Chapter 21
31 years before Encanto
Félix sat in the fields reading his book, laughing a little to himself as the characters bantered. Above him, the sky was overcast and cloudy.
He stayed there for a while, until suddenly the sky became bright. He smiled at the change in the weather, knowing it meant she'd arrived and seen him.
Félix stayed very still, careful not to look up from what he was doing.
Let her come to you, muchacho. Félix's brothers' advice repeated in his head. Don't push. Whatever you do, don't push. Félix took a deep breath in anticipation.
He heard footsteps slowly approach as he casually looked down at the book. He felt her presence at his side. Slowly, Félix turned and looked up at Pepa.
"What are you doing here?" Pepa asked with a frown, her tone not matching the sunny sky around them. "I told you not to follow me."
"You didn't want to see me again?" Félix asked with a gentle smile.
Pepa hesitated.
"No." She said quietly, avoiding his eyes as she spoke. Félix noticed her hand stroking her hair. "Why would I want that?"
Above her the sun shone brightly, not a cloud in the sky.
Félix held in a laugh. Pepa was a terrible liar.
"No problem," Félix replied with a friendly smile, returning to his book. "I'm just reading this story anyway. I won't get in your way."
Félix looked down at the pages, finding it hard to concentrate as he felt Pepa watching him. He kept very still, waiting for her to decide what to do.
There was a moment of silence, then Pepa finally spoke up.
"Who is Doña Bárbara?" She asked curiously, reading the name on the page Félix had open. He smiled, turning back to her.
"She owns a ranch called El Miedo." Félix explained. "Her neighbour is Santos Luzardo. She wants to take over his ranch, too." He grinned, seeing Pepa's eyes light up in intrigue as he spoke. "The people in town are afraid of Doña Bárbara. They think she's a sorceress. But she's not. She's just, ah... Complicated."
Pepa listened curiously. "I've never heard of that story before."
Félix chuckled. "That's because it's not from around here," He explained. "It's from Venezuela."
Pepa couldn't help but feel excited. She'd never known much about the world outside of her village. She felt her heart come alive at the thought of places beyond the Encanto. She watched Félix with bright eyes, hoping he'd say more.
"Do you want to borrow it?" Félix asked, holding the book out for her.
Pepa nodded quickly, the sun shining brightly as she smiled. She reached for it, but then hesitated, the sky darkening a little.
"I can't." She said in a worried voice, pulling her hand back. "You got it from far away. It's special to you."
"If it rains, it rains." Félix shrugged with a laugh. "This book's been through more than just a little weather." He offered it to her again. "Besides, all my books are waterproof, just like María."
Pepa took it cautiously, looking down at the wax covered pages. She turned them in confusion.
"Back where I come from there's a lot of water." Félix explained with a grin. "And rain. At least once a day we'd have a storm, then it'd clear up by afternoon. And man... That part of the day was so beautiful. Bright rainbows over blue skies and green water..." He sighed nostalgically as he pictured it. "Water so clear you could see the fish."
"I've never been to the river before." Pepa admitted, watching him curiously.
Félix chuckled and shook his head.
"I'm not talking about a river, Pepa." Félix explained. "I'm talking about the ocean."
Pepa blinked in confusion. "Ocean?"
"Yeah." Félix grinned. "Water everywhere. Far as the eye can see..." Félix slowly waved his hand along the horizon, picturing his old home as he spoke. "Soft, golden sand and palm trees. Nice hot plate of Cazuela de Mariscos in your hand while you sit out there on a boat, waves rocking and splashing... Birds calling out over salt water... That's the ocean."
Félix took a deep breath in and sighed. Dios, he missed it.
Pepa stared out at the horizon too in fascination, trying to imagine all the things Félix had described. She turned back to him in intrigue.
Félix smiled at her, his eyes warm. "You've never been to the river?"
Pepa shook her head.
"But it's just over there," He grinned, his eyes gesturing to the nearby treeline. Félix stood up as he spoke. "I can show you, if you want."
Pepa's eyes became worried. She quickly shook her head, her hand holding her hair.
