☀Light and Darkness - Luz y Sombra ☀ Encanto

Chapter 5

We both let go of each other and turned to look at the noise. Mirabel was the first to see it as she gasps and walked towards the fallen tile. I looked up as the roof tiles began to shake violently.

Mirabel picked up the tile, scratching herself which caused her to drop it. I went over to her and took her hand, looking at it to make sure it wasn't too deep. Suddenly, the floor began to shake as well.

I let go of Mirabel's hand and stood up, looking all around the casita. Just then, I heard cracks and saw them appear as they spread around the whole house. I was shocked, turning to look at Mirabel who began running, chasing after the cracks. I followed her to the second floor as she stopped at the railing, following the cracks with her eyes until they reached the candle. We saw how the candle began to flicker, as if it was going out.

"Mirabel. We have to tell the family."

She nodded as we both ran to Antonio's room where the party was still going on. We raced towards the middle, approaching Abuela Madrigal.

"The house is in danger!"

We both yelled as we finally reached her.

It went silent as Mirabel explained what we both saw.

"There were cracks everywhere! and the candle almost went out!" Mirabel told Abuela.

"I saw it too. The house was breaking." I backed up what Mirabel said.

Abuela Madrigal seemed serious as she tightened her shawl around herself and asked us to show her.

We led her outside, noticing that the cracks that once littered the entire walls had disappeared.

I was confused. Where could they have gone?

Mirabel fixed her glasses a bit as she also questioned where the cracks.

"They were right there. I know I saw them." She turned to face Abuela as I stood next to her.

"Abuela please. I know I-"

"That's enough." Abuela raised her palm towards Mirabel, giving her a look that told her to drop the subject.

She looked at me and shook her head disapprovingly, as if upset that I helped Mirabel with this 'prank'.

Abuela turned to look back at the people.

"There is nothing wrong with La Casa Madrigal. The magic is strong! And so are the drinks."

Everyone laughed.

"Please! Music!" Abuela clapped to cue the music.

Luisa brought over the piano to Augustin as he played a quick upbeat melody.

The music continued playing from before as everybody went back into Antonio's room, even Abuela.

I sighed as I looked at Mirabel, who seemed defeated.

"I'm sorry Mirabel. I didn't mean to get you in trouble."

She shook her head and smiled a bit sadly at me. "It's not your fault. I would've told Abuela even if you didn't say anything."

I placed my hand on her back, gently patting it to reassure her that I was here.

I looked back to the stairs to see Mirabel's mother, Julieta, standing there as she looked at us.

She led us to the kitchen and started to make arepas as Mirabel leaned against the counter, looking at her scratched hand.

"Viviana. Why don't you go back and enjoy the party? I would like to talk to my daughter in private."

I nodded as I looked at Mirabel. She smiled at me and we hugged each other before I excused myself and went back to Antonio's room.

Camilo was the first person to come up to me when I entered.

"Hey. Everything okay? What was that all about?"

I sighed as we sat down on one of the tree branches, away from the party.

"I wasn't lying Camilo. We saw cracks in the house. It was breaking apart and the cracks led to the candle. I honestly don't know how it disappeared but I know what I saw."

I looked to Camilo as he just listened to me.
"I wasn't lying."

He nodded and placed an arm around me as I leaned into him and placed my head on his shoulder. We just sat there, listening to the music and looking at the scenery.

"I know. I can tell you and Mirabel were telling the truth. You guys would never ruin Toni's day unless there was an emergency."

He rubbed my arm with his thumb and I smiled.

"You know, I truly can't understand why you're my friend." I told him.

He just chuckled. "Come on. You're like one of the weirdest people I know."

I rolled my eyes and nudged him a bit but he continued.

"Even though you're weird, you're also smart, caring, patient, kind, amazing, and just all around the best friend anyone could ask for."

I wanted to cry. He let me go as I sat up and looked at him. He met my eyes and just smiled. "Is there any other reason I need for me to be your friend? I should be the one asking you that question."

I let the tears fall from my eyes. He wiped them for me as they fell and I hugged him.

Camilo was such a good friend. I'm so glad he was because I don't think I would've stuck around for so long if he wasn't there for me. He was the one who introduced me to Mirabel. He was the only one to notice my feelings for Mirabel.

I let go and he ruffles my hair. "Feeling better?" He asked as I nodded, smiling.

"Much better. Your future partner is in for the best therapy sessions of their life."

He laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah. I just need to find them."

"Who knows? They could be closer than you think. You just need to have an open mind."

We both got up and walked back to the party, laughing. We ended up dancing together for a bit until he saw someone.

I smirked as I knew that look on his face. When I pointed it out to him he just blushed and tried to play it cool but I ended up making him approach them. I was glad he found somebody he liked and I hoped that they liked him back. Camilo truly deserves happiness.

I looked back at the party when I noticed Abuela talking to Dolores.

Abuela's eyes widened when Dolores told her something in her ear and our eyes met.

Suddenly, Abuela started walking in my direction.