Standing up for what's right
Chapter 4: Jealousy runs in all colours
Two weeks went by since Alma passed and Mirabel was getting used to her being back in her life, Although she admits sometimes it's difficult to deal with without getting a glare from her and sometimes she has to remind herself it's a second chance and that things are going to be better this time.
Today was Sunday so just after church with the family they all went out for ice cream after sitting and talking and it had been the most normalcy she had felt in weeks. Manny and Benny we're sitting near her smiling softly.
"Mimi?" Benny asked
"Mhm". She hummed and looked at him
"You okay?" He asked
Mirabel nodded smiling as Manny cuddles her and it something she treasured always and Benny joined as they ate and enjoyed the view, Miguel caught sight of the three of them and smiled at them this was the most normal she had in a while considering what's been happening lately.
As the two danced with her spinning with her, Socorro smiled wanting to join to as they danced Mira's smile lit up and her laugh echoed through her. Miguel loved her so much and every moment he felt like the luckiest man in Mexico as she danced.
Enrique turned to his son smiling and Miguel sighed softly chuckling.
"Are you Okay Mijo?" Enrique asked
"Si, why do you ask?" He coaxed
"You've been a little absent lately that's all". Enrique sighed
Miguel turned to face his father and looked him in the eyes. Enrique knew that meant one thing and one thing only that he was serious very serious and he knew better than anyone not to mess with it.
"Si, it's just been a little much lately since Alma she's finding it a little hard but they're making it work". Miguel said
At that Enrique's face hardened at the Mention of the woman knowing that she'd might of possibly hurt his darling daughter.
"Has she does anything?" Enrique was clearly concerned
"No, not yet but I'm keeping an eye on her trust me". Miguel said
Enrique nodded and sighed softly.
"Good because if she hurts Mira I might as well talk some sense into her". He adds
"I know". Miguel sighed
He looked at Mira playing chase with the kids and smiled somehow it melted his heart she always had a way of doing it no matter what.
"She's amazing ". Miguel smiled
Enrique watched with him as he smiled to watching the girls smile brighten up as she got tackled by the kids and thrown into tickle mode.
Enrique smiled and looked like he was up to something.
"What? I know that face Papá ". Miguel pointed very scared
"Nothing Mijo, I just wonder if you want kids someday ". He shook his head chuckling
"Is this your way of saying you want grandkids because you're not doing a great job at it". Miguel crossed his arms
"What a man can wish Can't he?" He chuckled
"Ay, What am I going to do with you". Miguel laughed
"To answer your question, Yes someday but right now Mira and I just want time to ourselves for a couple of years that's all". Miguel winked
"I understand that, time is important ". Enrique said
Mirabel came to sit back down as she was tired of the running and chases so she was giving herself a break. Miguel smiled as his wife sat down next to him out of breath legs a little sore from the games.
"Had fun?" Miguel joked
"Si, I swear they're getting faster every time ". She breathed
"That's kids for you Mija lots of energy and so much to spare ". Enrique said
Miguel kissed his Mira and smiled wrapping his arms around her as she cuddled closer to him enjoying the moment.
"What?" Mirabel Continued
"Nada, I just love when you smile that's all". Miguel smiled
"It's been a while". Mirabel replies
Mirabel kissed her husband on the cheek smiling watching the sight.
"Now that I think about it we have lunch in an hour ". Mirabel replies sighing
"We don't have to go if you don't want to". Miguel said
"No, I want to". Mirabel tried to sound convincing
"Mira". Miguel used a certain tone
"Okay maybe I'm not ready". She sighed
"That's okay". He smiled
"But she can't just come into my life and want to take away my time from a family that actually cares for me". Mirabel sighed
Miguel understood that, Mirabel had a smile on her face that only meant she was wanting to do something that Alma wouldn't like.
