Episode 8
-ANA LAURA IS SITTING IN THE LIVING ROOM. MARIANO IS KNEELING IN FRONT OF HER. ANA LAURA HAS THE LOOK OF SKEPTICISM AND DISDAIN SHE ALWAYS ASSUMES WHEN TALKING TO MARIANO-
MARIANO: We decided to leave your father alone.
ANA LAURA: Seriously?
MARIANO: Yes. It was a difficult decision to make, but I thought about us, and
then I spoke to my father
ANA LAURA: And what did he say?
MARIANO: Well, it took me a while to convince him, but he finally agreed. Were
giving Ignacio a reprieve.
ANA LAURA: Isnt that nice! That really is good news. What I dont
understand, is what made you change your mind.
MARIANO: Us. Honestly, Im doing this in order to save our relationship.
ANA LAURA: Is that so?
MARIANO: Yes.
ANA LAURA: I believe thats impossible.
MARIANO: Please, please! Dont say that! I had a hard time making this
decision and talking to my father! Im doing this to save our love!
-CECILIA COMES IN THE ROOM AND LISTENS TO WHAT MARIANO IS TELLING ANA LAURA-
ANA LAURA: The most important thing for me right now, is to give my father the good news, because you dont know how relieved he will be about this.
-ANA LAURA GETS UP FROM THE SOFA AND LEAVES THE ROOM. CECILIA APPROACHES MARIANO-
CECILIA: I heard what you said, Mariano. Do you care to explain what made you
change your minds?
MARIANO: I dont really know, but if youre so interested, go ask
dad.
-VICTORIA GOES TO VISIT MARISOL. SHE HUGS MARISOL AND THEY SIT AT THE TABLE-
VICTORIA: Tell me, how was your first day of work?
MARISOL: Horrible! It wont work!
VICTORIA: Come on, dont be so touchy! You already know Marianos
temper! Hes got a terrible temper, to put it mildly!
MARISOL: And I dont have to put up with it! Im not going back!
VICTORIA: What do you mean?
MARISOL: Yes, I already decided, Im not going back!
VICTORIA: You cant do that!
MARISOL: Of course I can, no one can force me!
VICTORIA: No, but Im asking! Listen, little one, you cant leave
that job, because
.well, I cant tell you anything more, right now,
but you must continue working there! Listen to me! I know what Im saying!
-MARISOL DOESNT RESPOND, BUT HAS A LOOK OF RESIGNATION
ON HER FACE-
-ALVARO IS THE BEDROOM GOING THROUGH THE DRESSER DRAWERS. CECILIA WALKS IN. SHE DOESNT WANT HIM NEAR THE DRESSER. SHES AFRAID HELL FIND THE LETTERS SHE HAS HIDDEN IN THE DRAWER-
CECILIA: What are you mixing up in there?
ALVARO: Im not mixing anything up, Im looking for a handkerchief.
CECILIA: You know I dont like disorder. Especially in my drawers.
ALVARO: Why this attitude?
CECILIA: I dont like the fact that Im always the last one to find
out of your decisions! What is this I heard, that youre forgiving Ignacio!
ALVARO: Its a mere change in plans. Ive been thinking, and I dont
think its very convenient that he go to prison.
CECILIA: And what is the new plan?
ALVARO: None. I want to try to keep a low profile.
-CECILIA LAUGHS SARCASTICALLY-
CECILIA: Low profile! Please, you
keeping a low profile? Just out of curiosity,
are you sure Victoria is not the one dictating this change in plans?
ALVARO: Victoria has nothing to do with this! And Im old enough to know
what I can and cannot do!
-ALVARO LEAVES THE ROOM AND CECILIA GOES DIRECTLY TO THE DRAWER WHERE SHE KEEPS THE LETTERS. SHES RELIVED TO FIND THEM STILL THERE-
CECILIA: I have to find a better place for them!
-IN THE KITCHEN, TOTI IS STILL SITTING AT THE TABLE, WAITING. GUNTHER IS STANDING IN FRONT OF HIM. MAGDA AND LISA ARE STANDING A FEW FEET AWAY. ROSA HAS PREPARED TOTI A CUP OF TEA. GUNTHER IS NOT ALLOWING ROSA TO SERVE TOTI THE TEA-
ROSA: Drink this tea, itll do you good!
GUNTHER: Only bread and water for this criminal!
MAGDA: Really? If this young man is entitled to only bread and water, then tonight,
your dinner will be prepared by me, with a special dedication!
GUNTHER: All right, give him the tea, after all, tea is only dirty water, so
Gunther has no problem with that!
-ROSA HANDS TOTI THE CUP, AND ITS AT THIS MOMENT, THAT ANA LAURA WALKS IN THE KITCHEN. AS SOON AS THEY SEE ANA LAURA COMING IN, MAGDA AND EVERYONE ELSE, WITH EXCEPTION OF TOTI, BEGIN TALKING AT ONCE. ANA LAURA HAS TO SCREAM IN ORDER TO BE HEARD, AND SHE FINALLY MANAGES TO GET GUNTHERS ATTENTION-
ANA LAURA: Gunther! Gunther! Im sorry, do you have something to do in
this kitchen?
GUNTHER: No, no, Frau!
ANA LAURA: Why dont you leave, then?
GUNTHER: Yes, Frau!
-TOTI LAUGHS. GUNTHER GETS ANGRY AND TOTI, GRABS TOTIS CAP FROM HIS HEAD, DROPS IT TO THE FLOOR, AND WALKS OUT-
ROSA: Thats what you get for meddling!
ANA LAURA: Girls, you too, please. Id like to talk to Toti alone.
MAGDA: All right, come on, girls, lets go!
-MAGDA, ROSA AND LISA WALK OUT. ANA LAURA APPROACHES TOTI-
ANA LAURA: What happened, Toti?
TOTI: I swear to you
.
ANA LAURA: No, no! Please, you dont have to swear to anything! I know
you since we were kids, and I know you dont lie! Do you remember when
we went to the Monteros estancia? Do you remember when we all stole some
figs? Do you remember what happened when they asked who did it? You told on
us!
