23. Chapter 23

"It has came to me I have been pushing you all too hard as of late and I must apologise for that. I think it's high time we all bonded as a family..we have been drifting apart and that's not the Madrigal way. We are a united front. I will let the town know none of us will be available today, we are all going to go on a picnic." Alma announced over breakfast smiling as the family looked at her in astonishment.

"You feeling okay, Mamá?" Julieta asked "You never let us all have a day off before. What's with the sudden change of heart? Just how hard did Mirabel hit you yesterday? Do you have a concussion or something? This ain't like you act all."

Alma waved her off with a laugh "Oh I'm feeling just fine, mi vida. I just did a lot of thinking last night. I failed to notice how stressed you all were before, so I'll like to make it up to everyone. From now on once a week a whole day will be dedicated to family time." she turned to her son "Bruno? I expect you to be present."

Bruno looked up from his plate, ever since he had that vision of Mirabel and Dolores he had been avoiding the family only coming out of his tower to eat before disappearing again considering how his mother reacted to the first vision of Mirabel he didn't want to see her reaction to this new one "Y-y-yes Mamá."

"Getting out and getting some fresh air will do you good, Bruno. You been coped up in that room for weeks now."

Antonio perked up "Are Mirabel and Dolores coming too?"

Alma's smiled faltered for a moment "No, I'm sorry. As much as I would love to the both of them there." she glared at Pepa who nearly choked holding back a laugh at that statement "They have other commitments to attend too. I'm sure they'll come next time." just saying that out loud caused Alma pain.

"Oh..okay..." Antonio said in disappointment.

Julieta reached across the table "Antonio? Would you help Tía pack the picnic basket after breakfast?"

The five year old's face lit up again "YEAH!"

Alma chuckled at her youngest grandchild's excitement, her talk with Pepa and Julieta yesterday made her realise just how blind she has been. The family was being split-just like Mirabel wanted. Well that was going to change, if only she acted sooner she could of saved Dolores..wait no, Dolores knew all along and yet still stuck with Mirabel. She was a traitor from the start. Might as well send her to Mirabel, the two belonged together.

Alma loved her family she really did and she would admit she did put too much pressure on using gifts. Well she never claimed to be perfect. There was a lot of mending to do especially with her daughters they would be the biggest challenge, having been vocal about their loyalty to Mirabel and Dolores's cause. She understood they were their daughters and Alma knew she could never take that away. But things will change from now on. She would swear her Pedro came to her sleep last night and showed her what to do, reunite the family and drive Mirabel and Dolores off..the two wouldn't be stand a chance against all of them.

Just why though? Why couldn't Mirabel just get a gift like she's suppose too? Was this a test? A test to see how they could use the miracle to defeat a threat? To see if they are worthy? Was she going to have to fight off her own now disowned granddaughters? Making peace with them was not an option they crossed that line long ago. She messed up-badly. She left the door wide open for Mirabel's manipulation. She just prayed they didn't have to kill them..she didn't like them but she would never be able to live with herself if she looked them in the eye and took their lives. No, killing them was the very last option if all others ran out even then she knew she would hesitate.

Despite everything Alma is glad Isabela didn't kill Mirabel...Mirabel was not a good person and Alma never hated anyone more but she didn't deserved to be strangled to death. Or did she? No of course not, she's a thorn in Alma's side but she hasn't done anything that bad..yet. Just caused a lot of disruption for her own twisted enjoyment, turned her daughters against her oh and that whole thing with Dolores. That and the fact she was only fifteen, just a child still. Even if it would of fixed this whole mess death was going too far.

Alma knew she had figured out Mirabel's game. Well Mirabel..two people can play that game. She would use Mirabel's own tactic against her. She didn't know if the pair had gotten anyone else, she had been watching her other grandchildren and have noticed nothing too unusual expect Camlio and Luisa have been doing less and less in the community no doubt due to Mirabel whispering in their ear. She'll have to keep an eye on them.

