Angelina's P.O.V.
It was a quiet Friday morning at the boarding house. It was just me, Ignácio's twins, Chico & Zita's daughter Joy, and my baby, Jacob. They were playing in their pen and all was peaceful.
Crash
"Something broke! Anyone got a broom!" shouted Grandpapi.
Okay forget quiet, Grandpapi is also here. The rest of my family is at work but my papa and his family are taking a tour of the town. Hasn't even been a month since they came but it feels like they've been here forever it's nice except someone's missing.
"Hey Angie, what are you doing?" asked Isa.
"Just writing in my journal. What about you any plans?"
"Not sure, though some of us were wondering if we could help you with the babies?" the flower child asked.
"Sure Izzy, and by 'we' you mean..."
"Just me, everyone left."
I smiled, "That's right, and though I welcome the free babysitting I thought everyone was going out to explore the town?"
"Our parents are. The Sanchezs are giving them a romantic tour making it a triple date."
"I can see, how awkward that would be with kids," she nodded in agreement, "What about Papa and Abuela?" I asked.
"Your father-in-law took them to the community center to play games, and for Tío, to interact with other palm readers," said Isa, "I would have joined but it seemed to..."
"Not your thing," I finished and she nodded. "That's fine you don't always have to do things with your family or as a group unless you're in a new place in which you should always have a buddy," I said earning a confused look, "What about Cam, Mira, and Tońito?"
"School," not expecting that answer, "¿Escuela? But there only visiting, how can they be enrolled?"
"Headmistress Flores had given their assignments to our parents to do when while they're here," she explained.
"Okay, that still doesn't explain why they're at school," I said still confused.
"Chico suggested that they use the school libraries, that way they can do their work while interacting with people their age, even got them passes and some programs," Isa said unable to recall the name.
"Oh yeah Chico did mention something like that before," I said. "it's where kids visiting or homeschooled can have access to local educational resources," (thought) "Which school are they at? Chico is only a teacher at one," I asked.
"Which is why Antonio is at his school while hanging out with the other primitos,"
"That's sweet, but what about Cam and your sister?"
"Luisa volunteered to watch them, that way she can keep them out of trouble while checking out some books. They asked me to join but I wasn't in the mood for high school, or Camilo's drama,"
Angie: "He threw a fit?"
Isa: "Mostly overdramatized whining and moaning."
"Okay (giggles) Since it's just you, me, and the kids how about we take them for a walk? I can show you around the neighborhood and run errands, like old times," I said earning a bright smile from my prima. "I'd like that, but I should warn you I'm not that experienced with babies."
"And I'm still learning how to handle them so we're both inexperienced," we laughed together and went to get the babies ready for our outing.
As I packed the bags I can't help but wonder, "I wonder how Zano's dealing with the teen Madrigals? I know we sort of forced Cam as his roommate but I'm sure he can tolerate him as a classmate, right?" I thought.
Zano was many things, a son, a rebel, a student, a teenager, and a heartbreaker, but he was not a tour guide, especially for three people he's not even related to.
"Bad enough they made one of them my roommate. Now I have to babysit them while I'm at school! As if I didn't have enough on my plate!" He thought.
"Hey, vato! Lose the attitude you're still on probation remember," said Acacia.
"Don't get why they have to go to my school? Chico made the suggestion," Zano argued.
"Because they're only going to use the library and their family," she explained.
"Your husband's family and they are his cousins," Zano retorted.
"Ernie's neither and he still comes to eat our food. Besides, you have nothing to complain about, just show them the library and introduce them to the librarian," Acacia noted, "What's so hard about that?"
Zano: (murmurs)
"What did you say?"
"I said fine, but I don't like it. What if they use their powers?"
"They won't. But if it happens call us and try to get them home as soon as possible all right,"
"Yeah I know the drill, so are we going to tell them about-"
"Still figuring out how to break it to them, everything has been so hectic and with Miguel..." sees the teen Madrigals arrive. "Oh hey, guys! You ready for school?" Acacia asked them as they entered the car. "Yes," both sisters answered. "I guess, why can't we just sleep in?"