TOTI: Yes, Im sorry!
ANA LAURA: Whats happening?
TOTI: I will tell you! I gave Lisa a small black velvet bag with a little chain
I bought for her, then
.
ANA LAURA: Do you know how the necklace ended up in the bag?
TOTI: I have no idea! Do you believe me?
ANA LAURA: Yes, I believe you, go to work, and dont let anyone tell you
anything!
TOTI: Yes, Anita, Ill pick up my hat! Well, I thank you, and if you ever,
ever, need anything from me, Ill be here for you, although I dont
know what you could ever need from me, but
ANA LAURA: Toti, after grandmother and Erica, youd be the one person I
would go to, if I ever needed help! Believe me, okay?
TOTI: Yes. May I give you a hug?
ANA LAURA: Yes!
-ANA LAURA LAUGHS AND HUGS HIM-
-MARIANO IS IN ANA LAURAS ROOM, GETTING DRESSED IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR. THERES A KNOCK ON THE DOOR, AND PATRICIA APPEARS-
PATRICIA: May I come in?
MARIANO: You are always welcome!
PATRICIA: Are you alone?
MARIANO: Alone like a dog!
PATRICIA: I just wanted to thank you for what you did for Ignacio,
MARIANO: No, you dont have to thank me.
PATRICIA: You surprise me with some of the things you do out of love for Ana
Laura, although she doesnt deserve them, really!
MARIANO: Excuse me?
PATRICIA: No, Im mean, I think its great that you did this out of
love for Ana Laura!
MARIANO: Patricia, look at me, do you really think Im capable of doing
something for love?
PATRICIA: No, not really.
MARIANO: No. Well, I can see you know me very well.
PATRICIA: Yes, we are very similar in that respect.
MARIANO: We are both ambitious, we dont like to have limits.
PATRICIA: No, we dont like limits!
MARIANO: Then, explain to me, what are you still doing with Ignacio?
PATRICIA: Hm! Who knows! Try to figure it out! Its not very difficult!
-PATRICIA TRIES TO WALK AWAY, BUT MARIANO GRABS HER ARM AND PULLS HER TO HIM-
MARIANO: Come here, come here! Dont leave yet! Come here!
-HE TOUCHES HER CHEEK AND TRIES TO KISS HER, BUT SHE STOPS HIM-
PATRICIA: This is going to have to end right now, because it could have terrible
results! Now is not the right moment!
MARIANO: No?
PATRICIA: No!
-SHE CARESSES HIS CHEEK AND WALKS AWAY, LEAVING MARIANO IN
THE ROOM, SMILING-
-LISA IS IN THE KITCHEN CRYING. FRANCISCO WALKS IN-
FRANCISCO: Why are you crying?
LISA: For what I did to Toti.
FRANCISCO: I cant believe youre crying for that idiot.
LISA: No, its that it affected me! I didnt want to turn him in,
like I did! Poor Toti, hes so good to me!
FRANCISCO: Do you realize what youre saying, who youre crying for?
-ERICA WALKS IN AT THIS MOMENT-
ERICA: I was looking for you!
LISA: Me?
ERICA: No, Francisco.
FRANCISCO: I believe youre chasing me.
LISA: Excuse me, do you want me to leave?
ERICA: No, stay. Francisco, this is your last chance. Confess you stole the
necklace, or I will accuse you, myself!
-ANA LAURA AND MARISOL ENTER THE LIBRARY. ANA LAURA CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND THEM. THEY ARE BOTH ANGRY AND BEGIN TO ARGUE. MARISOL STANDS WITH HER BACK TO THE DESK, AND FACES ANA LAURA-
ANA LAURA: Dont play the innocent! It doesnt suit you and I dont
believe you!
MARISOL: Im not playing the innocent! If I have something to say, I say
it!
ANA LAURA: Well, then, tell me! What do you have to say to me!
MARISOL: With all this youre doing, you could do Pedro a lot of harm!
ANA LAURA: Please, dont pretend to be Pedros good little friend!
The only thing that bothers you is that Im near him, because youre
dying of love for him! Isnt that true?
MARISOL: Youre the one whos dying for him! And with this little
game youre playing, you could really hurt him!
ANA LAURA: Be quiet! Youd do anything for me to disappear from the map,
isnt that so?
MARISOL: You dont understand! You dont understand anything! The
last thing I want is for anyone to get hurt!
ANA LAURA: Dont lie!
-MARIANO OPENS THE DOOR AT THIS EXACT MOMENT, AND LISTENS TO THE ARGUMENT THEY ARE SO DEEPLY INTO THE ARGUMENT THAT THEY DONT REALIZE HES STANDING AT THE DOOR-
MARISOL: Do you know what I really dont understand? If youre so interested in Pedro, why dont you have the nerve to admit it and take a chance?
-MARIANO WALKS IN-
MARIANO: Well! Ana, whats the matter? Arent you going to answer?
-ANA LAURA AND MARISOL ARE STUNNED INTO SILENCE-
MARIANO: What are you waiting for?
-PEDRO APPEARS AT THE DOOR. MARIANO SEES HIM AND ASKS HIM TO COME IN-
MARIANO: Pedro! Pedro! Come in, please, come in! We were actually just talking about you!
-PEDRO COMES IN AND STANDS AT THE FOOT OF THE DESK. HE LOOKS FROM MARIANO, TO ANA LAURA, TO MARISOL AND WAITS EXPECTANTLY. MARIANO SEEMS TO BE ENJOYING HIMSELF IMMENSELY-
MARIANO: Come, Ana, were waiting for an answer!
ANA LAURA: No, no! Marisol is a little confused, thats all!
-ANA LAURA AND MARISOL LOOK ABSOLUTELY MORTIFIED-
MARISOL: Yes, thats possible! Its best that we leave things as
they are!
MARIANO: No, no, no! We cant leave things this way! I think the answer
might be of interest to the friend here!