The rest of the family fell into the their usual morning chatter, Alma didn't miss the suspicious glances her daughters kept giving her which she just returned with a smile. I see it now..I'll save our family Pedro I promise. We will not fall. We will not lose everything to Mirabel and Dolores if only I could exile them from the Encanto all together send them somewhere where they'll be safe but far away...that would make life easier but life has never been about doing it the easy way has it?

Breakfast had finished Julieta still sending glares her mother's way as she went around the table picking up the plates a leaning over to whisper into Pepa's ear "She's up to something..not sure what but maybe we should play along..see where she think she is going with this."

Pepa nodded "Oh yes..this will be interesting.." holding back a snicker "I want to see how far she takes this thing."

"Well I'll go inform the town." Alma headed towards the door "Everyone just relax, it'll be a good day you'll see."

Once Alma was out of hearing range and making sure everyone else had left the room Bruno shook his head "She's acting so nice it's scary..."

"I know..." Pepa's eyes narrowed "But just play along..this is going to be good. Let her think we are buying it, see what happens."

Bruno hesitated for a moment "It's all to do with Mirabel isn't it? I know you two are in on her little...plot."

"Most likely. She finally got it through to that thick skull of hers to listen to us. It took Mirabel nearly killing her for her to realise what she has done. Now she's trying to win us back..and like Pepa said..let's play along. Seeing her suck up to all of us is going to be good." Julieta hummed "Besides..I'm curious is she really genuine or is she just trying to turn us against Mira? Because if she thinks I'm suddenly going to come running back to her she has another thing coming...but..I will play along to amuse myself if anything."

"How are things with Mirabel and Dolores? Besides the whole thing with Isabela I mean. Have they done anything else that concerned you...any odd behaviour?"

"No..." Julieta tilted her head at her brother "Well not odd behaviour for Mirabel..Dolores has changed but considering everything it's expected...why?"

"Oh just wondering." Bruno looked away, he couldn't get the image of that vision out of his head. He should tell his sisters..they were their daughters. But no he had to keep his mouth shut until he looked into it more. He couldn't take the risk of creating a worse future.

For now he would just observe them..somehow without them noticing. He wasn't going to stalk their every movement just keep an eye out for any odd behaviour any sign that the future he saw was getting closer. Wait that means heading out into town..great. Before he could be questioned further and walked out he just wanted to go back to his tower and stay there but no he had to go on this picnic. Maybe the fresh air will do be good..help me think clearer. Besides..some family bonding time is just what we need right? It's been so long I can't even remember.

Pepa stared at the retreating form of her hermano "I think he has saw something involving Dolores and Mirabel..he has been acting off for weeks ever since Dolores was...kicked out. I also overheard him muttering something about the future having been changed how this was not the path we were meant to take and something about the looks on their faces. I brushed it off as Bruno just being Bruno but now..."

Julieta frowned "I guess we just keep an eye on them..look out for 'odd behaviour' whatever that is supposed to mean." she handed a small basket "Take this to them please..and don't say anything about the picnic you know Mira won't be able to resist herself and we don't need that today."

"Of course."

"Tia Julieta!" Antonio ran back in followed by numerous animals "I can help you pack the basket now!"

"Ah there's my little helper, come on then. What should we pack?" Julieta smiled at her sobrino as he began listing off all his favourite foods they could take,

"Behave yourself for your Tia, Toñito I'll be back very soon." Pepa planted a kiss on her son's head. Chuckling to herself at her youngest's excitement she took the alone time of her walk to reflect. Her mother seemingly changed over night, her brother's strange behaviour..no not today. She was not going to worry about that today not like she could do anything about it today anyway.

She nodded her greetings to the townspeople as she passed some giving her uneasy glances, Pepa's temper was infamous and saying the wrong word to her could unleash a downpour onto the town. Least people had stop expecting her to change the weather of demand, and the farmers realised they could no longer rely on her for crop watering. She would water them when it was convenient to her and she felt like it not when they demanded it. She missed so much of her children's growing up catering to the town's needs.

