Love Me for Eternity || Bruno Madrigal

Chapter 5: Gifts

You stood by your father's side, gripping onto the fabric of his pants tightly.

Your three best friends were ushered by your Madrina Alma near the entrance of Casita, hidden from view from the other villagers. You could see from where you stood their excited faces—well—most of them. Bruno was wringing his hands under his white ruana while he looked at the crowd anxiously. You couldn't help but worry for your favorite Madrigal, he never liked being the center of attention.

A tiny head peeked out from under the fabric of his formal wear, a fuzzy snout rubbing itself on his neck. You smiled when Bruno did, petting Queso affectionately secretly. You knew his hermanas wouldn't want to see a rat, and you admired how Bruno hid your furry friend from their eyes.

Drums started to play, and the lights dimmed ever so slightly. Your Madrina Alma stepped forward with the glowing candle in hand. She took a step forward and steeled herself before speaking.

"Friends, family. Thank you all for coming to my children's cumpleaños," her voice wavered a bit, scanning the crowd. Her eyes landed on Mateo who gave her a thumbs up as encouragement. She smiled to herself slightly, now calm.

"Five years ago, during our darkest moments, mi esposo, Pedro, gave his life for us and gave us a miracle. He provided us a refuge in which we can live. Now, Casita told me that we will be blessed with another miracle, a miracle that will be given to my children to serve this community; to earn our miracle."

The drums beat louder as Casita flipped over the tiles of the courtyard, making a red pathway towards the three glowing doors on top. Out stepped the Madrigal trio, all adorned in white, formal clothing. They all held each other's hands as spot lights highlighted them in the midst of the parting crowd.

Julie and Pepi looked absolutely excited, slightly fidgeting where they stood with broad smiles on their lips. Bruno, however, folded in on himself as all eyes landed on them, clearly the most anxious of the three. When Julie and Pepi made the move to walk forward, Bruno stopped them, his hands still linked in theirs. Murmurs spread through the crowd, and Alma looked worried.

"What's the matter, Brunito?" Julieta asked. You started to get worried when he frantically scanned each face from the crowd.

When his eyes landed on you, his eyes instantly relaxed. He held out a hand to you and said; "We need you, pendejo."

You resisted the urge to tell him he said a bad word.

You looked up to your papi, eyes pleading to go with them. He chuckled and ruffled your hair, gently, this time. You gestured for him to come down to your height, and when he did, you gave him a big kiss on his cheek, "Gracias, papi."

"De nada, mi prinsesa. Now go, they're waiting for you." And with that, you joined the triplets in their march to their doors, you and Bruno hand in hand with his sisters.

When you reached the top, Alma was smiling softly at all of you. Her heart swelled when her darling Brunito asked you to join them. You were always the glue that kept the triplets together, but she couldn't deny that you and Bruno were attached to the hip—your relationship was far different than what you had with Pepa and Julieta.

The Madrigal matriarch gestured for you to go to her side, and you did so after kissing the triplet's cheeks. Bruno's face turned beet red, and Alma couldn't help but coo at her son's growing affections to her best friend's daughter. You gripped onto your madrina's dress, giving the trio the best smile you could muster.

"With this candle, do you promise that whatever miracle, whatever gift you will receive, you will use it for good? For the community?" The triplets nodded in promise. Alma held out the candle for them to hold, and they did so with a bit of hesitation, but mostly glee. As if pulled by an invisible force, they stationed themselves in front of their respective glowing doors. Pepa to the left, Bruno in the middle, and Julieta to the right. They all looked at each other, and with a nod, they all placed their hands on the doorknobs with their initials.