Disclaimer: I own nothing. All right reserved to Disney and Dreamworks. Songs were created by O3ro, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jonsi, John Powell, and Laura Asmodaus. I lay no claim to Encanto, Frozen, Tangeld, or How To Train A Dragon, or any other movie I might decide to add in this fanfic. I am also using the transcript from the original movie and adding in added details. I hope you enjoy reading this chapter.
Years had passed and Mirabel was fifteen. For the past five years she had been raising her primos and primas. Her Tia Juiletta gave birth to twins Luisa and Oscar and her Tia Pepa gave birth to Camilo. The twins were born a week before Mirabel's birthday and Camilo was born a week after. Everyone was so excited for the three new doors ceremony that no one remembered Mirabel's quienca. Luisa was given the gift of super strength, Oscar was given the gift of being able to fix anything with just his hands, and Camilo was given the gift to shape shift. Mirabel spent each and every day trying to take care of her five cousins. Not only that but she would also help out with the village kids and take care of casta and the family.
Seven A.M., the usual morning lineup
Start on the chores and sweep 'til the floor's all clean
Polish and wax, do laundry, and mop and shine up
Sweep again, and by then it's like 7:15
Mirabel cleaned the entire house and did all the chores with the help of Casta and was trying to finish quickly so she could go check on her cousins to make sure Alma did not run them into the ground like she does with Julieatta and Pepa. She knew that they had only been out not even an hour so she had to fill her time without getting in the way.
And so I read a book Or maybe two or three
I'll add a few new dresses to my gallery
I'll play acordian and sew and cook and basically
Just wondering when will my life begin?
Mirabel had bags of food knowing that Tia Juiletta, Luisa, Oscar, and Camilo would need the extra energy. They were the ones who were the most overworked when it came to their skills. She stopped by them first to bring them lunch and see what was left on their to do list for the day. Usually the kids would get their needed work done before lunch but then be bombarded with needy people who don't want to do anything for themselves. She would often rescue them from being abused for their skills. Next was Doloris and Tia Pepa. Doloris did not need to be forced to share secrets she didn't even want to hear. Tia Pepa shouldn't have to be forced to feel things at a certian time But Tia Juiletta and Tia Pepa would not let Mirabel help them. Even though they never said it the both blame her for Bruno leaving.
Then after lunch, it's puzzles and tutoring and baking
Babysitting, a bit of dancing, and chess
Pottery and embrodary, candle making
Then I'll stretch, maybe sketch, take a climb
Sew a dress! And I'll reread the books
If I have time to spare, I'll paint the walls some more
I'm sure there's room somewhere
Mirabel watched over her primas and primos for the rest of the day against Alma's wishes. Just because Mirabel made sure that the kids in the family ate, took breaks, wasn't harassed because someone didn't want to do something themselves, kept up with their studies, and let them have the chance to be a kid. Since Doloris and Isabella were so close in age to Mirabel they were more like little sisters than cousins and she did everything to protect them. Luisa, Oscar, and Camilo were basically raised by Mirabel since she was ten and they would see her as their mother.
And then I'll brush and brush and brush and brush our hair
Stuck in the same place I've always been
And I'll keep wondering and wondering
And wondering and wondering
When will my life begin?
Isabella was at the town's library watching her crush named Bobo Marquez who was reading about ferterlizers to himself in the corner of the building. Doloris was with her as she watched her crush who was in the poetry section of the library, Mariano. Mirabel knew the girls' crushes and was happy for them and would often cover for them with the family as she watched the mini triplets. Once dinner came Mirabel put the three little ones to bed and made her way back to the nursery. She once again had it to herself and once again Alma came walking in yelling at her for disrupting her family. Mirabel just ignored her. When Mirabel got older she became more and more like her mother much to Alma's disappointment. When she knew that everyone was asleep Mirabel snuck out through the nursery window and to the home on the edge of the village that her mother used to live in when she first moved to Encanto.
Mirabel had been fixing up the house for years so she could move into it. She was waiting to move into it after Camilo's birthday, but then her Tia Pepa announced that she was pregnant again. Mirabel knew that since she was still technically a minor she couldn't move out on her own and once that baby comes she will have to be there in that nursery raising yet another baby. Pepa was a month away from giving birth to her third child and Mirabel was wishing that maybe for once Pepa could be a mother to this child so she didn't have to,but she knew that wouldn't be the case. She was fifteen and she wanted her own life. Why was she being punished like this?