Speaking of her children she really needed to bring Antonio to see his sister, every night he would ask when Dolores was coming home a question she could never honestly answer, all she could say is one day. He would also ask about Mirabel though never when Alma could hear him asking if she was a Madrigal too why she didn't live with them. All they could say to that was they would tell him when he got older.

Reaching the barn she found the door wide open and no sign of the duo there was however one Señor Pérez harnessing up a donkey "Hola, Señor."

"Ah, Doña Pepa. Buenos Dias. You're well I hope."

"Sí, we all doing fine. I hope the same for you and the Señora." Pepa glanced around the barn "Have you seen my daughter? Or my niece? I have their delivery."

"Oh you just missed them. I have no idea where they are going or when they'll be back. They were talking to each other but couldn't pick up any words. Mirabel grabbed that bag of hers and a..cat. Not sure where or when they got a cat and took off somewhere. I'm sure you'll find them somewhere getting into some sort of mischief." the man chuckled leading the donkey out towards the cart he had waiting "Good day, Pepa. Please give your madre my regards."

"Of course, best day to you Señor." Pepa watched the man get aboard the cart and with a cluck of this tongue and a flick of the reins made his way out of her sight. "Getting into some sort of mischief...oh you have no idea." placing the basket on the table she decided to look and see if there was any clue as to what they could be up to. She hated going through their private stuff but she had to know. She found the letters Antonio sent them she smiled at that but that didn't help her. Mirabel's embroidery supplies..no. Dolores's romance novel...no. Dolores's diary-that was is it. She picked it up and stared down at it..should she really invade her daughters privacy? Opening it to the latest she scanned over it.

I finally had a chance to talk with Mariano today. I swear I felt sparks when he touched my hand, I felt like a woman from one of ny romance novels.

He said he wanted to meet me again and show me his poetry..he also said he had his eye on someone who wasn't Isabela. Could he mean me?

He sure hinted towards it being me...or was I reading into it too much? I guess I must wait and see.

Mira found a little stray kitten and well I guess we have a cat now. Mirabel named her Salomé.

A pet is not really what we need right now but it does put a smile on that girls face. Antonio will love the little furball when he gets to see her..I should ask him to translate so we can know what Salomé is saying. I know my hermanita would love that. I know she is really my prima not my hermanita but I don't care. That girl has become my sister in every way but blood. And once the whole family is together again maybe Isabela will realise just what she gave up on.

Also Mirabel punched Abeula in the nose today and broke it, Tía Julieta healed it of course but Abuela had to go say Mirabel should be locked up which resulted in Mirabel's hands around her throat. Sometimes I wonder just how far Mira is willing to go in her feud with Abuela..but I guess that's why I'm here, keep her head straight. Things are hard right now but we will be okay. At least I hope so.

There was nothing to indicate anything she didn't already know there no dates on any of the entries but she knew that entry was from yesterday due to fact it mentioned the 'incident'. Flickering back through the pages gave no further hints either.

Sighing she closed the diary putting it back where she found it standing up and leaving the barn heading back home before someone starting wondering what was taking so long . Her daughter was getting a bit of a love life..oh her baby girl sure was growing up. Pepa swore if that boy was just leading her on and broke her heart well no one wanted to know what would happen. And it seemed the bond between her daughter and niece grew stronger each day...not that she was expecting anything less they spend all day everyday at each other's side not like they had much of a choice on bonding. Reaching home she was surprised to see Alma waiting for her a smile on her face.

"Ah you're back. Good good. I must say I'm looking forward to today."

"Oh me to.." it's going to be interesting that's for sure Pepa added to herself.

Very interesting indeed.

-V-

"I must say...I could get used to this." Mirabel shoved the last of her pastry into her mouth and licked her lips "Nothing beats a fresh baked good..especially when it's free."

