Provócame

Episode 16

-MARISOL HAS WALKED IN THE HOUSE AND FOUND PEDRO AND MARGARITA KISSING. PEDRO IS NOW TRYING TO EXPLAIN TO MARISOL, MARGARITA'S PRESENCE IN HER HOUSE-

PEDRO: She is….she is…..
MARGARITA: I'm Margarita Pineda, I'm his…...
PEDRO: Yes! She's an old friend of mine from Miami!
MARISOL: Yes, I can see you share a great friendship!
MARGARITA: Yes! A beautiful and wonderful…..
PEDRO: Yes! But…but we were already saying our good-byes; isn't that so, Margarita?
MARGARITA: No! No! Why?
MARISOL: Well, then….continue with your good-byes!

-MARISOL TURNS TO LEAVE, BUT PEDRO DETAINS HER-

PEDRO: No! Marisol, don't leave! Really, we already said our good-byes! More than enough, actually!
MARISOL: Ah! More than enough! Well, then, continue saying good-bye, Pedro! It's been a pleasure, Margarita!
MARGARITA: Same here, Mari!

-MARISOL WALKS ANGRILY OUT OF THE ROOM. PEDRO ANGRILY CONFRONTS MARGARITA-

PEDRO: Do you see? The problems started already! How can you do this to me, Margarita?
MARGARITA: But…what? I'm your girlfriend! I have rights!
PEDRO: No, no, no! You are not my girlfriend! Our relationship ended long time ago!
MARGARITA: Tsk! My love! You don't like me anymore? Is that it, my little sweetheart?
PEDRO: No, no! It's not that! Why don't you do me a favor, Margarita; why don't you leave the same way you came? Be good, please! There are a lot of problems here! You're creating a lot of problems for me!
MARGARITA: I didn't travel this far so you could tell me our relationship is over!
PEDRO: But it's the truth!
MARGARITA: All right! All right! But I still think it's very cold on your part to treat me this way!
PEDRO: Let's do this! Go to Victoria's house and wait for me. We'll talk more calmly there! All right? Yes?

-PEDRO COMES NEAR HER AND GIVES HER A KISS ON THE FOREHEAD-

PEDRO: Thank you, Margarita!

-MARGARITA IS ANGRY WITH HIM, BUT WALKS AWAY WITHOUT SAYING ANOTHER WORD. SHE PICKS UP HER COAT FROM THE ENTRANCE TABLE AND LOOKS IN PEDRO'S DIRECTION. PEDRO, VERY TENSE, IS WATCHING HER MAKE HER WAY TO THE DOOR. HE WAVES AT HER AND SHE FINALLY EXITS THE HOUSE. PEDRO FEELS RELIEVED-

PEDRO: As if I didn't have enough problems already!
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-MARIANO FOUND FRANCISCO RUMMAGING THROUGH THE DESK. FRANCISCO IS TRYING TO EXPLAIN TO MARIANO HIS REASONS FOR BEING IN THE LIBRARY-

FRANCISCO: Erica's computer is not working properly, so we came in here to use the computer in this room.

-FRANCISCO HAD BEEN STANDING BEHIND THE DESK. HE NOW WALKS BACK TO MARISOL'S DESK, WHERE HE AND ERICA HAD BEEN SITTING-

MARIANO: Erica never uses the library!
FRANCISCO: She said we could come in here!
MARIANO: Did she also say you could search through everything? Do you know something? I see right through you! You're a con man.
FRANCISCO: It's a pity you feel that way about me!
MARIANO: Why?
FRANCISCO: Because…. because I admire you very much. I think you're a great role model and, what's more, I would have never told you this, but it would be dream come true for me if I were to work for you!
MARIANO: Ha! Work for me?
FRANCISCO: Yes, yes! I think you're very intelligent and you're the only level headed person around here. And well, we have the same ideals! I want to make something of myself, get somewhere! I don't want to end up like my old man, who was never able to keep his head above water!

-MARIANO CONSIDERS THIS SPEECH BY FRANCISCO. HE'S STILL HASN'T SAID A WORD, AND FRANCISCO TRIES TO LEAVE-

FRANCISCO: Well, I'll leave now. At least, you're aware of how I feel.
MARIANO: Wait! Wait! I believe I could use your help! But, it'll be better if we leave it for tomorrow; we can talk more calmly then. I have something very important for you to do.
FRANCISCO: Seriously?
MARIANO: Aha.
FRANCISCO: Thank you! I'm very glad about that! Thank you!

-FRANCISCO EXITS THE LIBRARY. MARIANO IS VERY PENSIVE-
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-ANA LAURA IS TALKING TO HER FATHER IN HIS BEDROOM. THEY'RE SITTING ON THE BED. SHE'S VERY SAD-

IGNACIO: But don't worry so much!
ANA LAURA: I don't know, dad. I really don't know what to do. I want to help Pedro, but I'm afraid once Mariano finds out, he'll do something to him!
IGNACIO: Don't let fear stop you, daughter. It doesn't help. I'm telling you, fear doesn't get you anywhere.
ANA LAURA: I know, but it's impossible not to fear Mariano. But then, I can't leave Pedro adrift. It's not fair!
IGNACIO: You have to choose between what you think and what you feel.
ANA LAURA: It's not easy.
IGNACIO: I know! But, it's always been more important for you to go with what you feel.
ANA LAURA: Yes, but I don't want to put you in danger with the decision I make.
IGNACIO: What are saying, Ana? You've made enough sacrifices for me!
ANA LAURA: Because you're my father!
IGNACIO: Pedro is a good person. We have to help him. We both know the Linares are being very unfair towards him. If everything has to come to an end; let it come to and end, once and for all!
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-MERCEDES IS IN HER ROOM, SITTING ON A SETTEE AND READING A MAGAZINE. THERE'S A KNOCK ON HER DOOR-

MERCEDES: Rita, is that you?

-VICTORIA WALKS IN-

VICTORIA: May I come in?
MERCEDES: Vicky! Come in, sit down!

-VICTORIA APPROACHES MERCEDES AND KISSES HER CHEEK-

VICTORIA: How you, my dearest friend?
MERCEDES: Fine!
VICTORIA: Good! I won't sit down because this is not a regular visit. I didn't come here alone!
MERCEDES: Whom did you bring with you?
VICTORIA: I brought a friend; a psychiatrist. I want him to see you. Do you consent to that?
MERCEDES: Why do I have to talk to a psychiatrist?
VICTORIA: So that we may know your condition. He can be trusted, believe me.
MERCEDES: All right, let him in.
VICTORIA: Good, my friend.

-VICTORIA WALKS TO THE DOOR-

VICTORIA: Rogelio, come in, please. Rogelio, this is Mercedes. I'll leave you alone to talk. Excuse me.

-VICTORIA LEAVES THE ROOM-

ROGELIO: Very well, Mercedes. May I sit down?
MERCEDES: Yes, please!

-ROGELIO MOVES A CHAIR CLOSER TO WHERE MERCEDES IS SITTING-
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-GUNTHER IS TALKING TO FOUR BEAUTIFUL PUPPIES IN A BASKET-

GUNTHER: Yes, of course, your mother now puts on a sad face and thinks that she'll be forgiven! That's not the case! She took a bite from the forbidden apple, so she must be expelled from paradise! They'll be eating from garbage cans, sleeping under a bridge! And what am I going to do with you? Should I put you in a bag and throw you into the river? Is that what I have to do?

-MAGDA ARRIVES AND STARTLES GUNTHER-

MAGDA: Are you capable of doing that?