Mirabel was getting to the dinner table ready when Alma walked in disappointed. Everyday was the same. Alma would give everyone a list of chores that they needed to do and Mirabel would come in after lunch and disrupt everyone. She allowed her to bring lunches to everyone so they would not forget to eat and she had no issue with her tutoring the grandkids or village kids or even helping out in the sewing shop, but talking to the village about doing their own work that her family can do. Was not acceptable. "Mirabel." Alma said in her sturn voice. Mirabel did not look up at her; she just continued to get dinner ready. "Yes." Mirabel said, placing the food on everyone's plates. "You do not tell the villagers no when they need help." Mirabel sighed. "If it was something only Luisa, Camilo, Oscar, Doloris, or Isabella could do that was absolutely needed and not them just trying to take advantage of kids then yeah I'll let them ask for help. But moving the church five times a day so the sun shines through the window just right, or rerouting the river and moving the bridge, forcing a twelve year old to tell sexual secrets about someone's parenter, or gathering donkey's because no one is willing to fix that stupid gate, or even fixing any and every object because they didn't want to do it themselves, or forcing a newborn onto a five year old because the parents want to sleep. Yes I will interfer. They are children who deserve a childhood like anyone else. They want to help Encanto but I will not let them be taken advantage of." Mirabel said standing her ground. Alma was feeling angered by Mirabel. "I will not be spoken to in such a way."
"I am just speaking to you explaining as to why I am doing what I am doing. I'm not trying to disrespect you. I am just trying to do my part and look after my family. Our family. Tomorrow I plan to speak to the head of council about some changes that we can make to make the village more efficient." Mirabel said, finishing up putting dinner on the plates. "That is not your call to make." Alma said, getting into Mirabel's face. Mirabel sighed, placing the pot with the dinner in it back onto the counter. "How about this? If we have a permanent place for all the houses and figure out a space for new builds, which also means a permanent place for the shops, church, hospital. Permenate places means that foundations to the house won't become more compromised each time they want Luisa to move it. We fixed the lock on the donkey pen, set up a nursery and some courses in emergency first aid, along with some water troughs for farming. If we cut back the useless requests then our family doesn't have to be pulled in twenty different directions over something they could do themselves. And they would be more available to help when an emergency actually does come up. If you want you can bring it up to the council and make it your idea."
Alma just kept her mouth shut. She had to admit that Mirabel had a good idea, but she did not like to be told what to do, especially by someone who had no business messing with Her family. "You are just like your mother." Alma said, bitterly. "I'll take that as a complement. Who's ready for dinner?" Mirabel said seeing her family standing in the doorway outside of the kitchen. The grandchildren just stood there looking at Mirabel. They were terrified of Alma, but they felt safe around their eldest prima. Mirabel just gestured her head towards the table. The five of them went towards Mirabel's side of the table and sat down. Alma was not happy that the grandchildren were becoming more and more out of her reach. She needed to find a way to remedy this. As the adults sat down they prayed and ate. "Thank you for dinner. Mirabel." Juilette said, She was honestly grateful that Mirabel offered to take up the cooking for the family so she could rest after dealing with every ingury from a paper cut to a drunken black eye. Alma just took a bite and griminced. "The chicken's dry." Alma said not caring if she offended Mirabel.
"Well the first one always comes out a little off right?" Mirabel said slowly sipping her coffee. Everyone knew what she meant by that and the adults remained quiet after that. Mirabel noticed that the kids were feeling awkward. "So Camilo, are you excited that you're gonna become a big brother soon?" Mirabel asked from her end of the table. Camilo looked up at her and nodded. "Yeah, I hope for a brother." Camilo said excitedly. "Why's that? "Mirabel asked before Pepa could. She wasn't trying to be mean, but Mirabel just hadden't notice that Pepa was about to speak. "Because there are too many girls already. Oscar and me needs another brother." Camilo said. Oscar just nodded too. Even though the two were cousins they acted more and more like brothers. "Camilo. It's Oscar and I, not Oscar and me. Also Oscar is not your hermano. He's your primo." Pepa said. Camilo was saddened by what she said he looked up at Mirabel and she gave him a look saying not to worry about it.