Beside her Dolores chuckled "All I had to do was point at my mouth and ear and she looked the other way. And if she decides she has the guts to defy us..well I can't be held accountable for anything that happens, can I? I'm not the one who cheated on my husband with the husband of my best friend. Besides she owes me a lot of favours from over the years. I'm simply collecting." she leaned back with a contented sigh "So what's your plan for today?"

"Nothing really in mind but I'm sure we can stir up some trouble. I always can find a way to cause trouble. I do need to steal some food for Salomé." at the mention of the cat a small furry head poked up from her bag "But I'm sure we can find some fun...well fun for us anyway."

Dolores watched the town in amusement "I really should of told you yesterday..but after I finished meeting with Mariano I ran into our best friends Alejandro and Rafael. Do you want to know what they said to me?"

"What?"

"They said to watch what we say and saying the wrong things is what gets people hurt. And they can make our deaths look like an accident..if they find out bodies at all."

Mirabel's expression changed from contentment to anger "Did they now?' she growled out "Maybe they should watch what they say or they might be the ones having an 'accident'. I don't think we are the people they want to be handing death threats too."

"They also said one day Luisa won't be around to save us." Dolores scoffed with anger.

"Did you say anything to them?"

"I did say if you should wrap your hands around anyone's throat it should be theirs. And no I'm not sorry." Dolores picked up a pebble tossing it "Normally I wouldn't advocate for such but those two are just...ugh. It's not just words with them, it's physical. They chase us, throw things at us, beat us until we bleed. I fear one day they will succeeded in taking our lives. Not like most people in this town would help us."

"I know hermana." Mirabel surprised herself at openly referring Dolores as a sister but it felt right..and Dolores earned the title far more than Isabela did. "I know..we could get killed right in the plaza and most of them would hardly blink. Heartless, spineless pathetic lot the bunch of them."

"You called me hermana." Dolores smiled for a moment "But we are going to make the town regret treating us like they do, ain't we hermanita? We have hardly gotten started And anyone who gets in our way...well...you know how it goes."

Mirabel chuckled "Of course mi hermana of course. You have more gossip up your sleeve than anyone in Colombia. And you're damn right we are going to hold against everyone. It's simple, do as we say or we will ruin your life. Should be an easy enough choice...though we will ruin their lives anyway once we had our fun with them."

Smirking Dolores shook her head "You're going to enjoy this, ain't you?"

"Oh indeed.." Mirbael stood up hand holding Salomé steady "Well, you ready? Let's get to business."

"After you."

Letting a smile spread across her face Mirabel advanced towards the town "Let's have some fun..we just going to play a little game is all."

Dolores smiled she knew damn well what Mirabel's 'games' consisted of and she was all ready "Then let the games begin."

-V-

Alma couldn't remember the last time she felt so relaxed..years that much she knew, smiling at her family all happily relaxing spread out across the three picnic blankets they placed side by side all happily chattering and laughing a feast spread out in front of them. "Everyone enjoying themselves?" a chorus of yes's and uh-huh's answered her.

"It is nice." Julieta said despite her suspicions there was more to this then Alma was letting on she was enjoying herself she was laying back on the blanket using her folded arms as a pillow Agustín at her side their relationship had been improving she doesn't think she would ever fully forgive him for what he did to his own daughter but she was willing to try..be a family again. But she didn't feel fully content two members of their family were missing, purposely being excluded. Her gaze drifted to Bruno siting crossed legged tearing pieces off an arepa and feeding to a rat a smile on his face while Antonio translated it's chattering. It's been a long time since she saw her brother look so content..and he finally got out of the house. "See Bruno? You don't have to lock yourself up all day, you're fine."

"It's not that I can't go out I just don't like too. People ask for a vision then blame me when it's not like they wanted. That thing happens and they call me Bad Luck Bruno. Same story for the past forty five years." Bruno didn't look up "No one ever ever happy."

