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Chapter Text

     It was the night of the fifth generation of the Madrigal Family- Carlos, Camilo, Chico, and Alma's second favorite grandchild- Mirabel. Children were running around with firecrackers in their hands. Dolores, along with Pepa- her mom- helped decorate the casita with flowers while Luisa greeted the guests. People chatted, Casita cooking corn with its tiles, while Mariano stared at Isabella as she danced to entertain the crowd. Mirabel and Camilo were excited to get their gifts. They both try to guess what their gifts might be.

     "What do you think mine will be?" Camilo asked with enthusiasm, obvious in his voice, "Maybe something like mamá?"

      "That wouldn't make sense, pendejo."  Carlos smacked the back of his bed.

     "Hey! You said a bad word!" Mirabel exclaimed.

     "It's not. I just called him stupid." He said, rolling his eyes. All he wants is to get his gift and then go back to his room soon.

     Yet, amidst the excitement and impatience among the young Madrigal kids, Chico wasn't handling it well. He was nervous. It's not that receiving a gift was dreadful. After all, their Abuela always reassured them that nothing would go wrong, and she is a loving abuela. It was the audience. He never really got along well with the townfolks.

     That's just because he's shy. And apparently he was easy to target as one of the kids at town said... Except for the other triplets. Camilo always charmed the old ladies and the adults with his cute looks and kindness. Just like how their friends liked to hang around with Camilo more than with him. He was just better with people.

     Carlos, on the other hand, was the opposite. The adults didn't like him very much since they found him rude, ignorant, and too rebellious even for a kid at his age. Someone even dared to talk about how he's just like Pepa because he couldn't contain himself. When she heard about it, there was a week of brewing clouds. After that, no one else dared to speak about either him or Pepa. Even the kids would quiet down as soon as Carlos came with them.

     Still, Chico could never have that effect on people like Carlos and Camilo do. Sometimes, he wants to be like Camilo. Talking without stuttering, hanging around with the kids without feeling the need to cower behind their own sibling, and letting them do the talking. Maybe even Carlos. To be feared by kids the same age as them, to easily shut people up with his fiery mouth, and to stand high as a rebellious kid. But sometimes, he just wants a friend who would like him for just being himself.

     All of a sudden, a knock came on the door, and then opened, "They're ready for you," said Dolores.

     "Come on!" Camilo exclaimed, grabbing Mirabel's and Chico's wrists while Carlos trailed behind them.

     Their parents were waiting behind the curtains. Pepa gasp, "Oh look at you three... All dressed so cute and handsome!" She ruffled each of their hair. Carlos, in particular, didn't like it and started complaining about the mess. While the parents were prepping to them, one out of the four is a rockheaded child. Carlos. He didn't want to wear a tie. He simply thought it looked pendejo on him, which Félix laughed at while Pepa was not amused at all as a dark cloud formed above her head.

     "Amor, if he doesn't want to wear a tie, then let him be," Félix said with a calming voice so Pepa wouldn't get anyone wet.

     "Because it's a tie! El joven, you listen to me and wear this tie!"

     "No." Carlos crossed his arms as he stated firmly, turning his head away. Ignoring his mamá yelling at him.

     Dolores' ears perked as she heard it's ready from Abuela. She peeked in the curtain, "Abuela said it's time." She went back to join the crowd.

     "Right. Who wants to go first?" said Julietta.

     "Can I go first, mamá?" Mirabel said as she tugged at the hilt of her dress. Staring up at her with those bulgy eyes and pouty lips. 

     Julietta simply smiled at her daughter. She knelt to cup her small face. "Okay, baby. Me and your Papá are going to be upstairs by your door, understand?" 

     "Mhm!"

     Pepa and her family moved aside to let her sister's family go first. Camilo gave her a quick thumbs up before he was pulled away, making Mirabel chuckle. As the ceremony began, the curtains drew back to reveal the young Mirabel. The tiles flipped over to red, like a velvet carpet, that led upstairs. Mirabel fidgeted with her hands, searching in the crowd for a specific person, but couldn't.

     Soon, she noticed Abuela trying to tell her by pointing at her mouth and smiled. She nodded in understanding, curled up her lower lip, and then smiled. The townfolks all synced. They were awed by her overwhelming cuteness. She heads towards the stairs and makes her way to her potential gift.

     "Will you use your gift to call our miracle? Will you serve this community and strengthen our home?" Alma, her abuela asked.

     Mirabel nodded; she had the biggest smile plastered on her face. She looks at the candle and then to her Abuela. Mirabel turned to the door, taking small steps forward. Then it felt nerve-wracking, so she quickly wiped her hands on her dress since she didn't want to dirty the glowing knob. She grabbed the handle, and a gasp left her lips. The door glowed with the colors of marigolds.

     Not a second later, the door itself slowly fades away along with her smile that also faded away. Everyone was shocked. The young Mirabel continued to watch as her door faded and faded until it was just a plain wall in front of her. The young mind couldn't understand what was happening. What did it mean for her future? Where's her gift?

     Alma was even more stunned. She had never expected this to happen. Let alone something as confusing as her grandchild's door disappearing. That was cleared when the candle flickered. Her eyes widened, and her eyebrows shot up in realization and horror.

     She looks down at the confused child. Watching as that little hand that supposedly was touching the doorknob. Instead, it hung in the air like she accidentally freed a butterfly from her palms. Missing the beauty and the elusiveness. Everyone started to whisper to one another.

     At that moment, Mirabel looked towards her. Towards her Abuela for some answers. Yet, she turned away and spoke, “Do not worry everybody! There might be a mistake!" Alma assured. "Dolores! Get the triplets!"

     Dolores quickly moved downstairs to tell her parents that the triplets had to go now. The three grew curious about the pause in the ceremony. Camilo popped out of the change room. He noticed his brothers peeking out the curtain, "What happened? Did Mirabel get her gift?" Camilo was going to check outside the curtains, but was soon pulled to a line behind Carlos. 

     "Hey! I wanted to see!" Camilo whined.

     "No time, Camilo," Dolores fixed their looks.

     "But what happened to Mirabel?"

     "I'll tell you soon. Now, you're doing your gift ceremony fast." She fixed his hair before moving aside. "Alright... Carlos, go ahead.”

     The curtains drew back. Carlos didn't wait for tiles as he looked straight ahead. The kids cowered behind their parents in fear. He smiled slyly at the sight. He went in front of his door. Carlos's gift is Endurance. His gift makes him immune to injury and pain. Carlos's gift is; Endurance. His gift makes him immune to injury and pain.

     Camilo's turn. he was excited. Just as he was about to bolt upstairs, Alma narrowed her eyes. Halfway upstairs, he heard someone crying. He looked around and saw Mirabel in the kitchen with her mama. He wanted to comfort Mirabel but had to keep going. He did the same thing as Carlos. Camilo's gift is; Shapeshifting. He can copy anyone's looks.

     Lastly, Chico. He was taking too long to get walking. Camilo asked Alma if he could help Chico. Alma didn't allow him. Chico took a peek and saw everyone was waiting for him. Chico started to walk. He walked like a duck. The same few kids who were gossiping about Carlos started to judge Chico. Chico started to get red and tried to go a little bit faster. As they were all in front of the door, Alma asked the same questions and they touched the candle. Chico's gift is to phase into solid matter.

     They all went to Camilo's room because it was way cooler and bigger. They all partied there for now. Camilo noticed Mirabel brought a friend. He walked towards them, "Hey, Prima. Who's this?" "I'm Elonzo. Elonzo Vergara." "Do your parents own a cafe or a bakery?" "Both." "It's Carina's Bakery isn't it?" "Yep." "Where are your other brothers anyway?" "Chico is over there-" Camilo turned around to point at no one. "Huh. I don't know where Chico is... But I do know that Carlos is over there, leaning on the wall." Carlos wasn't there either. "I don't know where my brothers went." Camilo was upset and disappointed. He wanted to spend this ceremony with his family. I guess the brothers didn't want the same thing. Pepa hurriedly went to them, "Camilo, have you seen Carlos?" "No, Mamá" A cloud appeared above Pepa's head. "Mamá...A cloud is forming above your head..." Pepa stormed off.

     Carlos left Casita without telling anyone because he eventually got bored of the party. He was headed to the town center where the water fountain is. He stared at the water. He suddenly hears a running step but doesn't know where it comes from. He saw the bushes move. He got up and started walking. As he got closer, he heard someone crying. He checked behind the bushes to see a girl in a pink dress. "Mirabel? Is that you crying?" Carlos said as he tilted his head, trying to see the person's face as if it was Mirabel. The person wipes their nose on their sleeve, "No. I'm not Mirabel..." "You kind of look like my cousin but she wears glasses and a pink dress today."

     Carlos sat beside the mystery person. A moment of silence. It was awkward for Carlos since the girl was still kind of crying. "Why...Are you crying?" Carlos said with a concerned face. The girl turned his head to Carlos. "I heard my mom over the phone...She wished I didn't look like so much as a boy." The girl said. Silence settled in. Carlos didn't like the awkward silence. "So are you a boy or a girl?" Carlos asked. "I'm a girl...but whenever I look at my body in the mirror, I feel more like a boy." "Then don't look at your body in the mirror." "It's not that easy to fix." "It is the mirror's fault that makes you feel like a boy." "Too late. That look of my body is engraved into my mind. I know I have boulder shoulders. I know my ribs are too wide to be considered as a girl. I know my arms and hands are too big to be considered a girl." "Why do you care so much about how you look?" Carlos sat back on his elbow. "Because I'm stuck in this body for the rest of my life. Until when I die...my body rots away. Leaving nothing but bones." "That's disgusting..." "The body won't survive because your brain is not working. Your heart is not pumping blood. I don't think I'll have enough blood in me since I was bleeding out from being stabbed." "You talk smart." "I'm assuming you haven't read books." "Books are simply for brains. Like you."

     "I'm not."

     "Yes, you are."

     "No. I'm not."

     "Yes, you are."

     "No. I. Am. Not."

     "Yes. You. Are."

     "Where is Carlos?!" said Pepa. The cloud gets larger and larger as she gets mad. "We need him for the ending party. If he's not, Mamá will get mad at me. Then there will be a cloud, then there will be rain, then everyone is going to-" "I know where he is." Chico said Félix tilted his head meaning, "Go."

     "There's two possible places where he could be." Chico checked the nursery room. He saw Julietta was comforting Mirabel. "Sorry, Tía..." Julietta just smiled. He quickly closed the door closed the door. Chico went to Carlos's magical room. It was all dark and gloomy. Chico felt being stared at, even though there was nothing. Chico closed the door, way too quickly. A small crack appeared above Carlos's door. Chico didn't notice because of how short he was.

     Chico was getting bored. He couldn't find Carlos anywhere inside the house. He didn't want to go outside. It was creeping him out. He had an idea. He put his hand on the wall. As he slowly pushes his weight onto it, his hand disappears into the wall. He exhaled deeply. He put his whole body through the wall. His hand got stuck. He tried pulling it out but couldn't. He started to tear up. "Mam!" He started yelling. His hand started to sore.

     The bush ruffled. Chico looked closer. A small person came out. "Get away!" "Keep it down, will ya?" A boy who seemed to dress like a girl. "Valentino?" Chico thought. His hair looks majestic. "Is that you, Madrigal?" "My hand is stuck!" Valentino pulled out a lighter to see. "It's starting to become purple." "What?!" Chico took one look at his hand and started to cry again. "I'm going to lose my hand!" "How did your hand get stuck in the first place?" "I went through the wall. Now, my hand is stuck." "Can't you just pull it?" "I tried but it won't work!" "Try calming yourself down." "I don't know how!' "Just try breathing slowly okay?" Chico nodded. "Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out..." "Close your eyes. Think, happy." Chico imagined teasing Isabella about something. He chuckled. "Good. Relax your body and..." Valentino pulled out his hand from the wall. "Gracias, Valentino!" Chico wanted to hug Valentino but he pushed his face away. "Now that I help you unstuck your hand. Do me a favor and never hug me." Chico nodded. "What are you doing here alone?" "I'm trying to find my brother, Carlos." "Good luck finding him." Valentino started to walk away but Chico grabbed his wrist "Can you help me? I don't wanna get stuck and be alone." "No." "Please?" Chico did the puppy eyes. Valentino sighed. "Fine."

    "Where is Chico? He's taking too long!" Pepa said. Another cloud formed above Pepa's head.

"Mamá. I can find them." Dolores said. "Go." Dolores uses her gift to find Carlos. She heard giggling in the bushes. She went to check. It was Carlos making jokes about his brother's snoring. Mikey couldn't stop himself from laughing. His face was red. Dolores watched in awe.

"Carlos."

Carlos looked up. He made a disappointed face because he knew he was going home.

"Time to go."

"But I wanna stay."

"You can hang out with her tomorrow."

"It's he, not she. Hermana." Carlos said. Mikey smiled slightly.

"Oh, I'm very sorry umm."

"MichaelAngelo but you can call me-"

"Call him Mikey. Unless he forgives you." Carlos folds his arms as he stares at Dolores.

"Well, MichaelAneglo, I'm very sorry. It's just that you have such long hair and you're wearing a dress, which you look very pretty with."

"I forgive you." Carlos looked at Mikey with his eyebrows raised. "Seriously Mikey, you're forgiving her that fast?" "It's alright. She did say she was very sorry." "No, it is not. You're a boy. Not a girl." Dolores smiled at Carlos for defending Mikey. "Let's go home, hermano." Dolores put her hand out. Carlos stood up and swept off the grass from his butt. He grabbed Dolores's hand and they both started walking. Mikey waved goodbye but Carlos just made a silly face that one his brother would look like when they're asleep. That was Carlos's way of making Mikey laugh from now on. Dolores watched Carlos make the face. She watched in awe. Dolores bumped into Chico as they were walking into Casita. "Carlos!" Dolores was relieved that she found Chico.

     Dolores and Carlos are finally home. "Carlos!" Pepa said. She quickly hugged Carlos. She sighed as a relief Carlos was safe and okay.

     "Mamá. I made a friend!" "That's great hijo." After the party had ended, everyone went to sleep. Carlos was relieved he didn't have to sleep with his brother and suffer from their snores. Chico didn't want to be alone after his hand got stuck in the wall, so he slept in Camilo's room.

Chapter Text

 Pepa and Carina were giving birth with a couple of other mothers. Augustin was about to give the arepas to Pepa and Carina when he tripped. The hot tray flew before Carlos caught in time,

"Oh dear. Are your hands okay, Carlos?" yelled Augustin.

"It doesn't burn," Carlos replied.

"Ay Augustin. Did you forget that his gift is not feeling any pain?" Felix said.

"Oh, I forgot.." Augustin dusted his pants off. Carlos handed out the arepas to his mom, tía, and Carina.

 An hour later, Pepa gave birth to a baby boy. She was too weak to carry the baby so Félix carried Antonio. 2 minutes later, Carina gave birth to a baby boy. Julietta slowly gave the baby onto Carina's arm. Emmanuel, Carina's husband, waited outside of the room. Félix called him in. Emmanuel followed Félix to the room, and so did Elonzo and Valentino. Emmanuel saw Carina lying down on the bed. Carina showed the baby's face to Emmanuel.

"He looks adorable."

Elonzo couldn't see the baby so Emmanuel helped him get on the bed to see.

"What's his name?" Elonzo asked,

"Juancho." Carina said.

The baby looked at Elonzo. It made the grabby hand gesture. Elonzo gets closer to the baby. The baby sneezed at Elonzo's face.

"Ewww.."

Emmanuel and Carina laughed.

"He seems to like you." Carina said. Elonzo wiped the sneeze away.

"Are you excited to be the big brother you are?"

"Always."

"And what will you do when someone tries to mess with your brother?"

"I beat whoever does."

"Good job, Elonzo."

"Mahal, I don't think it's a good idea to encourage violence since he's so young."

"He'll be fine."

 Camilo and Chico raced to get to their mami. Camilo won because he shape-shifted to a tall man. He shape-shifted back to normal. Chico got tired from running. Pepa had already fallen asleep.

"Come meet your little brother." "Another brother?" Camilo curiously said. Chico stands beside Camilo. "He's so quiet." "He doesn't even snore?" Camilo turned his head to his papá. "Quiet like a mouse." "At least he doesn't snore like you." Chico poked Camilo on the head. "You snore too! Like a cerdo because of your nose-" "Niños, please tone it down. Antonio is sleeping." "His name is Antonio?" Camilo asked. "Named after your great-grandpa." "Which one though?" "My father's papá."

 Félix puts the baby in the crib. "Why is he small?" Chico whispered. He didn't want to disturb the baby since it was asleep. "Because that's the natural size of a baby when it's born." Félix said. Camilo looked closer at the baby, "He looks like you, Pa." Chico wanted to see but he was too short. He climbed on a chair and leaned to see the baby. "He looks like a baby version of you." Dolores came in carrying Carlos in her arms. "Carlos, look! The baby looks like Pa!" Camilo said. Carlos turned his head around and went back laying his head on Dolores. "Is he okay?" Chico asked. "He's just tired, Chico," Dolores replied. "Have you seen the baby, Dolores? He's like a baby version of Pa!" Chico said. "I've seen the baby. I'll go ahead and put Carlos to bed. He stayed awake by Mami's side. He wanted to be the first one to see the baby." Dolores heard Carlos's soft snores. "Bye, I'll see you at home." "Okay. Bye!"

 Antonio and Juancho had just turned one year old in May. Emmanuel and Carina got tired from Juancho crying. He cried and cried and cried until he fell asleep. "Anak, you should take a break." Catalina- Carina's nanay- said. "It's okay, nay.." "You have eyebags. I can take care of Juancho for a day." "Sure?" "Of course. Just go to sleep, anak." " One day though?" "Mhm." Carina smiles "Salamat, ma." Luciana- Elonzo's Tita- picked up Juancho and Abuela. Carina waved bye to his son. "I have no idea what to do now." "You should take a nap, mahal." "Why didn't I think of that." "Because you are too tired." "Tired being the badass mother of all time, I am. But I do need a nap. Salamat, kakapogi kong asawa." Carina quickly kisses Emmanuel on the lip before taking a nap.

 The sun started to set, and Elonzo couldn't see in his room. He went upstairs to the bedroom where he and Valentino were sharing. He gently put the candle on the table. He sat on a chair and started to draw. The lighting was off. He couldn't see what was on the paper. He moves the candle right in front of him.

 "Elonzo, it's time to pick up Juancho!" Emmanuel yelled. Elonzo quickly pushed the table away, shaking it a little too hard. The candle fell over right onto the pile of papers. Emmanuel was waiting for Elonzo outside with Valentino.

 Elonzo was still hanging out with Gabriel, who was the same age as him, while the adults chatted. Little did they know, the fire slowly spread from the twin's room to everything on the top floor. "It's time to go." "Do we have to?" Elonzo said while pouting. "Yes, we do. I'm tired already.." Juancho said. "Say goodbye to your cousins." "Bye Gabriel!" Elonzo waved to Gabriel. "Bye Elonzo! Bye Valentino!"

 As they got home, Emmanuel stopped. Elonzo bumped into him then Valentino bumps into Elonzo. "Ow..." Elonzo looks up. The top floor collapsed. "Mommy!" Juancho wanted to run to the fire for his mom, but Emmanuel held him. "Dy, mommy is in the-" "I know, I know Juancho." The fire spread through the house faster. Félix came into the scene. "Félix." "Emmanuel. What happened?" "I don't know. I left the house to pick up the kids. Carina. .." "Where is Carina?" "In the house..." "I'll get help."

 The Rosarios came in, "Don't be dramatic, Fabian. The walk wasn't even that long." "Long like your nails? Yes, it was. Painful and long." Alejandro stopped. "What's going on? Oh damn." They all saw the house of their cousin's house being burned. "Wait a minute. Where are the twins and- and Juancho?!" Josephine said- Fabian's twin. Fabian noticed Emmanuel and his kids. "Look." Fabian nudged Josephine, and he pointed to where Emmanuel and the kids were. They all rushed to Emmanuel. 

 Carlos watches what happened to Vergara's house. He got off his bed and went downstairs. Dolores covered her ears as soon as the townspeople barged in, the door slammed open. They were telling Alma about the Vergara's house burning down. Félix went to get Pepa. Carlos went to the lake that was near their house. He saw Mikey, he had a devious plan. He hid in the bushes, crouching as he tried not to make any sound. Mikey heard a ruffling noise in the bush. He turned around to look and nothing. He turned around to look back at the water. Carlos jumped from the bushes and tackled Mikey. They rolled into the lake. "Got you!" Carlos started to laugh. Carlos slid off Mikey. "What are you doing here?" "Eh, I've gotten bored being in my room. Did you see what happened to the Vergara's house?" "What happened?" "Their house burned down!" "What?" Mikey stood up, "Are they okay? Was Elonzo and Valentino inside the house?" "I saw them outside."

