As Mirabel once more eagerly cleared the table, the remnants of a delicious dessert made by Julieta finished off, Alma stood from her place at the head of the table, clearly readying to make an announcement. "Today we have such great news to share." her smile actually seemed genuine, even as it caused a pit to form in Dolores, Mariano, and Isabela's stomachs, knowing exactly what the announcement was to be. "Today we have come to the final agreement that Mariano shall marry into our family and shall wed our perfect Isabela." Her gaze upon Isabela was fond, as much as it could be. "Today we celebrate amongst ourselves, and tomorrow the rest of the Encanto shall celebrate with us as the announcement is publically made." Clearly proud of herself, she stood tall and unwavering. Her tone leaves no room for discussion.
Thunder cracks and there is no mistaking who is unhappy at the table. A sharp glare is sent towards her daughter who doesn't shrink back from it like she normally would. Instead, her own sharp glare does not waver. She is angry at the injustice her daughter is facing and the storm will not be held back. With a flick of her wrist, Alma dismisses the rest of the family from the room, leaving just her and Pepa the sole occupants. Felix is the only one to stand his ground and stay next to his wife, giving his children a look that tells them it's best if they go.
It's clear when he looks between Isabela and Luisa and even Dolores's brother Camilo, that they had more in their minds than they have said. "So, how about I walk you home, Senora Guzman?" Camilo smiles slyly as he steps up and shifts with ease, offering her the arm of her own son in place of his own. "Why thank you Camilo." she agrees and kisses his cheeks soundly, hugs him tightly before turning to take the fake Mariano's offered arm, all the while seeming to have caught onto something that Mariano is still grasping at, trying to understand. The pair leaves, and to anyone in the town who sees them, it is simply Mariano walking home with his mother. He turns back to Isabela and Luisa, questions brewing in his eyes. Based on the look she was giving him, it would seem Luisa was trying to give him a hint on their plans when they fetched the piano.
"C'mon." she pushed him to follow Mirabel who had slunk out of the kitchen with a grin on her face. Instead of joining them, she turned and snuck her way outside. "Hurry. We won't have much time." Mirabel whispered over her shoulder. At Dolores's door, she didn't hesitate and instead threw it open to run inside before dragging Dolores back out behind her. They were moving so fast, Mirabel almost caused Dolores and Mariano to fall when she crashed her into him. Her eyes were rimmed with red and trails of tears clearly marked her cheeks.
It was then he noticed Isabela had gone to the balcony nearest to them and was weaving vines around the house, sprouting flowers and creating a beautiful display that functioned as their quick way out of the house unnoticed. Words seemed unnecessary as the plan flowed through their gazes now, the pair of lovers catching on faster now. Quickly he gripped tightly onto the nearest vine as Dolores wrapped her arms around his neck to hold onto him while he held her to his body with his open hand. Isabela gave them one last nod as she lowered them down to the ground. Flowers sprouted randomly and the pair instinctively knew Isabela was leading them somewhere. Holding hands, they hurried to follow the quickly disappearing flowers.
As the trail ended, they came upon Luisa who grinned widely at them, happy and unrestrained. Beside her were two horses and a walled wagon cart. Tears sprang to Dolores's eyes seeing the sight. Her siblings and cousins had secretly done so much to help her and Mariano. It was clear they had been planning this for a while, likely ever since Antonio's candle ceremony. After giving Luisa the tightest hug she could manage, knowing she would pass it on, Dolores climbed into the cart with Mariano and together they made their way into the forest surrounding the Encanto. It had become dark and starry the longer they traveled and criss-crossed the forest. Taking care to avoid leaving tracks and knowing they would want to be far enough away so as to not be found immediately.
Finally, they reached a partial clearing with a beautiful lake. Under the canopy of the tall trees, they safely parked the cart and put up another canopy tent that would help keep the horses warm and content next to their cart. Draping blankets over their backs Mariano couldn't help but smile in contentment. Climbing into the back, he watched a smile spread across Dolores's face too as she unfolded soft blankets on the slim bed, just big enough for the two of them. "Mama made these." she whispered to him, telling him with those words that Pepa and Felix were a part of this plan all along - the thunderclouds? Pepa's righteous anger? A distraction.
Even out amongst the stars, not knowing what tomorrow would bring, the duo cuddled together, wrapped in a warm blanket and each other's loving embrace, and they knew whatever would happen tomorrow, surely, they could face it together.