"What's wrong?" Félix asked in genuine confusion.
Pepa swallowed, her eyes watching the trees with caution.
"Bad things happen at the river." She said softly. "Mamá told us. She said to always stay in the village."
Félix watched her thoughtfully, then smiled.
"And you do everything your Mamá says?" He asked.
Pepa nodded.
"Never broken a rule?" Félix pressed, his voice playful. "Not even once?"
Pepa couldn't help but smile, looking down at the braid in her hand. She remembered climbing down the side of the casita walls late at night with Julieta and Bruno, sneaking off into town. The three of them laughing and dancing together and feeling free. She remembered the exhileration of sneaking back into the casita before sunrise, giggling softly as they crept up the stairs and into their rooms.
"Hm." Félix grinned knowingly as he watched her. "That's what I thought."
Pepa watched as Félix slowly held his hand out for her.
"I spent a lot of time in that rainforest," He assured her. "I promise you, nothing bad will happen if you go through those trees." He smiled kindly.
Pepa watched him cautiously. She loved adventure, but she was afraid.
Félix smiled gently, lowering his hand again.
"You don't have to." He reassured her. He put his hand down casually by his side. "You don't have to do anything you don't want to, ok? It's always gonna be your choice."
Pepa's eyes glanced at the trees, then back to Félix. She hugged the book close to her chest with one hand, the other twisting her braid. In her mind she imagined the ocean, the sound of birds. Venezuela. The world outside the village. She looked at the trees again. She had always wondered what the forest looked like, the river...
She turned back to Félix, who smiled confidently.
"Your choice." He repeated gently.
Pepa held her breath.
"Ok." She nodded, unable to believe she was doing this.
Pepa held her hand out for Félix and he beamed, gently taking it and leading her through the trees.
The leafy canopy was thick with the sounds and movements of birds and animals. The river sounded like rain as it flowed, the sun glittering along it's surface and shining down like sheets through gaps in the trees.
Pepa followed Félix along the riverside, feeling like a kid again as she playfully hopped from rock to rock after him. She'd been scared when they'd first arrived, but Félix had a way of making everything fun.
"See that one?" Félix grinned over his shoulder, stopping to point out a fish as it passed them by. Pepa gasped and nodded, watching it in fascination. "I could catch that. We could cook it up and eat it."
"Yes!" Pepa grinned back excitedly. "Do it."
"Alright," Félix laughed, picking up a stick. He beckoned her closer, "Come over here, I'll show you."
Pepa smiled and hopped along the riverside till she was on the rock next to Félix, watching as he held the stick up over the fish.
"You gotta aim beneath them," He explained, lining up the stick. "The water plays tricks on your eyes, see? It's actually a lot deeper..."
Félix's voice trailed off as he noticed the change in the bird calls and animals around them. He frowned, his eyes searching into the distance cautiously.
"Get down," Félix whispered to Pepa, his tone serious. "Nice and slow."
Pepa slowly climbed off the rock and crouched down to the ground. She watched in worry as Felix did the same. Félix quietly put the stick down and straightened up a little, his eyes watching something in the distance.
Pepa held her breath in fear. Was it the bad men from Mama's stories? A cloud started to sprinkle over her head as she shuddered.
"You're alright," Félix whispered calmly, his eyes warm and reassuring as he turned to Pepa, "Just stay right there, ok?"
Pepa nodded, doing as he said. Félix quietly made his way towards her, wrapping his arms around Pepa protectively as he slowly led her into the bushes. They climbed carefully through the foliage and huddled up together beneath the leaves. Pepa hid her face against Félix.
She felt afraid of whatever was out there, but safe to be wrapped up in his arms. He just felt so strong and grounded. Pepa felt like if it really came down to it, Félix could protect her.
Pepa felt Félix tap her shoulder and saw him smile at her, his finger held silently to his lips. Félix's eyes gestured towards a gap in the bush, encouraging her to take a look. Pepa peered cautiously through.
