✨·˚ ༘ ┊͙ NEEDY !
➵ | an encanto book
♯̑̑ 𝖎 — 𝖔𝖛. CHAPTER FIVE !
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒇𝒕 𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒚
𝕿o say that time flows by fast would be an understatement. A year had passed and if their relationship wasn't any stronger than it was before, Cara Maria and Camilo were closer than ever.
Today was Camilo's fifth birthday, which means that today would be his gift ceremony. He was ecstatic, but also nervous about receiving a gift special to him. All he wanted to do was make everyone happy, hopefully, his gift would help make that happen.
Cara Maria was currently with her grandfather at his tailor shop, measuring her for a new dress to wear tonight. Of course, the Espinosas were invited to Camilo's gift ceremony, so they needed to look their best tonight.
Once her fitting was done, Cara Maria sat and watched her Abuelo work on the new dress, with the white and gold fabric she picked herself.
An idea suddenly came into the girl's head making her get up from her seat.
"Papito! Can I go buy a present for Camilo?" Cara Maria asked while giving her grandfather her infamous puppy dog eyes.
Maybe it was due to her age, but no one could say no to Cara Maria whenever she gave that look to anyone. Old or young. Her grandfather was no exception.
"Of course, cariño. Here." Oracio reached into his pant pocket and pulled out some money, handing it to the girl.
"Don't lose it. And please be careful." Oracio told her, kissing Cara Maria on her forehead.
"I won't lose it, Papito! I'll be careful!" Cara Maria cheered as she ran out of the tailors.
Cara Maria walked around the Encanto, looking for something, anything that would catch her eye to give to her best friend.
She looked down at her left hand to see the friendship bracelet Mirabel made for her and Camilo. Ever since she was given it, she never took it off and vowed to never take it off ever.
"I can get him a bracelet!" Cara Maria cheered as she ran to the jewelers.
Opening the door, Cara Maria looked around at all the small bracelets, mostly all made of emerald.
Looking around, she spotted two matching marble bracelets, won all white with one black bead and one all black with one white bead. She smiled at the simple accessory before going up to the counter.
"Hola, Señor Sánchez!" Caramaria smiled while waving.
"Why hello there, little Espinosa. Did you find something you like" Mr. Sánchez asked while stepping around the counter.
Cara Maria pointed at the two marble bracelets with a big grin.
"Those! It's for Camilo!" Cara Maria stated.
Pretty much everyone in the Encanto knew of the two children's friendship. They would run around town together and tell everyone that they were the 'bestest of best friends'.
"Of course, Señorita." Mr. Sánchez smiled while unlocking the glass display case that held the bracelets.
"I'm so excited! My best friend is getting his gift today!" Cara Maria laughed while running to the counter.
"I believe everyone is just as excited as you are, Espinosa." Mr. Sánchez said as he placed the two bracelets in two separate boxes.
"I wanted to go see him before the ceremony, but mi mamá said that I couldn't because they were busy." Cara Maria pouted while watching Mr. Sánchez.
"It must be a stressful day for the Madrigals. They have to make sure nothing goes wrong at the ceremony." Mr. Sánchez told the girl who nodded.
"I guess your right."
"Alright then, Señorita, get going now. Don't want to leave your family wondering where you are."
Cara Maria looked at the man confused before she pulled out the money to give Mr. Sánchez, but all he did was shake his head.
"It's okay. It's free. But just this one time alright, señorita." Mr. Sánchez handed the girl a small bag that held the bracelets.
"Are you sure? Mi mamá said that that would be stealing..." Cara Maria asked unsure while Mr. Sánchez simply nodded.
"It's alright. Now run along, little one."
"Gracias, Señor Sánchez!"
"𝕮ome on guys! We're gonna be late!" Cara Maria called out to her family who walked behind her.
It was finally time for Camilo's gift ceremony and Cara Maria couldn't be any more excited.
Once Oracio had finished her dress, she immediately began to beg for her family to help her get ready so she can see her best friend.
The dress was all white that hugged her torso before frilling out at the bottom. All around the skirt were beautiful yellow flowers, marigolds, her absolute favorite flower.
"Okay, okay Mija. We're coming." Rosalba called out while quickening her pace to please her daughter.
The Espinosas continued their journey up over the hill to the lovely Casita that housed the Madrigals. Once they arrived, Oracio knocked on the door, which was opened by Alma.
"Hello, Alma. Thank you again for inviting us to this special occasion." Oracio greeted the woman who smiled back.
"Of course. Won't you all come in." Cara Maria did not need to be told twice before bolting into the filled casita.
Music played throughout the casita as people danced around and kids played around. Cara Maria began to look around for the boy of the hour, fidgeting around with the white bracelet on her wrist.
The house never failed to amaze Cara Maria. It was filled with some sort of aura that was able to make anyone who stepped foot into it happy. Or that's how Cara Maria saw it.
Suddenly Cara Maria was nearly tackled before she regained her balance.
"Princesa!" Looking over, Cara Maria let her dimples be on full display, as she looked at her best friend.
"Cami! I missed you!" Cara Maria laughed before wrapping the boy in a tight embrace.
"But we saw each other yesterday."