After dinner the kids insisted on helping Mirabel with cleaning up the dishes, which she happily agreed to. Camilo, Oscar, and Luisa played and danced around singing whatever song came to their heads. Isa and Doloris would help dry the now clean dishes. Mirabel did most of the work. The adults saw how she was with the kids and day by day they felt more guilty for having her look after them. Abuela said it was so Mirabel felt like she was part of the family and helping the Encanto, but really it was so she wouldn't be in the way. Alma never thought Mirabel would try to protect the kids from her. Really, how ridiculous can the girl be? Once the dishes were finished Mirabel could be seen being dragged out of the kitchen and up the stairs by Luisa, Oscar, and Camilo with Isa and Doloris following close behind. "Mira, Mira, Mira! Can you read to us please?" Camilo asked as he pulled his prima's skirt. "Camilo. Don't pull on Mirabel's skirt! I can read you a bedtime story after your bath." Pepa said, trying to grab Camilo's hand. "But we wanted Mirabel to read to us." Camilo said disappointed.
Mirabel tried her best to defuess the situation. "Hey how about you take a bath like your mama said and she reads to you but tomorrow you can help me make tres leches. Ya!" Camilo, Luisa, and Oscar were so excited about making that special treat they rushed upstairs into the bathroom with Pepa and Juiletta in tow. Mirabel could not help but laugh. When she turned around she saw a very disappointed Alma. Only breaking eye contact with the older woman to look at Doloris and Isabella. She knelt down and whispered to them. "Go with your Papis. I need to talk to Abuela." Mirabel said to the two girls who just looked nervously back at the older woman before doing as they were told. Once the two women were alone Mirabel turned back to Alma with an equally stern expression on her face that Alma was showing. "What is the matter with you?" Alma asked Mirabel who did not flinch. "I was just helping Pepa with her five year old son." Mirabel said simply. "She does not need help if it was not for you poisoning their minds." Alma said spitefully. Mirabel just sighed. "Yes she does, but that has more to do with the fact that she is forced to spend most of her time manipulating her emotions and being with her own children." Mirabel tried to argue before being slapped by her grandmother.
"You do not speak to me in such a way. Your parents were so embarrassed of you that they abandoned you and this family. I do not need your disrespect. Do you understand me? You are not special and you will never be special. You want to help the family, you will do as you are told." Alma did not wait for a response; she just walked away from Mirabel and into her room. Little did she or Alma know Isabella and Pepa were watching everything. Isa ran down stairs before Pepa could stop her and the thirteen year old hugged her prima with everything she had. Isa was crying and Mirabel began to wipe her tears away when she felt the weight of the hug. "You are so special Mira. We love you so much." Isa mumbled into the back of Mirabel's shirt. The older girl turned around and gave Isabella a hug in return. Alma saw the candle flicker a little bighter than before and she had foolishly thought it was because of her actions, but it was because of the hug that was being shared.
Pepa slowly walked down the steps drawing attention to her. "Isa. It's time to go to bed. I need to help Mirabel with her undeserved bruises." Isabella nodded before giving Mira one more tight squeeze and headed upstairs. Pepa gently grabbed Mirabel's chin to see her cheek. "I can not believe Mama did this." Mirabel heard her Tia mumble as they headed to the kitchen. The younger girl was now scared. Not of her Tia, but what Alma had told her. Mirabel watched her Tia look for a spare arepa and she gained her courage to ask what she needed to know. "Tia Pepa." The sound of Mirabel's voice startled her only because of how timid it was. She turned to her fifteen year old niece. "Yes Mira." Pepa said gently. "Did Mami and Papi really leave because they were disappointed in me?" Mirabel knew that her parents loved her but each day after their absences it was getting harder and harder to believe that. Pepa felt her heart break. She wanted to yell at Alma for saying this to her, but she also felt shame because the first night Bruno left she blamed Elsa and Mirabel for his disappearance. As the years went on she understood more and more why they had left. It was to protect Mirabel from Alma like she does each day with her primos and primas.
