CAMILO
If you want her to forgive you, you need to prove to her that you really are sorry. Dolores had said.
But how do I do that? Camilo thought.
Camilo went back to his chores after his supposed rest day. And for the next two days, Mirabel continued to ignore him. Even with their common chore: watching over the children in Encanto, she'd always find an excuse and made sure she'd stay away from him.
"But we wanna play with you and Camilo," One kid would say. "Please don't go."
"I'm sorry, niño," Mirabel told the little boy. "I need to help my Mamá with something, but I promise that we'll play next time, okay?"
Mirabel wouldn't even speak to him or even look at him.
Camilo didn't know what else to do. So that night, after the entire family ate dinner, whoever was on dishwashing duty was done with their tasks, and after everyone retired to their rooms, he went to see her.
He knocked on Mirabel's door. His prima answered. She was already in her nightgown and she looked like she was getting ready to go to bed. But of course, she rolled her eyes when she saw that it was him and attempted to close the door back.
Camilo stopped the door with his foot. "No, wait, please," He said.
Mirabel huffed, opened her door, and gestured for him to come inside.
"Thanks, Mimi." He said as he entered the bedroom.
Mirabel's bedroom was pretty much similar to what she had when she was still in the nursery, only it was bigger. It had a traditional sewing machine with a half-finished project on it, mannequin stands, baskets full of balls of yarn, and spools of thread. She has a queen-sized bed with canopies and drapes that she had probably embroidered herself, as opposed to the single bed she used to have in the nursery.
"What do you want, Camilo?" She demanded as she shut the door.
"I'm here to apologize again," He explained.
"Camilo-"
"I already feel bad for you not telling on me," He insisted.
"Not everyone needs to know about that," She said. "That was between you and me. Sure, Dolores knows, but it's not her fault she hears everything."
"What should I do for you to be able to forgive me?"
"At the moment, for you to get out of my room."
"Mira, I'm serious."
"I don't know, okay?" She threw her hands in frustration. "I just…need space. Preferably away from you."
"Mirabel," Camilo started to approach her, but she took a step back.
"I need to sleep," She brought up. "So if you please." She went back to the door, opened it, and gestured for him to get out.
Camilo sighed and had no other choice, but to obliged. "Good night, Mimi." He said as he went out the door.
He never got an answer, instead, he got the door shut hard behind him.
Camilo went back to his room, not knowing what else to do. He lay on his bed, trying to think of a way for Mirabel to forgive him.
Then it hit him. Santiago dela Cuesta. If Camilo brings him back to Encanto, Mirabel will be happy about it, and she might forgive him for what he did.
Camilo got up and bolted and knocked on his sister's bedroom door, which was right beside his.
"Dolores," He whispered as he knocked on her door. "Hermana, abre la puerta, por favor."
Not a moment later, his sister opened the door. "What do you want, Camilo?" She demanded.
"I need you to cover for me," He said.
Dolores rolled her eyes in annoyance. "I'm not gonna be an accomplice to one of your pranks again, Cami."
"This is not another prank, okay?" Camilo took a deep breath before speaking again. "I may have figured out a way Mirabel might forgive me."
Dolores frowned at him, then pulled him into her bedroom and closed the door behind him. "And what is it?"
"I'm going to find Santiago dela Cuesta," Camilo revealed. "And persuade him to come back to Encanto."
Dolores shook her head in disagreement. "You're obviously not thinking this through," She said. "You don't even know where the dela Cuestas are or know where they live. And you've never even been outside Encanto."
Camilo sighed. "I know," He said. "But it's a risk I'm willing to take."
His sister was hesitating.
"I'm doing this for Mirabel," He admitted. "I want her to be happy. That's only going to happen if Santiago comes back to Encanto. That's why I have to find him. I just need you to cover for me."
"Camilo, I can't hear anything outside Encanto," She reminded him. "How can I guarantee that you've done what you needed to do?"
"You don't need to worry about me, hermana," He assured. "I can handle myself."
"How am I supposed to cover for you?" She asked.
"Just tell them I'm not feeling well," Camilo suggested. "And I'm just in my room, resting."
"You know our familia would just tell you to eat Tía Julieta's food, right?"
"Then just tell them I'm too tired to get out of bed."
"If I'll tell them that, Mamí would break into your room and drag you out of bed herself."
"Just figure it out, por favor." He insisted. "I don't ask you that many favores."
Dolores narrowed her eyes at him, still hesitating.
"Please." He pleaded.
"And what would you get out of this?"