 Drops of rain pattered on Mikey's head. Mikey held out his hand. "Rain?" Carlos and Mikey look up. "It's only a sprinkle." The rain became heavy immediately. "Under the tree." Mikey pointed. Mikey hurriedly crouched under the tree leaves. Carlos followed. "That was close." "I bet it's mamá doing it." "What could upset her this time?" "I don't know." Carlos shrugged. "Hopefully, Elonzo's house was saved and the rest of his family are alive." "I'm sure they will. Mi mamá will save the house." "I suppose..." "Look at the clouds!" Carlos pointed. Dark clouds began to form in the sky. "That's not good..." Mikey uttered. "How so?" "The dark clouds are a sign there's a thunderstorm incoming." "And you know how?.." Carlos raised his eyebrows at Mikey. "Ugh. I read in a book..." "Aha! So you are a nerd!"

"I am not."

"You are~"

I'm not."

"Yes, you are!"

"I'm not!"

 "You are one! Admit it, Nerdy." "A nerd is simply someone who shows off knowledge about a specific subject." "But you do show off." Carlos rested on the back of his elbows. "By simply telling me stuff about what a nerd is." "Yeah, I'm telling you what a nerd is because you're that much of a dumb-" A strike of lightning came upon the two. The sound of thunder ruptured Carlos's eardrum but most of all he survived but for Mikey...Carlos looks to his side. Mikey passed out. It seemed lightning passed over his skin but caused a serious burn all over his left arm and half of his face. "Mikey? Mikey!" Carlos tried to wake Mikey. Tears ran down from his eyes. Carlos got up and ran.

 Pepa desperately tries to put the fire out with rain. The town folks try to help put the fire out. Some of them yelled at Pepa to hurry up, "I'm trying!" Pepa yelled, accidentally striking the house with thunder. Carlos ran to the town only to see fire. His eyes widen. He heard someone yelling. He searches for the yelling person. He saw Elonzo's family, cousin, and Abuela. Elonzo's abuela was yelling at his family but mostly his mom. He didn't understand why.

 He ran to his mamá. "Mami!" Carlos tugged at Pepa's dress. Pepa noticed. "Carlos?" "Mikey needs help! He got hit by lightning and he's burnt and he's passed out!" "Burnt?" "See what you did, Madrigals?! You burnt down my daughter's home. You killed her! Now you surely killed someone else too!" Tears started to form in Pepa's eyes. "I'll take it from here, hermana..." Julietta assured. "Where's Mikey?" Carlos grabbed Julietta's wrist and dragged her to the forest. 

While Carlos led the way, another lightning struck again. "Oh my..." "Tía!" Carlos was pulling on her arm. "We have to hurry, please!" Juleitta looked at Carlos, "Lead the way. 

They both arrived at the lake. Carlos searched for the tree where he and Mikey went for shelter. But Mikey's dad and mom already arrived. His "Ikang putang-ina. You left my daughter to die?!" "I didn't left him! I went to get help!" "You damn liar." "Mrs. Salvador-" "Don't you even fucking Mrs. me." "Mahal, wag kang mag muda sainda." "Humalo ka." "Mrs. Salvador, let me help your daughter." "It's not daughter. It's son." Carlos mumbled. "Like you even help the Vergara's house." Carlos felt Julietta tense. "I saw the house. All I know...Carina's dead. And it's because your sister was not much of a help. She only helped the fire spread out and chaos." "I can assure you that my sister tried." "I'm sure she didn't. So don't expect me to get from you or your shit family." "My family isn't shit! You are!" Julietta gasped. "You can't even be a loving, caring mother to Mikey! Your son!" Mrs. Salvador was shocked to hear. "You little brat. You're just like your mother. Murdering your own friend. Leaving them to die." She turned and walked away. But oh boy. Carlos wasn't finished with her.

 Carlos let go of Julietta's hand and grabbed a rough edge rock. "Carlos!" Before Mrs. Salvador can save her big ass head, the rock hit her. "You little shit!" Mrs. Salvador gave Mikey to her husband. Before Mrs. Salvador could even get to Carlos, Isabella was already there. Her vines held Mrs. Salvador in her spot. Dolores came too. Carlos was clenching his fist. Dolores held Carlos on both his shoulders. "Gracias, girls." "You know what! I'm never letting you be friends with my child ever again!" Dolores goes in front of Carlos, she crouches down so they can see eye to eye "Carlos. Let's go home." "But Mikey-" "I know but If you are still here. Mikey won't be able to hang out with you or be friends with you anymore." Carlos stared at Mikey's mom. He was about to run towards her and punch her in the face multiple times. "Please, Carlos." Carlos started to tear up. He pushed Dolores away and ran home. "Prima." Isabella let go of Mikey's mom as she rushed to Dolores. She helped Dolores get up. "Your lucky that boy didn't get smacked." The Salvador's walked away. "Who were they, mami?" "Suppose Carlos's friend's mother." Julietta sighs. "How is your mami, Dolores?" "Abuela is yelling at her." "Oh no. Come on, we need to go home."

 As the three arrived home, shouts were coming from Pepa's room. "You two go to bed." Isabella nodded. The two went upstairs. "You'll be fine without me?" "I'll be fine, Isa." "I feel bad about you. Tonight was noisy and the rest of it." "I'm sure, I'll be fine. I might be able to block the hearing tonight if I can." Isabella laughed. "Oh sorry, was that loud?" "It's okay, Isa." "Okay. Goodnight." "Goodnight to you too Isa." Isabella went to her room. 'Now to check on Carlos.'

 Carlos wipes his eyes. A soft knock comes on to his door. He tried to be quiet with his walks. "Hey hermano." "Why are you here? Am I in trouble?" "No. I wanna know if you are okay." "I'm fine." "You don't seem fine. Your eyes are red." "Okay yeah, I cried so what?" "Do you wanna talk about it?" "No..." Carlos looks down on Dolores's dress. "I'm sorry for pushing you..." Carlos started to tear up. Dolores crouched down. She held Carlos's cheek. "I forgive you." "Why should you? I pushed you and now your dress is dirty." "The reason why I forgive you is because you were angry at whoever that woman was and it wasn't towards me. Besides I don't care if my dress is dirty, I can clean it." "You're not mad?" "Never. Will I be mad at you, Carlito." "Don't call me that, only Mikey does. But...I guess you do have an exception." "Gracias, hermano." Carlos yawns. "I'm gonna let you go ahead and sleep. Goodnight, Carlos." "Night."

~~~~~~

 Sunday morning and Julietta is making arepas to keep the kids away from the actual breakfast. "Mami! Camilo keeps stealing all the arepas!" Isabella shouted. "Camilo share some arepas with your primas, please." "Fine..." Camilo spit it all out the arepa he ate on the plate. "Ewww. I am not eating that." "Everyone to the table. Lets go lets go." Abuela says. "First, an announcement." "There's always an announcement whenever we eat," Carlos whispers to Chico. "If she's gonna have an announcement, at least do it after we all eat." Dolores hits Carlos on his side. "Ow!" "Carlos, are you having a hard time paying attention." "No, Abuela..." "As I was saying, the town needs a fix, and they need help from us, the Madrigals. Luisa, as usual, the church needs moving. Isabella, help the town to be pretty. Pepa, the farmers need sunlight for the crops that they're growing today. I suggest that you keep being...calm." "Of course, mamá." "Okay, our community is counting on us. La Familia Madrigal." "La Familia Madrigal." Everyone repeated after Alma. "Hey, Carlos." Camilo turned his head but Carlos was nowhere beside him. "Where did he go?"

 Carlos wandered around the town, looking for Mikey. He walked towards him. He was so close. So close when he saw his mom. Carlos hid behind a building. He barely could even hear what they were talking about. Mikey's mom had left. Carlos gets out of hiding and walks towards Mikey.

 "If I even caught you hanging out with that Madrigal, we are leaving. You got that?" "Yes, nay." "Good." Mikey sighed in a relief as soon as his mom left. "Mikey!" 'Crap.' Mikey walked away. "Oye!" Carlos chased after him. "Why did you walk away from me?" Mikey doesn't say anything. "Hello? Can you not hear me?" "I'm not allowed to talk to you." "What? I couldn't hear you. Does it hurt because of the lightning?" Mikey side looks at him.

"I'm sorry..." "You don't have to. After all, you left me to die." "It's all misunderstanding. I didn't leave you to die. I just went to get help. Your m-" "My mother helped me before you could. So please don't talk to me. I'm not allowed to." "Is it because of your madre? Or you just don't want to talk to me? Your so-called mamá lied to you. She doesn't even love you." "Not true. Not anymore. She healed my scars from the lightning before your tía could do." "Listen-" Carlos grabbed Mikey's forearm. Mikey quickly took it away from him. Mikey backs away. "What...No. No. My mom said I was healed. I won't feel the pain anymore. She- she lied?!" The pain started to go off again. Mikey held his forearm. "It hurts...But how? It didn't hurt this morning unless..." Mikey looked at Carlos. "You touch me." "Mikey, no. That's not how healing works-" "Shut it. Mom wasn't just telling me not to hang out with you because of what you did. It's because what's gonna happen to me!" "Mikey, listen, please. There might be something wrong with the healing. I'll help you this time. With my Tía Julietta help." Carlos comes closer. "Back off!" Mikey pushed Carlos to the ground. Mikey walked away with pain still in his forearm.

 Carlos went home with tears in his eyes. He goes upstairs to his room and shuts his door close. Someone knocked on his door. "Go away..." "Carlos? It's me, Camilo. Are you okay? I saw your eyes swelled up with tears when you entered." "Leave me alone..." "Are you sure? We can talk about it if you want?" "I said...leave me alone! Please..."

 At midnight, the Rosario family was outside Elonzo's house. They all said goodbye to each other. Gabriel hugged Elonzo and Valentino for the last time. Fabian and Josephine joined to hug with them. Luciana kissed Juancho on the forehead as a goodbye. Alejandro and Emmanuel said goodbye to each other as well. Emmanuel shook hands with Catalina.

 Then the Salvador Family arrived. They have come to join with the Rosarios to leave the town. Mikey and Valentino and Elonzo hugged together. "What about Carlos? Had you said goodbye to him yet?" Elonzo whispered to Mikey when the adults were busy talking to each other. "My mom wouldn't let me after what had happened the other night. Besides, I pushed him this afternoon..." "Why?" "My forearm started to hurt. I thought when he touched me, the pain would go off again." "But I thought it didn't hurt anymore?" "I thought that too." "Mikey, let's go." "Goodbye, you two." "Bye, Mikey," "Goodbye..." The family had separate carriages. Mikey gets on the carriage. He waves bye to the two as the carriage goes. He noticed something from afar. Carlos. Carlos was watching the whole time in the window. Mikey could only stare at him as he was too far away to even wave goodbye to Carlos.

Chapter Text

 Chico dropped the box inside the kitchen. "How come I carry these heavy boxes when your gift is enduring pain?" Chico stretched his back. "My gift is enduring pain. Like this." Carlos punched him hard on the shoulder. "And if you do so did anything to hurt me, I won't feel anything. Because that, hermano, is my gift." Carlos flicked his fingers on Chico's head and walked away. Chico rubbed his forehead. Julietta came in as she put on her apron. "Ah, thank you, Chico, for carrying in the boxes." "You're welcome, Tía. It wasn't all too much." Julietta turned her head. "Didn't your hermano help carry those boxes too?" said Julietta as she rested her hand on the counter, the other on her hip. "Yeah, but I did most of the carrying though!" She turns around to wash her hands. "I appreciate that you carry these boxes. You can take a break from now. Dinner starts in an hour." "Thank you, Tía!" Chico went outside. 'What to do...'

 Chico wandered around town. He went inside a store. "Chico? Is that you? Hah! I didn't notice you come in since you kept hiding in the walls nowadays, ay? You won't be able to get a girl if you do or else you'll be lonely!" "Hahaha..." "So what you here for?" "I'm searching for something." "You shouldn't be searching in this store. I'd think you better off searching outside for a girl at least." The cashier slapped his knee as he laughed hard. Chico looked through aisles of paint. "Oi! Get off my windows you mocosos!" Chico stuck out his head. A group of kids, what seemed like ten-year-olds, was throwing balloon dips. One of them threw a rock at the window, using a slingshot, making a hole in the window. "You little-" "I got it, Mr. Hefty." The kids ran. Once Chico got out of the store, the kids already turned around a corner. "Wait, Mr. Hefty. I gotta borrow one thing."

 Chico looks for the group of kids throughout town. He then saw Dolores. "Dolores," Chico whispered. Dolores waved. "Have you possibly seen or heard a bunch of ten-year-old kids running around with balloons, have you?" Dolores pointed over to an alley between a bakery and a flower shop. "Thanks." He walks behind the flower shop while he puts on the mask he borrowed from Mr. Hefty. Dolores had a confused look when she saw Chico do so.

 Chico goes in the wall. He side shuffled so his body parts weren't sticking out. He saw the kids scribbling on the wall. He grabbed the marker from the kid. "My marker!" Chico drew a portrait of himself wearing the mask. The kids started to be scared. Chico suddenly popped out of the wall, being twisted and all. The kids ran away and screamed. Chico laughed. He gets out of the wall. "That was easy." He dusted off his pants. He saw a majestic, braided hair. He got curious. He moved out to the road and searched where the person had gone. He saw the person, whoever had that hair, go around a corner. The corner was headed to Carina's Bakery. Where the Vergara family are. It was too risky. There might be a chance one of the Vergara's family saw him, but if he didn't. He won't be able to see the person with that beautiful hair and maybe have that person as his girlfriend and rub it on Mr. Hefty's face. He decided to follow while he was behind the building.

 He checked around to see if anyone was watching then got behind Carina's Bakery. He looked for the braided, long hair in the crowd. "Ahem." Chico panicked, causing him to fall on his bum. A crater of eggs fell on his head. Chico lifts the crater off his head, only to see Valentino in front of him. He noticed Valentino's hair was long, basic braided, and silk. He realized it was him. Chico abruptly stood up, the crater fell in front of him. He lifts the crater off his head. Chico was so stunned by how much Valentino had grown so beautifully that he didn't even hear what he said. "Hello? Hello..?" Valentino whispered-yell. Chico finally snaps out of it. "What are you doing behind my family's bakery?" "I was...doing...something?" Valentino put down the crater that he'd been holding. "So how are your family doing? Specifically you." "You sure you're not here to stalk my family?" "No no no. That...would be creepy. I just wanna ask how's it been since after the... Never mind that. As I was saying-" "I don't mind." "What?" "The incident doesn't bother me much." Valentino starts to rearrange the empty crates and the ones that spilled over. "Wait wait wait. The incident doesn't bother you? Like at all?" "Nope." "How come?" "I guess I moved on. Too early." "What about your family?" "Only mi Abuela, primos, and prima. Especially my papá." Valentino finishes rearranging the crates.

 "My question still stands. What were you doing behind here?" Valentino turns to Chico. "I was searching for someone, preferably someone with long and braided hair...That's all." "And who would that person be?" Valentino smiled. Chico felt his face heat up. Chico scoffs. "How am I supposed to know? I didn't get to see for myself who it is." He folded his arms. "Is the person with long, braided hair and wearing a dress, and going around the corner, where my family's bakery is?" Valentino asked with a smile. "Yeah? How did you know?" Valentino raised his eyebrows at Chico. Chico's eyes widen when he realizes. "You?! Well I mean- I didn't know it was you...But I was not stalking at all-" Valentino covered Chico's mouth. "Shhh. Tone it down, will you?" "Valentino? Is there a problem back there?" "No, Elonzo." "Okay!" Valentino takes off his hand from Chico's mouth.

 "Your hand is soft..." Valentino had picked a crater full of flour sacks. "Goodbye, Chico." "Wait- Umm. Can I see you again? I mean- Do you want to hang out?" Chico nervously said. "Chico, you do know we can't hang out. Because my family hates your family. Plus, you'd be the one in trouble." Chico scoffed and rolled his eyes. "We both talked to each other fifteen or ten minutes ago and we didn't even get caught." "Almost. We almost got caught." "We wouldn't got caught at all if you hadn't lied to...who was it?" "Elonzo. My twin brother." "Yeah. Him. I just really wanna see you again. Please?" Valentino once smiled again. "Alright, pleaser, if you are not too busy tomorrow, we can meet at the flower shop." "Really?" Chico said with a big smile. "You can hide in the walls while you wait for me. I got a shit ton of to do at the store." "Oi, you can't say that word!" "Meh. My family swears all the time. Just not in front of my little brother." "Valentino! What's taking so long ughhh." "I'm coming! I'll see you soon, tomato." Valentino smiled before entering the bakery. Chico didn't even realize what he said.

~~~~~~

 Valentino set up the plants outside the store for customers to see. He comes inside to check the clock. "Twelve-thirty." Valentino picked up his slouch bag and headed outside. He looked around before going around the back. "You can come out now." Chico pops out of the wall, almost tripping on a rock. "I can't believe you are risking yourself to get into trouble." "I can't believe you agreed to hang out~" Chico leaned on a wall. "We better hurry up. I got twenty-eight minutes left of break." "We should go then." "Wait." Valentino puts on a cloak. Valentino kept his head down as Chico led him to the sidewalk.

 "I've been thinking...Why don't you come off as much aggressive as your family and the others?" "I know it's not your mamá's fault neither your family's. It was an accident done by someone else." "Someone else? Wait who-" "Ah Chico! Is this your novia?" Mr. Hefty nudged Chico's shoulder. Chico rolled his eyes. "No, Mr. Hefty. Just someone." "Oh. Too bad you're magic ain't working anymore. Ha!" Mr. Hefty slapped Chico's back too hard, making him fall forward. Luckily he caught himself. "Says to the person who didn't even have a wife..." Chico whispered to himself as he dusted himself off. "I'll see you around, Chico. And..." Mr. Hefty gestured for Chico to listen closely, "You better gatekeep that girl, or else someone else might take her away because of her beauty." "Mr. Hefty. Mi amigo here. He's a boy. Not a girl." "Oh. He kind of looks like a-" "Alright! We have to go." Chico grabbed Valentino's wrist and dragged Valentino away.

 Chico lets go of Valentino's hand once they have gone far away from Mr. Hefty. "I am very sorry that he mistook you for a girl," Chico said. "It's all fine. After all, someone once thought I was a girl with long, braided hair and how I looked beautiful in that dress." Valentino fixes to put on his cloak. "Hey. I didn't know it was you. I haven't seen you since the incident happened." "Accidents happen." "So...What...Do you wanna do?" "Hm. Let's go into the forest."

"The forest...?"

"Mhm."

"The forest."

"Yes. That's what you said that already."

 "The forest where we can get lost because we have no sense of direction whatsoever." Chico folds his arm. "I've been in there a lot so I know the way back." "But I thought you were on your break? Besides we don't have a lot of time to explore the forest." "Then we make it worth it." Valentino had begun to walk into the forest. "Are you coming or not?" Valentino shouts. "I'm coming!" Chico ran to catch up.

 The silence was perfect for the walk. The way they could hear the winds blowing on the trees, leaves rustling, and most of all...the Sun. Valentino mostly led the way while Chico followed behind. Chico kept worrying about "What time is it?" or "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" but Valentino constantly reassured him. With a small smile. "I'll tell you when we're going back, however...let's relax for a moment." Valentino laid his back on a rock. He closed his eyes as he took in the fresh air. Valentino pats beside as a gesture for Chico to sit beside him. Valentino seemed more relaxed than Chico not being able to focus on relaxing.

 "When did you realize?" "Realize what." "That...it wasn't mi Mamá's fault?" Valentino sat up to face Chico. "Honestly, I'm not sure." "Not sure?" "I mean I don't know." "I'll tell ya." Chico tells all about what happened during the fire. While he does, Valentino lays back on the stone. He closes his eyes as he takes in the sunlight.

 "Valentino." Valentino takes a deep breath before sighing. "Yeah?" "What time is it?" Valentino looked for his pocket watch in his slouch bag. "One-fifteen." "Do you want to head back?" "Yeah." Chico stood up and held out his hand to help Valentino get up. Valentino fixes his cloak to hide his face as they both walk back together as the sun starts to set.

 Valentino stops. Indicating they have gone near enough so Valentino could just walk by himself to the flower shop. "Chico." "Hm?" "Thank you for the day." "Oh I couldn't done it without you, novio- I mean amigo." Chico's cheeks flushed red. "Adiós, amigo." "Wait, can I ask you one more thing." "Yeah?" "Will we meet again?" Valentino thinks for a moment. "As long you're in the walls, hiding, then there is no problem that we will meet again tomatre." Valentino walks away. Chico laughed to himself before he realized "Tomatre?!" What Chico didn't know was that Valentino had heard him and smiled.

