Chapter 3: Familia Madrigal

{9 Years later}

(17 yrs old) Brianna's POV

    I woked up at the knocks from my door, It was Mirabel as always. I got up fixing my bed then walking towards the little fountain in my room and scooped some water as it turned into an ice hairbrush as I fixed my hair tying it into a long braid before changing my clothes, I wore a white dress but the ends are fading until it is a dark shade of blue, There are patterns of snow flakes all over the dress which describes my gift. I smiled at myself in my mirror and put on my cloak.

   I got my hot cocoa in the kitchen Drinking it fast as I have chores to do at the village/town. "Morning Dolores" I greeted my sister as we walk to the village. Mirabel singing about our family as I chuckled, she was entertaining the kids in the village.

   "Morning Bri, Got chores too?" Dolores greeted me back with a question after as I nodded, I looked at my hands.

   "OMG! I forgot my protective gloves in my-.." before I could finish, Dolores took out a pair of my gloves with a smile then a chuckle as I grabbed it putting it on. "Your a lifesaver sis" I linked our arms as she laughed, I jumped as someone put their arm around my shoulders, I was shock to see Theodore Deguzman smirking down at me as I raised an eyebrow and I looked at Dolores as I broke our linked arms then pushed Theodore off me as I rolled my eyes. Dolores skipped off to her chores.

   "Camilo stop the act, I KNOW it's you again" I said with a smirk as he shifted back to his real face. "I knew it" I pinched his ear"You do that again and I will tell Mami" I said sternly.

   "Alright alright! Jezz your no fun Bri" Camilo said mostly whined. Grinning, I let go of his ear.

   "If I do 'fun' I would get in trouble for it so scotch and do your chores" He just nodded and walked off to help a mother take a rest as he shifted into her as I went to do my chores. Which is making new clothes and things for the villagers to use for everyday. My gift is not just about snow and Ice, I can make things that is made out of ice, But turns into leather, wood or anything that I could think of. This one time I managed to do twenty bricks to add for the building of a new house. Isn't my gift cool? HAHAH cool~

   "Thank you Brianna!" A villager lady thanked me for the new clothes I made them as I smiled. "Your welcome" I said simply walking to a group of kids as they were clearly bored as I thinked of something to entertain them, I took off my gloves again and made it snow at their space, They all laughed and giggled running in and out the snow space as I chuckled walking towards Casita as I finished my chores for today, And today is a special day once again! It's my little brother Antonio's gifting ceremony! Another madrigal who will receive their gift. I was walking around Casita making streamers hanging them up but then I hear Abuella yell out the door "Mirabel!" I looked at her then out the door I see a group of kids around Mirabel "what are you doing?" Abuella questioned with a confused face. Before Mirabel could answer, One girl yelled out "SHE'S ABOUT TO TELL US ABOUT HER SUPER AWESOME GIIIIIFFFTTT" I felt bad for Mirabel.

   "Oh Mirabel didn't get one, Hm" Dolores peeked out the door before walking off, I see Abuella shake her head disappointed as she walked away too. Mirabel was still talking to the kids looking at the Casita. I continued making streamers. "Who wants more streamers?" I asked as many of the madrigal said different kind of things too.

"Who wants more pink?"

"Ohhh look I made a rainboooww!"

"Let's get cooking"

"Camilo we need another Jose"

"JOOOSSEEE"

   I chuckled then continued my job "Nice look Casita as always" I talked to the house as she waved two tiles and I chuckled, Looking at Antonio's shining door, I still remember my time to shine, And I got this amazing gift. Speaking of Antonio, Where is he? I thinked but my brainstorm was interrupted by Mami making a wind tornado ruining somde decorations, The flowers and the streamers. "Pepi the flowers, the flowers!" Papi exclaimed as Isabella came out from her room, Beautiful as ever, The most perfect madrigal. She came down with her viens turning into a see-saw, she put more flowers than before, At the end she gave Mami a bouquet of flowers which Mami gladly took with a thank you. "Ohh it's nothing" Isabella replied as she flipped her hair like mine, silk and soft but mine is a different color. Before I knew it she hit Mirabel with her hair making her scoff and roll her eyes, They talked a bit, I'm sure those are insults or other bad talks they always have.

   I flinched when Mirabel hit a wall with a box full of party things. I walked over to her and helped her pick up the things "are you okay Mirabel?" I asked her putting a hand on her shoulder. She smiled and nodded carrying the heavy box, I thought of carrying it for her but she says she can do it.

   "Don't worry Brianna, I'm okay, It's the least I could do since I don't have any gift to help at anything" Mirabel said smilling standing up and she was about to head to the kitchen when I stopped her.