"I know that face where are you going with this?"Miguel was curious
"If she wants a second chance she's gonna have to get used to This Mirabel I'm not gonna let her turn me back into what I was". Mirabel was determined
"Ooh, l like this Mira ". He did a high whistle
Mirabel got up and Miguel followed his wife had a now found confidence that he found a really attractive, Miguel knew better than anyone when Mirabel had a plan she stuck to it and that usually meant something crazy followed and that was one of the things he loved about her.
Meanwhile Imelda had just finished setting the table for their regular family brunch, The problem lay with Alma she didn't want to invite her. She hated all she did to her precious girl and every time she thought about it made her even angrier and if she had any blood it would be boiling .
"Oscar can you come and get the sauce please ". Rosita called from the kitchen
"Sure thing Mija ". He called back
Imelda stood back and looked at the now set up table looking proud of herself, but yet she still felt a twinge of anger and hatred looking at the extra plate thinking of Alma. She had to remind herself it was for Mira's sake.
"Abuela? Are you Alright ". Victoria called catching Imelda out of her daze
"Si Mija just thinking". Imelda said
"Mira". She guessed
"I keep having to make remind myself but every time I think about it, it makes me angrier and I just want to give her what Imelda Rivera gives when someone hurts her family ". She gripped the table
"I know I do to but remember it's for Mira Okay ". Victoria hugged her side
"For Mira ". She repeated to herself
Héctor and Elena entered the dining room with the last of the food smiling as they set down on the table, Héctor went over and looked at from an angle to make sure it was just right.
"Perfect ". He declared
Imelda smirked at her husband at least he was calm, he always knew how to make her smile and put her mind at ease. Just then their was a knock at the door and Victoria went to answer it Daphne and Pablo had just arrived along with Marina and Carlos smiling they all hugged overjoyed to see each other again.
"Here we go". Daphne sighed
Imelda hugged her best friend and smiled reassuring herself that things were going to be okay.
"For Mira". Imelda breathed
"Everything is going to be fine Melda it's okay". Héctor joined
"Si, our girl will be fine". Pablo reassures
Imelda smiled she knew if Mirabel was happy that was all that mattered they never have let their Mirabel and they won't start now.
As they waited for the rest to show up they talked about how the week had been and what they had been up to. About 15 minutes later there was a knock on the door and it was Mirabel and Miguel they gladly and happily invited them in.
They were given lots of hugs and kisses before they sat down at the table as they sat near Daphne and Pablo.
"We weren't sure if you were coming". Marina said
"Well, no use giving second chances if you don't put the effort in". Mirabel winked at her Tia
"I'll say Mija". Julio was speechless
"Mi Amor are you doing this on purpose?" Pablo asked
Mirabel nodded to her grandfather.
"I'm still me but I need her to know that I'm not her puppet any more she damaged me once and there is no way way I'm going back to that". Mirabel explains
"That's my girl". Carlos called
"Are you sure Mija we know how you feel about this". Imelda asked Concerned
Mirabel smiled as she took Imelda's hand to reassure her.
"Trust me, she's not gonna treat me like her puppet anymore I've learned so that means she has to experience the changes I know my worth now". Mirabel smiled
Imelda felt like she was gonna cry at how far her precious granddaughter, Her Mira has come she's worked hard for what she wants and that's all that matters if Alma can't see that then she is at fault.
Miguel was by her side smiling he would always stay by her side clearly she needed it with whatever happens.
"We're Right here Carina always". Héctor smiled
As they sat down at the table she sighed as conversation continued and laughs about their week as they focused on the positive side of things.
"Is Abel testing it out?" Franco asked about the car
"Still working on it he just can't find a new valve we've looked everywhere ". Miguel said
"You know if you want a new valve try Mexico City they have the best prices I'm sure they have it somewhere ". Pablo said
They all looked at him with shook.
"What? Not just a Mariachi, Besides where do you think Mira gets it from". He gestured towards his granddaughter
Miguel rolled his eyes and laughed.