"We have work and your parents said you get distracted," Acacia answered as she drove them to the school.
At school, Zano dropped them off at the library. "Okay this is the library, that's Señora Collin, any questions bother her and I'll see you at five. Bye," he turns to the exit but is held back by Luisa, "Wait a minute what do you mean by five? your sister said school ends at three."
"I have stuff I do after school," the white-haired Sanchez explained. "Like what?" Asked Mirabel with her eyebrow arched. Before he could retort the first bell rings. "Sorry can't stay gotta go!" He said as he rushed out to his class leaving behind the annoyed Madrigal.
"So... what should we do now?" Asked Camilo. "Our homework. Which is the main reason we came here," Mirabel said sweetly holding up the two packets.
"Fine," exasperated Camilo as he takes him and sits down. Luisa joined them after finding a book court's eye of the librarian. While she read, they worked.
All was quiet until, "But come on, primas! This is our chance to see what schools outside of Encanto are like," he argued.
"What happen to one school was enough?" Quoted Mirabel. "This is different, my bespectacled twin, I'm referring to the chance to experience a new culture similar yet different to our own,"
"What?"
"He means there are new girls for him to annoy,"
"Oh yeah," she gets it. "And boys, I'm equally annoying to all. Except replace annoy with charming. Besides don't you want to meet other people your age too?"
"Yes, but not now. We need to keep a low profile and remember this is not home so our gifts need to stay secret."
"Okay, I get that. We could still interact with people and where better than right here?"
Shhh! Said the librarian.
"Camilo, we couldn't interact even if we wanted to, everyone's in class," noted Mirabel.
"True, but what about lunch?" He asked which made the two sisters perk up at the idea.
The sisters and cousin were heading down to the cafeteria, "We go in, eat, say hi, and head back to the library, that's it," said Luisa. "No unnecessary, stops or games, right, Camilo?"
"Relax prima, I know the drill, besides we're all teenagers how different can they be?" They open the doors "Spoke too soon."
The cafeteria was crowded with teenagers of various shapes and sizes but that wasn't what caught them by surprise.
"Excuse me," asked a girl wearing a pink jacket holding a lunch tray. The wide-eyed Madrigals moved out of her way as she left Camilo tried to follow. "Cam!" Mirabel pulled him back. Snapping him out of his trance.
"Did you see what she was wearing?" Luisa asked her sister quietly. "Yeah, apparently pants for women weren't the only fashion trend," replied Mirabel. "How can she breath?" Everywhere she looked girls her age were wearing form-fitting dresses or shirts, pants, and skirts. There were a few items that were similar to her and Luisa's outfits, but even the poofy skirts were higher than theirs.
"Not just the girls, just look at what the guys are wearing," said Camilo.
"And here I thought Zano was the only one," Mirabel stated. "What do we do now?" She asked her big sister who could only shrug. "I guess we just get some food, find somewhere to eat in peace, and leave," Camilo and Mirabel nodded at her suggestion so they went to get in line. But we're still looking at the student's outfits.
~With Zano~
"So Z, what's the story? You still on lockdown?" asked his classmate Lenny.
"Yeah, what of it?" He retorted not in the mood for his classmate's antics.
"Well word is you got some cute chicas hanging out at your place," he said causing all the guys to go nuts.
"Gross they're my sisters," said Zano eating his fries. "Funny. I'm referring to the girls Ernie mentioned. That one's visiting," as Lenny mentioned this news. ZANO TURNS TO ERNIE WHO LOOKS AWAY SIPPING HIS DRINK. "So spill what's the story with them?"
"No story, they're distant relatives and not available so sniff somewhere else," Zano stated trying to finish his lunch.
"Oh come on where's your sense of romance?"