   "Mirabel" I sighed putting both my hands on her shoulders "it doesn't matter if you have a gift or not, What matters is your, you. And your special in your own way" I tucked her hair behind her ears and fixed her glasses. "Your still my favorite cousin" I whispered and we both laughed.

   "Thank you Prima Brianna, I would put this in the kitchen, See you later" Mirabel smiled one last time before grunting from the weight of the box walking to the kitchen. I chuckled and finished the streamers and walked in the room.

   I heard a thunder from outside, Mami must be upset again, i thought to myself.I shrugged it off then walked to my mirror, I looked at my reflection then at my gloves, I took my gloves off setting it down on my bed. I made it snow around my room feeling the cold surround me. It felt nice, I'm so used to my cold room. Everytime I leave my room it suddenly feels hot for me since it's so cold in my room, This temperature is the normal feeling I like, and whenever people from the village touch my skin they jump of how cold I am, Well it's not my fault that even from the inside I'm freezing cold.

    I heard a knock from my door "it's open" I called out and grabbed my gloves putting them on. Dolores peeked in my room "Oh hey Lore" I walked closer to her.

    "It's time, Let's go" She said as I nodded following her outside then closing my door. "Your room is so cold, I could get a fever" Dolores said rubbing her arms to heat herself. I sent her an awkward smile.

    "Sorry, I just like to have my room at a cold temperature" I said shrugging as we walked down the stairs and we were at the entrance of Casita the original red curtains covering our space, Mami, Papi and Camilo are already there, we waited for Antonio for a few minutes before he came with Mirabel. Mami was close to crying "Oh look at you, all grown up" A cloud formed on top of her head, Papi shooed the cloud away and gently pulled Mami to him "Pepi you'll get him wet" Papi said to calm Mami down, Camilo who is beside me jumped forward shifting into Papi but at Antonio's height "make your papa proud" Camilo squezzed Antonio's face as I chuckled.

    "I don't sound like that" Papi made a face at Camilo as he copied him. Camilo copied what he said too but a little more dramatic.

   Dolores interrupted them "Abuella says it's time" She said like a whisper.

   "We'll be waiting by your door" Mami said as they walked off, But before they all could go out the curtain Cilo made his last joke "Okay okay, Come come come" still at Papi's form. Papi reached for him carrying him out. I kneeled at Antonio's level "Okay tonito this is the day of getting your gift, And I know it will be the best! So don't be scared okay? But it's alright if you are, I was scared when It was my gifting day" I smiled at my little brother as he nodded and I kissed his forehead, I looked up at Mirabel with a small smile "And remember, I love you for you, No matter what" I added looking back at Antonion before standing up and walking to Dolores' side at the end of the stairs.

   Me and Dolores held hands hoping for the best for Antonio's gifting. We watched as the curtains opened and the tiles flipped, more like waved. Revealing Antonio as I smiled at him, He looked nervous he just stood there, Casita even moved two tiles under he's feet signalling him to walk but instead he looked to his side, and held out a hand, Dolores looked at me "he's talking to someone, It sounds like Mirabel. She said 'I can't' then Antonio said 'I need you' to her" Dolores spoke as I see Mirabel came out behind the wall and held Antonio's hand " Mirabel is talking 'Come one Antonio, Let's get you to your door' Aw their so cute" Dolores whispered to me as I nodded agreeing, Antonio had been really close to Mirabel since he always slept at her room, Since it's the nursery and all. He is so used to having Mirabel by his side to talk to. Like Dolores and I, We bond like that, sometimes I go to her room whenever I feel something was wrong with me and she always finds a way to comfort me.

   I smiled at Dolores at the thought of her always by my side, She is such a great sister since the moment I opened my eyes. She's the person who understands me the most than anybody else, She knows my secrets, My weakness and my hopes and dreams. She's my everything. If there is a medal for best sister of the year, Then she would get loads. I didn't notice I was smilling with teary eyes at Dolores before she wiped my tears "What's wrong sis?" She asked me clearly worried, Mirabel and Antonio was now walking up the stairs. I shook my head and linked our arms.

    "Nothing important Lore" I turned my attention to Antonio walking towards the candle and Abuella. Mirabel stood at the side. Antonio held the candle, looking up at Abuella who is smilling. She moved away a bit for Antonio to reach his door. I couldn't see what Antonio's facial expressions are but I noticed he took a deep breath and touched the door knob, Everything and Everyone was quiet. The door shined bright gold! Revealing Antonio's face and name above, He was surrounded by animals in the picture. A bird flew on his shoulder which moved to his arm. The bird kind of made a sound looking directly at Antonio "yeah? Sure they can come!" Antonio Exclaimed happily as the bird squaked loudly which made many animals come in Casita. Birds flying and many other animals coming in from the door. I couldn't believe my eyes on the sight we are seeing there are so many animals!

