Chapter 45 : The missing piece
The next scene shows Miguel sitting in the cenote feeling hopeless wishing he had just listened to his family in the first place looking down at his hands crying as they were turning more skeleton by the minute.
"Oh Miguel ". Luisa cried
"It's okay Mamá I'm here that's all that matters". Miguel smiled
"Si, We're just glad we got out of this mess". Héctor sighed
Just then Miguel heard a noise coming from the rocks as he turned behind to see it was Héctor tripping and falling by the second slowly being forgotten.
Miguel: "Héctor?"
Héctor: "Kid?"
When Miguel saw Héctor he ran into his arms and Héctor braced himself to steady himself as he was still feeling a little weak in the legs.
Miguel at this point was rambling as Héctor tried to calm him down.
Miguel: You were right I should have gone back to my family they told me not to be like De La Cruz but I didn't listen".
Héctor: "Hey Hey Chamaco it's okay it's okay". He rubbed Miguel's back
Miguel: " I told them I didn't care". He cried
Miguel was feeling a little uneasy as we watched and sighed, Socorro cuddles into him and Mirabel sighs and puts arm on his.
"We know you love us Miguelito and we are sorry we pushed you away when you tried to tell us what you really wanted". Elena said
"Si, Abuelita is right we should have stood up for you". Abel stated
"Estas bien all that matters now is that I'm here and not dying ". Miguel smiled
"True". Coco nodded
"Don't joke about it you had us worried sick". Victoria said
"Si". He smiled
Just then an orange glow took over Héctor and he began shaking as he fell to ground holding his phantom stomach in place feeling weak.
Miguel got very worried as he looked sad at what just happened.
Miguel: "Héctor?"
Héctor: "She's forgetting me".
Miguel: "Who?"
Héctor: "My daughter ".
Before Coco could say anything Héctor gave a look saying 'Don't you dare apologise Mija it isn't your fault '.
Imelda looked heartbroken she had caused all this and made him get forgotten if she just known and done what was right in the first place none of this would have ever happened.
"Don't you start Melda". Héctor caught in before she could say anything
"But-" she stopped
He put a finger up and that silenced her.
"Nope don't want to hear it ". He smiled finishing
"If you can't forgive yourself like I have done then you're holding on to something that's long gone". He adds
Imelda smiled and nodded as she cuddled into him Coco did the same.
"See you're learning I love it". Layla called
Miguel: "She's the reason you wanted to cross the bridge".
Héctor : " I just wanted to see her again I never should have left Santa Cecilia. I wish I could apologise, I wish I could tell her that her Papá was trying to come home and that he loved her so much My Coco".
Miguel had something click in his head as he took the photo out of his back pocket and realised something.
Both families looked on with smiles and some in complete shock Coco just nodded and chuckled along with Imelda.
"Well it took you while Mijo but you finally got there". She smiled
Miguel smiled and sighed.
Miguel: "Coco?"
He then handed the photo slowly to Héctor who looked just as surprised as handed him the photo knowing he hadn't seen it in long time.
Héctor : " Where- Where did you get this?"
Miguel then pointed to little baby Coco sitting in Imelda's lap staring curiously into the camera.
Miguel: "That's my Mamá Coco ". He pointed
Then he shifted to the stern looking pose of Imelda.
Miguel : " That's my Mamá Imelda ".
Then last of all he shifted to the missing piece ripped off of the photo pointing to it.
Miguel: "Is that you?"
"FINALLY THIS WAS KILLING ME ( No pun intended)". Abel yelled
"You do realise how alike you two are right it's ridiculous ". Rosa joined
Miguel rolled his eyes and chuckled.
"Alright , Alright we get it". Miguel sighed
"All you're missing is the goatee ". Socorro burst into laughter
Imelda smirked and burst out laughing, Héctor sighed and laughed to and then soon everyone laughed.
"And the terrible planning skills". Victoria joined in
Héctor chuckled at that.
"You got that right". Augustin starts
"Okay But I am NOT growing a goatee not happening that's where I draw the line". Miguel drew said invisible line.
"We'll See Mijo We'll See". Julio said
Miguel & Héctor: "We're Family?"