PEDRO: The answer to what?
MARISOL: Dont be ridiculous, Mariano!
MARIANO: When something is creating friction, the best thing to do is to clear
the air, dont you think?
ANA LAURA: No! Marisol is full of fantasies, and whatever shes experiencing,
shes trying to place them on me!
-THIS COMMENT BY ANA LAURA, ANGERS MARISOL AND SHE ABANDONS HER INTENTION TO APPEASE THE TENSION-
MARISOL: No, Im not trying to place anything on you, and I dont
have any fantasies!
PEDRO: Wait a minute!
ANA LAURA: Dont you get involved!
PEDRO: Why not, if youre talking about me?
MARIANO: Excuse me, excuse me! All this yelling! Ana, its very simple,
give us an answer!
-ANA LAURA LOOKS AT PEDRO. AFTER SEEING SHE DOESNT HAVE A WAY OUT, SHE ANSWERS-
ANA LAURA: All right! Im going to answer! I have no interest in Pedro! Theres nothing there! Is that what you wanted to know?
-PEDRO SEEMS SURPRISED BY ANA LAURAS COMMENT. MARIANO
SMILES AND SHRUGS. ANA LAURA LOOKS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE-
-BACK TO THE KITCHEN WITH ERICA, FRANCISCO AND LISA. ERICA IS STILL AFTER FRANCISCO TO GET HIM TO ADMIT TO THE THEFT OF THE NECKLACE-
ERICA: Are you going to confess to stealing the necklace, or am I going to
have to accuse you, myself?
LISA: I did it!
ERICA: Lisa, please!
LISA: No, seriously! I didnt mean to steal it! I saw it, and I like how
it looked, I was going to try it on and then put it back, but then things got
a little complicated, and I
.
ERICA: Ive never heard anything more stupid in my life! Francisco, are
you going to let her take the blame? Do you love her so little, to allow her
to do this?
LISA: No, Francisco didnt know anything! Hes as surprised as you
are!
FRANCISCO: Yes, very surprised!
LISA: Listen, señorita, I already confessed, so if youd like to
accuse me, you have all the right!
ERICA: I dont understand where you want to go with all this!
LISA: Well, if you want me leave, Ill leave!
ERICA: No, I prefer to leave things as they are.
FRANCISCO: Well, I believe you owe me an apology, dont you think?
ERICA: Youre shameless!
-ERICA WALKS OUT OF THE KITCHEN. FRANCISCO HAPPILY RUNS TO HUG LISA-
FRANCISCO: Thats my beautiful negrita
.
LISA: Let go of me! Dont you ever touch me again, did you hear me? Never
again!
-FRANCISCO WALKS ANGRILY OUT OF THE KITCHEN-
-MARISOLS HOUSE. MARISOL IS ANGRILY WHIPPING SOME EGGS. PEDRO IS STANDING NEXT TO HER, HANDING THE EGGS TO HER. MARISOL IS TELLING HIM THE DETAILS OF THE ARGUMENT SHE HAD WITH ANA LAURA-
MARISOL: I dont know, she just went crazy! She insulted me! She called
me a liar and I dont know how many other things!
PEDRO: But, why, what happened?
MARISOL: How do I know! Shes jealous! Thats it! Its evident
that shes jealous!
PEDRO: But, why would she be jealous?
MARISOL: Well
.because you and I are friends, or because I work with Mariano,
I dont know! I dont know whats bothering her!
PEDRO: In any event, she doesnt have to treat you that way!
MARISOL: After all weve done to help her!
PEDRO: She probably hates accepting help from anyone! Thats the reason!
Thats what the problem is!
MARISOL: No! That is not the problem!
PEDRO: Then, what is it?
MARISOL: You have to come to your own conclusions!
-PEDRO ONLY LOOKS AT MARISOL-
-MARIANO AND ALVARO ARE IN THE LIBRARY. ALVARO HANDS MARIANO A DRINK AND SITS BEHIND THE DESK-
MARIANO: You consider the national tournament and horse breeding to be of minimal
importance?
ALVARO: Mariano, of minimal importance only in comparison to the objective weve
had for ourselves for some years!
MARIANO: Yes, and that objective wont be realized because of you! You
forgave Ignacio!
ALVARO: Well, thats over. What we need to do now is to convince Ana Laura
to sell us the lands.
MARIANO: Thats impossible.
ALVARO: Impossible because she doesnt know everything we could gain with
that offer! We could all live off the rental income from those lands, for the
rest of our lives!
MARIANO: Yes, thats true!
ALVARO: Thats why Im telling you to stop involving yourself in foolish
businesses that you dont know how they will end!
MARIANO: You are making me think about that!
ALVARO: I feel much better that youre reconsidering that business!
-CECILIA IS TALKING TO CARMEN. CECILIA HAS BEGAN TO GO THROUGH THE LETTERS VICTORIA WROTE TO LEONORA-
CARMEN: I dont understand.
CECILIA: That is how Victoria, Leonora and Mercedes wrote to each other, so
I wouldnt understand in case one of their letters happened to fall into
my hands! See, its impossible to know who Victoria is talking about! Now,
Mercedes did write who it was, but she didnt say what!
CARMEN: Yes, and then Leonora would tie all the lose ends!
CECILIA: Exactly!
CARMEN: Its very clever, señora! Because unless you had the other
letters
CECILIA: The letters are not dated, how are we going to know which letter belongs
where? Who are they were talking about this time?
CARMEN: Its like a puzzle!
CECILIA: A labyrinth!
-CECILIA, READING FROM ONE OF VICTORIAS LETTERS TO LEONORA-
CECILIA: If I were certain that he already knows, I would act accordingly.
I would ask him to make a decision. Who is he, and what is he supposed
to decide?
CARMEN: Its an ideal method for keeping secrets!
CECILIA: In any event, these secrets will fall into my hands! Even if it takes
me a lifetime to figure them out!