"It's grounded and trying to prevent your murder their Angelina and Ignácio's family," he warned knowing this will get them to back off.
"...Okay then moving on, hey check those three out," he points to the line. "Looks like we got some fresh fish and a-is that a gym teacher?"
Zano takes a look and stiffs. I don't believe it, he thought. "Move," he ordered as he stood up to confront the trio.
At the cashier, Mirabel is trying to pay for the meals but is taking too long. "Hurry up!" Shouted one of the students.
"I'm almost done!" She said but then Zano appears and pays. "Here," the cashier takes it as he pulls her to the side.
"What are you three doing here?" He whispered to her as she grabs her tray from Luisia, "Same as you, Lunch," she answers sweetly. "Cute. Go back to the library," he said.
"Can't they don't allow food or drinks," said Luisa. "So, we're stuck here till we're done eating," Camilo added.
"Any table recommendations?" Mirabel asked sweetly which further antagonized the blonde boy.
"I'd leave them to the wolves of their cousins weren't capable of destroying an entire building," he thought. "Follow me," he said as he lead them to his table. "Don't say anything, don't do anything just eat your meal and get out, ¿comprende?" They all nodded yes and sat down at the table next to Ernie and unfortunately across from Lenny.
"Hey Z, you know these guys?"
"Just eat your food Lenny," Zano ordered.
"Hi, I'm Mirabel Madrigal," she greeted as she shook the boy's hand followed by "Camilo," and "Luisa," the broad-shouldered woman shook the curious boy's hand. Zano started thinking unpleasant thoughts about a certain girl who he can't call a certain word out loud.
"Lenny. So how do you know Zano?"
"Distant relative," she answered as she started to eat her food, which was pretty bland.
"Where from..."
"Hey, Lenny aren't you supposed to be somewhere with someone?"
"Nice try but I... oh crap! I do!" He ran as soon as he remembered his appointment. As Lenny left Zano turned to the bold girl. "Are you trying to prove something or are you just this disobedient?" He asked.
"It's called being polite he wanted to know who we were so we introduced ourselves he would have kept asking if we didn't," she said.
"She's got a point Z," said Ernie. "Zip it" (turns to Mira) "and you don't know that, you got lucky," he added.
Ernie who was curious about the three Madrigals, "What are you guys doing here anyway?" He asked. "We had some work to do for school,"
"And to see how different things are here than back home," added Camilo.
"What do you think?"
Mirabel thought about her answer, "...It's different that for sure. I've never seen so many people and the clothes are they allowed to wear stuff like that?"
"It depends as long as there's risk in accidentally flashing someone, then what they wear is acceptable," explained Ernie.
"Flashing?"
Zano replied, "Showing one's privates briefly in public," he smirks as the girls' faces contorted, "Ew! Who would want to wear something that did that?" Asked Luisa.
"From school no idea, but there are some dumbasses that get a thrill from flashing," he said causing further discomfort in the two sisters. "Thank you for that information I just lost my appetite," retorted Mirabel.
"Sorry mariposa, but that's how some people are. Lucky it's illegal so the only people you have to worry about running naked are babies and my Abuelo," Zano said.
"He's a flasher?!" Exclaimed Luisa.
"Nah, he just forgets to put his pants on when he goes out."
"I don't see how that's better," said Camilo. "It's not I'm just saying it could be worse," Zano says with a smirk, "He could forget his underwear."
"Ew!" Said all three Madrigals and Ernie, "Why do you always have to go dark man? I was having a nice lunch!" Said his best friend.
Zano snorted, "Sorry, I'm sorry but you made it easy," They glared at him, "Okay let's change the subject what did you think about their outfits? I thought my sisters and Angie showed you their outfits?"
Mirabel put aside her annoyance, "They did but the clothes your classmates are wearing are so different from what I was expecting," She was starting to feel out of place. "It's interesting from a design point, but I don't think I could ever wear those kinds of clothes."
