Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mirabel woke up first, but it wasn't in her bed. She was seated in a chair. When did she fall asleep in a chair?

She wasn't the only one. Her entire family, plus the village of Encanto were also fast asleep in chairs that matched her. They all seemed attached. The chairs, that is. Her mother and father were on either side of her, still asleep, until Mirabel shook them awake.

"Mama, wake up!" she whispered, her voice high from panic. After relentless shaking from her daughter, Julietta woke up slowly.

"What is it, Mira?"

"Where are we?!"

That woke her mother up. They woke Augustin up and together, the three woke the rest of the village up, which took a lot of time.

"What is going on?" asked a new voice.

Mirabel turned and saw a man and woman holding three babies...

"OH MY GOD!" she screamed, which unsettled the younger version of her grandparents. The triplets—her mother, Tia Pepa, and Tio Bruno—began wailing, upset by the loud disturbance that Mirabel had caused.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she said hurriedly, trying not to look to hard at her abuelo. "It's just that—you know what? ABUELA! I THINK YOU'LL WANNA SEE THIS!"

Alma made her way over, irritated. "Mirabel, use your inside voice. What—?"

She froze at the sight of her and Pedro. She didn't look at the younger version of herself, or her children. She just stared at Pedro, who was concerned as to why this old woman was looking at him like that.

"Um, do we know you?" he asked, tightening his grip on Younger Alma.

"I can explain that," announced a voice from behind. Everyone turned, expecting answers, but they didn't see anyone. There was a big board that all the chairs were facing, but no one was talking.

"Who are you?" demanded Pepa, a storm cloud forming above her head. "Actually, where are you?"

"You can calm down," chuckled the voice. Pepa did not calm down. The voice continued. "I brought you all here to give you an insight to your future. No, not the way Bruno did, though."

Some people, who were about to say something, closed their mouths sheepishly.

"It's a film that will show the Madrigal family. You guys need a lot of help if you wanna keep your Casita and the Miracle."

"What do you mean? Is there something wrong with the magic?" Mirabel asked.

"Yes. There's been something wrong with it for a while. Anyways, introductions: Um, Younger Alma and Pedro, your triplets grew up. Pepa, Julietta, Bruno, introduce yourselves!"

Gasps radiated, but for two different reasons: Younger Alma and Pedro were staring at their daughters, who had come forward, all grown up. The rest were gasping because Bruno was here and they didn't realize.

The voice groaned. "Bruno, get your butt out here now! I won't hesitate to drag you out!"

Bruno did not come. The voice grumbled something unintelligent and then, there was a yelp from the curtains surrounding the big board. People screamed and gasped and Bruno was dragged by his foot to his family. The steel floor made a squeaky sound as he was dragged, then his foot fell with a thump.

Bruno stared at his family with wide eyes full of fear. They did the same, but emotions varied. Nobody said anything, not even Alma and Pedro, who knew something was up.

"Soooo . . . you don't have a seven-foot frame?"

All heads turned to the person who had spoken. Camilo raised his hands defensively. "Hey, it's just a question!"

"I feel like I'm forgetting something . . . OH! There are also these twins, Leo and Layla. They're the ones hiding in the other curtains and looking like they were beat up in a raccoon battalion."

A gust of wind came out of nowhere, blowing the curtains away to reveal two teens hiding with their backs against the wall, about fifteen years of age. Indeed, they did look very beaten up, their skin peppered with purple and blue bruises and they each had a black eye. Their eyes were wide as they stared at everyone in fear.

Julietta, being the helpful, kind, too-good-for-this-world person that she was, rushed over, arepas in her hand.

"Here. Eat this." She handed them each one, but they didn't eat. They just stared at her as if she was crazy. "It will help."

"Uh . . . we'll pass." The boy grabbed his sister closer to him and sat in a seat in the back.

"Oh, no, no, no! Not happening, kids!" The floor where the kids were standing began to rumble and slid them over to the Madrigals. "You're sitting with the Madrigals."

"Why?" asked the girl, Layla.

