A high-pitched squeak broke through the dining room as the excited, lighthearted chatter came to a stop. It was still early in the morning and chaos had already occured between the opposing families. If it wasn't for the ability to eavesdrop conversations, Dolores' appetite wouldn't be ruined. With all eyes on her, a confrontation is what she expected from her family. She squeezes her eyes shut while covering her ears, praying the noise would vanish into thin air. Mercilessly, it continues to torture her sense of hearing.

Sometimes, Dolores wonders if her gift is actually a curse. While the rest of the Madrigals use their own abilities for the village, she finds her gift the least beneficial. During her childhood years, the thought of exposing secrets about her brother and cousins was quite amusing. Growing up, realization hits her as she learns about confidential information and gossip from the townspeople. Even the biggest secret she's been hiding from her family for years.

"Dolores? What's wrong, mi hija?" Her mother, Pepa, sat across from her. A tiny rain cloud forms above her head as worry washes over her. Pepa Madrigal, also known as the gift holder who controls the weather with her emotions.

"Isabela," Dolores began, biting on her lip anxiously. "She's having an argument with a Mercedes."

Everyone froze, as if they heard a taboo word. Pepa's gray cloud became the size of the table as thunder rumbled. Felix, her husband, tries to calm her down by rubbing her back.

"Pepa, your cloud." Alma Madrigal, Abuela of the family and the village head, reminded sternly.

Pepa twiddles her curly auburn braid, eyes widened with frantic. "Clear skies, clear skies."

"That idiot. And she said she'll just check her flower decorations." Mirabel said with a sigh.

Abuela rubs her temples, stressed. "Antonio's gift ceremony is just around the corner. We can't have any more problems, especially with the family we do not speak of." She said grimly.

Agustin stood up immediately. "I'll go find her."

Julieta nodded. "I'm coming with you, mi amor."

After the unsettling breakfast, Dolores was left cleaning up in the kitchen. The heated squabble between her cousin and their archenemy rewinds in her head. Isabela is smart enough to avoid crossing paths with a Mercedes, being reckless doesn't seem to fit her character. Or maybe some situations can be quite inevitable.

Her sensitive ears picks up slow, light footsteps from the hallway.

"Haven't you eaten enough, Camilo?" She grumbled, rolling her eyes.

A sheepish chuckle was heard before the said boy came in, scratching the back of his head. "Oops, busted." He said in a sing-song voice.

Camilo Madrigal, the shapeshifting entertainer in town. Though Dolores likes to call him her troublemaker little brother.

Dolores didn't spare him a glance as she washes the dishes. "There's still some leftover arepas on the table."

Camilo taps his chin, pretending to think. "Hmm, something tells me this is a trap. You don't usually let me eat leftovers, Dolores." He said with a smirk, crossing his arms.

When his sister didn't even muster a smile, Camilo sighed, dropping his playful act. "Look, I know you're worried about Isabela but she'll be fine. She's tougher than she looks."

Dolores turns off the faucet, a solemn look on her face. "It's not just Isabela, I'm also worried about Antonio. What if... The Mercedes are successful this time? I can't imagine how miserable he'd feel on his special day."

There was never a single gift ceremony where it doesn't comprise the intrusion of the Mercedes. It was supposed to be a special occasion for the Madrigals, but their past experiences made them believe it endangers their gifts and the magic of Encanto. Despite the efforts in protecting the candle for so long, their long-time rival may have new tricks up in their sleeves that could end the magic once and for all.

It was when Camilo puts a hand on her shoulder did she realize she was breathing rapidly. "Dolores, listen to me. Antonio will definitely receive his gift, the Mercedes won't be able to destroy the candle, and most importantly, our family and the village won't be in danger.  You know why?"

Dolores looks up, meeting his determined gaze. "Because we have an amazing family and our casita. Maybe the reason why we were given a gift is so that we can protect the miracle from the bad guys. Plus, we got some cool powers so what's there to be scared about?"

She manages a small smile. "I hate it that you're so good at making me feel better."

Camilo places his hands on his hips, puffing his chest out as if he'd done something heroic. "What can I say? I'm a natural."

Dolores chuckled. She sometimes wish she was like her brother, who has his way with words to reassure someone. Watching him handle their mother's panic attacks like an expert impresses her everytime. Perhaps he really is a natural.

"Seriously, though. Thanks, doofus." She said, reaching out to ruffle his curly, brown locks.

"Wha- Hey! Not my hair, sis!" Camilo pouted as his fluffy hair blocked his eyes.

☁️☁️☁️

Leona rolled over in her bed, trying to get some more sleep. She knew it's already morning, judging from the chitter-chatter outside. Although, what bothers her more is the loud bickering that kept her awake. Having enough of the disturbance, she checks the window and did a double take.

Isabela Madrigal, the golden child and the most perfect flower in the Madrigals and her cousin, Felicidad looked like cats about to claw at each other's throats outside her house.  Although, she shouldn't be surprised. Being rivals since childhood, Leona was convinced things wouldn't end well.

"How many times do I have to tell you it was an accident?!" Isabela snarled, fighting the urge to use her vines to squeeze Felicidad to death.

Felicidad scoffed. "Liar! You summoned your disgusting flowers at my balcony on purpose to knock over my painting!"

Isabela's hands flew to her hair. "Ugh! You're unbelievable!"

"I was supposed to say that, you egotistical princess!"  Felicidad shot back.

Green vines sprouted from the ground, pointing at Felicidad in a threatening manner. "Say that again, I dare you." The flower girl sneered.

"Ha, I don't even need a magical ability to win against someone like you."

Passerbys had gathered to see the unpleasant occurence, exchanging hushed conversations.

"Looks like they're at it again."

"When will they ever stop fighting?"

"Things might get worse at the gift ceremony."

The two girls ignored them, preoccupied with their heated staring contest.

"Isabela! That's enough!" Agustin's enraged tone startled Isabela as the vines shrink back instantly.

Felicidad glared at Isabela before turning on her heel. "This isn't over, Madrigal. You know what I mean." Before the latter could utter some sort of comeback, Felicidad had slammed the door in her face.

Isabela knew what she meant, and she has to prepare for the worst case scenario on the day of Antonio's gift ceremony.

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A/N:
So sorry if the chapters I've been writing are too short, but I promise to make them longer as the story progresses!

Chismosa/Chismoso - someone who always knows about the latest gossip or news about other people