-GUNTHER DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY-

MAGDA: Just wait until the bosses find out about this! Ha!
GUNTHER: You wouldn't dare say anything and get Gunther in trouble, right? You're a very nice person! Besides, look at these puppies! They're so innocent!
MAGDA: Repeat what you said earlier! Let's see; you didn't need me for anything, right?
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-CECILIA AND CARMEN ARE IN CECILIA'S BEDROOM. CARMEN HAS PLACED LIT CANDLES IN A CIRCLE ON THE FLOOR, AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF INITIATING SOME TYPE OF RITUAL. CECILIA'S STANDING BY, NERVOUSLY-

CARMEN: Stand in the center, señora.

-CECILIA WALKS INSIDE THE CIRCLE. CARMEN STANDS OUTSIDE THE CIRCLE, FACING CECILIA-

CARMEN: I'll stand right here. Let's close our eyes.

-CARMEN IMMEDIATELY GOES INTO SPASMS. THIS SCARES CECILIA-

CARMEN: Señora!
CECILIA: What's happening?
CARMEN: The ambiance is too heavily charged!

-THE PHONE RINGS, STARTLING CECILIA. CARMEN REMAINS STANDING, WITH HER ARMS EXTENDED AND HER EYES CLOSED-

CARMEN: If it's Leonora, tell her she'll soon be able to rest in peace!

-CECILIA WALKS OUT OF THE CIRCLE AND ANSWERS THE TELEPHONE-

CECILIA: Hello! Who's this? Ah, yes, Rita! (MERCEDES' NURSE) Ahem! No, no, nothing! What's wrong?

-CARMEN COMES OUT OF HER TRANCE AND LISTENS TO CECILIA'S TELEPHONE CONVERSATION-

CECILIA: What? But…who authorized that? That's impossible! I'll take care of it right away! Right away! All right! Good-bye!

-CECILIA ANGRILY HANGS UP THE PHONE AND WALKS INSIDE THE CIRCLE ONE MORE TIME-

-CECILIA: Victoria took a psychiatrist to see Mercedes! This is going to bring me serious problems!
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-ANA LAURA IS TALKING TO PEDRO AT THE STABLES-

PEDRO: You want me to suddenly show up at your house? You've really gone crazy, this time!
ANA LAURA: Please, you must come!
PEDRO: But…why?

-MARISOL ARRIVES AT THIS MOMENT-

ANA LAURA: Marisol, I wanted to tell you both something.
PEDRO: Yes, she wants to invite us to her house for dinner! Just like family!
MARISOL: Is this a joke?
ANA LAURA: No, it's not a joke! And I'm asking you, do not fail me, please! Will you come?

-PEDRO AND MARISOL LOOK AT EACH OTHER-
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-CECILIA IS WALKING IN THE HALL OF THE ASYLUM, TALKING TO A FEMALE ADMINISTRATOR. SHE'S EXTREMELY ANGRY-

CECILIA: You allow anybody to come inside this clinic?
WOMAN: No, not anybody! It was Señora Victoria!
CECILIA: Like I said….anybody! I'm the only person responsible for my sister, since I'm the one who pays every month! Isn't that so?
WOMAN: Yes, of course.
CECILIA: Well, then! All I want, is for things to be done my way!
WOMAN: Sometimes, it's impossible!
CECILIA: There is no impossible! If I have to pay double the amount I'm paying now, I'll do it gladly! But my sister must never leave this clinic!
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-MARGARITA RETURNED TO VICTORIA'S APARTMENT. THEY ARE PRESENTLY SITTING IN THE LIVING ROOM, TALKING-

MARGARITA: I don't understand what's happening to my Pedro! He didn't act this way before!
VICTORIA: Well, if I understand correctly, your relationship is over.
MARGARITA: No, Vicky! How can you think that? Our relationship cannot end that easily! What exists between us is very strong!
VICTORIA: Ah, well! In that case, he understood something else! Do you know…..Pedro is making a new life for himself here. He has his job! He's very happy!
MARGARITA: Does he have another woman?
VICTORIA: That is not something that concerns me!
MARGARITA: Well, then! I don't understand! I don't understand what's happening to him! He was….he was so tender, so affectionate….
VICTORIA: You won't gain anything by chasing him, querida! You called Pedro an hour ago to tell him you were leaving, yet, you're still here!
MARGARITA: I told him that so he would come and see me! I really cannot go back now!
VICTORIA: Why not?
MARGARITA: Because I don't have any money! I spent everything I had on the airplane ticket! I own only the clothes I'm wearing!
VICTORIA: Well, if money is the problem, I can help you.

-VICTORIA TAKES HER CHECKBOOK OUT OF A DRAWER AND OFFERS TO WRITE A CHECK FOR MARGARITA-

MARGARITA: No, no, no! Really! I cannot accept!
VICTORIA: How will you go back, then?
MARGARITA: I really don't know! I could get a job! It's not as if I've never worked before!
VICTORIA: Oh, really? You'll get a job? You're not in Miami! You won't be able to get a job very easily, querida! Besides, you cannot stay here!
MARGARITA: What am I going to do, then?
VICTORIA: Accept my offer and take the first plane out to Miami.
MARGARITA: I don't know!

-VICTORIA WRITES THE CHECK AND, BEFORE HANDING IT TO MARGARITA, SHE GIVES HER A WARNING-

VICTORIA: I want to make it very clear that I'm giving you this check because I want to be certain you will never come back!
MARGARITA: I don't know!
VICTORIA: No, I won't take no for an answer! This is very important to me! Promise me!

-MARGARITA AGREES AND TAKES THE CHECK FROM VICTORIA. THE DOORBELL RINGS AT THIS MOMENT AND VICTORIA GETS UP TO ANSWER IT-

VICTORIA: Pedro! It must be Pedro!

-PEDRO KISSES VICTORIA ON THE CHEEK AND COMES IN-

PEDRO: Margarita! How's everything?
VICTORIA: She's ready to leave!

-MARGARITA STANDS UP AND TAKES PEDRO'S HAND-

MARGARITA: My love! It's so hard to say goodbye to you!
VICTORIA: If saying goodbye is so painful for you, why don't you do what I do? I never tell anyone when I travel!
MARGARITA: You're acting very nervous! But, I know that when you've had time to calm down, you'll come back to me! I know!
PEDRO: Margarita, I don't want you to have false expectations…..
MARGARITA: No! Don't say anything else! There's no need!
VICTORIA: There is always a cab available downstairs; will you accompany her, querido?
PEDRO: Yes, of course!

-PEDRO RAPIDLY PICKS UP MARGARITA'S BAGS AND JACKET. MARGARITA KISSES VICTORIA GOODBYE-

MARGARITA: Victoria! Thank you very much!
VICTORIA: Oh, please, please! Go ahead and press for the elevator; Pedro will follow with your luggage!

-PEDRO OPENS THE DOOR FOR MARGARITA. SHE WALKS OUT AND BEFORE CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND THEM, PEDRO LOOKS BACK AT VICTORIA. SHE MOTIONS TO HIM TO HURRY UP AND GET HER OUT OF THEIR LIVES-

VICTORIA: There are no words to describe her! No words!
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-IN THE DINING ROOM, BOTH FAMILIES ARE SITTING DOWN TO DINNER. ON ONE SIDE OF THE TABLE SITS ANA LAURA, MARIANO AND ALVARO. FLORIA SITS AT THE HEAD OF THE TABLE, AND TO HER RIGHT, WE FIND IGNACIO, PATRICIA, ERICA AND MARISOL-

ANA LAURA: How's everything?
ALVARO: Delicious! I hope the reason for this reunion is as good as the meal!
FLORIA: There's ice cream for dessert!

