Six years had passed since Mirabel's special day when her expected gift never came. Six years since Bruno vanished without a trace. Now, Alma was gathering her family in the living room, where they all sat in anticipation of her words.
"As you know, it's been 46 years since our family was blessed with a miracle," Alma began, her voice steady and strong. "I want our family to grow even stronger. Tonight, we're having dinner with the Guzmán family."
Miguel, puzzled, asked, "But what does that have to do with making our family stronger?"
Alma turned to Isabela. "They have a son your age, and I was hoping you could get to know him. He has a crush on you."
Isabela's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, what?"
Mia intervened, "Mama, I don't think forcing Isabela into a relationship will strengthen our family, especially not with someone she doesn't love."
Alma remained firm. "That's why we're having this dinner. It's a chance for her to get to know him. I hope you'll all make them feel welcome."
Mia sighed but nodded. "Of course, Mama."
Alma continued, "Julieta will start preparing the food. The rest of you, finish your chores and get ready for dinner."
With that, everyone went their separate ways. After finishing her tasks in town, Mia locked up her shop and headed home. She decided to check on Isabela and knocked gently on her door before entering.
"Isa, can I come in?"
"Hi, Mama," Isabela greeted, looking anxious.
"How are you feeling?"
"Abuela wants to arrange a marriage for me with someone I've never even met," Isabela said, frustration evident in her voice.
Mia sat beside her. "I know. I'll try to talk to her and see if I can get you out of this. But for now, let's just get through tonight, okay?"
Isabela nodded reluctantly. "Okay."
In another part of the house, eleven-year-old Mirabel approached Alma with a small gift in hand. Alma was examining some old family pictures.
"Abuela?" Mirabel said softly.
"Yes, Mirabel, what is it?" Alma asked, turning to her granddaughter.
"I made something for you," Mirabel said, holding out the gift.
Alma reached out to take it, but before she could, Anna burst in, carrying a painting.
"Yes, my brilliant artist?" Alma said, turning her attention to Anna.
"I made you something," Anna said, showing her a detailed painting of Casita.
Alma's eyes lit up. "Oh my, this is wonderful! You've captured every detail perfectly. Would you mind painting something else for me?"
"Of course! What would you like?" Anna asked eagerly as they walked away, leaving Mirabel standing there, clutching her gift.
Mirabel sighed and walked away, her shoulders slumped. Mia, noticing her daughter's distress, followed her to the laundry room where Mirabel was folding clothes.
"Mirabel," Mia called gently, making the young girl jump.
"Sorry, Tia. If I'm in your way, I can—"
Mia interrupted, "You're not in the way. What's wrong, Mira?"
"Nothing," Mirabel said quickly, avoiding eye contact.
Mia knelt beside her. "You're sad. Do you want to talk about it?"
Mirabel hesitated before admitting, "As long as I don't have a gift, Abuela will always treat me differently."
Mia sighed. "I can't change Abuela, but the rest of the family loves you very much."
Mirabel managed a small smile. "Thanks, Tia."
Mia hugged her tightly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a dinner to try and cancel," she said with a wink before leaving to find Alma.
Mia found Alma talking to Anna and approached them.
"Mama, can we talk?"
"Of course. Anna, why don't you go find Isabela and help prepare a gift for the Guzmán family?" Alma suggested. Anna nodded and left.
Mia took a deep breath. "Isabela doesn't want to date this boy."
Alma frowned. "But it would be good for the family."
"And what about Isabela? She doesn't want to spend her life with someone she doesn't love," Mia argued.
Alma sighed. "Let's see how the dinner goes. If it doesn't work out, she can choose who she wants to be with next. Does that sound fair?"
Mia reluctantly agreed. "Fine."
"Good. Now, why don't you help the girls with their gift?" Alma suggested.
Mia nodded and headed to the kitchen, where her children were busy baking cookies.
"Are you all baking?" Mia asked, noting the flour scattered everywhere.
"It's not our best gift, but yes," Isabela admitted.
"Let's just hope we don't poison anyone," Miguel joked, making everyone chuckle.
Mia smiled. "Isabela, I talked to Mama. If it doesn't work out tonight, you're free to find someone you truly like."
Isabela's relief was palpable. "I guess I can manage that."
Miguel chimed in, "Well, at least I don't have to worry about an arranged marriage. Mama said I need the perfect girl to bear her future great-grandchildren," he added, rolling his eyes along with his siblings.
Anna piped up, "Come on, let's put frosting on the cookies!" Isabela helped her with the frosting and sprinkles.
"Do frosting and cookies even go together?" Miguel asked skeptically.
"They do if you like them that way," Mia replied. "We'll only frost some of them."
Two hours later, the cookies were decorated, and the kitchen was spotless. Julieta had finished preparing the meal and set the table just as Camilo burst in.
"They're here!" he announced.
"Alright, it's showtime," Mia said, taking a deep breath. Dinner went smoothly. Isabela officially met Mariano, and while she wasn't particularly impressed, someone else in the family developed a little crush on him—but it certainly wasn't Isabela.
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Encanto - Mia Madrigal (Rewriting in works)
FanfictionWhat if alma had four kids instead of three what if that child happened to be her favorite just like the way she was with Isabela, what if someone in the family was jealous of it and tried to ruin their relationship with alma read to find out