Héctor looked at Miguel with so much love in his eyes without knowing it he has met his great great grandson, Miguel to all this time he thought De La Cruz was his long lost grandfather but as it turns it he was right here the whole time.
Héctor went up to Miguel and hugged him tight and smiled.
"And you'll always be my Chamaco whether you like it or not". Héctor smiled
"And I'm proud of it". He smiled
"Just don't ask me to do anything any dangerous please I think I've had enough of that during this whole thing ". Miguel added
"I promise ". Héctor chuckled
Then Héctor looked back at the photo of baby Coco and Imelda and gently rubbed the photo with his finger.
Héctor: "You know I always hoped that she'd miss me maybe put up my photo but it never happened, You know the worse part even if I never got to see Coco in the living world I thought at least one day I'd see her here give her the biggest hug. But she is the last person who remembers me The moment she's gone from the living world…"
Miguel: " you disappear from this one you'll never get to see her".
Héctor : "Ever Again ".
Coco just couldn't take anymore of this so she went to the quiet room, Héctor felt like he'd been punched in his phantom gut.
Imelda went in after her and tried to console her but it was no use she just wanted to be left alone.
Elena and Victoria felt sorry for their mother and their Abuelo as they couldn't stand it ethier.
Ernesto smirked and chuckled the guard silenced him before he could say anything, Miguel on the other hand felt so sad for his Mamá Coco he just wanted to take away all her pain.
"Estas bien Mi Amor Everything's going to be okay". Mirabel reassures him as Miguel cries into his love as she rubs his back to comfort him.
Socorro was being comforted by her mother and father as were the twins with theirs.
Héctor couldn't take it anymore he went in to comfort his daughter and he walked into the room and the sight just broke his heart as his daughter was crying.
Héctor didn't say anything and just sat down and hugged his daughter as she sat and cried and sat still.
"It's all my fault". She cried
"No Mija don't you dare do that it wasn't your fault, I'm sorry I left". Héctor apologises
"No Papá don't you start". Coco shook her head
Héctor smiled and chuckled.
"You know I'm surprised you were able to hold on that long in Remembering me". Héctor smiled
"Really?" Coco coaxed
"Si, Mija it's not your fault Never was you had a pretty big monster of the mind to fight and dementia is nothing to be laughed at". He replied
"I guess not". She laughed
"I'm right here and I'm never leaving you again and the family understand that ". Héctor states
"I know that". She smiled
So with that father and daughter exited the quiet room and was met with hugs and kisses from everyone asking if they are okay.
Coco smiled and chuckled.
"Is everything alright Mi vidas?" Imelda asked
Héctor and Coco nodded.
"Thank goodness, I don't know how much longer I can take this". Pepa said cloud over head as she calmed down and it had vanished
Miguel smiled as he wiped his tears and Coco and Héctor smiled and hugged him tightly.
"Estas bien Miguelito We're fine I'm not going anywhere". Héctor smiled
"Good because just to quote Mamá Imelda you had better not, haven't we both suffered enough tears and pain ". Miguel sighed
"Ay Mijo ". Coco sighed and smothered her grandson in kisses
Héctor: "You know I wrote her a song once, we used to sing every night at the same time what I wouldn't give to sing it to her one last time".
Héctor then closed his eyes imagining him singing the song to his daughter like he used to . Soon the scene had switched from the cenote to a flashback of little Coco sitting on her bed as she watches her father singing, gituar balanced on his knee as he kneels down and continued playing.
Flashback Héctor (singing):
"Remember me
Though I have to say goodbye remember me don't let it make you cry
for even if I'm far away I'll hold you in my heart
I'll sing a secret song to you each night we are apart".
At this point Héctor is whispering the words to his daughter as the watch on screen, Imelda smiled and hugs them both close to her as she doesn't want to loose them, since she has already suffered so much.
Meanwhile there was not a dry eye in the room, Pepa had a cloud over head as she was dripping wet in rain and tears Félix cuddles her and watches trying to keep back his own tears but it's impossible; Isabela and Camilo were bawling their eyes out, Dolores was close to loosing it at the sound and the sight most of the Riveras were already in tears.
Socorro hugged her brother close and he hugged back just as tightly as well as Antonio huddled close to his Tia and Tio. Alma and Pedro had their hands on Bruno as they watch in tears.