    "We have a new gift!" Abuella said loud for everyone to hear as fireworks flew up and everybody cheering happily. Camilo cheered so loud and the fireworks are so close that Dolores covered her ears but still smilling. I smiled and clapped for Antonio as he opened the door to his room and we all walked in.

   "ITS BIGGER IN THE INSIDE?!" I heard a kid yell surprised as I chuckled, Me and Dolores linked arms again as we looked around. I saw a tiger came in the room and helped Antonio on his back as they run jump around the house I thought he was gonna fall at the last jump, It was so high. And If Antonio fell from the Jump I swear I'm gonna cook the big damn tiger for dinner. Kidding that won't happen.

    "I'm so proud of you Antonio! A special gift for a special kid like you" Abuella praised Antonio kneeling at his level. I suddenly thought of Mirabel but Abuella announced to get a group picture as we all were pushed In the middle and a camera was ready Infront of us. "Everyone!" Abuella signalled.

   "La familia madrigal!" We all exclaimed posing as I stood with my hands infront on me, and smiled as they clicked the picture. I looked around for Mirabel but she wasn't there. I think she left... WAIT! She wasn't in the picture! Oh my god... I feel so bad to not look for her..

   I looked down thinking as they started dancing, I stood at the side as I thought of Mirabel. Dolores was having a good time to notice me so I thank God for that.

   I was so busy thinking about Mirabel that I didn't notice Theodore walk towards me, I looked at him not sure if he is the real Theodore "Camilo didn't I tell you to stop messing with me" I said with a stern look at him. The Theodore figure tilted his head to the side "so Camilo does me now? How so?" He spoke, My eyes widen as I looked behind him a bit far from us. Camilo was Dancing with Dolores, Uh-.. so this is the real Theodore...

   "Oh uh sorry.. I didn't know-" I was cut off as he laughed and smirked at me. I looked down embarrassed.

   "It's fine, Brianna" He said as he stood beside me, I don't know why but he just smell so good. Wait, What am I thinking?! Get it together Brianna.

   I didn't reply as I was too stunned to speak. He looked at me with an eyebrow raised "What's wrong Anna? You okay? You know it's really okay that you thought I was your brother-.. since he is a joker with his gift and I don't mind it" He explained trying to make me feel better as I smiled slightly.

   "Yeah thanks Theo" I turned my head to him. "But it's not about that" I added and sighed deeply. "Mirabel, I think we made her feel out of place in this family. She always tries her best but Abuella doesn't appreciates her.. And it makes my heart burn" I explained looking back down again. He thought for a second before he reached out his hand making my head look up to him, I turned red a bit. He smiled at me.

   "Hey, It's not your fault. You didn't do anything to make your Abuella not understand Mirabel. She doesn't even have a gift herself" Theodore said trying to make me laugh which worked, I chuckled.

   "She has the candle, Theo"

   "She still doesn't have a gift, and I could just blow that candle out myself if I get my chances"

   "Your an idiot if you do that" I laughed smacking his arm jokingly. He laughed too but the moment didn't last long.

   Mirabel barged in as the music stopped "The house is in danger! The house is in danger! There were so many cracks! And-.. and the candle almost went out" Mirabel yelled as Abuella reached her. I saw Isabella at the corner of my eyes as she looked at Mirabel, Angry. "Show me" Abuella said as we all went out Antonio's room to see. But-... Nothing.. there is no cracks. The candle was still burning bright. Mirabel stood in the middle of the room shock and confused looking around. Isabella crossed her arms and rolled her eyes at her sister. Did-.. Mirabel lie? No.. she won't do that. No she didn't!

   "But- there were cracks.... There were everywhere!" Mirabel protested but abuella shushed her.

   "Mirabel!.... Let us not worry the miracle is strong! And so are the greats" Abuella said smiling at us. "Please continue the music" Abuella turned to us all with her hands up with a smile as, Luisa carried the piano to Tio Agustin and he started playing. The music went back on and everyone has gone back to the party.

   The only people that is left was me, Tia Julieta and Mirabel. I jumped when I felt a hand on my shoulder, I turned around to see Theodore. I smacked his arm "You scared me"

   "Let's go back to the party" He whispered to me as I looked at Mirabel who is looking down from the embarrassment. I shook my head at Theodore.

   "Go without me, I'll catch up later, I need to talk to Mirabel" He nodded then went back in the party as I went down the stairs towards Mirabel who is having a talk with her Mama. "Mirabel can we talk for a sec?" I spoke when I reached them, Mirabel slowly nodded then Tia Julieta left us to talk.

   "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" I checked her if she have any bruises or cuts as I found a nasty cut on her left hand (tell me if I'm wrong). "How'd you get this?" I questioned her lifting her face up.

