"Her water just broke," As Dolores said this the shocked families finally registered the puddle on the floor.
Everyone started to scurry in different directions. It was crazy that no one knew what to do. Zano went to get the bags, and Mateó was carrying Angie to the car. Then the kids came down hearing the commotion along with Maria who had a megaphone on hand.
"HEY! What's going on?!" She asked.
"Angie's having the baby!"
"It's time. Kids, you know your roles this is not a drill!" They left guiding a confused Antonio.
"Ignácio what can we do?" Asked Mirabel.
"Don't know," he answered honestly, "watch the kids and clean up."
"Okay," she said "What about tío Bruno?"
"Oh right," he pats her back "Papí! You're going with them vamos!" He told his father.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes! Now go! And take your sisters and Abuela!" Nació added surprising the three women.
"You got wax in your ears? go!" Yelled Maria as they hurried out to join the expected mother.
Acacia came up to the bewildered Madgrigals with a list. "Okay listen up! Here's what I need you to do," she points to Camilo "We to make room in the fridge can you do that?"
"I think I can manage," he heads for the kitchen.
"Good just avoid any that have a big A.That's Angie's," she said as he entered the kitchen. "Isa can you grow these flowers and herbs," She hands her a list. "On it!" Isa headed upstairs.
"Okay, since there's not much left... Where's your father?" To Dolores who answered, "He went with my mother to calm her down."
"Probably for the best." (She checks her list) "That just leaves cleaning and babysitting."
"I can help with carrying stuff," Offered Luisa.
"That's sweet of you but we don't need to move anything unless you are willing to clean under stuff," she joked.
"Aren't we supposed to clean there anyway?"
"Yeah, but-oh, right living house. Just help where you feel comfortable. I need to make two phone calls," Acacia said as she went to check on everyone else in the house.
Meanwhile, with Angelina and Mateó, he is trying to talk to her but she's been quiet. "Angie, are you sure you are fine? no contractions popping up?"
"No, not yet," she replies softly.
Then Ignácio shows up with Zano carrying her overnight bag. Along with five others. But Mateo paid them no mind, "Where's the baby bag?"
"It's right here," he shows Mateo as Zano loads the back, "and the baby seat is in here as well," Mateo nods happily at this but then asks, "And?"
"He's our father, Tia Julieta's a midwife, Him I forget, and all three women lied to her," Ignácio points to Pepa and Alma which made them confused.
"No time for questions get in!" So everyone did. "Okay Acacia called the hospital and we called your dad and Andreas they'll meet up with you at the hospital."
"Good, and Gaby is staying here, till we call."
"Yup."
"Ahhh!" Screamed Angie. "Go! Go now!" Mateo drove the car to the hospital.
Thankfully after a short drive to the hospital. The group walks up to the front desk. "Excuse we need to check in my wife is in labor!"
"Name?"
"Angelina Madrigal-Mondragón"
"Ah, yes you called ahead. NURSE!" She called as a male nurse brings a wheelchair for Angie and leads them to the room.
Meanwhile, at the Sanchez Boarding house, everyone is watching tv waiting for the phone to ring. The kids are asleep in sleeping bags. So it was just the teens, and Ignácio along with Isa, Luisa, and Dolores.
"So dinner was..." started Mirabel. "A disaster," Zano finished for her. "Eventful. I was going to say eventful," Isa sees Ignácio's face, "I'm sorry, I-"
"Isa, don't apologize. You needed to let out all that frustration. We can't fault you for that. We left you guys without warning, and that put more pressure on you all of you."
"I can't get over the fact that Angie beat up Abuela."
"Camilo,"
"Come on, after all, that went down at dinner, I think we all need an explanation,"
"He has a point (sigh) For starters, she didn't beat her up,"
"She did say she almost killed her,"
(sigh) "Yes, when Alma asked us about Papa we got tired of her priorities and argued with her. Angie was more done than us. She then called her useless and Abuela smacked her which Angie retaliated."
"It was just a smack? No pushing, no hair pulling?" Everyone looked at him, "What who ever almost died from a slap?"
"Angie smacked her so hard it caused her to hit the wall," Ignacio explained.
"Oh,"
"And... there was a small... tiny... itty bitty, crack in her head,"
"The crack was from..." Dolores said looking at Ignácio who confirmed her theory.
"When we saw her lying there our anger was replaced with panic. Angie was worst she was crying her eyes out. Javier had an arepa and luckily it healed her," He says.
"So it was an accident. At least she felt bad for it and you healed her," Mirabel said to him.
