Summary: Sister fun - and I am getting carried away again. If I think of a better ending I'll update this...unlikely but who knows - this was day 13's prompt for Encantober 2022

Isabee

"But, Mamá I'm supposed to go to the market with Maria Sanchez today."

"Plans change, Corazón," her mother said as she picked up her basket of arepas.

"But-"

"But, nothing. I need you to look after your sister today. Your Tío isn't feeling well and Lulu will probably sleep most of the day. Just be thankful your Tío Félix has Camilo with him."

"Well can't Pá do…" Isabela trailed off seeing her mother's face. Her mother being angry was not what she was trying to achieve so Isabela smoothed her lavender dress her abuela had made for her and looked away saying quietly, "I'm sorry."

"I would suggest, Isa, you change out of that dress for today," her mother said, "or at least use one of my aprons in the kitchen. Little kids are messy."

"Yes, Mamá."

There was a silence then Isa felt her mother gently smooth her hair, "Thank you for helping me today, mi vida," she said and kissed the top of her head. Isabela smiled in spite of her disappointment. Her mother left and Isabela went to the table to sit next to her sister who was finishing her breakfast. Or rather she'd finished eating and was playing with the leftovers. Instead of sitting she went and grabbed one of the aprons and put it on. She went back to the table and realized Mirabel was gone.

"Mira!" she yelled and heard a giggle from the patio. She went outside and saw that Casita had blocked the gate and Mira was sitting looking at a flower growing out of a bush. Isa came closer and saw there was a bee on it and pulled her sister back from it. Mirabel resisted, but Isa picked her up and brought her back in the house. She sat her on the counter near the sink and asked, "Why are you so sticky?"

After cleaning her up, they went to the nursery, and she changed her into some clean clothes. Mirabel decided now would be a good time to read a book and pulled one of her favorites from the shelf near her bed. This was actually one of Isa's favorites.

They sat together in the rocking chair and Isa read her the story of Buz. An adventure story of the life of a honey bee. It follows her adventures as she first wakes up from her cell, her first flight, and how she learns to fulfill her role as a bee in the colony. Mira pointed to Buz then to her and said Isabee! Isabee! Isabee!

Isa laughed as Mira got down and buzzed around the room. It actually looked like fun, so Isa grew some vines and caught Mira up, and they buzzed and hummed as they 'flew' around the room. This was not something she was supposed to do. Most of the adults thought it dangerous, but Isa had been practicing. Isa looked at the clock and was surprised how quick the time was going by and asked her sister if she was hungry.

"Yes, let's eat flowers!"

"Mira, I don't think that's the best idea."

"But I want to be Hum, Isabee is Buz."

Isabela sighed and said, fine. But first let's go check on Lulu and see if she up yet."

"Okay," Mirabel said excitedly and grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the door.

They left the nursery and Isa poked her head into Luisa's room. She was still asleep and Isa wondered what sort of chores Abuela had come up with to make her sister so tired.

"Still sleeping," she said to Mira, "It's lunch time for you though."

"Flowers for lunch, Isabee."

Isa rolled her eyes, "Whatever kid, let's go."

In the kitchen, Isa rooted through the cabinets and cold box pulling out what she would need to make a sandwich. She cut the bread in the shape of a flower and spread the strawberry jam on pretty thick. She put the plate in front of Mira with a cup of milk and her sister's eyes shone with delight.

"Isabee made a flower for Hum."

"Yes, now eat up, Hum."

Lunch was finished, and it was time for Mira to take a nap. After cleaning her up they went to the courtyard, and together they laid in the hammock. Mira had claimed she was not tired at all, but promptly fell as asleep after a few minutes. Isa looked up at the ceiling and drifted off. Isa woke when her mother came in. Mira was sitting up squishing her face saying, "Isabee loves Hum," and giggled. Her mother lifted her sister off of her and Isa got off the hammock.

"I see you two had a productive day."

"Isabee can fly!" Mira shouted and Isa felt a moment of dread. Her mother pretended not to know what Mira was talking about and said, "Isabee…that's a cute name."