Pepa scoffed "Try having everyone complain to you about the weather. Pepa you have a cloud. Pepa we need sun be happy so it stops raining. Pepa we need rain make yourself upset so it rains. Pepa you're going to cause a hurricane. Pepa you're tornadoing the flowers." as she spoke a small cloud began to form which Félix quickly shooed away and rubbed her arm calming her down.

"I always get asked to be someone else." Camilo added to the conversation "I'm a glorified babysitter."

Luisa spoke up "It seems they want the church moved every second day. Or the river rerouted. I don't mind helping but some of the things they ask..is ridiculous. Least Mirabel has stopped letting the donkeys out everyday."

"Mirabel let the donkeys out? Is that why you had to run around everyday rounding them up?" Camilo asked with a glint of amusement in his voice. He wasn't going lie that is something he would do.

"Yeah..everyday. And every time she would be there laughing as I brought them back, claimed not to know how it kept happening. But she was doing it on purpose. It was a game to her."

Camilo snickered "I'm sorry I'm sorry..but that is kinda funny."

A flash of annoyance briefly flashed across Alma's face but she kept her composure "Yes...very amusing.." her tone told them all she didn't find it funny at all but still she kept the smile on her face. Turning to her eldest granddaughter at her side "Isabela? You have been very quiet."

"Yeah, Isabela." Camilo grinned "Did Mirabel beat some humility into you? Still wish I could of been there for that flight."

"Camilo..don't start please." Pepa warned.

"What? Come on we all saw that fight coming, the whole Encanto knows Isabela and Mirabel hate each other." he flopped back on the blanket and continued in a dramatic voice "Isabela Madrigal versus Mirabel Madrigal round one. Ding ding. Gifted versus giftless. The beloved princess versus the exiled outcast. Sister versus sister"

Antonio couldn't help but giggle though he he did hate the idea of his primas fighting his hermano did have a way of making anything seem interesting. Pico who had been watching from the branches up landed down onto his shoulder squawking something that made him giggle again.

"Grow up Camilo." Isabela spat.

"Aww lighten up Isa. I'm just joking around you should try it sometime." standing up he shifted taking the form of Mirabel "So how about round two, hermana?" he mimicked Mirabel's way of speaking to the best of his ability.

Tired of her primo's nonsense Isabela walked up to him and with a flick of her hand Camilo found himself spitting flower petals out of his mouth making him return to his normal form "Like I said, grow up."

Camilo just grinned shifting into Isabela "Like I said, grow up." he mimicked earning a few quiet chuckles much to Isabela's annoyance.

Huffing Isabela turned around taking her spot at Alma's side folding her arms.

"Alright, Camilo that's enough sit back down." Félix forced back a smile, as entertaining as all this was he didn't want to see this peace broken.

"Alright, alright I'm done." Camilo switched back to himself plopping back down.

Alma cleared her throat "Camilo, please do not bring up that..incident again please."

"Yeah yeah..I know. Sorry."

"So...this is going to be a weekly thing?' Bruno asked "All of us..sitting out here...together...outside?"

A wide grin spread across Alma's face "I am hoping so, sí. We all live together but we hardly spend time together as a family outside of sitting down for a meal. We hardly know each other do we?"

And whose fault is that? Oh that's right it's yours. Pepa thought to herself "Well it's kinda hard too when we are all scattered around town doing chore after chore."

"I know...but I promise things will change. Of course you all have your duties still but I see where I have gone wrong, I pushed you all too hard."

Only because Mirabel and Dolores's kept pointing it out to you. And even still it took a near death experience to get it through your head. You're too late but by all means..carry on. Julieta laughed in her head. "We are all so glad you finally realised.". glancing over meeting Pepa in the eye who gave a smirk and a knowing nod.

"I know but let us not talk about work today, today is all about relaxation. La familia Madrigal!"

"La familia madrigal!" nine voices answered the call.

Alma watched on with pride unaware of the fact her herself and the rest of the family were being observed.

-V-

Mirabel and Dolores watched in amusement as the townspeople darted around trying to catch the loose horses. Who knew going into the livery stables freeing every horse and spooking them into a stampede through town could be so entertaining. Upon hearing that the Madrigals would not be in town today the pair took the chance to wreck some havoc. Just some fun, a 'game' as Mirabel would call it..