-IGNACIO ADDRESSES ANA LAURA-

IGNACIO: It must be an important surprise!

-ANA LAURA AND IGNACIO LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND SMILE-

IGNACIO: Everything all right, Marisol?
MARISOL: Yes, Ignacio, thank you.
MARIANO: I have to say I'm curious about all this intrigue!
PATRICIA: From Ana Laura, anything can be expected!
ALVARO: Why all this solemnity at the table? Don't tell me there's a new Linares on the way!
FLORIA: If I were you, I wouldn't bet a cent!
ALVARO: Thank you very much for that information, señora!

-THE DOOR BELL RINGS AT THIS MOMENT, AND ANA LAURA INSTRUCTS LISA TO ANSWER THE DOOR-

MARIANO: Who can it be?
FLORIA: How intriguing!

-ANA LAURA STANDS UP AND ADDRESSES EVERYONE AT THE TABLE-

ANA LAURA: I set up this reunion to introduce the new employee of this household! Pedro Balmaceda!

-PEDRO WALKS IN AND FACES EVERYONE. ANA LAURA SMILES. MARISOL SEEMS VERY SURPRISED THAT ANA LAURA HAD THE COURAGE TO MAKE THIS DECISION. MARIANO GIVES ANA LAURA A LOOK FULL OF RAGE. HE'S ANGRY THAT SHE DARED DEFY HIM IN THIS MANNER. ANA LAURA WALKS AROUND THE TABLE AND STANDS ACROSS FROM THE TABLE, FACING MARIANO.

ANA LAURA: Welcome to La Esperanza, Pedro!
PEDRO: Thank you, Ana.
MARISOL: This is a surprise.
ANA LAURA: I want to inform you that Pedro will be exclusively in charge of the horses.

-MARIANO IS FURIOUS BY NOW. HE STANDS UP AND ANGRILY ADDRESSES ANA LAURA. ALVARO STANDS NEXT TO HIM AND TRIES TO GET MARIANO TO CALM DOWN-

MARIANO: This is indignant! I don't have to put up with this!
ALVARO: Son, please!
MARIANO: You don't have the right, Ana!
ALVARO: Please!
ANA LAURA: My intention is not to offend you, Mariano; but merely to retain an employee whom I consider very competent!
IGNACIO: That's very true. No one can deny that Pedro is very capable with the horses.
PATRICIA: Not only with the horses, my love!
FLORIA: I think it's a great idea. La Esperanza needs young blood!
ANA LAURA: Also, I want to make something clear. Pedro will not only be in charge of the horses; but if he considers that improvements are needed in other areas, he'll be authorized to do that.
MARIANO: Oh, please! What do you mean, Pedro will make improvements in other areas? He doesn't even know what's two plus two, and you want him to make improvements!
IGNACIO: I don't agree with you, Mariano. I've seen how Pedro works, and I believe he's very competent.
PEDRO: I want to personally thank Ana Laura for……
MARIANO: No, no! Shut up! You shouldn't even be here, imbecile!
FLORIA: Mariano, please!
IGNACIO: That's not the way to resolve things! What's the matter?
MARIANO: We have to talk, Ana!
ALVARO: No! First, come with me! I want to talk with you! Excuse us!

-ALVARO GRABS MARIANO'S ARM AND PULLS HIM OUT OF THE ROOM-

ANA LAURA: Well. I regret that not everyone agrees with the decision I already made.
PATRICIA: More that a decision, it's an imposition, Ana Laura. Let's call it like it is!
ANA LAURA: Think whatever you want!
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-VICTORIA IS IN HER LIVING ROOM, TALKING WITH ROGELIO, THE PSYCHIATRIST WHO EVALUATED MERCEDES-

VICTORIA: If Mercedes is not crazy, we must get her out of that clinic immediately!
ROGELIO: Of course! I believe she'd function very well with a good out-patient treatment.
VICTORIA: Can you take care of that?
ROGELIO: Yes, of course.
VICTORIA: Do we need to meet any extensive requirements?
ROGELIO: No, no. A certificate signed by me will suffice. We don't even need an official release from the clinic.
VICTORIA: Can we take her out of there tomorrow?
ROGELIO: Without any problems. But, they will ask for the authorization of the person who took her in.
VICTORIA: That's impossible!
ROGELIO: What's the problem? Is that person out of the country?
VICTORIA: No, but it's like if this person didn't exist! Cecilia, her sister, confined her to that clinic, and she doesn't want Mercedes to come out of there. Is there a way we can avoid that step?
ROGELIO: You're going to have to find a way to go around it.
VICTORIA: I'll find a way!
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-MARIANO IS SITTING, IN THE DARK, AT HIS DESK. ANA LAURA COMES IN AND CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HER. SHE STANDS BEHIND A CHAIR, ACROSS FROM MARIANO-

ANA LAURA: My dad said you wanted to see me. Should I turn on the light?
MARIANO: Don't even think about it! I have a terrible headache!
ANA LAURA: Well, you wanted to see me.
MARIANO: Yes. I'll go straight to the point. Ana, you've reached my limit. Actually, with this business with Balmaceda, you passed it!
ANA LAURA: Mariano, you're taking this too personally, and that is not the case.
MARIANO: Oh, no?
ANA LAURA: No, not at all.
MARIANO: Too bad you didn't say so earlier. So now I don't have any problems, right?
ANA LAURA: It's strange that you feel so strongly about this. Balmaceda is very useful in La Esperanza. Besides, I also have the right to make decisions, don't I?
MARIANO: Yes, of course you can make decisions. What you cannot do is to lose your place.
ANA LAURA: What do you mean by that?
MARIANO: That if you continue to humiliate me with Balmaceda, the consequences will be irreversible!
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GUNTHER: Gunther has big, big, big problems! He has a very numerous family!
JULIETA: I didn't know you had children lost somewhere!
GUNTHER: No, no! I don't have any children yet!
JULIETA: Then, what are you talking about?
GUNTHER: I can't tell you! Gunther has a serious problem.

-GUNTHER EMBRACES JULIETA-

GUNTHER: Sabandija! I'm desperate!
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-PEDRO IS FEEDING CHOCOLATE A CARROT AND BEGINS TALKING TO HIM-

PEDRO: I was standing there and I couldn't believe what was happening. Ana Laura is very brave.

-ANA LAURA ARRIVES. SHE LEANS ON THE WALL NEXT TO CHOCOLATE'S STALL-

ANA LAURA: Whom are you talking to?
PEDRO: I was talking to Chocolate about you. I was telling him about your deed. That had never happened to me before. I want to thank you for what you did for me.

-PEDRO REACHES OUT AND RESTS HIS HAND ON ANA LAURA'S ARM-

ANA LAURA: No, it's all right. I only did what had to be done.

-HE COMES CLOSER BUT SHE STOPS HIM-

ANA LAURA: No!
PEDRO: What's the matter?
ANA LAURA: I don't want you to get near me.
PEDRO: But why? It's just a sign of affection!

-HE TOUCHES HER ARM. SHE GENTLY PUSHES AWAY HIS HAND-

ANA LAURA: I know your ways of showing affection, and I also know how they end.
PEDRO: I don't understand! You advance one step and then you take two steps back, Ana!
ANA LAURA: No, you're wrong! I advance a thousand steps, and I'm about to fall into an abyss!
PEDRO: Then…fall into my arms! Come!
ANA LAURA: No, don't come any closer, please!