 The bell of the shop rang. "Valentino, you're back. A bit late but it's fine. Thank you, Elonzo." "I got your back every time, melizo." Valentino hangs his slouch back on a hook and then switches places with Elonzo.

~~~~~~

 The twin's padre lets Valentino and Elonzo have a break since they've been working hard to keep up the work of the Vergara family. Elonzo was busy carving wood while Valentino was busy with housework. He washed the leftover dishes, hid all the coffee powders, organized stuff and the final thing to do was sweep. "Psh. Hey, Valentino." Valentino looks around to see nothing. He continued to sweep the floor. "Valentino." A whisper-yell. Valentino was confused about who was saying that. "Elonzo?" "I'm up here!" Elonzo yelled from the room. "Who the fuck is calling me." "No swearing." Chico says as he pooped out of the wall. Valentino got startled, falling backward on his butt, making a thud sound on the floor. "Everything okay down there?" "Yep!" "Oops, sorry." Chico held out his hand. Valentino takes his hand and then stands up.

 "What are you doing here? You could've got caught." Valentino whispered. "Aw, you worried about me?~" "I'm serious." Valentino folds his arms. "Don't worry. I waited until your padre left." "Lucky ass." "Do you always swear?" "Not with papá here." "Anyways, do you wanna hang out?" "Not until I finish cleaning." "That's boring." "Don't you Madrigals do chores around town?" "Not me, I don't know how my gift can be useful as a chore." Valentino softly chuckled as he began to sweep. "What was that?" "Nothing." "You laughed didn't you?" Chico says as he comes out of the wall. "Not sure what a laugh is." Valentino slowly smiles. "You're smiling!" "Keep it down." Chico pretended to zip his mouth.

 The two walk outside. Chico had forgotten to mention that it was smoking hot but Valentino assured him that it was fine. "You sure you don't want to take off the cloak? It's hot out here." Chico says as he tugs on his ruana. "It's fine." Chico noticed Valentino's forehead sweating. "Let's take a break, my feet are burning."

 Chico got to a store to buy water for Valentino. He avoids the nearest store, knowing that Mr. Hefty works there. "I got you some water." "You didn't have to." "Oh, I do. I noticed you were sweating from the heat so I have to." For such a short guy, it is surprising he can even notice because well Valentino is taller than him.

 Chico and Valentino talked for 45 minutes straight till one person..."Chico." Chico panicked before realizing who it was. "Camilo?" "Yeah...Why'd you panic all of a sudden?" "Nothing." Chico felt his forehead sweating. "Right. Anyway, who's this?" Camilo tilted his head at Valentino. Chico looked at Valentino, his head was down. "Mi amigo. Valen..." Valentino shook his head at Chico, "Cio. Yeah, Valencio." Camilo turns to Valentino. "Nice to meet you, Valencio." Camilo winked at him as he held out his hand. "Uh, Valenti- Valencio doesn't like physical touch of any kind." "I did not know. I'm sorry." "It's all fine, Madrigal." You can call me Camilo if you want." "Why are you here, by the way, Cami?" "I'm taking a small break from the kids." Camilo stretched out his arms. "I thought you love kids." "I do but they get tiring for me sometimes." Camilo whispered to Chico. "Mhm." "Camilo!" "Looks like Mrs. Perez needs you." "I'll see you later, hermano. And it was nice meeting you, Valen." Camilo ran off to Mrs. Perez.

 "Valencio?" "I tried, okay! I couldn't make up names. That one popped up in my mind." "So you shortened my name? Such a genius idea." Valentino slowly clapped. "Like you could come up with a better one." "You could've said, Valerie." "I think the one that I made up is better than yours." "Whatever floats your boat." They walked toward the forest as they talked to each other.

 "Why didn't you go to work today?" "Mi papá gave me and my brother a break from work after we've been working hard." "Is that a relief?" "Honestly, I like to work. Not that I have much work to do anyway." "Does your papá pay you?" "Yeah, free food from the bakery. Plus some coffee." "Maybe you can get me some too? Even though Mirabel does it for us since she wakes up early I can-" Chico had tripped on a rock causing him to roll down the hill. He hit his back against a tree. Valentino ran down the hill. Chico tried to get up but his back was hurting. "Good thing, you didn't bust your head against the tree." "Yeah. I think I broke my back." Chico noticed Valentino's fist was clenched. "Valentino?" Chico turned around to see a group of teens. "Who are they- Ay!" Valentino grabbed from the wrist. He let go of his wrist once they had gone back up. "Who were they?" "They are assholes." "Okay, that's...a lot of...swearing. Umm, why?" "They- I- I can't tell you about it..." "If it's personal you don't have to tell me." Valentino finally let out a breath that he had been holding on. "I think we should go back before the sun goes down." "Right." Chico let Valentino lead the way because he still could not remember how to get back to town.

What Valentino and Chico didn't know was that the group of teens was watching both of them. They kept an eye on Valentino. Planning for the worst.

Chapter Text

 Chico woke up earlier than Mirabel this time to hang out with Valentino. He ate breakfast before anybody could, showered, and was ready for the day. Chico slid down the stair railing and then jumped off. But until he could go outside, "Why are you up early in the morning?" Mirabel said, her eyebrows raised. She was holding the kettle. Chico closed the door, turning towards Mirabel. "I...just wanted to wake up early. Get fresh air and maybe do some chores around the house." "Don't you want coffee first?" "I'll be fine." "Alright then." Chico checked if she went to the kitchen before heading outside.

 Chico looked for Valentino while he was in the walls but he wasn't there in the Carina's Bakery. He checked the flower shop but nada. He was headed for the forest when he saw a group of teens and, "Wait a minute...That person looks like...Valentino." He rushed towards Valentino till he realized he was not allowed to be seen with Valentino or he would get in trouble. He ran to the nearest building. He hid in the wall as he listened.

 "Join us or else we tell your sweet papá about you hanging out with one of the Madrigals." Valentino rolled his eyes as he said. "Like he'd believe your ass. It's not like you have proof." he crossed his arms. "Like this?" One of them showed a picture of Valentino and Chico walking together. "Oh no..." Chico whispered to himself. "Mrs. Garcia would be mad at you for taking pictures of people without permission." "How are you gonna tell her?" Chico searched for something throw. He saw a vegetable stand. "It won't be bad, right?" Chico came out of the wall and ran towards the vegetable stand.

 "So...I'll give you another chance. Join us...or face the consequences." A tomato flew, hitting the person in the face. "Who the f-" Tons of tomatoes flew, hitting the group of teens. One tomato hit the picture the person had. Valentino grabbed the picture and ran away. "He's getting away!" "Oh no you don't." Chico aims for the nearest person to Valentino and throws. He hit one of their legs, making one trip and the others fall with him. "Bullseye!" "Where did all the tomatoes go?" "I should start going now." Chico put on a cloak and then walked away. "Hey! You! Were you the one who stole my tomatoes?" Chico looks at his hand. "Ohhh hahaha..." "You celero!" "Oops. Welp, I gotta go." Chico had run away. "Chase him!"

 Chico ran into the crowded part of town. They were slowly gaining on him. "Pardon!" Chico ran in between Mariano and Isabella. He saw Camilo entertaining kids. He looked back to check if they were still chasing, but one of the town folk had distracted them. Chico rushed to Camilo. "Camilo!" "Chico? Why-" "I don't have enough time to explain but when you a group of five teens, do something to distract them." "Is there a pro-" "Yeah! They're chasing me! Now I gotta run, bye!" Chico headed off running.

 Chico stopped running when he was far enough from the crowded part of town. "I don't think I have run that much...." He saw a skirt poking out. He looked closer. "Valentino?" Chico ran down the bridge and went under. "What are you doing here?" "Hiding from the group of teens. What are you doing here?" "Hiding from them too. And...the guy who I stole tomatoes from..." "You were the one who threw all of those tomatoes?" "Yeah...If you don't mind me asking, who were those teens?" "Just a bunch of people from my school. I told you they were assholes." "Oh yeah...Wait you go to school?" "Yeah? Everyone does but not you Madrigals. Why don't you all go to school?" "We're homeschooled." "You're lucky that you're homeschooled. I have friends there and the subjects are fine but the majority of assholes just suck." "But it's still a good school right?" Valentino nods. "Great I can tell-"

 "They might be hiding in the forest!" "They can be anywhere in that forest, dumbass!'" "You two are like children that I want to put up for adoption." "Fuck you, Miranda." "Let's just check if they are in the forest." "It can take all damn night!" The group of teens was now above them. "Can we head home now? I'm tired from chasing that asshole with that damn-ass cloak." "Fine. We can do something about Valentino tomorrow." "Oh oh! We should torture his twin, Elonzo! That way we can force Valentino!" "And how do you plan on doing that?" "Uh, we bully Elonzo?" "That's a bullshit idea." "Like you have a better idea." "Oh, I do. Much worse than we've been doing to Elonzo for years..." They start to walk towards town.

 Valentino's fist was clenched. Chico was shocked to hear what they had said. Valentino stood up and left to go back to the bridge. Chico followed. Valentino walked angrily while Chico was worried. He felt the atmosphere was intense so he tried to somehow calm Valentino. "About school...Would you say it's mostly good or mostly bad?" Valentino stopped. He turned around to face Chico. Chico thought his expression would be mad, at least he thought. Valentino's expression was neutral. The same expression he always had whenever he...feels nothing. "Mostly good, if you have friends to suffer with you." "Great..." "Why do you ask?" "No reason."

 They both arrived at Valentino's house. "Thanks for walking me home." "Anytime, Val. You don't mind if I call you that?" "No. I don't mind." Valentino opens the door to his house before Chico stops him. "You'll be fine, right?" "If you're talking about the group of teens...Yes. I will. Goodbye, Chico." "Bye."

 Valentino closes the door as soon as he enters. He hangs his cloak and slouch bag. "Oh, your home." "Mhm." "You know...I'm happy for you." Valentino sits down on the couch. "For what?" Elonzo sits beside him. "I'm happy that you're getting out more. You usually don't get out even when our friends invite us to hang out." "Yeah..." Valentino lays down on the couch. "Is something wrong?..." "No." "You sure?" Valentino hesitated before nodding. "Okay...Have you eaten?" "No, not yet." "Well come on! I'm not letting you sleep with an empty stomach." "You don't have to cook for me-" "It's for the family. Now come on!" Elonzo grabbed both Valentino's wrists and helped him sit up.

 The Madrigals are having dinner inside. The adults were talking to each other, and the teens talking to each other. Only Chico wasn't talking to anyone. Something is going on in his mind. "Chico?" Chico looks up to see his mamá. "Are you okay? You're not eating your food." "Yeah. I'm just thinking..." "About what?" Chico laid his back on the chair. "I've been thinking...if I could go to school." "You are already in school. Homeschool." Félix said. "I mean actual school. Where other people our age go to school." Everyone stopped and looked at Chico. "You hate homeschooling. Why would you wanna go to school where other folks go?" Félix said. "My...friend suggested it and I wanna go there since they go there too." "That's your reason? Do better." Camilo hit the back of Carlos's head. "Camilo, don't hit your hermano." Pepa warned. "But seriously though, why do you really wanna go?" "Because it's a good school. I'm not saying homeschooling is the worst. I just wanna try going to school where my friend goes." "I don't know, Chico..." "Por favor mamá." Chico begged. "I heard the majority of people misbehave and do not care about school." Mirabel said. "Prima, you are not helping at all."

 "If that is the case, you are not going." Alma said. "But Abuela-" "I am not letting those teens influence you in a bad way." "One of my amigos is there." "How many exactly?" "One...:" "One is not enough to stop this bad influence." "He has other friends too! He said they're the best and most behaving people." "I don't believe it." "Abuela, por favor-" "End of discussion." "But-" "I said. End. Of. Discussion." "It's not fair..."

 At night, Chico stayed up all night. He was planning how to convince his parents and Alma. He finally had an idea. He's using his brothers and Mirabel to convince his parents first. Then his parents will convince Alma. "Yes!" Chico said.

~~~~~~

 After breakfast, Chico went to Mirabel's room. "Hey, prima~" "What do you want, Chico?" "So I need help convincing mi padre and mi madre about going to school." "Why?" "Because I want to go but they won't let me." Mirabel sighs. "Fine, what am I doing to convince tío Félix and tía Pepa?" Chico explained how Mirabel should talk to Pepa first about what Mirabel is thinking about school and that she is interested. Then Mirabel goes on about the school being great even though last night she said the majority of the people are terrible. Mirabel went downstairs and looked for Pepa and Félix. She found them both in the kitchen. Pepa washing the dishes while Félix dries the dishes.

 "Hey, tía Pepa. How are you doing?" "In a good mood." "Good good. So about the school Chico talking about last night." "Yes?..." "The school seems interesting. And oh. I heard the students are improving their behavior!" "Didn't you say last night that-" "I know I said the people are terrible but that was old news." "Oh. So they are improving their behavior." Félix said. "Yeah!" Mirabel does both thumbs up towards Chico. Chico does it towards her too. Mirabel continues to chat with Pepa. Next up Camilo.

 Chico knocks on Camilo's door. "Come in!" Chico opens the door. Camilo turns around to face him. He slid down his bed, which was up in the air. Camilo landed on a pile of pillows, he stood up. "Ah, Chico. What do you need, hermano?" "So I need your help-" "Is it Carlos again?" "No." "So what do you need help for?" "I need you to help me convince papá and mamá about school." Camilo tilts his head. "Why?" "Because I want to go there. One of my friends goes there and it seems so interesting-" "That's not enough to convince papá and mamá. But I think I can with boy charm~" "Thanks, hermano!" "Anytime." "Last one..."

 Before Chico could knock on Carlos's door, Carlos was leaving his room. "What." "I need your help-" "No." Carlos fixes his cuffs as he walks towards the stairs. "I need your help though! Hermano to-" Carlos turned his head. "I said no." Carlos walks down the stairs. Soon as he was leaving the stairs, Chico quickly stood in front of him. "Move." "Can you at least hear me out?" "No." Carlos went to the left, and so did Chico. "Come on! Your hermano needs help here!" "I never knew I had one." Carlos went to the right, and so did Chico. "Help a hermano out here! Please! I need your help!" "I am not helping you. Now, excuse me, I have to go somewhere." Carlos walked past Chico and headed for the door. Chico grabs Carlos's ankle, almost making Carlos trip. "Chico!" "Please! I won't bother you or annoy you anymore if you say yes!" Chico whined. Carlos tried to pull out his leg from Chico's grab. "I said no. Let me go-" "Carlos!" Chico whined again. "No! I will not help you." "Wah!" Carlos tried to walk while Chico was holding onto his ankle.

 Camilo had left the kitchen with an arepa in his mouth. He takes the arepa from his mouth and looks at Chico and then Carlos. Camilo tried to stop himself from laughing. Carlos noticed Camilo, whose face was red, trying not to laugh. "This is so embarrassing..." Carlos whispered to himself. Chico noticed Carlos who was also a little red. Chico smirked to himself. "Come on, Carlos! Tell me who's your crush!" Chico whined again. "I didn't say anything about having a crush!" Carlos was now full-on red. Chico was having fun. "Oh~ Who is your crush Carlos?~" "No one!" "Who has a crush?" Pepa popped in. She saw Chico who was now holding Carlos's foot. "What is this?" "Chico-" "Carlos won't tell me his crush!" "Wha- No! I don't have one!" "Stop lying! I heard you in your room talking to yourself about a crush!" "Carlos?" "I don't have a crush, mamá!" "Don't lie to me. Tell me the truth." Carlos looks at Chico, who was smirking until Carlos looked at him. Carlos groaned. He let go of his leg. "Chico." "Yeah?" "I'll help..." "Really?!" "Yes..." "Gracias, hermano." "Would you please let go of my leg?" "Oh yeah sure." Chico stood up and dusted off his pants. "False alarm! He had no crush!" Chico grabbed Carlos's wrist, dragging him into his own room.

 "So I need your help to convince mamá and papá about going to school." "You gotta be kidding. All of that. Just because you want to go to school? You could've done this tomorrow." "I'll tell mamá that you do have a crush." "Never mind that." Chico told Carlos how he was going to tell their parents. The reason why he needs to convince his parents is so Alma can be convinced by his parents. "That's that." "I'll do that tomorrow. Because right now, I need sleep." "Gracias for helping me, Carlos." "Yeah yeah whatever..." Carlos rubs his eyes. Before Chico leaves, he quickly hugs Carlos. "If you don't return the hug, I will tell mamá about your crush." Carlos groaned then hugged him back. "Night, Carlos!" Carlos mumbled. "Say it back or else." "Goodnight to you too, hermano." Chico smiled before closing the door.

 Chico was upstairs, checking if Carlos convinced their parents. Carlos walks out of the dining room, heading for the stairs. "How did it go?" Carlos gave a thumbs up. "This might work!" "Why do you really wanna go to school? Other than 'one of my friends is going and the school is interesting.'" "Um." Chico wasn't sure why he wanted to go. All he knows is Valentino goes to school there even though there's a majority of terrible people. "I just need to get to know people in one place. That's all." Carlos raised his eyebrow. "Sure..." Carlos walked away. For the rest of the day, Chico wasn't able to hang out with Valentino because of school. What he did to keep himself busy was thinking about why did really wanted to go to school. Valentino goes there, interesting school... There was something missing. Someone was knocking on his door. "Chico?" Chico gets up from his bed. He opens the door to see his mamá. "We need to talk about something. Specifically something like school." Chico smiled. He followed his mamá downstairs to see Alma and his papá sitting in the dining room.

 Chico sat down across from Alma. Pepa and Félix sat beside him. "We all know that you've been wanting to go to an actual school. Me, your mamá, and papá agreed that you can go" "Yes!" "But under one condition. You are never to misbehave, you are never to have friends who are a bad influence, and you are not disrespecting the teachers or the principal." "I will I will I will!" "Tomorrow, I will tell the others since they've been wanting to. Especially Antonio. I'm explaining further what's happening when all of you go to school." "I'll be there." "Very well, you can go." "Gracias, mami!" He kissed her on the cheeks. A rainbow formed above her head. "Gracias, papá." He hugged him. "Gracias, Abuela." He just nodded to her. Alma only smiled. Chico had gone to his room. Excited that he's going to school.

Chapter Text

 For the past morning, Camilo and Mirabel have been bothering Carlos for hours and hours. Carlos knew Chico was at fault. Dolores walked in on them, "Hi, prima." "All of you are needed in the dining room." Camilo and Mirabel looked at each other. The three followed Dolores to the dining room. Chico had been waiting already in the dining with all of their parents sitting at the table, talking to each other. They all stopped talking once they had arrived. They all sat down. "As you all know, Chico is desperate to go to school. Even you three." Alma looked at Carlos, Camilo, and Mirabel. "We agreed that all of you should go to school." "What." Carlos looked at his parents. "Me and your papá decide it's the best if you and your hermanos go to school. Especially Antonio." "Hold on. All I said was how it's the best that Chico goes to school. Not me." "Me and your mamá needs a break from teaching you all every day." Félix said as he held Pepa's hand. "That's the part of why I gathered you four here. I'm giving you a heads-up on what will happen from now on. First, you will wake up earlier than usual." "What time would that be?" "Six thirty. Second, you will not dress up for school in sleepwear. You'll be wearing more formal. Third, you are never to stay up late, Chico." "Fine..." "That's all for now. You may leave."