Zano smirked, "Not even if I offered to shave my head?" She gave him a blank arched eyebrow stare. "Look Mira, one good thing about the 20th century is that we have a right to wear whatever clothes feel right for us," he said earning a small smile from the confused girl along with Camilo and Luisa.
Ernie: "As long as you keep in mind you're surroundings, like church, formals, and certain people just use common sense," He listed.
Zano: "Thank you Ernie for bringing up that limitation. But he's right just use your best judgment," He said and they all went back to finishing their meals till the bell rang.
It was half past three since the school was let out and the trio of Madrigals were outside the school waiting for Zano's sister to pick them up.
Camilo sitting on a bench, "Come on! I thought she said she'd pick us up at three?"
Mirabel: "Maybe she's stuck in traffic?"
Luisa: "Acacia better get here soon, I don't want those guys asking me to arm wrestle to bug me again."
Mirabel: "There probably at home by now Luisa,"
Luisa: "I thought so too but look there over there at that huge field," she pointed out the group wearing different outfits than before. "Thank goodness they didn't see me yet."
Camilo: "Hey check it out those girls are heading inside the building," the sisters turned their heads in the direction of the front door.
Mirabel: "Why are they still here I thought all the students left when the bell rang at three?"
"Maybe it has something to do with that extracurricular activities thing Chico mentioned," said Luisa.
"Extra what?" Asked Camilo. "Extracurriculars. It's something students do after school."
"What do they do?"
"He said it depends, they can be doing a sport, art, student council, volunteer work, fashion, or tutoring," Luisa listed.
"Fashion?" Asked Mirabel but was overshadowed by Camilo's reaction. "You mean there are kids that choose to be in school longer than they have to? This town is not like the Encanto," said Camilo.
"The short skirts and leather jackets didn't give it away?" Mirabel sarcastically said.
"I'm just saying, what's the point of a three o'clock dismissal if people are going to stay after school?" He explained before realizing, "Wait didn't Zano say he had something to do after school?"
"He did," replied Mirabel, she wondered why the boy mentioned it to them. "What are thinking primo?"
"If he's here then let's ask him to call Acacia, that way we'll at least see what's taking her," replied the shapeshifter.
"And see what activities Zano does when we're not around," added Luisa.
"Really? I hadn't about that," he said in mock surprise with a smile. "So what do you say?"
Both sisters nodded, "We're in," said Mirabel, "Any idea where he might be?" she asked her primo.
He shook his head, "Nope. All know is that Zano plays the guitar, and has this cool electric typewriter. Luisa?"
Luisa tried to think of a possible conclusion, "I saw some kids holding instruments earlier so maybe check inside the school?"
Camilo responded sarcastically, "Wow, I never would have thought to check inside. Good call!"
"Give me a break I barely spoke with Chico let alone remember what he says."
"Besides it's beats standing around here," said Mirabel, "let's go," they went inside to look for a certain teen that's about to have his world turned upside down for a second time.
In a room that had students in black dance gear stretching and warming up for their class. A familiar rebel is seen talking to a female student.
"... well Marisol what do you say after class, you, me, and a film at the drive-in?" The girl Marisol looks unsure, "I don't think I'm going be able to Zano," she told him, "My weekends packed."
"Come on your mom's out of town she can't possibly have you booked?"
"Sorry can't do it, maybe you should see if Ernie wants to go?" she giggled.
"You're lucky I like you so much," he retorts as he grabs her hand, "Marisol, give me another chance I know I missed our first date but I had a good reason." He pleads to her.
Marisol sighs, "Zano I..." Just then three people who are not wearing dance gear enter the room. "Who are they?"
Zano turns, "Dead." He grunted angrily, "Hold that thought." He left with a smile for her which changed to a frown as he turned towards the trio.
"Are you sure this is the room?" Camilo doubted, "I can't picture Zano wearing... that."
