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Water Lily grazing the water

Isabella doesn’t think it’s possible. Nearly every man in ecanto was in love with her. But did they really love her. No. They loved her looks. And they loved her perfection. They didn’t truly love her.  It seemed no one did. 

And what was worse, was that as hard as she tried, she didn’t like any of them back. Couldn’t even if she wanted too. And their would be no man she’d fall in love with. 

Contrarily, the only one who managed to make her heart skip beats, had been a girl at the market she met, and had been meeting every night, when she thinks everyone’s asleep. 

Dolores busted her of course. Gosh nothing was a secret with her. But she did the one thing Isabella wish she didn’t. 

She gave her hope. 

Isabella sat on the roof of Casita. Looking at the stars and smelling her array of plants. It was a nice night. Tia Pepa wasn’t mad about anything, so that meant she had the sky to herself. 

She thought the moon was like a water Lily. Just grazing across the night like a flower lost in the river. She related to that moon. 

Two beings just floating in this world, always hiding a side of themselves fro everyone.  

It was exhausting to be the moon. 

And she desperately ached to be found. 

“Do you think we’ll be found?” She whispered to the moon. 

“I found you-“

-“GUH!” Isabella nearly jumped a foot, narrowly regaining her balance on the roof. Though she doubt Casita would have let her fall. 

She wildly looked around for the rapid hushed voice, though she had a hunch who it was. 

“Dolores!” She seethed, glancing at the girl peeking out the window next to her, “¡Idiota! You could have made me fall!”

Her cousin cringed, letting out a soft squeak, “Sorry prima. I didn’t mean to be so loud.”

Isabella smirked, “Oh it definitely wasn’t your volume that was the problem. Just timing.”

“Oh. Ok.”   

She decided to take mercy on her quiet cousin, waving her over.  

Dolores eyes got even wider, motioning at the roof with hesitant hands. 

Isa nodded promptingly, “Don’t worry. Casita and I won’t let you fall.”

With some help Isabella, the other 22 year old shakily made her way out. Immediately clinging onto her arm like a lifeline. 

“Little tight their Lolita?” She teased. Rolling her eyes fondly when the girl rapidly shook her head. Gripping on tighter.  

“Why do you insist on do this every night,” Dolores whispered, “It’s terrifying up here!”

She nearly shrieked when vines started wrapping around her, “Isabella?!”

“Don’t worry,” she soothed patiently, “Just give you a little extra security.”

Dolores soon understood, the thornless vines had made some sort of harness around her waist. Tethering her to the house so their was virtually no risk.

“Oh. Thank you.”

“What are you doing up?” Isa questioned, “It’s not even noisy tonight?”

The girl blushed, “I heard you. Heard that girl come and go again. Why don’t you just meet up in person?”

“As in in front of people?” Isabella hissed, “Have you completely lost your mind? You know I can’t do that?!”

“Why not?” She pushed, “I’ve been with a girl in public?”

“It’s not the same.”

Silence filled the start night. Only broken by Dolores squeaking occasionally. Typically Isabella would be bothered by any noise at the moment, but this was her prima. Her best friend. She knew of her and all her quirks.
 And how her and her tìa shared some sort of thing that made them talk and act a bit differently. Including repeating noises and words. 

She didn’t understand fully, thinks that’s just a level of thinking only her Tia and Prima will get. Some important bond between the two of them. 

“We’ll what if I went with you?”

“Huh?” Isabella jerked to her right. 

Dolores looked at her curiously, hands firmly clasped, “Well your scared to be alone with her in public-“

-“I wouldn’t say scared-“

-“Oh hush. I’m saying, that if I went with you, it wouldn’t look like anything more then a friendly outing.”

The Latina quirked a brow, “Unless of course your fine with continuously meeting up with her in the shadows of night like a criminal waiting to steal all her limited edition télé novas?”

A weak chuckle escaped her chest, as anxiety pulsed between her lungs, “You really need to stop reading those cheesy romance novels.”

Dolores gasped, “I’ll have you know my Mami reads them as well! And she is the best at finding a good book!”

“We’ll, I can’t argue with that,” Isa murmured, “She did get me that book about doomed love.”

“Huh…I don’t think I every truly thanked her for that. It was about two girls made to marry men from lands far away, when all  Wanted to be with was each other.”

