Bittersweet (Isabela x Reader)

Chapter 1

Let's be honest. Living in Encanto was either wonderful or it could be rather intimidating. For one, you weren't part of the Madrigals, which meant they often came around to try and help you. Perhaps it was your anxiety or past events with Isabela, but you felt awkward asking for help from them.

"Thanks for carrying the stuff, Luisa. You saved me since Flora had her foal." You walked right behind her as she hoisted the crate on her shoulders. "My parents tend to send this stuff without any warning... so I hope I'm not bothering you."

She plopped the crate down on your porch and then dusted herself off. "It's not a problem. Just doing my thing to help out Encanto's best jeweler."

You laughed a bit at the compliment and watched her leave to help the next villager. That's when you saw the eldest granddaughter herself from the corner of your vision. To say that you had a history with her was an understatement. You grew up together but you bitterly frown at it now. You pushed the box inside and closed the door before she could even see you, but before you could close the curtains, she knocked on the window and glanced at the door, signaling you to open up.

You groaned and opened it. "Hey, Isabela. What do you need? I'm not in the mood to deal with your flowers."

Little miss perfect leaned against the frame and giggled. "Funny. Whatever happened to good morning? Anyways, I'm here to pick up Antonio's cufflinks. His ceremony is tonight after all!"

You blew some hair out of your face and pointed to the chair behind you, perma-scowl still on your face. "Go ahead and take a seat. I'll get them in a sec."

You dragged your feet and went to the back room to look for the order. Señora Pepa appreciated your work so she made a request to help your family's business. At least your part of the family business. Your parents worked with shoes in Mexico but that was their thing. You liked making jewelry because shiny objects tend to keep your attention. As you rummaged through the cabinets, you didn't notice the soft smile that Isabela had on her face.

That loving gleam in her hazel eyes has been there since the day you moved here as a child. She often reminisced the moments she had with you before you drifted away. But she knew that whatever chance she had with you was completely gone now.

Your voice knocked her out of her daydream. "Okay. It's already been paid for so no need to give me anything." The coldness in your voice made Isabela frown but she took the box regardless, and you ignored her sad expression. "Tell your boyfriend to swing by for his ring."

This was the first she's heard of such a thing. She turned around and stuttered, "Y-You made-"

You interrupted her. "Sí, I did," you crossed your arms and sighed, "and no. I can't give it to you. Now please leave."

After practically shoving her out, you went back to your desk with a sigh. You pinched the bridge of your nose out of annoyance before going through your most recent delivery. But no matter how much you tried to keep busy, Isabela would somehow occupy it. At this point, you just wanted someone by your side. Loneliness was a troubling emotion. You scoffed at yourself for even thinking of a sour thought. You were perfectly fine on living on your own.

---

You were traveling around the humble town, being the new kid in Encanto, but you suddenly stopped when you heard crying. Curious, you went over to the source. You saw a little girl trying to hide behind some boxes in an alleyway.

"Uhm... Excuse me?"

"Huh?" The girl was startled and was already wiping away her tears, but even with her crying face, she looked flawless. "D-Don't look at me!"

You sat next to her with no questions and stared at her blankly. You pulled out a handkerchief from your pocket. "Your face is all wet. Here."

You smiled as she looked up at you from her arms coyly, hesitantly taking it and wiping her face. After a minute of sitting in silence, she gave it back as she thanked you.

"What's your name?" you asked, not minding that she was crying.

"Isabela Madrigal," she shyly answered. She wasn't sure how to respond to your random act of kindness. A total stranger.

You told her your name without much thought. Before you could talk with her more, you heard some people calling her name. You got up from the ground and helped Isabela up without hesitation. You flashed her a grin and pulled her out of her hiding spot.

"Vamo. Don't worry! I won't tell them you were crying."

She continued to stare at you with big eyes before laughing and pulling herself onto your arm, clinging to you with a sweet smile and adoration in her eyes.

---

Hey! Author Blue here! If you saw this on another account before, there were some slight issues. Yes, I am the original writer and post mostly on Ao3, Tumblr, and even Quotev. However, I am working on reviving my Wattpad account and will start uploading my stories here as well to avoid getting my work stolen again! Updates come more quickly on Ao3 but don't be alarmed when you see this on two, maybe three if Tumblr is included, sites!

I put updates on my Tumblr at least once a week; blu3pers

https://blu3pers.tumblr.com