-PEDRO IS EXCERCISING CHOCOLATE INSIDE A CIRCLED FENCE. ANA LAURA ARRIVES AND BEGINS TALKING TO PEDRO FROM OUTSIDE THE FENCE-
ANA LAURA: I thought you were out on the fields, Pedro.
PEDRO: As you can see, Im right here.
ANA LAURA: Have you seen Antonio? I
.I need him to bring me something from
Buenos Aires.
PEDRO: Hes not here.
-PEDRO CONTINUES WITH CHOCOLATE AND IGNORES ANA LAURA COMPLETELY-
ANA LAURA: Id like to know why you are treating me that way. What have
I done to you?
PEDRO: You dont know?
ANA LAURA: No, I dont know. Id like you to tell me.
-PEDRO COMMANDS CHOCOLATE TO RELAX. PEDRO, STILL HOLDING ON TO CHOCOLATES REIN, APPROACHES ANA LAURA FROM INSIDE THE FENCE-
PEDRO: I dont like to be lied to.
ANA LAURA: And why are you saying I lied to you?
PEDRO: You know very well why Im saying that.
ANA LAURA: Ah, I understand, I know what youre talking about. I really
would like to know what you would have done in my place?
PEDRO: I would have put everything on the line, like I always do!
ANA LAURA: It was Marisol who created all this mess, not me!
PEDRO: You never have anything to do with anything, right?
ANA LAURA: Dont you understand that there are some things you cant
just come out and
.say them?
PEDRO: Perhaps not in you world, but in mine, it is done!
ANA LAURA: I can be honest, but not bold.
PEDRO: I can honestly say it suits you very well to be such a hypocrite.
ANA LAURA: I dont like when you talk to me that way! You have no right!
PEDRO: Its true, I dont have a right! I dont know what Im
doing! Im just a simple peon!
ANA LAURA: Stop!
PEDRO: Besides, I dont know why I talk to you! I shouldnt even talk
to you!
ANA LAURA: Dont exaggerate!
PEDRO: Im not exaggerating! Do you know what we ought to do? You should
go your way, and Ill go mine!
ANA LAURA: Is that so?
PEDRO: Yes! Lets end this story once and for all!
ANA LAURA: And
do you think youll be able to do it, just like that?
PEDRO: Do you know, when I say Ill do something, I do it!
-ANA LAURA SEEMS HURT BY WHAT PEDRO JUST SAID. SHE LOOKS AT HIM, AND, AS SHE WALKS AWAY, SHE WHISPERS-
ANA LAURA: Okay!
-GUNTHER IS STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF A FIELD, TRYING TO TEACH HIS DOGS TO GO AFTER A SMALL TREE BRANCH. HES GIVING THEM INSTRUCTIONS BUT THE DOGS ARE IMMOVABLE. GUNTHER, SEEING THAT THE DOGS ARE NOT OBEYING HIS ORDERS, SHOWS THEM STEP BY STEP, HOW TO RETRIEVE THE TREE BRANCH-
GUNTHER: Good, now, both of you go! See which one gets there first! Its easy! All you have to do is bring the little branch to me! Am I going to have to show you one more time? This is the last time I show you, okay? Its such a simple thing! You come over here
GUNTHER GETS DOWN ON HIS KNEES, CRAWLS TO WHERE THE TREE BRANCH IS LYING, PICKS IT UP WITH HIS MOUTH, TURNS AROUND TO FACE THE DOGS, SHAKES HIS BEHIND TOWARDS THE CAMERA, AND THEN PUTS THE TREE BRANCH BACK ON ITS PLACE. HE THEN GETS UP FROM THE GROUND AND WALKS BACK TO WHERE THE DOGS ARE WAITING FOR HIM-
GUNTHER: Go look for tree branch!
-THE DOGS, OF COURSE, DO NOT MOVE-
...
-JULIETA IS RIDING LUNITA. PEDRO IS PULLING THE REIN, WALKING IN FRONT OF THE MARE, AND GIVING JULIETA SOME INSTRUCTIONS-
PEDRO: Let yourself fall as if you came straight from heaven!
JULIETA: Like an angel riding a horse!
PEDRO: Yes, like an angel on a horse, and keep your head up, proudly! Eso!
-CHAPA COMES OVER AND TALKS TO JULIETA, AND THEN TO PEDRO-
CHAPA: How is this rider doing?
JULIETA: Im not a rider! Im an angel!
CHAPA: An angel?
PEDRO: Yes, something like that! Listen, do you have news of Toti? I didnt
see him this morning!
CHAPA: No, but I have very good news! They didnt throw him out!
PEDRO: They didnt throw him out?
CHAPA: No! And do you know why? Señorita Ana Laura saved him!
PEDRO: She did?
CHAPA: Yes, sir! She defended Toti! Shes a wonderful woman! Shes
number one in my book! And we still dont know who stole the jewels!
JULIETA: Come on, Pedro! Im getting bored!
PEDRO: Yes, yes! Im coming! So, we dont know what happened with
the jewelry?
CHAPA: Its a mystery! But Toti is free of any accusation, and all thanks
to Ana Laura! Shes wonderful!
-CHAPA WALKS AWAY. PEDRO SEEMS IMPRESSED BY WHAT CHAPA SAID ABOUT ANA LAURA-
PEDRO: Good news! Very good news!
-PEDRO CARESSES LUNITA AND ADDRESSES JULIETA-
PEDRO: Do you like it?
-MARIANO VISITS VICTORIA IN BUENOS AIRES-
VICTORIA: Get comfortable. I have everything ready. The contract specifies everything we agreed on. Read it, take your time.
-VICTORIA TRIES TO HAND OVER THE CONTRACT TO MARIANO. MARIANO DOES NOT TAKE IT-
VICTORIA: Is something wrong?
MARIANO: Im not sure I want to sign that contract, Victoria.
VICTORIA: Whats the matter? You dont agree with your share
..
MARIANO: No, no, its not that! Ive been thinking, and those fields
are too valuable to be used in the breeding of horses.
