Shunned (Bruno's Kid)

Antonio's Ceremony

       As I walk out there is upbeat music playing, Mirabel smiles at me. There are so many people, I take a deep breath before stepping into the crowd. I'm quickly pulled aside, I turn to see Dolores. "Hey, all the guests are here, can you go get Camilo. He should still be out front." She asks me in her usual hushed voice. "Sure." I reply, she smiles at me. "Thanks." She says, I grab her arm before she can run off. "Um, I found these in town." I reach into my pocket and pulled out a small packet of earplugs. "I know parties tend to get loud, and I know you're really sensitive to noise so-" She pulls me into a hug, "Thanks, Alex." She says, we go our separate ways.

        "Camilo, that's everyone. C'mon, Dolores wants you." I say, he smiles and we walk inside. "Hey, you gonna be okay? Dolores told me what Abuela said to you earlier." I tense for a moment before relaxing and turning to Camilo. "I'm fine, now you go see your brother." I say, he gives me a quick hug before rushing to his family. I decide to find Mirabel, I finally spot her in a corner.

        "Hey cuz, sup?" I ask, she jumps a little. "Nothing... What are you doing." I smile a little before repeating a phrase she's used on me one too many times. "Finding you, us family weirdos gotta stick together, verdad?" I say, nudging her arm, she smiles and nods. "It's starting!" She says, she pulls me into the shadows. A spotlight appears on Antonio, and Casita makes a path for him. He looks so nervous, he doesn't move. Casita tries to urge him forwards with its tiles, he still doesn't move. He looks in our direction and holds a hand out to Mirabel. She looks at me, "Go." I tell her, she looks back at Antonio. "I can't." She whispers, his eyes get wider. "I need you." He pleads, I push her a little and after giving me a betrayed look she goes to him. "Let's get you to your door." She says, they walk up the stairs hand in hand and Antonio goes to Abuela. 

        Antonio touches the candle, "Will you use your Gift to honor our miracle? Will you serve this community and strengthen our home?" Abuela asks, Antonio nods. He walks up to the door and after a moment of hesitation, he grabs the handle. The magic gathers at the handle, everyone waits in anticipation. Suddenly a toucan lands on his arm, it squawks at him. " Uh-huh. Uh-huh. I understand you." Antonio says, there is a sense of relief throughout the room. "Of course they can come." He tells the bird, the bird lets out a loud call. All sorts of animals flood Casita. "We have a new gift!" Abuela exclaims, everyone excitedly enters Antonio's new room. I am one of the last people to enter. His room is a whole freaking jungle! I look for him, and find him at the top of a tree. 

        "Pretty awesome, huh Toni?" I ask and he nods, then gives me a giant hug. "You got a pretty awesome gift primo, I bet you're gonna have so much fun with it." He giggles and waves at me, then he goes to some of his friends from the village. I was about to go find Mirabel when Camilo stops me. "Hey." He says, I smile at him, "Hey, primo, what's up?" I ask, eying the plate that he has packed full of food. "Well I had to make the most of the opportunity, but I was checking on you." He says, I grab his shoulder. "I'm fine Camilo, now go eat your food and annoy your brother." I say, he smiles and shoves an arepa con queso in his mouth. I walk off to find Mirabel. 

       I look and see Abuela up on the tree with Antonio. "I knew you could do it! A Gift just as special as you." I hear her say, she gasps. "We need a picture! Everyone! Come, come, come! It's a great night! It's a perfect night! Everyone, together!" I go up to look, everyone is getting ready for the picture. Everyone except me and Mirabel. I looked around for her. "La familia Madrigal!" The people in the picture say together. I continue my search, not too long after I hear her.

       "The house is in danger!" I look and see Mirabel panting. "The house is in danger! The tiles were falling, and there were cracks everywhere. And the candle almost went out." She explains, everyone is wearing a worried look. "Show me." Abuela says, we all follow Mirabel outside. Everything seems fine, there are no cracks. "No, that's..." Mirabel looks around in disbelief. "The cracks were there. They were everywhere. The house was in trouble, the candle was..." Isabela, who is standing beside me, scoffs at her. Sometimes I want to punch her in her perfect little face. "Abuela, I promise..." Abuela holds up a hand to Mirabel. "That's enough." She turns to the crowd. "There is nothing wrong with La Casa Madrigal. The magic is strong. And so are the drinks." The crowd laughs and Abuela calls for music. I walk to Mirabel and look at her. 

"Hey, prima." I say, Im using my gift to scribble a note. "Your eyes are-" "Yeah, I know." I say, then I see she's cut her hand. "Your hand!" Just in time, tia Julieta comes over. A peice of paper floats to me and I slip it in her good hand. She gives me a confused look, tia Julieta ushers her to the kitchen. I wave at her before finding Camilo.