Love in Encanto

Disappearances

After my parents left, I took the guest bedroom. Nic laid on a mattress right next to the bed since he found it weird to continue a relationship with Viola. It was for the best that they separated, but my stubbornness never gave me the decency to ask my brother how he was holding up.

"Alright I'm done showering," I announced so Nic could have his turn.

The steam from the bathroom followed me to the room while I combed my wet hair, the comb splattering water droplets onto the mirror.

"I'm going to get some water, want anything?" I asked Nic as I put my brush down.

"'Nothing," he replied as he stared at the ceiling, his head resting in the palms of his hands.

I looked at him and wondered how cool would it be to have the power of mind reading?

It was 11pm so casita helped me be quiet by opening cabinet doors and moving me down the stairs as I got myself some water. I stared at the wall, enjoying the silence as I watched Carlos enter the kitchen.

"Are you looking for anything?" I asked.

"Yeah, food. What else would I be looking for?" he asked, rolling his eyes.

"Oh, I meant anything in particular," I replied trying to brush off his attitude.

"No," he replied dryly.

I nodded as we continued this awkward silence. It went on until I finished my cup of water, "Well goodnight then," I said as I started to walk out.

"Why did you stand me up Y/n?" Carlos asked.

My heart started beating faster as I stopped walking away, how could I have told him I forgot? That would break him, his worst fear was being forgotten.

I turned around slowly, "I don't know what to say to that Carlos."

"You have nothing to say to me?" he asked as he crossed his arms.

I sighed, "I forgot about it Carlos. I am so sorry."

He rolled his eyes, "Just tell the truth y/n."

"That is the truth!" I argued.

He gave me a threatening glare, "Really?"

"I'm serious Carlos! I was dealing with my parents leaving Encanto and helping Mariano with...things and I got so caught up with my door I forgot. I am so sorry," I explained, praying he'd understand.

I looked as he got off the counter and walked over me, "I swear Carlos, it was a genuine mistake. I know it's no excuse, I am so so sorry. You didn't deserve it," I added.

He stood a few centimeters away from me as I looked up at him glaring down at me. All I could think about is how strong his cologne was and how his stare made me feel so small.

"I saw you with Camilo y/n."

"I- what..?"

"Just admit you ditched me for Camilo."

"No, no. No! Carlos, I promise you we were just talking."

"About?"

I paused for a moment. About Camilo wanting me back.

"Yeah that's what I thought," he scoffed, "I will always be the second choice to you y/n. That hurts more than not having someone by my side. I didn't need a girl by my side to keep breathing," he mocked Camilo, "I just wanted you."

I felt a single tear drip down my cheek, "Carlos please understand, I've just been so consumed in everything-"

"That you forgot about me. It's fine y/n, it is just fine," he replied coldly not even looking at me.