 "I can't wait to go to school tomorrow! No parents to teach us, new people, lunches, and recess? Amazing combo." Chico said "Parents are still gonna be involved if you do so get in trouble," Mirabel replied "Not only that is the problem. It's the only school in this town." "So?" "So the Vergara family are going to be there! We can't be associated with them!" "Fine for me," Carlos said. "I bet you he's gonna be a loner in school," Camilo whispered to Chico. "I'm kind of worried people won't like me because of the incident with the Vergara family." "Don't worry, Prima! I'll help you make friends. People LOVE me." Carlos rolled his eyes. "I know I know. I hope no one does bully me there." "I got your back if they do." "What are you kids doing still up?" Augustin said. "Talking about school." "You guys shouldn't even be talking. It's ten pm." "So?" "You're gonna need that sleep when you wake up at six in the morning." "Alright, pá. I'll see you guys tomorrow, goodnight," Mirabel said. "Night to you all too," Camilo said. "Night! Chico said before running to his room. Carlos had already gone to his room.

~~~~~~

 Tuesday morning. It would've been a great day if school didn't start so early. Mirabel and Chico were already up before the two. "Oh, and Antonio is coming with you four to school." Pepa said. "I heard from Cecelia that the Vergara's are gonna be there. I'm gonna be friends with the coffee kid! " "That's great, Tonito!" "Seriously, Mirabel?" Carlos entered the kitchen. He sat at the dining table. "Don't lie to your favorite, Primo. He has a very sensitive heart, you know?" Carlos tilts his head. "You're lucky that you have the gift of endurance or I would have hit the leg of your chair and fell on your face." "Awww but you don't wanna hurt yourself now, ay? Since you don't have a gift anyway." Carlos sips on his coffee. Chico's face was red from stifling his laugh. He immediately grabbed his coffee and went upstairs before bursting out laughing. Mirabel scoffs. She left the kitchen. Not even a minute later, Mirabel had already thrown a rock, hitting Carlos's mug. "You suck at throwing!" Carlos sips on his coffee. "Carlos! One of the rats is in your room!" Mirabel shouted from upstairs. Carlos ignored her. "Aren't you going to check it out?" Camilo coming downstairs. "She's lying. I know that." "She's not-" A loud thud came from Carlos's room. "One of them has chewed in your closet!" "Darn it." Carlos puts down his mug on the table and rushes upstairs.

 "There is no way-" Carlos opens the door to his room to see his closet was on the floor, the bed was flipped over, and the nightstand, Carlos takes a deep breath before putting on the biggest, obvious, fake smile. His eyebrows were a bit furrowed. "I got one rat!" Antonio. Carlos patted Antonio's head as he walked over to the nightstand. "I tried to tell you there were rats in your room." Mirabel said. "Uhuh. You two, get out." Mirabel shrugged. She pulled Antonio outside. Carlos sighs. "Please tell me it's hidden..." Carlos looked inside his nightstand, spreading out the stuff inside until he saw a certain box. Carlos deeply sighed. "Still hidden." He took the box out and unlocked it with a password. He pulled out a maroon-colored petal. "And it's still not rotting..." "Carlos! Hurry up! We're gonna be late for school!" "Augh...Like I care at all." Carlos puts the petal back in the box with the rest. Before he closed the box, there was a picture of him and someone. "Carlos!" "I'm coming!" Carlos scoffs. He closes the box and changes the code where he left off so no one knows the password to the box. He hides it in the same spot again.

 They all arrive at school. The bell rang. "Oh no. We don't even know where our class is! We're gonna be late!" "Prima, don't stress. I'm sure we can find it! We need to find the office." Camillo assured Mirabel. "It's a big culo school, what'd you expect?" Chico gasped as he covered Antonio's ears. "Carlos! Don't swear in front of your hermanito!" Carlos looks at Antonio. Antonio was busy looking around the school. "He's way too excited to be here to even hear me, right hermanito?" "Hm?" Carlos patted Chico's shoulder as he walked away. "Come on before we get late for school." "I still wanna look around though." Antonio pouts. "No, don't you dare use your puppy face on me. We're going to find the principal's office and go to class." Carlos heads off. "Don't worry, Antonio. I'm sure someone will tour you around." "Okay, prima."

 They all finally arrived at the Principal's office. "Ah, the Madrigals. You do know you're going to be late for class." "We just arrived, Sir," Mirabel said. "I must've forgotten!" He laughs. "He forgot because he's way too old." "Too old that he thought that was funny?" Chico whispered back to Carlos. "He lost his mind," Carlos whispered back to Chico. Camilo nudges Carlos. "Alright. Carlos, you are in... ten-two. Camilo and Mirabel are both in ten-four. Chico, you are in ten...one." "We're separated?" "Yep. You'll be okay by your-" "Yes!" They all look to Chico. "What?" "You aren't upset?" "Nope. Tata, hermanos and prima. Yes!" Chico left the office. "I bet you he's gonna come back because he doesn't even know where the class is," Carlo says. Chico burst in. "Uhhh you forgot to tell me where my class is." "Upstairs. Room two hundred twenty-two. And same as you ten-four students. You'll be in room one hundred one." "Thank you, bye!" "Alright, last one. Antonio, he's gonna be in the kindergarten. Just on the main floor near the library." "You guys go. I'll drop off Antonio at the kindergarten." "You sure? You don't have to do it. I can drop-" "Prima, go." "Fine. But I need my goodbyes from my favorite, primo." Carlos rolls his eyes. Mirabel dropped onto her knees and hugged Antonio. "I'll see ya after school, primo." "Bye, Mirabel!" Mirabel and Camilo had left to go to their class.

 Carlos walked Antonio to kindergarten. He seemed to be nervous at first until he saw his friends Juancho, Cecilia, and Alejandra. He ran to the three. "Bye, Carlos!" Carlos waves back before going to his class. 'Mierda. I didn't ask where my class was. Where's the way for the principal's office?' 

 "Carlos?" Carlos turns around. "Ahh the one and only explorer. Isi-Dora." "Haha. Yeah, great meeting you too, pendejo." Carlos playfully rolled his eyes. "What are you doing here?." "I don't know. I'm here to break into the school and steal useless shit." "I'm still shocked you're the one who I heard swearing from. That damn-" "Don't you dare say his name." "Sorry sorry sorry. It's been a long time since he..." Carlos raised his eyebrows. Isidora cleared her throat. "Never mind that. Why are you wandering around if you are in school?" "I don't know where my class is." "Which class are you in?" "Ten-two." "Ooh! You're in my class." "Oh no, I'm going to suffer in this school because of you! How am I gonna survive?" Carlos said, doing a dramatic 'oh dear' pose.

"Maldito gilipollas."

"Perra malcriadah." Carlos said with a smug grin

 "Right, follow me if you don't want to suffer longer in the hallways." They walked together as they both headed for their classroom. "Do you think he's ever gonna come back?" "Pfft no." Isidora side looked Carlos. "Carlos..." "I don't think he isn't coming back. I know..." "You just gotta hope, caremonda." Isidora nudged Carlos's shoulders. "Mhm." "Don't be a depressing polla. Keep praying he's gonna come back..."

 They all meet at the cafeteria. "How'd your classes go, Carlos?" Mirabel asked. "Fine." "Give us details at least." "Someone helped me find my class." "Who is it?" "No one import-" "Carlos!" Isidora yelled from afar. She waved at Carlos. "Wait...Isn't that your ex-girlfriend?" "She's coming to our way." "Hey~ y'all. Dang, you two glow up. Especially you, Mirabel." "Thanks, Isidora." "What do you want, Isidora." "I just wanted to say hi to your hermano and prima. Is that wrong?" Isidora sat down beside Carlos. Carlos rolled his eyes. "He's jealous that I complimented you, not him." Isidora whispered to Mirabel. Mirabel snorted. "How are you guys doing in school? Do you like it here?" "We missed three classes because the principal had forgotten to give us the schedule." "Never ever get help from the old man. He's like 76 years old. He should be retired!" "Explains the 'funny' joke." Camilo said. "You should get help from the guidance counselor. He's more...helpful." "Never met him." "You'll see him in the halls. A lot of people skip class so he's there to watch out."

 "Where's your other hermano? I haven't seen him in three years." Camilo looks around the cafeteria. "There's Chico with...someone?" Chico was talking to a tall person, with long braids, who was wearing a dress. "Maybe it's his girlfriend." Mirabel said. "No way. Chico having a girlfriend before Camilo?" Isidora said. "That's a loss for you, buddy." She shook her head. "No way. Chico dating someone before me?" "Like someone would even date you." "The girls love me, Carlos. They said they're a fan of me." "Shush both of you. He's coming in our way."

 "Hey, you three. What were you all talking about?" Chico sits at the table with them. "Who's the girl you're talking to-" Mirabel covers Camilo's mouth. "Is that why you were excited to go to school? To talk to her?" Carlos asked with a raised eyebrow and a smile. "What girl?" "The girl-" Camilo licked Mirabel's hand. "Ew." Mirabel wiped her hand skirt. "The tall girl has long braids, and wears a long dress." "Oh, you mean him." "Him?" They all said at the same time. "Yeah, him. He's Valenti-Valencio. You remember, Camilo." "That's why he looked familiar..." Camilo squinted his eyes to look closer at 'Valencio'. "Is that the amigo who inspired you to go to school?" "Sí." "Can we meet him?" Mirabel asked. "Uh hold on for one second." Chico ran towards 'Valencio.

 "Would you look at that? They're coming over right now." Carlos said. "Valencio, you've met my hermano." "I remember well." "Come sit down with us." Mirabel forced Camilo to move over. Valentino sat across from Isidora. "How did you two meet?" Camilo asked. Chico panic. He looked over at Valentino who just shrugged. "I'd say...At the gift ceremony." "How come I'm not familiar with your face?" "I didn't like it when there were numerous people there. Therefore, I set off outside for a fresh air." It's the truth after all. Valentino did leave since there were a lot of people at the party. He almost forgotten about Elonzo. The bell rang. "I'll see you guys after school." Chico left with Valentino. "To the class we go!" Isidora grabbed Carlos's wrist and dragged him. "We should get our schedule before going to class." "Ughh."

 "Finally school is done!" Camilo says. "I didn't want the school to be over. It's fun in the kindergarten! We sang the Alphabet song." "Nice. It would be best if you sang to Carlos. I think he'll love it." Carlos smacks Mirabel behind her head. "Ow!" "Oops. Sorry. Your big head was in the way." "Where did Chico go?" Antonio asked. "He went to hang out with his amigo." Carlos said. "Y'know...Valencio looks similar to someone." "No, he doesn't." "He does. It feels like a memory or a..." "Déjà vu?" "A déjà vu is a feeling you've been in this present before. The feeling of familiarity." "You know too much. Like a nerd." When Carlos heard that word. The memories came rushing back.

_______

Aha! So you are a nerd!"

"I am not."

"You are~"

"I'm not."

"Yes, you are!"

"I'm not!"

"You are one! Admit it, Nerdy."

 "Carlos. Carlos. Hello? Carlos. Carlos!" Camilo yelled in his ear. Carlos had smacked him hard on the head. Camilo rubbed his head. "You're welcome! Gosh, you hit so hard." "Carlos, are you okay." "I'm fine, Mirabel. You got nothing to worry about."

 At night, when the Madrigal family has already begun to eat dinner. "How was school today." "Awful..." Camilo and Mirabel said at the same time. "Oh. Why?" "We didn't get to class in time." Mirabel first said. "The principal forgot to give us the schedule for the week." Camilo second said. "I'll talk to the principal about this," said Alma.

 Chico finally arrived. "Chico, where have you been? I was worried sick!" "Don't worry, mami. I just hung out with an amigo." "Which amigo is this?" "Valencio. He's the amigo who told me about school." Chico goes to sit down at the dining table. "How was school for you, Chico?" Félix said. "All good. Valencio was there to help with school. I'm even in the same class as him." "Coincidence?" "Hm, maybe?"

"What about you, Carlos?" Pepa asked. "It was...good?" "Good? That's it?" "It's neither wonderful nor worse." Camilo fakes choking on his water. "I saw Isidora there." Camilo fake coughs. Carlos smacks Camilo's back, making Camilo have a real cough this time. "Carlos!" "What? I helped him stop choking." Camilo glared at him, while Carlos smirked at him. "Who is Isidora?" "Don't you remember? Carlos ex-girlfriend?" Carlos kicked Mirabel under the table. "Ow!" Mirabel rubs her leg. "Oops. I thought it was the table leg. Sorry." Carlos rolled his eyes when he 'apologized'. "He's just mad because it reminds him about their break-up." Carlos had smacked him on the back of his head. "You two. Behave before I send you to your room." "I'm finished anyway." Carlos picked up his plate, his elbow 'accidentally' hitting Camilo's head. Camilo clenched his fist. Carlos snickered under his breath.

 "How is Isidora, Carlos?" Alma asked with a smile. "She's doing fine, Abuela. "Good good. Is she taken yet?" "Mamá." Alma raised her hand, letting Pepa know to stop talking. "I don't know." "You should invite her to eat dinner with us." Carlos sighs, "Not again." "Mamá, Carlos and Isidora already break up." "I know that, Pepa." "Why don't you fucking stop mentioning her." Carlos finished washing the dishes. He headed upstairs, to his room, and went to sleep.

 Someone knocks on his door. Carlos mumbled. He opened the door. "Abuela?" "I know that you don't like her anymore and that is the only reason you broke up with her." "She always says that." "I want you to invite her for dinner. Especially her parents. No questions asked." "And if she's not at school tomorrow?" "Don't be silly. Invite her and her parents. Please." Alma cupped Carlos's face. Alma smiled. "I don't know, Abuela. There might be a problem because she can be busy with school." "Please, Carlito." Carlos clenched his fist. "Yes. Abuela." Alma let go of Carlos's face and walked away. Carlos closed the door. His knuckles were turning white and his fist was shaking intensely. "She is never to call me that. Not unless it was..." Carlos took a deep breath. "Fucking damn it..." He walked over to his bed and went to sleep.

~~~~~~

 The young Madrigals arrived at the right time. Antonio had already gone inside when he saw his friends. He waved bye to them as he ran towards his friend. Camilo and Mirabel got to their class while Carlos and Chico went together with Isidora. Carlos's class was close to Chico's class. As soon as Chico entered the class, he searched for a specific someone. He saw Valentino sitting beside the window, his head resting on his palm. He walked over to Valentino. He sat beside him and settled down his bag. Valentino heard the chair squeak. He opened his eyes to see Chico. "Good morning to you." "Morning..." Valentino mumbled. "Did you not get enough sleep last night?" "Eight hours is not enough." Valentino sits up properly. "I thought having a bakery means free fresh coffee." "I have to pay for the coffee too." "Oh. How much is it?" "Eight pesos and sixty-nine cents. It's plain coffee but with extra fancy drawings." "Seems like a good price." The bell rang. "The teacher is going to be late." Valentino went back to take a nap. "Is the teacher always late?" "Always. It's either ten or fifteen minutes."

 Carlos plopped his head on the desk. "Geez. Have you always been this groggy?" "It's seven forty-five in the morning. I don't wake up until eight am." "That's sad. You miss your wittle homeschool?" Carlos flipped her off. "Pendejo." Someone slammed the door closed, making Carlos lift his head. "Alright, class. We're not gonna start with crazy crap again. We have a new student. I don't know when the student is coming." "Mrs. Dias. The new student is this one." Isidora pointed at Carlos. "Ah, I apologize. I did not see you there. Why don't you introduce yourself?" "I hate you." Isidora smiled. "I'm Carlos-" Isidora nudges Carlos. "You need to stand up." Carlos puts on his fake smile before standing up. "I'm Carlos Madrigal." Everyone whispered to each other. "Are you single!?" Someone shouted from the back. "Liliana." Carlos sits back down. "Had fun introducing yourself?" "Shut the fuck up." Isidora smiled to herself.

 The bell rang. Time for the second subject. "Do you even know where the gym is?" "No." "Let's ask someone." Camilo looked around the halls. He saw a group of teens talking to each other. He approached. "Hey." They all look towards him. "Me and mi prima don't know where the gym is. Can you tell us where?" The two girls in the group, looked up and down at Mirabel. Mirabel felt uncomfortable. One of the girls nudges the other. The girl smiles. "Sure. Follow me." The girl leads the way. Camilo and Mirabel follow behind. "What's your name?" "I'm Mirab-" "Oh sorry. I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to your primo here. "Well, I'm Camilo. One of the amazing Madrigals." "That's why your face looked familiar." "What can I say? I'm famous." The girl giggles. "I'm Sophie." "Nice meeting you, Sophie." Camilo held out his hand. Sophie smiled and shook his hand. They arrived. "And here it is." "Thank you for helping us." "No problem. Always glad to help the people who work hard for this town." "Hah! I'm famous!" Camilo whispered to Mirabel. "I'm headed off now." She walked away till she stopped. "Camilo." "Hm?" Camilo halted at a stop at the entrance. "If you want you can come eat with me and mi amigos." "That would be great." "I'll see you at lunch, Camilo." She walked away. Camilo entered the gym. "What was that about?" "Sophie invited me to eat lunch with her friends." "Good for you! At least you're making friends." "Don't worry, prima! I will never leave you alone with Carlos. Besides! I'm always at your side." Camilo wrapped his arms around Mirabel. "Thanks, primo." "You're always welcome, Mirabel."

 For some reason, no teachers? It's the worst. Carlos had a free period. He wishes it didn't exist. "You dated Isidora before right?" "How was dating Isidora like?" "Did you move on quickly after the break-up?" Carlos tried to ignore the questions his classmates asked. "Leave me alone..." Carlos groaned. "Are you upset that you're in the same classroom with her?" "Are you still single?" "Guys! There's a fight going on outside!" Everyone rushed outside. "Finally...This is one awful Wednesday." "Hm...What did you say that one time? Oh yeah! Suck. It. Up. I wonder what's the fight about." "It's none of my business. Why should I know?" "You used to like to watch fights." "Used to." "You have changed a lot in the past few years. Except for your damn attitude." "Great. I try to keep my attitude or else it would ruin my reputation." "I'm curious how he liked you as a friend." Carlos scoffs. He leans back on his chair. It was dead silent in the classroom. "I don't know..." "Huh?" "Nothing."

 The bell rang two times. "Lunch! Finally!" Chico shouted, "School is good and all but uh...it's um..." "Shit?" "Language. But that too." They entered the cafeteria. "Looks like Carlos and Mirabel were first." The two lined up to get their lunch. "I have to ask." Chico grabs a tray and so does Valentino. "Mhm." "Where's your brother? Y'know..." Chico and Valentino move up, "He's sick. My little brother made something special for my twin. He didn't want him to get sad so he drank it." Valentino grabbed an orange juice, Chico grabbed, "Peach? Anyways, do you know when he's coming back?" "I don't know. Maybe next week."

 Someone butted in the line, making Chico fall back. Luckily, Valentino quickly caught Chico with one arm while his other holding the tray. The skill of being a server. Valentino used his arm to boost Chico up. "Dude. Go back to the back of the line like the rest." " Oh, I'm not like the rest, Madrigal." The person turned around. Chico was shocked to see the person to whom he threw the tomato, making him trip and the others. The boy looked at him up and down then he looked at Valentino and smiled. "Valentino, I thought you weren't supposed to be with a...Madrigal." "Let's go, Chico." Valentino was blocked by another boy. Chico looked at him. He was taller than Valentino. Valentino backed up. Chico looked at his left to see the people from behind had left. "Where's your brother?" Valentino didn't answer. "Answer him." Valentino closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he walked past the boy. One of them grabbed his shoulders. "He was asking a damn question, faggot." "I am not answering. Now get your crusty, wrinkled, shitty hands off me." "He said to let go." The boy pushed Valentino away. "Who do you think you are?" "Chico. Madrigal." "Well, Chico. Don't try to fucking stand up for your short-ass self."

 "Lin." The boy turned around. "Let him go. He's coming, now leave his hermano alone." He looked back at Chico. "You're not off the hook yet." He walked away. "Him?" Valentino dragged Chico away towards Isidora. "What took you two so long?" Mirabel asked. "It's them again." Valentino replied. "Really? Why don't they ever stop? Honestly." "If you don't mind me asking, who is them." "Lin and Miranda." "They're the worst! Whoever they guy's name is. He butted in! And they're a bunch of pend- I mean idiots!" "You almost cursed. Might wanna calm down-" "But they're such f..freaking...freaking awful!" "He meant to said fucking by the way." Isidora said. "It's better to ignore them than being in trouble," Valentino said. "You got in trouble before?" "Only twice. First, I got into a fight with one of them then second I smacked Miranda with a tray." "I never knew that." Isidora said. "You were absent back then." "And you never told me?" "Mhm." "You could've told me at least!" "I thought you knew since you are one of the gossip girls with Marianne and Adelita."

 "Mirabel. Where did Camilo go?" "This girl named Sophie invited him to eat lunch with her and her friends." Isidora's eyebrows were both raised. She leaned closer. "Pardon?" "Um...Sophie invited him to eat lunch with her and her friends..." "What did this girl, Sophie, look like?" "Brown hair, pink dress, and wavy hair? I think." "Oh no." The doors to the cafeteria were busted open. "Everyone stand up!" Carlos wasn't listening, Mirabel was confused as to why everyone listened to this girl and so did Chico, Isidora rolled her eyes, and Valentino continued to eat.

"The one and only favorite Madrigal! Ca-" Another girl butted her out. "Camilo Madrigal!" Camilo walked into the cafeteria with 'those' two boys. "Your brother is...what's the word?" "A freaking idiot. What is he doing hanging out with them?"