VICTORIA: Those lands are not even yours!
MARIANO: Of course, theyre not mine, they belong to my wife.
VICTORIA: I could lease them, if that will make you more comfortable.
MARIANO: No, no! What I need is time.
VICTORIA: Theres no time! Theres no time! The date of the first
competition is very near, we dont have any time, we need to get to work!
MARIANO: Well, Im not going to sign any contract, unless Im very
sure!
VICTORIA: All right, take some time, think about it! I can assure you, I will
do everything, everything in my power, so that you wont make any mistakes!
-MARIANO SMILES-
-GUNTHER IS PRUNNING THE ROSE BUSHES AND IS TALKING TO THE FLOWERS. JULIETA APPROACHES AND STARTLES HIM. HE BEGINS SCREAMING AT HER-
JULIETA: Gunther! I wanted to talk to you!
GUNTHER: Little sabandija, you know you cant be wandering around the estancia!
JULIETA: Yes, and you should stop pretending youre mean!
GUNTHER: Gunther demands discipline! But no one understands Gunther!
JULIETA: I understand you! Deep down, youre a good person! But you pretend
to be mean, in order to command respect! And it works to perfection, because
with the bald head, fat, ugly and making that mean face, no one likes you!
GUNTHER: Gunther doesnt need anybody to like him!
-PEDRO CAN BE SEEN IN THE BACKGROUND, HE WAS WALKING TOWARDS THE HOUSE, BUT STOPS WHEN HE SEES JULIETA ARGUING WITH GUNTHER-
JULIETA: Ah, well, then continue the way youre going! The women make
fun of you, the peons hate you!
GUNTHER: Get out! Little sabandija!
JULIETA: Not even the bosses like you!
GUNTHER: I said get out!
-PEDRO IS ABOUT TO APPROACH THEM WHEN HE HEARS GUNTHER YELLING AT JULIETA, BUT ANA LAURA SHOWS UP AT THAT MOMENT AND PEDRO STAYS AWAY. HE WATCHES THE SCENE FROM AFAR-
ANA LAURA: Whats happening? Why are you yelling at her that way?
JULIETA: I was talking to him in a nice way!
GUNTHER: Little sabandija always provokes me!
ANA LAURA: Be quiet! Be quiet! Julieta, please, tell me what happened?
JULIETA: I was telling him that I know deep down hes
..
GUNTHER: I dont need advice from anybody!
ANA LAURA: Stop yelling!
GUNTHER: I stop yelling! Frau Cecilia specifically banned this little sabandija,
this creature, from the estancia! Im just doing my job!
ANA LAURA: She can walk anywhere she wants in the estancia! This is my house,
and I give the orders around here!
GUNTHER: Oh, really? Since when?
ANA LAURA: Since always, Gunther! Apologize to her!
GUNTHER: But, Frau
.
ANA LAURA: Apologize to her!
GUNTHER: Please, forgive me.
ANA LAURA: Very well! You may go!
-GUNTHER GOES AWAY MUMBLING-
ANA LAURA: Julieta, lets go!
-ANA LAURA IS WALKING THROUGH THE ESTANCIA. PEDRO CHASES AFTER HER AND BEGINS WALKING ALONGSIDE HER-
PEDRO: Hello! How are you? May I talk to you?
ANA LAURA: Its odd that you want to talk to me, because you said you werent
going to talk to me anymore!
PEDRO: Well, there are a couple of nice gestures on your part that really impressed
me, and I wanted to tell you that!
ANA LAURA: Ah, well, thank you very much!
PEDRO: Do you know what Im talking about?
ANA LAURA: No, not really, because since Im in my world, and you are in
yours, its impossible for me to know!
PEDRO: I heard what you did for Toti!
ANA LAURA: Yes, well, but Toti is innocent!
PEDRO: I also saw when you helped Julieta!
ANA LAURA: Julieta is a young child, its obvious that Im going to
help her!
-THEY HAVE BEEN STEADILY WALKING ALL ALONG. PEDRO SUDDENLY STOPS AND DETAINS ANA LAURA BY THE ARM-
PEDRO: Fine, but, since I witnessed all that, and I like to say things face
to face, thats the reason Im telling you this. You are not as mean
as you pretend to be!
ANA LAURA: Ah, well, good! Im much more at peace, now! Is there something
else?
PEDRO: No, thats all. I just wanted to apologize, and well, do you forgive
me?
ANA LAURA: May I say something?
PEDRO: Of course!
ANA LAURA: I dont know how you say in your country that you may go to
the devil!
-PEDROS SMILE DISAPPEARS FROM HIS FACE WHEN HE HEARS
THIS. ANA LAURA WALKS ANGRILY AWAY. PEDRO IS LEFT WITH A LOOK IN HIS FACE THAT
ALMOST RESEMBLES THAT OF A CHASTISED CHILD-
-THE MAIN HOUSE. FLORIA HAS THE MUSIC ON AND IS DANCING IN THE LIVING ROOM. MAGDA COMES AND USES THE REMOTE CONTROL TO TURN THE VOLUME DOWN. FLORIA GRABS THE REMOTE CONTROL FROM MAGDA-
FLORIA: Who told you to lower it?
MAGDA: Acting this way at your age!
FLORIA: Listen, querida, at the wedding, the morochito* came and asked me to
dance! I may be a little along in years, but Im the envy of more than
one!
MAGDA: Dont complain later on if you start having palpitations!
FLORIA: Palpitations! Thats exactly what I need! I dont want death
to come and find me enveloped in spider webs!
-FLORIA CONTINUES DANCING, TO MAGDAS AMAZEMENT-
*MOROCHO - Morochito is the diminutive form of Morocho. The word is used to describe a tall, dark, strong (and handsome) male specimen.
-JULIETA IS SITTING AT THE TABLE, DOING HOMEWORK. SHE WANTS MARISOL TO HELP HER, BUT MARISOL IS RUNNING LATE FOR WORK-
JULIETA: Mom, I dont understand anything.
