Chapter 49: Finally at peace
AN : Hello my lovelies thank you so much for the books support and reads and votes and all that stuff I really appreciate it oh my god how this story has blown up mostly on Ao3, but on every platform that I posted on it's amazing . Did you guys think I would stop here? no I decided to do the deleted scenes as well from both movies so that we get a deeper perspective into both stories of what could've made it into the movies but didn't actually end up working out . I just think it would be so much more fun and I don't think I would end this just like this I want to end it on an exciting note.
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The next scene shows that it has been one year as it read on the screen and some time has past as it shifted from papiel picado to the cemetery; with The ofrendas being set up by lots of families and with the mausoleum still there but this time when it was zoomed in and it said Remember me it zoomed further up . There was a big sign painted with the words 'forget you' on the statue of De la Cruz.
Both families burst out laughing at the sign and Ernesto sneered so much so tears of laughter started pouring out.
"That is hilarious who did that?" Camilo said through fits of laughter
"Oh I did". Rosa smiled
"Mija You did that?" Héctor nodded through laughter
"Actually Abel and I did it, what we couldn't stand there and do nothing ". Rosa stated
"We thought it only right to do so and besides it was very funny the groundskeeper let us have whole control over the situation.
"Nice". Isabela high fived Rosa and Abel
"Well That is a well done job Mijos I am so proud of you". Imelda smirked
"I'll say well done". Julio joined
"Besides we thought you would appreciate the sentiment ". Abel laughed
"Do I ever.. I didn't know my grandchildren had it in them". Héctor smiled
"Well you do only when they deserve it Of course ". Rosa smiled
"I help paint the sign ". Manny said
" That's true when Miguel and Tio were filling out paperwork they helped paint it".
"Exactly what paperwork?" Imelda and Héctor asked
They both looked at Miguel to see what he had done.
"Just watch it's a surprise ". Miguel shrugged
The mausoleum was left to rot as marigolds started to fall off it.
" Wait didn't you say that memories have to pass down by those who knew them in life Papá Héctor?" Miguel asked
"That I did Mijo why do ask?" He coaxed
"Because Ernesto will still be remembered not for his fame but what he did to you". Miguel replied
"That's true but he'll also rot in prison for the rest of his days until the final death". Héctor smiled
"Not if we can help it". Elena and Imelda smirked
"I can still hear you ". Ernesto gritted his teeth
" And be grateful I don't tie you tighter into that chair". Isabela smiled evilly
Ernesto shrunk into his seat as She whipped and Pepita growled at him knowing if he made any sudden moves he would be toast.
Tour guide (voiceover): " And right over here One one of Santa Cecelias's greatest treasures the home of the esteemed songwriter Héctor Rivera ".
The scene then switched to the outside of the Rivera home where a tiny museum was set up all of Héctor's letters framed and in the centre his gituar back where it belonged up on the stand. Where tourists were taking photos of the museum while the tour guide spoke.
Tour guide: " The letters he wrote home for his daughter Coco contain the lyrics of all your favourite songs not just remember me".
"Mijo How did you-" He stopped
" Well first a lot of research on how this works second of all , four lawyers four lawyers it was painful enough". Miguel sighed
"Tell me about it Mijo we had to go every single record we could find, then detectives got into this found out that are Ernesto had forged your signature on the paperwork he signed". Enrique joined
"Let's not Forget to mention the right to The guitar back let's just say we were all exhausted when we won the case". Miguel smiled
"And they needed proof that Mamá Coco was related to you I mean how crazy is that?" Abel sighed
Héctor smiled and felt like he was gonna cry he couldn't believe that his grandchildren did that all for him.
"Papá Héctor are you okay?" Socorro asked
" I'm fine Mija I just can't believe how lucky I am". Héctor sighed as he wiped away tears
"We're lucky to have you too Always ". Manny said
All the kids went in for a group hug and almost tackled Héctor to the ground, Héctor smiled as he felt like the luckiest man on the planet. Imelda joined in the hug and smiled.
The next scene shows everyone putting everything together whilst also working. Luisa and Enrique working at the nearest table, Rosa putting up the last of the papiel picado and then hopping down from the chair but not before hopping out of the way as her little brothers we're chasing each other Berto was also sweeping the courtyard.
Meanwhile Miguel was on the ofrenda room and he seemed like he was talking to someone and pointing out the photos.
Miguel: "And That there is your Papá Julio and your Tia Rosita your Tia Victoria and those two are Oscar and Felipe ". He points to the photos of his uncles.
"Who are you talking to?" Isabela asked
"You'll see just wait". Miguel smiled
Then Miguel was shown holding a little baby girl in his arms and she cooing at the photos.
"It's me". She pointed to the screen
"That it is Chiquita and your not so small anymore are you?" Miguel chuckled
"Hey, I'm still me and I'm still here I've just grown big see". She smiled
"Si, but you'll always be my Chiquita my Hermanita ". Miguel hugged her tightly and spread kisses all over her face.
"Miguel ". She giggled
Luisa and Enrique smiled chuckling at what was happening.
