I said there would be a sequel to "Support" and here it is! It's also a sequel to "She Takes After You" and really all of the stories in this sort of series. Anyway, enjoy!
Bruno had a scheme. A simple scheme to gain some information about his niece and her friend. Well, he and Pepa suspected that Luisa and Alejandra were more than friends, but they didn't have proof, yet. Bruno wasn't going to be so forward as to ask, and he wasn't going to be so underhanded as to have a vision about them.
So instead, he went to the library. He made sure to go on a day when Luisa was busy with her cousins and sisters so they didn't run into each other at the library. He knew there was a good chance Alejandra would tell Luisa about his visit, but as long as he didn't act too suspicious he would be fine.
It was a lovely day as he walked to the library, and he was feeling pretty good about his two-part plan. Today he would enact part one, and soon he would enact part two. And, hopefully, no one would get suspicious or end up getting hurt. His visions had hurt a lot of people. He didn't want to do that again.
Alejandra immediately recognized him, wondering what Luisa's tío was doing here.
"Good morning, Señor Madrigal, is there anything you need help with, or are you just here to browse?"
"Oh, you already know who I am." Now Bruno felt a little nervous.
"Of course! You're on a mural."
"Ah, yeah, that."
"It's a shame that Agustín and Félix aren't on the mural either," Alejandra said.
Bruno nodded vigorously, "I couldn't agree more. They're just as much a part of the family as the rest of us and they're kept off the mural just because they weren't born into the family. It isn't fair. If you marry or are adopted into the family then you're a Madrigal. In a similar vein, I have several rats who are a part of my family but are they allowed on the mural? No! It's ridiculous."
Alejandra laughed, "Well, maybe one day."
"Maybe. That reminds me, I'm looking for some romance books. For inspiration for my plays."
"Oh, of course. Right this way, we have a lot of good romance stories. Here are some I've enjoyed, and I know that Luisa could give you some good recommendations as well." Bruno noticed the way Alejandra subconsciíously lit up when she mentioned Luisa.
"I'll take these for now and ask her for more recommendations in the future. Thank you so much for your help, I hope you have a good day." Bruno took his leave before he could reveal what he knew, feeling downright giddy. Part two was ready to go.
Luisa liked her uncle's rat plays, but she was suspicious. Alejandra had told her that Bruno had shown up at the library and now Luisa couldn't help feeling nervous that he knew something. Her eyes were twitching a little. She could have asked Dolores if she had heard anything, but she really didn't want to involve Dolores more than she had to, considering Dolores's last scheme.
Her suspicions were confirmed when she saw his newest rat play.
"This is a new play I came up with, with some inspiration from the romance novels I've been reading."
"On with it," Camilo heckled, getting swatted by his sister. He loved the rat plays as much as everyone else, he just liked teasing Tío Bruno.
"Alright. Our scene opens on our lovers, Elena and Arianna. They keep their love secret because they think their families won't approve. But Arianna is about to be discovered with her lover."
Luisa watched the play in mortified disbelief. Isabela left halfway through. Aside from Isabela's abrupt exit and Luisa's stunned silence, the newest play was received with a warm reception.
"I don't get why Elena and Arianna have to hide their love," Antonio said, "But I liked it! The rats had fun, too."
"Five stars, Tío Bruno. Call me if you ever want to make plays with humans," Camilo said before scooping Antonio up and putting him on his shoulders.
"I liked it too. Did you like it, Luisa?" Dolores asked as Luisa tried to sneak off.
"Uh-huh. But I have some chores to do now, so, bye!"
"I liked it too," Julieta said, "Bruno? A word?"
Bruno hadn't been afraid of Julieta since they were children but now he predicted a spine-chilling lecture that would put the lectures from their childhood to shame.
"I'm sorry," he said instinctively when he was alone with Julieta.
"What? Why?"
"I'm not in trouble?"
"No, why would you… Never mind. I have a question for you."
"Oh, okay."
"When did you find out about Isabela and Sofía?"
"Isabela and who?"
"The play, it was clearly for Isabela."
Bruno snorted, "Shows what you know. It was for Luisa."
"Luisa? What do you mean?"
Bruno suddenly looked panicked, having spilled the beans on something that was still primarily speculation.
"Uh… Never mind. Don't listen to me."
"Bruno," Julieta said in a warning voice.
"Okay, Pepa and I think that Luisa might be in a relationship with her librarian friend, Alejandra. What did you think was going on? Who's Sofía?"
"The new delivery woman, Osvaldo's niece. Agustín and I think that Isa likes her. Are you telling me that Luisa also has a secret relationship?"
"Maybe? It seems like it, but we don't know anything for sure, do we?"
Julieta frowned, hugging herself, "You're right. But if we are right about this… I just don't know why they wouldn't tell us. Tell me."
"You saw the play," Bruno said, "When people feel different they worry the people they care about won't support those differences. They're just taking these things slow, I'm sure both Luisa and Isabela will tell you in time."
"Thank you, Bruno. So, you've met this Alejandra lady?"
"Yeah, I did. Pepa knows her better because of their book club, but she seems really nice. She seems good for Luisa."
Julieta smiled now, "That's what I like to hear. My girls deserve to be happy. Sofía seems like a really good woman too, and I can tell she makes Isa happy. But I think that that's enough speculation and meddling until they decide to tell us themselves."
"Agreed. My spying and meddling days are over. I might keep that storyline for my plays, though, it got a really positive reception."
"Bruno."
"Okay, okay, I'll shelf it for now."