 Everyone either high-fived or patted Camilo on the back as he walked by. Sophie held Camilo's arm, which weirded out Camilo but he ignored it since he didn't want to be mean. Chico made a disgusted look. "Are they dating?" Isidora said as her eyes followed Sophie still holding Camilo's arm even when they both settled down. "No way. It's only the second day of school." Mirabel replied. "Will something worse happen to Camilo if he really is hanging out with them?" Chico asked Isidora. "i don't know. Maybe? There are two reasons why they might be friends with him. One, they're using him. Or two, one of the girls like him and they're trying to force him to like her." "Seriously? Poor Camilo." "Don't be sad for him, Mirabel." "He doesn't know that he's friends with the worst people ever." "She's right. They're a good a manipulator. Together, they're powerfully manipulative." "What a f-" Mirabel used her elbow to hit Chico on the side. "What was that for?" "Hey, hermanos." "Camilo! Hey!..." Isidora noticed Sophie still holding onto his arm. Isidora faked a cough before leaving with her tray. "Anyways, the reason I came here is so I can tell you that I won't be coming with you after school." "You're walking with her." "Uh-huh. Can one of you tell mami that?" "Sure, primo." "Thanks, prima. I'll see all of you at dinner."

 The bell rang three times. "Isidora," Carlos called. Isidora turned around. "My Abuela wanted me to invite you and your parents to eat dinner." "Oh um...me and my parents are busy." "Great. I'll tell her that." "Wait," Isidora grabbed Carlos's wrist, "Is your Abuela still trying to force us to go back together?" "For what it seems like. Yes." "It's already worse than my parents do it too." "What an amazing dinner will tonight be." "Oh!" Isidora snapped her fingers, "Why don't you lie to your abuela?" "She'll make me ask you tomorrow anyway." "Ugh. I guess there's no choice."

 The night settled in, Isidora complained to her parents as they walked to the Madrigal's house. Her mom immediately shut her up when they were close. "Ah! Isidora! Nice meeting you again." Alma said. "You too, Abuela." Isidora rushed to seat beside Mirabel. She was about to start talking to her until Alma interrupted, "Isidora there's an empty seat here." "It's fine, Señorita. I'm okay sitting with Mirabel." "Oh don't feel pity for her now. Come." "Señorita, I don't-" "You can go, Isidora." Isidora's mom stared at her. Isidora stood up from her seat and went to the chair beside Alma where there's another empty seat, "I regret for ever coming to this house again." "I saved this seat, especially for you." Isidora puts on her fakest smile yet.

 Carlos came downstairs, he looked damn well exhausted. "Carlos! Right in time!" Carlos squinted his eyes to see who said his name. Only to see Isidora and her parents. Carlos blinked a few times before realizing. "Shit." "Well? Come eat!" "I already ate-" Alma faked a laugh. Isidora sipped on her drink quickly to hide her weirded-out face.

 "Now now, Carlos. No need to be shy." "Shy?-" "You can sit beside Isidora if you want." "Oh kill me already if you're trying to make me suffer." Isidora said in her mind. Carlos puts on the biggest, obvious fake smile. Isidora knows he never smiles unless it's a fake one. Carlos sat on the chair beside Isidora and scooched a bit far. "Awww. Look at you two! It's like you were dating again." Isidora's head plopped on the table. "How are you two in school? I made sure Carlos was enrolled in the same class as Isidora's." Carlos dropped his smile before regaining it. "You knew? You knew. That she was there in school." Carlos folded his arms, his eyebrows raised at Alma. "Well yes. It's one of the reasons you were enrolled." Julietta looked at Carlos, whose fist was clenching the fork, then at Alma. "Mamá. You know Carlos and Isidora had broken up a long time ago." "I know."

 The night was silent. No one talked nor even said 'Pass the rice', please. Everyone just eats. Isidora felt bored and uncomfortable at the same time while Carlos was exhausted. He wondered what or who awakened him. Carlos couldn't even close his eyes since he heard someone say "Don't fall asleep." He wasn't sure if it was someone or if it was a dream. What was he dreaming about? He pushed down the thought and just kept eating. He already felt full. So he had to take breaks.

 30 minutes later, Camilo arrived home. "Camilo? Where had you been?" Pepa asked. "At an amigo's house. Didn't Mirabel tell you?" "Sorry primo. I forgot." "It's all fine, prima." "Have you eaten?" "I can leave since I already ate-" "Nah, I already ate at my amigo's house too." Carlos plops back down on the chair. "I'm just going to go ahead and sleep. Night." Camilo said as he headed upstairs.

 For the rest of the night, the adults talked to each other while for Isidora, she grew uncomfortable. She kept zoning out. She didn't realize her parents had been talking to her till Carlos nudged her. "Huh? Oh yeah. I'm just getting tired." "Why don't you two talk to each other?" Carlos looked to his right, and Isidora looked to her left. Avoiding eye contact with each other. Isidora kept tapping her foot on the floor, annoying Carlos. Carlos groaned internally. He searches around to find something to distract Isidora with. He noticed Mirabel was getting bored and staring at her food. Carlos kicked her under the table. "Ow." She lifts her head, glaring at Carlos. "What?" She mouthed. Carlos looked at Isidora then at Mirabel. Mirabel glanced in the direction where Carlos had looked. She saw Isidora staring at nothing. Mirabel taps on Isidora's hand. "Huh?" Mirabel started talking to Isidora. Finally, Isidora stopped tapping her foot.

"Saved at last." Carlos relaxed back on his seat

 They all finished dinner. Alma made Carlos walk Isidora to the door. "She knows where it is. She's not that dumb-" "Carlos, please. Just do it, Carli-" "Fine! Fine." When Carlos was far away from Alma, he mumbled under his breath. Carlos walked, not too close, with Isidora to the door. "It's like they were dating the first time!" Isidora's mom squealed. "Thank you for the wonderful dinner, "Señorita." "You are always welcome."

 "That was the shittiest dinner ever. I can't believe it! My parents cannot get over it! I mean I can believe it. But seriously!" Carlos yawns. They both stop once they arrive at the door. "Just so you know and...tell your parents. There's no school tomorrow." "Is that why my Abuela made invite you to dinner?" Carlos rubbed his eyes. "You can leave, you sleep-deprived pendejo." "Fu-" "Thank you for walking her to the door." Isidora's mom said, "She can be really distracted whenever there's someone handsome around." "He's not even that handsome. I, for sure, know that." "Then why did you date him-" "Alright alright! Damn, I wish you were never my parents." Isidora said as she pushed them outside. "What did you say?" Carlos closed the door.

 Carlos was heading to the stairs when Alma blocked him. "Thank you, Carlos. I know I don't ask you for much. So I appreciate you for doing this." "Mhm. You're welcome..." Carlos walked past her and get upstairs. Carlos opened his doors slowly, he kicked it close as he entered. He plopped down on the bed. His eyes slowly started to shut.

 "Do you believe we're friends in every universe?" "What's a universe?" "I'm not telling." "I won't call you a nerd. I promise." He sighs. "The universe is everything. It includes all of space, and all the matter and energy that space contains." "Now you're talking nerd." "You called me a nerd!" "Nerd-ically speaking, I was saying your talking sounds like a nerd. I didn't call you a nerd." "Anyways. Do you think that? I mean believe?" "Duh. Even when we're both teenagers, we're still friends." Carlos looks to his left. "Mikey?" Carlos stands up. "Mikey?"

 Carlos searches around for him. He found him at a big tree by the lake. Carlos walked up to him and touched his shoulder then lightning hit. Carlos blacked and yet, he's still dreaming. Carlos sits up and rubbed his head. "Shit..." He felt something dripping behind his head. He slowly touched behind his head and then looked at his head. "I hit my head too hard..." He looks up to see Mikey still knocked out. "Mikey?!" Carlos shakes him. Mikey turned on his side. His face was fried like an empanada. "The fuck?!" Carlos backed away. He stood up and tripped backwards falling into the lake. He tried to swamp up the surface until the vines from the bottom were tangled in his legs. He tried to swam it off but it was too strong. Soon enough, there wasn't any air in his lungs that would've made him survive.

 Carlos abruptly sat up from his bed. He felt himself sweating. He drags both his hands down his face. "It was just a dream. It's not. Real." Carlos goes back to bed. He couldn't really sleep because of the dream repeating in his mind. Then the face of an empanada came to his mind. "Weird...I'll probably forget it in the morning."

Chapter Text

 Carlos woke with a groggy feeling. He did not forget that damn empanada. He tried to shake it off with a cold shower but nothing. He tried to think something about the dream but the empanada kept interrupting. Carlos soon gave in. He was in the dining room, drinking coffee. Pepa came in with fresh vegetables and seasonings, "Good morning to you," She dropped the crate on the counter. Carlos only waved. Pepa dropped the crate on the counter, "Aren't you gonna say it back?" "Morning..." Carlos said groggily. "Did you stay up last night?" She starts to take out the seasonings and vegetables. "No. I just woke up in the middle of the night with a weird dream." "It is a school day...go back to bed." "I can't. I already drank some coffee." "All of it?" Carlos looks at his cup. It wasn't even almost finished.

 "Carlos." Carlos turned his head, "If you aren't tired or sleep-deprived is what you call," Carlos rolled his eyes, "Can you help your Abuela pick up some stuff at the Guzman's?" Carlos abruptly stood up from his chair. "Never mind, I'll go to bed." Carlos headed upstairs and went to bed.

 Chico did not know there was no school. He had been waiting for an hour for the gates to open. His family didn't even know if he left the house. He rushed in the morning because he had been longing to tell Valentino ever since the disaster dinner happened. Someone tapped on his shoulder, he turned around to see Valentino. "Valentino! I've been waiting last night to tell you this. Well...I stayed until morning but I just gotta tell ya." "Is one of the things, you explaining to me why are you waiting in front of the school?"

 Chico paused for a second. "Because there's school today?" "The principal had told us that there is no school for three days." Chico groaned. "Since there is no school today. What do you wanna do?" "I was heading to the forest." "I'll come. Oh! I need to tell you what happened at dinner. With. Isidora." "Isidora?" "Mhm." Chico talked to Valentino about the disaster dinner as they walked towards the forest.

 An hour later, the both of them were halfway in the forest. "And get this, Abuela said the reason Carlos was enrolled in school was because Isidora was there." "How did you get enrolled in school?" "I tried to beg my parents but Abuela said no. Then I ask Mirabel and my hermanos for some help. It was difficult when it came to Carlos asking for help. He kept saying no so I did something to make him help." "You tortured him?" Valentino looks at Chico, "Not really. I lied to everyone that Carlos had a crush then he helped me." "You owe him still you know?" "How?" "He was forced to go to school even though he didn't want to." "He probably won't realize that."

It's been 40 minutes of walking in the forest and Chico's legs are getting sore.

"Umm, Val? Can we actually take a rest, I feel like my legs are rotting from walking." "You just said that in time." Valentino spread the bushes covering the view.

There was a flowing river connected to another river coming from the darkest part of the forest, surrounding a single tree in the middle of the smallest hill.

"I know I've never been to the forest until you came. But I am amazed to see this." "It's been here for a long time. Come."

 Valentino took off his slippers and held it with only one hand. He lifted his skirt with a hand as he crossed over. Chico took off his shoes and rolled up his pants. Valentino wipes his feet off the grass. Then clears off the dirt from his feet. Chico grabbed a leaf and wiped the dirt from both his feet. The two sat down. Leaving both of their feet bare in the sun.

 "So how did you find this place?" "It wasn't me who found it. It was Elonzo." "How did he find it?" "I have no clue."

 Chico observes the tree, going around it. He spotted names carved on the tree. He goes over the names with his finger, "Valentino...Elias...Darma...Elonzo...Mira...bel? Camilo?!" He stopped. "Val. Would you know when were all of these names carved?" Chico turned his head. Valentino stands beside Chico. "I thought the tree would've gobbled it up by now. We were eight years old when we all carved our names there. I think..." "Can I carve mine?" Chico exclaimed. "It wouldn't be a great idea since...Elonzo wouldn't like it if another madrigal carved on it." "Why is Mirabel's there then?" "Mirabel and Elonzo were friends. Until the fire." "Heh. You aren't uncomfortable?" "What do you mean?" "With the whole...incident thing ma-jing." "Not much."

 Silenced begun. Valentino rested against the rock. He closed his eyes to take a break from the view. When he felt he was dozing off, he heard a whisper. He opens his eyes to see Chico staring at his hands. "Are you...okay?" Chico clasped his hands. Rubbing them together. "If you don't mind me asking..." Chico fidgeted. "Ask away." "Uhhh how did you feel when you saw...Me?" "I didn't hear the last part." "Let me retract that. Why don't you know what happened during the incident?" Valentino blankly stares at Chico. "You don't have to answer if you feel-" "I wouldn't know." "As to what I heard. I had brain damage caused by lightning. I think?" "So you lost your memories?" "I guess?" "Then how did you know?" "It's the last thing I remembered before I passed out."

 "You know...that's actually an awesome thing." "The lightning thing? Or when I passed out?" "You survived getting hit by lightning! That's a story that you gotta live to tell!" "Barely. I heard papá and Tío talk about how I nearly died because they couldn't find...Julietta?" "That sounded like you don't remember at all." "Mhm. I do remember telling you that I lost my memories when that lightning hit." "I meant. 'That sounded like-' you know what. Never mind." Chico plopped his head on his hands. Chico then heard a soft laugh. Chico turned his head to the side. He sees Valentino trying to stifle his laugh. Chico's gaze softened. He stared at Valentino as he struggled to stop his laugh.

 The night finally settled in. Chico offered to walk Valentino home. He responded with a slow nod. The walk felt. At peace. Chico looked over to Valentino. 'That smile...' Chico looks at Valentino's lips. He remembered Valentino's hand was hovered in his mouth. His eyes closed. His teeth showed. "Come to think about it..." Chico snapped out of his thoughts. "I don't think I remember how mi mamá looks. Not even her name." "That lightning really hit you that deep in that beautiful head of yours..." "That what?" Valentino raised his eyebrow at him. "Nothing." Chico shies away. Valentino goes back to looking straight.

 "I can't believe you laugh."  "You would've laughed too when you watch someone realize what they said." Chico saw Valentino fighting a smile. "Show that smile, please. Okay. Why am I acting like this?!" Chico let his head hang low before lifting his head, showing him smiling. "Okay yeah. I might laugh at that but so much meaner." "I never knew you could be mean." "That doesn't do...Ah! A jerk." "Oh gosh. We don't need more jerks in this town than we have anymore." "We could just subtract the jerks in the town and-" "We?" Valentino smiled again. Heat rises in Chico's cheeks. "Good thing it is dark outside. Cause that would've been. Been..."  Chico's eyebrows furrowed. "Hm..." "What ya thinking there?" "Ummm...How am I going to subtract the jerks in this town..."  "You mean we?" "Oh come on!" Valentino laughed.

" Good save. Chico. Good save."

 Valentino arrived home. "Adiós, tomatre." For the rest of the night. Chico kept thinking about Valentino's laugh. He never thought to witness Valentino laugh. "A Vergara and a Madrigal. Two foul enemies. Are surprisingly friends with each other. Did you know that one Madrigal made a Vergara laugh? Two times! What a shocking news! And that Vergara has an incredible smile." That very moment replayed in his moment over and over and over again. "And no one can compete with that amazing smile on an amazing person. A gorgeous one..."  

 Everyone in town is asleep. The majority of it. Valentino wasn't asleep so he saw Elonzo abruptly sit up, his hands trembling. After 20 minutes, Elonzo had calmed down and fell asleep. As for Valentino, he still couldn't sleep. He tried to remember how his mamá looked or what her name was. He had asked Elonzo if he remembered how their mamá looked. Unfortunately, he didn't. Probably the reason he had a panic attack since he might've had a nightmare. Valentino can't ask their pá. Elonzo did tell Valentino that he still remembered how exactly their mamá looked like and her name. Valentino hated that he got hit by lightning. Where did the lightning came from anyway?

Chapter Text

 "Valentino. Valentino." Valentino slowly opened his eyes. "Valentino." "Morning to you, Juancho." Valentino lifts himself, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Coffee?" Juancho offered with a high-pitched voice. "Sure." Valentino steadily takes the coffee mug from Juancho.

 "You're finally awake," Elonzo said. He was leaning on the door. "Elonzo! Juancho rushed to hug his hermano, nearly spilling the hot coffee. Elonzo attempted to grab the coffee from Juancho's hand. Till Juancho let go of Elonzo and skipped outside the room.

 "You feel better now?" Valentino asks. "Almost." Elonzo steps inside the room. He lay down on the bed. Valentino sips on his coffee. "What happened?" "There was no trouble. The Principal gave us a three-day off. If that is what you're asking?" "Only three days?" Elonzo sat up. Valentino nodded. 

 "Guess what." "Mhm." "I'm going back to school. Yay." Elonzo said the last part sarcastically. Valentino set the mug on the nightstand. "You're going right back to school after the break?" "That's what Pá said. Why'd you ask?" No answer. "Valentino?" Elonzo twists his head. "Valentino?" "Yea?" "Why did you ask?" Valentino waits for a minute before replying, "The Madrigals. They're in the school."

 Elonzo's expression went to shock then laughed it off. "Wow. What a horrifying thing." "I'm not lying." "Right." "The triplets and their little hermano are there. Especially Mirabel." Elonzo sat up on his bed. "Mirabel?"

"Yeah."

 "Short, curly hair. The only girl without a gift?" "I wouldn't say that. Chico's little brother I believe, still didn't get his gift yet." "Now I know you're serious. But I thought they were homeschooled?"  Valentino opens his mouth to reply, then decides to close it. 

 Valentino is in deep shit. How did he not think about Elonzo when Chico wanted to know about the people in school? He could've convinced Chico not to go there but didn't. He felt guilty for not stopping Chico. Knowing his twin brother would either freak out or get extremely mad about the Madrigals. What can Valentino do? 

 After a long time thinking. He found a solution. But what if Valentino convinces Elonzo instead? That the Madrigals weren't as bad as they think they are. That he's friends with one of them and that he is extremely adorable with his cheeks turning to scarlet.

 "We should tell Papá about this." Valentino immediately stood up and blocked Elonzo. "Valentino-" "You can't." "Why not?" Elonzo folds his arms. "The Madrigals aren't that bad." "Valentino. You don't even know what happened. I know you don't understand." "I do. It's Abuela's manipulating us. All of us. It wasn't the weather woman's fault because of the lighting. It was the townfolks. They were yelling at her to hurry up. Which caused her to snap out." "How did you know." "Chico." "That son of a-" "Please, Elonzo. He's a nice guy." "I don't believe it." "If-" "Just an if?" "If I proved to you that Chico is a great guy. Will you please not tell Papá about them?" "Fine. At school. I'll see." "Thank you."

 Elonzo grinned. "What?" "Oh, nothing. Just a theory...of you." "Nope. I am not listening to your 'Elonzo's Theories'. Nuh-uh." "I think..." Valentino covers his ears. "That you just want to prove yourself that this guy..." Valentino takes his hands off his ears little by little. "Is a someone to you." Elonzo poked Valentino. "What is that supposed to mean- Never mind. Don't answer." "You like him~" Elonzo said in Valentino's ear. "No. I. Don't." "It's just a theory hermano." "A theory." "If this guy made you like this," Elonzo palmed out, outlining the shape of Valentino, "Then I think this guy, might be a great person." Elonzo's stomach grumbles. "My theory ends there. For now. I need to eat." Elonzo leaves the room.

 Valentino lays down on his bed. His eyes slowly started to shut until he realized one thing. "What if something bad happens between them." He mulls over the idea. for a while up till he decides he could meet up with Chico. Valentino finally drifted off to sleep.

Valentino let his Papá know that he was going to walk around town. His Papá nodded. He grabbed his cloak once he was outside. 

Valentino's home was far away from where his school. And for sure the Madrigal too. It took him at least 23 minutes to get to the town center. He looks around if Chico is anywhere near but no one.

 Valentino hears people whispering behind him. He twists his head a little so that he can see the people talking with his peripheral vision. It's a few students from his school. Valentino takes a deep breath. "I don't want to be here any longer than I-" Valentino mumbled. "Boo!" Chico startled him. "Oh, it was you. Damn it." "I got you good." Chico smirked, "Why are you here, by the way?" "To talk to you." "That's terrific. I needed to escape chores." "I can wait-" Chico grabbed his wrist and went to the forest, "No time to waste!" Valentino held onto the cloak on his head as Chico dragged him.

