Provócame

Episode 18

-ROSA AND MAGDA ARE IN THE KITCHEN, PREPARING EMPANADAS (MEAT PIES)-

ROSA: Yes, Marisol has already decided to leave.
MAGDA: How can she leave, when she's in love with Pedro? You probably misunderstood.
ROSA: No, I understood perfectly well. That's precisely why she's leaving, because she's in love, Magda.
MAGDA: Ah, it sounds like the soap opera I watched last year. The girl was in love but her love wasn't reciprocated, so she went away. Then, her love interest went looking everywhere for her……
ROSA: No, no, no! Marisol is not sure if her love is reciprocated. She suspects it is, but she's not positive. Do you see?
MAGDA: No, I don't understand anything.
ROSA: Marisol thinks Pedro and Anita are involved. That's what's going on.
MAGDA: God forbid! That would be terrible. No!
ROSA: Yes, terrible. And Anita doesn't know what she's getting into. If Mariano finds out, things will get very complicated around here!

-UNKNOWN TO THE WOMEN, FRANCISCO WALKED INTO THE KITCHEN AND IS LISTENING TO THEIR CONVERSATION-

MAGDA: Pedro never told her specifically if he was interested in her, or that he liked the other one?
ROSA: No, Pedro didn't tell her anything.
MAGDA: Then, she must have seen or heard something. Oh, you never give an accurate account of what's going on. No, no, I don't believe any of this. I don't like this one bit.
ROSA: Mariano is the one who won't like it when he finds out Marisol is leaving, and knowing him, he won't take this lightly.
MAGDA: This is terrible!

-FRANCISCO IMMEDIATELY LEAVES THE KITCHEN-

ROSA: Yes, it is. In this house, there's always something tragic going on.

-GUNTHER WALKS IN. HE'S VERY UPSET. HE SITS DOWN AND BEGINS TALKING TO HIMSELF-

GUNTHER: It's incredible! So ungrateful! So many years of care and dedication, and all for what? Everything has gone down the drain. It's so unfair!
ROSA: What's wrong with him?
MAGDA: I don't know. As is happens with you, I don't understand a thing he says.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-MARIANO IS ENTERING THE LIVING ROOM. FRANCISCO, COMING FROM THE KITCHEN, WALKS UP TO MEET HIM-

FRANCISCO: Mariano, I was looking for you.
MARIANO: Yes.
FRANCISCO: I heard something and I think it's imperative that you find out.
MARIANO: Well, tell me.
FRANCISCO: Marisol wants to leave the finca.
MARIANO: What?
FRANCISCO: Yes, yes. My mother was talking to Magda in the kitchen.
MARIANO: Your mother?
FRANCISCO: Yes.
MARIANO: How interesting. Do you know, from now on, I don't want you secluded in the library. I prefer that you move about the house and pay attention to what's going on and perhaps you'll find out something useful.
FRANCISCO: Fine, no problem.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-MARISOL IS HOME, TALKING WITH PEDRO-

MARISOL: You opened my eyes about Mariano; I'm indebted to you.
PEDRO: Your eyes were open all along; you were a little nervous, and that prevented you from seeing.
MARISOL: Yes. I was also very afraid, but that's over. I'm now ready to begin a new life.
PEDRO: I'd love to come with you.
MARISOL: As a friend?

-PEDRO DOESN'T RESPOND-

MARISOL: No. Here or there, it'd be the same.
PEDRO: You're right. When do you plan on leaving?
MARISOL: I don't know. I have to talk to Julieta first. It's not easy.
PEDRO: Yes, it won't be easy for her, you know that, right?
MARISOL: For me either, but, that's how things stand.
PEDRO: I hope you're doing the right thing. You're still in time to change your mind.
MARISOL: No, I already made the decision. I won't turn back.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-JULIETA IS THE BARN, PLAYING WITH THE PUPPIES. MARIANO ARRIVES-

MARIANO: Juli! Juli!

-JULIETA STANDS IN FRONT OF THE PUPPIES, TRYING TO HIDE THEM FROM MARIANO'S VIEW-

JULIETA: Don't come in!
MARIANO: Why shouldn't I come in? What are you hiding? How cute these puppies are! Are they Gunther's?
JULIETA: Yes, how did you know?
MARIANO: I knew, but I hadn't seen them. They're very pretty.
JULIETA: Yes, one even more beautiful than the other.
MARIANO: Would you like to keep one?
JULIETA: Yes, but I really would like to keep all of them.
MARIANO: But you can't keep all of them. You may keep one, and the rest of them will have to be sent some place where they can be taken care of. Listen, don't mention to anyone that I'm helping you with this.
JULIETA: Why not?
MARIANO: Because this has to be a secret between us.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-PEDRO IS IN HIS ROOM, CLEANING HIS BOOTS. ANA LAURA COMES IN-

PEDRO: Ana! This is a surprise. What are you doing here?
ANA LAURA: I waited for you, and since you didn't show up…..
PEDRO: I thought you were angry with me?
ANA LAURA: Yes, but work has nothing to do with that.
PEDRO: Yes, I feel the same way.
ANA LAURA: Then, let's keep things separate. One thing is work, and….
PEDRO: And another things is…..
ANA LAURA: And another things is the personal issues.
PEDRO: Are you here to fight with me again?
ANA LAURA: No, I'm not here to fight with you; I'm here because I know you're feeling bad.
PEDRO: Yes, I'm feeling bad.
ANA LAURA: Because Marisol is leaving.
PEDRO: Yes, because Marisol's leaving; I don't think she's doing the right thing.
ANA LAURA: I think she is doing the right thing. If she wants to cut all ties with this place, it'll be best that she leaves.
PEDRO: I really don't agree with that.
ANA LAURA: What's the matter? You can't stand the thought of her being far away?

-PEDRO SMILES-

PEDRO: Ah! Now I understand what's the matter with you!
ANA LAURA: No, not at all! It doesn't matter to me whether she leaves or she stays.
PEDRO: You're jealous!
ANA LAURA: Pedro, please! I'm not jealous!
PEDRO: You're not jealous!
ANA LAURA: No.
PEDRO: Ana, you know I'm interested in you.
ANA LAURA: Look, I only know that Marisol comes first, then Julieta, and if you have a little time, I may come next.
PEDRO: That's not true!
ANA LAURA: No? It's not true? Then, if you really care for me, show it!

-ANA LAURA WALKS OUT OF THE ROOM-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-MARIANO IS SITTING AT HIS DESK. MARISOL WALKS IN AND CLOSES THE DOOR AND STANDS IN FRONT OF THE DESK, FACING MARIANO-

MARISOL: You wanted to see me?
MARIANO: Good afternoon! You're looking very pretty today! Very pretty! Sit down!
MARISOL: What do you need?
MARIANO: That's a silly question!
MARISOL: I'm in a hurry.
MARIANO: Ah! You're getting ready to move!

-MARISOL IS TAKEN ABACK. SHE WASN'T AWARE THAT MARIANO KNEW ABOUT HER PLANS TO LEAVE THE ESTANCIA. MARIANO LEAVES HIS SEAT AND WALKS AROUND THE DESK TO STAND IN FRONT OF MARISOL-

MARIANO: Tell me something, Marisol. Is it true that you want to leave?
MARISOL: Yes. It'll be best for everyone.
MARIANO: No. Not for me.