Miguel watched as hot tears steamed down his face as he hugged Mirabel and she held him tight and full of love as this was something that they kept close to their hearts.
Little Coco watched as her Papá came in close and sung the rest of the song to her as she giggles calling for him he little hands touching his face, As Héctor closes his eyes basking in the warmth of his little daughter and the feel of her hands on his face.
(Flashback) Coco : "Papá ". She giggles
Flashback Héctor (singing, Continued ):
"Remember me though I have to travel far
remember me each time you hear a sad guitar".
Flashback Héctor & Coco (singing):
"Know that I'm with you the only way that I can be
Until you're in my arms again
remember me".
Meanwhile offscreen daughter and father sang the last bit of the lullaby together like they did when she was little, Imelda listening and closing her eyes while silent tears are streaming down her face as she cuddles them both.
Coco touches Her fathers face rubbing her thumb against his cheekbone Héctor just closes his eyes and leaned gently into her touch.
Ernesto suddenly felt a pang in his phantom heart and felt a little bit guilty for what he had done.
"Are you happy you've torn apart a father and daughter all because you wanted some stupid songs". Layla replied
"What makes it worse is he trusted and you were his best friend, you knew all he wanted was to come home". She added
Miguel smiled at the sight and he was glad he kept his promise so his Mamá Coco could see her father again.
He breathed a sigh of relief knowing they both safe and sound.
Socorro hugged her brother and he smiled and returned the hug.
"You did it you broke the curse, now look how happy they are". Mirabel replies
He nodded.
"You know I love you so much". Mirabel sighed
"I know I love you so much more then words can express ". Miguel smiled
She nuzzled into him as she watched with him and Socorro joined in the cuddles.
Then the scene drags out from the flashback away from little Coco still wanting her Papá holding out her hands as he looked sad to leave her holding back tears knowing that he didn't want to.
The scene shows them back in the cenote while Héctor sings the last note with it bouncing of the caves walls as it echoed.
Miguel was absolutely silent as he looked sad and then he spoke up:
Miguel: "You should be the one the world remembers not De La Cruz".
Héctor shook his head and looked at the photo as he looked at little Coco.
Héctor: "I didn't write Remember me for the world I wrote for Coco, I'm a pretty sorry excuse for a great – great grandfather ".
Miguel looked like he was about to explode and the rest could see it.
" Miguel?" His Mamá looked at him cautiously
" ARE YOU KIDDING ME!" He yelled
"Sorry Excuse Really?" He added
Héctor shrugged.
Socorro smiled and was with her brother on this one.
"Why would you say that, you definitely not what you just said ". Socorro started
Rosa, Abel , Manny and Benny nodded.
"She's right when mi Prima is right about something she sticks with it". Abel nodded
"Is that really what you thought of yourself?" Rosa asked
Héctor was too afraid to answer his granddaughter.
"Well?" Manny pushed
Héctor nodded slowly .
"That is a 100% all kinds of wrong you know that right?" Miguel asked
"Don't you even think about apologising as long as you promise you'll never ever say that ever again ". Benny asked
"I promise ". He nods
All the grandkids tackled him into a hug and Héctor almost fell off the chair as he laughed tears welled up in his eyes as he hugged them all.
"How did I deserve you all". He asked
"No the question should be how do we deserve you". Rosa turned it on him
He shook his head as Victoria and Elena joined in on the hug, Imelda smiled and chuckled at the sight.
Meanwhile before Bruno could say anything all his nieces and nephews jumped on him and hugging tight.
"Same goes for you to Tio, don't even think about saying it". Isabela said
"I wasn't going to Mi flor". He shook his head
"You were thinking it". Camilo joins
"We love you so much, there is nothing you can say otherwise and nothing's wrong with you, you know that right?" Dolores questioned
He nodded.
"Good". Antonio hummed
Bruno smiled and he felt like he was going to cry so he took it all in and just enjoyed it, even Pepa and Julieta sighed and joined in.
"Oh and one more thing?" Mirabel coaxed
"And what's that Mariposa ". He answers
"I know you promised not to leave and I know you won't but just in case if you ever leave again, I will not hesitate to slap some sense into you literally and figuratively speaking You are just as much a part of the family as we all are". Mirabel replies
Miguel does the same look he gives Héctor.