Her primas eyes shined understandingly, “My Mami is not out of touch with emotions as you think. She tends to know things about you before you do.”

Isabella froze, “You don’t think she told anyone did you?!”

“No!” Dolores was quick to assure, “Unlike me. My mom is good with secrets. Thought she does tend to react…visually.”

“Kind of hard to hide things when your emotions literally hang over your head.”

Silence met them once again. And Isabella gazed up at her faithful moon, a light breeze sweeping her hair in a perfect halo-like arc. 

“You know I never could figure out how you did that?!”

She turned, smirking at the site of Dolores currently battling against her curls. The wind making it slap her face restlessly. 

“Comes along with being perfect.” Isa smiled with all her teeth. 

“Ugh! I hate this!” The poor girl was getting increasingly upset, the seemingly gentle breeze had led a few locks of hair out of her little puff bun. And her nose scrunched at the texture of it on her face. 

She furrowed her brows, Dolores’s nose scrunching was always one of those signs that showed she was getting overstimulated. Something apparently only Isabella and Pepa had been able to tell so far. 

A few more squeaks and failed attempts was all it took for Isa to swoop to her rescue, offering helpful vines to gather and redo her hair, the Latina freezing and squinting her eyes shut. 

“You ok Prima?” Isa ghosted, afraid of being to loud and making it worse. 

Dolores nodded slowly, eyes still closed. 

She waited patiently until she opened them one by one. 

“Sorry,” she flushed, “It’s worse when I’m tired.”

‘It’ didn’t have to be elaborated. Isabella understood. 

“Don’t worry. It’s all ok.”

“Let me take you to the market!” 

Isabella blinked a few times, not expecting the blunt statement. Dolores was typically a very soft spoken person, but every so often she blurted out her thoughts, as if it was breaking her brain to keep in.  

The eldest was able to recover quickly, like she said, she’s known Dolores her whole life. All her quirks and tics. 

“Why do you want to take me so bad.” She murmured unsurely. 

Dolores gazed into her eyes, “Because you were willing to marry someone you didn’t love out of dedication to your family. And you deserve to marry someone you love out of dedication to yourself.”

Isabella quickly broke eye contact, heart beating rapidly. 

That, that was a little too right on the mark. 

Especially knowing that the odds of her actually being able to marry a girl…were less then positive. 

“Dolores. You know that won’t happen.”

“Do I?” She questioned, “I’m not Bruno. And he’s the one who said the life of your dreams would be promised. Why are you denying yourself the possibility of Love?”

Because she hated the possibility of hope.

“Because I’m worried we’ll get caught.”

“Don’t worry about that!” Her voice stressed, “I’ll be with you.”

Isabella looked back and forth, feeling the urge to check for people even though they were completely alone. 

“Yeah but what if some notices?”

“Yeah…but what if they don’t?”

Poisonous, bitter hope filled her chest. What if she could see her. What if they could talk? What if their was a world where they could be together? Instead of hidden to stolen words in the cloak of night. 

“You’ll be their?” Her voice was uncharacteristically small, more like Dolores then anything.  

She felt a head on her shoulder, “Of course prima.”

Isa nodded nervously, “I’ll go.” 

Dolores jerked, “Really?! You mean it??”

“I mean you said you’ll be their,” Isa tried to be nonchalant, “Might as well try.”

Arms wrapped around her torso, letting out a grunt at the fierce grip. 

“I’m so proud of you Isabella.” Her prima whispered. 

Isabella glanced back up at the moon. Her connection, her similarities, her guiding light. 

She felt a smile take over her face. 

Yeah….yeah she was too.

———

It was the next day, and to say Isabella was nervous was an understatement.  

She was a wreck. Flowers popping out of her hair so frequently, she had to make a flower crown just to appear some semblance of normal.  

The family seemingly hadn’t noticed, but Mami pushed an extra large slice of Pincho de Tortilla towards her at breakfast. Eyebrows quirked in a silent question of concern. 

She waved it off, offering a weak smile that didn’t quite reach her cheeks. 

Dolores had been mercifully nonchalant, sensing her primas nerves and acting like it was just a regular day. 

Isa was insanely greatful for that, she didn’t know what she’d do if her cousin had acknowledged anything. 

Tia Pepa wasn’t at the table yet, and Abeula questioned her whereabouts. 

