"Mirabel!" Alma exclaimed at the doorway, watching her youngest granddaughter in bewilderment as the said girl froze, surrounded with children outside casita. "What are you doing?"

Mirabel decided to act casual as she placed a hand on her hip. "Uh, they were just asking about the family and-"

"She was about the tell us her super awesome gift!" One of the kids interjected, pointing at her excitedly. Mirabel's eyes widened, as if she'd been caught red-handed. She did a mental note that kids never learning when to shut up is what makes them a snitch.

Dolores pops out of the doorframe, holding a rolled up a rag. "Oh, Mirabel didn't get one. Hm!" She squeaks before walking away followed by Alma, who shrugs as she proceeds to place the flower pot she was carrying somewhere.

The children whipped their heads at Mirabel, appalled. "You didn't get a gift?" One of them asked.

Before she could say something that wouldn't make her seem like a pessimist, a man with a donkey interrupts the conversation.

"Mirabel! Delivery!" He said and picks up a large basket of decorations and supplies.

"I gave you the special since you're the only Madrigal kid with no gift. I call it," Mirabel stumbles when he practically drops the heavy package on her arms.

"The 'not special' special. Since uh, you have no gift!" He uttered with unnecessary enthusiasm, looking as if he had just won a lottery.

Mirabel forced a smile. "Thanks, Osvaldo." For ruining my mood.

"Oh and tell Antonio I said good luck! Last gift ceremony was a bummer! Last one being yours though, that didn't work." Osvaldo commented with a chuckle before walking off.

"If I were you, I'll be really sad." A little girl with pigtails said pitifully.

Mirabel was touched by her honesty, she didn't expect the girl to imagine what was it like to be in her shoes. "Well my little friend, I am not. 'Cause the truth is, gift or no gift, I'm just as special as the rest of the family." She said, gazing at her family proudly.

At the garden-like balcony painted in lavender, Isabela saunters in like a princess. In one swift motion of her hand, petunias bloomed through the green vines surrounding the walls.

"Who wants more pink?" She inquired, smiling in satisfaction at her work.

Luisa stood at the frontyard, carrying a wagon of barrels with one arm. "Alright guys, where do I drop the wagon?"

Pepa stretches her arms out at the middle balcony, a rainbow forming on top of casita as she did so.

The children watched in astonishment, jaw-dropped. No matter how many times they watch the Madrigals do their usual duties, the way they use their gifts never fails to amaze them.

"Maybe your gift is being in denial." The little girl added.

Mirabel stopped herself from dropping her whole package on the little girl's head, her lips pressed in a thin line.

Maybe she's right.

Casita was buzzing more than usual as Mirabel walks in. Villagers made themselves busy with decorations and the set-up of the occasion. Mirabel mutters a quick apology after bumping into a man carrying a long wooden bench before resuming her absentminded roaming. Floor tiles in the center of the courtyard flapped, creating a staircase that connects to the youngest Madrigal's future room by the long balcony.

"Lift it higher. Higher." Alma ordered as a man tries to lift one side of the banner above the magical door, the name, 'Antonio' handwritten with colorful lettering. "Camilo, we need another Jose."

Camilo, who's been leaning against the balcony, beamed. A look of finally-it's-my-time-to-shine crossed over his features.

"Jose!" He hollered, transforming into the exact replica of Jose as he lifts up the other side of the banner.

Mirabel manages to dodge out of the way as she nearly bumps into Luisa who drops the wagons. "Oops. Careful, sis!" She exclaimed as she hurries off, probably to fulfill Alma's request.

Just as when Mirabel thought she went through enough obstacles for today, a harsh gust of the wind slaps her face.

"My baby's night has to be perfect, it has to be! And people are going to be coming and-" Pepa was a rambling mess as she paces back and forth frantically. The mini tornado circling her wipes out the floral decorations.

"Mi amor, you're ruining the flowers, the flowers!" Felix pointed out.