"Hey, I am bigger than you when you were my age". She pointed out
" I'd say a close second what do you think?" He asked her
"You're lying". She giggles
" No I'm not". Miguel smiled
"Yes you are remember what Andres said you fiddle when you lie and you twitch don't think I can't read those signals Mi Vida ". Mirabel replies laughing
"She got you". Abel said
"And we have a winner". Rosa laughed
"You know me all too well ". Miguel smiled
"That's why it's my strength ". Mirabel replies
Miguel looked down at the pictures with fondness and love along with Socorro cooing at them.
Miguel: " These aren't just old pictures they're our family and they're counting on us to remember them".
Just then In came Elena and smiled as she cupped Miguel's cheek and then put a photo of Coco showing that she had passed away . As she put it up on the ofrenda the photo was of Coco smiling as it was put on and she sighed and stepped back and joined Miguel and Socorro. Miguel smiled and was happy as they knew she was in a better place and would return to them soon as they hugged looking at the photo together.
Coco went and hugged her daughter tightly and smiled.
"Estas bien Mija I'm okay". She reassured
"I know I just…" She stopped
"I know but I'm happy and I'm glad that you are who you are". Coco sighed
"Besides between us girls, I have to keep your Papá in check". She whispered
"It's true when it comes to orders he is a mess". Victoria said
"For your information I'm not that bad". Julio huffed
"Really Mijo Tell That to the shoes that are on the roof stuck in there". Imelda smirked
"She's not wrong". Rosita smiled
"Okay to be fair though Oscar and Felipe did do their share of experiments at least I don't burn the house down". Julio Agreed
"Ay Mi Amor ". Coco sighed
"The point is Mija I will always be with you where ever you go I'm in here Always ". Coco pointed to Elena's heart
"You are and always will be my baby girl ". She sighed as she hugged her daughter.
Elena hugged her mother tightly and smiled.
The scene then shifted to the photo of Héctor, Imelda and baby Coco as the photo was taped back together, then in the land of the dead Héctor gulped nervously as he stepped in line for his turned to be scanned.
Guard: "Next!"
Miguel (singing voiceover ):
"Say that I'm crazy or call me a fool
But last night it seemed as though I dreamed about you".
Héctor stepped up to the scanner nervously waiting as the guard looked at him with suspiciousness. Poor Héctor with a nervous smile as she pushed the button him holding his breath and then the scanner went ding showing he had his photo on the ofrenda and the guard smiled a big smile gesturing for him to move on through.
Guard : "Enjoy your visit Héctor!"
"I wonder how long she has been wanting to say that?" Antonio asked
"About as long as I have waited to cross that bridge ". Héctor smiled
"Well you've finally done it feels good right?" Bruno asked
"You have no idea Amigo ". He sighed
"Hopefully you'll stay on there for a long time, because I don't want to be doing this again". Miguel smiled
"Don't plan on moving anytime soon Chamaco ". Héctor chuckled softly
"Well you'd better not". Imelda smirked
"I'm with Mamá on that one". Coco said
"We all agree". Rosita smiled
Héctor smiled at his family it was gonna be a long time before any final death happened to him now that goes for the rest of his family.
Héctor smiled and breathed a sigh of relief he didn't know he'd been holding and walked to the other side of the gate. He met Imelda there and gave a sweet quick loving kiss the look of love in his eyes then Coco came around.
Mamá Coco : "Papá!!"
Héctor looked and smiled the biggest smile he could possibly muster at his daughter.
Héctor: " Coco!!"
He then prepped kisses all over Coco's face to show how much he loves her and then gave the biggest hug and lifting her up a little so happy to finally be able to be with his family laughing as he put her down and went to go and join the rest of the family on the bridge.
Miguel (voiceover singing continued):
"When I opened my mouth what came out was a song
And you knew every word and we all sang along
To a melody played on the strings of our souls
and rhythm that rattled us down to the bone".
Both families watched with love and relief knowing that everything was finally alright as they huddled together and watched Señorita Layla smiling softly at the family knowing this was just what they needed.
"We did it". Layla whispered
"I know figures we broke the curse or rather they did it themselves ". Casita smiled
Meanwhile Miguel smiled at the screen knowing he'd kept his promise, Socorro snuggles into him as she watches. Pepa has a rainbow as she watches cuddled in with her brother and sister and Héctor and Imelda smiled seeing this along with Coco in between them.
"You did it". Mirabel whispered
"I wouldn't count on it that much my love". Miguel smiled
Miguel smiled as he kept a close hand near Mirabel as she cuddles in as they watch.
"Who's singing?" Isabela asked
"That would be me Isa ". Miguel smiled
"That's you?" Dolores coaxed
"Yep song and all of you can believe it ". Miguel sighed
"You're kidding you wrote that song? Camilo gasped
Camilo still couldn't believe what was happening as Miguel nodded and smiled.
"That's amazing Mijo who knew you could pick it up that fast". Bruno added
"Gracias ". He thanked
As Héctor crossed the bridge he couldn't help but feel happy as looked down at his feet and had Rivera shoes and that actually walking on the bridge. As he walked and joined up with the rest of the family as they walked across Dante and Pepita flying high above as they crossed too.