"Angie was still scared of going haywire again and hurting someone else. So we left till we all gained control. That's why we stayed with Andreas and the Mondragóns. Combat training helped relieve some pent-up frustrations and anger,"
"I still can't believe it. Why didn't Abuela ever mention it to us?"
"Cause she forgot," Dolores said all eyes on her, "When Angie confessed that. Abuela was just as surprised to hear it. I remember overhearing her conversation with Abuelo the first night we went searching for them, she doesn't recall her argument at all."
"Huh, so Mirabel isn't the only one,"
"What?"
"I-I mean she barely remembers your song,"
"Bad lying aside, why did you tell Doña Madrigal to go with them?" asked Zano.
"Cause Angie needs to talk with her. If she has seen the error of her ways great! but they need to squash this. As for your mothers to yell at them for lying,"
"What did they lie about?" Asked Luisa.
"Childbirth."
Meanwhile back at the hospital Angie and Mateó, followed by the Madrigal matriarch and her three children and son-in-law. Entered the room. The nurse asked Angie questions, "Okay how far are the contractions?" He holds a clipboard.
"# minutes apart but I think they are getting closer or those beans were a bad idea,"
"Let's get you all settled. The doctor will be here soon. Are all of you family?" He addressed the Madrigals. "Yes, their immediate family. He's her father, they're her Tía's y tío. and that's Grandma."
"Okay, but when the delivery starts they may need to wait in the other room,"
"That's fine with me," said Bruno as Felix nodded.
"Yes, the men who aren't doctors can wait there,"
"You ladies as well,"
"Why?"
"In case of an emergency, we need room to respond but if you like we'll send for you if everything goes smoothly and you can be present for the birth," the nurse said as he went to check with the doctor.
"Angelina, are you sure you want me here?"
"Yes, you didn't get to see your newborn grandchildren. did you?" She asked referring to his visions.
"I'm pretty sure I didn't, my visions tend to be vague. Thank god none of the tablets showed stuff like that though," he said getting her to laugh. "How are you doing Angelita?"
"Better but I need to change. You mind?"
"Oh right! Come on Felix," Both men left the room next door.
As Angie changed with help from the ladies. While Mateó was preparing the room and gearing up.
"So Angie are you okay?"
"I'm fine I'm just really glad you are all here,"
"We're glad to be here," Pepa said as they finished and were about to have her sit but she stopped them. "Wait I need to do my breathing and stretching,"
"Angie your baby is coming"
"I know but the stretching," she crouches down, "Helps for easier delivery" as Mateo goes to balance her. Then the doctor came in.
"Hello, I'm Dr. Estefan. Now which one of you is the expecting mother," said a female voice.
"Is there another Dr.?"
"I'm only teasing," she explains walking to the couple, "now how are you doing?" She loves her hand on her belly.
"She's having a baby what do you think?" Said, Alma. "Mama"
"The contractions are getting-ah! Stronger" she answered holding Mateo's hands.
"That's usually the sign to get in bed," she said as they move to the bed. Angie is still breathing.
"Now Angie according to your charts you're ahead of schedule though your last scan proved your baby is in the correct position and at a healthy weight,"
"Ahhh!" Breathes "Ow!"
"Okay get her legs up. Ladies I'm going to need you to wait in the other room. We will call you for the main event," they head to the room with Félix and Bruno dressed in scrubs.
"What are you wearing?"
"Scrubs we have to wear these around the newborn,"
"Here for you ladies," they take the scrubs and put them on. then a nurse opened the door, "It's time," everyone was excited and nervous mostly Bruno. As they entered they see Angie breathing heavily with Mateó on her right side. With the doctor down there with a sheet across her legs. "Okay, Dad on the left. You four can decide which but it would be helpful if it was even" so Félix and Pepa were next to Mateó. Julieta and Alma were next to Bruno. "Okay Angie your fully dilated so when I say push you-"
"Ahhhhh! I'm sorry!"
"What for?" asked the doctor. "Not You!" she said turning to her left, "I'm sorry for that night! I didn't mean to but I was so mad I just lost it. Ahh!"
"Okay, that was a good one,"
"Angelina you don't owe me anything it was my fault I pushed you and I pushed your brothers..."
"How are you not in jail?"
"Not. that kind of PUSH!" screamed Angie. "It wasn't just you I was mad at them too," she points to Julieta and Pepa.
"I hated that you two never stood up for yourselves. Or saw what was wrong. Though tía Pepi. I was sick and tired of that hearing about that damn wedding!"
"I made you flower girl!"
"Pepa!"