 "So what are you going to tell me?" "My brother is going back to school." "The coffee kid? He's fine. I have nothing to worry about. Besides, he even hangs out with Antonio." "My other brother." "Oh...Elonzo?" "Don't worry. He isn't that bad." "Does he even know that we are there?" "I told him last night." "Last night?!" "Are you...upset?" "No not at all. It all feels so..." "Anxious?" "Yeah. But what if I messed up?" "Make a good first impression then the rest might go easy." Chico groans. "I never felt this way before! I freak out whenever I know someone doesn't like me." "My brother knows you are a great person." At one point when Valentino said Chico was a great person. He felt butterflies in his stomach.

 "He needs proof that all of you are...not what my Abuela thinks." Chico scoffs. "Camilo might mess up though." "I can introduce Elonzo to you first." "Why me?" "He doesn't think of you much. He would feel awkward with Mirabel since they were friends before. Carlos...I think he would sense Carlos is a dickhead. Just because of his resting face." "Do you think Carlos is a d-word?" "That was my first thought when I met him at lunch. Then I realized he wasn't all that bad. He does bully you guys." "You should probably say that to Elonzo before he senses that Carlos is a d-word." "Definitely."

 They finally arrived at the small hill where the tree was at the center. Valentino made a similar routine yesterday, before crossing the river surrounding the hill. As soon as Valentino was putting on his slippers. Chico ran and jumped. He landed on the edge of the hill, causing him to slip backward and get his bum wet. 

 Valentino heard a splash. He whipped his head around to see Chico slightly bending and touching his bum. As Chico walked past, Valentino saw behind Chico his shirt and pants dripping. Valentino smiled and shook his head. Chico steadily sat down and then relaxed. Valentino sits beside him. Valentino noticed Chico was shivering a little. He took off his cloak and handed it to Chico. "Before you decline. I insist." Chico smiled at him and took the cloak from his hands. His fingers lightly grazed at Valentino's palm. Valentino didn't notice but Chico felt a flutter in his stomach again. If he ever felt it again, he thought he might be sick.

 The sun began to settle down. Chico had woken up from a nap. He didn't realize he slept on Valentino. He immediately lifts his head from Valentino's shoulder. "Did I fall asleep first!?" Chico panicked internally. 

 Valentino had finally woke up. He stretched out his arms, accidentally Chico on the side of his head with his fist. "I'm so sorry." Chico snapped out. "It's all right." When Chico turned his head, his face was so close to Valentino. He could see all of Valentino's features up this close.

 Valentino's left eye was hazel, and the other was darkishly brown. His nose bridge was a little higher. He didn't even notice Valentino had an earring on his right ear that was connected to the earlobe and two cuffs on the earlobe.

 ''You are so pretty. Not pretty. Drop dead gorgeous." Chico was still staring at Valentino. Valentino was never complimented other than his brothers. "Thank you." "Is it awful that I considered you as a girl when I saw you behind the bakery?" "Not awful. But not delightful either." "Would it be delightful when I say, you're so majestic to look at? Even though I mistaken you as a girl." "That is a little better." 

 Valentino pulls out his pocket watch from pocket. "We need to get going." Valentino stood up and dusted off his skirt. As soon as Valentino crosses, Chico jumps over the river. He used his hands this time to save himself from falling fully backward on the ground.

 Once they have exited the forest, they both separated. "Wait!" Chico yelled. Run towards Valentino and then stop. "Would you like to hang out again tomorrow? It is the last day of break until school starts." "Can't. I have to work till the sun settles." "We can hang out in town instead." "Sure. Let's try." "We'll meet at the water fountain." "Too many people. Just go to the back and wait there." "Right. I'll see ya tomorrow, vistoso." Chico walked away with a smile on his face. "Adios, tomatre." 

 When Valentino got home, he took off his shoes. As he planned to walk somewhere, Elonzo stood in front of him, both his arms folded. Valentino raised his eyebrow. "What happened?" "Nothing awful." Valentino headed for the couch. "I'm not asking about that." Elonzo dropped his arms along his side, "Why were you smiling?" "I got complimented." Valentino lays down on the couch arm and hugs the pillow. "By who?" Elonzo leaned behind the couch. "I can't tell you yet." Valentino slowly closed his eyes. 

 Elonzo snaps in Valentino's ear. Valentino opened his eyes with an angry-exhausted expression. "Was it one of the Madrigals?" Elonzo whispered. At least he was considerate about it. "Chico. Now leave me alone." Elonzo smiled. "Do you...like him?" "No." "Whatever then." Elonzo walked away with a smile. 