Pepa hands Mirabel the healing arepa and holds her shoulder. "I know for a fact that they love you so much that they thought it was better for you to grow up without them." Pepa tried to explain. Doloris had just finished helping her Papi put Camilo to bed and could hear the conversation between her mami and Mirabel. Felix stood behind her wondering what was so interesting for Doloris to listen so intensely. "Why?" She heard Mirabel say. "On the day of your birthday. Abuela wanted your Papi to have a vision of why you did not get a gift. But he wouldn't. You know how your Abuela is. He left to protect you. His visions. Were never seen in a good light. Your mami she left so he wouldn't be alone. They left you so you never felt like you did something wrong or were unloved. The whole thing is unfair." Pepa explained. Mirabel did not know how to take what her Tia had just told her, but it was better than any senorio she could have imagined. She hugged her Tia which took her by surprise. "Thank you." She whispered.
Pepa was taken back by the gesture. She looked down at her eldest niece and hugged her back. "Thank you for helping me with Camilo. And Doloris. And with this baby. Along with everything else. You truly are a miracle." With that Mirabel headed back to the nursery and Doloris headed to her room but not before turning to her Papi. "Mami is in the kitchen. She needs you." Felix placed a kiss on his daughter's head and went to his wife. "Mi vida. What's wrong?" Pepa was holding back tears. "Mama slapped Mirabel." Three words. It was three words. That is all Pepa would say. Felix was furious. How could that woman do such a thing? He held his wife. "Do I need to check on Mirabel?" He asked, concerned. Pepa shook her head no. "I took care of it, but I don't know what to do about my mother. She can't keep doing this to Mirabel or the kids for that matter." Pepa said as she tried to flap away the storm. "We make a stand that Mirabel has been taking care of the kids and we are the parents and are in charge of them, not her. If we are ok with what Mirabel is doing with them then that's final." Felix said. Pepa just hoped that this would work, but she needed to tell Juileta and Augustine what had happened. Doloris was the only one to know that Bruno and Elsa were in teh walks and had heard everything and were both angry. That night the Castia was much colder and no one could figure out why.
Months have passed and little baby Antonio was born. It almost took Pepa out and Pepa almost took out Encanto with a major storm. Soon the weather calmed and little Tonito was crying and so was Pepa but for two very different reasons. Pepa was so overjoyed and exhausted at seeing her youngest for the first time. Tonito was scared of the world around him. Felix grabbed his newborn son to let his wife rest and for the first five weeks they took care of him but soon enough Alma had put her foot down saying that Pepa and Felix needed to get back to work serving Encanto and Mirabel was to take care of Antonio from that point on. The two had tried to argue but ultimately failed. Mirabel was going to wait till Antonio could eat solid food before taking him and the others to her Mami's house. It had been a struggle with the new baby to do her daily chores but she managed much easier than she did when she had the triplets to take care of. And so another day went by and she made dinner for the family once again and fed Antonio first before eating herself.
After dinner Mirabel tucked everyone into bed and headed back to the nursery when she was stopped by Juiletta. "Tia Juiletta can I help you?" Juiletta just smiled weakly at her. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to say thank you for all you do." Mirabel just smiled back at her. "It's no problem." Mirabel was about to head into the nursery when Juiletta stopped her once more. "No, it is a big deal. You di dmore than help raise Isabella to now Antonio. Thank you." Juiletta did not know what else to say so she just left. Mirabel headed back to the nursery and looked out her window into the open sky. Casta was growing more and more worried over Mirabel. She saw the newborn down in his little crib trying to calm him down and to get him to go to sleep. Apparently while Mirabel was doing her chore of cleaning the kitchen after dinner Alma had placed the newborn in the nursery without supervision. Then she got angry at Mirabel for taking too long in the kitchen and neglecting Antonio. So she rushed upstairs and began to sing a song to calm the crying baby.
Don't be upset or mad at all
Don't feel regret or sad at all
Hey, I'm still a part of the family Madrigal
And I'm fine, I am totally fine
I will stand on the side as you shine
I'm not fine, I'm not fine, I can't move the mountains
I can't make the flowers bloom, I can't take another
Night up in my room, Waiting on a miracle
Everyone was asleep by this point or so she thought. Doloris was thirsty for a glass of water and heard Mirabel's sad voice singing to herself and Doloris knew what she needed to do. She went to the rooms of Luisa, Isabella, Oscar, and Camilo. They all slowly made their way out of their rooms and gathered outside of the nursery. Even though Doloris and Camilo were excited to be getting a new sibling they also knew how unfair it was for Mirabel to be expected to raise their baby brother and just be dismissed when their parents wanted to actually be parents. Doloris and Isabella knew how hard it would be for Mirabel to do this again. They saw how heartbroken she was when she was told to not interfer with Luisa, Oscar, and Camilo once they got their gifts. They were both happy when Mirabel didn't listen like she did with them and chose to continue to take care of them. They try to be the best behaved children so their Abuela would not be so hard on Mirabel to only look out for them.
