2. The Family Madrigal

ABUELA- "Abre los ojos, open your eyes."

The family perked up as they all heard Abuela's voice from the screen.

MIRABEL- "This where our magic comes from?"

A chorus of 'awws' was heard from the crowd as a younger version of Mirabel appeared on the screen. Mirabel could feel her face heat up in embarrassment. It didn't help when Tío Bruno nudged her with his shoulder giving a small teasing smile.

The film that was mere seconds into playing then paused.

"Camilo!" Everyone turned and faced the teenager.

"Why do you guys automatically assume it was me?" He asked.

"Was it?" His Papá questioned.

"Well, yeah, that's beside the point!"

"Is that what you looked like when you were younger Mirabel?" Antonio's voice spoke up as he pointed to the screen.

"It was." Her Mamá spoke up for her. "And she looks so cute! I mean just look at those adorable chubby cheeks!" She gushed only causing Mirabel to sink into her chair more.

"Mamá!" Her face slowly gained a flush of red.

"Okay, but is no one wondering why we are starting here?" Camilo said, gesturing at the screen. "Did it really start that long ago?" He asked another question.

"Well maybe if you didn't pause it we would know." Luisa smirked as she picked up her own remote and hit play.

ABUELA- "Mhm. This candle holds the miracle given to our family"

MIRABEL- "How did we get a miracle?"

"How did we get a miracle?" Antonio asked.

ABUELA- "Long ago, when my three babies had just been born, your Abuelo Pedro and I were forced to flee our home. And though many joined us, hoping to find a new home, we could not escape the dangers. And your Abuelo was lost. But, in our darkest moment, we were given a miracle. The candle became a magical flame that could never go out. And it blessed us with a refuge in which to live. A place of wonder."

MIRABEL- "An encanto!"

ABUELA- "An encanto. The miracle grew, and our house, our Casita itself came alive to shelter us. When my children came of age the miracle blessed each with a magical gift to help us. And when their children came of age…"

The screen paused again and the family all turned to Camilo.

"What? I was just going to ask if that was what Mamá, Tía Julieta and Tío Bruno really looked like when they were five."

Mirabel could be heard quietly laughing from the back of the room. Everyone turned, curious to find out what had the girl in laughter.

"Sorry… sorry." Mirabel apologised as she calmed herself. "It's just… it's just that… Tío Bruno looks like coffee kid."

"Who?" Everyone asked.

"Oh, the kid in town who always drinks coffee… I don't know his name so I just call him coffee kid." She explained.

MIRABEL- "They got magic, too!"

ABUELA- "That's right. And together, our family's gifts made a new home a paradise. Tonight, this candle will give you your gift. Mi vida. Strengthen our community. Strengthen our home. Make your family proud."

MIRABEL- "Make my family proud."

Bruno leaned over towards Mirabel gently nudging her to get her attention then whispered. "For the record… You didn't need a gift to make your family proud."

Mirabel smiled at his comment, nodding her head to let him know that she understood. As the two looked back towards the screen they saw Casita bouncing an alarm clock toward the pair signalling that it was time for the ceremony to start.

Seven o'clock.

ABUELA- "Yes, yes Casita, we're going."

MIRABEL- "Hehe."

Once again a loud 'aww' filled the room as little Mirabel giggled as Casita helped her put her shoes on and pulled her Abuela up from the bed.

MIRABEL- "What do you think my gift will be?"

ABUELA- "You are a wonder Mirabel Madrigal. Whatever gift you get will be just as special as you."

Just as Mirabel approached her door she could see all of the family, except Tío Bruno and Antonio, tense. Apparently, she had to. But before it could show that Mirabel didn't get a gift the light from her door began to engulf the screen as the word 'Encanto' appeared.

"I guess that's what this is called…" She heard Camilo say to himself.

The next frame then showed Mirabel's glasses.

Oh no.

She thought to herself.

Please don't tell me that this is going to focus on me…

MIRABEL- "Make your family proud! Morning Abuelo."

It then cut away to three children of the town running towards Casita.

Oh good. It wasn't just about her.

"There!" Mirabel pointed out. "The kid in the middle. Young Tío Bruno looks like him."

The screen then slowly started to rewind before pausing on the image of the young triplets.

"Oh yeah. He kinda does." Camilo said, nodding his head.

"Can we please just watch the movie without commenting on how I looked…" Bruno pleaded as he returned the movie to its original place.

The family watched as the children ran faster and faster all eager to get to the house.

Gracias a Dios it wasn't about her.

And then it cut back to Mirabel.

Oh no. It is about her.

COFFEE KID- "Hey! When's the magic gift happen?"

MIRABEL- "My cousin's ceremony is tonight."

KID 1- "What's his gift?"

MIRABEL- "We're gonna find out!"

"Are they talking about me?" Antonio's voice rang out as he faced Mirabel.

"Uh-huh." He smiled as she nodded.

COFFEE KID- "What's your gift?"

MIRABEL- "Who's askin'?"