"That doesn't mean I still didn't miss you, Estupido."
"Guess what?" Cara Maria cheered as she held the grey box tightly in her hands.
"What?" Camilo asked while holding Caramaria by her arms.
"I got you a present! Happy birthday!" Cara Maria cheered as she held the box in front of Camilo.
Camilo stared in awe at the box, before taking it from Cara Maria's hands. He opened the box to see the black marble bracelet in it.
"It's a bracelet! So now we match!" Cara Maria showed the boy her white bracelet.
She heard nothing come from Camilo, worrying the girl. She looked up at Camilo to see him still staring at the gift in awe.
"Do you not like it..." Cara Maria mumbled, her mood deflating slightly.
Cara Maria was wrapped in an embrace by Camilo. He held his best friend tightly as she did the same.
"I love it! Now I'll have something to always remind me of you!" Camilo began to jump around before placing the bracelet on his bare wrist.
Cara Maria had a huge grin on her face seeing her best friend's excitement. Once again, Cara Maria almost fell when she was wrapped in another hug.
"Cara! You're here!"
"Mira!"
The three children got themselves into a small circle between them and all put their hands in the middle. Specifically, the ones that had the friendship bracelet Mirabel made for them.
"Camilo."
"Mirabel."
"And Cara Maria."
"Best friends!"
The three kids ran around the casita, playing different games as they waited for the ceremony to begin. They all seemed to have no concept of time because before they knew it, it was time for Camilo to start his ceremony.
Cara Maria went to stand with her family as Alma made her way to stand at the top of the staircase, in front of a door, holding a candle.
"Thirty-five years ago in our darkest moment, this candle blessed us with a miracle. And the greatest honor of our family has been to use our blessings to serve this beloved community." Alma started while surveying everyone in her home.
"Tonight, we come together once more as another steps into the light to make us proud." A pair of curtains pulled open to reveal Camilo, who was fidgeting with the end of his button-up.
"Papá, No Puedo Ver." Cara Maria stated as everyone began to cheer for Camilo.
Diego bent down and lifted the girl onto his shoulders to give her a better view.
Camilo looked around the room of guests with wavering eyes. He was nervous, anyone could tell you that. Cara Maria picked up on this and waved for her best friend to gain his attention.
Camilo looked over to Cara Maria who gave him a big grin while wiggling her hand, pointing at their new matching bracelets. Camilo placed his hand on his present and with newfound courage, puffed out his chest and strode confidently to the stairs, earning chuckles from everyone.
"Will you use your gift to honor our miracle? Will you serve this community?" Alma asked Camilo who nodded eagerly.
Camilo walked up to his door and placed his hand on the doorknob. At first, nothing seemed to happen, until something did.
The door began to envelop in a bright glow, earning gasps of awe from everyone. Golden whisps flew all around the door and around Camilo.
Cara Maria could only stare at her best friend in awe. It truly was a beautiful sight.
Suddenly a stray golden whisp flew past Camilo and everyone. All eyes drifted towards it as it suddenly flew towards the Espinosas, specifically Cara Maria.
The whisp struck Cara Maria, making her stare in awe. She looked down at her arms which began to form gold markings. At the same time, Camilo looked down at his arms which also began to glow with markings.
The light slowly diminished as everyone stayed quiet. Whispers and murmurs sounded throughout the casita, while Camilo and Cara Maria held eye contact.
The two friends stared before having large smiles appear on their features at the thought of them both receiving a gift from the candle. They were brought out of their moment when shouts were made.
"She stole his gift!"
Rosalba and Oracio looked at Cara Maria in worry while her father took her off of his shoulder.
"My daughter did no such thing!" Diego replied while shielding Cara Maria from the scolding eyes of others.
Cara Maria had no idea why everyone was staring at her in such a way. She didn't say a word as she heard more shouts around her, saying all these different insults about her. She couldn't help but let her eyes pool with tears as she heard people bad mouth her and her family.
Alma could only stare in shock, her first instinct being to protect her grandson. She took Camilo by his arm and placed the boy behind her while Pepa, Felix, and Dolores ran over to him in worry.
"Keep her away from Camilo. They are to never see each other again." Alma stated making the two children stare at her.
"What?!"
"Abuela, what are you doing?"
Camilo tried to run over to his best friend but was held back by Alma.
"You can't do that! She's my friend!" Camilo pleaded while tears filled his own eyes.
"It doesn't matter, Camilo. You'll stay away from that gift snatcher." Alma stated while stepping in front of the boy.
"Have you gone mad?! How could a child steal a gift?!" Oracio exclaimed.
"I want you all out of my casita!" Alma pointed at the door in complete anger.
"Abuela! Please don't do this!" Camilo cried while still attempting to run to Cara Maria.
"Leave!" The Espinosas did nothing but glare at the old woman before complying.
"Come on, Mija. We're going." Diego stated while grabbing Cara Maria by her hand, taking her out of the house.
"Camilo!" Cara Maria cried out before she was outside.
"Cara Maria!" Camilo shouted while watching his friend leave.
Ever since then, the Espinosas and Madrigals had cut off contact with each other.
𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒓𝒂 — 2021