Blue Flames and Black Candles

The Key to a Healthy Relationship Is...

Mariano and his parents were at the door to Casita with the plan already underway. They were talking with Abuela while Camilo was already wreaking havoc inside. Dolores had been telling Isabela all about Mariano: including how many children he wanted and what songs he sang, loudly and off-key, in the bath. Tas and Mira were sharing a seat at the table, they only had a few extras and the two didn't really mind.

"Dinner time!"

"Mariano, you'll be sitting next to Isabela," Abuela's eyes widened as she realized Tas and Mira would be on Mariano's other side. She quickly hid her rising horror with a smile. "Julieta has outdone herself with dinner tonight!"

"So Mariano, have you been in any serious relationships before this?"

"No, but my heart burns for dear Isabela!" Mira coughed to cover a laugh when Tas mumbled that it sounded like heartburn.

"If you'd like, we could tell you a few tips on how to make a relationship last. Think of it as an engagement gift!"

Isabela had looked over at this point, horror plain in her eyes as she realized what they were doing. She tried to subtly tell them to knock it off, but was largely ignored. She caught sight of Dolores leaning over to whisper something to Camilo and then to Luiza on her other side. Luiza looked hesitant for a second until she saw the glare aimed at them from Isabela, then the hesitance melted off her face instantly.

Everything had gone quiet as they all ate, though the food tasted like saw dust to Abuela and Isabela. The others had a grand time watching the two squirm, even Julieta and Augustin were enjoying putting the two in their place. Mirabel had a most devious idea during dinner, one that may give Abuela a heart attack, but it would be well worth it!

They had all moved to the parlor for the actual proposal, Mirabel getting odd looks for the way she was practically vibrating with excitement. The room had been decorated with lovely pink and purple flowers, the piano was ready for the sonata, and unlit candles spotted the room for ambiance.

"Casita, will you light th-"

"Oh! I got it Abuela!" Mirabel stood up suddenly, gaining a malicious grin from Tas and confused looks from everyone else. Bruno had stayed with Tas's mama so he could avoid Abuela and looking into the future to see how the proposal and marriage would play out. She stepped up to the nearest candle, one on the center candle, and lit the wick with a small blue flame from the tips of her fingers.

It took a full minute for the chaos to erupt; Abuela fainted, Isabela was yelling, her mama and papa were hugging her, absolutely overjoyed. Luiza, Camilo, and Antonio all charged into the hug, chattering away at how cool her gift was! Dolores was standing a few feet away, pressing her hands against her ears against the ruckus. Mariano and his mama were sitting on the small sofa, confused at the sudden uproar. And Tas, he was standing beside Mira, a proud smirk gracing his face with his hand resting against the small of her back.

"When did you get a gift?" Isabela's furious yelling finally broke through the din of the others. "Where did you get a gift? You don't even have a door here!"

"Where I got my gift is my business! And why would I want a door here with you and Abuela who barely treat me like a person? I'm perfectly content with my gift, where I got it and my control over it! Do me a favor, get over yourself! We both know that the only reason you put all of us down is because you're scared of not being the perfect child! You're terrified of disappointing Abuela and becoming obsolete!

"Guess what? No matter how perfect you are, there will always be something that she hates about you! About all of us! The second you decide to make your own decisions, she'll find some fault with you! Hey Isabela, you are just like me! Just as imperfect! And you'll live your entire life wondering why you let her dictate everything instead of finally making a choice on your own!"

Mirabel was beyond mad at Isabel. She was tired of her and Abuela's constant nitpicking, of their insults, and of them looking down on her. If Isabela wanted to try her, then she had better be prepared to take as much as she gave.

"As lovely as this has been," Tas's voice was positively dripping with sarcasm, "Me and Mira have a previous appointment to see to. Oh! Mariano, I almost forgot, the key to a healthy relationship is having your partner's back, no matter what."

He looped Mira's arm with his and gently led her out of Casita. The two walked down through the village, arm in arm. Tas listened as Mira ranted about Isabela and Abuela all the way back to his casita. When they had gotten back they found Adella and Bruno drinking wine and Bruno telling her all about the telenovela storyline he had been working on for years. Adella seemed incredibly invested as the two teens sat across from them and listened.

"I can't marry you Carlos!"

"Why not Maria? I love you!"

"I know about Juanita! I know about your affair with that tramp!"

"Maria! Please, she meant nothing to me! I called it off when I found out I was her nephew!" Three gasps resounded from around the room. Mira grabbed onto Tas's arm, shaking him slightly as she focused on the storyline.

"You don't know? You are not her nephew... you were adopted!"

"Find out how this will play out, next time on Rato del Encanto!" Bruno finished, using his narrator voice.

"Wait, that's it? But, there's so much we don't know yet! What happens with Juanita? Does Maria marry Carlos?" Tas looked ready to shake the answers out of Bruno, more invested in the story then the others. Mira just laughed and patted his hands.

"Alright tell us how the engagement went," Adella perked up as Bruno asked, ready for the gossip of the day. "Did you mess with Isabela?"

The two began to explain how dinner went. Mira got angry at Isabela again, but was quickly calmed by the others. They talked about the chaos they caused with their little prank. How Abuela fainted, which got a triumphant smile from Adella.

"Bedtime! You two will have to share Tas's bed. Bruno, you take the couch, no you can't refuse."

The two moved to the back bedroom, taking turns changing, before climbing into bed. They awkwardly laid there for a few minutes, unsure of themselves. Finally, Mira moved to curl against Tas's side and placed her head on his chest. The two got comfortable before falling asleep.