   "I got this from a piece of the roof that fell. You believe me right?" She caught me off guard. I was silent for second before she looked down again. I lifted her chin up.

   "I do believe you, Mirabel. But I don't think me believing you will make anyone believe too. Because I didn't see what happened" I said with a sad smile. She just sighed muttering "right".

    "Atleast one person believes me" Mirabel said, I couldn't think of anything else to make her feel better. "If that's all I'm going to Mama, She says I need to follow her to the kitchen." She says as she walks away. I couldn't do anything. I'm such a bad cousin.

    I went back to the party, I saw Theodore at the same spot where we had been talking, He was leaning at the wall his arms crossed while looking around, I walked towards him but someone blocked my way. Theodore's older brother Diego, He had a sly smirk on his face. I rolled my eyes at him "What do you want?" His a year older than me and Theodore, He always bugs me about him wanting me to be his wife as I always turned him down.

   He whistled "Don't be so feisty, Your pretty face is much beautiful with a Sonreír, mi amor" He grabbed my hand and kissed it as I shoot him a nasty look. Abuella walked over to us. I panicked as I pulled my hand away from Diego. But too late she saw it.

   "Brianna, Diego, I see you two have an interest with each other." Abuella spoke with a smile as Diego stood beside me, Smilling like a maniac. I felt so awkward.

   "Abuellaa, Noo. I don't-... Have an interest or anything towards Diego" I said trying to back up Abuella's thinking of us being a couple.

   Abuella chuckled "it's alright if you don't admit it Mija, Enjoy the party you two" Abuella walked away still chuckling. I groaned as Diego started talking nonsense again, About Abuella liking him to be my husband. Like as if.

   "Stop it Diego, your making Brianna feel uncomfortable with you" Theodore walked over to us slightly pushing his brother away from me as he stood beside me.

   I sighed in relief. I thought I would be stuck with his brother for the rest of the party. "Leave us alone, Theodore. Me and Brianna are just having fun, Right Brianna?" Diego laughed putting his arm around my shoulders but I just had this idea to take off the glove of my left hand and touch his arm making him feel my cold finger, It made him jump away from me holding his arm. I put on my glove again as I smiled at him innocently.

   He didn't say a word about what I did as he turned to Theodore "You ruined my fun Theodore. I would've gotten her love by now if you and your ass hadn't Interrupted us " Diego spat at Theodore as I glared at Diego but he didn't budge.

   "You are a jerk Diego. She doesn't even like you!" Theodore almost yell but good thing the sound was more loud. But two persons heard it as they came over. Diego and Theodore was about to start a fight but their eldest brother stopped them. Thank goodness.

   "Diego. Theodore. Stop this nonsense" Mariano pushed his two brother away from each other before they can start punching. "Aren't you supposed to be gentlemans today? And your fighting infront of a madrigal girl." Mariano turned to me. I smiled at him thankful for his arrival. "I'm sorry about my brothers, Brianna. I give you permission to freeze them next time their about to fight." He winked at the last sentence, I shook my head chuckling.

   "If you excuse me, I'll be escorting my  brothers. See you again next time Brianna" With that Mariano dragged Theodore and Diego by their shirts out of the room. I waved goodbye to them, When I turned around I jumped surprised that Dolores was right behind me.

   "Dolores! Hey, Uh what's up?" I tried to talk casual but it came out that I'm nervous. The heck Brianna?

   "Yeah right. Soo the three Deguzman's are falling over heels for you then? I saw and HEAR what happened" Dolores looked at me with her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.

   "What? No! Diego was just being a jerk as usual, then Theodore came to back me up. Then they started fighting. Which drawn Mariano's attention and he stopped them to make physical fighting" I explained what happened to her as she chuckled.

   "Sis, I KNOW what happened, I was just messing with you." Dolores patted my shoulder.

"Hey Dolores I have a question"

"What is it?"

"Do you still like Mariano?"

   My question caught her off guard "Shh! Your too loud. What if someone hears you?" Dolores shushed me looking around making sure no one was listening to us.

   I laughed "you do!" I exclaimed as she covered my mouth.

"Okay okay I do so keep down, I don't want Abuella to hear"

"Because she wants Isabella to marry Mariano?"

"Yes that, you know that and you still yell my crush out"

"Alright sorry"

   "Okay I forgive you" We smiled and then walked out Antonio's room as a lot already went home.

   "Wanna hang out in my room, Lore?" I looked at Dolores with a smirk.

   "No! I'll die in there, It's too cold. Anyway we have a long day tomorrow so sleep in your room for today. Tomorrow we can hang out" she hugged and bid me goodnight before we both went to our own rooms.

   I changed into my pajamas and jumped in my bed turning the light off but my ice lamp still on. I fell into a deep sleep.