The Second Encanto

21. Waiting for a Miracle

Camilo's POV
I heard a crack ring out over the water. I quickly caught Mer. I could believe what had just happened. Andres had just punch Merella. My eyes lifted up to his pale face and before I could punch him I heard my mom shout my name. I sank down as angry tears rolled down my cheeks. Andres had punched Merella so hard that she had gone unconscious. She took the punch for me. My family surrounded Mer and I. I watched as Andres fell to his knees and sat there staring at his hands. Tio Bruno burst into the clearing on a horse and helped me carry Merella back. There was not much we could do this time but wait.

So I sat there for days by Mer's side. I just sat there holding her hand. I had gotten a black eye and a cut on my face but Tia Julieta had healed it quickly. I didn't sleep because every time I closed my eyes the scene just replayed in my head. Always ending with a bone chilling crack.

My mom came to the house to get me to at least go outside. "Mirabel can watch her." she said kindly. I nodded and slipped my hand out of Mer's. I walked to a field of flowers and picked a couple of violets for her. The sweet scent reminded me of her. I went back to Merella's house and handed her mother the flowers. Then I walked away. Andres had been in his house since the fight and I heard that he might be moving again. I decided to try to sleep that night but I couldn't.

I climbed out of my window and walked to down the road. I quickly jumped into Merella's window and sat on the bed next to her. She mumbled something in her sleep. Her brows were drawn together tightly. I took her hand rubbing my thumb against it. I leaned in and kissed her. I pulled away and sighed. I don't know what I expected to happen. My shoulders sink down when I suddenly notice that she was holding my hand. My hand was limp in hers but her hand clenched mine like it was her life line. I turned to look at her face and watched as her eyelids fluttered open. Once her eyes met mine, everything was soothed. She smiled weakly and I leaned in to kiss her once again.

She broke the kiss with a smile and sat up in the bed. Rubbing her eyes she asked, "What happened?" She turned her eyes towards mine and stared waiting for an answer.

I sucked in a breath. No matter how many times I see her she still takes my breath away. "Andres, he was going crazy. He tried to kiss you." She nodded so I continued, "Then I punched him. Before he could hit me back you stepped in between us. I should have stopped him sooner. Then maybe you wouldn't have gotten so hurt." I said as my head fell.

I felt her hands cup my face and lift my face to look into her eyes. "Mi amor, it was not you fault. I made that decision. It was my choice." she said with a smile. Tears trickled down my face. She wiped them away and put her forehead against mine. I closed my eyes, absorbing the warmth of her skin into mine. She scooted over on her bed and patted the open space next to her. I crawled into bed with her and wrapped her in my arms. She squirmed in them until she was comfortable. I kissed her all over as she giggled. Then with a deep breath of relief we fell asleep cocooned in each others arms. Once again our hearts synced and created a rhythm of their own.