“She’s in her room, with Papi.” Dolores quietly responded, hand cupped around her twitching ear, “It wasn’t a good morning for her.”

Abuela nodded in understanding, “Well then, we shall start eating without them. But make sure to save them some food Julieta.”

“Of course.” Her mother agreed. Already slicing and wrapping up some Pincho de Tortilla. 

The familia started eating, and Isabella shoveled some food in her mouth just to keep busy. It tasted amazing of course, but it could have been literal cardboard and she wouldn’t notice. Her mind was far to distracted to actually process anything. 

Abuela had started listing a few things the Encanto residents needed help with. It was gratifying to know the amount of chores was lower. Once Luisa had fully told her grandmother just how stressed out she was, she made an effort to keep the tasks to a minimum. Without depriving the town of much needed help. 

“Dolores, the Garcia’s need you down the street, theirs a creak in their house, and they cant find where it’s coming from.”

“Oh!” The girl squeaked, face blushing slightly, “Lo Siento Abeula, but I can’t go today.”

The matriarch raised a brow, “And why is that Lolita?”

“Isabella said she’d take me to the market, my Um, my earplugs aren’t working and I need to find some thicker fabric for the headphones.”

Abuela frowned, making a face that made Dolores flinch.  

Isabella didn’t know what that was about, but she already didn’t like it.  

“Very well,” she allowed with a sigh, “Your hearing is important to the family. I’ll tell the Garcia’s that you’ll come tomorrow.”

“Ok.” Dolores agreed with a forced smile. 

A swell of appreciation rushed through Isabella. Here Dolores was in-during Abeulas indirect wrath, just so they could go to the market and meet up with her crush. 

Breakfast soon ended, and the Madrigals each broke off to do their own activities. 

Isa rushed up to her cousin, “Prima! Thank you.”  

“It was no problem.” The Latina nodded, squeaking a couple times afterwards. 

She frowned, “What was that about?”

“What was what about?”

The eldest lowered her voice, “With Abeula. What was that look about?”

Dolores squeaked again, looking away, trying to mask the flicker of pain through her eyes. 

“It was nothing. I’m fine.”

“No, no your not,” Isabella entwined their hands, “Prima something is bothering you. I’ve seen that look before. But haven’t thought much about it. But it obviously means more to you then I know.”

“It’s fine.” Dolores bit out icily. Dropping Isas hands, clasping her own tightly, and moving towards the kitchen. 

She was a bit stunned, “D-Dolores?! W-what are you doing?”

Her cousin shot her a piercing glare, “I’m getting breakfast for my Mami. What, am I not doing this right?!”

She floundered, speechless as she watched Dolores patter around. Grabbing the containers and putting it on a plate. 

Something was obviously wrong. And Dolores was avoiding it. 

“Let’s go.” The girl in question made a quick nod. Leading the way upstairs. 

Isabella trailed uselessly behind. Petals trailing from her fingers as anxiety clenched at her stomach. 

“Mama?” Dolores rapped oh so gently on Pepas door, “May I come in?”

Any noise they heard immediately stopped, and a few seconds later Tia Pepa opened the door. Grin timid but eyes wide. 

“Clear skies, clear skies, Oh! Dolores my sweet, and Isabella as well! What are you two doing here?”

She was smiling that toothy grin Isabella secretly adored, giving a matching one of her own. 

Dolores was no longer upset, just grinning earnestly, quick to wrap her mother in a hug. 

Pepa was taken aback at first, but tenderly wrapped an arm around her daughter just as fast. The other still staying rooted by her braid, stroking it repeatedly. 

“We brought you and Tio Felìx breakfast.” She whispered after the two broke apart. 

“Dios Mio, how wonderful!” Her Tías eyes lit up, “Clear skies, what did my sister make today? Clear skies, clear skies.”

Isabella ignored the repeated words, the family was used to it. It soothed her Tía when storms were fierce. 

Dolores looked at her scrutinizingly, “Pincho de tortilla. Mama, are you ok?”

The woman sighed softly, “I’ll be honest. I wasn’t this morning. But Felix and my door helped me. And now you two little Carinitos are here with breakfast! So I am definitely better.”

“We’ll I’m glad for that.” Their was something left in the Latinas gaze. Something of course Pepa picked on. 