In the distance, a jaguar approached. Pepa held her breath as she saw it's sleek patterned fur, it's tail swishing as it's big paws stepped lightly over fallen branches and rocks. It yawned and stretched, revealing big teeth and a long tongue. It approached the river and lapped up the water for a while, it's eyes slowly blinking against the sun as it felt content. The jaguar stood back up and shook it's head. It licked it's lips and stalked off into the distance, springing up the mountainside with strong fluid motions, climbing higher and higher until it was out of sight.
"Increíble." Félix whispered as he watched it go. He glanced over at Pepa who was watching with wide and bright eyes, her hands over her mouth in amazement. He smiled at her.
Once Félix knew they were safe again, he gently took Pepa's hand and lead her back out into the open.
Pepa turned to Félix and gasped.
"Did you like that?" He asked with a grin.
She nodded quickly, her eyes filled with wonder.
"I never saw anything like that before," Pepa said breathlessly. "It was so beautiful."
"That's how I felt when I first saw you." He said with a smile, then hesitated, remembering his brothers warning him not to come on too strong.
Miércoles. Too late now.
But Pepa's face lit up into an excited smile.
"Really?" She asked, her voice genuine. Her eyes searched his hopefully.
Félix grinned and nodded, taking her hands in his. Lucky you, Muchacho. He thought happily. She likes it.
"Really." Félix assured her, Pepa's reaction encouraging him to continue, "I've never seen anyone like you before, Pepa Madrigal. You're like sunshine. Such a beautiful girl."
Pepa's eyes softened. She pulled Félix's hands close to her face to hide her smile as she took a shaky breath.
Félix smiled back, recognising what was happening. Pepa was trusting him enough to let him in. He knew he had to be very careful now.
"I think you're the most beautiful person I've ever met, hm?" Félix spoke genuinely. "So interesting and fun to be around. I always look forward to seeing you... I wish I could spend every day with you."
Pepa watched him with bright, hopeful eyes. She took another shaky breath and swallowed.
"You mean it?" Pepa asked cautiously, trying to push down her fears. "You're not just saying it, right? Promise you're not lying to me."
"I promise." Félix reassured her, gently putting a hand to her cheek. "I'll never lie to you, Pepa." He smiled. "I don't say things I don't mean. If I say you're beautiful, you're beautiful."
"And you like me?" She asked quickly, her eyes watching carefully. "Not just the weather. Do you like Pepa?"
Félix laughed at her question. "Yeah, I like Pepa."
She took a deep breath. She had to be sure. "What if it's raining? You still like me then?"
"If it's raining?" He smiled. "Yes."
"If it's storming?"
"I love the storm."
"Snowing?"
Félix's face lit up. He'd never seen snow before. He nodded quickly. "Yes."
Pepa searched his face. "What about-"
"Pepa." Félix interrupted gently. His hand stroked her face reassuringly. "I'm always gonna like you. No matter the weather."
Pepa blinked as tears began to roll down her cheeks. She leaned into his hand and smiled, a rainbow appearing over her head.
Félix looked up at it in amazement. "Que chimba..."
He turned back to Pepa, wondering if he should push his luck.
"Can I kiss you?" He asked carefully.
Pepa nodded quickly, her eyes sparkling.
"Ok," He laughed.
Félix went to lean in slow and gentle, but Pepa threw her arms around him, kissing passionately.
Later
"Now Bruno, when Pepa gets back-" Julieta paused to quickly catch one of Bruno's rats before it dived into her cooking pot. She turned to her brother, the rat in her hand as she continued. "You have to read the room first." She handed him the rat. "Got it?"
Bruno nodded sheepishly. "Uh-huh."
"Read the room." Julieta repeated as she went off to the cupboard to get more oil. "Before you speak!" She called out over her shoulder.
"Got it." Bruno nodded again.
While Julieta's back was turned, Bruno tried to sneak a piece of food from the cooking pot to give to his rat, but gasped and quickly dropped the food back into the pot as it burnt his fingers.