"That goes for you to". Miguel smiled
Bruno and Héctor chuckled.
"Awww you guys I swear you're getting better". Layla sighed
Héctor looked sad as he turned to Miguel who was just walking to the other side so he could see him better, looking shocked at what he just said.
Miguel: "Are you kidding a minute ago I thought I was related to a murderer you're a total upgrade".
"Best way I could to put it". Miguel smiled
"I get the point you're trying to make Mijo Gracias ". He thanked
"Don't ever say that ever again ". Miguel asked
Héctor nodded and smiled.
Héctor looked doubtful as he looked at Miguel with a look as if to say 'really' Meanwhile Miguel bent down to Héctor and spoke the truth.
Miguel rested his hand on Héctor's arm as he spoke.
Miguel: "All my life there's been something that made me different I never knew where it came from but now I know it comes from you I'm proud we're family".
Miguel smiled as did Héctor at that line and chuckled.
"I'm proud to Mijo , you'll always be my Chamaco weather you like it or not". He smiled
"Good cause I'm proud of it". Miguel replied
"Ay you two". Imelda smirked
Miguel stood in the cenote and let out the biggest grito he has ever done and Héctor followed after him.
Miguel: " I am proud to be his family!!"
Héctor: " and I'm proud to be his family!!"
After the grito was done he then realise there might be no possible way to get out of this pit and he sighed until he heard a bark.
"Not to break the realisation but how are you supposed to get out of the pit you have no way of getting out". Abel started
"Just watch, you really didn't think he was gonna be stuck in there with him the whole time did you?" Layla asked
Abel shook his head and shrugged.
"Ay, dios Mio ". Mirabel replies
"If he'd stay there any longer he would have died along with Hèctor being forgotten, and if it wasn't for Dante and Pepita and Miss Imelda I don't think they would've survived". Layla sighed
Miguel: "Dante?"
The howl grew louder and louder in response until Dante was able to find them and barked happy to see them.
Miguel : "Dante". He pointed to dog happy to see him as he looked to Héctor who smiled happy to see the mutt to.
Miguel : "It's Dante ". He smiled
Just then Pepita landed with Imelda on her back roaring happy she , Imelda and Dante had found them as her roar had caused droplets of water to drop down from the cave from the inside as Miguel laughs , Imelda was of course happy that he was safe.
"Oh thank god". Luisa sighed
"I don't think I've ever been more happier to see you in life". He smiled at Imelda and Dante
Imelda smirked and hugged Miguel tight.
"We're just glad you're safe god forbid if anything else happened to you I would lose it". She sighed
"I can't believe I'm saying this, i'm never gonna doubt you again Dante I promise you you are my spirit Guide and my best friend I don't know what I would do without you". He said to the dog
Dante leapt up onto him and licked his face as Miguel laughed, Mirabel smiled as she had never heard him laugh like this before.
Imelda laughed happy he was safe and still alive.
Mamá Imelda: "Oh". She laughed
Then her gaze turned straight to Héctor and she did not look to happy to see him as her face twisted in anger.
Mamá Imelda: "Héctor ". She scowled
Héctor: " Imelda, you look good". He shrugged rubbing his arm
"She does not look happy to see you". Bruno whispered
"Yeah we were on a bit of a rough patch". Héctor shrugged
"A bit Papá this seems more like Mamá doesn't want to say anything at all". Coco sighed
Imelda felt guilty and sad she had given him that look she knew were her anger was coming from of course but she could never hate him never even if he made her angry.
Héctor smiled as Imelda chuckled lightly and blushed, they may have been of a rough patch in the beginning but things were better now.
"You know I still admire that fire in you". He whispered to her
"I still admire that clumsiness of yours even when it gets me in the weirdest situations". Imelda smirked
"Why thank you Señora, I do try my best". He stated
Imelda laughed as she cuddled in close to him and smiled.
"Would you look at that the two lovebirds back together again". Oscar said
"I'd say so hermano ". Felipe finished
"Shut it or you two are doing shoe polish duty for a month ". She muttered
Both the twins didn't care if they were doing that for a month they just wouldn't miss an opportunity to tease their sister.