I can't heal what's broken
Can't control the morning rain or a hurricane
Can't keep down the unspoken invisible pain
Always waiting on a miracle, a miracle
Always walking alone, Always wanting for more
Like I'm still at that door longing to shine
Like all of you shine, All I need is a change
All I need is a chance, All I know is I can't stay on the side
Open your eyes, open your eyes, open your eyes
Isabella saw Luisa try to hold back tears and Oscar try to hold back his temper so he didn't accidently blow something up giving away their positions. She grabbed her two younger siblings and held them close hoping to calm them down. Doloris did the same with Camilo knowing he was sad at hearing the song that Mirabel was singing. Luisa, Oscar, and Camilo were worried that now that they had their gifts they would also lose their Mami too, but thankfully she was still fighting for them. Only they could wonder just how long she could keep this up before Alma breaks her. Like she did with Elsa.
I would move the mountains
Make new trees and flowers grow
Someone please just let me know, where do I go?
I am waiting on a miracle, a miracle
I would heal what's broken, Show this family something new
Who I am inside, so what can I do?
Isabella hated her powers. She was the first grandchild who got a miracle and has been deemed the Perfect Golden Child, Alma Madrigal's favorite. She wanted nothing to do with that. She knew the life that Alma had set up for her. She also knows that she will blame Mirabel if she does not fall in line. She doesn't want to grow pink and purple roses every single day or spend time with Mariano and his boring poetry. She would rather spend the day with Bobo reading books about exotic plants and trying to grow them herself with her powers and to play in the mud in pants. She wants to have short hair that isn't uncomfortable when it's hot outside. She also knows that Mirabel has sacrificed everything for her, her siblings, and cousins. If she has to do the same just so Mirabel can look after the rest of the grandkids without Alma breathing down her neck. Then she is willing to. Mirabel showed her what a true family is willing to do for one another.
I'm sick of waiting on a miracle, so here I go
I am ready, come on, I'm ready
I've been patient, and steadfast, and steady
Bless me now as you blessed us all those years ago
When you gave us a miracle, Am I too late for a miracle?
They could hear the muffled weeping of Mirabel after she had finished her song and they listened to her as she cried herself to sleep. Once they knew that she was out they all gathered back into Doloris's room and sat on her bed facing one another. They knew that things were only going to get worse for the one person who always looked out for them. They had to do something. "Mirabel is the most special person in the family, why does she think she's not?" Camilo asked curling into his hermana. "Abuela is hard on her because she has no powers." Oscar said still upset over Mirabel. "That's not right." Camilo said. Doloris pulled her brother closer, resting her chin on his head. "No it's not right." Doloris said, trying not to cry, Isabella saw this. "What can we do to help?" Luisa asked as she crawled into Isabella's lap. Isa pulled Luisa in close and gestured for Oscar to do the same. "You are not going to do anything. Doloris and I will figure this out. For now you three will be kids and listen to Mirabel. Ok? Help her with the baby." Isabella looked back at Doloris to see if that was the right call and when she nodded back at her she knew she had her answer.
Doloris and Isabella decided to try and wake up early to help Mirabel with the chores so she wasn't so overwhelmed with the baby. During Mirabel's first official day with the baby Doloris and Isabella managed to wake up before Mirabel and get some of her chores done, but were caught by Alma. "What are you two doing?" She asked, more surprised than angry. "We just thought we would help out a little more since Mirabel is taking care of the new baby. We hoped if we did it early enough we wouldn't get Mirabel in trouble." Isabella explained. Alma couldn't even be mad at this. Her granddaughters were serviving Encanto. "That is very sweet but please this is Mirabel's job, but I will not get onto her since this was her first night with the baby, but she had managed to do her chores with three babies she should be able to do with one. Now go and get dressed." Alma said, sending them back to their rooms.