"Did someone say flowers?" Isabela's sweet voice came from the balcony as she uses her vines to swing her down. She falls on her back until her legs were left hanging onto the vines, the graceful sight making people cheer and whistle.

Mirabel watches with a deadpanned expression, unamused at her sister's crowd pleasing antics.

"Our angel! Our angel!" Felix cried out with adoration.

The princesa Madrigal lands on her feet smoothly, summoning a bouquet of petunias and handing them to Pepa. "Please don't clap!" She said meekly.

"Thank you, mi hija." Pepa allowed herself to calm down as she smiled gratefully.

"Oh, its nothing!" Isabela flips her silky black hair against Mirabel on purpose, her face now covered with miniature flowers.

She smirked. "A little sisterly advice. If you weren't always trying too hard, you wouldn't be in the way." She uttered in a sweet-sickening tone that made Mirabel want to puke.

"Actually Isa, this is called helping. And I'm not in the way, you are." Mirabel stated in a matter-of-fact tone before stomping off, only to crash against a pillar.

Isabela rolled her eyes. "Oh, right. Isn't your friend coming to the ceremony?"

Mirabel blinks multiple times, hoping the dizziness would disappear. "What about it?"

"Well, I thought it would be rude not to thank her properly for helping my clumsy sister."

"You better not be thinking what I'm thinking. She's my friend and I'm the one who invited her." Mirabel protested, glaring at her older sister.

"Oh, please. She probably did what she did because she felt bad for you. Nothing less, nothing more." This only fueled her irritation, her grip tightening on the basket.

"Woah, hang on a second." Camilo suddenly butts in the conversation as he strolls down the stairs, much to Mirabel's relief. She couldn't stand spending another minute with Isabela.

"She's your new friend, Mirabel? Jeez, and I thought I was your best buddy." He grumbled, puffing his cheeks out like a child who didn't get what he wanted.

Mirabel smiled fondly. "And I mean what I said, Camilo. I'm just happy I finally got a friend outside the family. But well, I'm not sure if she thinks the same way." She admitted coyly.

"Definitely not." Isabela said nonchalantly. Mirabel gave her a look.

Camilo squints his eyes, as if attempting to solve a puzzle. "Mind introducing me to her, then? I mean, other than saving you, I need to know if she's qualified enough to be your friend."

Mirabel chuckled, amused at her cousin's protective nature. "Sure. Whatever you say, primo."

☁☁☁

The countdown to six in the evening was a highly anticipated moment for the village. People were brimming with excitement, different families in their best attire gathering at the casita for Antonio Madrigal's gift ceremony.

But for Leona, it's a moment where she's nearing at death's door. She looks over her shoulder while hiding behind a tree, observing the crowded entrance of the Madrigal household. Her dark wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders unlike her usual messy ponytail. The purple bow on her head matched the color of her off-shoulder dress, flowers embroidered across the frills around her shoulders and on her skirt. Her silver crescent moon earrings jiggles at each movement.

Leona sighed, glancing at her outfit. "Mama sure outdid it this time."

She rubs her sweaty palms against her skirt, anxiety taking over. People say to expect the unexpected, but being chosen to play a pivotal role for the family is out of Leona's expectations. Thanks to Mirabel's sudden invitation, the Mercedes are convinced victory is finally theirs to keep. This only brought more pressure to Leona, however. The fact that today is the last gift ceremony the Madrigals will hold didn't ease her mind swirling with endless thoughts of what-ifs.

I'm the youngest granddaughter in the family quarantined at home with no experience about this. What does abuela expect me to do?

Abandoning her inner monologue, she carries on with her duty, ignoring her trembling legs. She blinks in surprise at the absence of the crowd, finding only Mirabel standing outside the casita. Her eyes lit up upon seeing Leona.

"Hey, you came!" She chirped.

