☀Light and Darkness - Luz y Sombra ☀ Encanto

Chapter 1

Approaching the Casita of the Madrigals, I took a deep breath to calm my nerves.

Today was the day I would tell Mirabel about my secret.

It was already well past morning, maybe past noon. It took me some pacing around my house and stress eating to gather the courage to come. Antonio's ceremony was later today but I needed to tell her while I still have the courage to do it. Before I could even knock on the door, the casita opened it and dragged me inside. I almost lost my footing for a bit but regained it once I was in front of Mirabel's room. I took another deep breath and nodded, as if reassuring myself that it would be okay. I knocked on the door and it flew open. Casita pushed me inside and Mirabel caught me.

"Woah there. Nice of you to drop in." She smiled and let me go.

I chuckled and closed the door. "More like forced. Casita is very pushy every time I come here."

Mirabel chuckled as the tabletop in her room shrugged and the windows swung open a bit, as if the casita was telling me that it had no idea what I meant.

"Casita just knows you only come here to visit me. By the way, what brings you here? The ceremony is later you know?" She pushed up her glasses a bit and sat on her bed.

I sat next to her and nodded. Okay, I can do this.

I noticed on her desk that she was making some decorations.

"Were you busy? I can come back later if you-" I went to get up but Mirabel placed her hand on my shoulder and shook her head.

"It's fine Vi. I needed a break anyway. What's up?"

I sat back down and lightly slapped my face. Come on, Viviana. Don't chicken out, you can do this.

"Well I need to tell you something. More like I want to because you're my best friend and I trust you so-"

Mirabel quickly shushed me before running to her door and peeking out. I knew who she was looking for, but it was unnecessary in my opinion. Dolores could hear everything that happened in this town, so I know for a fact she knows.

"Mirabel don't worry. Just come sit down and listen. I'm sure Dolores knows. Her gift is heightened hearing."

She looked back at me, a bit worried but nodded knowing what I said was true and sat back down next to me.

"What's wrong? What did you need to tell me?" Mirabel placed her hand on top of mines.

I took in another deep breath. I can trust her. I know she would understand.

Looking Mirabel in the eyes, I could tell she was genuinely worried about me. I smiled a bit and told her, "Mirabel. I'm not like everyone else in town. I...I also have a gift."

I continued to look at Mirabel as I noticed her processing the information I just told her. She blinked once.

Twice.

Three times.

Suddenly she screamed, "WHAT?!? YOU HAVE A GI-"

Quickly clamping my hand over her mouth, I shushed her.

"Mirabel callate. I don't want the whole casita to hear."

The casita moved its floorboards as if in code.

"I'm sorry casita. I meant the familia, not you."

The casita bumped my feet with the floor as if saying that it better not be excluded.

I looked back at Mirabel and she seemed calm, so I removed my hand. She wiped her hands on her skirt and flipped her hair a bit.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell I was just shocked. I didn't even dream to think that other people outside of the familia could have gifts too..."

She continued on her rant about how she should've known while pacing around her room. I listened to her muttering until she stopped altogether then quickly turned to look at me. Confused as to why she stopped to look at me, I was about to ask what's wrong when she ran to me and grabbed me by the shoulders. "You're telling me you had a gift this entire time and kept it hidden?"

I nodded, surprised by the sudden closeness. As if just noticing, Mirabel took a few steps backs and coughed awkwardly, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. Regaining her composure, she asked me, "What I mean is, why did you keep it hidden for so long?"

I fiddled with my thumbs and looked out the window. Should I tell her? I mean I am the only one left in my family so it's not like anyone would get upset if I did. I guess I could tell her.

I looked back to Mirabel and noticed her look of concern. "Is it too personal? I didn't mean to pry into your personal business but-"

I shook my head and smiled. "I don't mind. Anyways it wouldn't make sense if I told you I had gifts and didn't share why."

She nodded as the casita pulled up a chair behind Mirabel and she sat down.

"Okay. My abuela told me that it started 80 years ago."