The end of the candle

Chapter 3: Goodbyes pt 2

I quickly walked to the door next to Antonios. I knocked before hearing Tia Pepa answer. "Come in" I opened the door to find Felix brushing Pepa's hair gently. Her long locks hanging down her back as Felix had a smile on his face. 

I slowly closed the door behind me. "Mira? What's up?" Felix asked, a certain happiness to his voice. 

I just walked forwards. "Nothing much, just a bit bored and wanted to see what you guys were up to." I lied. It seemed to convince them though as they gave me small nods. 

"Well unless you want to help Felix with my hair, I'm afraid there isn't much we can do with you." I nodded a little. 

"Can I just have a hug then?" I asked. Pepa turned around from her seat with a smile, arms extended out. I walked over and wrapped my arms around her. The air seemed to become warm as I felt another pair of arms wrap around me as well. We stood there hugging before the two let me go. 

"The party was a lot of fun last night, right Mirabel? Antonio really loves that gift you gave him." I nodded, putting on a smile. 

"Yeah, the music was great. I uh, better get going though. See you Tio, Tia!" I waved as I turned around. They waved as well as I left their room. All I had to do was say goodbye to Camilo, Luisa, Dolores, and...Abuela." I decided to head into the city. Hopefully I'd find everyone. I started a light job as I made my way out the house and down the path to the city. People looked at me for a minute with wonder in their eyes before they seemed to realize it was me and turned away with bored looks. I pushed past this as I ran through the streets. That was when I felt the ground shake and a loud crash come from a couple streets over. I hurried into a sprint as I ran to find Luisa marching around. A determined look on her face, though strained. 

"Hey Luisa!" Luisa didn't stop, instead continuing to walk as she put her hand up in a semi wave. "Uh, can I talk with you!" 

She seemed to hesitate as she picked up a donkey. "Yeah, I guess we can" I followed after her as she continued to walk. I couldn't help but noticed she seemed a little off though. 

I followed her for a while in silence as no one started conversation. I decided I'd start then. "hey, Luisa, you feeling okay?" I rushed in front of her just to see her eye twitch. 

"yep" It was a quick response filled with worry. 

"Luisa! What's happening. I know something is up." She seemed to pause, considering something before sighing. 

"Mira, I'm under so much pressure and all I want to do is relax but I don't want to disappoint abuela and everyone keeps asking for favors! I also heard the house cracking last night and I'm so so scared!" She paused as she realized she said too much. A look of fear crossed her face. 

I paused. Someone else saw it. So surely she knew I was the issue. My smiled falter before I put it back on in full force. "Yeah, well I saw them too, so I'm sure they'll stop soon." She looked to me with watery eyes and a smile. 

"thanks Mira. You're the best." I nodded slowly. 

"Sure I am..." It was mumbled as she started to walk again. "Hey wait Luisa!" She paused looking over at me. "can I get a hug?" She paused looking at the animals hung around her shoulders. 

"Sorry Mira, my hands are a bit full." I just walked forwards and hugged her instead. She didn't move as I backed up. 

"Goodbye Luisa!" I waved as I ran back into town. We had walked further then I thought. I quickly sprinted through the streets to hear a bunch of kids giggling. I stopped to see Camilo turning into other people while he chased them around. I walked forwards into the group. I was glad the kids of the city would have someone else to take my place. 

"Oh heya Mira!" Camilo turned back to his actual self. A cheesy smile graced his lips as he waved. The kids paid me no mind, instead continuing their game alone. 

"Hey Camilo! I just wanted to know if you wanted to hang out a bit. Like old times?" I gave him a hopeful smile but his seemed to falter. 

"Ahhhh" He raised his hand to scratch the back of his neck. "I have to welcome Isabela's boyfriend in a bit. Maybe later?" He asked. Disappointment washed over me but I stuck on another smile. This time though I could see my eyes get glossy. 

"yeah, later" His eyebrows scruntched together as he reached his hand out but I turned around, quickly readjusting my glasses as I walked. The sun was starting to set now, the buildings casting long shadows in the orange street. I hurried around to the street that lead straight to my house and out the corner of my eye I spotted Dolores walking into the house. I quickly started to run. I had to finish my goodbyes before dinner. 

I sprinted faster then I think I've sprinted before. I didn't know Dolores all that well but I still wanted to give her the goodbye she deserved. I managed to make it to the house, just as Dolores moved boxes around. 

"Hello Mira" She smiled as she turned to me. "Are you coming to give me  hug as well?" I nodded. She smiled gently before setting her box down. She holds out her arms and I hug her tightly. She let out a little eep as she let go. "Well, back to work." She gave me another smile before walking further into Casita. I looked into the dining room to find the table set and everything looked stunning. Though what seemed to be off was the moping Luisa. I tried to walk over to talk to her but I noticed Abuela walking towards the door.  Luisa was probably still worried about the cracks. They would end soon so I walked over to Abuela. 

"Abuela" I called out. She paused before turning around, the familiar cold and stern face was what I was met with and suddenly any planned goodbye I had disintegrated. "Uh..."

"Hurry it up Mirabel! I must meet Isabella's boyfriend immediately, this dinner must be perfect." She pursed her lips "So I want you to stay out of it. Be quiet and don't mess this up for your sister" I felt my lip tremble again as Dolores turned the corner and stared at us with wide eyes. My goodbye immediately disappeared. Instead I steeled my face. 

"Right. Well never mind. I wouldn't want to waste your time Abuela." I turned and walked away towards the table where everyone was getting seated. I found Isabella sitting pretty with her head held high as mami and Papi admired and cooed over her. I sat down once again at the end of the table as everyone else filtered in, taking their respective seats. I was sat beside Pepa and Felix and they smiled and enjoyed the meal. I was once again quiet but I didn't miss the worried glances Camilo sent me. I ignored them once again instead deciding I was going to enjoy my final meal. I put on a small smile as I savored my mothers food. Allowing for my heart to pound heavily.

I watched as Isabela seemed to become uncomfortable around her new fiance, I knew she didn't want this but she'd never admit that to me. The dinner went well, with Abuela showing off her talented children and grandchildren, evidently skipping over me "by accident". She put on a show for the family, only showing her happy smiles and love. 

When dinner was over an air of finally seemed to rush over me. Everything seemed to incomplete like I was skipping a couple chapters of an amazing book to skip to the end, but every time I thought of this a different cruel line would play in my head.

It had to be done. For family Madrigal.

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1389 words