Camilo shrugged. "Hopefully, Mirabel will forgive me."
"Hopefully?" Dolores repeated. "You're placing your bet based on a benefit of the doubt?"
"Hey," Camilo interrupted. "Wasn't it you who said that if I want her to forgive me, I need to prove to her that I'm really sorry? This is my way of proving it to her."
After a long pause, Dolores finally agreed. But only reluctantly.
"Gracias, hermana," Camilo said. "I knew I could always count on you."
Dolores sighed. "I already regret this."
. . .
Camilo barely slept that night. He just wanted to get things over with and be done with it. So he got up from bed, took out his mochila, which Mirabel had embroidered his name on, and packed essentials for his journey.
He had managed to close his eyes for, a few minutes? Hours? He honestly doesn't know, but he did wake up before the sun rose.
Camilo then put on his clothes and faced the mirror. He stared at his reflection, but he could not bring himself to smile or to shapeshift into someone else. He was too tired? Too sad? He didn't know. And he honestly doesn't like what he's about to do, but…
This is for Mirabel, Camilo reminded himself.
"Curtains, Casita," Camilo said.
Immediately, the curtains were drawn to the sides, and a single spotlight shone on him. It was dimmer than usual as he could barely see the tiered seats.
Like it was before the Casita was rebuilt, their emotions always affect their rooms. Like when his Mamí Pepa's upset about something, her bedroom will be wrecked by a storm or a tornado or whatever; or when Isabela doesn't want to be bothered, they would know as thorny vines will be wrapping around her bedroom door. Something like that.
Camilo grabbed his mochila and walked up to the tiered seats before heading into his hall of mirrors. Even up close, he could also barely see his reflection as the mirrors were foggy. He's also not sure why. Well, he has been upset before, but it wasn't like this.
He left the Casita at the crack of dawn and started walking towards the Pass. He crossed the pink river and followed on the road downhill.
The road wasn't cobblestone like the streets in Encanto, it was a narrow dirt road surrounded by trees. At the moment, the road was muddy and there were puddles everywhere. If Camilo had to guess, it had recently rained. He hoped it wouldn't rain for a while, especially since he didn't pack anything in his mochila that concerned the weather.
It was also dark, with the moon as the only light source.
The hike took longer than expected. Camilo continued to follow the road, took a break to eat, and carried on. It was already noon when he came across civilization.
It was a bit different than in Encanto. The streets were less colorful and a lot more busier. It was surprisingly buzzing with people for a town at the base of Valle de Cocora.
Camilo wandered the town and asked if anyone knew the dela Cuestas, but to no avail.
How and where will I find the dela Cuestas out here? He asked himself.
He was almost about to give up when suddenly, someone pulled his ruana and dragged him out of the way before a passing cart carrying supplies could run him over.
"Watch where you're going, chico!" The bystander who grabbed him said.
"Lo siento, señor," Camilo apologized. "I…didn't see it coming."
"Maybe you should not stand in the middle of the road," The man laughed. "Anyway, I haven't seen you around here before now. Eres un turista off to see las montañas?"
"Uh, no," Camilo admitted. "Actually, I'm looking for…do you know the dela Cuestas?" He asked.
The man frowned. "Which one are you talking about? There are six of them here." He pointed out. "Well, five. Lorenzo died last week."
Camilo blinked. "Lorenzo?"
"The family patriarch," The man explained. "Heart attack."
The bad news about the dela Cuestas was definitely something he didn't expect. It was probably the reason why Javier, Pablo, and Santiago left Encanto in a hurry.
"Where can I find them?" Camilo asked.
"Well-" The man started to say.
"Camilo?" A familiar voice called from behind him.
Camilo turned and saw Santiago dela Cuesta holding two basketfuls of fruits and vegetables. He looked like he came from el mercado.
"Santiago," He sighed in relief, knowing he wouldn't have to search far and wide for the dela Cuestas.
"I knew I recognize that ruana from somewhere," Santiago said, putting down the basket, then gave him a pat on his shoulder. "I'm surprised to see you outside Encanto."
Camilo shrugged. "This is actually my first time away from home," He revealed. "I'll admit there are things I've never seen before now."
"Wait!" The bystander who saved him earlier. "You're saying this chico is from Encanto? That town up Valle de Cocora?"
"Uh, yes," Camilo confirmed. "Born and raised."
The bystander looked at him more curiously. "Is it true what they say about one family there?" He asked.
"Uh…" Camilo started to say. He tried hard and prayed that he wouldn't shapeshift into another person, the way he does when he's either nervous, surprised, or excited.