Miguel ( voiceover singing continued):
" Our love for each other will live on forever
in every beat of my proud Corazon"
Our love for each other will live on forever
in every beat of my proud Corazon".
At this point both families couldn't just couldn't sit any longer so they each got up and started dancing to the song spinning and laughing along.
Pepa let rain fall upon her as she danced with her sister Isabela and Dolores were twirling to every beat of the music as the families blended together and danced and spun each other around .
"Vamos". Socorro called laughing
Señorita Layla couldn't help but join in the fun along with Casita and the alerbrijes.
The scene then shifted to outside the Rivera household where Dante and Pepita had just landed in the distance a little boy was seen walking with his father. Dante had barked a 'come on' as he shifted into living form a shadow from Pepita as she transformed into a regular old tabby cat. Then Dante licked Pepita as a show of love as the gates were open and they followed the marigolds inside.
"She's a tabby cat!?" Rosa called
"What happened to no stray animals?" Carmen joined
"Do you think I'd leave Pepita, she may be a stray but she's a darling ". Imelda blushed
"You have got a soft spot for strays what happened to you". Abel asked
"He's right have you hit your head". Elena sighed
"I have not ". Imelda shook her head
"And what's wrong with keeping strays anyway if anything Mamá Imelda is just like me when it comes to animals ". Miguel smiled
"Thank you Mijo ". She sighed
"The point our family and nothing will change that right?" Mirabel looked towards the alerbrijes
They all chattered barked and medaled in response to a 'Yes'.
I guess you're right". Franco and Berto sighed
As Dante and Pepita enter the house family were talking and food was being set up Dante was given a bit of food by Elena and Pepita had climbed up on the table to earn pets from Carmen as she went and set out the food. Meanwhile Rosita, Julio and Victoria along with Oscar and Felipe talking when Dante came up they gave him pats and scratches.
Miguel (singing continued):
"Ay Mi famila
oiga mi gente cantan el coro
Let it be known
Our love for each other will live on forever in every beat of my proud Corazon".
Dante then came around to Miguel who was sitting on the well playing music and then licked his face as he sung and then got up and moved around playing his music with all his heart his family watching on with pride living and dead. Enrique and Luisa holding baby Socorro and watched proud of him, Elena Coco watched proud of him as well as he is accompanied by Rosa and Abel as they play the violin and accordion.
Looking all sharp in his red charro suit he played with passion and love for his family and the holiday, meanwhile Imelda and Héctor were dancing along to the song as Imelda watched happily . Then Héctor grabbed a ghost version of his gituar and started playing along unknowingly With his grandson.
"Told you red brings out your eyes ". Mirabel whispered
"And so does A ridiculously beautiful seamstress who makes me smile every time I see her". Miguel replies
Mirabel blushed at his words.
"Now this is pushing my luck". Miguel smiled
"You certainly a trickster Miguel Emilio Rivera ". She tapped his nose
"And you a force to be reckoned with Mirabel Valentina Rojas Madrigal ". He replied chuckling
Dolores chuckled softly at their cute banter.
"What's going on?" Isabela asked
"I'll tell you later". Dolores finished
Miguel (singing finishes ):
"Ay Mi famila
oiga mi gente cantan el coro
Let it be known
Our love for each other will live on forever in every beat of my proud Corazon".
As the song finishes everyone claps as belts out that final last note and is lifted off the well by Berto and Enrique as they cheer and lifted him up and then at the last moment the scene moves up to Papiel picado showing ' The end' as fireworks ignite going off like crazy and then the movie finishes.
"Well how do we feel?" Layla asked
"Relived absolutely relived who knew we needed this". Héctor sighed
"That was eventful but fun". Abel said
"Yeah". Manny and Benny cheered
"I'm glad and what did we learn from this?" Layla asked
"Never judge someone just because they're different ". Socorro called
"Know where your values Lie". Abel answers
"Be careful who to trust ". Héctor looked straight towards Ernesto
"Never hold onto your anger and always learn to let go of the past". Imelda smiled
"Chase your dreams but never forget family is always there and will support you through it all". Miguel smiled
"Never jump to conclusions ". Elena stated
"I'm so proud of you guys, look at how far you've all come you are amazing ." Layla cooed
"I guess we all have ". Juileta sighed
"Exactly that's why I brought you all here you've learned and that's a good thing. Small steps make the biggest change ". Layla sighed
"Gracias for showing us we needed it even if we didn't know". Imelda smiled
"You're so very welcome, Although I do have to keep you here a little longer I hope you don't mind ". Layla sighed
"If we can get through this we can get through anything ". Felix replies
"That's true". Augustin finished
"But I think we need a break do you mind?" Mirabel Continued
"No not at all it's gonna take awhile for me to the rest of these things up so take as long as you need and when you are ready we will see about these are the things we need to take care of". Layla sighed
" An angel's work is never done". Layla adds
"I hear you sister ". Casita smiled
So with that both families went to go and have a well deserved break and it enjoyed it while Señorita Layla and Casita went to go and sort some things as Ernesto had disappeared off to his prison cell with his guard.
Both families know that if they could get through all of this they can get through anything they set their minds to after all aren't they all in this together?
To be continued…