The scene then shifted to Pepita flying through the sky with Miguel, Imelda, Dante on her back while Héctor was stranded on her tail holding on tightly screaming .
Héctor: "Ahhh!!"
Meanwhile Miguel hugged the dante as he hugged the dog in thanks and laughed.
Miguel: "Dante you knew he was my Papá Héctor the whole time, you are a real Spirit guide who's a good spirit guide you are".
Meanwhile Imelda smirked happy to hear this.
Héctor smiled as his phantom heart just melts at the sound of Miguel laughing after all he went though that night he still kept he's positive energy smiling especially when he said ' Papá Héctor '.
At this point Miguel couldn't help but smile at what was happening on screen and Coco chuckled along with the rest.
"If you ever do this again mijo I swear you're gonna lucky the chancla comes after you". Julio sighed
"Don't plan on it anytime soon ". Miguel replied
"Good". Elena and Luisa sighed
Suddenly Dante starts glowing as he stops and looks down at his paws and gets a little worried and starts chewing at his paws to stop the change from happening but it's no use. As the transformation finished he grew a green glowing nose and a colourful, patterned body over his normal living form making this his new alerbrije form he then shook his body and sprouting little tiny wings leaving Miguel in shock and amazement.
Miguel: "Woah".
"That's awesome ". Manny and Benny cheered
"I know". Miguel smiled
"That's the coolest thing I've ever seen". Abel comments
"I'll say". Antonio piped
"Looks like you've got yourself an alerbrije and sprit Guide for life Miguel other than your best friend of course". Layla replied
"And I wouldn't have it any other way". He smiled as he pet the dog
Isabela looks at Mirabel Curiosity in her eyes very curious to see if the same thing happens to Lily.
"Does that mean?" Isabela stopped
"If she can do that". Mirabel finished
"Yes can she?" Camilo asked
"I don't know can you show them Amiga ". Mirabel replies
Lily chittered in response the flew around in a circle transforming from her living form to her spirit form, both families watched in amazement as they looked at the beautiful colours on her wings. Mostly Teals purples and greens but there were some splashes of new colours she hadn't seen on her wings before like red, orange and pink.
"That is amazing !!" Berto yelled
"Wait there's one thing just watch". Mirabel smiled
Mirabel held out her palm and Lily landed on it and that caused some beautiful gold magic to be distributed throughout the whole theatre.
"What did that do?" Bruno asked his Sonbrina
Mirabel winked and then moved her hands over to where her Tia was and smiled.
"Hold still Tia ". Mirabel instructs
"Ready?" She asked lily
"The butterfly chittering In Response.
Mirabel 's hand then touched the cloud her Tia had and dissolved it into snowflakes that was then created into a headband and placed on her head softly.
Socorro, Manny and Benny gasped at what just happened as did the rest.
"Where did you learn to do that Mija?" Julieta coaxed
"Practice I have been practising lately as not to suppress my angel half". Mirabel replies
"Mija it's beautiful ". Pepa cried
Pepa then hugged her Sonbrina tight smothering her and kisses and a lot of thanks. Mirabel smiled and then went back to her seat.
Miguel still gasped at what just happened.
"What?" She asked him
"I have fallen in love with an angel and she never ceases to amaze me ever". Miguel smiled
"As have I my prince". Mirabel chuckled
Dante then Spun around so excited to have wings and actually learn how to fly and then he jumped off causing panic in Miguel as he tried to reach out to the canine.
Miguel: "Dante!!" He screamed
"Don't you ever do that again". Miguel put a hand to his heart
Dante jumped up and licked his face and he laughed happy and relived he was still here
Both families sighed relived that the dog was okay and gave him scratches behind the ears and pats.
"I think you gave us all a heart attack Perro ". Mirabel replies
Dante jumped up on her and hugged her and she sighed laughing.
After a few seconds Dante came up His tiny wings carrying him and Miguel relieved to see he was okay.
The group then flew in a big circle on their way to find the rest of the family with Dante trailing behind, Meanwhile Julio and the rest were waiting for Imelda to come back hopefully have found Miguel.
