Alma waited impatiently. It was time for lunch and everyone was here. Except Isabela. And Mirabel, but she didn't matter. Dolores knew where they were. She knew what they were planning. But she didn't say anything.
" Dolores?"
" Yes, abuela?"
" Where's Isabela?"
" I'm not sure. She wasn't at her post when I went to check on her."
And that part was the truth. Isabela was not at her post. She was with Mirabel.
" Well, use your super hearing to find out!" Abuela demanded.
" Yes, abuela."
Dolores strained herself to make it look like she was using her super hearing. After a few moments, she stopped. The whole family was staring at her.
" Uh, she's with Mariano," Dolores lied.
" Oh, well, then that's fine, then. Let's eat!"
" La Family Madrigal!"
Mirabel and Isabela were watching their family from above. They had found the perfect hiding spot in the jungle. However, they left to go spy on their family. Now, they were sitting in a tree near Casita.
" I wonder why Dolores can't hear us," Isabela said.
" She does. She's lying," Mirabel stated.
" What makes you say that?" Isabela asked.
" Super hearing, duh. We're only a few feet away from them," Mirabel told her.
" Yeah, that's true. But why would she lie?"
" That I do not know," Mirabel admitted.
" How do we plan on destroying the miracle, anyway?" Isabela inquired.
" We'll figure it out."
" You realize you won't have your powers anymore, right?"
" Yep, I will no longer be cursed."
" Mirabel, you're not cursed."
" Really? Then, why does everybody hate me? Even my own familia wants nothing to do with me."
" That may not be true. Dolores could have easily told on us. But she didn't. Perhaps she could be an ally."
" I don't know. I don't trust her."
Mirabel stared intently at Dolores. Dolores looked up at them. They both locked eyes for a few seconds before Dolores looked back down.
" Actually, on second thought…."
" Dolores?"
" Yes, abuela?"
" Go tell Isabela to come back to her post. Mirabel could show up at any moment," Abuela said.
" I don't think so. I can't hear Mirabel anymore. I think she left Encanto," Dolores lied.
" Still, she could come back. Let me know if she does."
" Yes, abuela."
The rest of the family went back inside. Dolores looked back over at Mirabel and Isabela. Both of them were arguing over who should get the binoculars. Dolores smiled. It was good to see Mirabel and Isabela happy. Now only if she could get to be happy.
" You've had it for a few minutes now. It's my turn!"
" No way. I'm the mastermind. Therefore, I should get the binoculars."
" Not a chance. I'm the older sister. Therefore, I should get the binoculars."
" No!"
" Yes!"
" Hands off it!"
" Give it here!"
Both of them paused. When they looked down, Camilo was staring up at them. His eyes were wide and his jaw dropped. Isabela and Mirabel shared a look.
" And that's our sign to leave," Mirabel stated.
" Agreed."
Isabela and Mirabel used Isabela's plant power to swing from tree to tree to get back to their hiding spot. Camilo turned and ran. He had to tell abuela. The door slammed as he pushed it open. Everyone turned to look at him.
" What's wrong, Camilo?" Pepa asked.
" It's Mirabel," Camilo panted.
" What about Mirabel?" Abuela inquired.
" I saw her- she was- she was on a tree watching us- and - and…"
" And what, Camilo?" Pepa questioned.
" Yeah, just spit it out, already," Abuela demanded.
" I saw Mirabel and Isabela was with her!" Camilo announced.