Bruno heard everything through the wall. He hated not being there for his daughter, but he is certain that this is the right choice. He also hated the stress Alma had been placing on all of the children. It was bad when she did it to him and his hermanas but she can't keep doing this. Bruno was devastated when his daughter spent her quinceanera alone. The day she became a woman and he was not there for her. He cried into Elsa's arms when he saw that no one remembered. Elsa was furious at Alma for her daughter's treatment and if she was honest she was also a little mad at Bruno and herself for not doing anything to stop it. She spent so much of her life hiding herself away and when she had met Bruno she had finally been free. Now she is back to hiding herself away again, but this time it wasn't to protect her sister, it was to protect her daughter. She knew Alma was behind Pepa trying to get pregnant again. Her having another baby at her age. She also knew that Mirabel would be raising that baby like she had the last five. She had gotten food from the kitchen when Bruno was busy listening to their daughter sing. When Elsa had gotten back she heard her husband begin a tune of his own.
I've been living in a crack in the wall
Ten years they say
Hey, look at that, four and three make seven
This could be my lucky break
I've been living in a crack in the wall
They do say karma's a witch
Elsa just leaned against their door frame as she grabbed an arepa and ate as she listened to her husband's voice. Little did either of them know that Doloris was humming along to her Tio Bruno's song lulling herself to sleep. Doloris wished she could just tell Mirabel where her parents actually were and that they loved her, but she couldn't. Not yet at least.
We cut eachother deep
Now I'm behind the scenes
Trying to mend our ramshackle family
Oh, I love you sisters, Not a day goes by
That I don't cross my fingers that I stay alive
Juiletta was in bed with her husband and not a single night goes by that she doesn't hope that Bruno and Elsa come home. Not a single night goes by that she doesn't wish that she could just a little bit of Elsa's courage that she passed down to Mirabel. Not a single day where she would silently beg herself to just stand up to her Mama. Maybe if she had all those years ago Bruno would still be here?
On the inside, As shattered as my prophecies
On the inside, I'm clinging to my fantasies
On the inside, A withering apology
'cuz I love you, mama, but you just let me leave
I've been living in a crack in the wall
Has God forgottŠµn me too?
Pepa and Felix were tired. Felix was worried because his wife's condition being with her powers was never easy and with her age the risk for her when it comes time for delivery will be high. He was not happy with Alma for a lot of the stunts she pulls but he is forced to miss out on yet another child to raise all hell will break loose. He loves Mirabel and had always done his best to treat her like she was his own to honor Bruno and Elsa, but she was still a child. She should not hav eto be expected to raise every child that comes through that nursery. When Felix finally relaxed his hand was resting on Pepa's stomach in a silent vow to protect them both.
A pinch of salt and the holy writ
Ain't enough to conceal the foul taste on my lips
Because I've been living in a crack in the wall
I-I-I I think I'm losing my mind
I've got a niece who can hear every sigh
He knew that Doloris could hear him and he knew how difficult it was for her to keep their secret but he was forever grateful that she did for Mirabel's sake. He knew that Pepa was furious when he left and Juiletta was hurt but he needed to protect his daughter and this was the only way he knew how. If there was any other way he would have done so within the past ten years. He is grateful to Elsa for her devotion to him. He knew he was not the easiest to live with and that she could have just left him to take Mirabel and run, but she has stuck by his side since the moment they met and he could not love her more.
And I wish that I could just suck it up and die
It's so hard not to be bitter
But I've been trying my best
I understand, I understand
But I just wanna be a person again
Oh, I just wanna be a person again
Pepa had a raging storm inside of her head. Her Mama wanted her to have another grandchild. She wanted her and not Juiletta because then Juiletta could heal her if something were to happen during the birth and then both of Alma's daughters would have three children each. The older woman just wanted to erase Mirabel more than she already had. Years after Bruno left Pepa realized how foolish she had been to blame Mirabel like she did. SHe knew that she needed to do better with this baby.
On the inside, As shattered as my prophecies
On the inside, I'm clinging to my fantasies
On the inside, A withering apology
'cuz I love you mama but you just let me leave
On the inside
Elsa saw the pain her husband was in at not being able to be there for their daughter for her birthday. She was hurting too. This is not the life they wanted for their daughter, but they could not be more proud of the woman she had become. Elsa just hopes that her daughter will have a happy life and find someone who will treat her the way that she deserves. Sadly this is still better than if they had stayed. It just warms her heart to know that Mirabel's primas and primos are there for her and she is strong enough to stand up to Alma when no one else will. She just hopes that Mirabel can escape this life before it's too late. The magic of the miracle had other plans in store for Mirabel and the family Madrigal.