-HE TOUCHES HER. MARISOL FEELS DISGUST-

MARISOL: Leave me alone!
MARIANO: I don't understand why you won't accept the affection I'm offering you! I don't understand!
MARISOL: You don't understand!
MARIANO: No! You always liked me!
MARISOL: You're crazy! You're crazy! Do you see why I want to leave?

-SHE WALKS TO THE DOOR-

MARIANO: Well, leave if you want, but that doesn't mean that I will stop seeing Julieta!

-MARISOL, ALREADY AT THE DOOR, TURNS AROUND AND LOOKS AT MARIANO-

MARISOL: What did you say?
MARIANO: I have a right, don't I?
MARISOL: A right to what?

-MARIANO GIVES MARISOL A MEANINGFUL LOOK, BUT ONLY ADDS-

MARIANO: Fine, I know we're not closely related, but one becomes easily attached.

-MARISOL LEAVES WITHOUT SAYING ANOTHER WORD-
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-LISA IS IN THE KITCHEN, PUTTING AWAY SOME LINEN. TOTI STANDS AT THE DOOR, AND TALKS TO HER-

TOTI: Have you seen Chapa?
LISA: How about saying hello first?
TOTI: Hello! Have you seen Chapa?
LISA: No, I haven't seen Chapa. But I thought you were looking for me.
TOTI: Yes, I was also looking for you.

-LISA WALKS AROUND THE TABLE AND LEANS ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER. TOTI COMES IN THE ROOM AND FACES LISA-

LISA: You're always looking for me, but you don't follow through.
TOTI: The problem is that you talk to me in a way that I don't understand. You have to be a little more direct when explaining things to me.
LISA: You want me to be more direct? All right, more direct! I want you to ask me out.
TOTI: I can't. I'm working right now.
LISA: Not right now. Tonight.
TOTI: Tonight? Look, if you can't make it tonight, it's all right with me. There's no problem.
LISA: Yes, I can make it. So, I'll see you tonight at 8 o'clock, all right?

-SHE GIVES HIM A KISS ON THE CHEEK. TOTI IS IN A DAZE WHILE WALKING OUT OF THE KITCHEN. AS SOON AS TOTI IS OUT OF VIEW, FRANCISCO ENTERS THE ROOM AND APPROACHES LISA-

FRANCISCO: It's been a while since I visited your room.
LISA: That's because you've been visiting other rooms.
FRANCISCO: I'll see you tonight?
LISA: No, I can't tonight. I have a date.
FRANCISCO: You have a date!
LISA: Yes.
FRANCISCO: With whom?
LISA: One speaks of the sin; never the sinner!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-MARISOL IS HAVING A TALK WITH JULIETA-

JULIETA: Mom, you're not listening to me! I've been telling you for the last hour that I don't want to leave! Just when I finally have everything I've ever wanted, you want to take me away from here?
MARISOL: You'll be able to have other things.
JULIETA: You won't be able to convince me so easily.
MARISOL: Whether you agree or not, we're leaving!
JULIETA: Are you going to force me?
MARISOL: If I have no other choice!
JULIETA: This is the worst thing you can do to me in my entire life!

-JULIETA LEAVES THE ROOM-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-ALVARO IS SITTING AT HIS DESK, MARIANO AND MOLINA WALK IN THE LIBRARY-

ALVARO: Well?
MARIANO: Congratulate him, dad!
ALVARO: Don't tell me…..
MOLINA: The session with Bermúdez was very successful.

-ALVARO SHAKES MOLINA'S HAND-

ALVARO: I knew you wouldn't fail me! What a relief! The worst is over!
MOLINA: I hope this will be what's best for La Esperanza.
MARIANO: Yes, and so that some people will be able to keep their jobs! Now all we have to do is wait!
ALVARO: Are you referring to Ana Laura?
MARIANO: Of course, dad. You'll see how she'll give in!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-CECILIA IS IN THE DINING ROOM, SITTING AT THE TABLE. GUNTHER IS DULY STANDING IN FRONT OF HER-

CECILIA: Gunther's afraid he committed an omission, Frau! When he mentioned the puppies, he forgot to say the puppies belonged to Gunther.
CECILIA: Of course, I already suspected that.
GUNTHER: I'm so glad, Frau! I knew it was best to tell the truth, the whole truth, only the truth!
CECILIA: You don't need to go on that way!
GUNTHER: I knew you'd appreciate Gunther's rectitude and honesty!
CECILIA: How can I appreciate that you're irresponsible, weak, that you lack character, and that you are not fit to be a majordomo!
GUNTHER: Frau is not forgiving Gunther?
CECILIA: Not only am I not forgiving him, but I'm removing him of his position as a majordomo in this house. You're fired!
GUNTHER: Fired?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-MERCEDES WALKS IN MARISOL'S HOUSE-

MERCEDES: Marisol!

-MARISOL WALKS IN THE KITCHEN, FROM THE BEDROOM-

MERCEDES: Daughter!
MARISOL: Did Victoria drive you?
MERCEDES: No! I had to come and see you.
MARISOL: Why? What happened?
MERCEDES: You can't leave this house!
MARISOL: Mom, I already made my decision.
MERCEDES: Marisol, you can't leave the estancia at this moment for any reason!
MARISOL: Why not?
MERCEDES: Because part of all this, belongs to you!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-IN THE LIBRARY, ANA LAURA IS ANGRILY QUESTIONING ALVARO, MARIANO AND MOLINA ABOUT IGNACIO'S SITUATION-

ANA LAURA: What do you mean, everything went wrong?
MOLINA: Bermúdez' deposition directly involved your father.
ANA LAURA: Bermúdez is lying!
MARIANO: My love.….
ANA LAURA: Don't call me your love!
MARIANO: All right, calm down! We really don't like seeing Ignacio in prison, honestly.
ALVARO: Of course not. It's terrible being in there.
ANA LAURA: You such hypocrites! I don't believe you.
MARIANO: I know is hard for you to believe us, but we're really not enjoying this situation.
ALVARO: We only want to help you, Ana Laura.
ANA LAURA: Oh, really; how, Alvaro?
MOLINA: Bermúdez' testimony can be invalidated, as long as certain terms are met.
ANA LAURA: What are those terms?
MARIANO: It's very simple; sell the lands and your father will be set free.

-MOLINA STANDS AND TRIES TO HAND ANA LAURA A DOCUMENT TO SIGN-

MOLINA: You'll need to sign right here.

-ANA LAURA LOOKS AT HIM WITH CONTEMPT-

ANA LAURA: You're a traitor.

-ANA LAURA TAKES THE DOCUMENT AND PEN FROM MOLINA-

ALVARO: Your father will be home in less than twenty-four hours.
MARIANO: Come on, Ana, sign the document, sign!

