The Second Encanto

11. The New Neighbors

Merella's POV
Today was going to be great. My mom came up stairs to my room and gently woke me up. "Hija, come down we have new neighbors." She said, "Oh and dress nice their from the city." I grumbled but got up. I walked over to my wardrobe looking at my reflection. I realized that I still had my braid in from last night.

"Oh well," I mumbled pulling on my sky blue dress that Isa gave me. It looked pretty similar to hers but instead of flowers it was water drops. "Hopefully it'll be quick." I rub my eyes groggily as I walk down the stairs. My mother and father are standing near the door, waiting anxiously. When I get down stairs my dad turns to smile at me.

"Hija you look beautiful." He says. My mother nods in agreement then quickly rushes us out the door.

"We need to go we don't want to be late" She says slowly pushing my father and I. We speed walk to the building down the road and my mother knocks on the door.  A small women opens it. She has dark hair with deep brown eyes.

"Can I help you?" she questions. My parents share a nervous glance with each other. I watch my mother step up to the women.

"Hola Señora,"  She starts "My name is María Gomez, my husband Carlos Gomez" gesturing to my dad. " Oh and my daughter, Merella Gomez." I smile and give a quick wave.

"Nice to meet you." She replies. Then she turns back into the house and calls for someone. "My name is Paula López." A tall lanky man walks up behind her. "My husband José, and my son, Andres." She pulled out her son from behind the door. He was a tall guy with the same dark hair as his mom, but he had grey eyes. He wore a leather jacket with a plan white shirt  underneath. He had a crooked smile and I was taken aback when he winked at me.

I cleared my throat. "Señora López, we brought some  carimañolas for you" I said handing her the plate. She took it gratefully and smiled. I smiled back.

"Merella!" Camilo shouted my name running towards me. I turned to face him and I immediately felt better. I ran to embrace him.

"Camilo, I'm so glad your here." I said into his chest. I felt his hands play with my hair. I rested my chin against him smiling with him. "Oh Camilo, these are the Lopéz's. They just moved here from the city." I said with a smile. Camilo greeted them practically shocking then half to death by switching to match the family. Everyone broke into laughter expect for Andres who just kinda stared at Camilo. Something about him was off.

"Mama I'm gotta go help with the people at the inn. I heard that a couple people got sick the other day and Julieta is already so busy." I told my mother.

"Ok Merella. Oh why don't you take Andres with you. You could even show him around the town." I nodded and beckoned him to follow me. Camilo put his hand on my back.

He leaned down to my ear and said "I'm coming with you ok?" I smiled at him agreeing. He gave Andres a tight smile and quickly guided me down the road. I pointed out small things to Andres but really didn't have enough time. Andres kept just watching me. I tugged at my dress anxiously. Camilo noticed so he grabbed my hand and rubbed his thumb on my hand to soothe me. This immediately caught Andres attention and I saw him frown slightly.

By the time I had finished helping the sick people I was pretty drained. Both Camilo and Andres shared nervous glance with me. "Guys calm down I'm fine." I chuckled. Camilo laughed with me while Andres just continued to stare. Honestly it was sending shivers down my back but not the good kind. The sun was beating down in my skin and to be honest I was getting a little light headed. I took a couple of weary steps ahead to continue with the tour. That's when I started to see stars in my vision. "Crap." I said and before I was completely out I felt someone running to catch me.