"So that's where you get all your tricks". Miguel chuckled
"What can I say Musico this seamstress has got hide somethings especially from her Esposo ". Mirabel winked
The whole table laughed, They then heard a knock on the door and it was Alma and Pedro they smiled as they entered the house. Alma felt like there was a twist in her gut (which was odd considering she didn't have one) the sight of granddaughter made even more nervous as she felt like she did don't know who she was.
Mirabel however smiled and somehow even after all these years it Still looked like Juileta's beautiful and calming.
'Like mother, like daughter ' Alma chuckled
As the couple sat down they put down the bottle of apple cider they had brought as they began plating their food and game welcomes (Alma's a little nerve racking)
The table was quiet for a few seconds before Héctor broke the ice by sipping his drink and clearing his throat.
"So Alma how are you adjusting?" Héctor asked
Alma smiled at the question.
"Good Señor, Although I do get homesick every now and then". Alma said
"Ah, don't worry about it you'll get used to it and please just Héctor I don't like the formalities ". Héctor waved away
Pedro was glad to see that some steps were being made even if they were small ones.
"Noted". Alma chuckled softly
Then her attention turned to Mirabel her eyes looked like they wanted answers to questions but she didn't want to push especially not with a protective family around.
'Small steps Alma like Pedro said '.
Mirabel had every right to be mad at her for all she did she knew she couldn't forgive her entirely steps had to be taken and this was the way to do it.
"Mirabel". Alma called her
The young raven haired woman looked up at her grandmother meeting her eyes.
"Lo siento Mucho I never meant to hurt you, I got so caught up in loosing a miracle and a stupid candle that it clouded my judgment and I'm so sorry my grief is no excuse for my behaviour and I'll try better. I want to try better for you, you offered help and I refused it I'm so sorry". Alma was apologising and Mirabel could see that she was about cry
Mirabel looked like she had seen a ghost her grandmother was apologising to her after all these years she was apologising she is owning up to her mistakes. Mirabel looked like she was going to cry right then and there her eyes getting glassy with tears.
The whole table went silent as they watched. They were very scared to see how she was going to react as they looked at the young woman.
"This isn't gonna go well". Daphne whispered to Héctor
"I'd say so hermana". Héctor replies worried
"Brace yourselves ". Pedro said
Meanwhile Mirabel had gotten up from the table looked her grandmother in the eyes and very intensely to see if she was lying searching for any fault in her words but she found nothing. Not a single bit of lie in her words and Mira knew what she had to do.
"You know I've waited 16 years to hear that, To hear say you actually love me. You have no clue of what hell I've been through ". Mirabel replies close to treats her knuckles white and her face red with anger
"I know and my apologises are no excuse-" Alma stopped
"Darn right They're not!" She yelled
"You made the whole family hate me, Made my own mother be too busy for me because of my lack of gift saying she needed to take care of my sisters and their gifts my Primos to all I ever got were words of encouragement , I tried everything to help and please you so that I could get the same amount of love you give them but No!" She was yelling now voice raised
"Mira I –"Alma choked back tears
"No one ever pays attention to the useless giftless girl they'd rather use me as a punching bag and an experiment to kick, punch , prod and burn." She adds her rage burning
"DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY SACRS I HAVE FROM THOUGHTS OF KILLING MYSELF, OF COURSE BECAUSE EVERY TIME I TRIED YOU WOULD ALWAYS IGNORE ME LIKE YOU HAD SOMETHING BETTER TO DO THAN LISTEN TO ME COMPLAIN. EVEN MAMÁ HAD NO IDEA BECAUSE I HID IT FROM HER AND EVERYONE ELSE. I HAD DOLORES NOT TELL ANYONE BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO BE MORE OF A BURDEN THAN I ALREADY WAS. She stopped to take a breath
Alma was in tears having no idea as it just kept adding to the wound adding more insult to injury she never wanted this to happen. Now she was getting rightfully yelled at by her youngest granddaughter her Mirabel.