-PEDRO SUDDENLY WALKS IN THE ROOM-

PEDRO: No, Ana, don't sign!
MARIANO: What are you doing here?
PEDRO: Ana Laura will not sell anything!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

MARISOL: Mom, nothing in this estancia belongs to us.
MERCEDES: I'm telling you it does! All this belongs to us!
MARISOL: Why do you say this belong to us?
MERCEDES: Because Cecilia stole it from me!
MARISOL: What did she steal?
MERCEDES: Everything! She stole everything! She stole my lands! She stole my future! Your future! Everything! Everything!
MARISOL: Is that true, mom?
MERCEDES: She kept everything! Everything that grows in these lands; the grass, the birds, my fields, my horses! Everything!
MARISOL: Calm down, mom! Calm down!
MERCEDES: Everything! She's vile! She's shameless! She kept everything that is mine! Everything that belongs to my daughter!
MARISOL: Mom! Mom! We no longer own anything! It's all gone!
MERCEDES: I won't allow her to get away with this! And I won't allow her to send me back to that clinic!
MARISOL: Mom! No one will send you back in there! Calm down! Calm down!
MERCEDES: I'm calm, my love. I just wanted you to know how things stand!
MARISOL: I understand! I understand, mamita, I understand!

-MARISOL TENDERLY EMRACES HER MOTHER-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

MARIANO: Oh, really! She won't be signing anything? And who's going to decide that? You?
PEDRO: Ana Laura, you don't have to sign.
ALVARO: Do something Mariano.
ANA LAURA: Pedro, I have to sign.
PEDRO: They're blackmailing you. You must not allow that.
MOLINA: Excuse me, what are you talking about?
PEDRO: You know very well what I'm talking about.
MARIANO: You don't know anything.
PEDRO: I know more than you think.
ALVARO: Balmaceda, please! Why don't you leave now?
PEDRO: I'm not going to let them take advantage of you. I'm here to protect you and take care of you, if need be.
MARIANO: They told you to leave, idiot!
PEDRO: Who are you calling an idiot?

-PEDRO IS ABOUT TO CHARGE MARIANO, BUT MOLINA INTERVENES-

MOLINA: Just a moment, please!
MARIANO: Yes, idiot! I told you before not to get involved in my things!
PEDRO: And who do you think you are, to tell me anything?
ANA LAURA: Enough! Enough! Pedro, leave, please!
PEDRO: But….Ana!
ANA LAURA: Leave! And you too! I need to talk to Mariano alone!
MARIANO: Dad, Estéban, please!
PEDRO: Are you sure you know what you're doing?
ANA LAURA: Yes. Yes. I want to talk to him alone, please.
PEDRO: You prefer to stay with him?
ANA LAURA: Please.
MARIANO: Don't say please to him! Leave! Leave!

-PEDRO IS VERY HURT BY ANA LAURA'S DECISION. HE PURPOSELY WALKS OUT OF THE ROOM AND FIRMLY CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HIM-
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-TOTI IS IN HIS ROOM, TALKING TO JULIETA AND CHAPA. HE'S VERY NERVOUS ABOUT THE DATE HE HAS WITH LISA THAT SAME NIGHT-

TOTI: I'm not very good at this.
JULIETA: Toti, don't worry about it. And don't listen to Chapa. He hasn't had anybody in a long time, so he can't tell you anything!
CHAPA: And what do you know about my personal life, brat?
JULIETA: I know a lot! And the only one with a date tonight is Toti, because you…..
CHAPA: Tsk! Tsk! Show me some respect! And if you really want to know, I'm very successful with women!
JULIETA: Oh, really? Good for you!
CHAPA: Of course I am!

-TOTI IS EXTEMELY ANXIOUS, AND THIS ARGUMENT BETWEEN CHAPA AND JULIETA IS NOT HELPING HIM EASE HIS NERVES-

TOTI: Stop! Stop! You're making me more nervous that what I already am! Stop arguing!
CHAPA: Fine! Do you know something? You're on your own! Say a prayer or go to the devil! You'll have a good time! Do what you want!

-CHAPA ANGRILY LEAVES THE ROOM. TOTI YELLS AFTER HIM-

TOTI: You're evil! You're evil!
JULIETA: I'll tell you later what you need to say to Lisa tonight. But, right now, stand up. I'm going to teach you how to dance! Will you stop trembling, Toti!!
TOTI: I can't! I can't stop trembling!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-PEDRO IS ANXIOUSLY PACING THE LIVING ROOM, WAITING TO TALK TO ANA LAURA. SHE FINALLY APPEARS-

PEDRO: Have you gone crazy?
ANA LAURA: Pedro! What are you doing here?
PEDRO: You can't allow you to go through with that madness! You can't lose the finca!
ANA LAURA: Be quiet! The only thing that matters to me, is my father!
PEDRO: And you're going to believe those people? Ana, please! If your father has problems with the law, they have to be resolved in another way!
ANA LAURA: That's the only alternative I have! They promised me his freedom!
PEDRO: If they have the power to set him free, they'll also have the power to lock him up again! Ana, please, understand that!
ANA LAURA: Stop! Stop, Pedro! Don't get involved!
PEDRO: Stop, what, Ana?
ANA LAURA: I don't want to discuss this anymore!
PEDRO: Ana, please, be reasonable!
ANA LAURA: No! Stop!
PEDRO: You are so stubborn!

-ANA LAURA WALKS OUT OF THE ROOM, LEAVING PEDRO FEELING HELPLESS-
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-JULIETA IS HAVING DINNER WITH ROSA AND ANTONIO TONIGHT. THEY'RE SITTING AT THE TABLE. FRANCISCO IS ALSO PRESENT. ROSA SETS JULIETA'S PLATE IN FRONT OF HER AND JOINS THEM AT THE TABLE, SITTING NEXT TO ANTONIO-

ROSA: Here's a special dish, prepared with a lot of cumin, just as my husband likes it!
ANTONIO: It's wonderful, like always! Julieta, how's school?
JULIETA: Fine.
ANTONIO: And Lunita? Still being docile with you?
JULIETA: Yes, she's great!
ANTONIO: Pedro is certainly an excellent trainer.
FRANCISCO: Leave her alone, dad.
ANTONIO: I'm just asking her some questions!
JULIETA: No, it's all right! To the contrary, I love that people are interested in my things, and I also love to be invited to dinner!
ROSA: Ah, beautiful! You don't need to wait for an invitation! You're like family to us!
JULIETA: I usually have dinner with Toti, but tonight I can't, because he's going out to dinner with Lisa.
ANTONIO: You don't say!
ROSA: Good for them!
FRANCISCO: Oh! Toti went out with Lisa?
JULIETA: Yes. You should have seen how nice he looked, Rosa.
ROSA: It'll be good for him to go out. He's works so hard in the estancia.
FRANCISCO: And where did he take her?
JULIETA: I don't know; he didn't say. But I'm sure it was to a nice place. What's more, he was wearing new shoes!
ROSA: Good for Toti!
FRANCISCO: They couldn't have gone very far, without a car.
JULIETA: Why does it matter where they went? What's important is that Toti was very happy!
ROSA: That's right!
ANTONIO: All right, let's eat.
ROSA: Yes, let's eat!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

ANA LAURA IS IN THE LIBRARY, WAITING FOR MARIANO. HE ENTERS THE ROOM AND CLOSES THE DOOR. HE SITS AT HIS DESK. ANA LAURA, WITH HER ARMS CROSSED IN FRONT OF HER, STANDS ACROSS THE DESK, FACING HIM-

MARIANO: I can see it didn't take you long to come to a decision.