"Because I said so. Now sit your butts down!" The floor made them slip backward, making their rear ends fall into the sets next to Camilo and Mirabel.

"Hang on." Mirabel put her hands on her hips. "Why do you sound so familiar?"

"Well, I never really talked to you before, Mirabel, but we know each other very well," the voice chuckled.

A shock of electricity went down Mirabel's spine as she realized that the voice was female and . . . what had she said? They interacted, but she never talked. Mirabel never had many friends to begin with, seeing as popularity was directed more towards the other Madrigals, who had Gifts.

"Wait . . . Casita? Is that you?"

Casita chuckled. "Took you long enough to catch on."

"You can see the future?" asked Pepa. Only a select few noticed how Bruno flinched at the sentence.

"Not exactly. To me, there is no concept of time. I can exist at what are different times for you, but it is all the same to me. I can also be in many time periods at once, but I can't go back to before I was created."

"But Abuelo Pedro died before you came to life!" Camilo blurted out.

Gasps were heard from Alma and Pedro. The couple had eyes blown wide as the twin siblings had theirs.

"I . . . die?" Pedro asked softly.

"NO!" The solemn mood was shattered by Alma's cry. "NO, NO, NO! YOU WON'T DIE! I WON'T ALLOW IT!"

"Mi Amor, you cannot decide my fate if it is already sealed—" Pedro began, but Alma was not giving in.

"No! You die, I die," she said assertively. "You cannot change my mind on that anymore, Pedro."

"But who will take care of the children, then?"

"Hold up, hold up," Luisa said, diverting attention from the previous conversation to herself. "Casita, I thought you said you couldn't go back to times before you were created. So . . . what gives?"

Casita laughed, but this time, instead of household objects, rattling tiles or windows, it sounded human. "I had some help. I won't say who yet, but you'll find out soon. Now, we should start the movie, so I have only one last thing to say to you all."

"And that is?" Isabela asked.

"Not everything is as it seems," said the magical house simply.

Not a moment later, the screen came to life. All attention was diverted to it, so nobody noticed as the twins, Leo and Layla, looked at each other fearfully and held hands.

Chapter Text

ABUELA: Abre los ojos, open your eyes.

(ENCHANTING MUSIC PLAYS)

YOUNG MIRABEL: This is where out magic comes from?

A chorus of cooing reverberated through the room. Mirabel's cheeks were flaming as her mother pinched them. She glared at Camilo, who was making mocking "aww" faces behind Julieta's back.

ABUELA: Mm-hmm. This candle holds the miracle given to our family.

YOUNG MIRABEL: How did we get a miracle?

ABUELA: Long ago, when my three babies had just been born, you Abuelo Pedro and I were forced to flee our home. And though many joined us, hoping to find a new home, we could not escape the dangers and your abuelo was lost. But in our darkest moment, we were given a miracle. The candle became a magical flame that could never go out. And it blessed us with a refuge in which to live. A place of wonder.

"An Encanto!" Antonio exclaimed.

YOUNG MIRABEL: An encanto.

"That's what I said!"

The Madrigals and villagers couldn't help but smile at the youngest Madrigal's cuteness.

ABUELA: An encanto. The miracle grew. And our house, our casita itself came alive to shelter us. When my children came of age, the miracle blessed each with a magic Gift to help us. And when their children came of age . . .

YOUNG MIRABEL: They got magic, too!

Camilo fake-gasped. "Really? I had no idea!"

Mirabel rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Camilo."

ABUELA: (CHUCKLING) That's right! And together, our family's Gifts have made our new home a paradise. Tonight, this candle will give you your Gift, mi vida. Strengthen our community, strengthen our home. Make your family proud.

YOUNG MIRABEL: Make my family proud.

Mirabel mouthed the words again, except this time it wasn't a determined goal or something she was about to achieve. She had tried and tried to do whatever she could to make her family proud of her, to not feel like a burden on the Madrigal name, but no matter how hard she tried, she ended up messing everything up.