-SHE SIGHS AND WALKS SADLY AWAY-

-MARIANO IS SITTING AT THIS DESK IN THE LIBRARY, DEALING WITH SOME PAPER WORK. FRANCISCO KNOCKS ON THE DOOR AND THEN OPENS IT -

MARIANO: Yes?
FRANCISCO: Hello.
MARIANO: Come in, Francisco, come in. I'll be right with you. What do you need?
FRANCISCO: I'm here about the job, remember?
MARIANO: Ah, yes, yes! I'm sorry. I don't know where my head is. I did tell you I was going to need you. Humm! I could use an assistant. There's a lot of work around here.
FRANCISCO: Yes, fine! Whatever the task, I'll be happy to do it for you.
MARIANO: Hmm! Well, we'll try it for a few days.
FRANCISCO: You will see that I'll try to do my best!
MARIANO: Why don't you start by putting these papers in order?
FRANCISCO: Yes, of course! What should I do with them? Should I sort them and put them away?
MARIANO: Sort, file, do whatever you think is necessary. They're all yours.
FRANCISCO: Yes!

-MARIANO RISES FROM HIS CHAIR AND EXITS THE LIBRARY-
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-NOW THAT ANA LAURA HAS MADE THE DECISION OF HIRING PEDRO, SHE MEETS WITH THE EMPLOYEES AND ANNOUNCES THE CHANGES BEING MADE. SHE'S STANDING BY THE STABLES ADDRESSING ANTONIO, CHAPA, TOTI AND PEDRO. LETICIA IS ALSO PRESENT. ANA LAURA IS TRYING VERY HARD, FOR THEIR SAKE, TO KEEP HER RELATIONSHIP WITH PEDRO, AT A BUSINESS LEVEL-

ANA LAURA: The only thing I ask, is that you work as a team.
LETICIA: And that finally someone listens to my suggestions!
ANA LAURA: Yes, our only interest is to ensure that La Esperanza continues being one the best projects in the country.
PEDRO: What about the plans regarding Lunita.
ANA LAURA: You will train her for the competition, as we agreed.
TOTI: Excuse me for one second! I want to make sure I understand! From now on, we have to consult everything with Miss Anita and Mr. Pedrito!
ANA LAURA: That's correct, Toti. You understood right.
TOTI: Good.
ANA LAURA: All right, there's nothing more. Thank you, guys.

-ANA LAURA TURNS TO LEAVE, BUT PEDRO DETAINS HER-

PEDRO: Ana, wait! I need to talk to you.
ANA LAURA: Does it have to work?
PEDRO: Yes, this has to do with work.
ANA LAURA: If it has to do with work, discuss it with Antonio, please.
PEDRO: Yes, but….can we talk?
ANA LAURA: I already told you everything I had to say.

-ANA LAURA WALKS AWAY, LEAVING PEDRO VERY CONFUSED-
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-PEDRO IS TRAINING JULIETA ON LUNITA-

PEDRO: Make contact with her, love! Keep the rhythm! Keep it! You can do it! Make her jump, light as a feather! Now! Eso!

-TOTI IS ALSO WATCHING JULIETA AND IS VERY HAPPY FOR JULIETA-

TOTI: She's great!
PEDRO: She really is very talented! She's incredible! Look at her!
TOTI: She's perfect!
PEDRO: Yes, she's perfect. A couple of minor details, but she doesn't need anything more. She's incredible, Toti! My goodness, look at that!

-PEDRO IS VERY EXCITED ABOUT JULIETA'S ABILITITES-

PEDRO: You're regal!
TOTI: She's a princess!

-MATIAS IS STANDING A FEW FEET AWAY, WATCHING JULIETA TRAIN. MARIANO APPROACHES-

MARIANO: Hello, champion.
MATIAS: I've been watching them and I think Pedro is an excellent trainer.
MARIANO: Why do you say that?
MATIAS: I've never seen Lunita do this well.
MARIANO: Lunita! Lunita! Lunita has one good day and two bad ones, have you forgotten?
MARIANO: I don't know, I've never seen her this way.
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-MARISOL WENT TO THE CITY, TO VISIT VICTORIA-

VICTORIA: Sit down, querida, please.
MARISOL: Forgive me for showing up unexpectedly, but I felt it was the only way.
VICTORIA: I imagine Mariano is still giving you a hard time.
MARISOL: I resigned, and I hope you don't ask me to go back to work for him.
VICTORIA: No, no, I wanted to see you because I want to tell you something very important.
MARISOL: Is it about my mother?
VICTORIA: Yes.
MARISOL: What's the matter?
VICTORIA: We found a way to get her out of the clinic!
MARISOL: Seriously?
VICTORIA: Your mother is not crazy!

-MARISOL IS VERY HAPPY TO HEAR THIS NEWS-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-JULIETA HAS COMPLETED HER TRAINING FOR THE DAY. SHE'S SITTING WITH PEDRO, WATCHING MARIANO DOING A POOR JOB OF TRAINING MATIAS ON CHOCOLATE. MARIANO IS BEING VERY IMPATIENT WITH MATIAS AND IS YELLING AT HIM-

MARIANO: Matías, please, make an effort, old man! We're supposed to be working, ché! Come on! Come on!

-PEDRO DOESN'T AGREE WITH MARIANO'S METHODS, AND HE SAYS SO TO JULIETA-

PEDRO: He won't be able to jump that way!

-MATIAS APPROACHES THE OBSTACLE AND MARIANO URGES HIM TO JUMP, BUT THE HORSE WILL NOT RESPOND TO MATIAS' COMMAND-

MARIANO: Jump! You need to be more forceful!
MATIAS: He doesn't want to do it!
MARIANO: What do you mean, he doesn't want to do it! You have to show him who's in charge!
MATIAS: He's stuck! I don't know what's wrong with him!
MARIANO: We're not leaving until you get him to jump! Come on, try it again!

-MATIAS GOES AROUND THE TRACK ONE MORE TIME-

MARIANO: Come on, Matías, let's not waste anymore time!

-PEDRO STANDS UP WHEN HE SEES MATIAS APPROACHING THE OBSTACLE COURSE. HE STANDS NEXT TO MARIANO, AND WHEN HE SEES MATIAS PREPARING TO JUMP, PEDRO COACHES HIM INTO JUMPING AT EXACTLY THE RIGHT MOMENT-

PEDRO: Tighten the rein now!

-MATIAS IS ABLE TO JUMP IN A PRECISE MANNER-

JULIETA: Good job, Mati!

-PEDRO LAUGHS HAPPILY. MARIANO TURNS AROUND AND GIVES HIM A LOOK OF DESDAIN. PEDRO SMILES AT HIM, AND THEN, PUTTING HIS ARM AROUND JULIETA'S SHOULDER, WALKS AWAY. MARIANO ANGRILY MUMBLES TO HIMSELF-

MARIANO: Balmaceda!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-VICTORIA AND MARISOL ARE WALKING IN THE HALLWAY OF THE CLINIC, TALKING WITH A FEMALE ADMINISTRATOR-

MARISOL: I'm her daughter! My signature should be all that's needed.
WOMAN: In some instances that is sufficient, but not in this case. We take into consideration the authority of the person who brought her in, and who takes care of all the costs; please try to understand.
VICTORIA: If it's a matter of money, I don't see that being an impediment.
WOMAN: What are you implying, Mrs. Duncan?
VICTORIA: I'd like to know the amount needed to change the required signature.
WOMAN: Well, this is not an easy situation. It’s not something that can be fixed with a little money.
VICTORIA: I'm not talking about a little money.
WOMAN: Well! Let me look into this! I'll need to revise the paper work to see if it'll be possible.
VICTORIA: Yes, you do that!
WOMAN: Excuse me.

