"I have something important to tell you," Mirela started, holding tightly onto Gilbert's hand as they stood in front of her parents. Carmen looked to caravan, tossing in her bag, knowing what was coming. "We're getting married!"

Her Uncle staggered in shock, leaning heavily against the cart. Carmen didn't think that he had even seen Gilbert before. Her Aunt ran to hug Gilbert tightly, before searching his face. She approved with a slight nod. Gilbert looked at Carmen's Uncle anxiously.

"Sir, I ask that I may join your family in your travels," He pleaded. "I'll earn my pay by playing my music where we go."

"Please!" Mirela begged.

"Of course!" Her uncle exclaimed, walking over to the couple and wrapping them both in a bear hug. Mirela crowed in laughter.

"Welcome to the family," Carmen whispered. She was so happy for Mirela, but at the same time, almost jealous. She could get married to man she loved. A man her age. A man that could be with her.

But Carmen couldn't marry Clopin. The man so much older than her. The man who had to stay behind. Everything had always worked out like a storybook for Mirela. And Carmen knew that she could come back for Clopin one day. That she could be with him. But by the time she came back, would she still want him?

Carmen felt a hand on her shoulder. It was her Aunt.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine," Carmen nodded her head slightly.

"Are you sure? I know I haven't paid you much attention recently. Things have just been so chaotic and…"

"Everything's fine."

"I've missed something, haven't I?"

Carmen turned around and blinked away the tears in her eyes. "That's not your fault."

"Hey," A small voice called out. Carmen turned around and saw Dena standing a few feet away, gently waving.

"Hi," Carmen walked over to her slowly, unsteadiness in her stomach. She looked hesitantly into Dena's beautiful eyes.

"So," She started, equally hesitant. "Gilbert's running off?"

"Look, I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt-" Carmen tried to start.

Dena interrupted. "It's fine. It's all in the past. I learned to live for every day- every hour. Are you leaving too?"

Carmen nodded softly. There was a moment of silence. "I'm going to miss it here…"

"You're going to miss Clopin."

"More than anything," Carmen sighed, and brushed back her hair. She shrugged. "Have you seen him?"

"He said that he would come to see you off," Dena said, looking around. "When are you leaving?"

"When Gilbert brings his things."

"It won't take long."

Carmen shook her head. "Everything has become so confusing, in so little time! I can't imagine what life for you must be like."

"I'll pull through, don't worry," Dena assured her. "I'll keep an eye on Clopin as well. He's a terrible flirt."

Carmen blushed. "I really don't have any right to complain…"

"Forget what I said," Dena was soft, but forceful with a small smile on her face. She never took the straightest path. "But I should go."

"Take care of yourself."

"I'll remember you." She hugged Carmen tightly before walking away. A spring in her step, her clothes rippled in the breeze. Carmen turned around for one last look at her family. But Clopin had arrived. He marched straight up to her, removed his hat, and bowed.

"Good day!"

"Good day."

He straightened out and looked down at Carmen. "Don't act so sad! Whoever said a sad girl was attractive didn't have his mind right! Chin up!"

Carmen laughed. He said that to her the first- the only time they danced. "I'm going to miss you saying things that FILL my heart with happiness."

"You'll miss everything about me!" Clopin quipped, smirking.

"Excuse me?" Carmen cupped her hand to her ear, smiling. "I can't hear you; your outfit is too loud!"

Clopin laughed, his face, whole body was glowing with excitement. "I'm going to miss you saying things that fill MY heart with happiness!"

"Don't fool yourself!" Carmen rolled her eyes. "You'll miss everything about me!"

Clopin laughed in defeat. "Really though, I wish you'd stay."

"I-" Carmen's fingers traced her stinging cheek. It had just begun to bruise, and she would have to live with it for the next week. "I wish that too."

"Then one more time, let me beg of you," He gently guided her to a barrel nearby and sat her on top. "Stay in this city that you love, this city that speaks to your heart. Stay with me."

His hand cupped her cheek. "And you'll never have to go back."

"I don't know," Carmen whispered. Tears stung at her eyes. "I love you. I love you so much. But, they're the only family I have left. I can't leave them."

Clopin bumped his forehead against hers, staring in her eyes. "But you'll have me."

"Will that be enough?"

"It will have to be," Clopin murmured, his eyes filled with as much pain as hers.

There was a long pause.

"Let me get my bag," Carmen whispered.

The End

A/N: I'm currently working on a sequel, which takes place during the timeline of the movie, about two years after the events of this story. It will be published soon. Thank you everyone for the wonderful reviews!