She wasn't super strong like Luisa or effortlessly perfect like Señorita Perfecta Isabela (who probably never had a bad hair day). She couldn't heal wounds with food like her mother or control the weather like Tía Pepa. She didn't have anything special but . . .

But what?

What do you have that makes you special.

Come to think of it, what makes you think you're special at all?

My mama said so. Mirabel tried so sound confident as she shoved down a threatening lump rising in her throat.

Oh, your mama said so. Well that just puts things into perspective, doesn't it?

The negative thoughts might have continued to bring her down, but she was distracted as the boy—Leo, was it?—nudged her foot with his. 

"Hey. You alright?"

Mirabel snapped her head in his direction, but he wasn't looking at her. She thought that maybe she had just imagined it, and looked down again, but she heard him whisper, "You don't seem alright."

Now, Mirabel knew he had whispered to her, but he didn't want to get caught talking to her, for whatever reason. It disappointed her that—once again—she was avoided by others for being the black sheep of the Madrigals, but at least he seemed to care. At least, enough to ask her if she was okay.

Mirabel swung her feet a little, then nudged his foot. "I'm fine."

(FIREWORKS EXPLODING)

ABUELA: Yes, yes, casita, we're going!

(YOUNG MIRABEL GIGGLING)

Once again a loud chorus of "aww"s filled the room when little 5-year-old Mirabel giggled as Casita helped her put her shoes on.

YOUNG MIRABEL: What do you think my Gift will be?

ABUELA: You are a wonder, Mirabel Madrigal. Whatever Gift awaits will be just as special as you.

(UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYS)

"Huh. So that's what the film's called . . ."

(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING)

Mirabel took in a sharp breath. 

Oh, no. Please, please, please don't let this movie focus on me! Oh please, oh please, oh please!

MIRABEL: (EXHALES) Make your family proud. Morning, Abuelo!

"Do you greet my portrait every morning?" Pedro asked.

"Yeah. What of it?"

"I'm . . . touched. Glad to know I'm remembered by you all."

That made Mirabel feel awkward. It was weird enough that a younger version of her abuelos were here, but to actually have a sentimental conversation with them was NOT what she had signed up for in this world.

When she scene switched to the three village kids running towards their home, Mirabel sighed in relief.

"Don't like being the center of attention, huh?"

Mirabel only flinched a little this time as she was caught off-guard. "Basically, yeah."

"I can relate."

COFFEE KID: Hey! When's the magic Gift happen?

Mirabel clenched her fists. Darn! It was centered around her!

MIRABEL: My cousin's ceremony is tonight.

"Are they talking about me?" asked Antonio.

"Yeah," Mirabel said.

KID 1: What's his Gift?

MIRABEL: We're gonna find out!

COFFEE KID: What's your Gift?

"You kids could sound a little more polite to your elders, you know," Pepa scolded. The three kids nodded sheepishly, especially Coffee Kid.

MIRABEL: Who's asking?

ALL: Us!

MIRABEL: Well, "us," I can't just talk about myself. I'm only part of the amazing Madrigals.

CHILDREN: Who's all the amazing Madrigals?

MIRABEL: Ah, you're not gonna leave me alone, are you? Casita, help me out.  Drawers!  Floors!  Doors!  Let's go!

"Oh great. A musical," someone muttered scornfully.

Mirabel didn't understand what they had against musicals. She loved music and the dancing that went with it.

This is our home 

We've got every generation

So full of music 

A rhythm of its own design

"It was you!" Camilo exclaimed, slamming his fist down on his armrest. 

Mirabel blinked. "I'm sorry?"

"You're the one who bangs on the door every morning!"

"Yeah. Someone has to wake you up."

"Camilo, sit down!" Antonio complained. "I wanna watch the movie!"

After a glare from his mother, Camilo huffed and sat down. Before the movie resumed, though, he sent his prima a glare with the "I'm watching you" sign. The girl beside him—Layla, he remembered—snorted, biting her lip hard to supress what he guessed was a smile.