She was quick to cup her daughters face, “Hija? ¿Qué es lo que te incomoda? Was someone being too loud?”

“Mooom,” her prima whined in embarrassment, “I’m fine! No one was being to loud.”

Pepa eyed her, brows pulling forward. 

“Was it Abeula again…?”

She had said it in hushed tone, as to try and hide the fact. But Isabella heard it painstakingly clear. 

Dolores’s face gave it away. Pepa cursing slightly, a dark cloud quickly apparently. 

“What! She give you another look again? Oh my Abuela no tiene mente! Oh, eligió el día equivocado para meterse contigo mi dulce ángel. Don’t worry! I’ll take care of this!”

“No, wait!” She panicked, “Mami don’t do that!”

“I’ve waited long enough!” Pepa stated, “Dolores, mi amor. I won’t stand for this. I know your worried. But I’m not one to back down from my mother. Especially for you.”

Before Dolores could say another word, Tía pushed past them, storming down the stairs, her cloud angrily trailing behind her. 

Her primas face was one of anguish, though she was quick to shake it off. Placing the plate inside the room for Tio Felix to find. 

“You ok-“

“Let’s go,” Dolores shook a smile to her face, “Today your going to meet your dream girl.”

Isabella was struck with dry mouth, multiple flowers appearing and falling from her hair. 

“Hey, it’s going to be ok. I’ll be their right with you.”

She mustered a nod. But not much else. And eventually the two made their way outside, waving goodbye to Casita. 

(Isabella took note of the arguing voices downstairs. She decided to not comment, their was no doubt Dolores could hear it as well.)

And then they were on the road, heading down the small mountain, passing town residents on the way. 

People waved to them, completely oblivious to Isabellas internal peril. 

“What market is she usually by?” Dolores questioned softly. 

“C-ceramics.” She stuttered out, “T-the place where they make the fancy plates and pots.”

“Oooo! Pottery girl.” Her cousin teases melodically.

Isa rolled her eyes, “Shut up.”

Isabella was shaking. she was sure of it. Only seconds from now she would see the most beautiful girl in town, but in broad daylight. Their would be no hiding. Especially with Dolores hanging around. 

The thought of having no cover, no safety for them to fall back on. It made her stomach twist in knots, and her palms sweat like rivers. 

“God, I probably look like a mess.” She whispered self deprecatingly. 

She felt a hand slip into hers, look down at them momentarily.

“Your going to be fine,” Dolores smiled reassuringly, “you look great. It’s ok to be nervous.”

The Latina clenched her hand tightly, “But what if I say something wrong? Or she realizes I look completely different in full sunlight?!”

“Pffft, Isabella don’t be so dramatic. You never been anything but smooth with your words. And their is nothing different about you in daylight. Except maybe less shadows on your face.”

Dolores was right, she thought logically. But logic seemed to go straight out the window as the neared the market. And all that remained was her rapidly beating heart. 

Until, their it was. The pottery store. And outside, basking in the glowing sunshine, was her. 
The girl of Isabellas dreams. 

She gasped, gripping onto Dolores’s arm, “Their she is.”

Her cousin squinted her eyes, ears wiggling.

“Oh! The step beat girl!”

“Huh?”

“Oh heh,” she flushed, “Every peson in the village has their own heartbeat. Hers is kinda like a step beat.”

Isabellas brows rose, “Wow. I’m definitely impressed.”

“I try.”

You could tell the exact moment the girls eyes met. Isabellas crush lit up, first in shock, then curiosity, then finally, excitement. 

“Isabella?” She mouthed. Dolores nodding showing it was actually a whisper. 

She nodded back, nervous in her eyes. But heart swelling. 

Their was a beat where nothing happened. 

Dolores nudged her in the ribs, “This is where you go say hi.”

“Oh!” Heat rose to her cheeks, feeling foolish for not doing anything. 

The eye contact between them was blazing, as she moved forward. Pulled by an imaginary force. 

“H-hi.” Isabella stuttered. Internally cursing herself for being so nervous. 

The girl formed a smile, “Hello to you too. You look even prettier in the daylight.”

Isa coughed, hit with the worst case of dry mouth in history, as she fumbled to even put together a basic sentence. 

“I-uh, pretty, daylight. You too!”

The later chuckled lightly, as Isabellas face burned when embarrassment. 