"It itched and the only fun part was the hurricane! I got to fly-Ahhhhh!"
"Maybe we should save this for later this baby is born," they suggested.
"Okay! I just want to tell you all that I forgive you-ah!-and missed you! Why?!!"
"Okay, Angel we're going to need some focus here this baby needs a little push right now!"
"Ahhhhh! Damn, you brujas for your lies! There is no joy in childbirth just pain!"
"You wouldn't stop asking us! You were 8 when you asked," Pepa said.
"Nurse I thought we administered the epidural?"
"They did, this just for my first delivery! Aahhhh! Now get out," Angie said.
"But I-"
"Not you! Get out!" Angie yelled at her stomach. "There comes the head," said the doctor.
"Ahhhhhhh!" Everyone was screaming till, "Wahhhhh! Wahhh!" Baby cries.
"Congratulations! It's a boy and he's healthy," Dr. Estefan announced as she showed the crying newborn. Mateo was smiling and kissing Angie, "You were wonderful," as the nurses went to clean up the baby's airways.
"My brave girl I'm so proud of you. He reminds me of... one of your brothers? I forget which though, we didn't have names yet," Angie smiled at Bruno's words.
"Excuse me who's cutting the cord" Everyone looked to Mateó, "I did it for Gabriela so I'm fine with whoever you pick," he says to Angie. "Papi?"
"I'd be honored," he goes to take the scissors, "Julieta can you keep me steady?" She nods as he cuts the cord.
After the snips, Julieta keeps her brother steady. "All right now baby is ready for Mami," she hands him over to Angie who looks tired but happy. She holds him to her chest, "Hey you. So you're the one that's been kicking me. I'm your mommy and this is your daddy. He is going to teach you how to aim," Everyone chuckled.
"And the skinny man with nice curls is your Abuelo," the baby just coos making them all awe.
"Have you decided on any names?"
"Yes, but we're going to wait till everyone else gets here,"
Meanwhile, Ignácio, Gabriela, Joaquín, and Andreas are in the waiting room.
Then a nurse comes and says, "Madrigal-Mandrogan!" Everyone went up, "Yes," Ignácio answered.
"Your sister is still conscious and won't rest until you see the baby," she said as they all follow her.
In the room, they see an exhausted Angie holding a little bundle in her arms. "What took you so long?" She said to them.
Gabriela went up first to her parents "Is that my new hermano?"
"Sí, my love. This is your baby brother, Jacob," she told Gabriela.
Happy with the news Gabriela said, "Jac-Jac?" The baby smiled at the new nickname.
"I think he likes it," Mateo notes.
"And he (yawn) passed gas," she was getting tired. But she didn't mind she was so happy to be holding her little boy.
"Nice work sis, he's a cute little meatball," Ignácio jokes but sees her sad expression, "J.C. Should be here," she said and they looked to Abuela.
"Guys we need to tell you something..."
Boarding house. Morning.
It's been 24-48 hours since Angelina went to the hospital to deliver baby Jacob. Now it's time for them to return home. Everyone is decorating for their arrival. Mirabel is hanging the banner with Camilo outside. Luisa and Zano are keeping them steady. Isabela is taking care of the plants.
Dolores is helping everyone else decorate inside the house. While everyone is working Mirabel couldn't help but point something out. "You know it's funny," she said with soft amusement.
"What?" Camilo asked, wondering what his curly-haired prima is thinking about.
"This is the first welcome home party for a baby we ever threw since Tońito was born," she said, and everyone agreed with her notion but Luisa and Isa thought about their experiences.
"It's the first one outside the Encantó for us. I remember everyone celebrating when you and Camilo were born," Luisa said.
Isa nodded at her younger sister's statement, "Granted it was smaller than Tonito's but he was more of a surprise, I think," She added. "a baby at 45 is a surprise for anyone."
"But did mom and Tía Pepa have any of us at the doctor's clinic or was it all done at Casita?" Mirabel asked since her faith in her memory is shaky for the moment. But Isa and Luisa were thinking hard about their youngest sister's question but they were pretty young themselves back then.
"I honestly don't remember," Isa rubbed her chin in thought. "I was told the baby was coming and the next day boom! baby in the nursery," she joked and focus's on the flower planter. "Maybe ask our parents, they were there," she added.
"Oh yeah," Mirabel laughs a bit, recalling almost the same situation when Antonio was born. "Still this is the first baby homecoming that we're all decorating together,"
"We've decorated together,"
"Yeah but not in the same room or a normal house. Now that I think about it-" Mirabel was interrupted when the front door opens and all animals ran out. Oskar is walking out in a mascot uniform waving hello as he leaves. Causing the young adults and teens to look in bewilderment. "By Normal, you meant not magical or alive," Zano said to the bespectacled girl.