Inside Valentino's mind. He kept replaying that compliment and that stare in his mind.

 ~~~~~~

 Chico waited until sunset before going to the back of Carina's Bakery. He heard the door open. He thought it was Valentino. When 'Valentino' got outside, Chico didn't even see his face. He just noticed Valentino wearing brown pants and a yellow blouse. "Why are you here?" Chico looks up to see it wasn't Valentino. But his twin brother. Elonzo.

 Chico froze on the spot. "I'm here for Valentino." Chico fingers tremble. He hid his hands behind him. "What are your plans with him?" "We're just going to hang out, sir." "Why did I call him sir. He's not even that old!" 

 Elonzo looks at him up and down. Examining him with a determined look. "Which Madrigal are you?" "Seriously?" "Chico." Elonzo smiled. "Valentino told me, you're a great guy." "He did?!" Chico exclaimed. Elonzo was shocked. Chico clears his throat. "He did?" Chico said more calmly.

 "I have to ask. How did you and Valentino become friends?" "This is going to get awkward..." "I kind of followed him. Not in a creepy way or in any other way!" "Kind of followed him?" "I saw this beautiful girl with long braided hair and a dress. I followed her till I saw her go around the corner where your bakery is. I went through the walls trying to find her but nothing. Then I saw Valentino and realized he was her." 

Elonzo chuckled. "I take it that he wasn't too delighted to see you." Chico shrugged, "I guess you can say that. He seemed so aloof with his serious expression." "I've said that to him before."

 "So...why do you despise me and my pamilia?" "Eh...my Abuela influenced us all to never interact with one Madrigal." "You're interacting with me." "I guess you aren't that bad at all." "What about...Mirabel? If you don't mind me asking." Elonzo sighs deeply. "Honestly, I don't how she's going to react when she sees me. I stopped hanging out with her a day after the fire happened." "I'm sorry...For your Madre's loss." "How is your Má doing?" "She's fine is how I see it." "I do feel bad for her. They were best of friends your Má and mine." "They were?!" "You didn't know? It was obvious since they were both in the same room when they birthed little hermanos." "I've forgotten about that."

 The door opens. Chico quickly hid inside the walls, in case it was another person. "Why were you taking so long out here?" When Chico heard that familiar voice, he immediately got out of hiding. "Hola." Valentino eyes widen before his expression changes into confusion. "What happened here?" "Funny story actually," Chico stood beside Elonzo, "I got caught by him." Chico pointed to Elonzo. "You didn't even try to hide." "Because I thought you were Valentino. With a small change in clothing." Chico folded his arms. 

 "Hm. I guess I don't have to introduce him to you first." "What." "He intended to introduce you to me. Which I don't think was fair." "It wouldn't make sense to introduce him to Antonio, of course." "I just think, your twin here," "Elonzo," Elonzo says. "Elonzo here, is okay to introduce him to Mirabel. Secondly." 

 Valentino looks at Elonzo. "Are you okay with that Elonzo?" "I'm not sure yet..." "I can tell Mirabel that you are going to be there." Chico looks at Elonzo and then Valentino. "If you are fine with it, Elonzo." "I'm not up for it." "What if-" "Chico." Valentino warned. Chico zips his mouth shut. "You two better go before Papá comes." "Right." Valentino puts over the cloak on his head. Chico waved bye to Elonzo as they walked away. 

 For the rest of the day, Chico and Valentino walked around town. Once they walked around town. Both of them sat down on the bench. Valentino suggested that they play a game called Traveler. Where they make up stories about strangers that had passed them.

 Chico went first and saw a mother cradling her baby in her arms. "Hmm...That mother is a teen mom who is having a hard time with life right now." "Starting dark, I see. Over there, the man in a white vest is a cranky who is in his mid-fifties but people assume that he's older than he looks." "How old?" "Ten years." Chico looks closer. "Oh yeah, he does!" "Are you sure you're looking at the right man?" Chico laughed. "No need to be so harsh on the old man. "Valentino looked away. "What?" 

 A silhouette overshadowed the both of them. Chico looked up. It was those group of teens again. "May I help either of you?" "Nope. We were just wondering how are you two doing?" Sophie looked at Valentino. "We're doing fine. We were just leaving." Chico stood up.

 "Oh, I hope we didn't bother you or anything." "Not that we want to be associated with any of you two." Lin said. "Pardon me. I have never met any of you nor do I know you. So you can leave us alone now." "Let's not make anything worse." "Of course."

 When Valentino and Chico started to walk away. Lin grabbed Chico's wrist and pulled him. "Just because you are a Madrigal, will never mean you are special." Chico's toes were barely touching the ground. "Put him down, Lin." Chico pretended to puke. "Do you even brush your teeth? It smells like your breath is expired from talking so much." "Why you little-" 

"Hey, amigos." Camilo had arrived.

Lin let go of Chico's collar. "I see you met my hermano, Chico." "Ah, your hermano." Lin looked at Chico. Chico glared at him back.

 "Chico, are you skipping chores?" Chico was way too busy glaring at Lin. "Chico." Chico finally snaps out. "I'm finished with my chores. Me and Valen- my amigo here were minding our business till they came along." "Alright, we'll leave you alone. Come on, guys." "Oh, but we just want to get to know more about your little hermano." "You can come with us so they can get to know you more." "No." Chico said firmly. "Okay...?"

 "Why is this one ain't talking?" Miranda says. He looks up and down at Valentino. "He is exhausted from work." "Valentino! Is that you?" Sophie exclaimed. "What are you saying? That's Valencio." The others looked at each other and had a mischievous grin. "Well, crud."

"I don't know, Camilo. I am pretty sure this..." "Faggot." Lin chimed in. "What does that mean?" Miranda tried to stop himself laughing, "He's someone I know." 

"You dare to say that word in front of them." Valentino finally spoke up. "Finally, you talked." 

Camilo looked at Valentino's face closer. "Now that I see it...Vergara?" "Chico. You do know that is one of the Vergara pamilia?" "Yes, I know. But don't worry he doesn't hate us." "Sure...and I am four years old. His family hates us. There is a whole lot of possibilities for him to despise us." Camilo looked at Valentino. 

 Chico somehow tried to divert Camilo's eyes by standing in front of Valentino. "Truth is, how can I despise you even though I didn't know what happened." "Liar." "He's telling the truth." "No, he's not. First of all, why else would he be hanging out with you? No offense but you wouldn't fit in." Lin and Miranda bump each other's fists. Chico and Valentino locked eyes with each other. Valentino was surprised to hear what Camilo had said, Chico was losing it.

"Second, how wouldn't you know about what happened? And lastly, he lied to you about his name." Camilo's eyes darted from Valentino to Chico.

 "To answer your question. I was the one who lied to you about his name. I knew who he was the moment I saw him. I made up the name on the spot." "He probably made Chico lie to you," Sophie whispered in Camilo's ear.

"To answer your foolish question. I got hit by lightning on the head." "You're the kid who got hit- oh...." 

 "And what do you mean he wouldn't be hanging out with me? Because I won't fit in?" "It is because you're part of the weirdo group." "Then I'm happier to be there than to be in your jerk group." 

 "This is getting ridiculous. Let's go home." As soon as Camilo grabbed Chico's wrist, he pulled his hand away. "Why don't you stop treating me like I'm still your pequeño hermano." "But you still are from me." "You know what. It is ridiculous. Why don't all of you go home so we can continue minding our business." 

 "Oop, we should give his milky before he throws a tantrum." Lin mocked. "You should check your brain cells if it's still there because we're the same age, estúpido." "Chico." Camilo said firmly. "It's the truth." "You little-" "I am not little you güevón carechimba." Everyone surrounding them was now staring at Chico. Valentino pulls Chico close so he doesn't get into a fight with Lin.

 Sophie held Camilo's forearm, "But Cami, he cursed at us." Sophie uses her 'puppy eyes' at Camilo. Chico's face looked like it says, "What the fuck." Valentino was unbothered since he had to witness at least Sophie to be like this. Every. Day. At school. Camilo cringed internally. He slowly peels Sophie's hand off his forearm. "I assure you, Chico doesn't mean that." 

 Chico clenched his fist. "I can't believe you. I'd expect you to at least prevent it from happening or something as a hermano." Chico takes a deep breath, "I guess you aren't my hermano anymore." Chico glanced at the teens before walking away with Valentino. "Hermano, let me explain-" Sophie goes in front of Camilo. "It's better if we leave them." Camilo glanced at Chico and then Sophie. "Do you think so?" "I know so. Now come on. We shouldn't have spent our time with them." Camilo walked with the others in the opposite direction of Chico.

"I'm sorry for taking so long. They were such jerks!" "I was surprised to hear you swear a bunch of times." "Is that bad?" Valentino shrugged. "How's your legs?" "A little sore. It's all fine though." 

 "I'm sorry about my- About Camilo. He was so out of place!" "I change my mind about him. But I am willing to give your other pamilia members a chance." "Thank you. Camilo indeed, has become one of them. What an idiot." "Don't call your hermano that. He's just being an idiot because of them manipulating him." "He's not my hermano, anymore. Did you see what he did?" "Clearly. That's step one of their manipulation. Making him get on their side. Nothing as I witnessed before." "What do you mean?"

 "One of my friends was manipulated by them before. It was horrible what they did to them." "I thought it was one person." "They prefer to be called them. Pronouns." "I have so much to learn. Not just from school but people our age." "I'm sorry for asking." "You can stop apologizing. It isn't your fault. Neither Camilo's" 

 Chico groaned. "Hearing his name makes me feel queasy." "Don't lose your bond with your hermano. I've seen you two before and you two have a strong connection than anyone else I have met. Not just as hermanos." "Their influence on him is so powerful. I don't know if he's going to lose me. Or I'm going to lose him." "You'll keep trying. And I know he will." "I hope he's not weak enough that they're exploiting him too much." "Let's hope for the best."

 When the night settled, Chico walked Valentino home. Valentino enters and takes off his slipper. He heard something tapping on the floor. He looks to the side and sees Elonzo washing the dishes while tapping. "Hey." Elonzo twists his head. When Elonzo saw Valentino's concerned expression his foot stopped tapping. He smiled, "Hey. How did it go?" "Half good," Valentino sits on the stool, "Half bad." He passed the mug towards Valentino.

 Elonzo zoned out for a moment, Valentino let him be. Elonzo then smiled. "You know...He was willing to stand up for you. What. A. Guy." "Elonzo," Valentino warned. "He spoke up for you. He...went ahead and stopped Lin from getting any closer to you~" "Technically, He was stopping Lin from getting any closer to him." "This is 'Elonzo's Evidence' not 'Valentino's Verification'" "A so-called evidence." Elonzo dramatically gasp. "It is the truth!" "Your evidence is...a sham." "You just won't believe me." "Because your evidence is a rip-off of a fantasy." "A fantasy? Or Real?" "I'm gonna go mental if I sit here any longer." Valentino sipped the last drop and went upstairs.

Chapter Text

 Chico woke up with a pounding headache. "I probably should stop sleeping so late...Nah." Chico groaned. He lifted himself off the bed and headed for his door. Chico headed downstairs and went to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth, washed his face, and fixed his hair. As he exited the bathroom, Camilo was right outside, waiting with his towel on his shoulder.

 When Camilo heard the door open, he looked up. At the moment that Camilo opened his eyes. "Save it." Chico immediately walked past Camilo. "Chico, please-" Chico turned around fast, "Don't. Or you might regret it further. You did what you shouldn't have done. At. All." Camilo took a deep breath. 

 Dolores can feel the suspense in the atmosphere and so does Pepa. Chico ate bits of his food but not a spoonful. Camilo's expression signifies dejection. Carlos's eyes seem exhausted. As always. "Carlos, you need to sleep more, hijo." Carlos glanced at Pepa and then Chico, "Tell that to Chico too." "You too Chico." "I couldn't sleep." Chico slumped in his chair. 

 "Did you shut your windows? It was really cold last night." Mirabel chimed in. Chico shrugged. "What is with you two?" Chico looked down at his dish, and Camilo only sighed. "Let me, Tía. Chico, you look like you're going to burst out by clenching your fork," Chico dropped his fork and made a face that said 'Are you happy?'

 "Camilo, you seem out of the blue today. Which is not normal." "More like out of his mind." Chico mumbled. "You two. In my room. I need to talk to the both of you." Chico stormed out of his chair and stomped his way upstairs. Camilo made Chico go first so they have less time to be with each other for the least.

 Julietta told Mirabel and Carlos to go before they were late. Mirabel was concerned about Camilo. Mirabel held Antonio's hand as they walked to school. "Is Camilo and Chico in trouble?" "I'm sure it's not a big deal." 

 Valentino grew worried over the morning when he didn't see Chico come to school. "Valentino, we're going to be late. He might be sick." "Sickness can be easily healed with a bite of Julietta's arepa." "Oh yeah..." The school bell rings. "He might've slept in. Can we go now?" "Maybe..." Valentino walked with Elonzo inside the school.

Elonzo and Valentino separated once they were near Valentino's homeroom. "I'll see you at lunch." Valentino thumbs up in the air. 

 As Elonzo walked into his homeroom class, his friends came rushing to him. "Elonzo! Where the hell you've been?" Elias asked. "I've been sick." "I've told you to use some vicks to put out the cold." Marianne said as she folded her arms.

 "So do you know if they are here?" Elias said. "Yeah...I decided to give them a chance you know." "Ahh. That's why Mirabel is here."  "Mirabel?" Elias pointed to Mirabel sitting at the back beside the window. Her head rested on the palm of her head. Seemingly bored.

 "Camilo isn't here. Poor girl is all alone." Marianne said as she shook her head. "Is it her first day here?" "They arrived here five or four days." Elias answered. "Huh. I expect her to at least have a few friends. She's sweet." "Hm...Why don't we sit we her? She already doesn't have a gift, which is sad. It'd be another sad thing if she doesn't have any friends." Marianne suggested as she looked at Elonzo. He simply shrugged.  

"I guess this is how it's going to start..." Elonzo felt unsure. "Right, so you're going to sit with her?" "I was thinking-" "Good idea! You should!" "Wait-" Elias slid Elonzo across the floor towards Mirabel. Elias let go of Elonzo when he was close enough to sit. When Elonzo pulled the chair from the desk, he caught Mirabel's attention. She quickly fixed her posture and inhaled deeply.

"What the fuck should I do? It's been a long time since we talked...Maybe a simple hi  or a hey might do."

 Elonzo turned around to face Mirabel. "Hey." Mirabel smiled and was about to acknowledge him back. "New teacher incoming!" Everyone rushed to sit at their desk. Elonzo put his bag down beside his desk. Mirabel whispered, "Hey to you too." 

 The teacher finally came in. "All right, everyone. Let's take out our journals and pens." She puts her satchel beside the table. She grabbed a chalk in the drawer and wrote the title, "Turning In Assignments & Marking Each Other Work"

 While her back was turned, the students talked to each other. "I feel like her name is Nina...but Daniela too." "Idiot, that's Daniela's sister." "She's so young." "How old is she?" "Twenty, dumbass." "Is she single?" "She is sooo pretty." "Gorgeous even." "That is a one fine Moreno." "I thought it was Lopez." 

"Can everyone please stop talking? My subject is not for chit-chatting. It is only for learning how to write and a free time for reading." She dusts off the left chalk from her hands. "Before someone doesn't remind me...please turn in the assignment. You may all put it on the table." Everyone groaned.

 Mirabel raised her hand. "Yes..." "Mirabel." "Mirabel. Go on." "I had just arrived on Tuesday this week. I wasn't given an assignment." "Oh don't worry. Since you are new here, you don't have to do it. But everyone else has to." 

Elonzo raised his hand. "Yes, Elonzo?" "I...didn't bring my homework to school." "Why?" "I forgot to put it in my backpack after I was better." Nina pinched her nose. "Fine...you can turn it in tomorrow." 

Another student raised their hand. "Yes?" "I can't find the assignment in my satchel..." "Go check in your locker." "May I have the permit?" Nina handed the permit to the student.

 Two students came up from their desks and put their journals on the table. "That's all? Did everyone else not do their assignment? It was three days for Pete's sake." "But Mrs. Moreno-" "You know what? The assignment can be due tomorrow. You two can have the journals back." One student mumbled as they took their journal back.

"For this time...We can all just read a book." Everyone took their books out of their bags, except Mirabel. 

 Elonzo scooches his book closer to Mirabel. He nudges her shoulders. "How has it been?" Elonzo whispered. "Considering you are sitting beside me, knowing what my pamilia did in the past..." "I'm giving all your family a second chance. Even you." "What made you have a second thought?" "Yesterday, I met one of your primos. I don't remember his name. Once we talked, I just knew he was a great guy." 

 Mirabel rolled her eyes playfully. "Camilo has that charm on everyone." "I thought he was the shapeshifter guy." "Yeah. He is." "Then that's not the name...Oh! He uhhh somehow get in a wall?" "Chico? The one with an orange poncho." "Mhm. Besides, I wouldn't say that Camilo is charming." "Keep denying buddy," Mirabel folded her arms, "He might have you wrap around his finger or be head over heels." Elonzo scoffed. "Not when he's friends with them." "Them?" "You know. The kids who made of fun me..." "Right..."

"Oh by the way, did you know that Camilo said the shittiest thing to Chico?" Mirabel shook her head. "Well, Camilo told him, he wouldn't fit in with the people our age in school." Mirabel was stunned. She blinks her eyes, "Who did you hear this from?" "My twin. He's Valentino. The one who's been hanging out with your primo for God knows how long." "I think your hermano prefers to be called Valencio." "I'm sure he does not prefer his name to be..." "Valencio." "Yeah. I would know because Valentino tells me everything."

"Mrs. Madrigal and Mr. Vergara. This is not chit-chatting time." "Sorry, Mrs. Moreno." They both said at the same time.

"Valencio? Maybe she misheard the name wrong...What kind of name is Valencio? It's ridiculous." Elonzo ripped a piece of paper from his math notebook. He grabbed his pen from his backpack. He scribbled on the paper for a minute before passing it to Mirabel.

"Would you be okay to eat lunch with me and my friends?" 

Mirabel wrote something back.

"Sure. If it means making Carlos suffer with Isidora." 

"I thought they weren't together anymore?"

"Of course, they aren't. They're just friends who annoy each other a lot."

"Elonzo and Mirabel. Stop passing notes." 

 After what felt like hours and hours, Chico was exhausted and had fallen asleep on the armchair instead of patiently waiting. On the other hand, Camilo just stared at the floor. Félix and Pepa entered the room. Félix shuts the door close. "What is going on with you two?" Pepa asked. "Ask him." Chico nudges his head towards Camilo. "Camilo." "I don't know what I did wrong." "Oh really? Do you think saying to someone 'they don't fit in' is not a bad thing?" "I didn't mean it as a bad thing! I was just saying." Camilo shrugged. "So Camilo here tried to remind me that being me won't fit in the jerk section'" Chico glared at Camilo. "Jerk section?" "His so-called jerk friends called us names. " "They are not jerks." "That's what stood out for you the most? Concerning." "Camilo, let him talk."  Félix said. 

 "Why should I let him continue to bad mouth my,  friends." "Oh, so you would let them bad mouth me but you won't let me bad mouth them? Unbelievable." "Chico, you know it's not true." "No no no. It is the truth. You just won't be able to handle losing your great friends at all, if you defend me instead of them!" "It is not what you think!"

 Chico stood up, "Oh really? It seemed like it is what I think it is. Who would've thought that Camilo would rather be with his moza amiga than deal with some freak!" "Hermano, you are not a freak." "Then what am I to your popularity perspective? What am I other than the hermano you know? The Chico you know?" "You are still my little hermano. I just wanted you to get away from this...big stuff. To protect you." Pepa's face fell into an awe. 

"Example of a bad choice of wording." Chico said in his mind.

 Chico's teeth bared as he clenched his fist. He felt his hot as the Sun itself. "Stop treating me like a damn baby! We are the same age! Just because you were born five minutes early than me, does not mean you get to coddle me!" "I feel like it's a natural thing to do! Since you're..." "I swear if you even mention something similar as little. Camilo clamped his mouth shut.

 Camilo thinks for a moment. "You are my hermano, right?" Camilo raised his eyebrow. Chico nodded. Camilo slowly walked towards him. "And every hermanos or hermanas has gotta agree most of the things their older hermanos or hermanas say, right?" Camilo wrapped his arm around his shoulder. Chico took pushed him to the side. "How dare you think with that big ego of yours, that you have the say to tell me I need to agree with you? You have simply crossed over the line!" 

"You two, settle down!" Pepa shouted. A dark cloud had formed above her head.

 Chico plopped onto the chair. Camilo backs up and sits. "First of all, Chico. You know better than not to say so disrespecting!" Pepa said. "They said it first-" "It does not matter," Pepa interrupted him, "Even if someone bad-mouthed us, we do not say such rude things. We, Madrigals, always set a good example for the townfolks." Camilo smirked and folded his arms. 

 "And, Camilo. Reminding people that they do not fit in with the majority of school, is a very hurtful thing to say." Félix said. "I'm sorry..." Camilo said. "Apologize to Chico, not to us." Camilo sighed and faced Chico. "I'm sorry that I said that you don't fit in..." Chico raised his eyebrow. "And...?" "And that I defended them over you." "I'll forgive you." Camilo looked confused. "But?" Chico shrugged. 

 "Your turn, Chico." Félix nudged towards him. "I- Wh- Me!?" Chico pointed to himself. "I didn't do anything wrong!" "Mijo, you either apologize or be grounded." Pepa declared. "Nothing I did is wrong." "You called my friends jerks, insulted my friends, and said 'so-called' friends. Even though they are." 

"They won't be  your friends for long." Chico thought.

 Chico's shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry..." Chico mumbled. "Can you repeat that?" Camilo tilts his head. Chico faced the wall, looking away from Camilo. "I'm. Sorry." "Chico," Pepa warned. "Alright alright alright. I'm sorry for what I said. It was inconsiderate of me to say all those things I said about you and your friends." "Atta boy. See? This is why little hermanos listen to their older hermanos!"

"This guy is full of crap."

 Chico takes a deep breath. "You know what. Lucky for you...There are few times I wished you were never my hermano, to begin with." "Chico." Camilo reached for his wrist but Chico pulled his wrist away because he knew Camilo was bound to make the situation worse. He left the room and headed to his. He prepared his back and went to school.

Once the bell rang for the first half of lunch, Elonzo searched for Valentino. "What did Mirabel mean he preferred to be called Valencio? There is no way Valentino wouldn't tell me unless--There he is."  

Valentino was going through his locker, searching for his lunch.

"Valentino!" Valentino turned his head around who called his name. He sees Elonzo. Valentino smiled a little and waved. Elonzo rushed to Valentino.

"How was-" "Is it true that your preferred name is Valencio?" Elonzo interrupted. Valentino's smile faded away. "How did you know?" "Mirabel." "I thought you weren't ready to face her?" "No. I just didn't want Chico to do it. Anyways, back to the question. Why is your name Valencio?" Valentino looked both ways. He shut his locker and locked it. "Let's talk in private."

 Valentino led Elonzo into a classroom that was never used. "First, I don't prefer my name to be Valencio," "Then why-" "Camilo had caught the two of us hanging out." "What?! Since when?" "Keep your voice down, please. It was a month and two weeks ago." "A month-" "It'd be better if you let finish talking. Questions later. To continue, I had to keep using that name so they don't find out." Elonzo opened his mouth till Valentino said "So Mirabel and his hermanos don't try to...stop Chico to hang with me if they find out I was one of the Vergara's." "Oh. That makes so much sense. But the name? Valencio? Seriously you could've done better than that." "I didn't make it up. Chico did." "Would that make sense?" "Knowing him for a month and two weeks, yes it does." Elonzo laughed. 

"We should eat lunch before we miss out." "Oh shit! I forgot I invited Mirabel to eat lunch with me!" Elonzo ran to the cafeteria. 

 Valentino reached to the floor to sense there was nothing there. "Did I not get my lunch?" He retraced his steps to his locker. "Did I run with Elonzo when we went to the classroom? My memory is getting worse. I should tell papá about this."

 Once Valentino arrived at the cafeteria with his lunch, he saw Mirabel and the two with Elonzo and his friends. Valentino walked over to the tables that were connected. Elonzo scooched over to make space for Valentino. Valentino sat down and settled his lunch on the table.

 "Valencio, what took you so long?" Everyone at the table was confused, except for Carlos and Isidora. "I forgot to take my lunch from my locker." "Valentino, I didn't know you have a preferred name?" Daniela said. 

"I forgot me and Chico have to Mirabel and Carlos. My memory storage is getting worse." 

Chico arrived in the cafeteria with a grumpy face. Chico looked around then finally saw Valentino with the others. 

"I feel like this is a bad time to be here. Welp. I can't back out now since he saw me." Chico thought.

 "I uhhh need to talk to someone first." Valentino stood up, grabbed his lunch, and walked to Chico. Chico walked over to Valentino to say hello but Valentino was already first to do so. Chico stopped in his tracks when Valentino was close enough. "He-" "No time. We need to talk." "W-what? Woah." Valentino grabbed Chico's wrist and dragged him outside.

 Elonzo and Mirabel looked at each other. "That was something." "Is Chico...possibly dating Valentino?" Mirabel asked. Elonzo paused for a moment. "I...don't think so?" "Oh come on. You didn't know Valentino had a preferred name until now." "Actually-" Elonzo stopped himself. 

"Should I tell her? Would Valentino be okay with that? I mean...Valentino dragged me to an empty room just to talk..." 

"Never mind." Elonzo continues to eat his lunch. "So does that mean there is a chance that Valentino and Chico could be dating?" "I don't know. I'm not sure." "Use your...twin sense thingy or twin telephone shit. Whatever it calls." Elias said. 

 They arrived under the stairs. "So..." Chico started "Mirabel knows." "Knows...?" "She thinks my preferred name is Valencio." "Your preferred name is Valencio?" "Chico. You were the one who made up the name." "Oh yeah! I forgot about that..." Chico scratch the back of his head.

 "Before we go back inside the cafeteria, we need a plan on how to tell everyone." "I thought it was only Mirabel." "Elonzo's friends and Carlos. Elonzo is clear since I already told him." "Why need my help when you can say the same thing you said to Elonzo?" "That's the thing. I can't remember for fuck's sake. Which is an issue. If I don't remember our whole conversation, I can't do the talking. I might remember a little but that is it." "Oh yeah...Right." "I know this though. Now that Camilo knows you lied to him about your name and acted really..." "A bastard." "Sure why not? How are Mirabel and Carlos going to react?"

 Chico stopped to think for a minute. "There is a great chance that Carlos won't think that you made me do it for your sake. Besides, Carlos could be careless. For Mirabel, I'm not sure." "Do you think she would have an okay reaction?" "Uhhh probably." 

 "Now the possibilities for Carlos and Mirabel are done...Elonzo's friends." "Why do you care?" "They're my friends too. I just called them Elonzo's friends because Elonzo introduced me to them. Even though they kept mistaking me as Elonzo when we were kids." "You don't feel a little angry?" "No. When they saw me in a dress which was the first time I wore a dress, some complimented me, and some were curious. As I told them that it was because they kept mistaking me for Elonzo so I decided to wear a dress, they felt bad." 

"I bet he was gorgeous wearing it..." Chico realized what he said in his head and immediately went red.

 Valentino noticed. "Why is your face so red...?" Chico felt embarrassed. He snaps himself out of his thoughts. He folded his arms and looked away. "No-nothing. Nothing wrong big deal. Nothing wrong." "Hmm..."

"Am I caught?" Chico still looked away as he said in his head.

 "I just think they deserve an explanation why." "Of course. They've done not so much...but enough for you not to be so left out." "When you put it that way, I'm stressing over it." "Well uh...I mean maybe. Just maybe. They'd understand if you don't want to tell them or tell them later." "Am I supposed to tell them the whole story?" "Mhm. Except when I made up the name." Valentino chuckled. 

"That damn laugh..." Chico groaned internally. "I don't think I'm going to have any sleep tonight."

"Let's go back inside before we don't get to eat." Chico shook his head to make the thoughts go away. He walks fast to be beside Valentino.

 As they get back in, Chico stops when saw Camilo. With. Them. Valentino immediately sensed Chico was not beside him. Valentino turned his head to see Chico still at the doors. His fist clenched. He walked over to Chico. Valentino waved in front of Chico. Chico's expression relaxed when he saw Valentino. "Are you okay?" Chico breathed out then smiled. He nodded.

While Valentino and Chico headed to where Mirabel and the rest were. Chico heard almost everyone whispering. Just when they were close to the table, Chico heard what they were gossiping about. 