This is my family 

A perfect constellation

So many stars 

And everybody gets to shine

Bruno flinched. He refused to look any of his family in the eye, knowing that they were all thinking the same thing: Not everybody . . .

Whoa

But let's be clear Abuela runs this show

Whoa

They laughed as the Madrigal grandchildren did their little dances.  

She led us here s o many years ago

Whoa

And every year o ur family blessings grow

There's just a lot y ou simply got to know so

Welcome to the family Madrigal

The home Of the family Madrigal

We're on our way

Where all the people are fantastical and  magical

I'm part of the family Madrigal

KID 1: Oh, my gosh! It's them!

KID 2: What are the Gifts?

CECELIA: I can't remember all the Gifts!

KID 1: But I don't know who is who.

MIRABEL: All right, all right, relax!

KID 1: It is physically impossible to relax!

CECELIA: Tell us everything!  What are your powers?

COFFEE KID: Just tell us what everyone can do!

MIRABEL: And that's why coffee's for grown-ups.

"Who is feeding you all this coffee?" Mirabel asked, concerned.

A couple sat next to Coffee Kid. Mirabel guessed they had to be his parents. They seemed confused, too, until the man snapped his fingers.

"So that's where all my morning coffee has been disappearing to!"

MIRABEL: (SINGING) My tía Pepa Her mood affects the weather

When she's unhappy

Well, the temperature gets weird

Mirabel glanced at her Tía, who shifted uncomfortably. Tío Félix patted her arm soothingly.

MIRABEL: My tío Bruno—

ALL: We don't talk about Bruno!

The entire Madrigal family—minus Mirabel—flinched and shrunk into themselves as the movie paused once again. The family turned to face Bruno, who cowered under his abuela's gaze. 

"Bruno—" Julieta started before being cut off by her brother.

"Nope." 

"But—"

"No."

"Let's just—"

"Nuuuuuuuu!" Bruno waved his hands at the movie, hoping it would start. It did, and he focused his gaze intently on it. He knew he was hurting his favorite sister (DON'T TELL PEPA!), but she had hurt him first. He didn't hate her—no one could hate Julieta—but he wasn't ready to forgive her or the rest of the family either.

MIRABEL: They say he saw the future 

One day he disappeared

"Wow, Mira," Camilo taunted, smirking. "Didn't they just say 'we don't talk about Bruno'?"

"Those kids wanted to know about the family, and Tío Bruno is part of the family, whether you like it or not," Mirabel said, putting her foot down.

"Why do you not talk about him?" asked Alma quietly. "Did something happen?"

She received no answer and the movie continued. She did, however, notice the entire family switching glances between Mirabel, Abuela, and Bruno.

MIRABEL: Oh and that's my mom, Julieta

Here's her deal

Whoa

The truth is she can heal you w ith a meal

Whoa

Her recipes are remedies for real

"That is a very impressive gift, mi hija," said Pedro. 

Julieta was on cloud nine as she swelled at the compliment from her father. She sat up straighter and smiled brighter.

MIRABEL: If you're impressed, imagine how I feel Mom!

Welcome to the family Madrigal

The home Of the family Madrigal

Hey, coming through!

"Mirabel, please do try to be more careful," Julieta said. "Someone could get hurt."

"If they did, then you'd get more customers," Camilo replied swiftly.

" . . . True."

MIRABEL: I know it sounds a bit fantastical and magical

But I'm part of the family Madrigal

Two guys fell in love—

AGUST Í N & FÉLIX: With family Madrigal

MIRABEL: With family Madrigal

And now they're part of

AGUST Í N & FÉLIX:  The family Madrigal

The family Madrigal

"Hey, we're mentioned in the song!" Félix cheered, leaning back to get more comfortable.

"Of course you are, why wouldn't you be?" Mirabel asked, as though it was obvious and simple. 

"Mira, Félix and I only married into the Madrigal family," Agustín tried to explain. "We technically aren't Madrigals."

"Family is more than just blood." Surprisingly, it wasn't Mirabel who said that, but Leo. It was the only thing he'd said out loud to address the crowd. "I know that personally."

