"What it wrong with you lately?"
Isabela kept her head bowed in front of Alma, try as she might she couldn't slip past Alma unnoticed to heal her injured nose. Naturally Alma immediately wanted to know what happened, naturally immediately blaming Mirabel for it. Isabela admitted it was Dolores who did it but it was herself who hit first saying Dolores was just defending herself..sounded better than admitting what she said to her cousin. But right now she was regretting that choice.
"What are you thinking around starting fights? What have I told you about provoking those two?"
"I'm sorry Abuela..."
"You're going to need to have a good long think about it. I already had two granddaughters tarnish the family name by turning into feral savages I do not need a third." Alma tapped her foot "And you out of all of them...I expected so much better. I am very disappointed. You are a grown woman, do not stoop their level you are better than them."
"It will not happen again."
"Good, now off you go. We will keep this incident between us." Alma watched as Isabela left her room and sighed she really doesn't know whats gotten into that girl lately. But whatever it was it had to stop. "I wonder if it's about the Mariano thing...Dolores and Mirabel ruined her proposal..and now she's lashing out at them. It makes sense...but she has to stop she's playing a dangerous game messing with those two." walking over to her window she gazed out over the courtyard the cracks in the walls were unmissable. They had been there since Dolores had left...well got kicked out. She couldn't lose her home or her family not again. She pushed everyone away she realises that now. It was all her fault..all her fault. But she was going to fix things.
She had to fix things.
...
"So you tell me to keep my cool but then you go and punch Isabela in the nose? Wow...just wow..wish I was there to see it."
Dolores rolled her eyes "Is that all you took from that story?"
Mirabel smiled and chuckled "Just saying. Seriously though does that girl ever think before opening her mouth?"
"Like I said he says she is sorry and has been under a lot of stress. She says sorry for what she did to you..and if you want our plan to work you are going to have to forgive her at some point."
"And I will..eventually. But I think I'll let that guilt and stress of her fester for a while longer..let her break down..the longer I do the more vulnerable she becomes that's when I swoop in and make her mine. Swoop her right from under Alma's nose..then she'll be left with nothing. Once I get to Bruno that is..and like I said he is a pushover he'll fold from the peer pressure alone." Mirabel gave a smirk "And tomorrow my dearest amiga you and I are going to have a friendly little chat with our dearest Tío."
"So what is your plan once you have everyone? Storm up to Casita to confront Abuela with a whole army behind you?"
"Something like that..but we'll need the candle first. We can't risk her just taking it and making a run for it...we need to secure it first...and maybe have some fun with magic ourselves."
Dolores rose an eyebrow in suspicion "Fun with magic? Mirabel when you have fun it means someone else has trouble. And magic isn't something to be messed with."
"And why not? You all got to play around with it..why can't I have a little go before I destroy it? Only fair."
Dolores knew if Mirabel got going she would rave on for the rest of the night and she really didn't have the energy for it tonight so instead she grabbed Mirabel's arm and gently dragged Mirabel to the stall plopping her down on her blankets "It's getting late go to bed..tonight can be an early one since last night was so late." Dolores reached down natching the glasses off Mirabel's face putting them safely aside "Bed time for children."
"I'm fifteen!"
"Your point? You're still a child."
"Oh but what gives you the authority?"
"I'm an adult and your guardian. Therefore my rules. And the rules are it's bedtime for Mirabel." a smile was on Dolores's face as she threw a blanket over the top of Mirabel she was going to enjoy this. She knew really Mirabel was the one in charge around here, but why can't she have a turn and have a little fun at the same time?
Mirabel grumbled "You're not going to budge on this are you?"
"No. You can't out stubborn me, I'm Pepa's daughter." Dolores glanced out the window to the rapidly darkening sky "Besides I'm tired can we please just have an early night."
"Yeah well you did have an eventful day."
"Exactly." Dolores yawned as she laid down pulling her blanket over herself "So please...sleep time." she reached over and put out their lantern "Good night Mirabel." she snuggled deeper into her straw bed she was so exhausted after last night plus the events of today she just wanted to sleep.
"Goodnight Dolores." Mirabel laid there in the darkness long after Dolores had drifted off to sleep. How am I going to get the candle? Everyone already knows what I plan to do with the thing..could it be as easy as getting someone to steal it on my behalf? But what if whoever goes for the candle has the same thing that happened to me to them? How am I supposed to know how the stupid thing works? Ugh..I need that candle. One way or another I'm getting it.