-ANA LAURA REMAINS SILENT-

MARIANO: I really don't want all this to upset you!
ANA LAURA: Save your stupid commentary. I'm here to tell you that I decided to do what you want.
MARIANO: That shows a lot of common sense.
ANA LAURA: Of course, I first want you to guarantee me my father's freedom.
MARIANO: Yes, of course. Once you sign everything, we'll eliminate Bermúdez' statement, and your dad will be as free as a bird!
ANA LAURA: I want him free before I sign. And there's something else I want.
MARIANO: What else?
ANA LAURA: I want my freedom.
MARIANO: Your freedom?
ANA LAURA: Yes. I want a divorce from you.
MARIANO: Are you serious?
ANA LAURA: I'm absolutely serious. I want a divorce from you.
MARIANO: I don't agree with that, at all.
ANA LAURA: That's your problem. The only thing that tie us together is business.
MARIANO: You're wrong! We're talking about our marriage!
ANA LAURA: Our marriage ended before it began! Let's do this! I give you my signature, and you give me yours! Okay?
MARIANO: I believe your conditions are too drastic!
ANA LAURA: And yours aren't?
MARIANO: All right. Fine, If you're so eager to be rid of me, fine.
ANA LAURA: Are you sure? I don't want you to later on say…..
MARIANO: No! No! I'm sure! I'm giving you my word! You want a divorce! You'll have it!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

-TOTI AND LISA ARE HAVING DINNER IN TOWN-

LISA: Just when you think everything is fine, things begin to fall apart.
TOTI: Yes, that's true. But sometimes things change for the better. I came here tonight prepared to tell you something, and then I changed my mind because I just couldn't bring myself to tell you anything. I couldn't!
LISA: You prepared what you wanted to tell me?
TOTI: Yes.
LISA: Ah! Toti!
TOTI: I don't know what happened! Sometimes you want to say one thing, and you end up saying the complete opposite of how you feel. Has it ever happened to you?
LISA: No, you're lucky. Every time my plans change, is always for the worse.
TOTI: Yes, I'm lucky, but I'm lucky because……

-FRANCISCO INTERRUPTS THEM AT THIS MOMENT. HE PUTS HIS ARM AROUND LISA'S SHOULDER-

FRANCISCO: Is everything all right?
LISA: What are you doing here?
FRANCISCO: I came to tell this apparatus to stay away from my girl! Do you have a problem with that?
TOTI: It's you who's the problem.
LISA: I'm not your girl.
FRANCISCO: You'll keep quiet, and come with me.
TOTI: Just a minute! Lisa can make up her own mind, and if she wants to stay, she'll stay.
FRANCISCO: Shut up, idiot!

-TOTI STANDS UP FROM HIS CHAIR AND DARES FRANCISCO TO FIGHTING HIM-

FRANCISCO: Imbecile! What's your problem?

-FRANCISCO IS ABOUT TO BEGIN FIGHTING WITH TOTI, BUT LISA HOLDS HIM BACK-

LISA: Francisco, cut it out! Toti! Stop! Toti, no! It's not worth it! Stop! Toti, it's enough! Sit down! It'll best if we leave, all right? Thank you for inviting me.

-FRANCSICO SNEERS AT TOTI, AND HE AND LISA WALK OUT OF THE PLACE, LEAVING TOTI STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM-
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-PEDRO IS AT MARISOL'S HOUSE. HE'S SITTING AT THE TABLE. SHE HAS POUR COFFEE FOR BOTH. SHE SETS A CUP OF COFFEE IN FRONT OF HIM, AND SHE SITS AT THE TABLE, NEXT TO HIM-

MARISOL: My mom's convinced the fields still belong to us. She says the Linares seized them from us.

-PEDRO DOESN'T MAKE ANY COMMENT-

MARISOL: Aren't you surprised?
PEDRO: No. There's nothing the Linares can do that would surprise me; not anymore.
MARISOL: I feel the same way. But since my mom was institutionalized for so long, perhaps she imagined all this as part of her delirium.
PEDRO: The only thing that is very clear around here, is that you can't leave now. As long as the possibility exists that part of these lands belongs to you, you must remain here.
MARISOL: Perhaps not. If they were capable of doing that to my mother, just think what they can do to me or Julieta.
PEDRO: Yes, but you must conquer your fears. You must fight, regardless of the consequences.

-THERE'S A KNOCK AT THE DOOR. IT'S ANA LAURA. SHE COMES IN-

MARISOL: Ana, come in.
ANA LAURA: I'm sorry. I need to talk to Pedro.
PEDRO: Right now?
ANA LAURA: Yes, right now, and in private.

-PEDRO TURNS TO MARISOL-

PEDRO: Well, we'll talk about this later.

-MARISOL NODS IN AGREEMENT, BUT DOESN'T SAY A WORD. PEDRO PICKS UP HIS JACKET FROM THE CHAIR AND FOLLOWS ANA LAURA OUT THE DOOR. ANA LAURA ADDRESSES MARISOL-

ANA LAURA: I'll see you later.

-MARISOL SIGHS IN RESIGNATION
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-VICTORIA AND MERCEDES ARE HAVING TEA-

VICTORIA: You're looking much better today. It seems rest suits you well.
MERCEDES: One sleeps very well in your house.
VICTORIA: But you looked a little nervous last night.
MERCEDES: I was very upset when I found out Marisol wanted to leave our lands.
VICTORIA: What do you mean, your lands? I was under the impression that….didn't you sell your share to Cecilia?
MERCEDES: No, my love, no. They drove me crazy, and they made me sign whatever they wished. That's all.
VICTORIA: Are you telling me the truth?
MERCEDES: Victoria, don't you believe me?
VICTORIA: Yes, I believe you. I believe you, but unfortunately, we don't have any proof that what you're saying is true.
MERCEDES: You're wrong. I have copies of all the papers they made me sign then.
VICTORIA: You know that this important! Very important! Where are those papers?
MERCEDES: We'll get them immediately. My sister hurt me very much, but now it’s my turn!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-ANA LAURA AND PEDRO ARE WALKING ALONG THE ESTANCIA-

ANA LAURA: I didn't ask you to do anything to help me.
PEDRO: I can't believe you're being so naïve.
ANA LAURA: Don't mock me. I'm beginning you, please!
PEDRO: Please! That's the last thing I'd do in this life.
ANA LAURA: Don't try to be smart, please.
PEDRO: No, I'm trying to be anything! We already have enough with the Linares.
ANA LAURA: I really never met anyone as argumentative as you!

-PEDRO LAUGHS SARCASTICALLY-

PEDRO: Me?
ANA LAURA: Yes, you! You're always provoking me, and all I do every time, is fall in your trap, like an idiot!
PEDRO: But, wait! Tell me, what do I provoke in you?
ANA LAURA: I don't have to give you any explanations. The only thing I want is for you to stop chasing me. Don't get involved in my life anymore, all right?
PEDRO: All right!
ANA LAURA: You won't? Ever, again?
PEDRO: Perfect! Never again!
ANA LAURA: Never?
PEDRO: Ahum!

-ANA LAURA LOOKS AT HIM, AND WALKS AWAY-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-ROSA, MAGDA AND ANTONIO ARE IN THE KITCHEN, SITTING AT THE TABLE. THEY'RE DISCUSSING THE EXISTING PROBLEMS CREATED BY GUNTHER'S PUPPIES-

MAGDA: As much as Cecilia likes animals! Ha! She's all for Green Peace, but on the opposite side! Kill the whales!
ANTONIO: And the first whale they kill, will be Gunther!
ROSA: If only they stopped at Gunther, but I have a feeling they'll continue down the line until they do away with each and every one of us!
MAGDA: Why? We haven't done anything!
ROSA: We don't need to do anything! I heard that Ana is going to cede all the lands to the Linares!
ANTONIO: What?
MAGDA: Where did you hear that?