Leona smiled timidly. Mirabel's bubbly nature is contagious that she finds it hard to hate her. "Well, I can't turn down a Madrigal's invitation, can I?"

Mirabel chuckled. "I guess a princess always arrives late for the party, huh?" She teased.

"Trust me, that wasn't my intention."

Flowers and vines entangled the bars of the balcony surrounding the packed courtyard, golden doors with the respective portraits of each Madrigal glowing brightly from the second floor. Leona's mouth fell open, admiring the interior design. After all, it's her first time in La Casa Madrigal. Mirabel had to excuse herself to check on her little cousin, so Leona was left on her own. She squeezed through the crowd to get a better view in front due to her lack of height.

The soft playing of conga drums reverberated from the distance, catching everyone's attention. Alma stood by the staircase, holding their most valuable property the Mercedes family was so desperate to get their hands on. The magical candle.

Leona's eyes narrowed with determination. Mark my words. Vengeance will be mine.

The drum-playing soon came to a stop, a cue for the matriarch to begin her speech. "Fifty years ago, in our darkest moment, this candle blessed us with a miracle."

Leona gazed at the candle intently, as if it would vanish into thin air the moment she takes her eyes off it. A few steps up the staircase was all that needed to earn her family's acknowledgement, but she had to consider her next move carefully or else she'll meet her doom.

She sighed. So close yet so far.

Suddenly, Leona had a gut feeling someone was watching her. Looking over from the other side of the aisle, the first thing she caught a glimpse of was the mop of curly hair and his head hung low, fiddling with his baggy clothing that seems like a ruana. An odd sense of familiarity strikes her as her eyes widened. Isn't that-

The eruption of cheers and applause from the audience breaks her out of her reverie as the red curtains opened across the staircase, revealing Antonio Madrigal in a white tuxedo. Casita made the tiles change into something more carpet-like in the aisle as the floor turned red.

The youngest of the Madrigals stood still, his big, round eyes darting around nervously. The tile beneath Antonio's feet flaps wildly, as if urging him to go on. Leona's curiosity spikes up when he looks at the curtains, reaching his hand out. Hushed murmurs then fills the room as Mirabel steps into the spotlight hesitantly, taking Antonio's smaller hand before walking ahead.

Leona failed to hide her smile as Antonio practically hides behind Mirabel's skirt, the sight quite adorable. She could tell immediately how close they are with each other. Alma stood at the top of the stairs, urging her grandson to hold onto the candle.

"Will you use your gift to honor the miracle?" She asked. Antonio cups the candle with his tiny hands, nodding shyly.

"Will you serve this community and strengthen our home?" Again, Antonio nodded in response.

He then ambled towards his door, its design looks like a yellowish liquid swimming inside the room as it emits tiny sparks of light floating around it. When Antonio touches the doorknob, a wave of bright light spreads the door, sending the miniature sparks into the air. Villagers gasped in awe, Leona despised how the Madrigals' magic could make her so mesmerized.

A toucan flies down to Antonio's wrist. He gasped after a moment, nodding along as the bird made shrieking noises. "Uh-huh, uh-huh! I understand you!" He exclaimed.

The toucan flew to his other wrist and made some more noises. Antonio smiled elatedly. "Of course they can come!"

On cue, animals of different species emerged into the courtyard, some flew through the balcony while some came crawling out of the legs of villagers. Leona giggled as a hummingbird landed on top of her head briefly, pecking it lightly before fluttering away. A drawing portrait of Antonio appeared on his door as the creatures gathered around the little boy.

Alma sighed in relief. "We have a new gift!" Once more, the crowd cheered, exhilirated as a new gift holder came into light.

☁️☁️☁️

Antonio's humongous jungle room became a dance floor as Latin upbeat music played in the background, people swaying and clapping to the beat. In the middle of the open space is a large tree decorated with lanterns, a mushroom staircase spiralled around the trunk. A small wooden bridge connects between two branches, presumably Antonio's bed and outdoor living room divided. Under the bridge is a miniature waterfall where the pond is for the fishes.