Despite the fact that Leo was addressing the entire crowd, he didn't look up from his feet. His voice carried with effortless authority, like this came naturally to him. The silence continued until the movie started again. 

MIRABEL: See yeah, Tío Félix married Pepa

And my dad married Julieta

That's how Abuela became

An abuela Madrigal

MADRIGALS: Abuela Madrigal!

MIRABEL: Let's go, let's go!

ABUELA: We swear to always 

Help those around us

And earn the miracle 

That somehow found us

The town keeps growing 

The world keeps turning

But work and dedication 

Will keep the miracle burning

And each new generation 

Must keep the miracle burning

KID 1: Wait, who's the sister and who's the cousin?

CECELIA: There are so many people!

COFFEE KID: How do you keep them all straight?

MIRABEL: Okay, okay, okay.

So many kids in our house

"Hold on, how many grandchildren do I have?" Pedro asked. All the grandchildren raised their hands. "Wow . . . I feel old."

Scattered laughter ensued from the room.

MIRABEL: So, let's turn the sound up

You know why? 

I think it's time for a Grandkid Round-up!

ALL: Grandkid Round-up

Cousin Dolores can hear a pin drop

"Is there a limit to your hearing?" Layla asked. "Would you be able to hear things outside of your village?"

"No, I wouldn't. I guess my hearing range does have a limit."

"Interesting," she muttered.

Camilo shapeshifts 

"Can you shift into animals?" Layla asked.

"No." 

"Oh." Camilo didn't know why, but he felt upset when Layla seemed to look disappointed at his reply.

Antonio gets his Gift today

My older sisters

Isabela and Luisa

One strong, one graceful 

Perfect in every way

CHORUS: Isabela

MIRABEL: Grows a flower And the town goes wild

CHORUS: Isabela

MIRABEL: She's  the perfect golden child

The thoughts came back to Mirabel.

Isabela does everything better. You'll never hold a candle to her glory.

She's everyone's favorite and you know it. 

Your family probably wishes you could be like your sisters.

"Hey, don't zone out on me again," a humorous voice whispered. 

Mirabel look up. Leo was swinging his feet slightly. She didn't even notice his lips move as he said, "Nobody's perfect, you know."

"You haven't met my sister, then."

"I don't think she's perfect, though."

"Just wait. You'll see."

CHORUS: Luisa, Luisa

MIRABEL: And Luisa's super strong

The beauty and the brawn d o no wrong

ABUELA: Let's get ready!

LUISA: Coming, Abuela!

MIRABEL: That's life in the family Madrigal

CHORUS: Whoa!

MIRABEL: Now you know the family Madrigal

CHORUS: Whoa!

MIRABEL: Where all the people are fantastical a nd magical

CHORUS: Whoa!

MIRABEL: That's who we are in the family Madrigal!  Adiós!

Silence followed until applauding came from two people—Leo and Layla. 

"You have a nice voice," was all Leo said. This was the first time he'd spoken to her in a voice above a whisper. The way he said it, though, made it seem like he'd rehearsed it or something, like he didn't want to end up saying the wrong thing somehow.

His sister discreetly rolled her eyes and smiled kindly at Mirabel which, for some reason, seemed to irk Leo.

She didn't have time to question it, though, because someone else began applauding for her, too: Camilo.

"I'll admit," he remarked, "you did a pretty thorough description of the entire familia."

That was probably the most meaningful compliment she'd get from him.

MIRABEL: Oh!

KID 1: But what's your Gift?

Mirabel groaned. Everything was gonna go downhill from here.

(NOTE PLAYS)

(INSTRUMENTS PLAYING)

MIRABEL: Well, I gotta go, the life of a Madrigal

Luisa raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know you could play the accordion."

"There's a lot of things about me you don't know," Mirabel shrugged, but a sliver of spite managed to worm its way out anyways.

She couldn't help the feeling, though. Her family never took the time to pay attention to anything she could do because anyone else could play the accordion, the guitar, embroider butterflies and flowers on a dress at the age of 10.