Shakes her head back to normal, "We have animals that do that too" She said, focusing on the animals.
"That's cause you have tiny Doctor Dolittle for a cousin," Zano said as he explains his household, "We have strays that my mother has a habit of feeding,"
"What's wrong with that?" The morphing Madrigal asks his temporary roommate.
"They eat off my plate and whine about their stomachs," The white-haired boy complains.
"Cats are needy," stated Luisa.
"I meant the chicken man that just left," Zano pointed his thumb behind him in the direction of Oskar.
Mirabel: (smiles) Anyway since your finally talking what can you tell us about the party?"
"Not much. Just smile say welcome, compliments," he says offhandedly "Like a... good job on not killing anyone to share your pain" he joked but no one else thought it was amusing.
"That's not funny," said Mirabel, upset with the boy's lack of tactfulness, "we said it at the previous baby homecomings," defended Zano then he sees Mirabel and Luisa's deadpan faces. "Oh right that talk at dinner," he realized, feeling very uncomfortable about what transpired. "Sorry that slipped my mind but they seemed to have moved past it,"
"Mama did say Angie and Abuela made up in the delivery room," Camilo said while securing the banner. "Although she did curse them out for leaving out the full details of childbirth" both boys shudder. "Wouldn't want to be in their shoes,"
Isa: glaring at them. "Real sensitive guys"
Zano: "I've seen Angie hit a punching bag so hard it fell off the chain," he told her "You want to be in her line of fire?"
'Oh they meant Angie's wraith' they thought and went back to work.
"Next subject. I'm excited to see the baby. I wonder who he takes after," Mirabel said making everyone focus on the new family member. "Who knows maybe he'll look like Angie," suggested Isa.
"Or maybe he'll have his dad's features?" Camilo added.
"You never know mama says that genes can be random and with newborns you can't tell right away," Luisa said quoting what Julieta told them when they asked about Tía Pepa's hair.
"Speaking of your mother. How come she went back to the hospital?" Zano asked.
"She wanted to make sure Angie and the baby were still okay on the way here," Mirabel answered.
"That's nice of her," Zano said. "She didn't have to though she is still a guest,"
"Yeah, our primos made that clear. But she wanted to," Mirabel said. "After all it is the first baby she's present for,"
"I can respect that," Zano smiled at the middle age woman's nurturing nature. Then he notices something weird behind the girl. "Now can you explain why there's a rainbow and a man covered in bee stings in my backyard?" Zano points to the poor man by the kitchen door.
"Oh, Tía Pepa is in a good mood," looks in the direction of his finger "and that's our daddy. Isa?" Mirabel asked her sister in the window.
Isa: "Already on it" She holds up a jar and heads over to the kitchen to let her father inside. Leaving them to finish their task.
"Okay, just a few more touches and done!" Mirabel said as she got down. Camilo followed after. They all take a look at the banner.
-Bienvenidos bebe!-
Acacia comes out with baby Manny in her arms. "Hey, how's everyone doing? Oh, you finished the banner!" she sees the banner and is happy.
"Yeah, what do you think?"
"It looks great. Thank you, guys and the plants look great too. where's Isa?"
"She had to help our papa. They're both inside," Luisa said and Acacia nodded understandably "Well everything is almost ready so why don't you all come inside for some drinks I got chicha morada,"
Everyone was about to head inside till Dolores came out panting, "They're coming! They're only two blocks away" she squeaks with a smile. Acacia held her hand and asked, "You told everyone?" Dolores nodded to confirm. "Good," Acacia sees everyone come out. Including Luis, Alejó, and his family.
"Okay, everyone! Gather around in front of the banner and keep all eyes out" Acacia ordered as they wait for the guests of honor to drive by.
"There's the car!" Shouted Camilo.
As the car rolled up everyone yelled welcome home! Mateo and Angie holding the baby, step out of the car. Then Bruno, Alma, and Julieta.
"This brings back memories," said Mateó, referring to the time they moved here from San Lorenzo.
"Yeah, only now it's my second time," said Angie as she head over to greet everyone. "Mommy's home!" Said Gabi as she rushed to hug her mother. "Hey, sweetie! You excited to see us?"