MARISOL: Julieta, Im in a hurry! I cant help you! What dont
you understand?
-MARISOL TAKES A LOOK AT JULIETAS WORK-
MARISOL: My love, you just have to think a little, thats so easy!
JULIETA: Mom, why dont you write me a little note saying you were ill
and I couldnt study?
MARISOL: No, young lady! Thats not done! Its wrong!
-PEDRO COMES IN THE HOUSE-
PEDRO: May I come in?
MARISOL: Yes, Pedro, come in.
PEDRO: How are you?
MARISOL: Im in a hurry and she doesnt want to do her homework!
PEDRO: I can help her, if youd like?
MARISOL: You will?
PEDRO: Yes, of course!
MARISOL: Well, dont give Pedro a hard time!
JULIETA: No, with Pedro, even homework is enjoyable!
MARISOL: Well, Im leaving, ciao!
PEDRO: Ciao!
-MARISOL RUNS OUT OF THE HOUSE. PEDRO SITS AT THE TABLE AND BEGINS HELPING JULIETA WITH HER HOMEWORK-
PEDRO: Well, what are we studying?
JULIETA: No, nothing right now. Lets go ride Lunita instead!
PEDRO: What do you mean, lets go riding! Your mami said you had to study!
JULIETA: Yes, but mom is not here right now.
PEDRO: It doesnt matter. First the school work, and then everything else.
JULIETA: Come on, Pedro!
PEDRO: No, were not going anywhere! Lets do this. Lets make
a deal! First, you do your assignations, as we say in my homeland, homework;
and then Ill teach you how to ride. Do you agree?
JULIETA: I agree!
PEDRO: Open the book, then!
-VICTORIA AND ANA LAURA WALK IN ANA LAURAS BEDROOM. VICTORIA IS IN A PANIC BECAUSE MARIANO IS HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT THEIR PARTNERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, AND IS REFUSING TO SIGN THE CONTRACT-
VICTORIA: Its a miracle! A pure miracle that I was able to get here and
not be seen!
ANA LAURA: But, why didnt you tell me, I could have gone to your house!
VICTORIA: Because theres no time! Because
..
ANA LAURA: Whats the matter?
VICTORIA: Mariano is about to undo the business he had going with me! Thats
what the problem is!
ANA LAURA: No! Why?
VICTORIA: Because Im certain the Alvaro and Cecilia convinced him that
its better to sell the land that to work it!
ANA LAURA: I cant believe this! They continue disposing of my things without
consulting me! I swear to you, I dont know what to do! Besides, Im
wondering why they desisted of sending my father to prison! I dont understand!
VICTORIA: I took care of that! I put pressure on Alvaro!
ANA LAURA: It was you!
VICTORIA: Of course!
ANA LAURA: I see it, now! It was something I couldnt understand! Im
very grateful Victoria, for everything youre doing! This gives me a chance
to make sure they dont sell my lands.
VICTORIA: I need your help!
ANA LAURA: How can I help you?
VICTORIA: You must convince Mariano not to cancel his business with me! Make
sure he doesnt agree to Alvaros alleged propositions!
ANA LAURA: Victoria, they dont listen to me! My opinions dont count!
VICTORIA: But they wont have any other option, but to accept your decisions!
ANA LAURA: You can count on me!
..
-PEDRO ARRIVES AT THE STABLES. CHAPA IS THERE-
PEDRO: Did Mariano authorize the training?
CHAPA: No, not yet, but he did request is that you prepare a written report
about Chocolate.
PEDRO: A report? A report about what?
CHAPA: Its very easy, Ill explain it to you later! It wont
take you long!
PEDRO: What am I doing in this place!!!
-CECILIA IS IN HER BEDROOM READING ONE OF THE LETTERS BELONGING TO LEONORA, THAT WERE WRITTEN BY VICTORIA-
CECILIA: I know my decision causes you a lot of pain .. I grieves me also to do this, but Im leaving the country because I see no other way out. The situation is unbearable, because Alvaro doesnt want to assume his responsibility. -WHAT RESPONSIBILITY?- I have no other choice, but to leave. Mercedes will tell you in detail, about Alvaros response. She has the rest of the information. Hugs. Victoria.
-CECILIA REMOVES HER READING GLASSES AND IS LEFT WITH MORE
QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS, AFTER READING THE LETTER-
-MARISOL IS IN THE LIBRARY, GOING THROUG SOME FILES. SHES SITTING AT A SMALL DESK THAT IS TO THE SIDE OF THE LARGER DESK. PEDRO KNOCKS ON THE DOOR AND COMES IN, BRINGING THE REPORT ON CHOCOLATE THAT MARIANO REQUESTED-
PEDRO: Hello.
MARISOL: What are you doing here?
PEDRO: Im bringing a report on Chocolate for Mariano. Would you please
give it to him?
MARISOL: Yes, of course.
-MARISOL GETS UP FROM HER CHAIR, TAKES THE REPORT FROM PEDRO, AND SETS IT MARIANOS DESK. SHE LEANS ON MARIANOS DESK, AND BEGINS TALKING TO PEDRO, WHOS STANDING IN FRONT OF HER-
MARISOL: Are you coming from helping Julieta?
PEDRO: Yes. That little girl is a rascal! She didnt want to do her homework.
MARISOL: Oh, well have to do it tonight!
PEDRO: No, no! Its done! I made a deal with her, that if she didnt
do her homework, there would be no lessons with Lunita!
MARISOL: And she agreed?
PEDRO: Of course she agreed! Shes no dummy! She knows more than the teacher!
She did it all in one minute!
MARISOL: You are so patient with her! I dont know what Im going
to do when you leave.
PEDRO: Neither do I. Julieta is very special to me.
MARISOL: And youre very special to her. Well, to me also. Its just
that
were so alone!
PEDRO: Marisol, what about your parents?
MARISOL: My dad died when I was very young, and my mother
I have her but
its as if I didnt, really.
PEDRO: Why is that?
MARISOL: Mental problems. I dont know, I dont understand what happened.
