All of You: Chapter 4

I’m back with chapter 4! Aren’t you curious for more of Mirabel and Miguela?

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As Mirabel led Miguela out of the kitchen, she caught sight of her father. “That’s my papa, Augustin. He and my tio Felix are the only non-magical ones in the family.” Mirabel chuckled awkwardly. “Except me, of course.”

Miguela glanced around. “I see only a few people with magic in this room. I think it’s okay that you are different from your family. Everyone is different.”

The child was wise beyond her years. “Gracias, Miguela.” Mirabel smiled broadly, noticing her prima Dolores still sitting with Mariano. “That’s Dolores.” She pointed at Isa, still spying on her cousin. “That’s my older sister Isabela.”

Miguela wheeled closer. “Isn’t that another cousin?”

Mirabel glanced where she was pointing. “Yep! That’s Camilo. He’s talking with my other big sister, Luisa.”

They hurried over to Camilo and Luisa. Luisa, with her simple blue skirt and a white blouse, stood firm and true, as strong as a mountain. Camilo, on the other hand, jumped around, shifting forms to get people to laugh. When he saw Miguela and Mirabel, Camilo shifted to look like Miguela and grinned comically. “Why wouldn’t the hen cross the bridge?”

Mirabel hid a grin, knowing the answer due to him telling the joke to everyone he met.

Miguela thought for a moment then shook her head. “I don’t know, what?”

“He was too chicken!” Camilo cawed and strutted like a chicken.

Miguela burst into giggles, the kind of giggle that little kids have that makes you want to join in. Of course, Mirabel couldn’t resist, laughing so hard she wiped her eyes to clear the tears.

“Come on, Miguela,” Mirabel said, still chuckling even after Camilo bounded away to make someone else laugh. “I’ll introduce you to my primo Antonio. He’s five.”

“I’m five, too!” Miguela said, her eyes brightening as she hurried after Mirabel. “Today’s my birthday!”

“Really?” Honestly, Mirabel wasn’t too surprised that Miguela was five; she looked and acted that age. What surprised her was that today was the girl’s birthday. “Well, feliz cumpleanos!”

“Gracias!” Miguela wheeled excitedly in a circle.

Mirabel spotted her cousin’s chocolate brown hair sliding down the banister, Casita catching him and lifting him back up again so he could slide down again, giggling. “That’s Antonio!” Waving, Mirabel called, “Primo! Vamos!”

Antonio bounded over after patting the banister in thanks. “Hola, Mirabel!”

“I’d like you to meet my new amiga, Miguela.” Mirabel smiled encouragingly at them.

“Hi,” Antonio whispered. His shyness had gotten better over the last week since he had gotten his gift, but he was still quiet around those he didn’t know.

“Hi!” Miguela looked at him curiously. “What’s your magic?”

Antonio glanced at Mirabel, who nodded with a big smile at him. “I can talk to animals.”

“Really? That’s cool!” Miguela glanced at the glittering doors above them. “Can you show me your room? I’ve heard it’s a rainforest or something!”

Antonio’s eyes lit up, and he forgot his shyness. “Okay!” He darted over to the stairs, which morphed into a ramp so Miguela could wheel up it. “Let’s go!”

Mirabel followed, excited for her cousin and friend.

That was when once again she noticed something: the door with her picture on it.

Mirabel stepped away from the giggling five-year-olds and walked to her door as if in a trance. The door glittered gold like all the other doors, an image of her with her arms raised illuminated on it. Faint butterfly decorations surrounded her, and at the bottom was a raised candle.

She covered her mouth with her hands. What was this? How? Why? She had no magic; she never had. Her gift day ten years ago had established that. But then what was this? And Abuela was the candleholder, not her. How could this be?

Slowly, she reached for the doorknob and turned it, trying to open it.

***

*insane author laugh* Yes, I did just leave you with that cliffhanger. And yes, I do know what’s behind that door! Do you?

What are your guesses? Comment below!

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