CHILDREN- "Us!"

MIRABEL- "Well, 'us', I can't just talk about myself. I'm only part of the amazing Madrigals."

CHILDREN- "Who's all the amazing Madrigals!"

She could see the adults chuckle at all of the children's excitement.

MIRABEL- "Ah, you're not going to leave me alone, are you? Casita, help me out. Drawers, floors, doors, let's go!"

"Oh no… Is this going to be a musical?" Abuela asked, earning a few laughs from the rest of his family.

"Um... what have you got against musicals?" Camilo asked.

Mirabel:

(Singing)

This is our home,

We've got every generation

"So it was you!" Camilo yelled out. The movie stopped. He stood up pointing at Mirabel. "You're the person who does that every morning!"

"Someone has to wake you up."

"Camilo." Tío Félix called out to his oldest son. "Sit down and just watch the movie."

She watched as Camilo sat down in a huff before staring at her. He then gave the 'I've got my eyes on you signal'. The movie started up again.

So full of music,

A rhythm of its own design

This is my family,

A perfect constellation

So many stars,

And everybody gets to shine

Mirabel watched as Bruno flinched at that line. He noticed her looking so he leaned towards her. "I guess not everyone…" He whispered his index finger pointing to the two of them. She gave a tight smile before they turned their attention back to the screen.

Whoa! Let's be clear, Abuela runs this show (Whoa!)

Laughter could be heard from everyone as that line was said.

Whoa! She led us here so many years ago (Whoa!)

There's just a lot you simply have to know so

Welcome to the Family Madrigal,

The home of the Family Madrigal

(We're on our way!)

Where all the people are fantastical and magical

I'm part of the Family Madrigal

Children:

(Speaking)

Oh my gosh, it's them!

Kid 1:

What are the gifts?

Cecilia:

I can't remember all the gifts!

Kid 1:

But I don't know who is who!

Mirabel:

Alright, alright, relax!

Kid 1:

It is physically impossible to relax!

Cecilia:

Tell us everything! What are your powers?

Coffee Kid:

Just tell us what everyone can do!

Mirabel:

And that's why coffee's for grown-ups!

"Who is feeding this kid coffee?" Luisa questioned.

(singing)

My Tía Pepa,

Her mood affects the weather

When she's unhappy,

Well, the temperature gets weird

Mirabel looked to her Tía who had been mentioned watching as she shifted in her chair and her Tío placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her.

My Tío Bruno…

Citizens:

We don't talk about Bruno!

The entire family, save for Mirabel, flinched and shrunk into themselves as the movie paused once again. This time there were no protests, instead, all the family turned to face Bruno. He has faltered slightly but tried not to show it.

"Bruno-" Julieta started before being cut off by her brother.

"Nope." The movie then continued. No one pushed it. He obviously didn't want to talk about it.

Mirabel:

They say he saw the future,

One day, he disappeared

"Wow Mira, you obviously listened…" She heard her Primo's taunt as he once again stopped the movie.

"They wanted to know about the family. All the family. I wasn't about to leave Tío Bruno out just because people didn't want to talk about him. He was and is still part of the family." Mirabel stood her ground as she hit play. Bruno smiled at his sobrina, thankful that even though he wasn't there she refused to leave him out.

Mirabel:

(Oh!)

And that's my mum Julieta,

Here's her deal

(Whoa!)

The truth is,

she can heal you with a meal

(Whoa!)

Her recipes are remedies for real

If you're impressed, imagine how I feel

(Mum!)

Mirabel could see her Mamá sit up a bit straighter and could somehow feel the proud smile that had spread across her face. She didn't even need her to turn around to know.

Mirabel:

Welcome to the family Madrigal

The home of the family Madrigal

(Hey, coming through!)

"Mirabel, you need to be a bit more careful in town please." Abuela gently said. "I know that no one got hurt, but what happens when one day you bump into someone and they do get hurt?"

"Then they'll just go to Tía Julieta… duh." Camilo said.

"No, I get it. I'll be more careful."

Mirabel:

I know it sounds a bit fantastical and magical

But I'm part of the Family Madrigal

Two guys fell in love with Family Madrigal

"Hey! We get a mention in the song? Awesome!" Tío Félix repositioned himself to get a bit more comfortable, excited that he and his cuñado also got a mention.

"I mean… yeah. You guys are in this family." Mirabel said as though it would be obvious that they would be mentioned.

Mirabel:

And now they're part of the Family Madrigal

So yeah, Tío Félix married Pepa

And my dad married Julieta

That's how Abuela became an Abuela Madrigal

(Let's go, let's go!)

Abuela:

We swear to always

Help those around us

And earn the miracle

That somehow found us

The town keeps growing

The world keeps turning

But work and dedication will keep the miracle burning

And each new generation must keep the miracle burning

Kid 1:

(Speaking)

Wait, who's a sister and who's a cousin?

Cecilia:

There's so many people!

Coffee Kid:

How do you keep them all straight?