-THE WOMAN WALKS DOWN THE HALLWAY-

VICTORIA: Everything in this life has a price!
MARISOL: Yes, Victoria, but I cannot pay it.
VICTORIA: Do you want your mother out of here? Leave it to me! We'll get her out of here!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-JULIETA IS HOME. THERE'S A KNOCK ON THE DOOR AND SHE ANSWERS. MARIANO'S STANDING AT THE DOOR, CARRYING A LARGE PACKAGE FROM AN EXCLUSIVE TOY STORE-

MARIANO: Hello.
JULIETA: Hello.
MARIANO: Are you alone?
JULIETA: Yes.
MARIANO: Well, in that case, excuse me. This just arrived for you.

-HE COMES IN AND DEPOSITS THE PACKAGE ON THE KITCHEN FLOOR-

JULIETA: For me?
MARIANO: Yes! Aren't you going to open it?
JULIETA: Yes, but, who bought this for me?
MARIANO: I did. I bought it for you. I thought of you. I hope you like it. Come on, open it!

-JULIETA, WITH MARIANO'S HELP, EXCITEDLY OPENS THE PACKAGE. IT IS A LARGE DOLL HOUSE, COMPLETE WITH ALL THE FURNISHINGS-

JULIETA: How beautiful!
MARIANO: Do you like it?
JULIETA: It's beautiful! I always dreamt of having one just like it!
MARIANO: It has everything! Here's a chair!
JULIETA: Look! It comes with a little dog! Thank you!
MARIANO: You're welcome!

-PEDRO WALKS IN THE HOUSE AT THIS MOMENT AND IS SURPRISED TO FIND MARIANO WITH JULIETA-

PEDRO: Mariano, ware you doing here?
MARIANO: Pardon me! I didn't know I had to ask for your permission!

-PEDRO LOOKS SUSPICIOUSLY AT MARIANO AND THEN AT JULIETA-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-VICTORIA IS HURRIEDLY PULLING MERCEDES TOWARDS HER CAR. MERCEDES IS FINALLY OUT OF THE CLINIC-

VICTORIA: Come on, get in!
MERCEDES: Wait! Wait just a minute!
VICTORIA: Are you feeling all right?
MERCEDES: Yes, I feel fine, but a little strange. It's like vertigo; this sudden sensation of freedom. I'm not used to it.
VICTORIA: You'll adjust!
MERCEDES: Oh, I know that! One always adjusts very easily to a good thing! But I don't ever want to lose this feeling! Thank you, Victoria! Thank you!

-THEY EMBRACE AND KISS EACK OTHER IN HAPPINESS-

VICTORIA: Come on, let's go!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-GUNTHER IS NERVOUSLY TALKING TO LETICIA WHILE SHE CHECKS ON THE PUPPIES-

GUNTHER: I would get them close to the mother for feeding but they would pull away! I tried it several times, but they pulled away! Gunther didn't know what to do, then he sterilized the bottles and I boiled some milk and forcefully fed them! Gunther doesn't know if he made a mistake! Did Gunther make a mistake?
LETICIA: Will you shut up, Gunther? I can't listen to its heart!
GUNTHER: It's just that Gunther is very nervous! That's his favorite! He looks like his grandfather! Besides, Gunther is very afraid to get caught! It'll be terrible if they catch him!
MATIAS: You're right to be afraid!
GUNTHER: Matías!
MATIAS: Whose puppies are those?
GUNTHER: What puppies? Ah! Those puppies! They're Gunther's grandchildren! Look how cute they are! They're so adorable! Do you like puppies?
MATIAS: No.
GUNTHER: But….they're so cute! And besides, you're such a nice person, you will keep this a secret! Are you going to keep this a secret?
MATIAS: I'll do what I feel like!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-IN THE LIVING ROOM, IGNACIO IS SITTING ON THE SOFA NEXT TO PATRICIA. ERICA IS SITTING ACROSS FROM THEM, WITH ANA LAURA STANDING NEXT TO ERICA'S CHAIR. LISA HAS ANSWERED THE DOORBELL AND A DETECTIVE, ACCOMPANIED BY TWO UNIFORMED OFFICERS, APPROACHES THE GROUP-

DETECTIVE: Señor Ignacio Villalobos?
IGNACIO: Yes.
DETECTIVE: You'll need to accompany me to police headquarters. I have a warrant for your arrest.
PATRICIA: No, no! Just a minute, officer! You're not taking my husband so easily!
ERICA: Why? What did he do?
ANA LAURA: I believe we need to contact an attorney.
DETECTIVE: You may call your attorney if you wish, but I have to arrest him anyhow.
ANA LAURA: And what are the charges?

-CECILIA AND ALVARO WALK IN THE ROOM AT THIS MOMENT-

CECILIA: You're still don't know, Ana Laura?
ALVARO: Cecilia, please!
CECILIA: If Ignacio is a swindler, I think the daughters ought to know!
ERICA: A swindler?
DETECTIVE: I'm sorry, ma'am, but that's not the reason why he's being arrested.
ANA LAURA: It's not? Then, what's the reason?
DETECTIVE: Mr. Villalobos is being accused of attempted murder.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-MARISOL ARRIVES HOME. PEDRO IS SITTING AT THE TABLE. THE DOLL HOUSE IS RESTING ON ONE OF THE CHAIRS-

MARISOL: Why did you give Julieta such an expensive gift?
PEDRO: No, it wasn't me.
MARISOL: Who brought it then?
PEDRO: Mariano.
MARISOL: What do you mean, Mariano? I can't believe it! What's the matter with this man, why does he continue bothering with my daughter?
PEDRO: Don't react like this!
MARISOL: I hate him! I hate him with a passion!

-MARISOL GRABS THE DOLL HOUSE-

PEDRO: What are you doing Marisol? I just want you to be aware! That's all!
MARISOL: Where's Julieta?
PEDRO: She went looking for Toti to show him the gift.
MARISOL: She won't have anything to show him!

-MARISOL, CARRYING THE DOLL HOUSE, ANGRILY EXITS THE HOUSE-

PEDRO: Marisol, where are you going? Marisol!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-MARIANO IS WALKING THE GROUNDS WITH MATIAS-

MARIANO: Matías, the problem is that, lately, you've been a little distracted, you're not concentrating, and the horses senses that, even if you don't believe it.

-MARISOL, STILL HOLDING THE DOLL HOUSE, WALKS ANGRILY TOWARDS THEM AND SHOUTS MARIANO'S NAME-

MARISOL: Mariano!

-HE TURNS AROUND AND FACES MARISOL-

MARIANO: What's the matter? Oh, Lord! What's wrong?
MARISOL: Take your trash back and don't ever come near my daughter again!
MARIANO: Will you please tell me what the problem is this time?

-PEDRO HAS FOLLOWED MARISOL AND FROM A FEW FEET AWAY, WATCHES AS MARISOL ARGUES WITH MARIANO. MARIANO THEN SEES PEDRO AND HE BLAMES HIM FOR THIS LAST ENCOUNTER WITH MARISOL. MATIAS IS STANDING IN UNCONFORTABLE SILENCE, WITNESSING THE EXCHANGE-

MARIANO: Ah! Pedrito! Pedrito!
MARISOL: No! Pedro has nothing to do with this! This is between you and me!
MARIANO: In that case, go and take this back to your daughter. I made her a gift!
MARISOL: You don't have the right to give her anything! I don't want you to have any contact with my daughter!
MARIANO: Calm down!
MARISOL: Don't ever touch her again! Don't even look at her! Because, I swear, I'll kill you!