Normally, Camilo always appreciated the attention, but this was different. This was not Encanto, not where everyone knew about their gifts and accepted them for it. He didn't want to scare people away-that was how Camilo felt when the mountains gave way creating the narrow Pass allowing for outsiders to enter Encanto and locals to explore.
"Señor Emil!" Santiago scolded. "That's no way to treat un turista."
Emil, the bystander, raised his hands in surrender. "Lo siento, chico." He said, then smiled, and spread his arms wide like he owned the place. "Welcome to Valle de Cocora."
"Uh, thanks?" Camilo said, slightly confused.
Emil went back to doing whatever he was doing in the streets.
"I know he's kind of annoying," Santiago said. "But don't worry, he's harmless. He tends to be more friendly to tourists." He cleared his throat. "So, what brought you here?" He asked.
"Actually," Camilo started to say. "I came to see you. It's about Mirabel."
Santiago's face darkened and looked down.
"You were supposed to meet," Camilo continued. "But you didn't show up."
"I didn't intend to not show up," Santiago explained. "I would never do that to your prima." He blurted out. "There's just something that came up and mi hermanos and I were needed home."
Just then la campana ringing in the distance.
"Mierda," Santiago cussed. "I need to go. It's almost la hora de la cena."
Santiago looked like he wanted to protest, but Camilo already grabbed the other basket. "I'll help you with that." He offered as he walked beside him.
"Look," Santiago said. "I wanted to come, but I didn't have time to tell her I couldn't because we were in a hurry. And if I do tell her, your sister might hear our conversation. That's something Mirabel didn't want to happen." He frowned. "Wait, does your family know you're here?"
Camilo shrugged. "Sort of, but that's not important." He took a deep breath before speaking again. "Look, when you didn't show up, I…I did something."
"What did you do?" Santiago asked.
Camilo made a face. "I sort of…pretended to be you."
"You what?" He exclaimed.
"It's not what you think, okay?" Camilo insisted. "I didn't do anything that made you look bad. I simply did it to cheer her up, but when I revealed myself she became mad at me."
He told him part of the truth, but not the whole of it. Camilo didn't want Santiago to know the things he did just to get close to Mirabel.
Santiago was quiet for a long time. "You came all this way to tell me that?"
"Well, it's that," Camilo said. "And that Mirabel's really upset that you disappeared without an explanation."
"I'll explain everything to her when we get back to Encanto," Santiago said. "I…I really like Mirabel." He admitted. "She's one of a kind."
Camilo smiled because he couldn't help but agree. Mirabel is one of a kind. She's not like everyone else, that's why he loves her so much.
He followed Santiago to their house, crossing and turning several streets.
The dela Cuestas live in one unit of a rowhouse down a sloping concrete road. It was a two-storey unit with a small porch and a veranda on the second floor. Its railings were filled with overgrown bougainvilleas.
"It's not much compared to Casa Madrigal in Encanto," Santiago pointed out. "But it's home."
Three people were on the porch, two adults and one child. Camilo recognized one of them to be Javier, he was sitting on a stool, tuning his guitar. The other guy had the little boy on his lap. Camilo assumed he would be Manuel, the dela Cuestas' firstborn, and the boy was probably his son.
Javier stopped tuning. "Camilo?"
"Hola, dela Cuestas," Camilo greeted.
"Hey, Camilo," Javier stood and shook his hand. "What brings you here?" He gestured to the other guy. "This is our hermano mayor, Manuel y su hijo, Marco."
The little boy waved his hand. "Hola!"
"Where's Mamá?" Santiago asked. "Here's everything she asked for."
"En la cocina," The little boy, Marco replied.
Santiago ruffled Marco's hair. "Gracias, sobrinito." He gestured for Camilo to come inside their house. "Vamos, Camilo."
As they enter the dela Cuestas' home, Camilo immediately noticed the ofrenda by their living room. There was a table that had a large framed picture of a man in his late fifties. It also had bouquets of flowers and several candles surrounding it. The framed picture also had words engraved below it that said: In memory of Lorenzo dela Cuesta, loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Camilo stopped at his tracks and stared at the ofrenda. "Your Papá passed away?" He asked. "Is this why you left so suddenly?"
Santiago nodded sadly.
"I'm so sorry." He said. "How did he-?"
"Heart attack," Santiago explained. "But Papá already has a heart condition, so it was more or less expected to happen at some point."
"Still," Camilo said. "I'm so sorry."