They heard a squeak, and both turned to see Dolores sheepishly standing a few feet away. 

“Sorry!” She squealed, “Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Isa didn’t mind, but her crush seemed interested, “Your another Madrigal correct?”

Her prima nodded, “Yes! I’m Dolores. What’s your name?”

“I’m Luna Flor, please to meet you.” Luna bended at the waist, curls framing her face as she bowed semi jokingly.

“Oh! Moon flower? Kinda like the Brazilian legend, The moon and the flower. What a fitting name!” Dolores’s eyes widened in intrigue. 

“It is. Isn’t it.” Isabella thought quietly. 

The two turned to her, Luna smiling, “Well I’m glad you think so.”

“Dios mio!” She quickly covered her burning face, she didn’t know she said that out loud.

A hand gripped her shoulder softly, “It’s ok. I was just wondering what you guys were doing here. During the day.”

Her implication was clear, and Dolores squeaked again. Hands clasped. 

“I had to look at thicker materials for my headphones,” she spoke quickly, “Isabella was so gracious to accompany me. It was a total coincidence we bumped into you.”

She then winked subtly, showing the true meaning of their journey. 

Luna smirked, “Oh I see. Total coincidence. But while your here, you don’t mind if you accompany me for lunch do you? I was about to take a small break”.

Isa could only nod her head rapidly. Tongue too heavy to form actual words. 

Dolores beamed, “Thank you for that gracious invite. But I , ahem, am on a schedule. However, Isabellas completely free!”

Isabella was shaking her head no, trying to get her cousin to cease talking, but then Luna was beaming and subtly touching her arm, and the only thing she could of was how soft her fingers felt. 

“Y-yeah I’m. Uh. I’m free.”

The girl clicked her tongue, “That’s great. We have an abundance of food so theirs more then enough to share and-“

-“LUNA!” A voice chirped loudly, “Your boyfriend Diego’s here!”

And their it was. 

Luna froze, while Isabellas heart sputtered and clenched. Pain radiating her entire body. 

She sobbed once, stumbling backwards out of the girls touch, into a pair of familiar ones. 
Her cousins, her primas. 

Dolores was glaring daggers at Luna, “Well it looks like your certainly busy, so we unfortunately won’t be able to accompany you for lunch…Or ever again.”

“Isabella,” Luna tried to say, “You have to understand I-“

-“Don’t.” Isabella held her hand up, feeling her heart shattering and crumpling, “We knew this would never work out.”

“No you have to listened I-“

-“She doesn’t have to do anything!” Her prima stated icily, “Now run along to your boyfriend. Before things get thorny.”

With nothing left to say, the two turned around and walked out, Isabella largely relying on Dolores to keep her upright. 

As soon as they were out of sight, she fell to her knees with a broken wail. 

Dolores placed a hand on her back, “Isabella, I am so, so sorr-“

-“NO!” She screamed, turning to to glare at her with red eyes, tears streaming down in quiet lines, “This was all your fault!”

Her cousin gasped, “My fault? How was this-“

-“I told you I didn’t want too! I told you it wouldn’t work if we went In person! But Noooo! Little Dolores has to keep pushing! You had to make me agree, you had to GIVE ME HOPE!”

And that’s what truly speared her heart thick and through. 

“You gave me hope,” she cried bitterly, “You gave me h-hope.”

“I’m sorry.” Dolores squeaked painfully. 

“Just go.” Isabella turned her back, Waiting till footsteps retreated far enough before completely breaking down. 

Bushes and trees immediately sprouted, surrounding her until she was enforced in a wooden soundproof dome. Shielding her pain from the public. 

She didn’t know how long she was their, just knew she’d never felt this alone before. And that this was the most painful heartbreak she’s ever gone through. Because it wasn’t just confirming Luna couldn’t be with her, but that Isabella would never find Love with another girl. 

It was confirming how hopeless her life was. 

—————

When Isabella returned home, no one questioned her depressed and sour demeanor. Dolores must have already given the heads up that something bad happened. 

Instead everyone was sympathetic, either trying to cheer her up, or console her. 

However, it was hard to do so when they didn’t know what the problem was. For once, Dolores kept a secret. Isabella had to give her that. 

But she was still mad. Still angry. Still sad and bitter. It clouded her mind until her crown of flowers was replaced with thorns. Accentuating her depression for everyone to see. 