-MARISOL WALKS AWAY-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

PATRICIA: My husband will not leave this room until you explain to us what this is all about!
DETECTIVE: I'm sorry, ma'am, but that is not my job. I'm just here to take him to headquarters to take his statements.
IGNACIO: Erica, Anita, Patricia, calm down. This will be resolved somehow.
ERICA: How do you expect us to be calm, when they're accusing you of homicide, dad?
PATRICIA: We should call Molina! Let's call Molina!
ANA LAURA: Wait! Wait! He can't leave without his attorney!
DETECTIVE: Ma'am, I repeat, I'm only taking him in to answer a few questions. We have to take his statements, and that will be all.
IGNACIO: It's all right, call Molina, tell him what happened. By the way, perhaps Alvaro will be able to give you an explanation.
ANA LAURA: Oh, really? Alvaro, can you explain to us what's going on?
ALVARO: I honestly have no idea of what's going on here.
CECILIA: Why are we always blamed for everything that goes wrong in this house?
DETECTIVE: Come with me please.

-FLORIA ENTERS THE ROOM JUST AS IGNACIO IS ABOUT TO LEAVE WITH THE DETECTIVE-

FLORIA: Son, what's happening?
IGNACIO: Ana will explain everything, mom. Don't worry, everything is all right.
FLORIA: Where are they taking him?
ERICA: Grandmother, it's all right!

-ANA LAURA ANGRILY ADDRESSES ALVARO-

ANA LAURA: Although you deny it, you know very well what we're talking about. This does not end here! Come, grandmother!
FLORIA: But I want to know why they're taking him!

-ANA LAURA AND ERICA WALK OUT OF THE ROOM, TAKING A VERY DISTRAUGHT FLORIA WITH THEM-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-JULIETA IS VERY ANGRY WITH MARISOL FOR TAKING AWAY THE DOLLHOUSE THAT MARIANO GAVE HER. PEDRO IS QUIETLY LEANING ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER, WHILE JULIETA ARGUES WITH MARISOL-

JULIETA: It was my gift! You had no right!
MARISOL: I know why I did it! I have my reason!
JULIETA: I'm sick and tired of you problems with Mariano!
MARISOL: Don't talk to me in that tone of voice!
JULIETA: You're being very unfair to me!
PEDRO: Juli, my love, your mom is doing this to protect you!
JULIETA: Protect me? Protect me from what? Mariano is very nice! He doesn't talk bad about my mother, like she does about him!
MARISOL: That's enough! Enough! There are some things you can't understand! Go to your room!
JULIETA: That's so easy for you to do! I loved that little house! I will never forgive you!

-MARISOL ATTEMPTS TO APPROACH JULIETA, BUT JULIETA RUNS OUT OF THE ROOM-

MARISOL: She doesn't understand! Do you see how she doesn't understand?

-MARISOL SITS DOWN AT THE TABLE. PEDRO DOES THE SAME-

PEDRO: It's only logical, Marisol! It's only logical! You were too stern with her!
MARISOL: Listen, neither you nor her, know why I did it! I know why I did it!
PEDRO: Then, why don't you explain to me?
MARISOL: Because….because that's the way it is! And that's all! Because that monster must not be near Julieta! He must not!
PEDRO: But why not?
MARISOL: Because he can't!
PEDRO: Marisol, you're hiding something from me? Why don't you tell me once and for all? Get it out of your system!

-MARISOL TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO CONSIDER IF SHE SHOULD TELL PEDRO THE TRUTH. SHE THEN LOOKS AT PEDRO AND TELLS HIM HER REASON FOR WANTING MARIANO AWAY FROM JULIETA-

MARISOL: Julieta is his daughter!

-PEDRO AND MARISOL DON'T REALIZE THAT AT THIS EXACT MOMENT, MARIANO HAS ARRIVED AND IS STANDING AT THE DOOR, LISTENING TO THEIR CONVERSATION-

MARISOL: Mariano is Julieta's father!

-MARIANO IS SHOCKED TO HEAR THIS-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-ERICA, FLORIA AND ANA LAURA ARE SITTING ON ANA LAURA'S BED-

FLORIA: Ignacio is not capable of hurting anyone!
ANA LAURA: Calm down, grandmother, nothing's going to happen.
ERICA: You'll see how everything will turn out all right.
FLORIA: But it's still terrible that they took him in this way!
ANA LAURA: Yes, but I'm sure that all they'll do is ask him some questions. It's just that I don't know what happened! I don't understand!
FLORIA: He said Alvaro was in a position to explain what's going on!
ANA LAURA: Yes, eventually, I'm going to have to talk with Alvaro or Mariano.
ERICA: Besides, dad is a good man and they should release him anytime, right?
FLORIA: Are you sure?
ANA LAURA: Yes, everything will be all right, grandmother, don't worry!
FLORIA: God willing, querida. But, still, if they keep him for too long, I don't know what will happen! I don't even want to think about it!

-ANA LAURA GIVES FLORIA A CONSOLING HUG-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-MARISOL IS NOW CRYING AND EXPLAINING TO PEDRO EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED BETWEEN MARIANO AND HER. MARIANO IS STILL AT THE DOOR LISTENING-

MARISOL: I never told anyone that Mariano was Julieta's father. Never! I was very young.

-PEDRO IS FULL OF COMPASSION AND UNDERSTANDING-

PEDRO: Of course! You were almost a child!
MARISOL: Besides, I was very afraid, and who'd have believed me?
PEDRO: No one. And your mami? Couldn't she have helped you?
MARISOL: No, she was no longer with me. They had already confined her. I was all alone. The Linares hated me! I had no place to go!
PEDRO: You're amazing! To go through all that, and then have your daughter!
MARISOL: I always wanted to have that baby! You don't know how much I loved that baby!

-MARIANO IS LISTENING WITH A LOOK OF SICK FASCINATION ON HIS FACE-

PEDRO: Yes, I imagine it. And you confronted the Linares?
MARISOL: Ignacio helped me at this point, and so did Rosita and Antonio. And, without asking any questions, they never left me alone.
PEDRO: And Julieta was born!
MARISOL: Yes, and she help me reconcile with the world! And I swear that I was always careful not to show her my resentment towards Mariano!
PEDRO: Were you in love with him?
MARISOL: I don't know, I was very young! I was confused! He was my cousin! I admired him! I respected him! But he hurt me, Pedro! You know he hurt me! He took advantage of me! I will never forgive him! Julieta must never find out the truth! She must never find out!
PEDRO: Yes, but one day, she'll want to know something about her father, Marisol.
MARISOL: Mariano is not her father! He'll never be her father! Never!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-GUNTHER IS IN THE STABLE, PLAYING WITH THE PUPPIES. HE'S LYING ON HIS BACK AND IS HOLDING ONE OF THE PUPPIES ON HIS STOMACH-

GUNTHER: Magda knows! Matías knows! Frau Leti, also knows! I believe your days are numbered! Poor thing!

-JULIETA ARRIVES AND IS HAPPY TO SEE THE PUPPIES-

JULIETA: Puppies! Where did you get them from, Gunther?

GUNTHER IS ANNOYED THAT YET ANOTHER PERSON FOUND OUT ABOUT THE PUPPIES. JULIETA LIES ON THE FLLOR NEXT TO GUNTHER, AND BEGINS PLAYING WITH THE PUPPIES-

GUNTHER: From their mother's belly. They couldn't very well come from mine!
JULIETA: They're beautiful!
GUNTHER: Wait just a minute! You have to promise me absolute silence, all right? No one in the estancia must know these puppies exist! Is that clear?
JULIETA: Yes, don't worry!

