The Chameleon's Grin ll Camilo Madrigal

Chapter 29 : Buenas Noches (Volume 2)

Carmen's pov:

Over the course of the next week the outer ring of Encanto had become an addition to the paradise the town had already been. Food and laughter was plentiful, and housing was constantly being added to, completely ending the trend of homelessness in the area. People from all classes began to pitch in too, and by Wednesday, even the twins had begun coming after school to help babysit, and Camilo suggested for Mateo to be on serving duty with Mirabel and I.

"Sure, But I think you should come with me then." The twin added, and Camilo glared at him.

He nodded, keeping his voice upbeat. "Sure, amigo."

Mateo was a stammering mess, but it was, somehow, charming in a way, and I hope Mirabel saw that too, because otherwise he had ruined his chances.

Camilo and I however continuously brushed hands while giving people their food.

We both pretended like it didn't happen, however.

When the last family took their portion of the food, Camilo dragged Mateo away, his friend stumbling behind him.

Meanwhile Mirabel turned to me with a troubled look on her face.

"Mateo seemed... off."

"He likes you amiga." I said as a matter of fact.

"Oh..." She blinked, taking that in. "but why?'"

I scoffed. "Did you just ask why?" I didn't wait for her to reply, but rather, I went on a rant. "If you were a chico(boy) and saw a muy caliente chica (very hot girl) with cool glasses and perfect dimples in your class, you would be a mess in front of her too."

Mirabel rolled her eyes at me. "Perfect dimples?"

I nodded solemnly. "Only few have them, but they are very attractive."

She scooted closer to me. "You know, I have this cousin with dimples if you're interested-"

"MIRABEL!" I exclaimed.

She smiled widely, showing off said dimples that I was actually envious of. "You won't believe what Isa told me about Camilo today."

Camilo's pov:

"Look, hermano." I said to Mateo once we were away from the girls. "You need to be smooth with Mirabel, and just a little dorky. I bet she'd like that. But since you are way more socially awkward than I had anticipated, just focus on being smooth."

"Oh so do whatever charms you're working on Carmen?" He fired back. "Cause clearly that's working."

"Ay, Mateo." I pinched the bridge of my nose. "You have misread me, but either way, this is about you. And you need to get your tonterías (crap) together, man. You're a wreck."

He nodded. "Yeah, I know. It's just hard."

"Here, what's something you like about her?"

"This is really weird, talking to her cousin about her like this-"

"Just do it, I don't care." But then I added. "As long as it's done respectfully and she's comfortable with it."

"Of course," He thought hard about my original question. "She's very sweet to everyone, and smart too."

"Okay, good start. How about something you can compliment her on? When you don't know her that well yet, I'd stick with complimenting her appearance so it doesn't seem like you're going to fast.

"Got it, but... why should I trust your advice?"

I put a hand on his shoulder solemnly. "Because, my friend, you need it more than you could ever know."

Mirabel's pov:

"Okay... and who his type applies to me how?" Carmen asked, and I was seriously confused how such an intelligent girl is like this when it comes to romantic feelings.

"BECAUSE HE WAS DESCRIBING YOU ESTUPEDA (STUPID)!" I whisper-yelled.

She shook her head, pressing her lips together in a tight line. "He hangs out with like five other girls in his little friend group at school, and that's not even the girls he's met while doing chores throughout town. There's no way he loves some girl he met 2 weeks ago."

"Well let's just go through the list:" Mirabel held out her hand to count on her fingers. "He described this mystery girl as:

- Pretty - HA or 'bonita!'

- Similar sense of humor

- Good listener

- Bottles things up

- Selfless

- Slightly self destructive

- Stubborn

That's literally you wrapped up into a cute little package with a bow on top." She held up seven fingers for the seven traits she remembered. "What're you missing?"

She shrugged. "I don't know! It just seems far fetched! Why would Camilo even like me? All I've done is cry at him and invade into his home life."

"But you also taught him how to bake," She pointed out. "And -he'd kill me for saying this- when he was about to have another identity crisis, your baking saved him from that, because he didn't want to miss it. C'mon, you're missing all of the signs!"

I began to walk away, not wanting to get wrapped up in this. "I'm going to head back to Casita on my own, I'm getting tired, and my work here is done for the day." I felt my skirt ripple upwards with my spike of emotion. This is not the time to levitate.

"But Carmen-" Mirabel tried to call after me, but I stopped her before she could utter a third word.

"I'm going back to Casita alone." I repeated, a small hint of annoyance laced into my tone.

She stood down, understanding that I had decided my answer.

For context abt the photo, it is the best comment I have seen yet, and I cackled at it, so I figured you would like it too<3