Summary:
Julián urges Gabriela to make friends with the Madrigal triplets.
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Written in Gabriela's POV.
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"Óye, Julián," I ask my brother while we're reviewing the inventory in the back room. "You've been spending less and less time helping us lately. What's gotten into you?"
Julián shrugs as he checks his list, counting the raw materials we use to make the instruments. "What about it? Papá and Mamá don't seem to mind. I have a life outside of the store, hermana. Besides, we've been living here for about a month now. It pays to know the neighbors."
I roll my eyes at him. "Just curious. And, I know plenty of neighbors. They're always coming by the store." Julián shakes his head at me. "That's not what I meant."
"So what do you mean then?"
He sighs. "I meant friends, Gabriela."
"YOU have friends?" I say, pretending to be surprised. I know Julián's quite the social butterfly, so that isn't a shock. I, on the other hand, am the complete opposite. I only had a few friends growing up. It's hard to keep someone around when you can constantly hear what they think about you.
Julián smirks. "I do. But that's beside the point, we're talking about you. Why don't you make friends? You can't seriously stay cooped up in here or at home, you know."
I know he's right, but I'm wary about it. "Julián, you know it's difficult given my gift. I only had two friends back then, and I left without even saying goodbye." Julián ponders for a moment, taking in my words before a wide grin spreads across his face. Oh no. He has a lightbulb moment. "I have an idea."
"Dios mio, I hate your ideas." I shake my head as I turn towards the door to check if our parents need help in the front. Julián stops me.
"Hear me out, sis." He says as he snaps his fingers to catch my attention. "Let's go visit the Madrigals today, after work."
I stare at him incredulously. "What? No way. I'm not just going to drop by someone's house unannounced, that's terrible manners. Imagine what the Señora would say."
Julián shrugged. "I'm pretty sure I recall Señora Alma telling you that we're welcome at their casa anytime…especially you." I frown at him, still unconvinced. "Come on, I'm sure the triplets would be thrilled to see you. Pepa always stops me in town whenever she sees me, asking when you'll visit."
I think about it. "I doubt you'd have a hard time getting along with them. They seem to like you a whole lot." Julián's trying to sell his pitch so hard that it's difficult to keep a straight face.
"Fine, fine. I don't know why you're pushing me so hard with it, but let's give it a go."
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"¡Hola, Casita!" Julián yells out as we approach La Casa Madrigal. I'm about to tell him to keep his voice down when Pepa spots me. Her mouth gapes open. I barely even manage a wave when she squeals and throws the bouquet of flowers she's holding behind her, running up to hug me.
"I can't believe it, you're back!" Pepa exclaims excitedly. "I've practically been begging Julián to drag you over here to visit."
"Hi, Pepa, long time no see. Well, it worked…he managed to convince me." Her excitement is contagious, and I grin at her. "I'm wondering, how do you always seem to cross paths with Julián?"
Pepa smiles sheepishly. "Oh, sorry. He didn't tell you?" I shake my head. She shrugs. "Well, he visits almost every day when we're not busy. He's pretty good friends with Bruno. My brother doesn't have that many friends because he's so unpopular with people, so I'm happy that he has a friend other than his family...or his pets."
I'm about to ask her what she meant by her last comment when Bruno suddenly appears, right on cue, sneezing. He's holding the bouquet Pepa threw behind her earlier.
"Pepa, did you throw this–" He stops when he sees us standing in the courtyard. I try hard to control myself from walking over to him to pinch his cheeks. He looks adorable with flower petals stuck in his hair, like a kid.
"Ay, sorry Brunito! I didn't know you were behind me. I got too excited." Pepa motions over to me. "Look who finally came to visit!"
"I can…see that. H-hi, Gabriela." He stammers, before immediately turning his gaze to his sister. "What are these flowers for?"
"Oh, I was going to bring those up to Isa because Agustín's down by Julieta's cart again. Bee stings."
Bruno sneezes yet again. "Ay, if Isa gets a gift I'm sure it'll be something with flowers. Poor Agustín can't catch a break. Anyway, I'll take these to her then."
"Are you sure?" Pepa looks concerned. "You're allergic to flowers."
"Pollen." Bruno corrects. Another sneeze. "I'm allergic to pollen."
Julián steps in and takes the flowers off Bruno's hands. "I'll take these to Isabela, amigo. Why don't you go hang out with Pepa and Gabriela instead?"
"Wha-what?" Bruno looks flustered at Julián's intervention. I shrug. "I don't mind if Pepa doesn't mind."
"Well, if you're okay with it, then so am I!" Pepa claps her hands. "I know! Let's go down to see Julieta. I bet she'll be thrilled when we surprise her with your presence."
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Glossary of terms (in order of appearance in-text):
Hola - Hello
Amigo - friend