"Did you make that yourself?" It was Leo again. He was brushing his hand on the armrest, but his index finger was discreetly pointing to her bag, which had her name stitched across it in pink, loopy letters.

Mirabel only jerked her head a little, pretending she was adjusting said bag.

"It's . . . pretty." Mirabel almost slipped and squeaked when she heard him mutter, "Like you."

She was sure she'd imagined it.

CHORUS: Whoa!

MIRABEL: But  now you all know the family Madrigal

CHORUS: Whoa!

MIRABEL: I  never meant this to get autobiographical

It was just to review the family Madrigal

Let's go!

KIDS: But what about Mirabel?

MIRABEL: It starts with Abuela

And then Tía Pepa 

She handles the weather —

KIDS: But what about Mirabel?

MIRABEL: My  mom Julieta can make you feel better

With just one arepa!

KIDS: But what about Mirabel?

MIRABEL:  My dad Agustín

Well he's accident-prone but he means well —

KIDS: But what about Mirabel?

MIRABEL: Hey  you said you wanna know what everyone does

I got sisters and cousins and—

KIDS: Mirabel!

MIRABEL: My primo Camilo won't stop until he makes you smile today

(CHILDREN CONTINUE REPEATING)

MIRABEL: My  cousin Dolores can hear 

This whole chorus a mile away

Look It's Mr. Mariano!

Hey, you can marry my sister if you wanna

Between you and me, she's kind of a prima donna

Oh, I've said too much and thank you

But I really gotta go!

"You kids really need to learn not to violate a person's privacy," Pedro scolded lightly. He didn't like to be the mean one but there was a difference between being a fun-killer and putting your foot down. "You shouldn't force her to tell you, especially when my nieta was kind enough to tell you about the Madrigals."

The children bowed their heads, chorusing, "We're sorry."

They seemed to really mean it, but Pedro said, "It is not me that you should be apologizing to."

"Sorry Mirabel."

She gave them a tight-lipped smile. "It's alright. You were just curious."

MIRABEL: My  family's amazing —

KIDS: Mirabel!

MIRABEL: And  I'm in my family —

KIDS: Mirabel!

MIRABEL:  Well—AAAHH!

(MIRABEL SCREAMS)

(MUSIC ENDS ABRUPTLY)

LEO: Whatever you do, don't scream.

"Hermano, you aren't exactly reassuring her my clamping your hand over her mouth and looking like a creepy black market salesman in those clothes."

"Shut up, Layla." She had a point, though Leo would never admit it to her face. He was wearing black robes that had a faint touch or orange, but that had been washed off long ago. The robes had a heavy hood what cast a dark shadow over his face, concealing it and only showing his mouth as he spoke.

MIRABEL: Okay.

"Really? You just met me and you automatically do as I say?"

"I mean . . . you did save me from a very embarrassing moment."

"True. Still."

LEO: I think they're gone. 

MIRABEL: Are you sure?

LEO: I believe that is your cousin pretending to be you over there? The shape-shifter one.

MIRABEL: Why is Camilo—?

LAYLA: I told him to.

MIRABEL: AHH! Another one!

LEO: You should probably get back to your house, Mirabel.

MIRABEL: How do you know my name?

LEO: It's not like those kids screamed your name, like, five times.

MIRABEL: Oh. Heh. Right.

LAYLA: Don't mind my brother. He can be a bit of a stick-in-the-mud. We know a shortcut to your house. We can take you there, just in case the kids might find us again.

MIRABEL: Uh, I don't think I've seen you guys around here before.

LAYLA: Oh, we're new to Encanto.

MIRABEL: Oh, in that case, welcome to Encanto! I hope you and your parents enjoy your stay here!

LAYLA: Oh, no . . .

LEO: Every single time! Why?!

"Why are you being so mean to me?" Mirabel asked. Leo didn't reply.

MIRABEL: Um . . . was it something I said?

LAYLA: Oh, no. It wasn't your fault —

"The hell it wasn't."

