Chapter 3: The Gift Ceremony

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The night has fallen and the guests in Encanto are gathering up to Casita for Antonio's big day. The Domingos are very excited, especially you, because you get to see it so up close. "Anak, Don't run off somewhere far." Your mama said as you smiled and reassured her to be near to Casita as possible. You and your family then went to the entrance to see Luisa and Camilo greeting the guests by Luisa carrying their carriages and Camilo shape shifting into them. When Camilo saw your family, he was so excited... Excited to prove that he is capable for your love. Only your family members knew about this so it made him really nervous. After he greeted your parents, brothers and your Lola... He turned to you but was shocked of the dress you wore...

Flashback...

Back before night falls, you got back to your home and try to find a dress for the occassion and unfortunately, you don't have one. "Apo, what's troubling you?" Your Lola asked as in the hallway where you pace around trying to find a solution. "Ah... Sorry... It's just so hard to find a dress for tonight and-" You explained, "And you wanted to impress Camilo?" Your Lola caught you at the act and you sigh and nodded. Then she let you wore her old Filipiniana and with it comes a long yellow skirt. You smiled and thanked your Lola and got dressed to see if it fits.

End of Flashback...

And so it did! Your parents were shocked and your Lola Flora said that you look just like her when she was younger. Back to Camilo staring at you...

He stared at your figure as he blushes, "Hola?" You said to Camilo but he just there, froze at your beauty, but the snapped out of it because of your brother, Gabriel, "Ah

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He stared at your figure as he blushes, "Hola?" You said to Camilo but he just there, froze at your beauty, but the snapped out of it because of your brother, Gabriel, "Ah... Hello to you too, Hermosa." He said as he walked up to you. You can feel your heart beating, threatening to come out. Camilo then smiles as he shape shifted into you then whispered to your ear, "Estas hermosa... " He said in Spanish but you couldn't understand it. You were baffled while your family just silently laughed at you. You gave out a questionable look, "What?" You said as you realized that your holding Camilo's hand. You blushed and took your hand out, "Uh... I'll meet you inside!" You said fast walking to your family as they enter. Camilo couldn't help but laugh at your adorable behavior. 'Oh... How I wish you are mine, Amor.' Camilo thought as he continued to greet the guests.

Meanwhile inside Casita, you were greeted by the house. The guests are accompanying themselves with conversations and predictions about what gift Antonio will have, when some stopped and murmured some very rude comments about your family. Your mother heard it all and tried to confront them but your father and Lola stopped it while your family try and find a place to just not listen to the crowd. Julieta then walked towards your family and thanked you for the Adobo recipe. You smiled and told her it was nothing. The ceremony is almost about to begin when you were pulled by the side by none other than Camilo, "Camilo! You almost scared me!" You said as he rubbed his nape, "Whoops, sorry. I just wanted to steal you away for a bit." He honestly said as you giggle, "Well, you could always ask." You said as you both playfully chuckle. Camilo then invited your family to his side to watch Antonio up close. Your Lola agreed and all of your families talked until Alma's speech, "Fifty years ago, in our darkest moment, this candle blessed us with a miracle. And the greatest honor of our family has been to use our blessings to serve this beloved community. Tonight, we come together once more as another steps into the light to make us proud." Alma said as you and the crowd all looked at Antonio, who looked very frightened. You fear that he wouldn't walk down and get such a big responsibility. Your nervousness get to you and you held Camilo's hand. Camilo notice you and tried to soothe you down, calming your nerves. You felt Camilo calming you down, you lean towards his torso, "Thank you." You whispered as Camilo blushed at what you are doing. He's blushing so hard that he's gonna explode any minute of this would go on. But when you both saw Antonio reaching a hand over to someone.

You then wondered who was he reaching out for, then... Mirabel came out and held Antonio's hand. Everyone was looking at Mirabel, and your family has no clue about it. You thought about it, 'Is it because Mirabel has no gift?' You thought as you saw Mirabel and Antonio walk passed you. The crowd then watch Mirabel and Antonio walk up the stairs to the glowing door where Alma, Pepa and Felíx is waiting. You saw Alma kneeling towards the 5 year old and let him touch the candle. You can tell by the atmosphere that it is serious seeing this unfold. You can feel Camilo squeezing your hand, nervously. "Pogi, It's alright... He'll get through it." You whispered to him and sure enough, when he held the door and the door glows and carved Antonio's face and some animals. Then a Toucan flew down to Antonio's arm and he can understand it. You smile brightly, and suddenly animals came crawling towards Antonio up the stairs. Alma sighs and turns to the crowd, "We have a new gift!" Alma said as fireworks bursts out. Camilo smile brightly as do all of the crowd. You helped Dolores with her hearing and smiled.

The door to his room opened and revealed a large tree in a forest. You stared at it with awe, seeing a room this big... It's hard to imagine. "It's bigger on the inside?!" A kid said in front of you as you gestured them to go along and see the room. You then felt Camilo's hand as he pulled you close to see Antonio riding a Jaguar. You and Camilo stared at him while he plays around with the animals, the crowd cheered for him and soon he got back on his feet to his family. You were so happy but was worried for your best friend, Mirabel... They took a family photo without Mirabel...

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Then the party started. Your family was talking to some people who accepts your family when you were pulled away by Dolores, "Dolores! You almost gave me a heart attack." You whispered so that her ears won't be damaged, "Is it true?" She asked you and being the confused Filipina you are... You questioned it, "You having a crush on my idiot brother." She replied which leaves you with a slightly blushing mess. "N-No! Silly! I don't have a crush on that guy!" You said but Dolores insisted... You were a blushing mess when Camilo took you to escape. He took you to a secluded place with no people and only Antonio would know. "Thanks... Needed to get away from that." You said as Camilo smiled and said that it was nothing. The two of you converse there, telling jokes... Talking about the little things. And each conversation, the deeper your feelings you both felt for each other. But then, the conversation lead to a particular topic that you wanted to forget... "Sorry for asking you this but... Why are you and your family on the road in the first place?" Camilo asked a sensitive topic. Your breath hitched, "You don't have to answer it, if you don't want to." Camilo reassured your comfort as you placed a hand on his... "That topic is kinda sensitive... But, I'll be gladly tell you... If the time is right." You said with a saddened smile while your eyes averted away. He saw you nervousness and tried to cheer you up when Mirabel burst through the door...

"The house is in danger!"

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There aren't much Filipino in this book but there is a particular Spanish phrase,

Estas hermosa - Means You look beautiful (Is that right?)

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