They looked everywhere up in the sky until Julio turned around and pointed the two out on Pepita's back along with Héctor on the tail and Dante.
Papá Julio: "There they are!" He pointed
When Pepita landed the family the crowded Miguel so glad he was safe and smothered in kisses and hugs and Miguel was happy to see them.
Papá Julio: " Oh Miguelito ".
Meanwhile Héctor and fallen off Pepita and quickly got up and tried to help Imelda off but she just rolled her eyes and slid off herself, Miguel got hit in the leg by Dante and his rough landing but he just bent down and pet him.
Pepita then licked him Miguel screamed in surprise but then nuzzles her in thanks happy He was safe. Imelda the open her arms so she could hug him and Miguel went over and hugged her tightly and Imelda smiled relieved.
Mamá Imelda: "Oh Mijo thank goodness we found you in time".
Then she looked directly at Héctor not happy with him and Héctor looked sad as she turned and pointed a finger at him.
Mamá Imelda: " And you how many times must I turn you away". She pointed
Héctor looked sad as he took off his hat and looked down at the ground.
Héctor: "Imelda ".
Mamá Imelda: " I want nothing to do with you not in life not in death , I spent decades protecting my family from your mistakes he spends five minutes with you and I already have to fishing out of a sinkhole ".
"Mamá Really?" Coco sighed
"Okay, okay putting my therapy skills into session here how do we feel right now it's okay to feel tell me one basic emotion from the two of you". Layla asked
"Regret". Héctor said
"Good, Now Miss Imelda your turn ". Layla pointed
"Hurt". Imelda stated
" That's good I'm proud of you feeling is normal I understand that you went through a lot of pain the both of you and I'm not pointing fingers but we all know who did this but forget that for just a second. Imagine if you will a bridge, this bridge has two sides one side Héctor the other side Imelda . Now the bridge represents your relationship strong and sturdy and is the foundation for everything you work for You were friends before you were romantically involved correct?" Layla exclaimed
They both nodded.
" Good so we both know that friendship is the foundation for a good relationship there after you were friends and then you were best friends and then it just turned romantic". She smiled
" So tell me something the both of you know about each other that brings you close together it could be a feature it be something they do it could be any of their favourite things anything". Layla asked
" Imelda honey why don't you go first see can get some insight into how you feel". She asked
"Okay, I do like that Héctor is clumsy when were alive he used to bring me tulips purple ones they were my favourite flowers whenever I get worried he somehow seems to know and sort of gets me out of it, I really miss the way we dance together in the Plaza and he would make me laugh all the time no matter what it was. Whenever I was feeling down or I didn't feel like doing anything he would somehow manage to do it for me even without asking him to". Imelda blushed
Héctor smiled and chuckled.
"I can't believe you still remember that ". He chuckled softly
"It's you I could never forget that it just hurt". She replied sadly
"Now You Héctor give some insight when I say your wife's name what does that make you think of, Close your eyes and really think hard". She smiled
"Alright, her eyes when I look into them I feel warm inside. When her hair is down and her smile brings me comfort, I picture dancing with me holding her close her laughing at one of my jokes; when she sings it's like I'm in another world ; stuff we did when we were kids climbing trees, you know exploring ". He finished
Imelda blushed she didn't know he still remembered those things about her she already felt guilty enough but she couldn't help but feel happy things have changed but for the better.
"I didn't know you still remembered these things". Imelda gasped
"Of course they are you how could I forget ". Héctor smiled
Coco smiled and sighed, both families smiled at what they had both said to each other.
" See now do you think that bridge has gotten closer since things have been resolved you always go back to the things you love most about that person, and neither if you have to apologise you've done enough of that already to each other and to yourself believe me sometimes it's hard to let go but it's a good thing to do as well. She explains
They both nodded.
Miguel looked between Imelda and Héctor and knew he had to fix this so just as Imelda tried to bring him in for another hug he stepped away.
Miguel: " I wasn't in there cause of Héctor he was in there cause of me, He was just trying to get me home I didn't want to listen but he was right Nothing is more important than family ". He looked at Hèctor
Imelda meanwhile was very confused while also burning out with anger and hurt as she stands there and listens to Miguel and what he is saying .