 "By the way. I saw Sophie holding Camilo's arm!" "Adorable!" A girl squealed. "I think they are meant for each other." "Of course they are! Handsome and pretty." "The one and only combination." "Since when did you see Sophie and Camilo together?" "I think when Camilo and Chico argued in the town center." "Oooh. Isn't Chico the one who swore right in front of Camilo? What a douchebag!" "Rude!" "This is why Camilo is better. That innocent-looking guy would never do such harm!" "Nah. Carlos is." "Sure he might be a meanie. But fuck! He's a hottie."

"Douche bag...? What does that mean? Is that a bad thing? Maybe Valentino knows." 

Chico turned his head to face Valentino. He can see that Valentino is listening to them too. And that expression did not look good. 

 "There is no way Chico would swear." "It's true. He swore in the town center!" "My parents heard it." "I was right outside the store as I heard him say it."  "This is the reason why no one would prefer him." "With that big ass two bunny teeth? He would not pull at all." "He's too short too. Short guys are augh."  Chico wanted to leave. Sure he knows the townfolks gossip from time to time. But he never liked it when it was about him again. Can't they just shut the fuck up from time to time too? Chico hoped they would give gossiping and spreading rumors a rest.

 Chico gets out of the bench. "Where are you going?" Mirabel asked. "I need to check on something with my locker." Chico starts to walk backward. "I'll be back before you know it." Chico's back bumped into someone, hitting their tray, and making the food spill on their shirt. 

"I am so sorry. I did not mean to bump into you. It's my fault for not looking..." "It's alright, Chico." 

"That voice sounds familiar." 

 "You're still too little to understand. Isn't it that right, Camilo." Lin said. Camilo was behind Lin with Sophie lingering. "I'm sure he didn't mean to-" "No no no. I can understand whenever someone with a small brain can't understand big words." Chico rolled his eyes and walked past him till Lin grabbed his forearm. "Oh well hold on, little buddy." "I. Am. Not. Little." "That's what they're saying. Isn't that right ladies?" Lin looked over to the table full of girls who talked about Chico. "Sure you ain't little. But you are for sure short." "Lin." Camilo warned. "What? I'm just further explaining since you are too much of a baby." Lin mocked. Almost everyone laughed. 

"Am I right? Chico." Lin flicked Chico's forehead. Chico was clenching his fist. Chico was going to punch Lin right there. In that spot. Until Camilo goes in front of him. "Okay so uh. Lin is joking. Right, Lin?" Lin nodded. But Chico knows better. 

 Camilo gives his tray to Miranda. "If you even dare to fight them, you'll get in huge trouble with Mami and Abuela. It ain't the worth the fight, hermanito." Chico immediately pushed Camilo. Everyone gasped. Students started to whisper. "How many times do I have to tell you? I. Am. Not. Little." Sophie rushed to help Camilo get up. "Thanks..."

 Chico was going to walk away up until Lin blocked him and pushed him on the shoulder. "On what bullshit is going through your mind to do Camilo like that? Do you think you're fucking superior?" "N-" "You got no one Chico. People already don't like you." Students give dirty looks, and some whisper to each other. 

"I'm gonna go ahead and search for Carlos. Things are going downhill for sure." Isidora said. She got out of the bench and exited the doors. 

"You will never ever belong here." Mirabel ran towards Chico but was stopped by Miranda. Valentino tried to get past a crowd that started to surround Chico and Lin. 

"Shit shit shit." 

 Lin started to walk towards Chico while Chico backed up. "No one will ever like you for who you are." Lin was rapidly walking towards Chico, almost making Chico fall backward. 

The bell had rang for the second half of lunch. If they don't leave now, the kindergarteners will arrive soon.

 "Everyone. In town will never prefer you. It will always be your hermanos. But never you." Chico's back hit the wall. Lin was up close. "So why don't you..." Chico was breathing heavily. Lin leaned to his ear. "Kill yourself already? Seems like a great choice since no one wants you here." Chico finally had enough.

 Chico kicked Lin on the stomach with his knee. Lin backed away. Holding his stomach. "You're dead to me!" Lin grabbed Chico off the wall and threw him to the ground. "Lin! Stop it!" Camilo yelled. Lin picked Chico by his collar. "Don't worry, Camilo. I'm just teaching your hermanito a lesson that he'll never forget."

 Chico was filled with anger, He grabbed the back of Lin's head and smashed his forehead on his. Lin dropped Chico. Chico crawled away to the crowd. Josefina picked him up. "That was shocking of you to bash your head against his," Daniela said. 

 Lin picked up the tray and headed towards Chico. "We might need to run..." Josefina pointed to Lin. Daniela was the first to run until Lin's best friend came. Jonquil. Daniela was pulled away. "Get your crusty hands off me!" The others came. "We got Daniela, you stay with Chico." Darma said to Linda. Linda nodded.

 Josefina was just in time to push Chico out of the way. Good thing Lin curved his hit. He missed to hit Linda. Chico kicked Lin's wrist, not realizing he broke it with so much anger. Lin let go of the tray, Chico caught it, and SMACK Lin. Everyone gasped. Lin spit out blood. "Ew..." Chico said. "You dare to break my jaw!?" "You were coming at me. What else was I supposed to do?" Lin tackled Chico to the ground. Lin punched Chico in the face multiple times. 

Valentino wanted to get Chico out but the crowd had cut him off. He could barely see what was happening. 

 Chico was thrown by Lin again. Good thing Chico had the gift to go through a wall. Or his back would've been broken. Lin then stomped on Chico's leg causing Chico to yell in agony. Valentino was worried. He pushed through the crowd with Linda.

 When Lin was about to stomp Chico on the stomach, Camilo shifted to Isabella and pulled Lin away with his vines. The door was burst open. Carlos has finally arrived. Everyone else cleared the way. Carlos rushed to Chico to help. Isidora followed behind. Carlos helped Chico get up slowly. "What the fuck happened?" "I just got beat up is all." Carlos looked at Camilo.

 "I assume you did nothing." "I tried-" "But you didn't try enough." "I did." "Then what did you expect to yell stop and shapeshift at the last minute?" Camilo says nothing. "That's what I thought." "You always do..." "Why else do you think I do? I don't know why mami favors you the most." "That is not the case. Mami loves all of us." 

 Carlos half-laughed "You have become dense hanging with these people." "What people are you talking about?" Lin said. "You know damn well who I am talking about." "You asshole." "I have heard better insults than that." "You think I won't beat you up right now because of your fucking gift?!" Carlos fake yawned. "From what it seems. You're getting angry so I'll leave it there." "From what it looks like you can't fight at all." "Oh, I can. I just don't want to humiliate you. Right. here." 

 Lin breaks free from the vines. "Lin!" Carlos began to crack his knuckles. As soon as Lin charged at Carlos, a kindergarten came. "Lin Penyaranda! What do you think you are doing young man?" Carlos smirked. She noticed Chico bleeding and so did Lin. You and Chico go to the clinic. And the rest go to class! The bell had already rung and all of you are late!"

"Next time..." "There's not gonna be one, Pendejo.." The teacher escorted the two to the clinic.

 After Chico and Lin were treated. They were both escorted again to the office. The two waited inside in the Principal's office. Félix, Pepa, and Julietta arrived along with Alma. Julietta gave the two boys an arepa to heal quickly.

 Alma didn't listen to a word as the principal said that violence is never the answer. Chico noticed Alma had been grasping at his chair to contain herself when the principal said "Out of all people, you, Chico, have to set a good example for your peers." "Why don't your students set an example first?" "Chico." Félix warned. Chico stands up from his chair, "It's not fair that it was my fault because I didn't set a good example. They should have been the one." Chico pointed to Lin, "After all they were longer than us!" "That is not the point, Madrigal! Everyone has to set a good example-" "Everyone? Or just us? Just because we are the Madrigals, does not mean we have to set a good example because we have gifts!" "I heard enough." Alma said. "Thank you, Mr. Mendoza. I'll be sure to teach him a lesson."

 Before they all got home, Félix suggested picking up Antonio since the school was coming too close to being done. Pepa agreed. Chico sighed in relief. "Don't think I'll forget about it," Pepa said. Chico nodded. 

 As soon as the bell rang to signal that school had ended, everyone burst outside the doors. Then the students who watched Chico and Lin get beaten up looked at Chico up and down and whispered to their friend. Their friend whispered back and walked away quickly. Chico groaned. He used his backpack to hide his face. 

  Mirabel had walked out first while holding hands with Antonio. Antonio saw Pepa and Félix and ran to them. Antonio quickly hugged his parents. Pepa's body calmed down. "How was your day, Tonito?" "Great! I got a hundred percent in spelling!" "Great job, el cúmbila." Felix said as he ruffled Antonio's hair.

Mirabel was going to ask what they were all doing here up until she saw Chico covering himself with his backpack. "Is Carlos always this late?" Pepa asked. "He might be busy doing something." 

 They waited for several minutes. "He's taking too long, let's go home." Alma started to walk. "There he is." Carlos walked out the doors with Isidora. Alma smiled. Isidora waved bye to him. Carlos didn't wave back but rolled his eyes. "Carlos! Carlos! Carlos!" Antonio chanted. He waved towards him. When Carlos saw them, he wanted to die. He knows Alma is going to talk non-stop about him and Isidora again. He wanted to walk away but Antonio had seen him. 

 Carlos cursed under his breath as he walked towards them. "You two seem to be really close. Looks like the two of you are-" "We. Aren't. Dating. Just. Friends. Abuela." "That's what they always say." Carlos's jaw tightened.

"If only you weren't so fucking old, I would just smack the hell out of you." Carlos faked a smile after he said to himself.

 "We should be home now, it is getting late," Julietta said. "But where's Camilo?" Carlos puts his hand on Antonio's shoulder, "Oh don't worry about him, hermanito. He's...busy to make his brain so dense than it already is with his friends." Mirabel coughed. "What Carlos meant. Is that Camilo is hanging out with his friends." "Same thing."

Once they got home, Pepa told Chico they would 'talk' after dinner. "So much as for hoping she surprisingly forgot about it."

While the dinner goes on, Chico slowly eats his food so it would be too late for Pepa to talk with him since it is a school night. 

Everyone had finished eating. The only ones left were except Pepa and Félix. Alma came back with a candle and put it on the table.

 "Chico..." "How could you?! Yes, I did tell you not to bad-mouth people back even if they did. But beating peers up? Is not what I meant." A dark cloud appeared above her head. "Answer me, Chico!" Félix soothed Pepa's back. "I. Got annoyed." "All of that." Alma said, "Because you were annoyed?" "Lin told me to..." "To?"

"This is bad. I can't remember what he even said."

"I couldn't remember. However, Lin said to me that...I wasn't fit." "Chico, we've been over this." "He didn't exactly say that but something related to that."

 "Mijo. If someone says a bad thing to you, you don't hit them. Hurt them with words." Félix said. "Unless he hit you first sure you can hit him back." "Félix!" Pepa whisper-yelled. "What else should he do when someone hits him first?" "Where was Camilo? Or Mirabel? Or Carlos?" Pepa said. "Better yet, where was your amigo that convinced you to come to school?" Alma said. "He tried to get to me but Lin's friends or Camilo's friends, were stopping him from getting to me." Chico rolled his eyes when he said 'Camilo's friends'.

 "Chico. In this house, no one. And I mean no one rolls their eyes as they are under my roof. You have no excuse even to roll your eyes because you think you're more valuable." "Valuable? I don't think-" "Do you understand that no one is allowed to roll their eyes?" "Yes, Abuela." "Good. You are grounded-" "What!?" "For four days." "Why am I grounded? It wasn't my fault!" "Fine. You are grounded for a week and a half." Chico stood up from his chair and went to his room.

After Chico slowly closes the door, he's boiling mad. He jumped onto his bed and punched his pillow.

" That was not justice at all and unfair! Why am I being punished the most when Lin almost tried to kill me?" Chico looked to his side. "Well...I did hit him first...But just a small kick in his stomach. No, that would hurt actually." Chico groaned. 

Suddenly, a memory of Lin. Chico felt creepy as Lin walked towards him. Then he detected a knife had stabbed him in his heart as soon as Lin started to talk.

"You got no one, Chico. People already don't like you." Chico's heart tightened. He put his hand over his heart.                  

"You will never ever belong here."  Chico used his thumb to rub over his chest. He hoped that the aching feeling would go away.

"No one will ever like you for who you are." He sensed that his breathing was ragged and fast. He took deep breaths to calm himself down and his heartbeat.

 "Everyone. In town will never prefer you. It will always be your hermanos. But never you." When his heart tightened again. He slowly sat up, his eyes began to sting. Chico's cheek felt cold. He brought his hand to touch it. He looked at his hand and it was wet. Chico had only realized he was crying.     

"So why don't you...kill yourself already? Seems like a great choice since no one wants you here."  He clenched his fist and threw the pillow to the wall. 

 Chico threaded his hair with both hands. He hated it so much that Lin made him cry because of his words. "I should've said something hurtful than kick him in the stomach." Chico rested his head on the big pillow. "At least I didn't cry in front of him. That would've been much more embarrassing." Chico smiled to himself.

 Chico then heard muffled yelling to the other side of the wall. He walked over and picked up the pillow in his arms. He put his ear on the wall. "That sounds like...Carlos and Camilo?" Chico pressed his ear more on the wall. 

 "I just needed some reassurance! They were my friends so I had to protect them." Camilo said. "Over Family? I have no idea what the fuck happened to you. Especially, your brain." Carlos replied. "Nothing changed about me. I am still the same Camilo." "You are, without a doubt, freakishly different. Even if you were still the same, you would've stopped the fight before it got worse." "We were kids. And that was all before going to a real school!" "So what you meant or showing likely, is that you have acting differently because of them?" 

 A long silence settled between the two. "Did they stop?" Chico said in his mind. "They were never your friends." Carlos said. "Nope, not yet." Chico said in his head. "You've become a gilipolla just being friends with them." "There's nothing I could do!" "Idiota." Chico rolled his eyes as he talked to his head.

 "Then stop being friends with them? It's not that difficult for you since everyone loves Camilo." Carlos mocked. Chico stifled a laugh. "Where did you hear that from?" "You." Carlos and Chico at the same time. "In anyways, I can't." "Camilo, honestly, I don't know how else to help you. I'm not sure if Chico can forgive you for what you did at school but I know that was a bullshit thing to do when you try to break up fight." Carlos left the room and slammed the door shut.

 Chico yawned. He stretched his arms. Chico shivered as the cold wind burst in the window. He wobbled towards the window. Once Chico was going to close the door, he saw someone in a dress. He opened his window wide but the gushing wind was freezing. He used his pillow to shield himself from the wind.

 As he looked closer at the person, he quickly knew who it was. "Valentino." Chico whispered. He saw Valentino look back before heading inside the forest. But my gosh, how Valentino resembled so appealing under the moonlight. 

 That very moment he replayed in his mind. Over and over and over again. Chico felt a knot in his stomach. "I feel so..." Chico groans. He put both of his hands on his face and then dragged them down. "I keep saying nothing like I'm choking on the words whenever I know he exists. I mean I do know he does exist. So what? " 

 Valentino's laugh appeared in Chico's mind. It him like a truck had just run over him. Chico abruptly sits up. "Oh my..." His eyes are wide open. He hugged his pillow against his chest. "Maybe I just like his laugh. And his smile. And his hair. And his dress." A smile formed on Chico's face. He walked backward and fell on his bed. "I don't think I like him...But it's more of...love?" His face heated up.

 He looked outside the window and thought about him. "I...am in love with Valentino Vergara. I love how he first smiled in front of me. I love it when he calls me tomatre. I love how he looks in the dress. I am impressed with how he can pull it off. Only Valentino. And probably his dad. I love how he is composed because he knows it too much. I loveee Valentino. Okay, that's too much...But there will never be enough when it comes to love." Chico smiled as he fell asleep.

Chapter Text

 Sunday morning. What a great day to begin Chico's punishment. "I thought it already started yesterday?" Chico asked. "I'm sorry, Chico but Abuela says so," Félix said. "She's unfair." "I don't know what to tell you. Although, Abuela is doing what she thinks is best for you and the Pamilia." 

"Yeah, right."

 "How about doing chores around the house? That'll take your mind off." Félix suggested. Chico groaned. "I don't want to." Félix shrugged. "Then, you searched for Lin and apologized for what you did to him." "Are there any more options?" 

"Either do house chores or apologize to Lin. Those are the only options you can do while you're grounded." Félix holds out two fingers.

 Chico sighs. "What are the chores?" "Just this." Félix handed him a long list. "What?! Why- why is it so long?!" "Would you rather do the second option?" "Never mind..." Chico leaves the room with the house chores list. 

Félix shook his head. "Teens these days...Always complaining when doing simple things." 

Someone knocks on the door. "Come in." Félix sits on a chair. 

 Carlos peeps in before entering. "Do you need anything?" "I needed to talk to Mami," He looks around the room, "But it seems like she isn't here." "She's in town buying groceries. She'll be back soon." "'Kay." Carlos was about to close the door until Félix stopped him. "Hold on." Carlos opens the door slightly, "How are you doing?" 

He was confused as to why he had asked him. "I'm fine. Why did you ask?" "You look exhausted." "I just didn't get to sleep much last night. No big deal or anything." Carlos said as he looked away. 

 "Carlos-" "I should go and search for mami. I wouldn't want to waste your time." He muttered the last part.  "Is there a reason why you didn't sleep much-" "I didn't stay up until morning. I didn't sneak out. I didn't do anything. So I don't know what reason I didn't get to sleep." "It's not about your Abuela again?" 

 "I don't know. I know I'm not supposed to tell Abuela to shut her fucking mouth up about me and Isidora. It's fucking frustrating because it hurts Isidora. I see it. I notice it. I am not saying this because  'I am in love with her.' We dated before so I think I know Isidora. And she is uncomfortable. She told me after we broke up that she is a lesbian or bisexual or whatever !... And I am one- Fuck. It's bullshit, pá but I can't tell you that since we don't talk to each other much and it feels weird damn it. And I wish for that old hag to die and rot for what she said yesterday. I want her to stop." 

"Carlos?"  Félix said. Carlos snapped out of his thoughts.

 Carlos realized he had been staring at the floor for 5 minutes. He cleared his throat. "No. It. Is. Not. I am sure of that." He closes the door. His finger lingered on the doorknob, standing before his Mamá's door. Carlos

"Carlos, are you okay?" Carlos looks to the side. Soon as his own eyes saw Camilo, his face immediately relaxed to a resting bitch face.

Carlos walked away. He released a long breath he didn't realize he was holding. 

 Camilo walked beside Carlos. "Are you still mad from last night?" Carlos glared at him. He goes back looking straight ignoring his question. "Hello? Earth to Carlos?" Carlos tries to block Camilo out with his thoughts then Camilo waves his hand in front of his face. Carlos swerved to the left, avoiding Camilo. He thought Camilo had finally stopped following until Camilo stood before him. "Come on. You seriously still can't be that mad? You usually don't so-" "I am. Now move out of the way-" "I'm sorry all right?" "Sorry doesn't cut it. Now move." 

 Carlos walks to the left but Camilo blocks him. "Carlos, come on." "Let me tell you this. From now on, you should know whenever I don't respond, you leave me alone." "Hermano." "Don't you dare say that to me?" "Why not?" "Camilo, I swear-" "You swear what?" "Move out of the way. Or else I throw you over the railings." "Always with the words but never the action."

 Carlos swiftly uses his forearm to pin Camilo's neck on the wall. "You are fucking lucky that Abuela and Mami love you and you're the favorite or I would've beat the shit out of you on this wall." Camilo gasped soon after Carlos dropped him on the floor.

"Whatever happened here, let it be that you will remember to stop bothering me." Camilo nodded. 

Carlos walked away and headed for his room.

Camilo stood up while he soothed his throat.

"Right. Note to self; keep in mind to shut my mouth when Carlos doesn't talk." Camilo coughs. "He might've hit my throat too hard. An arepa sure will help with that. If I can even swallow."

He slid down the stairs and landed in the center of the house. 

 He entered the kitchen and saw Chico doing the dishes. Camilo smiled. "First time seeing you washing the dishes." Chico looks to the side. He was surprised at first then he scoffed and went back to washing the dishes. 

"Uh, morning to you too." Chico sighs. He mumbled back to Camilo.

Camilo searched around for an arepa. He checked the cabinet, counter, and refrigerator but nothing. "Did Tía Julietta made some arepas today?" Chico shrugged. "Strange..."

He thinks for a moment, and then an idea pops up in his head.

 "What about...you and I make some arepa together?" Camilo raised both his eyebrows. Chico chuckled. He dried his hands with a towel. "I'd rather not. And don't you worry," Chico waves his hand,  "I just have chores to do and to finish." "Really? You? Doing chores? That has to be a lie." "I wished. But it was either chores or apologize to your friend." "Then why not choose that? It's much easier and...you don't have to be grounded anymore!" 

 Chico slammed the cabinet shut making Camilo jump. "You don't understand. Do you?" "You're only apologizing to him, no big deal." "Carlos was right about you last night.." Chico whispered to himself. "What is the big deal apologizing to Lin?" "You know what? I choose to...continue with my chores and not be reminded what had happened at school."

Chico grabbed the broom beside the counter and walked out of the kitchen. 

"Maybe he's just cranky because he didn't have enough sleep. Yeah, that should be the reason."

Camilo's stomach grumbled.

"Right. I almost forgot. But I don't want to cook for myself..."

"Hmm, are you here for food again?" Camilo jumped then soon calmed down when he realized it was only his Tía. "No..? I'm only here to..." Camilo looked at the dishes stacked. He folded his arms and smiled, "I was here because I washed the dishes." "It wasn't Chico?" "Ummm..." Julietta laughed softly simultaneously shaking her head. "Well, you are just in time for snacks. I needed to cook arepas for the town."

Camilo's face lit up. He cleared his throat. "That is such a big job, Tía Julietta. Arepas for the whole town is heavy. Seems like you need help from someone like me." Camilo put his hand on his chest to point himself. Julietta chuckled, "Alright, Milo. Go get an apron." "Yes!" Camilo pulled both of his fists toward his stomach.

While Camilo rushed to get an apron from the hook, Julietta set out the ingredients. She washed and dried her hands.

A few minutes later, Camilo rushed back to his Tía with his apron loosely tied around his waist.

He was about to make the dough until Julietta stopped him. "You need to wash your hands first, Camilo." Camilo obeyed and washed his hands. He heard giggling outside. Camilo couldn't see since the butterfly window was too small to look through and it was only patterns.

He dried his hands while still looking out the 'window'. When he was finished, he leaned on the counter to look closer outside. Camilo Antonio and his Pá. He shrugged off the feeling that someone was watching him close by. 

"Cami, have you seen Mirabel awake already?" "No, I haven't." "Where had that girl gone?" 

 Mirabel had rushed outside to get supplies for knitting. When she finished shopping, one of the kids came up to her asking about the family. First, it was one kid, then three, and now it was several. One of the kids' mothers saw how much she was great at keeping them behaving. The mother asked her if she could watch her kid- Rafael- who was already with the audience. Mirabel happily agreed. And that's what she got herself into right in this moment.

Elonzo walked around town with his friends. Plus, their little siblings so they didn't have to watch them.

 Juancho saw most of the kids with Mirabel. He tugged Elonzo's blouse. "What's the matter?" Elonzo asked as he knelt. "Can me and my friends go to the others?" "Others?" Juancho pointed towards Mirabel.

 "Uhhh..." Elonzo looked at his friends. Some shook their head no, some shrugged or didn't know what to do, and some told him yes or nodded. Elonzo looked at his brother and smiled, "Sure. You guys can go." All of their little siblings ran to Mirabel.

 "Poor Mirabel. That's a lot of kids to handle you know." Marianne said. 

"Mhm. How does she handle it?"  Linda said. 

"Let's go and talk to her. She seems nice enough." José suggested. 

"She looks busy so we should go," Elonzo said. 

"Elonzo! Come over!" Juancho shouted. Mirabel saw Elonzo and waved shyly.

 Everyone looked at him then Elonzo. "What?"

 "What do you mean what?" Elias said.

 "Are you okay going to Mirabel?" Daniella said.

 "But he did say he was going to give the Madrigals another chance so-" "Shut it, Elias." "'Shut it Elias'." 

"You two knock it off." Marianne warned, "It is his choice whether or not he wants to go."  "I mean I guess we could-" "Great! Now let's go." Marianne had dragged Elonzo towards Mirabel.

 "Hey, Mira! Sorry. Do you mind me calling you that?" "Not at all uhmm." "José. José Pérez." "I didn't know you were siblings with Cecilia here." "José! José! José! A kid just went missing!" 

"What?" Elonzo was surprised to hear. "Yeah! That was the reason I called you over!" Juancho said. 

 "I can't tell if he's overhyped by coffee or because a kid went missing..." Elias said. Elonzo rolled his eyes. "Do you know which kid was it?" "I know whose kid it is. Mrs. Cruz." Elonzo and the others were shocked. "You are dead." "What do you mean?" Mirabel asked. 

 "How could you-" Marianne nudged Josefina. "She doesn't know what happens outside the real world," Marianne whispered. "She just meant you are in big trouble, Mirabel." "It should be fine. A kid can't get that far away or maybe the kid went home." "Mrs. Cruz left her kid with me because she was going to have a meeting." 

"Kids these days. They always get lost in every damn place." Elias said.

 "I'm sure we could find the kid," Elonzo assured. "We could...split up. I can stay here and watch the kids." Mirabel said. "I'll stay too. In case another kid goes missing again." José said. The friends smiled at each other. 

"Okay...So Linda, Dani, and Josefina searched inside and around town." The three set off together. "The three of us will go to the forest." "But the forest is huge! How the fuck are we going to find one kid in a forest?" "We'll have to try."

As they searched for the kid in the forest, they talked about José. 

 "I think he still likes Mirabel." Elias started. "Maybe..."  "Remember when José was jealous Mirabel was best friends more with Elonzo?" "I felt so bad for him." "I did tell him I don't have a crush on Mirabel and he was so glad to hear that." "We even planned a fake wedding for José! Or was it a proposal?" "He was going to ask her hand in marriage but he chickened out."  "I think you urged him too hard, Marianne that he became terrified." "I wasn't that scary as a kid." Elias and Elonzo looked at her in disbelief. "Oh come on!"  

"Anyways. We should be focusing on finding the kid." "Let's just tell Mrs. Cruz that her kid died because he got eaten by an animal." "There are no animals here, pendejo." "Shhh. I hear something."

"I don't hear-" An ear-piercing scream filled with terror rang out through the forest. The three ran.

They found the kid being cornered by a frog. 

"Are you fucking kidding me?" "That is one nasty frog." "I'll go get a stick for the frog. You two calm down Rafael."

Ten minutes later, Elonzo arrived with a long stick. He gently moved the frog away from the kid. The frog then hopped away from them.

"That was easy. Are you okay, Rafael?" Rafael shook his head. "Let us get you home." The three walked the kid where Mirabal and José were.

Rafael ran to with the other kids as soon as they came. 

"Thank you guys so much. I would've been dead if all of you weren't here." "She gets it!" "No worries, Mirabel." "Did Linda, Dani, and Josefina come back?" Marianne asked. "No, not yet," José said.

"We can meet them on the way back. It's getting late. And you should be in bed." "Please, Elonzo. Five more minutes."

 "I don't know..." "Yes! We should stay for five more minutes." Marianne winked. Elonzo mouthed what. Marianne tilted her head to José. Elonzo sighed. "Why not?" Juancho cheered. The four of them helped Mirabel keep an eye out for the kids.

After a long time, Daniella and Josefina came back running.

 "What took all of you so long? And why were you running?" "We came to say that..." "Mrs. Cruz is coming..." "Are you sure it was Mrs. Cruz?" "Yes!" "You two are out of shape, that's for sure." "Fuck you, Elias. We ran from Elonzo's cousin's flower shop to here! The ran was long as- damn." Daniella sits down. 

Mrs. Cruz finally came and picked up her kid. She thanked Mirabel for watching her son. "You're welcome, Mrs. Cruz."

As the sun went down, everyone gradually left go to home, leaving Elonzo and Juancho.

"Your friends are great." "Don't tell them that. It'll boost their ego. By the way, they think you're great too. Especially José." "Really?" Mirabel's cheeks flushed red. 

 "Mhm." "He was great too." A moment of silence between the two. The sun had finally gone down and the moon had risen. "I just had to ask..." "Question." "Yeah?" "What's the reason for giving me a chance?" "Your primo- Chico- seemed a pretty decent person so I wanted to give another chance to you to be friends again. After all, you did nothing wrong." "I feel...like the worst person after what had happened and I wasn't there for you at all." "You wouldn't be able to anyway. My Abuela wouldn't allow so. She would be enraged if she saw you or your family members if they got too close to mine." "But...are we still friends?" Elonzo linked his arms with hers. "Best. Friends."