"This is where the janitor said he was," Mirabel said but even she had doubts."Maybe we took a wrong turn?" she thought.
"There he is," said Luisa.
Indeed Zano was there and his face turned dark, "He looks angry," commented Camilo.
Zano silently, "What are you still doing here?"
Mirabel: "Sorry but your sister's late and we need you to call her to see if she's on her way," She said ignoring the boy's frustration.
Zano: "Are you serious? Fine, I'll call her just get out before I-"
Teacher: "Everyone to your places was about to start!" she looks at Zano and the trio, "Why are you three not dressed?"
"They're not students Dona Rivera, and they were just leaving," he began pushing the trio out the door when someone closed it. "Delay that! They can help me with today's class," the instructor said handing them leotards confusing the shocked teen. "What?! They're not even-" She shows him her phone with a message from his sister.
Dona Rivera speaks, "Acacia will be late, so they can stay here. Everyone! Continue your warm-ups," the old woman ordered.
"Marisol!" she called and said girl rushed over to the teacher's side, "Si, Senora?" "Help them change, Zano you help this one," With that said both students helped the Madrigals get ready.
After changing the teacher assigned Camilo to Marisol to help him catch up. Much to Zano's annoyance which was pushed aside, as the teacher ordered them to begin. So he paired up with a random girl.
While Luisa and Camilo were doing their own thing Mirabel took a better look at the dance studio. She couldn't believe the size of this place, sunlight poured through the windows, illuminating a gleaming hardwood floor. Ballet rails and mirrors ran along one wall, with benches near the door.
"Whoa, Tia and Tio would love this," she thought, this place is bigger than the nursery. In the center of the floor, couples swirled to the passionate sound of tango music. That's where Mirabel saw him-Zano. He was really in his element. Coupled with a skillful partner, he had total command of the session. As the other dancers twirled by, executing difficult moves, he called out corrections along with the teacher.
Finally, the music ended and Zano spotted Mirabel, dressed in a black leotard, tango skirt, and shoes. "Mirabel, you look great," said Luisa.
"Thanks, so do you. I saw you dance," she said.
"Yeah I'm still a bit new at this I usually prefer to dance solo."
"Are you ready?" The teacher sweetly asked the young Madrigal. "Mm-hmm." she nodded. "Good. Zano, you'll be her partner for today. No exceptions!" she declared as she took her place to observe the class.
As they stepped into the dance floor together, Zano gave her a wink. "Okay guys," he cried to the other students. "L up. I'm going to slow things down for Columbiana here! They're a few hours behind, you know,"
"We'll see about that, Mexicano," said Mirabel, ready for a challenge. She notices her primo's smirk as he whispered to Marisol who nods at his suggestion and moves towards the band.
"Follow me into my world
Let your worries fade with every step you take,"
Baby, whatcha waiting for?
Let the tango take control,
Feel the music inside your soul, woah
My hand is out,
Just grab ahold
Marisol: (Watch time fade away)
Camilo: "Watch the time just fade away"
(My arms will keep you safe)
"My arms will keep you safe"
(It's just you and me)
"Girl, It's just you and me"
(Dancing in this dream)
Dancing in this dream
Whatever you do, don't wake me up! (Woah)
I know the feeling's real
I won't let it stop, no!
Within minutes, Mirabel was relaxing into the music, letting her love of dance overcome her anxieties. Her natural talent was immense, and Zano was impressed at the speed she picked up every new move. the other dancers were impressed, too.
"Don't be afraid,
Take my hand,
Forget the world,
Will you dance, dance with me?
Podemos bailar eternamente
Trust in me, (Trust in me) Take the chance
Feel the tango
When you dance, dance with me (When you dance with me)
Podemos bailar eternamente
Now I have you next to me
Everything is how it should be, oh yeah
Baby, don't fight the feeling
We're floating on the clouds
If I could, I'd never come back down, no, no
Baby, just keep on groovin', groovin'
(As time fades away)
As time fades away
(My arms will keep you safe)
My arms will keep you safe
(It's just you and me)
Girl, It's just you and me
(Dancing in this dream)
Dancing in this dream
Whatever you do, don't wake me up (Don't wake me up, Woah)
The feeling's real, I won't let it stop, no!