-GUNTHER, LOOKING VERY DEPRESSED, COMES IN AT THIS MOMENT, AND ROSA MOTIONS TO MAGDA AND ANTONIO TO CHANGE THE CONVERSATION-

MAGDA: Ah, Gunther! We wanted to tell you that although we have our differences, we are very sad about what is happening to you.
GUNTHER: Gunther doesn't want your condolences, nor your advice, maid!
MAGDA: How ungrateful you are! I was just trying to give you some encouragement!
GUNTHER: You know what you can do with your encouragement!
ANTONIO: Just a minute!
GUNTHER: Thanks to your bad advice about justice, Gunther was severely reprimanded!
MAGDA: I just wanted to help you!
GUNTHER: Help me? Help me?

-CARMEN ENTERS THE ROOM AND INTERRUPTS THEM-

CARMEN: Gunther, Señora Cecilia said that until she decides what to do with you, she doesn't want you walking about the house.
GUNTHER: And what am I supposed to do?
CARMEN: She said for you to stay in your room.

-CARMEN EXITS THE KITCHEN. GUNTHER APPROACHES MAGDA-

GUNTHER: Do you see what your help got me? House arrest!

-HE ANGRILY LEAVES THE ROOM-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-LISA'S EXITING ONE OF THE ROOMS. CHAPA MEETS HER IN THE HALLWAY AND DETAINS HER-

CHAPA: Lisa! Lisa! Have you seen Toti?
LISA: No, why? Did anything happen?
CHAPA: He didn't come home last night. I can't find him anywhere.
LISA: I can't believe it! I don't know, when I came home last night, he stayed behind at the restaurant. Do you think something happened to him?
CHAPA: I hope not.
LISA: No, please!
CHAPA: May I ask you a favor? If you happen to see him, would you let me know?
LISA: Yes, of course!
CHAPA: Thanks.

-CHAPA LEAVES. LISA LOOKS WORRIED. FRANCISCO COMES OUT OF ONE OF THE ROOMS AND APPROACHES LISA-

FRANCISCO: Are you still angry about last night?
LISA: Listen, I have things to do, so please don't bother me.
FRANCISCO: Is there anything I can do to fix things?
LISA: Yes! Leave me alone!

-LISA WALKS AWAY-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-ANA LAURA IS IN THE LIBRARY, SITTING AT THE DESK. MOLINA SITS ACROSS FROM HER-

ANA LAURA: Do you understand me, or am I talking to fast for you?
MOLINA: Yes, but what I was aware of, was that you were going to sign the papers authorizing the sale of the lands, and that he was going to arrange for your father to be set free. He didn't say anything about the divorce.
ANA LAURA: Ah, he didn't tell you! I knew it! Well, now I'm telling you.
MOLINA: Ana Laura, at this point, under the circumstances, I can no longer represent you as your lawyer.
ANA LAURA: I realize that, Estéban, but I still think you can help me, indirectly.
MOLINA: Yes, but Mariano has to be aware of that.
ANA LAURA: Don't worry, he's aware of everything, he knows. The only thing I need from you, is that you prepare the contract.
MOLINA: It would mean that both of you sign a document agreeing to the facts.
ANA LAURA: All he needs to do is to follow the terms of the agreement.
MOLINA: Yes, it's only logical that we put in writing, what you already agreed upon.
ANA LAURA: Exactly. Will you do it?
MOLINA: I can do it, the problem will be convincing Mariano to sign.
ANA LAURA: Don't worry, I'll take care of that.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-PEDRO IS WORKING IN A FIELD, LOADING WOOD ONTO A CART. ALVARO, MARIANO AND ROBERTO ARRIVE. THEY STAND A FEW FEET AWAY FROM PEDRO, VERY IMPOSING, TRYING TO INTIMIDATE HIM-

ALVARO: Hello, Balmaceda.

-PEDRO TURNS AROUND AND MATTER OF FACTLY, ADDRESSES THE THREE MEN. HE CROSSES HIS ARMS IN FRONT OF HIM-

PEDRO: You, walking around here? What a surprise! Do you want a horse ride?
MARIANO: We came to talk to you, one way or the other! It's up to you! It's time you understand how things stand around here!

-PEDRO GIVES MARIANO A SARCASTIC LOOK AND WAITS FOR HIM TO CONTINUE-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-IN THE HOUSE, GUNTHER IS PULLING PATRICIA FROM THE ARM, INTO THE DINING ROOM-

PATRICIA: Gunther! Gunther! Are you crazy!
GUNTHER: I don't want to bother Frau Patri, but Gunther is a little afraid! Frau Ceci wants to fire Gunther, and Gunther doesn't want that!
PATRICIA: Do you ever consider my situation, Gunther?
GUNTHER: It's just that I'm very nervous!
PATRICIA: You're nervous! You're nervous! Do you want to know what is like to be really nervous? Wait until your husband is behind bars, so you can be nervous!
GUNTHER: But I don't have a husband!
PATRICIA: Gunther! I don't know where my life is going, and you come to me with your silly problems! Put things into perspective, Gunther! Please!
GUNTHER: But, I don't have much time left, Frau!

-CECILIA CAN BE HEARD AT THIS MOMENT, SCREAMING GUNTHER'S NAME-

CECILIA: Gunther!
GUNTHER: Yes, Frau!

-CECILIA ENTERS THE DINING ROOM-

CECILIA: I wanted to talk to you!
GUNTHER: Yes, Frau? Have you thought about my future?
CECILIA: Of course! I'm holding a meeting in the kitchen around six o'clock.
GUNTHER: Yes, Frau!
CECILIA: I want all the service personnel and all the peons to be present.
GUNTHER: Of course, Frau! Your wish is my command!

-CECILIA WALKS OUT. GUNTHER HAPPILY TALKS TO HIMSELF-

GUNTHER: If she wants the service personnel there, it means that not all is lost for Gunther!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-THE THREE MEN WALK TOWARDS PEDRO IN A MENACING WAY-

MARIANO: We ran out of patience! We're tired of you always getting involved in our business!
PEDRO: Really? I'm so sorry, Mariano!
MARIANO: Don't mock me! Don't mock me!
ALVARO: Calm down, son! We said we were not going to lose control!
MARIANO: Yes, but this imbecile gets on my nerves!
ROBERTO: Let's try to do things the right way first!
MARIANO: You get on my nerves! You get on my nerves! You're always meddling!
ALVARO: My son is right, Balmaceda! You've gone over the limit!
ROBERTO: We've been very patient with you!
PEDRO: I'm sorry! That's the way I am! If you don't like it……
MARIANO: If we don't like it….what? I believe we're going to have to deal with this guy in a different way!
PEDRO: Oh, really? How?
ALVARO: Well, calm down , boys; that's enough!
MARIANO: You pretend to be so nice, but you don't fool me! You want part of everything we own!
PEDRO: For myself? Ha! I don't want anything!
MARIANO: Why don't you leave, Pedro? You'd be doing La Esperanza a great favor!
PEDRO: To La Esperanza, perhaps; but not to the Villalobos! The father in prison! The daughters left alone to fend for themselves! You are cowards!
ALVARO: Watch what you say, Balmaceda! You're beginning to get me nervous!
PEDRO: Don't get nervous about so little! You'll have plenty to be nervous about later on! Something much more important! And, now, if you excuse me! I have a lot to do!