"Did we cause that?" Mirabel laughed.

"Us?" Dolores asked in mock shock "Never, we would never do such a thing. We are so well behaved."

"So well mannered."

"So polite."

The two laughed as they walked away from the scene pleased with themselves, while it didn't do much in terms of revenge as there was no way to actually tie them to the act it sure did entertain them. And well if someone did find out it was them Dolores knew she had the key to make sure they stay silent. Mirabel wanted nothing more then to just make them suffer but knew she had to play smart and start slow.

"La familia madrigal!"

The all too familiar voice drew their attention, ducking low too not be spotted they hide in the covers of the trees staring at the gathered family gathering..the family gathering that did not include them.

"La familia madrigal!" nine other familiar voices called out.

Dolores narrowed her eyes "Well would you look at that, a family outing..and they didn't invite us."

"I know." Mirabel tutted "I don't know about you but my feelings are hurt."

Dolores held a hand over her heart choking back a fake sob "Mine too..it just breaks my heart. Are we that unlovable?"

Mirabel watched the family just making out the fuzzy forms she could count ten so could tell everyone was there but not who was who "How could they do this to us? Shame shame shame."

"Tío Bruno is there..first time he has left Casita since..well since I did." Dolores tilted her head at Mirabel "But you need to get him alone, don't you?"

"Sí...I mean it's great to know he in fact does leave the house but I can't confront him in front of everyone else. I need get to him when he is alone."

"How are you going to arrange that?"

Mirabel shrugged "I was hoping you would have an idea. He would already know what we are doing he is who had the vision in the first place after all. But I need to know more...which direction do I take to reach that goal if you know what I mean. Somehow convince him to do a vision in front of us so we can see..we'll have to build his trust first. Convince to turn to our side." Mirabel swatted a bug that was crawling up her arm "I was thinking of asking Mamá or Tía Pepa to ask him to come to barn...but he'll know immediately something is up, he'll know we want something."

"True but if that's what we must do that's we must do. We can try another way though even if it's just to setup a situation where we 'accidentally' run into him out and bout." silence fell over the pair as they watched the family talk and laugh "You're thinking of going over there aren't you?"

"You're thinking the same don't deny it, I just want to say hi to Mamá and show Salomé to Antonio. And I want to see Tío Bruno's reaction when he sees me. It's been five years since he looked at me more than a quick passing glance."

"You're not going to bait Abuela are you?"

"You're not going to slap Isabela are you?"

Dolores raised her hands in surrender "Okay you got me. Who knows maybe Abuela and Isabela will be happy to see us." just the thought of that made both choke back laughter.

A grin spread across Mirbael's face "Come along..time for a family reunion." she lead the way towards the family too busy talking and laughing to notice their approach once close enough she could distinguish who was who Mirabel spread her arms and called out "MADRIGIAL FAMILY REUNION!"

Silence filled the air as ten pairs of eyes turned to her and Dolores in shock. Mirabel's smile fading as no one spoke just stared "Ah...Dolores. These are the Madrigals right? I do have the right family right? You know how my vision is. Is this the wrong family?"

"No, it's the Madrigals but they don't seem to happy to see us. I was expecting at least one hug of welcome." Dolores squeaked as she shrugged.

"Well...this is awkward.'

Antonio was first to break the stunned silence "MIRABEL! DOLORES!"

"Oh hey, Antonio. You know I missed you right?" Dolores smiled as the shock wore off everyone else. Were they really not expecting us to turn up? I mean I guess I see their point, not like we planned this.

Alma forced the smile to stay on her face "Mirabel...Dolores...what are you two doing here?"

"Well...we we saw the little Madrigal family gathering you have going on here. A family gathering..and you didn't invite us. Dolores and I were saying to each other how this really hurts our feelings." Mirabel forced a tear out "Isn't that right Dolores?"