Leona mentally cursed as she lost sight of Alma right after their family picture, there were too many people. Though she sees Mirabel about to leave the room much to her confusion, downcasted. She approaches her cautiously.

"Mirabel? Where are you going?"

Mirabel flinched, flashing her a weak smile. "Uh, I'll just go get some fresh air. You can go enjoy yourself here." Without giving her a chance to reply, Mirabel quickly leaves the room.

Leona frowned. It was obvious she was upset, to the point where she didn't even bothered to join the Madrigal pictorial. Eventhough she's supposed to be her nemesis, she knew Mirabel was undeserving of the treatment of an outcast. She wanted to comfort her, but being a source of consolation isn't exactly her cup of tea. Besides, the idea to alleviate a long-time rival is a bit off-putting.

She roams around the tree mindlessly, finding a place to sit and rethink her next move about the candle. Searching Alma through the whole room would take forever so Leona had to come up with a back-up plan. She titters as Antonio does a freestyle of dance moves, his grin broadening when the adults watched in amusement.

I wonder if he'll still smile like that once I get rid of the candle?

Leona felt her heart drop to the pit of her stomach, uneasiness settling in. No, she shouldn't feel guilty about it but imagining how grief-stricken he'd be made her wish Antonio wasn't a Madrigal. Scratch that, if her family weren't on such bad terms with the Madrigals, she didn't have to deal with the pressure she's experiencing right now.

"You know, a smile suits you more, señorita."

Leona recoils, finding herself looking down at a young boy around Antonio's age. A tint of pink dusted his cheeks, smiling coyly.

Composing herself, she pats her dress. "Thanks, but I'm fine." She said in a dismissive tone, she didn't feel like talking to anyone at the moment.

The boy pouted. He glanced at where everyone was dancing before an idea pops up in his head. "I know! Come with me!"

Before Leona could process his words, the boy suddenly grabs her arm, pulling her to the dance floor. She fidgets with her fingers, growing conscious of the attention. "Uh, I hate to break it to you but dancing isn't really my thing." She admitted.

"Just move along to the beat!" He beamed, doing a little twirl before tapping and sliding his feet along the floor like an expert tap dancer.

Leona raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh, yeah? How about showing me your dance moves then?"

The boy smirked, crossing his arms. "Is that a challenge?"

"It sure is."

To Leona's surprise, the boy showed no hesitation. He bounces from side to side, crossing his legs in every jump while circling his hips. He does another spin, pivoting on his heel before giving her a wink. Leona rolled her eyes playfully, she's not going to give the reaction he wanted so easily.

"Woah, hey!" She exclaimed in surprise when he reaches for her hands, putting one of them on his shoulder.

He grinned mischievously, placing a hand on her waist while the other held her hand. "Come on, it's boring to dance alone you know!"

Leona shoots him a bewildered look. "I told you, I can't dance!"

"Follow my lead and you'll be fine!"

The boy sidesteps to the left then right, then steps back and forth, chuckling as Leona mirrors his movements rather clumsily. As the boy kept repeating the steps, she slowly picks up on the pattern.

"Nice, you're a natural." He complimented.

Leona quirks up a smile. "Thanks to you, I guess."

The music hypes up as the duo continues to dance, Leona growing confident with her dance moves. The boy smiles up at her fondly, a light blush forming on his cheeks as he admires how she'd tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and the way she squeaks in surprise whenever she messes up a particular dance step. When she did a twirl, a pair of arms wraps around her waist before pulling her close.

Leona gasped, her hands now rested against a teenage boy's chest. Suddenly, she finds herself staring back into those captivating green eyes, his curly locks falling over his face when he tilts his head. He flashes a coquettish smirk as dizziness takes over Leona at their abrupt closeness.

"You did great, hermosa." He whispered.