She was a wonderful woman, and suddenly, she became ill and we had to confine
her to an institution. But
I dont want to talk about that!
-PEDRO GIVES MARISOL A LOOK FULL OF COMPASSION-
PEDRO: You poor thing!
-SUDDENLY, MARISOL COMES CLOSER TO PEDRO AND KISSES HIM ON THE CHEEK. PEDRO IS SURPRISED BY HER ACTION-
PEDRO: Why did you do that?
MARISOL: To thank you.
-PEDRO LOOKS DEEPLY INTO HER EYES. HE COMES CLOSER AND BEGINS TO TENDERLY KISS MARISOL. AT THIS MOMENT, ANA LAURA IS ABOUT TO ENTER THE ROOM AND STOPS AT THE DOOR WHEN SHE SEES PEDRO AND MARISOL KISSING. ANA LAURA SEEMS VERY AFFECTED BY WHAT SHES SEEING AND REMAINS FIXED AT THE DOOR. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS OF SHOCK, SHE BEGINS BACKING AWAY FROM THE DOOR, AND INADVERTENTLY CRASHES ONTO A TABLE IN THE HALLWAY, SENDING SOME ITEMS TO THE FLOOR. ANA LAURA THEN RUNS FROM THE SCENE BEFORE SHES DISCOVERED BY THEM. THE KISS BETWEEN PEDRO AND MARISOL HAD CONTINUED, BUT AFTER HEARING THE NOISE COMING FROM THE HALLWAY, MARISOL BECOMES NERVOUS AND PULLS AWAY FROM PEDRO, INTERRUPTING THE KISS-
MARISOL: Did you hear that?
PEDRO: Bells ringing? -HE SMILES-
MARISOL: No! A noise coming from the hallway! Did you hear it?
PEDRO: No, I didnt hear anything. But, its all right, Ill
leave. I dont want to bother you anymore.
-MARISOL LOOKS AT HIM AND SMILES-
MARISOL: No, you dont bother me!
-THEY BOTH SMILE AND LOOK AWKWARDLY AT EACH OTHER. MARIANO ENTERS THE ROOM AT THIS POINT, AND MARISOL NERVOUSLY ADDRESSES HIM-
MARISOL: Eh Pedro brought you the report on Chocolate!
-PEDRO, UNCOMFORTABLY, POINTS TO THE DESK A COUPLE OF TIMES-
MARIANO: Ah, good, thats good!
PEDRO: Yes, excuse me!
-PEDRO, POINTING TO THE DESK A THIRD TIME, WALKS OUT OF THE ROOM. MARIANO IS CURIOUSLY LOOKING AT MARISOL-
MARISOL: Whats the matter?
MARIANO: You make a beautiful couple! Congratulations!
MARISOL: Im working. I dont have time for foolishness!
MARIANO: Yes, I see that.
-MARISOL GOES BACK TO HER DESK-
..
-ANA LAURA IS IN HER BEDROOM WITH LETICIA-
ANA LAURA: Marisol aggravates me to no end!
LETICIA: Seriously? I hadnt noticed!
ANA LAURA: Havent you noticed how she plays the innocent victim in order
to have Pedro at her feet!
LETICIA: In that sense, shes smarter than you are, because you act like
a wild beast and you scare him away!
ANA LAURA: All right, Im sorry, thats the way I am! I cant
act any other way!
LETICIA: Big mistake! Because in her own meek and quiet ways, she invites him
to her house, using the little girl as excuse, and she sees him any time she
wants!
ANA LAURA: And I dont know what to come up with! I dont understand
why everything I do, turns upside down!
LETICIA: Because you dont think!
ANA LAURA: And what am I supposed to think about! Tell me!
LETICIA: I dont know! Be a little clever, querida! Listen, you have to
come up with an idea to be near him!
ANA LAURA: What?
LETICIA: How do I know! You have to come up with something!
-CECILIA IS IN HER BERDROOM. CARMEN IS WITH HER-
CECILIA: Ill never be able to decipher anything this way!
CARMEN: When it comes to Victoria, I doubt she wrote anything untrue!
CECILIA: Alvaro doesnt want to tell me why Victoria left the country!
So I have no other choice than to go to the source!
CARMEN: The source?
CECILIA: Yes! The only other possibility, is to find the letters that are missing!
CARMEN: Señora, are you going to see Mercedes?
-CECILIA DOESNT ANSWER-
-MARIANO IS IN THE LIBRARY. ANA LAURA COMES IN TO TALK TO HIM-
MARIANO: Did you need something, my love?
ANA LAURA: Yes, I wanted to talk you. Ive been thinking about these tournaments
youre organizing.
MARIANO: Yes. What do you think?
ANA LAURA: I love them. Im very interested!
MARIANO: What do you mean, youre interested? You dont like horses!
ANA LAURA: Well, one thing is the horses, and something entirely different is
the business side of that, the competitions youre arranging, the people
involved!
MARIANO: And?
ANA LAURA: And, since theyre going to be held in my lands, Id like
to participate!
MARIANO: Youd like to participate?
ANA LAURA: Yes.
MARIANO: How?
ANA LAURA: I dont know yet, but for now, Id like to be part of the
membership. Its only appropriate that I become involved, dont you
think?
MARIANO: Yes, yes, its very appropriate that you become involved, but
Im really not sure how!
ANA LAURA: Why?
MARIANO: Well, I dont mean to offend you, but you know absolutely nothing
about the business, and I really dont know how youre going to learn
in such a short time!
ANA LAURA: You dont need to worry about that! I will surprise you!
-ANA LAURA LAUGHS. MARIANO LOOKS AT HER WITH A FAKE SMILE ON
HIS FACE-
-BACK TO CECILIA AND CARMEN-
CARMEN: Mercedes is dangerous woman!
CECILIA: Shes crazy! You dont need to be so afraid of her!
CARMEN: Shes like a caged animal, just waiting for the right moment to
be on the attack!
CECILIA: Thats enough! I already made my decision!