Choking back another fake sob Dolores nodded "You have all gone and broken our hearts." she saw the brief look of guilt flash across eight of out of ten faces. Isabela was looking away refusing to face the pair and Abuela was using all her power to push back the look of irritation and keep the smile.

"DON'T BE SAD!" Antonio cried out running over to them throwing his arms around Dolores "Please don't cry I don't like it when people are sad. I'm sorry you got left out."

Dolores smiled rubbing her hermanito's back "It's okay."

"Antonio?" Mirabel held out her arms inviting him in for a hug "You got a cuddle for your favourite prima too?" Mirabel couldn't help but smile at the stunned look that spread across Alma's face as Antonio launched himself at Mirabel wrapping his arms around her and buried his face into her side "Ah there we go. There's the love I'm looking for."

Before Isabela could stop herself she had jumped to her feet "ANTONIO! GET AWAY FROM HER! SHE'S DANGEROUS!"

All eyes turned to her, Antonio looking confused "Mira is dangerous? But she is my friend...she wouldn't hurt me. You're lying!" he squeezed Mirabel tighter "Everyone is always mean to Mirabel and it's not fair."

Mirabel smirked "Oh, Isabela Isabela Isabela...you really think THAT low of me that I would hurt a five year old child? I'm no angel but even I'm not that low. I love mi amiguito here. I wouldn't dream of harming a hair on his head. You on the other hand...well I showed you what I will to to you so I suggest you take that pretty little mouth of yours and shut it."

Isabela's face paled as she quickly sat back down without another word.

"Good girl, that's what I thought." Mirabel could hear Dolores snickering behind her as a wiggle made her look down she saw two ear tips "Oh how could I forget. Come out here. Antonio? Can you let me go for a minute I got someone for you to meet."

Confused Antonio backed off the family watching as Mirabel reached down into her bag and pulling out the small furry bundle. Antonio's eyes widened "MIRA! YOU GOT A KITTEN!"

"Yes..this is Salomé. She's all scarred up, beaten out and has had it pretty rough. Just like me, would you like to hold her?" Mirabel smiled as she placed the cat into Antonio's arms "Be careful now she is just a baby."

"Hello Salomé..my name is Antonio." the child listened as the kitten mewed and nodded "Oh yes, I talk to animals. Do you have something to say to Mirabel?" more mewing "Mirabel, Salomé says she loves you and you saved her life. Oh and she calls you Mamá."

"Well ain't that just sweet and dandy." Mirabel smiled her gaze going from each family member to the next finally locking eyes with Bruno "Tio Bruno..it's been five years since we spoke. Got no words for your beloved youngest niece?"

Bruno's eyes locked into hers as Dolores turned her gaze to him hand rested on Mirabel's shoulder...so familiar. He blinked and the scenery changed to the ruins of Casita, the candle held in Mirabel's grasp that sinister grin spread across the pairs faces. Bruno shook his head blinking again everything back to normal. Mirabel and Dolores staring at him in confusion.

"Tío? Why do you look like you're scared of us?" Dolores questioned "We are here on pure friendly terms..honest." He knows...he knows more than he has told anyone.

Alma took in the horror filled face of her son looking over at Mirabel and Dolores and back connecting the pieces "Bruno. Have you seen something else? You must tell me." I should of known..really should of known these two would turn up and ruin everything like always. They get a delight out of ruining my day.

"I didn't see anything else no. You saw the vision I had...don't worry about it..I'm fine. Don't mind me me." Bruno laughed nervously stroking his rat "It's just when you haven't seen your niece properly in five years and she appears out of nowhere all scarred up..you know."

Julieta frowned "You been acting odd for weeks."

"I'm fine..if there was something wrong I would tell you." Bruno covered his face with his hood shrinking into himself to appear smaller.

