake up. I tried everything."
Julieta let out a gasp of horror. Two. Two of her baby girls were hurt, one was laying unmoving in front of her. "How...how bad is she Dolores?"
Dolores sadly shook her head "I don't know...I just can't get her to wake up...I can't give her food." she felt bad seeing the look of grief flash across Julieta's face. But she needed to buy Mirabel the time. I'll explain everything later Tía. She reached down and stroked Mirabel's cheek acting if she was trying to wake her "So...Isabela said Mirabel tried to kill her?"
"Yes, Isabela said Mirabel attacked her out of nowhere." Julieta answered the concern in her eyes growing as she looked at Mirabel "She said you took Mirabel's side and encouraged her."
Is Isabela serious right now? "I wasn't even there! All I know is I found Mirabel unconscious in her own blood. I had to carry her back here myself." she stood up turning to face them, even with her clothing being red the patches of blood still stood out "Now Mirabel's blood is on my clothing. I been sitting here wondering what happened. Who did this to her. Now you tell me Isabela accusing MIRABEL of trying to kill HER? If you ask me it looks like the other way around."
"Isabela wouldn't lie!" Alma snapped "Isabela said she had to fight Mirabel in defence. That the attack was unprovoked!"
So Isabela didn't mention what she said to cause the reaction...typical. "How do you know she didn't provoke it? You think Mirabel just attacked randomly just for fun?"
"Because I know Isabela...and I also know Mirabel."
No, you don't know either of them. "Well of course you would automatically believe Isabela and Mirabel can't defend herself right now. So you might as well leave."
"Since Mirabel doesn't have a defence. I have decided she is guilty."
Pepa snapped her head to look at Alma in shock a storm cloud forming over her head "But...Mamá she is unconscious..you have to give her a chance to explain herself. You know the way it works as well as I do. She's not yet proven guilty or innocent. Dolores's story does not match with Isabela's so one of them is lying."
"I'm telling the truth, Mamá." Dolores sniffled "I wasn't there. I thought someone from town attacked Mirabel. When she didn't come back after she should of been I went looking for her..and I found..that" she pointed to Mirabel "I thought she was dead. I still don't know if she'll be alive tomorrow or if I'll be going out to dig a grave. Only two people know what really happened but only one of them can speak for themselves." Huh..never knew I had such a talent for acting..Camilo would be proud of me.
"Dolores...can I look at her?" Julieta begged stepping into the stall "Please?"
Dolores nodded kneeling down next to Julieta and whispering in her ear as they both bent their heads "I'm sorry for scaring you...she is fine..she's resting comfortably she was awake earlier and I managed to get her to eat a few bites..she is just mostly exhausted..I'm just trying to buy her more time to figure out what happened..please just work with me.."
Julieta gave a small nod "I..I understand..you're protecting her...I'll go along with it..for Mirabel." Julieta began her examination trying to act worse than it was. Her injures were not that serious she found...painful but not life threatening unless they got infected. Julieta needed to get some food in her it would clear up the wounds just fine. She stood up "There's soup at home leftover from dinner last night, I need to go get it. I need to get something in her and she can't eat anything solid."
"Why are you healing her?" Alma questioned.
"Because she's my daughter! She's not waking up because she is injured on the inside...if I don't do something she'll die." she ran out before she could be questioned further. Buy Mirabel time...buy her time..this was just a fight between sisters that got out of hand. Mirabel is just worn out. Both will be fine. We'll sort it out. She hating lying to everyone, her heart still beating rapidly having fallen right for Dolores's act. But she was glad...Mirabel needed to rest not be interrogated.
Pepa had joined Dolores at Mirabel's side concern on her face it taking everything in her power to not start raining down on the pair of them "It'll be okay mi corazón...Julieta will heal her."
"She said she was going to die...DIE!"
Pepa placed her arms around Dolores "She'll be healed Dolores. And we'll figure everything out.." she looked down at Mirabel the fear disappearing for now. Did she really believe Mirabel and Dolores to be dangerous? Looking at them now she would of laughed if anyone told her that.
"You believe me right, Mamá?"
"I...I don't know who to believe...I want to believe you Dolores...I really do..but you can not deny Mirabel has been acting very..how do we say..unstable"
"Unstable is putting it lightly." Alma joining them glaring down at Mirabel "She's downright unhinged."
Dolores had to look the other way to stop herself from screaming. It's all your fault Abuela..all your fault..all your fault. "Why are you even here? You won't believe one word she says. So why bother us. Just leave, go back to your favourite Isabela."
Julieta reappeared carrying a bowl of quickly reheated soup "Dolores sit her up."
Dolores obeyed as Pepa moved out of the way. Mirabel must be worn out more than I thought...she's hasn't stirred at all...could she really have something wrong inside? Well if there is it's about to be healed right?
Julieta hand fed Mirabel the soup feeling relief as she watched the injuries disappear. When the bowl was empty she nodded at Dolores to lay her back down whispering so only she could hear "Thank you for looking out for her...we'll figure out what really happened here I promise." standing up she spoke so everyone could hear "She'll be okay now, just let her wake up on her own."
Dolores looked up "Is..Isabela alright?"
"Isabela is fine, she's resting at home. Mirabel got the worst of it by the looks of it." Julieta exited the stall "Mamá, Pepa leave them. Today is not the time. Mirabel needs to recover in peace." she raised her hand as Alma opened her mouth "And that's coming from my job as healer not just as Mirabel's mother. Her body needs time to recover. Just leave her be. Screaming at her will do her no good right now."
Alma huffed "Fine...I'll come back tomorrow. But we will be getting to the bottom of this." she glared at Dolores "And if it is found out you're covering for Mirabel you'll be seen as just as guilty. So if you want to say what really happened. Now's your chance."
"I wasn't there! If Isabela said I was she's lying!"
"Right. If that's going to be your story. So be it."
Dolores shook her head turning her attention back to Mirabel "Don't bother coming back tomorrow...you already decided who you are going to believe." she listened as the three pairs of footsteps retreated door closing gently behind. She let herself fall back again with a groan of frustration. Things were going so well. Now this..once again thanks to Isabela. Mirabel wouldn't just attack for no reason...would she?
Could of Isabela provoked her on purpose? Trying to make her look like the monster Alma portrayed her as? Whatever really happened she knew what would happen once word spread through town. They would all take Isabela's side.
She and Mirabel would be running for their lives.
20 chapters down...I don't know how many more to go. Depends if I add and/or cut things.
The fight was part of my original idea, and I'm sorry it had to happen but it's important for Isabela's arc.
Isabela knows she provoked it, she knows she's just as guilty but the need to be the perfect child of the family makes her let Mirabel take full blame and now she has that guilt of nearly killing her sister eating at her.
She really didn't mean what she said to her, that was Alma's influence talking.
We all know whose side Alma will take. We know whose Dolores will take.
The rest of the family? That's for me to know and for you to find out.
And Mirabel is aware of what she has done herself.
The revenge on the town will be happening but I already had this planned to occur at this exact point so that will have to wait another chapter or 2.
Review responses
Z-King: Exactly and Dolores can use that to gain an advantage
ZE40: Yes...yes there was a fight.
FlowerChild23: Mariano knows how the town treats Dolores and Mirabel but he don't care. He still treats them normally. He a good boy.
KaliAnn: The whole family is going to need counselling by the time this in done I think.