The Chameleon's Grin ll Camilo Madrigal

Chapter 24 : Carmen's Idea

Camilo's pov:

Once again, my face was covered in frosting, and so was Carmen's. I had smeared the pink and red cake topping on the tip of her nose, and she managed to wipe it on my cheek and eyebrow.

By the time the cake was done, the women of the family were filing into the kitchen again, preparing to make food.

When she walked in, Tia Julieta looked us in confusion. "I could hear you two from outside."

"Si," Mami walked in with a basket of ingredients. "How about you two clear the counter of any frosting, and go clean yourselves up in the bathroom?"

We nodded, taking off our aprons. Or I tried to, but in the end I asked Carmen to untie it for me because her bow was to intricate for my clumsy hands.

She laughed, taking her thumb and swiftly dragging it along my jawline with the raspberry frosting before she undid the tie.

I glared at her. "Really?"

Carmen shrugged, and together we cleaned off Tia's counter until it was spotless. Carmen put the cake out of the way, and we headed upstairs to the bathroom.

With my hand I took most of the frosting off of my jaw and wiped it on her forehead.

"Hey!" She exclaimed.

I cackled in victory and threw a towel at her head.

I took my own, soaked it in warm water, and cleaned my face.

Carmen copied my actions, and soon we were presentable enough to go help prepare for dinner.

In the dining room, Mirabel, Luisa, and Isabela were setting the table today.

"How'd the cake turn out?" Mirabel asked us.

"It's going to be delicious." I said encouragingly.

Carmen agreed with a nod, then attempted to help Isabela with the plates.

"No, no." My oldest cousin said, holding them out of her reach. "I've got an order I'd like them in."

I squinted suspiciously at her. We all had our own personalized plates, and also out regular places for sitting, but things changed a little once the Cortes hermanas came into the picture. Casita grew the table out two more feet in width, so two people could comfortably fit at the head of the table.

Carmen nodded, still confused, but watched her closely.

When Isabela put down the last plates at the head of the table, she spoke up. "Wait," She held up Isabela and Mirabel's most recent project. "What's this?"

The plate had clouds and islands floating all around it, and on the top, in neat cursive letters, there was her name.

She shrugged. "Everyone else has a plate, and now you're one of us, so... welcome to la familia, hermanita."

Out of gratitude, Carmen hugged Isabela tightly, then added Mirabel into the thank you. "You didn't have to." She insisted.

"Pft," My youngest prima rolled her eyes. "Of course we did, you and Diana live here now. Even if you weren't you were going to be over enough that we were going to make you one anyways."

Carmen laughed, and I heard her grumble, "Rich people."

***

Dinner arrived, and plates of mass amounts brought in our mouth watering dinner.

I looked around the table for my plate, and found it at the head of the table... right next to Carmen.

Ay, Isabela!

Carmen was searching for hers, and looked at the one beside mine.

After taking a quick glance at me, and then my flower-power cousin, she sat down.

My face flared a bright red, but wordlessly I sat next to her, fidgeting with the utensils.

The rest of the family took their seats, Tio Bruno and Abuela siting right across from us.

Mirabel sat next to me right around the corner of the table, and she kicked my foot.

I shot her a look clearly asking, What?

She leaned closer and whispered, "Your face is red again."

Slowly, I leaned my elbows on the table, and rested my face in my hands, desperately trying to cover up the embarrassing color of my cheeks.

"Camilo," Abuela snapped. "Where are your manners?"

"Sorry Abuela." I said stiffly, and took my elbows off of the table. It was amazing how sharp of an eye she had.

We all took out portions of the meal, and Carmen looked at her plate of food thoughtfully.

"I think I should start to put my focus towards the poor side of Encanto." She said bluntly, and Abuela paused for a moment.

"You think so?"

"I do, many people in the outer ring of Encanto can barely afford to eat two meals a day."

"And what do you plan to do to help them?"

"Anything I can," She replied, getting a glint of inspiration in her eye. "Over this week I could help Diana and I's old community. Maybe cook for some families? Babysit for single parents? I could even have a public kitchen and make food for the day, letting families take what they want and leave what they can."

Tia Julieta smiled, "Well, I think that's a great idea. I know you've been itching to find something to do this week."

"She's got the Madrigal mindset." Mami added, analyzing the young girl.

"I'd like to help." I added. "I'm great at babysitting."

"Really?" Carmen quirked an eyebrow at me.

I nodded. "Yes, I'm great with kids."

"We could probably buy things from some of the markets down there," Dolores said. "For many families that is their main source of income."

"And I would happily help you serve the food." Mirabel said, smiling.

Carmen beamed, looking at the people around the table.

"What could I do?" Diana asked.

"I'm sure we could put your gift to some use." Abuela said, her features softening, and looking back at Carmen. "I'm glad you're so determined to help who's needed it for so long. It's honorable, and I'm proud to say you two are with us now."

The girl beside me smiled even wider, "When can I get started?"

"Whenever you'd like, but may I ask, will this be your service to the community?"

She shrugged. "Until it is no longer needed, I'll help them."

Abuela sat taller, addressing the entire table. "Who here would like to help Carmen tomorrow?"

Mirabel, Isabela, Luisa, Dolores, Agustin, Papa, Mami, Tio Bruno, Antonio, Diana, and I all raised out hands.

The old woman bowed her head. "Carmen, I'm trusting you to assign responsibilities. It has been far too long since I have been there for me to do so. You know what and who is in need of assistance."

Carmen nodded, her chest broadening with pride. "I'll do my best."