"Gracias," Santiago said. "Now, come on, they need these en la cocina."
"Oh, right, sorry." Camilo apologized, then followed Santiago to the kitchen.
There were four people in the kitchen, and the only one he recognized was Santiago's other brother, Pablo. There were two women and a little girl with him.
"Here's all that you need," Santiago said as he placed the basket on the counter.
"Gracias, mijo," The older woman said, then frowned when she noticed Camilo. "Who is this young man?" He asked.
"Oh, uh," Santiago gestured in his direction. "This is Camilo Madrigal," He introduced him. "He's mi amigo from Encanto." Then he pointed at the older woman. "That's my Mamá; that's Carmen, Manuel's wife; and this-" He ruffled the little girl's hair. "-is mi hermanita, Gabriela."
"Hola!" Camilo greeted.
Señora dela Cuesta narrowed her eyes at him. "Madrigal?" She repeated. "Why does your last name sound familiar?"
"Mamá," Pablo spoke up. "Camilo is Mirabel's primo."
"Oh," Señora dela Cuesta said. "That girl you never stop talking about?"
"Mamá," Santiago complained. "Please."
Little Gabriela kept looking at Camilo with a wide smile on her face, clutching Pablo's pants. "El es muy guapo." She whispered, but still loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Don't mind her," Pablo said. "She's eight."
"It's okay," Camilo assured. "I have un hermanito who's also her age." He waved his hand at Gabriela. "Hola, Gabriela."
Gabriela shyly hid behind her brother, Pablo.
"Well, Camilo," Señora dela Cuesta said. "Now that you're here, you'll have to join us for dinner."
"Oh, no, no, no," Camilo declined. "I couldn't intrude, Señora."
Santiago patted his shoulder. "You're not intruding, we're inviting you to join us." He insisted. "You're our guest, it's the least we can do."
Camilo hesitated, but then eventually agreed.
. . .
Over dinner, Camilo got to know the dela Cuestas. Their eldest, Manuel, works as a mechanic in Cartagena; Javier, Pablo, and Santiago traveled around doing music; while only Gabriela remained with their parents. But when they heard the news about their father's deteriorating health, all fours brother hurried home, with Manuel bringing along his wife and son.
The family was complete and was there when their father, Lorenzo breathe his last. They had buried him two days ago. Manuel agreed that his family would stay with them until their Papá's 40th day after death.
After the meal, Camilo thanked the dela Cuestas for their hospitality before telling them he'd be going back to Encanto.
"Wait, you're leaving now?" Santiago asked. "Back to Encanto?"
Camilo shrugged. "Yes, I have to go home."
"Son las siete y media," Pablo interjected. "The road to Encanto is dark and dangerous at this hour."
"Dangerous how?" Camilo asked.
"Well, there aren't any lights that'll guide you," Santiago said. "And it's an uneven dirt road. Who knows what you'll encounter there at night."
"Yes," Pablo agreed. "You could stay here and leave with us to Encanto tomorrow."
Camilo blinked. "You're going back to Encanto en la mañana?"
Santiago nodded. "Yes," He informed. "When you travel at daylight, a lot of merchants with their carts will be on the road."
"And if you ask nicely," Pablo added. "They would let you hitch for free for three songs."
"De verdad?"
"Sí," Pablo confirmed. "It's how we get into Encanto without taking the long walk. He said. "In the meantime, you can spend the night here and sleep on el sofá. We'll leave tomorrow morning."
. . .
Camilo had no choice but to actually spend the night in the dela Cuestas' home. He didn't know if it was true though, but he did take their word about the road to Encanto being dangerous at night.
Señora dela Cuesta placed a pillow and a blanket on the sofá for him to use when he slept.
That night before sleeping, Camilo thought about how nice the dela Cuestas were, and how they would love Mirabel when they all meet her.
Santiago would be so lucky to have Mirabel. Camilo wouldn't know how he would feel when he sees them together again, but if it meant Mirabel finally forgiving him and seeing her so happy-it would mean the world to him.
Camilo couldn't sleep, so he got up and looked out the window to see the moon and the stars illuminating the dark, night sky.
He remembered the constellations Mirabel had taught him. He spotted the constellation Polaris and he remembered what Mirabel had said about it. It's…constant, I would say. If you know where it is, you'll never be lost and you'll always find your way.
Camilo liked to think Mirabel was his Polaris. The one person that's constant in his life, the one who keeps him grounded, and the one who keeps him going. He would go to great lengths just to see her happy.