Mirabel learned several combination moves and then some more advanced steps. Even after hours on her feet, Mirabel felt as if she were dancing on clouds, With this boy, every move felt effortless.
Don't be afraid, take my hand
Forget the world
Will you dance, dance with me?
Podemos bailar eternamente
Trust in me, take a chance (Take a chance)
Feel the tango (Ohh)
When you dance, dance with me
Podemos bailar eternamente!
As the day progressed, the shadows lengthen and the rest of the world melted away. The other couples left the floor until there was only music and the two of them.
Camilo: "Dance with me"
Marisol: "I'm dancing with you"
"For this moment in time"
Marisol: My dreams have come true
My darling, just dance with me,
"If for only one night~" Camilo and Marisol harmonize as they look at one another.
Don't be afraid, take my hand
Forget the world
Will you dance, dance with me?
Podemos bailar eternamente!
Trust in me, take a chance!
Feel the Tango!
When you dance, dance with me!
Podemos bailar eternamente!
Finally, he spun Mirabel one last time and dipped her. When he lifted her they were face to face, close enough to kiss.
"That was fun, Mariposa," Zano said. "You were great."
"So were you," Mirabel said. Then looking at the clock, she realized how late it was. "Is that clock accurate?"
"Yes," answered the Teacher. "Acacia called she's waiting outside," she informed them.
"Oh we better go then," Mirabel said as she moves from Zano, "Thank you for letting us stay Dona Rivera,"
"My pleasure dear, you did well for a beginner," she complimented, "You can keep the outfits, I have a feeling will be seeing each other again."
Mirabel, went with her sister and cousin to change leaving Zano alone with Dona Rivera. "So those are the famous Madrigals your brother-in-law hails from?"
"His cousins," he informed. "Abuela why did you allow them to participate, they could have just watched?" She replied with a question of her own, "Why didn't you tell them you had dance class?" He looks away from her.
"I wanted to see how strong their characters are," she says to her grandson, "They're not dangerous or bad influences," he stated, "and how would you know by how they dance?"
"So talented yet so clueless," she said to herself, confusing her grandson more. "What did you see when that Mirabel girl started?"
Zano was confused by her answer but told her what he noticed, "She was determined to prove me wrong. Even when she struggled at first she kept going and as she improved it was like she was..." he paused, "Wait what does that have to do with anything?"
"My point," she said as she walked to the door, "and Zano, it's best if you left Marisol alone."
"Yeah yeah I know her mom has her booked and I'm still grounded," he said but his abuela's expression said otherwise. "What?"
She sighs, "Zano, I understand that you've known Marisol since you were children and she knows you care about her. Right now she needs to focus on herself and find her own identity apart from her manager."
"Mother," He corrected. "Not until she acts like one," she said displeased.
Rolling his eyes, "And then what? Am I allowed to date her then? or do I have to be president of the world?" Bad enough Marisol's mom thinks I'm not good enough to be around her daughter, but my grandmother? I guess she's still mad at me.
"You will watch your tone with me! That isn't what this is about," she argued.
"Then what?! Why are you so invested in who I hang out with or who I date?"
"Cause last time you were involved with a girl you almost died and went to juvie," she said making him go quiet, "When I heard what happened, it was as if all my fears of you ending up like your father had come true, and I'll be damned to let it happen again because of Marisol, no matter how much I like her," the old woman said as she kissed his forehead and headed out leaving Zano by himself to think.
"It's my life," he said to himself, "Shouldn't it be my choice who I turn out to be?" Looking at the calendar he sees the date that's been circled reminded him that not everyone gets that chance, he grabbed his stuff and walked out.