Miguel: " I'm ready to accept your blessing and your conditions but first I need to find De la Cruz to get Héctor's photo so he can see Coco again.
Mamá Imelda: "What?"
Miguel: " Héctor should be on our ofrenda He's part of our family !"
Imelda was burning up with hurt and rage at what Miguel just said not willing to listen to reason.
Mamá Imelda: "He left this family ". She declared and points at him
Miguel had enough and explains what really happened so Imelda could get the full picture.
Miguel : " He tried to go home to you and Coco but De La Cruz murdered him!!" He yelled
"Mijo I – " Imelda stopped she tried to gather her words but none would come out
Héctor smiled as he had a hand on her arm and sighed.
"Lo siento Mi Amor I just I didn't want- " she sighed
"You don't have to explain anything like Señorita Layla said I think we have done enough apologising for ourselves and for us". Héctor smiled
Imelda nodded and smiled and then she turned to Miguel.
"Mijo thank you for making me see it even though I didn't want to, I was hurt and I didn't want the same for you". She explains
"I understand although you are stubborn I knew exactly how to get through to you ". Miguel smiled
"Ay". Imelda smiled
"That part I obviously got from you I can be just as stubborn when I choose to be especially when someone won't listen". Miguel winked
"Si he's not wrong". Luisa said
Imelda smiled and smothered her grandson in kisses which he gladly took.
Imelda looked hurt and sad at what Miguel just said she couldn't believe it as her eyes widened.
Héctor: "it's true Imelda".
Mamá Imelda: " And so what if it's true you leave me alone with a child to raise I'm just supposed to forgive you!!" She pointed fingers
Imelda felt like someone had stabbed her phantom heart with a knife and twisted it watching this she couldn't believe she was that selfish and unkind all those times Héctor smiled and was standing outside her door ready to beg for her forgiveness only for him to to get turned away in her anger and hurt.
Coco understood this was not sitting right with her and went to go hug her and Imelda returning the hug tightly.
"Remember it's not going to hurt you anymore Mamá ". Coco whispered
Imelda had tears streaming down her face Of hurt of shame of sadness, watching this just reminded her of how she felt back then.
"It still does Mija and I feel horrible ". She cried
"Oh Miss Imelda it's going to be just fine, you're not alone anymore everything is fine this is just what happens , you know it's okay to feel this way it's okay to feel hurt and pain just makes you a better person". Casita smiled
Héctor held her hand and smiled and she smiled as she wiped her tears away.
"We'll get through this together Mamá Imelda ". Mirabel replies
Imelda smiled as her head snapped at the name Mirabel just called her and Mirabel sighed.
"Mija did you just-" she stopped
"I hope you don't mind ". Mirabel replies
Imelda hugged her tight and kissed her forehead gently and smiled.
"No not at all". Imelda sighed
"This is disgusting ". Ernesto sneered
Imelda Felt burning rage but just as she was about to do something like hit him with her boot yet again, Mirabel stopped her she had something else in mind.
"Excuse me?" Mirabel asked
"I said this is disgusting , this is not how it should go I shouldn't be in prison". Ernesto said
"Okay, let's do a review shall we first of all you made my grandmother in law suffer both of them, you murdered my grandfather in law. Not to mention the attempt of murder and dropping the love of my life into a pit 2 m deep almost making me erase my memories so that I wouldn't have to watch the site again and forget this whole experience". She explained
Imelda was shook that such a voice came out of nowhere what's even more surprising was she just called Imelda her grandmother in law and that made her smile so big. Héctor smiled and was also touched at the name Mirabel called them.
Meanwhile Miguel was blushing like crazy and watching her just take down Ernesto bit by bit and watching him shrink into his seat, The rest of the family just watched with amazement and shock at this whole scenario.