“Oh Mija, won’t you just tell me what’s wrong,” her mother whispered fervently, pressing one of her favorite baked goods in Isas hands, “It kills me to see you like this.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Isabella muttered numbly. 

She did take a bite out of the pastry, just to appease her mom. Didn’t want her to think she was rejecting her. 

Julieta frowned, “Ok my love. But please. If you need anything. Or want to talk.”

“I know,” she managed a weak smile, “Thank you Mami. Te Amo.”

“Y yo a ti, hija.”

 
A few moments later and Isabella few bored of sulking in the familia room. So she decided to shake things up and go sulk upstairs. 

While her intention was to just cry into her pillows. She felt a lure, almost magnetic in a way. Back to her window. And outside on the roof, where everything started. 

The night was quiet once again, moon shining down in a silvery twinkle. 
Isabella sighed, gingerly stepping out into the dark. Bare feet twitching at the feel of cold roof slabs. 

She brought her knees to her chest, glancing at the moon she so thoroughly loved. Or use to Love that is. 

“W-hy,” her voice cracked, as she stared intensely at the glowing orb, “Why’d you do this to me?”

Of course, their was no reply. 

“I trusted you. I put faith into you. I looked to you for guidance and happiness. Why after all of this? Would you betray me?”

Isabella sighed once again. Why was she expecting an answer. 

The moon shone brightly. Solute. Alone, and Unwavering. The only speck of light in a scene of obscene dark. 

She chuckles sadly, looking down, “You and me are the same, aren’t we moon?”

The moon seemed to agree with her. Or at least she believed it did. As long as that moon was out tonight, she was willing to believe anything. Anything to soothe the ache in her heart. 

“I thought I’d find you out here.” 

Isabella jumped, even though she knew who it was. 

She moved to tell Dolores to go away, but the words died on her tongue. So slowly, her cousin crawled out as well. 

She let out a few squeaky whimpers, this time not grabbing onto Isabella for support. 

Isabella understood why her prima wouldn’t. But also didn’t like how terrified she looked on the slanted roof. So without looking, two vines quietly slinked out, wrapping around her waist not unlike last night. 

Dolores was silent for a moment, probably shocked about the extra protection. 

“Thank you.” 

The hush sounded unbelieving. Almost guilty in a way. 

“I don’t want you to die Dolores,” Isa continued to stare at the moon, gaze unwavering, “Contrary to what you believe.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the pale glow reflect off of Dolores’s face. Her mouth moving open and closed. Stuck between apologies, and words unknown.

“And I’m not mad at you.”

That definitely got a reaction, her cousins stare jerking to land on her. 

“At least. I’m not anymore.”

“Why?” Dolores seemed genuinely confused, “It was all my fault. You said it yourself, I forced you into this”

Isabella chuckled melancholy, “You didn’t make me do anything Dolores.”

“But you said-“

-“I know what I said,” she finally turned to look at her prima, eyes hollow, “I was wrong.”

Dolores squeaked a few times. Hands expertly clasped in front of her. 

“I don’t understand.” 

Both a question, and a statement. 

Isabella allowed some warmth to seep through her pupils, letting a hand fall on top of the laters.  

She smiled softly, “You were right all along. I was scared to go out today.”

“And reasonably! I mean Luna turned out to be horrible. I caused you that?!” Dolores was rushing. Almost desperately trying to be of blame. Trying to be some sort of outlet for her cousin. So she had a target for her pain, instead of taking it out on herself. 

The thought made Isabellas smile just a bit more earnest. 

“You didn’t cause that, Dolores. You just gave me the push. The push to see her in broad daylight.”

She frowned, “Turns out when your in broad daylight, you can see a persons true colors.”

Dolores whimpered, squeezing Isa’s hand, “I’m so sorry Isabella.”

Isabella nodded. “I know.”

“I shouldn’t have yelled at you.” She added after a pause, “You were only trying to help.”

“Yeah,” Her prima looked down guiltily, “And look what that brought you.”

Isabellas lips parted, head turning to gaze at the Moon. Surreal. Honest. And brazen. 

“You brought me the truth.” She murmured, “I would have found about Luna eventually. It’s just better this way.”

“But that’s the thing!” Dolores gripped her head slightly. 

