Her nerves were shot at this point. She understood that Mirabel didn't want her getting hurt, but what about her? If she got hurt, Abigail would feel ten times worse than she already does. She'd killed her own mother, for crying out loud. Abbi wouldn't be able to handle it if her friend ended up injured...........or dead.

Being in the midst of her thoughts, she missed the voice that called to her. Not paying it any mind, she continued walking down the banister. A few seconds later the young teen felt a hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump at least three feet in the air.

"Whoa, easy, Mariposa. It's just me."

His voice was calm and quiet. Taking in her nervous and jumpy state, Camilo grew even more concerned. Sure she was always nervous around him, but not like this. Something else was going on.

Pushing aside his nagging thoughts, he gently took her hand and guided her toward his mother's room. "C'mon. I'll make you some tea. That should help calm you down."

She didn't argue. Didn't pull away. Instead she gripped his hand with a strength that neither of them knew she had. This new fact made his heart swell, both in adoration and a little in fear. He couldn't help the urge to protect her.

Entering the room, Camilo sat her down in a big, plush chair. Looking around, she noticed the little raindrops on the wallpaper and on the light fixtures. She tried to calm her raging hysteria, playing with the ends of her braids in the process.

The shape-shifter kept glancing at her. If you looked closely, you could see how much he cared for her in his eyes. She really was like a butterfly to him. So beautiful, yet so fragile. But, he also knew she was strong (even if she didn't see it herself), she just needed to let someone (him) in to help.

He had two cups of tea ready in minutes. Ready to deliver the first to his mama, he was a little surprised when she shook her head and nodded to the girl still playing with her hair. A smile of thanks made it's way to his face.

Abigail was so into her own world that she didn't see him standing directly in front of her. Kneeling down he tried again. "Hey," he spoke as soft as possible. She didn't look at him until he tugged at the hand in her hair. Lifting the cup he said, "It's lavender and mint. Should take some of the stress away, at least."

"Th-thank you," she muttered. He only left her side after she sipped on the drink. Inwardly sighing in releaf as she visibly started to relax, even if it was only a little.

Turning back to his mother, he saw the cloud forming above her head. Taking the other tea cup, he spoke in that same soft, tender voice, "It's okay, Mami. Deep breath in, deep breath out."

Just as she was about to take it, a loud bang was heard and felt. That caused Pepa and Abigail to jump. Poor Camilo got the worst of it, though. When his mother jumped, she let loose some lightning that zapped his nose, making him drop the cup, hit his back on  a dresser, involuntary shift into members of his family, and ultimately knock over the tea pot (which still had hot water in it), landing on his foot.

Now it was Abigail's turn to worry about him. She immediately set down her cup and ran over to him. Pepa was already in a fit of apologies.

"Oh, mi bebe varon. Lo siento mucho. Estas bien?!"

"Si. Estoy bien, Mami. Estoy bien." He was clutching at his leg, a slightly pained look on his face.

Without saying a word, the brunette set to work cleaning up the spilled tea. The two Madrigals looked at her as though she'd grown a second head. Why was she cleaning a mess she didn't make?

"Why don't you take her down to the kitchen? She didn't eat much. None of us did, really."

Her son nodded and again knelt down in front of the young girl and gently placed his hand on hers. Startled, she quickly looked up at him. When he pulled her to her feet she saw the small burn on his nose and raised her hand to his cheek.

He leaned into her touch. Wanting her to know that he was there for her. They just stood there, staring into the others eyes before a voice broke through the silence.

"Mijo?" It was his father. The man had a knowing smile, gesturing for the teens to leave. "I've got your Mama."

When they got to the kitchen, Camilo rapidly started looking for some food. Finding a few arepa's his aunt had always left out in case of emergencies he handed one to Abigail. Leaning on the counter, the two ate in silence (the mark on his nose disappearing like it was never there) before she spoke up.

"I'm sorry........."

"What for? You didn't drop a hot cup of tea or involuntarily shift into your family because of a little lightning." He tried to make light of it, just to see if she'd laugh. And she did.

".........For-for being so.......awkward and shy around you all the time."

"Don't worry about it. It's cute." His mind went back to this morning. Popping the last of the arepa in his mouth he hoped what he was about to do wouldn't backfire. "What did you wanna talk about, anyway?"

She froze. Eyes wide as owl. Clearing her throat, she steeled herself. "W-what would you d-do if you had a crush on s-someone?"

He smiled. So far so good. "I'd tell them. Yeah, they might not like me back. But at least I'd know the outcome. To me, that's better than doing nothing." Taking her hand, he looked her directly in the eyes. "And if they did like me, I'd be the happiest guy in the world."

The way he looked at her like she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen made her blush for what seemed like the hundredth time that day. Abigail couldn't help what she did next. She kissed him.

It surprised them both. Camilo's breath hitched. She just kissed him. True, it was just a quick peck on the lips, but still. She kissed me!

He stood stiff as a board. Excited? Yes. Although, his lack of reaction must've hurt her in some way. A look of dejection on her beautiful features. "I'm sor-"

She didn't get to finish her apology, because the next thing she knew his lips where firmly pressed against hers. His hand went to caress her cheek as hers pulled at his ruana. When they broke apart, Camilo rested his forehead on hers, a huge smile plastered on his face.

"You have no idea how long I've been waiting to do that."

She could only laugh. Antonio and Mirabel were right after all. Camilo Pedro Madrigal liked her!

"You should have told me the second you saw the vision!" The teens looked toward the direction of Senñora Alma's voice. "Think of the family!"

Letting go of each other they walked to where the adults were arguing. Not wanting to be seen, Abigail hid just around a corner. Camilo close behind her.

"I was thinking of my daughter!" Señor Agustin declared.

Snow started blowing everywhere. Abigail shivered and Camilo put his arms around her. "Pepa, calm down."

"I'm doing my best. You're lucky it's not a hurricane!" The snow blew a little more fiercely.

"Mama, you've always been to hard on Mirabel." Senora Julieta tried to reason. More cracks could be seen spreading through the house.

"What about Abigail?"

"Don't you dare try to blame this on that poor girl! She has dealt with enough already!"

Camilo had know idea what his father meant by that. But when he felt the girl in his arms lean into him, heard her sniffle, his protectiveness took over. He rested his head on hers and held her tighter.

"Look around. We must protect our family, our encanto. We cannot lose our home." He'd never heard his grandmother like this before. She was shaken. Scared.

The front door opened and a new voice was heard. "Señora, perdon. People in town are becoming anxious about the magic. They want to see you."

The matriarch sighed. "Mirabel was in that vision for a reason. Find her. As for Abigail, send her home."

For those that asked, this is Abigail. I just finished her design a few days ago & only now remembered to upload her pic. Lol. 🦋