-PEDRO ARRIVES AND GUNTHER HAS A FIT-

PEDRO: Juli, I was looking for you! And those puppies?
GUNTHER: Can't anyone keep a secret in this place?

-PEDRO SMILES AND SITS ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO GUNTHER AND JULIETA AND ADMIRES THE PUPPIES-

JULIETA: They're Gunther's, but we can't tell anyone!
PEDRO: All right.
JULIETA: Do you see, Gunther? No one is going to say anything.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-MARIANO IS IN THE LIBRARY TALKING WITH MOLINA-

MARIANO: This has nothing to do with Ignacio. Let's say this is somehow, a personal matter. I want to know what I have to do to prove if I'm the father of a child.
MOLINA: You're saying you have a child?
MARIANO: No, I'm not saying that. I'm asking what do I do to find out if I'm the father of that child?
MOLINA: Is this an assumption, or are you sure you are……

-AT THIS MOMENT, THEY ARE INTERRUPTED BY ANA LAURA, WHO ANGRILY WALKS IN THE ROOM-

ANA LAURA: Do you mind telling me what you're trying to accomplish with all this? How far are you willing to take this? Tell me! What are you going to do with my father now! Tell me!
MARIANO: Why don't you calm down?
ANA LAURA: I'm not going to calm down nor shut up! The only thing I want is for you to tell me why you did this!
MOLINA: Please, we are not going to resolve anything acting this way!
ANA LAURA: You need to shut up! I called you here so you could talk to me, not to him!
MOLINA: And I was waiting for you! He was just consulting me on something! That's all!
MARIANO: And I really don't see anything wrong with that!
ANA LAURA: You don't?
MARIANO: Do you know something, Ana? I don't understand why you're acting so crazy!
ANA LAURA: You don't understand?
MARIANO: No!
ANA LAURA: Don't you understand my father is very sick?
MARIANO: Fine, but I didn't do anything to get him arrested!
ANA LAURA: Of course you did! I'm certain you helped in all this!
MOLINA: I'm going to go see Ignacio, that way we'll gain some time. Let's hope it's nothing serious!

-MOLINA WALKS OUT OF THE LIBRARY-

ANA LAURA: I just hope it's not too late!

-MARIANO RISES FROM HIS CHAIR. HE LEANS ON THE DESK AND LOOKS AT ANA LAURA-

MARIANO: I don't understand why you're so upset. I warned you, my love!
ANA LAURA: I'm not your love!
MARIANO: Hm!

-MARIANO WALKS AROUND THE DESK AND FACES ANA LAURA-

MARIANO: I warned you, and I warned you, and I warned you! But, you didn't listen to me! To the contrary, you defied me! Now you have to deal with it!
ANA LAURA: So you're admitting you have something to do will all this!
MARIANO: Hum!
ANA LAURA: Don't you realize this could backfire, Mariano?
MARIANO: Yes, perhaps. But you know very well why I did it! When you re-hired Balmaceda, you humiliated me!
ANA LAURA: No. I didn't do it to humiliate you. I did it because I need a man who will protect me.
MARIANO: Hm! Yes, of course! You're going to tell me you hired a guardian angel! Is that so?
ANA LAURA: Yes! Yes! Because that's exactly what I need! I need someone who can make me feel like a woman, the way he does!
MARIANO: Shut up!
ANA LAURA: I will not! I'm going to tell you what I think! Whether you like it or not! He doesn't need to resort to threats, to feel like a man.
MARIANO: I told you to shut up, imbecile!

-MARIANO IS ABOUT TO STRIKE ANA LAURA. SHE SCREAMS AND COVERS HER FACE. BUT IN THAT INSTANT, FLORIA WALKS IN THE ROOM AND SHOUTS AT MARIANO-

FLORIA: Lower you hand immediately, Mariano! Don't you dare lay a finger on her!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-THE DOORBELL RINGS IN VICTORIA'S HOUSE. MERCEDES IS ANXIOUSLY PACING THE FLOOR-

MERCDES: It's them! It's them!
VICTORIA: I'll get it, I'll get it!
MERCEDES: First, tell me, how do I look?
VICTORIA: You look great! Better than ever! You look great! Relax!
MERCEDES: Really? My hair?
VICTORIA: Your hair looks great! Relax! Relax!
MERCEDES: Oh, God! Oh, God!

-VICTORIA OPENS THE DOOR AND MARISOL AND JULIETA, AS WELL AS PEDRO, WALK IN THE HOUSE-

VICTORIA: Come in!

-MARISOL RUNS TO EMBRACE MERCEDES-

MARISOL: Mami! It's so good to see you again, mom!
MERCEDES: Oh, my love! And who's this young lady?
MARISOL: Julieta, this is your grandmother Mercedes!

-MERCEDES KISSES JULIETA ON BOTH CHEEKS-

JULIETA: Grandmother, I get to meet you at last!

-JULIETA WINKS AT MERCEDES. THEY WILL PRETEND THEY'RE MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME-

MERCEDES: Yes, we meet at last! What a beautiful granddaughter you gave me!
MARISOL: You look beautiful, yourself!
VICTORIA: Stop all this, please! We're all going to start crying soon!
MARISOL: Mami, this is Pedro! You remember I used to talk to you about him?
MERCEDES: Pedro, of course! She's told me so much about you!
PEDRO: Hello.
MERCEDES: So, Victoria. This is your Pedro!

-VICTORIA LOOKS AT MERCEDES. SHE'S SPEECHLESS-

-CECILIA IS IN HER BEDROOM, TALKING TO CARMEN-

CECILIA: I spent a fortune and it was all for nothing! My husband wants me to be practical? Fine! I'm going to resolve this in the only way possible!
CARMEN: Are you going to try to confine her somewhere else?
CECILIA: No, having her locked in the place all these years didn't do any good! No! My sister is as strong as fungus! Like a cockroach! Let me have my coat!
CARMEN: You're going out again? Wouldn't you like to find out what the cards have to say?
CECILIA: No, please! I don't have time for that! Now I have to take the bull by the horns! I'm bringing Mercedes to live here with us!
CARMEN: No, señora, how can you bring Mercedes here?
CECILIA: Why not? The Villalobos adore Mercedes.
CARMEN: Don't you think that could be dangerous?
CECILIA: It's more dangerous that she lives with Victoria.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-ANA LAURA AND LETICIA ARE SITTING IN THE LIVING ROOM. MOLINA ARRIVES FROM POLICE HEADQUARTERS. ANA LAURA IMMEDIATELY STANDS UP TO GREET HIM-

ANA LAURA: Estéban!
MOLINA: Ana Laura!
ANA LAURA: What happened?
MOLINA: Your father is being held for a few days.
LETICIA: What?
ANA LAURA: How many days are you talking about?
MOLINA: I'd be lying if I said a few days. I really don't know. There are a few things to take care of.
ANA LAURA: You mean….he'll be in prison!
LETICIA: Don't worry! This will be resolved sooner than you think! Right?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

VICTORIA: What do you mean, my Pedro?
MERCEDES: It's just an expression. You've talked so much about Pedro…..well, actually, everyone has talked so much about you, Pedro.
PEDRO: Is that so? I'm glad to be remembered. Was it all good or bad?
CECILIA: Wonders! Only wonders!
JULIETA: Pedro is mine and no one else's!
PEDRO: Do you see? I have an owner!
MARISOL: Do you remember I told you Julieta is very jealous?
MERCEDES: Yes, jealous and with a lot of character, right?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-ALVARO IS IN THE LIBRARY, STANDING BEHIND THE DESK. HE HAS POURED DRINKS FOR ROBERTO AND HIMSELF. ROBERTO IS SITTING ACROSS FROM HIM. ALVARO HANDS ROBERTO THE DRINK-

ALVARO: It's been a while since I've had such a happy moment, Roberto!