"O...kay..." Mirabel rose an eyebrow "Really starting to feel really unwelcome here. Everyone was laughing and talking and the moment I turn up nothing." she threw her hands in the air in a dramatic manner "Not even a hello. No 'how are you Mirabel?'. No 'come sit down and join us.'." placing a hand over her heart "I am so offended."

Dolores snickered "If it's any plus. Abuela hasn't screamed at you yet. But you do have a point. Not even our own mothers want to hug us. Antonio was the only one." she gestured to the picnic spread out in front of her "What's all this anyway? Abuela has never given everyone the day off before." her gaze turned to Camilo and Luisa who had remained silent ever since they arrived though she did not miss the amused gleam in Camilo's eyes. Catching Luisa's eye the bigger girl nodded towards Alma putting a finger to her lips then at Dolores. Dolores nodded in understanding, this was not the time for either Camilo or Luisa to make their association known. So to avoid any suspicion it was best the both of them just ignore them. Pretend to want nothing to do with them.

Alma forced a smile back on her face, not today. These two were not going to make her blow today, she was going to keep her cool. No matter how much these two irritated her. No matter how much their presence was ruining her day. "So that means I can't do it now?" please just go away..

Julieta had been staring longingly at Mirabel the whole time and couldn't hold back any longer. Getting to her feet she wrapped her arms around her whispering into her ear "You shouldn't be here. I know I'm sorry..but I promise I'll come by later to explain. I can't right now..not in front of her."

Pepa joined her pulling Dolores to her keep her voice low "We know how it looks but trust us..please. Work with us so we can work with you."

Mirabel and Dolores looked at each other and nodded.

"Good. Just remember you are both loved so much." Julieta released her hold raising her voice back to a normal volume "Now both of you go please. There's nothing for either of you here." she kept her voice firm but inside her heart was breaking

"Fine." Mirabel turned away "Antonio, can I have Salomé back please?"

Antonio nodded saddened his sister and favourite cousin were being sent away again he released the kitten who scampered over to Mirabel quickly being scooped up into her arms.

With once last glare at their family Mirabel and Dolores left leaving two heartbroken mother's in their wake. They both knew something was up, Alma was never that nice. Alma would of never let Mirabel near the family that long. Alma would of flipped at Antonio hugging Mirabel. Yes something was up indeed.

Alma watched with a look of surprise and satisfaction on her face "You made the right choice. Where those two go trouble follows."

"I don't understand..." Antonio watched them until they disappeared from sight "Ain't they Madrigals too? Why do you keep sending them away, Abuela? Why can't Dolores come back? Why did Mirabel leave? How come Mirabel didn't get magic?"

"It's complicated, Toñito." Alma sighed "And you're just too young to understand. Things just have to happen this way. For the safety of everyone Mirabel and Dolores have to stay away. You'll understand when you're older."

"Are...Mirabel and Dolores...bad people?" Antonio looked around "That's what the grownups in town say."

Alma took a shaky breath "Yes...Mirabel and Dolores are bad people. They want to do a very bad thing to our family. But we are not going to let them, okay?"

Antonio nodded still not understanding. Mirabel and Dolores were always so nice to him, they take him of picnics and tell him stories. How could they be bad people? What was the bad thing they wanted to do? His Mamá told him they would both come back home one day and he had already decided Mirabel would be sharing his room since she didn't have one. He thought maybe today would be the day but no they got sent away again.

He just didn't understand.

So Alma tries a new tactic but Julieta and Pepa ain't buying it they just playing along to see how she goes. What caused this sudden change in heart shall be explained, but lets just say she truly believes Pedro showed her what to do.

Bruno is keeping the latest a secret because of what happened last time he is scared of making it worse again.

Mirabel and Dolores are kinda acting like little shits this chapter won't lie.

And Antonio is an adorable cinnamon roll who must be protected.

Hope you all had a nice and safe Easter holiday weekend. I personally don't celebrate Easter but I took advantage of the time off work for some me time.

Review responses

FlowerChild23: I know she could ruin everyones life if she wanted to.

Wishfull-star: I love throwing in Lion King references for people to find.