Hey! Ready for chapter 2 of All of You by Erin Hylands (me!)? I hope you enjoy it!
Here is Chapter 2: Operation Matchmaking.
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“Isa!” Mirabel called, searching for her sister as she danced. There, by the stair railing, Isabela stood, her lacy purple dress vibrantly stained with various colors of pollen. She was smiling, not the snobby, snarky smile she usually wore, but a true smile, a genuine smile. Isabela moved confidently as she shot rainbow pollen into the air and created the prettiest-ugliest plants she could think of. Mirabel hurried over to her and leaned onto the railing. “So, Isa, I see you’re making these plants still!”
“Of course!” Isabela laughed—laughed, not snipped. She looked over at Mirabel fondly, a look Mirabel had never before seen from her older sister in her life. She couldn’t believe the change she saw in her sister. Before the Madrigal magic had collapsed a few days before, Isabela was a snobby brat. She was obnoxiously perfect and always got whatever she wanted—or what Mirabel thought she had wanted. The pressure of constantly being perfect was too much for Isabela, and she felt she couldn’t share what it was she truly wanted. And what she wanted wasn’t Mariano. “If I don’t make all these different things, how will I know what else I can do?”
Mirabel answered with a big grin, “You can’t! I can’t wait to see what else you can do.” She spotted her cousin Dolores looking longingly at Mariano, who was simply sitting, not enjoying the festivities. “And speaking of what you can do, how about we get those two together?”
Isa’s eyes glittered with excitement. “Let’s!” Together, they crept behind a bench and watched. Dolores didn’t approach Mariano, nor did Mariano turn around to see Dolores staring with love in her eyes at him. Mirabel jumped out from behind the bench, ignoring Isa tugging on her dress.
“Mariano, why so blue?” Mirabel asked, sauntering over to the young man.
Mariano looked forlorn. “I just have so much love inside, but… I don’t think Isa is the one for me.”
“You know,” Mirabel said slyly. “I’ve got this cousin, too. Have you met Dolores?” Mirabel peeked at Dolores, who was obviously listening. For years Dolores had been in love with Mariano but had thought she could never have him. After all, Isa was promised to him. But Isa didn’t love Mariano, nor did she want to marry him. But Dolores did, and she jumped at the chance Mirabel was handing her.
“I’ll take it from here, goodbye!” Dolores ran over, bumping Mirabel out of the way. Mirabel quickly slipped behind the bench beside Isa again and watched. “You talk so loud. You take care of your mother, and you make her proud. You write your own poetry every night when you go to sleep. I’m seizing the moment, so would you wake up and notice me?”
Mariano saw her, his eyes opened at last. He stood up and took her hands. “Dolores, I see you.”
Dolores’ eyes sparkled. “And I hear you.” Mirabel and Isa gave each other high-fives. Operation Matchmaking: success!
As Dolores and Mariano walked away, Mirabel heard Mariano say, “Let’s get married.”
Dolores looked skeptically at him. “Slow down.”
Mirabel had to stifle a giggle; Isa did as well. Those two were perfect for each other.
***
See how nice I am? No cliffhanger this month. Or next month, either. But the month after? *grins behind hand*
But no spoilers! See you next time!
Disney Copyright 2022. Designed by Molly McTernan.
Ooh I was waiting for Chapter 2!! I read Chapter 1 as soon as it was released and have been waiting for the next chapter ever since! This is awesome!! Can't wait for Chapter 3!