With those thoughts on her mind she drifted off into sleep dreaming of the day she would no longer have to fall asleep in an old donkey stall.
...
He should of known...he really should of known. People we never happy with what he told them. Bruno dejectedly walked away from the crowd same thing as always. They asked for a vision. He gave them a vision only for them to blame him if it wasn't exactly what they wanted to see. And that's exactly why he didn't like giving visions.
Well no vision could be worse than THAT one the weight of which was heavy on his mind. If Julieta and Pepa knew what their daughters were going to become would they blame him? If he didn't say anything would they still blame him for not warning them so they could try to stop it? Should he show Mirabel the future path where she would of been loved by Alma? Or would that just fuel her anger knowing she could of had the life she wanted but because him it was ripped from her?
With each day that passed Mirabel and Dolores became closer to becoming the people he saw in that vision. Should he try and stop them? Talk them out of it? Surely there had to be a way out of the Encanto so he can take them out to somewhere where they can live happy normal lives. How would his sisters react to that? Would they want to keep them here? Just follow them? If they knew a way out would they just run with them anyway?
He should of never shown that first vision Mirabel was so innocent but the desire for praise...for respect overruled all negative attention he would get was turned to Mirabel instead. Even now Mirabel was the punching bag for the town. Bruno would never get over the guilt feeling that all this was his fault.
The sound of footsteps behind him made him wary not wanting to deal with more unhappy villagers he pulled his hood over his head and quickened his pace as he did he heard his pursuers increase theirs. Two pairs of footseps followed him. He broke into a run behind him he could hear his two followers also break into a run.
Mirabel was nearly tripping over her feet as her and Dolores chased after their uncle so lost in his thoughts he didn't hear their calls to him earlier "Why are you running?! Why are you running?!"
Bruno skidded to a halt at the sound of the voice Mirabel not expecting such crashing right into him "Why am I running? Why are you chasing me?"
"We have been trying to get your attention but either you didn't hear or were ignoring us." Dolores folded her arms "Surely we're not so scary you have to run from us?"
Bruno let out a nervous laugh "Oh..Mirabel...Dolores...it's just you two. Look if you want a vision I'm done for the day so...sorry..."
"We're not here for a vision." Mirabel moved around so she was standing in front of him "We're here to talk about you...I want to catch up with my longlost Tío Bruno."
"Surely you have time for your adoring sobrinas?" Dolores walked around to stand at Mirabel's side "Just a chat that's all."
"Talk about what exactly?"
Mirabel smiled "Just wondering...how are you doing Tío Bruno? Dolores and I were observing...hope you don't mind that and we noticed you don't seem very happy giving visions. Is this so?"
"Uh...well...I guess..." Bruno started backing away.
Dolores tilted her head "What's wrong? You seem so nervous around us and the other day at that picnic you seemed terrified of us."
"Yeah...my face isn't that ugly is it?" Mirabel took a step closer "Do you know something? Is that why you're nervous? You saw something about us?"
"No no..nothing like that." Bruno grinned nervously "Ah...lovely weather we are having isn't it?"
Mirabel and Dolores glanced at each other, they both knew Bruno was hiding something from them but decided to let it go for now. "Yes...lovely weather...so what happened in town?"
"Oh you know...the usual. They ask for a vision, I give them a vision. They don't like the vision so they get mad. Anyway I really do have to go.." Bruno gave the pair a small wave turning around reaching into his pocket for a pinch of salt throwing it over his left shoulder.
"Bruno! That got me in the eyes!" Dolores cried wiping at her eyes "Watch where you throw that stuff."
"Sorry, Dolores." Bruno quickened his pace. I can't believe I'm running from my own nieces but I can't face them...I'm a coward I can't face them. Are they following me? a quick glance over his shoulder told him they indeed were. They are not going to leave me alone are they? Everytime I look at them all I see is what they will become...all I see is that vision.
Mirabel threw her hands in the air "Come on this is ridiculous we just want to talk. We can follow you all day you know, we have nothing else to do...nowhere to be."
"Oh forget it...Mira grab him." Dolores reached for one arm as Mirabel went for the other "We know you're hiding something Bruno. The looks you give us..now trying to ditch us. You saw something about us and what you saw scares you."
