Crushing On A Madrigal | 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜

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"The Gift Ceremony"

The sun was shining, the world was still turning, and Estella's hair wasn't looking like a mess unlike how it usually does. You could say that it was a miracle. 

★ No? Ok, no. Alright, that was kind of embarrassing. Let's just continue now.★

Today is a special day, because today is Antonio Madrigal's Gift Ceremony.

Estella woke up early, got dressed, finished her meal, and even fixed herself up for the occasion. Even though the gift ceremony won't be until tonight.

She was wearing her usual brightly colored skirt, sewn by yours truly, and her hair was tied into a sloppy half-bun, but it's considered as an improvement since it doesn't cover her face and get in her mouth as much.

Music was heard coming from the people singing along with the second-youngest Madrigal – Mirabel. Dancing and singing about their amazing family, introducing them to the children, and talking about the magical gifts given to them by the miracle.

Estella was smiling, but deep inside, she couldn't help but worry if Mirabel would be able to be okay for tonight's ceremony. Considering how she's the only Madrigal with no gift. Regardless of that part, Estella still thinks Mirabel is special in her own unique way. And although she isn't as close with Mirabel as she is with Camilo anymore, she cares deeply for her and still sees her as a close friend.

Estella brought the banner with her to Casa Madrigal where people were busy helping out with the decorations for tonight's big event. She handed the banner to Jose as he goes up the stairs to try and hang it on top of the shining golden door that's soon to be Antonio's.

The Madrigals were coming back from outside one by one, and when Estella saw Mirabel's mother carrying plates of food, she didn't waste another second before finding herself by her side, already ready to help.

"Gracias, Corazon." Julieta smiled, thanking the girl as she carefully puts down what she was holding. "Oh, it's– it was nothing." Estella smiled back sheepishly, scratching the back of her head, always getting bashful whenever she's appreciated and complimented.

"Would you care for an Arepa? You look like you haven't eaten yet." Julieta asked sincerely, noticing how tired she already looks. Estella couldn't help but blush, her cheeks looking like they were painted with pink pigments. Estella chuckled nervously, placing a hand on her face, "Do I really?" She accidentally asked aloud.

Although, she has been up since six in the morning, doing her chores especially early and making sure to add finish touches on Antonio's banner, she can't help but feel a tad bit exhausted.

Julieta handed her an Arepa, patting her shoulder. "Eat at least one," She said softly. Estella smiled and thanked the woman, one bite from the tasty Arepa already making her feel more energized.

Hopefully I look energized too.

She thought to herself, not wanting anyone else to notice her exhaustion. It would seem rather unpleasant to see an exhausted looking girl so early in the morning though, right?

"Maybe your gift is being in denial." She heard a faded little girl's voice mention, catching her attention.

When the children started going back to the village, Mirabel was on the move, walking towards Casita, carrying a basket filled with all sorts of things. Estella pushed the Arepa in her mouth, dusted her hands and swallowed, rushing toward Mirabel.

"Mirabel," Estella called, "That looks heavy, do you need some help?" She asked, the feeling of worry she felt for Mirabel creeping back to her.

"Oh, no, it's alright." Mirabel replied, shaking her hand whilst still trying to hold on and support the bottom of the basket. "Gracias, 'Stel." She smiled giving a small wave before walking away.

Estella pouted, worrying if Mirabel is overdoing things too much. Today could be hard for her, seeing as she's the only Madrigal who didn't receive a gift.

As she was watching Mirabel walk inside, she noticed a familiar figure, leaning by the railings of the stairs on the second floor, making eye contact with him.

"Looking good over there!" He complimented, the volume of his voice being loud enough to reach her hearing radius from downstairs.

The girl scoffed and shook her head at him, letting out a short giggle after seeing him get told to turn into José in order to help hang Antonio's banner.

Not a moment after, a gush of wind managed to crash onto her body, causing her to lose her balance. She would've fallen flat on her bum if it weren't for Casita helping her by giving her something to hold onto.

"Gracias, Casita." Estella whispered, patting the walls of the house, some tiles going up and down as a response.

★★★

The townsfolk started arriving in Casa Madrigal, family after family to witness tonight's special gift ceremony. Estella's parents stood beside her in the crowd, waiting for the event to start. Although she's a little nervous since she heard Camilo mention that they couldn't find Antonio earlier, she tried her best to hide it with a smile as she hopes that everything going on with their family will be sorted out soon.

You could say that Estella worries a lot for others. It's not like the way she worries for herself isn't enough though. It's just the way she is.

Estella scanned the crowd, her eyes falling to Camilo. He seems to look fine. Maybe they already found Antonio. She thought, trying to stay positive. Estella didn't realize how long she was staring at him until he caught her in the act, her face was flushed as Camilo smiled at her in the distance, waving his hand and giving a thumbs up thinking that Estella would understand that everything is fine now.

Raising her hand to wave back, her knees couldn't help but tremble in embarrassment with all sorts of thoughts coming into mind. His thumbs up means that everything is okay now, right? Did I stare for too long? Will he think I'm creepy?

Estella snapped out of her little world of worry as Alma Madrigal, also known as Abuela Alma Madrigal, started the ceremony. Standing a few steps up the stairs leading to the shimmering golden door, the same candle that gave them all the miracle placed in her hands.

After Alma's speech, everyone else's attention was diverted to the curtains that opened on the other side of the room, revealing Antonio Madrigal. The youngest son of Felix and Pepa Madrigal. Camilo's younger brother.

He stood in the spotlight, frozen, most likely due to the anxiousness he might be feeling. Antonio turned to his side, reaching out for something. Or rather, someone.

Mirabel slowly walked up to his side, placing his hand in hers as she took in a deep breath.

Estella smiled tenderly, both proud and touched by Mirabel's bravery. It's no doubt that she's still hurting from what happened to her in the past – walking along this same path and going up the same steps only to be let down – but here she is now, being strong for her cousin.

She loves her family so much that she's willing to do anything for them. Even facing her sad past. . .