Mirabel:

(Singing)

Okay, okay, okay, okay!

So many kids in our house

So, let's turn the sound up

You know why?

I think it's time for a grandkid round up

(Grandkid round up)

"Grandkid round up? Really?" Camilo said.

"I'd like you to do any better." Dolores piped up with an all too knowing smirk. Once she had turned around Camilo began making faces at his sister causing Antonio to laugh.

Cousin Dolores can hear a pin drop

Camilo shapeshifts

Antonio gets his gift today

My older sisters

Isabela and Luisa

One strong, one graceful

Perfect in every way

Townspeople:

Isabela

Mirabel:

Grows a flower, the town goes wild

Townspeople:

Isabela

Mirabel:

She's a perfect golden child

Mirabel tried not to look at her Mamá, who had turned to look at her youngest daughter. Mirabel knew if their eyes met then they would have to talk about it. And Mirabell did not want to talk about it.

Townspeople:

Luisa! Luisa! Luisa! Luisa!

"That gets annoying real fast." Abuela spoke up.

"Welcome to my life…" Luisa said as she rolled her eyes.

Mirabel:

And Luisa's super strong

The beauty and the brawn do no wrong

Abuela:

(Speaking)

Let's get ready!

Luisa:

Coming Abuela

Mirabel:

(Singing)

That's life in the Family Madrigal

(Whoa…)

Now you know the Family Madrigal

(Whoa…)

Where all the people are fantastical and magical

(Whoa…)

That's who we are in the Family Madrigal

Adios!

"Wow that was-" Luisa started before getting cut off by one of the children's voices.

Kid 1:

(Speaking)

But what's your gift?

The family tensed up at the question.

"They really aren't letting that go… are they?" Pepa mentioned.

"Nope."

Before Mirabel could answer an accordion was thrown at her as a few townspeople picked up the tune once again. Mirabel began to play the instrument before she sang.

"I didn't know that you could play the accordion regalo." (Gift) Her Papá said.

"You have a lot of spare time when you are a Madrigal without a gift." She smiled. "I had to find something to entertain myself with."

Mirabel:

(Singing)

Ha!

Well, I gotta go, the life of the Madrigal

(Whoa…)

But know you all know the Family Madrigal

(Whoa…)

I never meant this to get autobiographical

(Whoa…)

So just to review the Family Madrigal

Let's go!

(But what about Mirabel?)

It starts with Abuela

And then Tía Pepa, she handles the weather

(But what about Mirabel?)

My mom, Julieta can make you feel better with just one arepa

(But what about Mirabel?)

My dad, Agustín, well

He's accident-prone but he means well

(But what about Mirabel?)

Hey, you said you wanna know what everyone does

I got sisters and cousins and…

(Mirabel!)

My primo Camilo won't stop until he makes you smile today

(Mirabel!)

My cousin Dolores can hear this whole chorus a mile away

(Mirabel!)

Look, it's Mister Mariano, hey

You can marry my sister if you wanna but

(Mirabel!)

Between you and me, she's kind of a prima donna

Yo, I've said too much and thank you but I really gotta go

My family's amazing

(Mirabel!)

And I'm in my family, so…

(Mirabel!)

Well…

Abuela:

Mirabel!

ABUELA- "What are you doing?"

MIRABEL- "They were just asking about the family and-"

KID 1- "She was about to tell us about her super awesome gift!"

"It's nice to see you interacting with the children of the town Mirabel." Abuela smiled.

"Yeah… the little gremlins aren't too bad."

"They seem to gravitate towards you." Pepa noticed.

"Maybe that's her gift!" Antonio smiled.

"Ah yes, my dear cousin with the gift of kidnapping children." Camilo holding his hand out as if he was in a drama show.

"No!" Antonio pouted. "Her gift is that she's good with kids, dummy." He said.

"Antonio." Pepa called out to her youngest son. "No name-calling."

"Yeah Neo, no name-calling." Camilo teased his little brother.

"Camilo. Stop taunting him." Félix backed up his wife.

"Fine."

DOLORES- "Oh, Mirabel didn't get one. Hmm."

KID 2- "You didn't get a gift?"

MIRABEL- "Um…"

TOWNSPERSON- "Mirabel, delivery. I got you the special because you're the only Madrigal kid who doesn't have a gift. I call it the 'not special, special' because… you have no gift."

MIRABEL- "Thanks…"

TOWNSPERSON- "Oh, and tell Antonio good luck. The last gift ceremony was a bummer. The last one being yours… that did not work."

"Could he make it any more obvious that you have no gift?" Mirabel heard Tío Félix say.

MIRABEL- "Uh-huh."

KID 2- "If I were you, I'd be really sad."

MIRABEL- "Well my little friend, I am not sad because the truth is. Gift or no gift, I am just as special as the rest of my family."

ISABELA- "Who wants more pink?"

LUISA- "Alright guys, where do I drop the wagon?"

KID 2- "Maybe your gift is being in denial."

PEPA- "I made a rainbow!"