Mirabel took a breath and looked at her grandmother in the eyes her face changed to a stern expression.
"All of that is true… but I still love you, i believe you can do better now I'm giving you this second chance. But this will be the only time I am not you're puppet anymore and I'll not be dragged down into what you want". She explains
Alma nodded tears flowing down her cheek bones. Mirabel went to hug her grandmother smiling she kissed her forehead, A huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders along with Alma feeling the same it may not have been easy back then but time can change given the power of Second chance.
As Mirabel helped her grandmother up she couldn't help but chuckle softly, Alma joined smiling as they sat back down to eat and talk.
"Did that really just happen?" Oscar said
"I think so hermano ". Felipe finished
Imelda smirked she knew there was more to talk about but for now she was happy that her Mira was happy and that was all that mattered. At that point the jealousy faded away and she watched as lunch Continued.
"Told you". Pablo winked
She lightly slapped his arm and smiled.
"Looks like our Mirabel knows what she wants". Héctor adds
"So Miguel What do you do?" Alma asked
Miguel looked at the woman and smiled still getting used to the fact that she was his grandmother in law that was gonna be hard to ignore but still he excepted it.
"I'm a music teacher part time and a musician as well as being shoemaker sometimes ". Miguel answers picking potato of his plate
Alma was intrigued by the statement and smiled.
Then she looked towards Mirabel and looked curious and then smirked.
"Are you married?" Alma asked clearly knowing what she was doing
Mirabel almost chocked she had figured it out, Miguel looked surprised to he thought she would be angry with him.
"Alma". Pedro hissed
"Que? Mi Amor just curious ". She chuckled
Miguel nodded quietly.
"Huh interesting". She mumbled
Imelda and Héctor knew something was up she was gonna let it slip and jeopardise the marriage and clearly wanting something.
Mirabel held his hand and smiled.
"Okay, I think we're going to get lemonade ". Miguel said
When Miguel got up Alma clearly noticed the ring on his finger and smiled.
"I knew it". She sighed
Miguel didn't look that surprised that she knew he just kept his face focused on the kitchen.
"I don't bite Miguel, you won't look me in the eyes". She tested
Pedro tried to step in and stop it but Miguel smiled.
"It's okay Abuelo, At least she knows who took care of Mirabel when she didn't even bother with her in the first place. Who helped her see how beautiful and amazing, talented, loving and kind she is . No wonder she ran from you I would be ashamed of you if I were her. I'll stand by her side no matter what and will protect her if she gets hurt unlike you at this point you're lucky she's giving a second chance". Miguel spat back
Looking her in the eyes Miguel chuckled
"I know you might be thinking that a Musico is not good enough for her but you know what she loves me for who I am and that's all that matters, I am the luckiest man in the world every day getting to see and to love her is more than any other gift given." He adds looking back at his wife
Mirabel was speechless as she stood with the rest of the family watching her husband defy her grandmother and the power she had over him and defending their marriage and her love for him as well as his love for her.
"I'd be careful if I were you'd be lucky I'm keeping my sanity otherwise I would be loosing it". Seriousness in his eyes not to be messed
Alma was intimidated to the point where she was shrinking in herself.
"So let me tell you this… if you ever hurt my wife ever again, it doesn't matter who you are I will do much more then knock some sense into you are we crystal clear?" He seethed
Alma quickly nodded.
"Good". He sighed
"Now if you have the sense I think it's best you leave, you may have earned a second chance from My darling Mira but not from me just yet. If you'd learned anything from this then I'll know you're not lying". Miguel crossed his arms
She took his word for it as lunch was practically over and left with Pedro. He other hand smiled and chuckled softly mounting a ' thank you and a well done'. No anger in his eyes for knocking some sense and reality into his wife.
As the door closed with a click as they left and the whole family let out a breath they didn't know they'd been holding.
