Sunflower | C.M

IX

Many days has passed in the month of June. The 19th day came, welcoming Karlos' 50th birthday.

The Castro family greeted him as soon as he woke up, prepping him with hugs and kisses. Since the man has to work today, this'll be the chance that the remaining three to prepared for the party. While they were discussing, a knock interrupted them. Abuela Juana get the door and revealed it was Alma.

Both Francesca and Pablo stared at them as they talk with their low voices. They can't comprehend what where they saying, but seeing Juana's body actions made them think Alma revealed some news to her. Soon after, Alma went inside and greeted the children, which they also greeted her in return. The head of the Madrigal family then explained to them that she wanted both Agustin Madrigal and Karlos to celebrate at their house.

Juana came and put her hands on her friend. "Please, Alma! That's really nice of you but you don't have to that! We can celebrate here with my Karlos a-and we can go to your house right after-" "Oh shush, Juana. You know those two celebrated their birthday togeteher until they got married with their wives. I'm sure Karlos wouldn't mind!" Alma smiled. "How do you know about that?"

"I may or may not overheard him saying about that." Alma shook her head and waved her hands. "But that's not the point here. I—" "I AGREE!", Pablo raised his hand with a big smile in his face. "See? Even Pablo here agrees with me, amiga." Juana sighed. "But—" "No buts! I would take no as an answer! Come on everyone!"

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As soon as they arrived the La Casa Madrigal (with some materials for decorating), some people were already decorating the house, including the other Madrigals. Antonio immediately hugged Francesca as soon as he noticed her, which she ruffled his hair in return."I'm so glad you're here! I miss you!", he exclaimed. This made her heart swelled. How can someone resisted Antonio's cuteness?

"You know, we can—" "Francesca!", a sweet voice called her and it was none other than Isabela. She hugged her tight and Francesca only patted her back. Even though they were friends, there were times Francesca wasn't used to Isabela's affections. Both friends talked a bit before Isabel resumed her work.

Francesca admitted a little bit proud that the relationship between her and other Madrigals are getting quite alright. Aside from Isabela and Antonio, she had a few interactions with Luisa, Mirabel, and Dolores, although there's still lingering feeling of getting intimidated by them.

Camilo? It's still alright. He would  usually open the conversation everytime they saw each other at the town. But with him teasing her and calling her "partner", she felt punching the boy and said some bad words at him, but decided to not to. He was like that, but she hated to admit that it was quite fun hanging our with that boy.

"Francesca, hey—oof!" Mirabel stumbled into the pillar before composing herself infront of Francesca. "I wanted to talk to you but I have to go to Senor Ozvaldo in the town. I need to get the decorations stuff.", she said in dismayed before waving her and Antonio a goodbye and went off.

"What are those flowers for?", Antonio tugged her skirt. "Oh yes! It's for my papa and Señor Agustin! I'll give these as their gifts.", she replied. He jumped with his hands up in the hair. "Oh! Can I join too?" She couldn't resisted his cutenees and this made her nodded to his request.

"Yay! We can do that in my room!"

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The moment they arrived in Antonio's jungle room, Francesca scattered the materials and the flowers on the ground. Antonio lent all his ears to her as the girl carefully instructed him. Soon, they began making a boquet.

Few minutes after Francesca was done, she looked at the little boy and to her surprise, he was almost done. She opened her mouth but was interrupted by a loud thud.

"MIRABEL?", Camilo's voice boomed. He noticed the two and made a silent apology. "Oh, is Mirabel here?", he entered and went towards them. The two shooked their heads and Antonio continued his business. Camilo heaved a sigh and mumbled thank you. He paced around the room, hands in his hair. "This is bad, this is really bad."

"Last time I saw her was she was going to the town to get other decorations." Francesca spoke, which made Camilo stopped pacing and looked at her. "When will she come back?" The girl shrugged as a reply and this made the boy groaned loud.

"What happened, if I may ask?"

"Tio Agustin's ruana!", he began rambling.  "I saw this on Mirabel's bed when I was looking for her earlier an hour ago and I thought it was for me so I wore it and got so happy that I danced around her room for a while. Because of it, the ruana was stuck on something a-and I pulled it harder to get out and it got ripped and.... IM DOOMED!", he shrieked."I can't tell this to anyone, especially Mirabel!"

Camilo's ramblings were cut off when Antonio announced he's done. Francesca looked at his work and gave him a pat on his head. "Good job, Tonito!" The little boy beamed. The little moment was interrupted when Camilo heaved a long sigh. "Francesca? A little help?". She pursed her lips while crossing her arms.

"Hm, it's not my problem to begin with."

"Por favor, partner?"

"Oh goodness—more reason to say no."

Francesca stood up, fists between her hips. She faced the poor boy with a frown on her face. "Is it bad?" Camilo showed her the poor ruana and revealed the area where the ruana was ruines. She looked at him again, but was taken a back when he stared at her with his puppy eyes.

"Pleaaa-"

"Urgh, fine! But you owe me something."

Camilo jumped in joy and transformed into different people. Antonio, not understanding (and not listening) what's going in, joined his big brother jumping. "Thank you, partner!"

"Stop calling me that! You know what, I'm changing my mind."

"Lo siento! I was just kidding."

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The urge to write this chapter with 2k words—

Anyways, hi! I might update with two chapters this week since we have no class lmao😗

If yall don't know, the director of Encanto revealed the characters' birthdays! And I know it was like, few weeks ago(?) but still! Hahahahha!

I have plans for this book, specially on developing both Francesca's and Camilo's relationship. Ofc it'll be slow cuz it's slowburn💃💃💃

Oh and most importantly, #LetTheEartBreath!