-PEDRO WALKS BETWEEN MARIANO AND ALVARO PUSHING THEM OUT OF HIS WAY, WHEN LEAVING-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-ANA LAURA AND ERICA ARE VISITING IGNACIO IN PRISON-

IGNACIO: It was a set-up. I didn't know he was going to testify. He said so many lies and the judge believed everything he said.
ANA LAURA: You must endure this, dad.
ERICA: You look very pale.

-ANA LAURA NOTICES THAT ERICA IS NOT TAKING WELL SEEING IGNACIO IN PRISON. IGNACIO TRIES TO MAKE LIGHT OF THE SITUATION-

IGNACIO: Well, I just have to start spending more time outside.

-HE THEN TAKES EACH OF HIS DAUGHTERS' HAND INTO HIS OWN HANDS-

IGNACIO: I'm glad you were able to come and see me together, my dear daughters.
ERICA: That's how we must remain, together.
IGNACIO: I don't know if that's going to be possible, Eri.
ANA LAURA: You'll get out.
IGNACIO: I'm not so sure, Ana. Although my conscience is clear. I've never hurt anyone.
ANA LAURA: Of course not.
ERICA: Do you think we don't know you?

-THE PRISON GUARD COMES AND INTERRUPTS THEM-

GUARD: Villalobos!
IGNACIO: Yes?
GUARD: Visiting hours is over.
ERICA: Already? No, dad!

-THEY ALL STAND UP. ANA LAURA EMBRACES IGNACIO-

ANA LAURA: Take care.
IGNACIO: I'm fine. I'm fine.

-IGNACIO THEN EMBRACES ERICA-

ERICA: I love you.
IGNACIO: I'm all right!

-IGNACIO KISSES ERICA ON THE CHEEK. HE THEN IS LED AWAY BY THE GUARD-

ERICA: He won't be able to resist this much longer.
ANA LAURA: No, he won't. We must resolve this immediately.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-CHAPA WENT TO THE RESTAURANT WHERE TOTI AND LISA DINED THE NIGHT BEFORE. HE ASKS THE BARTENDER A FEW QUESTIONS-

CHAPA: I'm looking for a young man who was here last night with a girl. He's a little short, chubby, with a simple face. Did you see him?
BARTENDER: No, I haven't seen him.

-THERE'S ANOTHER YOUNG MAN WORKING INSIDE THE BAR. HE ANSWERS CHAPA-

YOUNG MAN: Did you check the restroom?
CHAPA: No, I didn't.

-CHAPA WALKS DIRECTLY TO THE MEN'S RESTROOM. HE WALKS IN BUT THE RESTROOM IS EMPTY. HE THEN OPENS THE DOOR TO THE WOMEN'S RESTROOM, AND SEES TOTI ON KNEELING ON THE FLOOR, WITH HIS HEAD INSIDE THE TOILET-

CHAPA: Toti! My God, Toti! Toti! Toti!

-CHAPA LIFTS TOTI'S HEAD AWAY FROM THE TOILET TANK. TOTI IS VERY DRUNK-

CHAPA: Toti! Talk to me! It's me, Chapa! Toti!
TOTI: No, I can't talk! No, I can't talk!
CHAPA: Toti! I looked everywhere for you! I thought you'd been carried away by aliens!
TOTI: Ahh! No, that's not possible!
CHAPA: I looked everywhere for you! You had me so worried! You, crazy guy! What did you drink?

-TOTI BEGINS TO SING. CHAPA PUTS HIS ARMS AROUND HIM AND HELPS HIM UP. HE LEANS TOTI AGAINST THE WALL-

CHAPA: Toti, listen! We have to go home! Cecilia called for a general meeting! Come on, hang on to me!
TOTI: General? Like an army general?
CHAPA: Yes!
TOTI: Hooray for the general!

-CHAPA HELPS TOTI OUT OF THE RESTROOM-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-MARIANO IS SITTING AT THE DESK IN THE LIBRARY. ANA LAURA WALK IN-

ANA LAURA: I want to know if everything is ready.
MARIANO: Yes, everything is ready. We'll be able to sign everything in a little while.
ANA LAURA: Good.
MARIANO: I like to see you trust me.
ANA LAURA: It's never been a matter of distrust in my part.
MARIANO: Ah, you're so harsh! But, do you know something? In spite of all the distance you want to put between us, I know that we still love each other.
ANA LAURA: You are so wrong, Mariano; that's the reason I'm asking you for the divorce.
MARIANO: Tell me, what is your fantasy? To leave me and run to Balmaceda's arms?
ANA LAURA: That's none of your business.
MARIANO: It is my business. Actually, this is our business. Because if that guy hadn't shown up, this would not be happening.
ANA LAURA: Listen, Mariano, I asked Estéban to draw a contract to legalize all this.
MARIANO: I know, I know. And I can't believe that you need to have my signature on a piece of paper, to be at ease.
ANA LAURA: I need to be at ease and I need to make sure everything is very clear.
MARIANO: If that's what you really want!
ANA LAURA: That's what I want. Are you going to sign?

-MARIANO NODS IN ASSENT-

ANA LAURA: Good. Very good! Then, there's nothing more to say. The only thing I ask, is that once you sign those papers, you forget all about me. All right?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-PEDRO IS POLISHING CHOCOLATE'S SADDLE. JULIETA ARRIVES-

PEDRO: Ah! I've been waiting for you a while. Did you forget we were supposed to train?
JULIETA: No, it's just that I have so many problems!
PEDRO: This has to do with your mami, right?
JULIETA: It's because of my mom, because of Toti's disappearance, because Gunther asked me for help and then he betrayed me.
PEDRO: You poor little thing! This is all too much for you!
JULIETA: Yes, and every time I think there's a chance I might move from the estancia, I feel very sad. Did you talk to my mom?
PEDRO: Yes, but it's not as easy as I though it would be.
JULIETA: Yes, I don't know what's wrong with her. She's acting very strange.
PEDRO: Yes, she's acting strange. If you'd like, I can try talking to her again.
JULIETA: Good, I'll come with you.
PEDRO: We can always try, right? Come on!

-PEDRO GETS UP AND HE AND JULIETA WALK OUT OF THE BARN TOGETHER. PEDRO PUTS HIS ARM ON HER SHOULDER. JULIETA WRAPS HER ARM AROUND PEDRO'S WAIST-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-EVERYONE HAS GATHERED IN THE KITCHEN. THIS IS THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY'RE STANDING IN A SEMI-CIRCLE. FIRST IS ROSA, THEN LISA, GUNTHER, CECILIA, CARMEN, MAGDA, AND CHAPA AT THE VERY END, IS TRYING TO KEEP A STILL VERY DRUNK TOTI ON HIS FEET-

CECILIA: Due to the reasons already established, I feel I'm obligated to make a determination. I will not be firing Gunther.