"Mijo just… Wow ". Héctor breathed
"I'll say that was incredible ". Julio said
"No one hurts my family least of all my wife". Miguel stood tall
The family was speechless as they hugged him tight Imelda was so proud as was Coco and Daphne. Meanwhile Mirabel was standing there still trying to process what just happened. Miguel then looked at his wife and the next second she knew she ran into arms without thinking as he quickly caught her and spun her around laughing.
"You just did that!" She was shocked
"I guess I did, like I said no one hurts you ever". Miguel kissed her forehead gently
"You did something incredible telling her what you wanted Mi Amor and now hopefully if we have any luck she'll listen finally ". Miguel sighed so incredibly proud of his wife and all she stood up for herself
"I'm not gonna lie it did feel good". Mirabel replies letting her shoulders come down
"I bet it did". Victoria smiled
"I'm so proud of you Preciosa ". Coco hugged her tight
"Si, that was a biggest thing you've ever done Mija it was incredible ". Héctor smiled
It then hit the young woman that she just stood up to the woman who bullied her through her childhood and then all the sudden she cried overwhelming tears flowed as Héctor comforted her holding her close fatherly instincts kicking in.
"Ssh Estas bien Mira we've got you". Héctor comforted as he rubbed circles on her back
Imelda joined as Miguel went to go and grab some lemonade for his darling wife who needed the refresher.
"Mija, that woman can try all she pleases to take you away and take advantage of the second chance you've given her but she's gonna have to do more then that precious girl ". Imelda smirked kissing her forehead
"What would I do without you?" Mirabel Continued wiping tears away
"Not have to listen to your Papá Héctor and Pablo's jokes that's for sure". Daphne sighed smiling
"How dare you Daphne Maria Rojas those jokes are top notch ". Héctor gasped
Daphne laughed .
"It's not the jokes I have a problem with hermano it's the execution". She sighed
"Still they're pretty good jokes ". Héctor joins
"To who La Muerte?" Miguel came back with lemonade
Imelda and Coco burst out laughing along with the whole room Miguel had gotten him there and Héctor rolled his eyes and lightly slapped his arm.
Mirabel took a sip of the lemonade and then smiled.
"That combined with the terrible planning skills". Mirabel winked
"Ouch, Mija stick that knife in the chest didn't you?" Pablo chuckled
"I had to stick it somewhere Papá Héctor just asked for it". She smiled
"Sneaky, Corazon ". Julio said
Mirabel laughed as she got up from the table smiling bowing her head going to get the extra dishes and keep them for leftovers to put in the refrigerator as Rosita helped. This whole afternoon had been a whirlwind but she was glad she had some what she'd feared at lot more ease was put on her mind. But now she can start fresh if Alma chose to except it scars can be healed and wounds can be repaired with time right now that was all she ever wanted.
Later that night husband were home and cuddling enjoying time of the peaceful moments between husband and wife, Mirabel looked up at her Miguel wondering how she got lucky. Miguel could see the twinkle in her eyes and smiled
"I know that face". Miguel smiled
"How did I get so lucky?" Mirabel whispered
"I don't know how did I ". He shrugged smiling back
"I'm serious, you stood up to her like it was no big deal and you just told her off I can't believe you still did that". Mirabel replies
"Of course I will always stand up for you I have always and just because I'm your husband doesn't mean I should stop". Miguel said
"You mean the world to me I'm not letting her interrupt our life and break You again to see if she can be your puppet ". He stated as he kissed her forehead gently
Mirabel's heart melted she really did get lucky with Miguel, Her prince and her everything Miguel was all that she ever wished for. Mirabel turned to face her husband and kissed him so grateful to have him by her side.
"Te Amo Mucho Musico ". Mirabel whispered
"Always Mi Diosa, Te Amo Mucho ". Miguel kissed her and sighed noticing how lucky he was
Finally the world was set right love conquers all even jealousy all their was to wish for was hope