Mirabel was dreaming about a life she wished she could have. Little did she know that when the birth of the newest Madrigal life for her will change for the better. Mirabel missed her parents and wondered why they left if they loved her so much. Maybe they realized Alma was right and she wasn't enough. Mirabel hated thinking like that so she would often just remember the happy memories that she still got to keep from her parents. Like her mother's stories. Mirabel loved her mother's stories. She wanted to travel. Travel outside of Encanto. She also knows that that is a pointless dream. She was stuck in this so-called paradise. Where everyone was happy but her. Why couldn't she be happy too? Every turn she took, every trail she tracked, every path she'd make, every road led back, to the place she knew where she could not go. Where she longed to be. She kept thinking. What is wrong with me? They were safe. Her Abruelo died for them to be protected and she wanted to throw that all away? How could she be so selfish? But she also could not help but think that he also wouldn't want her to feel as though she was on the sidelines watching her own life go on without her.
This was not living. Even Miracles take a little time. Maybe there was a greater adventure out there into the unknown. Like finding where the lost get found. Or touching the water from the Remebering River. And hearing the fire cry out to a blue corn moon. Ask a grinning Cheshire why he grins. Going to sing with all the voices of the mountain. Getting to paint with all the colors of the wind. She even wanted to meet the dreaded Snow Beast that guarded the Mighty Ice Castle. All of this was from a bedtime story that her mother would tell her every night. Of this far off place that she dreams of every night. When she was younger and after her mother had vanished Mirabel would often tell this story to all the village kids who would listen. She even wrote a book about it. Alma got angery with her for telling all those lies and to never do so again and to stop being disruptive. She also took Mirabel's book and burnt it. She cried for days after that because her mother had helped her make that book and it was the last thing she had from her. Other than this shaw that she was told was from her other grandmother.
As Mirabel got older she changed her look. No longer wearing a skirt, but wearing pants she embroidered herself. With symbols of every member of her family and to match the pattern on her shaw that she wore everyday. Alma dared not touch it. She had gotten an ear full from Pepa and Juiletta when she burned that book. She kept her hair short and was determined to keep her green glasses and green pants; the same color as her father's wardrobe. She was not going to be ashamed of who she came from. She would hear the town talk each time she left Casita. They hurt. She didn't have any friends and was basically forced to become a single teenage mom for someone else's kids. She loved her cousins. She truly does. But how could she be a parent to them when she still needed one?
All Mirabel knew was that when she woke up she was going to be stuck doing the same thing over and over again. Wake up, make breakfast, clean the house, make and deliver lunches, babysit, tutor, embroider, work on and drop off sewing orders, make dinner, and get everyone to bed. Then do it again. Each and every day. She was doing everything she could to make her family proud, but all she felt like most days was that she was being taken for granted. Maybe she was too late for a miracle. Maybe no amount of time will come for her to get a miracle. What was so special about a miracle anyway? If she wants something to change she needs to take action. She was not going to let those kids be treated like her and her Tias. So she will stay in that nursery till the baby can leave Casita, but she was going to live in her mother's house with that baby that she will be forced to raise and any other child of the Madrigal household who did not want to be under Alma's rain any longer.
Soon Mirabel drifted off to a dreamless sleep no longer hoping for a better life or to travel to that mystical land her mother used to tell her about. She listened to her father's words as he sang like he did each night before with her mother. Mirabel always assumed she was imagining it. Missing her parents. Wishing that they had been stronger and stayed. She just wanted to protect those kids anyway she could from Alma Madrigal. If that meant she had to take them away then she would because she just knows deep inside that this isn't what her Abruelo would have wanted for them. She just knows that this isn't what their miracle or gifts should have been used for. Mirabel did not choose to be a mother to those kids but she is one now and she will do all she could to look after her children no matter what.
Sorry for the late post. I was planning on this being two chapters but it worked out better as one which also explains why there are three songs in this one chapter. This is just a set up before Hiccup arrives and I am really excited about that. If you have been keeping up with my stories I am juggling work, school, and three stories. Let's just hope and pray that I did not bite off more than I can chew. I might also have one final semester after this current one before I graduate! Yay! Finishing with five years of college. Hope y'all have enjoyed reading and until the next time. Bye-bye for now.