"Girls girls...listen the future is a complicated thing. It already been changed once and I don't wanna risk it happening again."
"What do you mean again?" Mirabel frowned.
Bruno knew he was trapped now the pair staring at him in expectation "This...all of this wasn't meant to be. Look let me go...I'll go back to Casita get that old vision and show you what I mean." he menatlly facepalmed. Great him and his big mouth mentioning the vision.
"The vision? I thought I broke that darn thing."
"You did..but I fixed it."
Mirabel narrowed her eyes "How do we know you're just not trying to ditch us?"
"You both have my word." Bruno crossed his heart "See? Cross my heart. You two just go back to that barn of yours and I'll be there soon vision in hand."
"Fine...we will be waiting." Dolores pulled at Mirabel "Let's go."
"I'm trusting you Bruno...don't you disappoint me." Mirabel shot him a look as she was pulled away.
Bruno watched them leave regretting what he had gotten himself into it "Me and my big mouth.."
...
"Mamá? Can we talk?"
Julieta looked up to see Isabela "Oh of course, mi amor. Always. What's wrong?"
Isabela sat herself down next to Julieta "I messed up again. I tried to talk to Dolores yesterday and apologise but..ended up slapping her instead. Told her she was going to die a pathetic little nobody..and she punched me."
"Oh Isa...why would you say that?"
"I didn't mean it...I want her back. I want Dolores back. It's my fault she is out there." she wiped at her eyes as tears starting forming "I want Mirabel back. I miss her..I. miss my hermanita. Abuela told me to hate her..to push her away. She went for the candle because of how I treated her...she's out there because of the way I treated her. She has those hideous scars because of the way I treated her. And what do I do when I reunite with her? Nearly strangle her to death!"
Julieta placed an arm around Isabela "Oh Isa you shouldn't take all the blame. Your Abuela is who pushed Mirabel down this path. It was your Abuela who pushed Dolores further away as Mirabel pulled her closer. I do not approve of your actions as of late but...I know it's not all your fault. Give them both time..once they see you have truly changed they will forgive you I'm sure."
"You think so?"
They will want to get you on their side eventually so they are going to have to Julieta thought to herself "I know so. Just give it time mija. Once they know you love them...they'll come round."
Isabela smiled leaning in to hug her mother "What about Abuela?"
"Don't worry about Abuela...but just play along with her for now, ok? I don't know where she thinks she is going with this act of hers but we'll play along with it for the time being."
"I been playing along my whole life."
"You are allowed to be yourself, Isabela. You're perfect for just being you. Be you mi amor not who your Abuela wants you to be. Just be you." Julieta kissed the top of Isabela's head smiling "Now I have to cook for the schoolhouse their supply is running low and you know they like to keep some of my food in stock just in case. Why don't you help me?"
Isabela smiled and nodded following Julieta to the kitchen and passing the requested ingredients when asked. For the first time in a long time Isabela was really enjoying herself as she talked and laughed with her mother.
"What's going on?"
Isabela turned around "Luisa! Come join us! We are making arepas."
Luisa was stunned to see her usually snobby sister standing there rolling pin in hand dress covered in flour. And she was smiling at her..a real smile. "Umm who are you and what have you done with Isabela? Camilo is that you?"
"I know how it looks.." Isabela put the rolling pin down "But I been thinking a lot and after having some reality hit me..quite literally hit me I realised something. I been so focused on being perfect to please Abuela I have lost precious time with my baby sisters. I got Dolores thrown out, Mirabel hates my guts and..I bet you're disgusted with me."
"I don't approve of what you did. But I know it's not all your fault..Abuela keeps you on a leash. I'm not disgusted by you Isa you're just like the rest of us we have all been blind to what really matters it's not magic gifts or miracle candles...it's us. All of us including our hermanita. What happened with Mirabel is just as my fault as yours I should of stood up for her..stayed by her side but I abandoned her when she needed me most. I'm supposed to be the strong one and I couldn't even protect the most vulnerable one amongst us."
"I want to make things right. Do you forgive me Luisa?"
Luisa smiled pulling Isabela into a hug "Of course I forgive you hermana. I missed you sister...my big sister."
"Not that I'm much of a big sister you dwarf me." Isabela giggled.