"Yeah" answered the hyper four-year-old. Mateó picks her up "Hey Gabs how about you help us unload the car Huh?" As he carry her to the trunk Zano, Félix, Ignácio, Chico, and Luisa helped unload the car while Alma helped Angie up the stairs. "Ama, I'm fine Tía Julieta's food helped me feel better"
"Not emotionally I may have been absent for ten years but I can still tell" Her remark made Angie smile as she rolled her eyes as they all went inside.
The house was crowded with music and people everyone was excited to see the new addition to the family. The Madrigals were introduced to Maria and Manolo's eldest sons Luis and Alejó. Alejo's wife Rosita and their son Jorge. Mateo's father Juaqiun and even grandfather Andreas were there as well. After they got settled Angie and Mateo stood side by side. "Alright now that everyone is here we have someone we'd like to introduce" Angie moves up "Familia meet Jacob Joaquín Madrigal-Mondragón"
"Jack-Jack for short," she added.
Everyone got to get a good look and hold the baby but had to pause cause it was feeding time, "we'll be in our room," said Angelina.
"Oh I'll go with you it's time for the twin's nap," Acacia said following up the stairs and carrying both boys to their room.
Angelina is now alone in her room feeding Jacob. When a knock is heard. "Come in," Alma enters the room "Hola Ama, is there something you need?" Angie said, putting her baby in his crib.
"No, I just wanted to see you," she sits down and looks at the baby, "He looks so different now," recalling how red and squirmy Jacob was.
"Yeah. Amazing what water and Breast milk can do," This caused Alma to smile more but her eldest granddaughter knew there was more on her mind. "Abuela is there something else?" Alma just sat in silence not knowing what to say.
"Ama, if you are still upset at the fact that I hurt you then that's okay. I learned that you can't brush those feelings aside or they will burst out in the most painful ways so just tell me," Angie said still guilty but Alma held her hand shushing her from that thought, "No, I forgave you for that," she assured but Angie can't help being doubtful. "Mí angel, you tried to make me see how my behavior was affecting our family, and that made you frustrated," Alma said, she knows that both of them made mistakes and that didn't have to be talked about, it needed to, "But I was too stubborn, my pride cost me you, your father, and I almost our family."
"I hurt you, you could have died there's no excuse for that," Angie said.
"I'm still here, you made a mistake and healed me. You even learned from that mistake, which is more than I ever did, but thanks to Mirabel she helped all of us see what we lost sight of," Alma wipes Angie's tears, "Now I have a second chance to make it right and I hope you will give me that chance,"
"Of course, you think I'd miss the opportunity to say I told you so," Angie joked, making Alma smile at least she didn't lose her sense of humor. "I should have made this clear before, but you and your brothers will always be my first loves, after Pedro, no matter what. Which brings me to why I'm here," she added.
Angie had an idea of what it was, "Javier," Alma nodded at Angie's conclusion, referring to what she, Mateó, and Bruno told her. "Ama, we're going to find him," she assures, trying to calm her estranged grandmother's fears.
"How? You both have esposos and children that need you," Alma questioned knowing that they would do anything for their brother but they have others that need them too.
"Fair point, but Abuela we can always get the others to watch them till we find them. They care about them too," Angie claimed, "I know you have concerns and that these people while nice are still unknown to you. But trust me we can do this and if I can't then Ignácio and the others can. It won't be for long."
"I just wish I knew everything will be alright,"
"You remember Papí's vision that convinced you to come here,"
"Yes," Alma admitted. "That was a huge step for someone who use to warn us of the dangers of the outside world," Noted Angie.
"It was the first visión your father was happy to have and I saw it as a sign that it wasn't too late," said Alma.
"That's still true, all of us were hugging each other including Javier Carlos. That means everything will work out," she hugs Alma who hugs her back.
"Now that I think of it, the tablet didn't show what Javier looks like he was surrounded by everyone else," Alma said wondering what her meekest grandson looks like now.
"He still looks the same, just taller, and he had a haircut in the military, (grabs a picture) now his hair is braided,"
"Braided?"
"Yeah, but it looks nice, sees," shows a picture to Alma. "Oh, it's also longer than I remember," she noted, surprised at J.C.'s appearance but pleased at how happy her raven-haired grandson looked.
"Yeah," she rubs Alma's shoulder while looking at the photo. "I do want you here to get to know the kids and catch up with Javier. He missed you too," they hug again.
"Now let's go downstairs Jacob is waking up," Angie said.
"How?" (baby cries) Angie cradles him "he won't go back down for awhile might as well show him off to the family. Come on," Alma follows her downstairs.
The rest of the night is filled with pictures of the baby being held by his parents, sister, cousins, Abuelos, tías, and tíos. It was a lot of photos but everyone was happy at least for now.