"I mean it," Juliet's continued as she returned, absentmindedly popping a buñuelo into Bruno's mouth to heal him as she spoke. "If she comes home in tears, don't make a joke. If she comes home with a cloud, don't make a joke. In fact-"
"Don't make a joke." Bruno grinned, making a gesture of sewing his mouth shut, before adding in a muffled tone, "Got it."
Julieta smiled at Bruno, putting a hand to his cheek endearingly.
The front door slammed open suddenly and they both jumped in surprise at the sound.
"Mamá!" Pepa's voice called out loudly from the front door.
Bruno, Julieta and the rats all glanced at eachother in anticipation, but there was no rain, no storm.
"Julieta! Brunito!" Pepa's voice continued happily. "Everybody come! I want you to meet Félix."
They both gasped.
"Oh dios, I cannot keep up with this girl." Julieta sighed in exasperation, shaking her head at Bruno as they both laughed and headed over.
Alma came to the door defensively, ready to send away whoever this Félix was, but when she got there she stopped in surprise.
"Félix, this is my Mamá." Pepa said excitedly, her arms hugged around Félix as she leaned against him. Above them floated a rainbow. Alma's face softened and she couldn't help but smile.
Alma extended her hand and Félix took it firmly, leaning into her cheek with a kiss then straightening up again to smile at her with warm eyes.
"Señora, it is a pleasure to meet you." He said sincerely, holding Alma's hand in his. "Our new home is increíble. I want to thank you on behalf of my family and all of the newcomers for the miracle that protects us."
Alma smiled, recognising Félix as the man who jumped in the puddle and defused the situation on the first day the newcomers arrived, encouraging them to embrace Pepa's storm.
Julieta and Bruno slowly approached, surprised to see their Mamá smiling as Félix held her hand, speaking confidently as Mamá listened.
"You have a beautiful daughter," he continued. "I know how special she is, to you and to the Encanto. It is with the greatest respect that I ask for your permission to see her."
Julieta made a soft gasp in disbelief, turning to Bruno who grinned.
"He's doing way better than Agustín." Bruno whispered under his breath, and Julieta lightly smacked his shoulder with a frown.
Alma searched Félix's face, seeing nothing but honesty and love for her daughter in his eyes. She sighed, turning to Pepa.
"Is this what you want, mija?" Alma asked softly.
Pepa nodded quickly and grinned. Alma couldn't help but smile back. She hadn't seen her daughter this happy in a long time. Pepa had a light in her eyes that she used to have all the time when she was a child, before the clouds started to weigh down on her.
Alma sighed. She knew there was only one answer she could give. She didn't want to see that light go out again.
"Welcome to la familia Madrigal, Félix." Alma said with a warm smile. "Please, join us for dinner."
Julieta almost choked in disbelief. Agustín still hadn't been invited to dinner. She frowned, going to speak, but Bruno covered her mouth.
"Read the room, sis." He whispered with a grin.
Félix followed Pepa up the stairs as she showed him around her casita.
"That's my Papi." She said, gesturing to Pedro's painting as she passed by. Pepa paused as she noticed Félix had stopped to get a better look.
"You look like him." Félix commented with a smile, glancing over at Pepa, then back to the painting.
"I don't look like my family." Pepa said flatly, crossing her arms. Félix grinned and took her hand, gently pulling her in closer to look.
"But you do," He said, pointing out Pedro's eyes and nose and the contours of his face. "In the shapes... You see?"
"Hm." Pepa didn't see it.
"Do you miss him?"
Pepa hesitated.
"I never knew him." She admitted, looking up at her papa's face.
"That's the same with my Mamá." Félix nodded, also staring at the painting as he spoke. "She died when I was a baby."
Pepa turned to him in surprise. Félix looked back at her and smiled gently, interlocking his fingers with hers. Pepa glanced at their hands, then back to Félix, feeling a strange connection to him.
"What's his name?" Félix asked her, gesturing with his eyes. "Your Papi?"
"Pedro."
Félix looked back at the painting and nodded. "He looks like Pedro."
Pepa watched him, then asked carefully. "What about your Mamá?"
Félix smiled.
"Dolores."