-GUNTHER SEEMS VERY HAPPY ABOUT THIS. CECILIA CONTINUES-

GUNTHER: Gun is not fired, Frau?
TOTI: Ha! The color has returned to fatso's face!
CECILIA: You find this very funny? Just wait until I'm done talking! We'll see if you feel like laughing then!
CHAPA: No, he's laughing because he's very nervous! That's all!
GUNTHER: If Frau doesn't authorize you to speak, keep your mouth shut, peon!
CECILIA: You're last person indicated to give orders, because from this moment on, you are relieved from your duties as a majordomo, and you'll be receiving orders; not giving them!
GUNTHER: You are demoting Gunther? You're removing his authority?
CECILIA: Yes, you're going back to work on the fields. I don't want you inside the house.
GUNTHER: But…but you'll have to hire another majordomo, and that will be very expensive!
Gunther is very cheap! Very cheap! He's a bargain! He's like a gift from heaven!
CECILIA: That's enough! Everything's been decided. The new majordomo, will be Chapa Gutiérrez.

-TOTI, STILL IN CHAPA'S ARMS AND ALMOST ASLEEP, OPENS HIS EYES AND QUESTIONS CECILIA-

TOTI: Him?
CHAPA: What? Me?
CECILIA: Yes, you. From this moment on, you're La Esperanza's new majordomo.

-CHAPA IS SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT. SO MUCH SO, THAT HE LETS GO OF TOTI. TOTI FALLS COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. GUNTHER CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT HE'S HEARING-
………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………..

-VICTORIA AND MERCEDES HAVE COME TO MARISOL'S HOUSE. THE THREE WOMEN ARE STANDING, LOOKING UP TOWARDS THE HIGH CEILING OF THE ENTRYWAY. THE DOOR IS WIDE OPEN-

MARISOL: Mom, what are you talking about? There's nothing here but the ceiling!
MERCEDES: That's not where I said. I meant this spot right here. Do you see this beam right here?
MARISOL: Yes.
MERCEDES: Well, that's where they are.
VICTORIA: Let me see. Let me get this chair closer, perhaps I'll be able to reach.
MERCEDES: Be careful!

-AT THIS MOMENT, JULIETA AND PEDRO COME IN THROUGH THE DOOR-

JULIETA: Mom, Pedro needs to talk to you.
MARISOL: Not right now, Pedro, we're busy.
MERCEDES: Pedro, can you do me a big favor?
PEDRO: Yes.
MERCEDES: Come here, come here. Do you see the last two strips of wood?
PEDRO: Yes.
MERCEDES: Remove them, please. I've hidden something in there years ago.
PEDRO: Yes, of course.

-PEDRO CLIMBS ON THE CHAIR AND REMOVES THE TWO PIECES OF WOOD-

PEDRO: Can I remove them?
MERCEDES: Yes, be careful with the nails.
PEDRO: Yes.

-HE REACHES INSIDE FOR THE OBJECT MERCEDES DESCRIBED-

MERCEDES: A little further up.

-PEDRO THEN FINDS A LARGE FOLDER-

PEDRO: Is this it?
MERCEDES: Yes.

MARISOL: No, I can't believe it.

-PEDRO HANDS MERCEDES THE FOLDER-

MARISOL: What is it?
MERCEDES: I'll explain to you later, my love.

-MERCEDES OPENS THE LARGE FOLDER AND BRINGS OUT SOME LETTERS-

MERCDES: Ah!

-PEDRO IS CURIOUS ABOUT THE LETTERS AND TAKES THEM FROM MERCEDES' HANDS-

PEDRO: What are these letters?

-VICTORIA BECOMES VERY AGITATED AND TRIES TO TAKE THE LETTERS FROM PEDRO-

VICTORIA: Give me those letters, please!
MARISOL: What's the matter? What are those letters?

-VICTORIA LOOKS FROM PEDRO TO MARISOL, BUT DOESN'T SAY ANYTHING-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-IN THE KITCHEN, ROSA, GUNTHER AND CHAPA ARE TRYING TO GET TOTI BACK ON HIS FEET-

GUNTHER: Up! Up!

-THEY FINALLY MANAGE TO GET TOTI UP FROM THE FLOOR. CHAPA IS TRYING VERY HARD, ONCE AGAIN, TO KEEP HIM STANDING STRAIGHT-

GUNTHER: This peon is stinking drunk!
CECILIA: This is all your fault, Gunther! This house is out of control! Dogs running everywhere! Drunken peons!
MAGDA: But…he doesn't drink at all!
CECILIA: Please! You just need to look at him to see he's an alcoholic! But with Gutiérrez in charge, the game is over!
GUNTHER: But Chapa Gutiérrez cannot be majordomo! He knows nothing of the subtle art of serving!
CECILIA: We'll teach him!
GUNTHER: I refuse to teach him anything! I will not teach him anything!
CECILIA: I never said you would. Never! I'll take care of this personally. I don't want you to corrupt him.

-TOTI IS ASLEEP ONCE AGAIN IN CHAPA'S ARMS-

MAGDA: I have a question. In order to make a decision of this kind, shouldn't Señora Ana Laura be present?
ROSA: I think it's only right.
LISA: I could go call her, if you'd like.
CARMEN: That won't be necessary!
CECILIA: There's no need to consult anyone! Gunther disobeyed orders, and he'll return to work in the fields.

-GUNTHER IS NOT VERY HAPPY WITH THIS DECISION, BUT DOES NOT SAY A WORD-

CECILIA: As for the rest of you, don't provoke me, because I'll be forced to take action.

-CECILIA TURNS TO LEAVE. CARMEN HURRIES AND OPENS THE KITCHEN DOOR FOR HER
AND FOLLOWS HER OUT OF THE ROOM-

GUNTHER: Demoted! I've been demoted to a mere peon! This is terrible! This is inconceivable! This is a failure!
CHAPA: Well, don't take this to heart, Gunther. It's not good for you.
GUNTHER: Do you want to know what is not good for me? You! Because you stole my position! Traitor!

-GUNTHER CHARGES CHAPA. CHAPA PUSHES A SLEEPING TOTI TOWARDS LISA AND MAGDA. GUNTHER THEN TRIES TO STRANGLE CHAPA. ROSA JUMPS ON GUNTHER'S BACK, TRYING TO FORCE HIM TO REMOVES HIS HANDS FROM CHAPA'S NECK-
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

VICTORIA: These are letters I wrote to Meche a long time ago.
PEDRO: Then, they're part of beautiful memories.
VICTORIA: Sometimes there are beautiful memories; other times, that's not the case. But what's important is these important documents. Is everything there, Meche?
MERCEDES: Everything they forced me sign is here.
JULIETA: How did they force you, grandma?
MERCEDES: With a lot of wickedness, my love.
MARISOL: Go play, Juli.
JULIETA: But that means this land belongs to us!
PEDRO: I'll explain it to you later.
JULIETA: All right.

-SHE RUNS OUT OF THE HOUSE-

MARISOL: Yes, this a power of attorney in Cecilia's favor. Take a look, Pedro.
MERCEDES: I don't know if that's still valid.
VICTORIA: But, was this done legally?
MERCEDES: I don’t know, querida.
PEDRO: It doesn't specify who the owner of the property is.
VICTORIA: We must find the deed and a copy of the documents filed.
MARISOL: How complicated.
VICTORIA: No! Not really, not really! I can take care of that.
PEDRO: Victoria always takes care of everything.

