Chapter Text
Estela smiled as the huge party carried on. The whole village was here to celebrate the youngest Madrigal triplet’s engagement.
Or, they were here to celebrate and enjoy a party at least. The village didn’t really care much for Bruno, despite Alma Madrigal’s insistence that Bruno only gave them visions of the future and that he didn’t cause it to happen. People still saw him as a bad omen or a curse. Even her own father despised the man, but he craved the status that his daughter being married to a Madrigal would bring.
Estela didn’t believe such nonsense. Bruno was kind, albeit a quiet and withdrawn young man. He was wonderful, and she couldn’t wait to spend the rest of her life with him. She made her way over to her fiance now. He had been hiding in the corner, trying to stay unnoticed.
“Mi Amor, this party is for us. You shouldn’t be hiding away like this,” Estelle said, giving him a kiss as she took his hand. Bruno chuckled.
“Well, it is for us…but I know I’m not really welcome. Everyone is probably here for you. You know, no one wants to get near ‘bad luck Bruno’,” Bruno said nervously.
“Then it is their loss, and they shouldn’t be here in the first place if they aren’t willing to celebrate the bride and the groom,” Estela said sternly, “At the very least…celebrate with me and your family?”
Bruno hesitated but nodded after a moment. “Okay,” he said. He couldn’t deny that his family was overjoyed for the couple. It was all they had been talking about since he proposed two days ago.
He nervously followed his fiancee as they moved out into the Casita’s main area. He gently knocked three times on the wooden staircase, then once on his head for good luck. Estela smiled, patiently waiting for him to finish. She didn’t judge him for these little rituals. She fully supported him, understanding that it was something he had to do and that it made him feel better.
“Ah! There's the wonderful bride and groom to be!” Alma said, coming over to them with open arms. She gave Estela a kiss on the cheek, before grabbing Bruno’s cheeks and squishing them, giving him a kiss on the cheek too.
“Mama…” Bruno said, embarrassed. Estela giggled.
“Thank you, it is an honor to join the amazing Madrigal family,” Estela said.
“And we welcome you with open arms!” Alma said, “come, this is your party! You must celebrate!”
Estela led Bruno further into the group of people. Those who passed by gave their polite congratulations to the couple, but they weren’t very enthusiastic. Estela didn’t care. Those who mattered to her were happy for them, and that was what was important.
Her parents met them at the food table. Bruno grew even more nervous under Carlos Garcia’s stern, hate-filled gaze. Estela returned her father’s glare.
“Congratulations, I am so happy for you both!” Catalina Garcia said, trying to break the tension. She had always supported the union; all she wanted was for her daughter to be happy and even if Bruno was a little strange at times, he was still a kind man who treated Estela well.
“T-thank you,” Bruno said.
“Yes! Thank you, mama! We are very excited!” Estela said.
“You can always turn back at any time,” Carlos said, “there are plenty of better, more respected men out there.”
Catalina narrowed her eyes, as did Estela.
“Papa!” Estela hissed, “we have been over this! I love Bruno, and nothing you say will change that!”
She glared at her father, going to drag Bruno away. Glancing back, she could see that her mother was scolding him for his cruel words. Good. Once they were further away, she turned back to her fiance.
“I’m sorry about that,” she said. Bruno bit his lip but nodded.
“It’s not your fault, mi Cielo,” he said, “I’m-I’m the one who is sorry, for coming between you and your father.”
Estela huffed, rolling her eyes. “Oh, don’t worry. We weren’t close before I met you, and that will not change,” she said, putting a hand on his cheek. “We have each other, and mama is happy for us. Your family is happy for us. That is what is important.”
Bruno put his hand over hers, leaning into the touch and chuckling softly. “That’s because they thought I would never get married, much less have someone in my life,” he said.
“They were scared that you would never have someone in your life,” Estela corrected, “They love you, Bruno, as do I.”
Bruno moved her hand, gently kissing her palm. “And I do not know what I would do without you, mi Cielo.”
Estela blushed, smiling before her expression changed to one of surprise as she felt something wet dripping on her. She looked over, only to see Pepa and Félix watching them, Pepa’s eyes wide. There was a small cloud above her head…but also a sun and a rainbow.
“Pepa! You’re going to get them wet, Mija!” Alma gently scolded.
“I’m sorry, mama! They’re just too sweet!” Pepa cried. “Oh, remember our engagement party, Félix?”
“I remember every minute that I spend with you, mi Vida,” Félix said, “even our glorious wedding day…”
“Y-yeah, about that,” Bruno said nervously, “again, I’m really sorry…”
Pepa held up a finger, smirking. “Perhaps I should make it rain on yours?“ she said. She glanced at Estela. “But I couldn’t be so cruel to our dear Estela, no? Maybe I will make it rain on just you! It is only fair, Hermano.”
Bruno looked defeated, and Estela couldn’t help but hold back her giggles.
“Don’t worry, Bruno. I won’t let her rain on you,” she said.