-ROBERTO AT FIRST REFUSES THE DRINK-

ROBERTO: No, no!
ALVARO: Come on, man, don't say no! Take it!
ROBERTO: Fine.

-ALVARO TAKES A SEAT BEHIND THE DESK-

ALVARO: Although, there's something that continues to worry me, and plenty!
ROBERTO: What?
ALVARO: Pedro!
ROBERTO: Ah! That's something else!
ALVARO: Tell me, you're still keeping a close eye on him, right?
ROBERTO: As much as I can!
ALVARO: We have to find a way around him, because I think he'll be more dangerous that we first thought.

-MARIANO SUDDENLY WALKS IN THE ROOM, INTERRUPTING THEM-

MARIANO: Dad, do you have any news about Ignacio?
ALVARO: No, I haven't heard anything else.

-MARIANO NOTICES ALVARO AND ROBERTO ARE HAVING A DRINK-

MARIANO: How nice! The world is coming down on us, and you're here having a whiskey! How nice! Very Nice!
ALVARO: May I ask what's the matter with you? Why are you so nervous?
MARIANO: Nothing, dad! It's my business!

-MARIANO EXITS THE ROOM. HE SLAMS THE DOOR ON HIS WAY OUT-

ALVARO: What's wrong with him?
ROBERTO: I have no idea.
ALVARO: Roberto, I want you to watch him. Something strange is going on with him.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-VICTORIA AND MERCEDES ARE SITTING DOWN, HAVING COFFEE, AFTER PEDRO, MARISOL AND JULIETA HAVE LEFT-

MERCEDES: She's so high spirited, so coquettish! I'm not saying this just because she's my granddaughter, but she's enchanting!
VICTORIA: Do you know that Pedro is crazy about her?
MERCEDES: Really?
VICTORIA: Yes! They adore each other! Mercedes, why did you say that about Pedro?
MERCEDES: What did I say about Pedro?
VICTORIA: That he was "my" Pedro. What did you mean by that?
MERCEDES: I really didn't mean to say anything in particular.
VICTORIA: Ah!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-MARISOL AND JULIETA ARE HOME-

JULIETA: To be honest, I didn't like it when grandmother made that comment to Victoria about Pedro being hers. Pedro belongs to me and to no one else!
MARISOL: Don't exaggerate. Pedro belongs to you and to all the people who love him.
JULIETA: So he's yours too, then!
MARISOL: He's a little mine.
JULIETA: No, but with you it's a little different.
MARISOL: No, I know what route this silly conversation is taking.
JULIETA: Mom, I know you don't like me to tell you that Pedro is your boyfriend, but….
MARISOL: Because Pedro is not my boyfriend, and besides, we were talking about your grandmother!
JULIETA: You're right! Mom, when grandmother gets better, are we going to be able to live together; the three of us?
MARISOL: Would you like that?
JULIETA: Of course!
MARISOL: But in order to do that, we would have to move from here.
JULIETA: In that case, never mind. I don't want to move.
MARISOL: Wouldn't you like to have a house just to ourselves; a little larger that this one; with a beautiful garden; closer to school?
JULIETA: Mom, if it means being away from Toti and Lunita, no.
MARISOL: But you wouldn't stop seeing them; you could come and visit them whenever you'd like!
JULIETA: I know why you want to move away from here; you want to be far from Mariano, right?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-MARIANO IS IN THE LIBRARY, SITTING AT HIS DESK. PATRICIA COMES INTO THE ROOM-

PATRICIA: Mariano! What happened? Why did they take Ignacio?
MARIANO: I don't know. Please don't ask me any questions; I had enough hassles for today
PATRICIA: I know you did what you had to do, but…..

-MARIANO STANDS AND WALKS AROUND THE DESK AND STANDS FACING PATRICIA-

MARIANO: Do you want to know what I did? I did just what Ana asked for?
PATRICIA: Yes, she's an idiot; she doesn't understand how things stand, I know, but it's not fair that all of us ending paying the price because of her whims! Matías, myself…..
MARIANO: Nothing will happen to Matías or to you, as long as I'm here.
PATRICIA: I wish I could believe you.
MARIANO: What's the matter, you don't believe me?
PATRICIA: I need more than words, to know you're being sincere, Mariano.
MARIANO: I can give much more than words, if it's what you want.
PATRICIA: Perhaps. To begin with, I'd like you to be able to see the Patricia that only a few people really know.
MARIANO: Hum! What are you offering me?
PATRICIA: Me? To form a team! You and I could make great things happen, don't you agree?

-PATRICIA COMES NEAR MARIANO AND BEGINS PLAYING WITH THE COLLAR OF HIS SHIRT-

MARIANO: Yes, of course we can!

-MARIANO IS ABOUT TO KISS HER, BUT AT THIS MOMENT, FRANCISCO WALKS IN THE ROOM, UNANNOUNCED-

MARIANO: What are you doing? Why don't you knock?
FRANCISCO: I'm sorry! I'll leave!
PATRICIA: No! Don't worry!
MARIANO: Patricia!
PATRICIA: I'm leaving!

-SHE WALKS OUT OF THE ROOM. FRANCISCO COMES IN AND MARIANO ANGRILY WALKS BACK TO HIS DESK AND SITS DOWN-

MARIANO: My God! Why do you come in like this? Can't you see I was taking care of important business? Please!
FRANCISCO: I'm sorry! I didn't meant to do that!
MARIANO: Fine, fine! Let's not waste anytime! Take these papers to Roberto! Go on, go on!
FRANCISCO: All right.
MARIANO: There's something else! Find out where's Ana Laura!
FRANCISCO: All right!

-FRANCISCO LEAVES. MARIANO REMAINS AT HIS DESK, FRUSTRATED AND ANGRY-
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

-TOTI BEGINS TO WALK IN THE STABLE, BUT GUNTHER APPEARS SUDDENLY, STARTLING HIM. GUNTHER IS TRYING TO PREVENT HIM FROM FINDING OUT THAT HE'S HIDING THE PUPPIES IN THERE-

TOTI: You're going to give a heart attack!
GUNTHER: I'd settle for seeing at work!
TOTI: I am working! I'm carrying firewood!
GUNTHER: "I'm working! I'm carrying firewood." That's a lie! You're lazy!
TOTI: No, no! Just a minute, Gunther! I was….
GUNTHER: Be quiet! Leave this place immediately!
TOTI: There will come a time when things turn around, and then you'll see!
GUNTHER: Leave, now! I'm going to report you to the bosses for insubordination!

-TOTI LEAVES AND GUNTHER APPROACHES THE PUPPIES-

GUNTHER: It was a close call!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-PEDRO IS STANDING OUTSIDE CHOCOLATE'S STALL, TALKING TO THE ANIMAL-

PEDRO: The time is getting closer! You have to be ready! You do want the trophy, don't you?
Then, you have to go after it!

-ANA LAURA ARRIVES. SHE'S EXTREMELY UPSET-

ANA LAURA: Pedro!
PEDRO: What happened?
ANA LAURA: I was looking everywhere for you! Where were you?
PEDRO: I've been here….why the sad, little face?
ANA LAURA: You didn't know they took my father?
PEDRO: Your dad? Where?

-ANA LAURA DOESN'T HAVE TIME TO ANSWER, BECAUSE MARIANO ARRIVES AT THIS MOMENT-

MARIANO: Hello, hello! I'm sorry to interrupt! Are you two working?