“I hear everything in this town. And I’ve barely heard Luna with ‘Diego’ or whoever he is. I would have told you if I knew something was up! You know I would, I-“

-“Don’t worry,” Isa consoled, “I know you would have.”

“But it’s still Odd Isa. I would have heard them talking! And I didn’t.  They’ve barely spoken at all!”

“Maybe i can offer some insight on that?”

Isabella went rigid, glancing anywhere then the origins of the familiar voice. 

“Hey!” Her cousin growled, (very softly of course), “We don’t want you here!”

“I know, I know.” Luna popped over the corner of the roof. Now fully visible. 

“Please,” she begged, “Just hear me out.”

Dolores scoffed, “As if I have a choice.”

“Isabella, please.” Lunas face was scrunched, eyes reflecting pain.

Her cousin squeaked a few times, “You don’t deserve to say her name. Not after what you did.”

“But don’t I deserve a chance to be heard out?”

“No, not really.” Her prima glared, squeaking again.

“Oh shut it squeaky!” Luna growled, shooting her a death stare.

Dolores whimpered, quickly cowering at the loud insult. Hands finding home over her ears.

“Hey!” Isabella barked finally, looking at her former something in the eyes, “You can come up here, and try to win favor with me. But don’t you dare insult my cousin!” 

The outed girl looked sheepish, “Yeah, yeah that’s my Bad. Shouldn’t have done that.”

Luna sighed, glancing hopelessly at the two, “What am I doing? I’m sorry I bothered you guys.”

She began to go back over the corner of the house. 

“Wait!” Isas voice rung out clearly.

Luna paused, looking up curiously.

“I may not like you. But your right. Every person deserves to at least be heard out for their misdeed. We don’t always know the whole story.”

“Thank you,” the girl smiled great fully.

“Don’t get too cocky. I’m still very mad at you.” She raised a brow. 

“Oh Um, then I better talk fast right?”

“Patience waning.”

-“IM GAY!” Luna sputtered out loudly, taking in the madrigals shocked faces, “Isabella. I am fully attracted to girls. As in full on lesbian.”

Isabellas face burned at the very specific terms, not even calling herself the L word yet. 

Dolores stared in confusion, “If that’s so, then who’s Diego?”

Luna looked sheepish again, “My Familia, they know I’m gay. Their accepting of it actually. But we know not everyone is. So we proposed the idea of me having a ‘fake boyfriend’ so people wouldn’t get too suspicious.”

That was an option?! Isabella quietly wondered to herself. Taken aback by the fact that maybe, just maybe, Luna hadn’t meant to hurt her. 

“So…he isn’t real?” Her cousin questioned. 

And that’s when Luna smiled, for the very first time. 

“Acttally he is! Very real person!”

Isa must have made a face because she rushed to explain 

“No, wait, that came out wrong. He is definitely real. But we’re not together romantically. He knows I’m gay.”

“And he’s just… fine with it?” The eldests head was spinning. People actually being ok with someone being gay? It just seemed so impossible!

Luna blushed, “Of course he is. It would be a little hypocritical since he’s gay as well.”

Dolores’s mouth made a little ‘o’, “So THATS why I never heard you talking!”

“Isabella,” Luna took a hesitant step forward, “I would never do anything to hurt you. Why would I even have the thought of getting a boyfriend, when your already in my life? Your so intricate, with different layers, and a kind heart. I just, I hope you believe me when I say how sorry I am. That I ever hurt you.”

For a few moments, their was nothing but echoing silence. 

“Isabella,” Luna whispered, eyes shining, “You make me whole”.

Isabella felt herself stand up, pacifying Dolores’s concerned glance with a wave of her hand. 

She walked forward, till she was mere millimeters away from the curly haired girl. 

“Is this true?” Isa implored, “Your not lying to me?”

“I’d never lie you to.  Ever.”

She smiled, “Ok, good. That makes it so much easier to do this.”

Luna looked momentarily confused, until Isabella leaned in, and the two reunited in a passionate kiss. 

It was amazing. Fireworks went off in her mind. Her heart was beating rapidly. Lunas lips were perfectly smooth. And everything seemed just as it should. 

Dolores gasped in the background, “Just like one of my telenovas!”

Isabella smiled. Linking their foreheads. 

Maybe her happiness wasn’t hopeless after all.