“Ah! You have a brave protector!” Félix said dramatically, looking at Pepa. “It was a valiant effort, mi Vida.”
Small giggles could be heard. Félix perked up, grinning as he grabbed two toddlers and brought them over.
“Dolores! Isabela!” he said, “come and wish your Tío and Tía a happy engagement!”
“I wanna be the flower girl!” Isabela shouted. Dolores pouted.
“I wanted to be the flower girl…” she said.
“Well, there’s no rule that says there has to be one flower girl,” Estela pointed out.
“Exactly! Besides, I couldn’t possibly choose between my two favourite nieces!” Bruno said. Félix put the girls down, who both began to bounce and cheer.
“Thank you, Tía Estela, Tío Bruno!” Isabela said.
“Thank you, Tía, Tío,” Dolores said.
“You are most welcome, young ladies!” Estela said.
The adults happily chatted for a few more minutes before Félix managed to lead Pepa to the dance floor. Estela giggled as she cuddled against her fiance, listening to the sound of his heartbeat. It was a bit faster than normal…so she looked up.
“Do you need to get away for a bit?” she asked, “We could go to the kitchen, I’m sure Julieta won’t allow anyone inside.”
Bruno nodded, “It’s…getting a bit overwhelming,” he admitted, starting to move towards the kitchen.
As expected, Julieta was present, making a few extra snacks to go out. Agustín was helping…or at least, helping as much as Julieta would allow. The last thing they needed was for him to be injured in an accident even if Julieta was there to heal him.
“Bruno! Estela!” Julieta said, “Is everything okay? Are you hurt?”
“No no, everything is fine,” Estela said, “Bruno just needed some time away from the crowd.”
“Ah, I see,” Julieta said. She gave her brother a reassuring smile. “Take all the time you need. No one else is allowed in here.”
“Does your bag of salt need to be refilled?” Agustín asked. Bruno went to check before he nodded. Agustín grinned, taking the bag. He happily refilled it, handing the bag back.
“Thank you,” Bruno said softly.
“Not a problem! It is the least I can do!” Agustín said as he clapped a hand on Bruno’s shoulder. He moved to the door a moment later when someone who wasn’t a member of the family tried to come in.
“Sorry, the kitchen's closed!” he said.
There was silence in the kitchen now, save for the sounds of Julieta’s cooking. Bruno smiled, relaxing and enjoying the silence.
The silence was broken a few minutes later by a squeak. Estela began to giggle, while Julieta and Agustín looked confused.
“Which one is that?” Estela asked.
“Queso,” Bruno said. The rat in question peaked out of his hood. She squeaked, running down Bruno’s arm and sniffing at the food that was on the table.
Bruno took an arepa, breaking it into pieces and giving some to the rat. Queso took the pieces in her little paws, nibbling at the delicious treat.
“Gosh, I hope our children are as well behaved as you, Queso. Such good manners!” Estela cooed, gently petting the rat, who shut her eyes and leaned into the pet. Bruno turned bright red.
“C…children?” he asked, “You’re thinking of them already?”
“Mi corazón, we’ve already discussed them before, why are you so shy now?” Estela asked with a smirk. “Not that I’m complaining. You are adorable when you blush.”
That only made Bruno blush more. “Mi Cielo…” he said with a groan, covering his face. Estela’s giggles turned to a laugh, and she brought her fiance into a hug.
“Ah, I’m just teasing you, corazón,” she said, “I’m sorry if I upset you.”
“You didn’t,” he said quickly, “You know I’m just…easy to make blush.”
“And I never want that to change. I love that about you,” Estela said, “Are you ready to go back to the party?”
Bruno sighed. “I suppose I’ll have to. At least it’s almost over…I hope.”
“One more hour, and I’m sure we can find an excuse to leave,” Estela said.
“One more hour. I can do one more hour,” Bruno said.
Thankfully, Bruno was able to last the hour. In fact, he was able to last two hours, managing to find Pepa and Felix again and enjoying chatting with them. At one point, Isabela and Dolores grabbed his attention too. Bruno adored his nieces and was more than happy to sit down with them and tell them exciting stories, other village children joining them. Estela sat beside him, listening to his voice. Despite how nervous he was…he was great with kids. He would be a wonderful father.
Still, all things must come to an end, and after two hours Bruno’s social battery had run dry. He walked Estela home, giving her a kiss. Estela returned it.
“Goodnight, mi Vida,” Estela said, “I will see you tomorrow?”
“Of course,” Bruno said, “Goodnight, mi Cielo. We have plenty of planning to do tomorrow.”
“I look forward to it,” Estela said, smirking.
She watched as Bruno left, sighing happily as she closed the door behind her. She headed to her room, boxes starting to be filled. She would be marrying Bruno in a week, and she wanted to be ready to leave.
She collapsed on her bed after changing into her nightgown, curling up under the blankets with a smile.
Yes…the next week would be very busy, but she couldn’t wait to marry the love of her life.