-VICTORIA GIVES PEDRO A SERIOUS LOOK-

MARISOL: I assume they have the deed to the property.
MERCEDES: Then, we'll find it. They did everything so fast, that they ought to have made mistakes.
MARISOL: Yes, but when the Linares find out what we're doing, their reaction is going to be horrible.
MERCEDES: And we'll confront them.
VICTORIA: No doubts about it!
PEDRO: Don't worry, Marisol, you're not alone. This lands belong to you and Julieta, and you know I'm here to help you in anything you need.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-TOTI IS IN HIS ROOM, STILL VERY DRUNK. HE'S STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM AND IS SINGING A SORROWFUL SONG, BUT HE'S SINGING IT WITH A GERMAN INTONATION. GUNTHER IS SITTING ON ONE OF THE BEDS, VERY UPSET ABOUT BEING REMOVED FROM HIS POSITION OF MAJORDOMO OF LA ESPERANZA-

GUNTHER: Are you making fun of me?
TOTI: No!

-JULIETA WALKS IN AT THIS MOMENT, AND WHEN TOTI SEES HER, HE BEGINS SINGING SIMON AND GARFUNKEL'S SONG, MRS. ROBINSON. FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN THE SONG BEGINS WITH THE WORD, HELLO, WHICH IS WHAT HE SAYS TO JULIETA AS SHE ENTERS THE ROOM-

TOTI: Hello., Mrs, Robinson! Hello, Mrs. Robinson so, so!

-JULIETA SMILES. TOTI ALMOST LOSES HIS STEP AND HAS TO BALANCE HIMSELF TO AVOID FALLING FORWARD AND ONTO THE FLOOR-

GUNTHER: He's very drunk!

-JULIETA TELLS TOTI TO STOP SINGING-

JULIETA: Quiet!
TOTI: Fine.

-SHE THEN ADDRESSES GUNTHER-

JULIETA: And you're very angry.

-GUNTHER DOES NOT ANSWER HER-

JULIETA: Tell me, did they get rid of the puppies?
GUNTHER: Worse! They demoted Gunt!

-JULIETA SMILES, RELIEVED TO HEAR THE PUPPIES ARE STILL IN THE ESTANCIA-

GUNTHER: A treasure like me, demoted like a worthless piece of junk! They treated me as if I were just any peon!

-TOTI BEGINS SINGING AGAIN, AND JULIETA ASKS HIM ONCE AGAIN TO BE QUIET-

JULIETA: Look at this from a positive side. You'll have more time to spend with the puppies or with me.
GUNTHER: Yes, but there's no consolation for me, Julieta! There's no consolation! To just think that I have to spend the rest of my life in this filthy room, with this infectious worm, makes my blood boil and I can't think straight!

-TOTI BEGINS ANEW WITH HIS SONG, A SORROWFUL TANGO, THAT SERVES AS A DRAMATIC ENDING TO GUNTHER'S OUTBURST-
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

-CECILIA ENTERS THE LIVING ROOM, FOLLOWED BY CHAPA. SHE'S GIVING HIM INSTRUCTIONS IN HIS NEW ROLE AS MAJORDOMO-

CECILIA: And remember that no one is allowed in the house without prior authorization.
CHAPA: Who is not authorized to enter the house, ma'am?
CECILIA: People! People! Company, bill collectors. We're not going to go into details right now. Remember that you're in charge of the entire staff.
CHAPA: Does that include Gunther?
CECILIA: Yes, Gunther's included. Go try on your uniform. You begin tomorrow.
CHAPA: Yes, ma'am.

-CECILIA LEAVES THE ROOM. LETICIA WALKS IN THE HOUSE-

LETICIA: Hello, Chapy, what are you doing here?
CHAPA: Excuse me, excuse me! Are you authorized to enter this house?
LETICIA: Why the question?
CHAPA: Excuse me, miss, but you're talking with the new mojordomo of the estancia.
LETICIA: I can't believe it!
CHAPA: I can't believe it either, but it's true.
LETICIA: No, don't worry, you'll be fine, although is too bad that you won't be by my side anymore, working with the horses.
CHAPA: I'll always be by your side; even if you can't see me.
LETICIA: I love it when you play the role of leading man in a soap opera!
CHAPA: Leti, look, there are a lot of things I always wanted to tell you, but I…I didn't have the nerve to say them. I don't know what's the matter with me today, but I'm in my element! There is one thing I'm very sure of! What we share, comes from another place!*
LETICIA: What other place?
CHAPA: I don't know! I don't know! But it's not from here! Our encounter was not accidental! You have a certain look in your eyes! You're not from this world, Leticia! You're not from this world!

*CHAPA'S CHARACTER BELIEVES IN UFO'S-

-CHAPA LEAVES THE ROOM. LETICIA COMMENTS TO HERSELF-

LETICIA: I love exotic guys!

-FLORIA ENTERS THE ROOM AT THIS MOMENT AND OVERHEARS LETICIA'S COMMENT-

FLORIA: Whom did you say you love?
LETICIA: Floria! How is Anita?
FLORIA: I don't know, I didn't see her, but I heard the screams! I believe it had to do with her divorce.
LETICIA: Do you think she'll finally leave him?
FLORIA: I don't think it will be that easy for Anita to get rid of that insect!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

-ANA LAURA AND MOLINA ARE SITTING ACROSS FROM MARIANO IN THE LIBRARY. MOLINA HANDS ANA LAURA THE DOCUMENTS-

MOLINA: You may go ahead and sign. Everything is in order.

-ANA LAURA LAUGHS SARCASTICALLY AND ADDRESSES MARIANO-

ANA LAURA: This reminds me of the day I heard through the door how they were fixing my marriage to you. How humiliating!
MARIANO: Come on, Ana! That's just how you interpreted things. You know very well it didn't happen that way.
ANA LAURA: No, you're right. I totally agree with you. Estéban!
MOLINA: Oh, yes, I'm sorry! Mariano, Ana Laura wants you to sign a separate document. Let me explain.
MARIANO: No, you don't have to explain anything. I know what it's about, and I hate that you don't consider me trustworthy. I hate that you don't trust in my word. Oh, well; sign that document, and I'll sign this one.

-ANA LAURA LOOKS AT MARIANO BUT DOESN'T SIGN ANYTHING-

MARIANO: What are you waiting for?
ANA LAURA: I want you to sign first.

-MARIANO SMILES AND LOOKS AT MOLINA-

MARIANO: How cute she is! All right.

-HE SIGNS THE DOCUMENT ANA LAURA REQUESTED, WHICH GUARANTEES HER FATHER'S FREEDOM AND HER DIVORCE. ANA LAURA THEN PROCEEDS TO SIGN THE DOCUMENT WHICH GIVES MARIANO THE RIGHT TO HER LANDS. MARIANO HANDS MOLINA THE DOCUMENT HE SIGNED FOR ANA LAURA. ANA LAURA IS ABOUT TO HAND MOLINA THE DOCUMENT SHE SIGNED FOR MARIANO, BUT MARIANO SUDDENLY GRABS BOTH DOCUMENTS-

ANA LAURA: What are you doing?
MARIANO: Look what I do with your stupid contract!

-HE TEARS UP THE DOCUMENT HE SIGNED FOR HER-

MARIANO: I will never give you the divorce!