The end of the candle

Chapter 2: Goodbyes pt:1

-------------------Maribel pov----------------------

The next morning I woke up with scratchy eyes. Probably from the crying I had done the night before. I got up slowly and looked in the mirror. My hair was a mess and I looked like I had not slept at all which was partly true. I spent most of the night planning out my next day. Hopefully everything worked out. If it didn't I guess I really didn't have much time to mourn. 

I quickly changed into some clothes before walking outside. I made my way downstairs to find the table being set up. Of course no one called me down. Silently I took some plates and started setting them down on the table. Gently setting them down as Pepa and Camilo hurridly set down the silverware and cups. When I finished I backed up slightly, allowing for the food to be set down before everyone sat down. I waited to the side as everyone talked joyously, laughing every so often as a joke was made. As Abuela was sitting down I watched as two animals jumped off her seat. She let out a small yelp of surprise as she stood up. Looking down at the seat before her glare turned to me. Even with something that didn't affect me I was still blamed. 

Antonio quickly spoke up "I told them to keep your seat warm Abuela!" Her glare melted as she gave a caring smile to Antonio. 

"How...sweet of you Tonito" She sat down leaving the only chair for me at the other end of the table, right next to Isabella. I took a deep breath before sitting down. As I did, I couldn't help but notice the glare that she threw my way. With a small mumble of what I as sure to be a dig at me she quickly turned away, instead talking quietly with Dolores. I grabbed some food, slowly picking at it. I listened in to the different conversations happening around me. Everyone seemed to be having an amazing time.

I looked down at my plate, realizing this was going to be one of my last meals. I pushed back tears as I slowly ate, enjoying the food as best as I could. I noticed a weird glance from Camilo as he looked at me then my plate then back to me. I just looked away and back to my plate. I ate in silence until everyone started to wander off on their own. 

Now was my chance to give everyone one last good memory. I pushed my seat back as I picked up my plate. I looked at it as I walked, studying it's intricate patterns before I made it to the kitchen. I found my mom humming as Casito washed the dishes. I took a shaky breath as I walked forwards. I walked to the sink, grabbing a sponge as I scrubbed the plate lightly. 

"Hello mi amor, why don't you leave the dishes to Casita?" The dishes practically shook as they expected to have another dropped in. 

"Uh, I- I think I'm okay Mama, I'm just gonna work on my own. Otherwise I may never learn to do things myself." My voice sounded a whole lot cheerier then I felt as I gently scrubbed away at the remaining stains on the plate. I heard a sigh as mama walked over, gently setting a hand on my shoulder. 

"You're such a lovely girl" I nodded lightly, humming in response. I scrubbed until there were no imperfections left. I turned to see mama working on what I assumed to be lunch. 

"Hey, mama" She turned around, her hair flowing slightly before dangling once again. 

"Yes mi Hija?" She paused what she was doing, turning to look at me with a small smile. 

I swallowed hard, as I looked down, quickly looking back up to see my mother, still with a smile, but a much more concerned one. "Do you think...Do you think you could make arepas tonight? I just think it would make a good meal" I watched as my mother's face turned into a sad smile. 

"Aw I sorry mi amor, tonight is Isabella's proposal dinner. I already promised I'd make her what she wanted. Maybe tomorrow" I held back my lip as it threatened to quiver, instead I turned the quiver into a small smile. 

"Of course. That would be great" My gave her a final smile before walking forwards and hugging her tight. She seemed slightly surprised as she backed up. 

"Whoa! Are you trying to beat Luisa in the tight hug competition?" She asked playfully, wrapping her arms around me. I didn't say anything, instead savoring this hug as it may be the last one I get. 

"I love you mami" She smiled. 

"I love you too hun" After a minute I backed up. 

"I'd love to talk more but I have to get back to work. Go have fun!" I didn't argue, just nodding as I walked out the kitchen. Next was papi. I walked down the halls till I got to my parents room. I knocked before I heard a distant. "Come in!" Inside the room I found the familiar freshly baked bread smell filling the air. I walked inside to immediately be enveloped in a warm light, the warmth from the ovens in the corner of the room radiating even over here.

Mami and Papi's room wasn't nearly as large as my other family members, instead it was a smalled kitchen with just about every ingrediant you could ever ask for. The only reason mom cooked downstairs was so that the smell could fill Casita as well. I found papa buttoning up his suit vest, a smile on his face. 

"What can I do you for mi amor?" I walked closer as I quickly wrapped him in a hug. He let out a chuckle as he hugged me back. "And to what do I owe this hug?" 

"Nothing" It came out muffled as I shoved my face into his chest. He just chuckled again as he pulled me in tighter. 

"I love you papi" I could practically see the stupid grin on his face. This was going to be one of the things I would miss the most, but I had to do this. For everyone. 

"I love you too" We sat like that for a while before seperating. " Mi amor, do you mind helping your sister out? I'm sure she's freaking out about the proposal tonight." I nodded lightly. I'd rather get this done now. 

"Sure" I turned, taking in one last whiff of the fresh bread scent before leaving. I walked across the hall till I reached Isabella's room. I knocked lightly. I heard a distant. 

"Who is it?" Even her voice from here sounded perfectly toned. 

"It's me, Mirabel. Papi said you might need help?" The otherside went quiet. 

"Go away Mirabel, I'm trying to get ready, not set the table." I shut my eyes as my chest seemed to tighten. 

"Right. Well uh, I love you. You're awesome" I sounded defeated but I didn't have time to waste as I only had a couple more hours till dinner and eventually night when I'll jump. 

I walked across the hall once more to Camilo's room. I knocked but no response. He must be out. I sighed as I walked over to Antonio's room. I knocked loudly and the door opened before I could open it. A tiger looked at me with wide eyes, seeming to invite me inside. I took a hesitant step as I entered the room. The tiger started walking and I followed after it. 

It must have taken me a good 30-40 minutes to scale the tree where I found Tonito conversing with the animals. 

"hey there tonito!" I waved as his excited face turned to look at me. 

"Mirabel!" He got up quickly, running over and hugging my legs. "I have so much cool stuff I want to show you! My animals have been awesome!" I smiled as he went on about the different creatures in the room. When he finally turned to me I sat down. I allowed him time to talk as he introduced me to the animals. He showed me his 'special place' where I found my stuffed animal. Eventually though I had to leave if I wanted to give my goodbyes. 

"Hey bud." He looked to me with big eyes. 

"Yes Mira?" He asked. 

"I uh, I need to go help some kids out today. How about we continue this talk later? I'd really love to meet your leopard." He seemed slightly disappointed but nodded. 

"Okay, but be back okay?" I nodded as I stood up. I turned around and walked out. Over all I spent about an hour and a half in there leaving me about 3 hours to locate the rest of my family members an give them their personalized goodbyes. 

I hurried my pace as I headed to another room.

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1500 words