" Because if it was up to me you'd be suffering, tortured in the Encanto we have a rule if someone doesn't pay for their crimes of punishment they get kicked out and get eaten by jaguars or better yet sent to a boarding school in Bogota were they use wooden sticks to beat you to death. They make you handle Tar and Coal the whole way through till your hands (or in this case bones) are bleeding scratched and full of puss; they make you eat oats very old oats to just keep you working and at night your windows are shut and locked there's no way of escape they put metal bars on your hands to stop you from bleeding to death they chain you up to your bed so that way you have no actual way of escaping". Mirabel replies
" So count yourself very lucky Mister because there is no way you deserve all that fame and fortune when all you did was tear the lives of an innocent family. Of a man that was trying to go back home to his daughter and wife, let those thoughts just take over for awhile maybe it might be best if you let it take over you one step at a time". She finished as she grinned at the Now Scared Ernesto
"What was that?" Isabela asked
"What was what?" Mirabel coaxed
"Prima you just scared him and I don't know what took over you". Abel stated a little scared himself
"Well, I wasn't get let him get away with that easily ". She shrugged
"Mija That was amazing ". Carmen called
"Thanks". She smiled
Miguel leaned over and whispered softly into Mirabel's ear.
" Is it weird to say I'm a little turned on right now and A little scared at the same time". He whispered
Mirabel blushed and smiled.
"No, in fact it just means that you are wrapped around my finger when you choose to be my love ". She chuckled
"You're right what have I gotten myself into ". He sighed
"Ay". She lightly slapped his arm
Dolores didn't say a word she just Chuckled and smiled.
Héctor tried to explain himself and to let her hear him out but as he looked sad.
Héctor: "Imelda i-"
Just then a golden flash took over him and he fell to the ground and Miguel hurried to help him up as Imelda gasped at the sight.
Héctor: " it's Coco-"
Mamá Imelda: "She's forgetting you". She covered her mouth
Both families gasped at what just happened .
"I'm sorry Papá I just-" Coco starts
"Socorro Amelia Rivera don't you dare apologise". Héctor called
Coco knew once her father called her full name it was serious and he didn't want to about again, same goes with her mother.
"He's right Mija it's not your fault you had a big monster to fight Trust me darling dementia is no easy feat". Imelda smiled
"That's What I have been saying this whole time". Miguel smiled
Coco smiled.
Miguel: " You don't have to forgive him but we shouldn't forget him".
Meanwhile Dante, Pepita and the rest of the family look at the three of them With looks they know how much pain Imelda has been through.
Imelda sucks in a breath as tears Well in her eyes of all the hurt and anger that bubbles up just seeing him again.
Mamá Imelda : I wanted to forget you I wanted Coco to forget you too but-" she stopped
Héctor: "This my fault not yours I'm sorry Imelda ".
Imelda looks up at him sad and broken her eyes full of tears.
"Don't turn the tables on me". Héctor asked
"I'm going to you should forgive yourself too". Imelda sighed
"Alright". He sighed
"Do you Papá?" Coco asked
He nodded.
"You don't do you?" Julio asked
"Even after all of it". Miguel replies
"It's really hard, I'm getting there slowly ". Héctor said
" That's alright small steps make the biggest impact besides I think you're doing very great you've conquered your biggest fear". Layla replied
"And what's that?" Héctor called
"Facing your past and your mistakes, come to think of it all of you have and you've done such a great job it's not easy but you make it seem like it is". Layla smiled
"I guess we have ". Pepa called
They all held hands feeling ready to face whatever comes their way.
Imelda sighed and let a breath.
Mamá Imelda: " Miguel if we help you get his photo back you'll return home no more music". She shook her hand
Miguel: " Family comes first". He put a hand on Héctor's arm.
Imelda looks at him sadly sighed and sucked in a breath then let let it out.
Mamá Imelda: " I cannot forgive you but I will help you so how do we get to Ernesto De La Cruz". Imelda had a determined look.
" I mean that statement wasn't true because you finally forgive him it just took time that's all". Victoria smiled
"Alright, you have me there Mija ". Imelda chuckled
Héctor smiled and sighed.
"Now the two lovebirds are back together Again ". Oscar smiled
"You got that right hermano ". Felipe finished
"Alright you two would you leave Mamá alone". Coco sighed
Miguel had a look that said he had a plan and a determined way of getting in.
" Do you think this plan is gonna work I know that look". Abel stated
"It's got to". Miguel smiled
"Ay, you and your plans". Mirabel sighed
"Always ". He winked
Miguel : "I might know a way". He nodded
Miguel was determined to get this plan going now all they had to do was just to get in but that was gonna be harder than it looked or so they thought…