Julieta smiled at the sight pleased to see her oldest and middle daughters getting along. If only Mirabel was here...oh mi mariposa..one day. "Right girls, lets get these arepas and cooked shall we? We can make a desert and I'll take some out to your hermanita and prima. Sorry Isa..I don't think they are quite ready to see you."
"I understand...it's too soon."
"Give it a week or two and I'll try talking with them."
Isabela shook her head "No, I want them to forgive me because they really do forgive me not because they were talked into it. I want to earn their trust again."
"That's my girl." Julieta smiled pausing when she saw Bruno run out the door something green and glowing in his hands. Do I even want to know?
...
Please...don't get mad. Bruno slowly raised his hand knocking on the barn door which was slightly ajar "Mirabel? Dolores?"
"Come in Bruno."
Bruno muttered a quick prayer before pushing the door open giving a small smile at the two girls waiting expectantly "See?" he held up the vision slab "Told you I would bring it to you.' he walked closer "You see after Dolores was thrown out I checked the vision again and noticed something."
"What?" Dolores titled her head "What are you talking about."
"The vision had two possible outcomes...one where Mirabel destroys Casita...and the other well...shows your Abuela and Mirabel in an embrace in front of an intact Casita."
Mirabel burst into laughter "Me? And Abuela? Embracing? Is this a joke?"
"No..no..look." Bruno held up the vision shifting it so it showed the other image "See you hug your Abuela. Isn't that great?" Bruno's smiled dropped when he saw anger spreading across Mirabel's face and a low growl escaped her "No? See what I mean? They are never happy! Everytime." Bruno shoved the slab into Dolores's hands "But point is this is not how things were meant to be. And I do have a theory."
"Theory?" Dolores was shifting the slab going from the destruction of Casita to Mirabel and Alma hugging "What theory?"
"Well...you know how your Abuela doesn't have a gift because she is the keeper of the candle?"
"Yeah..."
"Well what if that's the reason Mirabel didn't get one? She was meant to be the next candle holder. A heir. That's why there was two paths. If we treated her with love and compassion she would of grown into the next guardian to protect the Encanto watch over the next generation and bring the change the family needed. But if we treated her with hate and mistrust she would instead destroy it all." Bruno ran his hand through his hair "And we all know which way it went."
"So it was a path between good and evil and the treatment she got sent her down the evil path..."
"Exactly. But that's just my theory. If I noticed this years ago...maybe none of this would of happened. "
"So you're telling me...I could of had a happy life?!" Mirabel threw her hands in the air "And the only reason I'm out here is because of a misunderstanding?!
"I'm sorry..? Please don't get mad."
"UGH!' Mirabel spun around turning her back to Bruno "Well I'm not going to leap around for joy. I know you didn't do it on purpose it's just...ahh...nevermind. Nevermind. It's too late anyway this is my life. No hug from Abuela will fix this now."
Dolores passed the slab back to Bruno "You okay over there Mira?"
"NO!" Mirabel spun back around "Look..I'm sorry it's just a lot to take it knowing how different things could have been."
Dolores nodded in understanding frowning slightly when she saw the anger building in the other girls eyes "Tío Bruno would you mind giving us some space? We would like to talk to you again though. Can you please come back tomorrow?"
"Here...tomorrow?" Bruno stammered "Oh...s-s-sure."
"Good. Goodbye for now. You gave us something to think about."
Bruno took the opportunity to slip out the door. "Have I made a big mistake showing them that?" he muttered to himself "Did I make things worse with her now knowing she was robbed of a better life over a misunderstanding? Oh Dios what have I done?"
Do forgive the short chapter but writers block has struck and rather than nothing I'll at least have something.
Will probably take a few weeks break from this, freshen my mind up again and get back into it.
Also yes name change, I abandoned the AU concept long ago without realising and now it's a complete different AU.
Basically it's the movie in reverse instead of uniting the family to save the miracle she is doing it to destroy it.
My best friend Shyhearted previously mentioned as The Bringer Of Coffee has taken the Tainted title and will be writing a story based on the original AU concept.
If you want evil Mirabel who wants to take her family down show her some love. Her one is more 'true' to the AU.
Review réponses:
ZE40: If Pepa found out what they have done to her daughter. It wouldn't be Mirabel and Dolores they would be worried about it.
KaliAnn: Most likely that idea is going to be scrapped. One-I don't want to write an actual murder scene. Two-Mira would be living with that for the rest of her life