"LEO! There are children here!" Layla shouted, covering little Antonio's ears.

"Eh, it's okay. I've heard Camilo say worse," Antonio said, removing her hands from his ears.

Pepa started thundering. "CAMILO!"

". . . Crap."

LEO: What my sister is trying to say is that our parents are dead. We're orphans.

The mood in the theater dropped as quickly as a stone dropped into a well, sending a reverse ripple of pitying looks towards the twins, who seemed to not notice. Apparently, they'd found a sudden interest in the floor. 

MIRABEL: Oh . . .

LEO: Yeah. Oh. There's not really anything you could say right now. 

LAYLA: Um . . . let's get a move on!

"Woah, how did we never find that?" Camilo asked with wide eyes. The rest of the Madrigals had wide eyes and unhinged jaws as well.

LAYLA: Well, here we are. 

MIRABEL: Listen, about what I said, I didn't mean to —

LEO: It's fine. You didn't mean to. I get it.

MIRABEL: Still, why don't you come in and have something to eat? My mama is a great cook.

LEO: We —

TOWNSPERSON: Mirabel! Delivery! I gave you the special since you're the only Madrigal kid with no Gift. I call it the "Not Special Special" since, uh, you have no Gift.

"Could you have made it any more obvious that she didn't have a Gift?" Leo arched an eyebrow questioningly.

The man in question sheepishly rubbed his head. He didn't apologize, though, and avoided eye contact with Leo, Layla, and all the Madrigals.

MIRABEL: Thanks.

TOWNSPERSON: Oh, and tell Antonio good luck. The last Gift ceremony was a bummer. Last one being yours that did not work.

"Ouch," commented Camilo. "That's gotta hurt."

MIRABEL: Uh-huh.

LAYLA: Wow. Just wow. If I were you, I would be really upset right now.

MIRABEL: Well, my friend, I am not. Because the truth is, Gift or no Gift, I am just as special as the rest of my family.

ISABELA: Who wants more pink?

LUISA: All right, guys, where do I drop the wagon?

LEO: Tell that to them.

PEPA: I made a rainbow!

"Yay, Mami!" Antonio giggled, throwing his arms in the air and cutting through the tension of the moment. 

Félix noticed this and took advantage of the moment to grab Antonio and toss him in the air before catching him. Antonio shrieked and squealed with delight.

"Félix! Be careful!" Pepa shouted.

"I'm always careful, Pepi! I haven't dropped a child yet!" her husband replied cheerily.

It was then that Alma noticed Pedro's grin as he eyed his children with a dangerous glint in his eyes. She barely had time to say "Pedro, don't you dare!" before the man grabbed one of the triplets—Pepa, she guessed—and threw the little infant up. 

Baby Pepa squealed, waving her little fists in the air not unlike in the way Antonio did. One by one, the Madrigals joined, tossing another younger member of the family in the air, or, in Luisa's case, tossing another grown-up in the air.

The only one who didn't join was Mirabel, who stood in the corner as the entire village watched the perfect Madrigal family have a family moment. She sighed because—as usual—none of the family noticed she wasn't present.

"You should join them, Mirabel," Leo said, somehow appearing right behind her. 

She jumped slightly. she doubted she'd ever get used to him sneaking up on her. He was worse than Camilo!

"Nah," she frowned. She could feel the negative thoughts swirling in her mind again. "They won't even notice I'm gone. Besides, I always get in the way and—"

"MIRABEL! GET OVER HERE!" 

Mirabel froze mid-sentence. Her abuelo Pedro was smiling at her. He had noticed. Noticed that she was feeling left out.

"COME HERE, MI NIETA!" he yelled over the cheers.

"Go, Mirabel!" Layla encouraged, making a shooing motion.

"Yeah, what are you waiting for?" Leo added, copying his sister's motions.

"AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS, TOO!"

"Wait, what?"

Mirabel grinned. "As you wish, Abuelo."

And so, she dragged a struggling Layla and Leo to the chaos.