CARMEN: Its a bad decision!
CECILIA: Stop with your bad omens! I just want to have a few words with her!
I want to talk to her about the letters Victoria sent her.
CARMEN: At least, allow me to accompany you, señora, because I wont
be comfortable knowing you went by yourself to that place!
-ALVARO AND MARIANO ARE IN THE LIBRARY. ALVARO IS SITTING AT THE DESK. MARIANO IS SITTING ACROSS FROM HIM-
ALVARO: Mariano, Ive made some notes about the sale of the lands, and
we must not waste this opportunity. We must take advantage of the great interest
the company is showing in the purchase of these lands!
MARIANO: Dad, the sale of the lands is going to have to wait.
ALVARO: What did you say?
MARIANO: Ive been thinking, and I believe itll better for my marriage,
and also for us, if I accept Victorias offer. Well go on with the
deal.
ALVARO: Its the worst decision you could make in your life, Mariano!
MARIANO: Because Im not doing whats convenient for you?
ALVARO: Its a terrible mistake!
MARIANO: Perhaps, perhaps. But, ultimately, its my mistake!
-PEDRO IS THE STABLES, CLEANING A SADDLE. ANA LAURA ARRIVES TO TALK TO HIM-
ANA LAURA: Hello.
-PEDRO LOOKS HER WAY, BUT CONTINUES WITH WHATS HE DOING. HE DOESNT SEEM TOO HAPPY TO SEE HER-
PEDRO: Ah, hello.
ANA LAURA: I came to tell you something important.
PEDRO: Me?
ANA LAURA: Yes.
PEDRO: Im surprised! Didnt you tell me to go who knows where, the
last time?
ANA LAURA: Ah, yes, but Im over that!
PEDRO: Good, but Im not!
ANA LAURA: Pedro, that doesnt matter anymore!
PEDRO: It may not matter to you, but it does to me! Why dont we do what
we said? You go your way, and Ill go mine!
-ANA LAURA COMES CLOSER TO PEDRO, AND STANDS NEXT TO HIM-
ANA LAURA: Well, that will be impossible, now.
PEDRO: Who says so?
ANA LAURA: I do.
PEDRO: And who are you, to decide about my things?
ANA LAURA: Your boss!
-PEDRO, WHO HAD CONTINUED CLEANING THE SADDLE WHILE TALKING TO ANA LAURA, COMPLETELY STOPS NOW AND LOOKS SURPRISED. ANA LAURA IS STANDING VERY CLOSE TO HIM-
ANA LAURA: From this moment on, Im your boss!
-PEDRO TURNS TO LOOK AT HER. SHE SMILES-
-MARIANO IS IN THE LIVING ROOM. CECILIA AND CARMEN ENTER THE ROOM. MARIANO SEES THEY ARE DRESSED TO GO OUT-
MARIANO: Are you going out?
CECILIA: Us? Yes, we have a few things to do in the city.
-MARISOL COMES IN AND INTERRUPTS THEM-
MARISOL: I finished everything, Mariano.
MARIANO: You did? Ah, well, youre a big success in this job!
MARISOL: I have to go.
MARIANO: Do you know, she's an expert at the computer now. At first she didnt
even know how to turn it on!
CECILIA: How nice! With all this work, you must not have any time for your things.
MARISOL: I manage.
CECILIA: For example, when was the last time you saw your mother?
MARISOL: Since when are you so interested in my mother?
-MARISOL WALKS OUT ANGRILY-
CARMEN: Its getting late, señora!
MARIANO: Do you want me drop you off somewhere?
CECILIA: No, no
.
-MAGDA COMES IN AT THAT MOMENT TO TELL MARIANO THE NEW TRAINER HAS ARRIVED-
MAGDA: Señor Mariano, Mr. Federico Mendibulo is waiting for you.
MARIANO: Ask him to wait for me in the library.
MAGDA: Right away!
CECILIA: Attend to him, dont worry about me!
MARIANO: Mom, how mysterious you are today!
-CECILIA SMILES, BLOWS MARIANO A KISS, AND WALKS OUT, FOLLOWED
BY CARMEN-
-BACK TO PEDRO AND ANA LAURA AT THE STABLES. PEDRO IS HAVING A HARD TIME UNDERSTANDING ANA LAURAS COMMENT-
PEDRO: My what? My boss of what?
ANA LAURA: Well, its a new project related to the tournament, and Im
your new boss!
PEDRO: But, what does your husband say?
ANA LAURA: My husband is happy about this and besides, I dont have to
discuss it with you.
-PEDRO LOOKS AT ANA LAURA AND LAUGHS. HE DROPS THE SADDLE ON THE FLOOR, WALKS TOWARDS CHOCOLATE AND SETS A PAD ON THE HORSE, HE THEN COMES BACK FOR A BLANKET, SETS IT ALSO ON CHOCOLATE, AND COMES BACK TO WHERE ANA LAURA IS STANDING. ALL ALONG, HES BEEN TALKING TO ANA LAURA AND SMILING TO HIMSELF-
ANA LAURA: I dont understand what youre laughing at!
PEDRO: You dont like horses! Youre actually afraid of them!
ANA LAURA: No, its not that I dont like horses, I have a lot of
respect for them, which is very different! Whats more, I love horses!
And just so you know, my mother was a champion in jumping!
-ANA LAURA IS FOLLOWING PEDRO WHILE HE DOES ALL THESE ACTIVITIES, BUT AT ONE POINT, SHES ABOUT TO COME NEAR THE HORSE BUT BACKS AWAY, NERVOUSLY-
PEDRO: Is that true?
ANA LAURA: Yes, thats true! And she was excellent in her field!
PEDRO: I didnt know!
ANA LAURA: Well, now you know! As you can see, I didnt just get involved
in all this yesterday!
PEDRO: You could be involved for a lifetime, but if you dont like animals,
you wont be able to do anything!
ANA LAURA: But thats not my case, querido, thats not my case!
PEDRO: In other words, you know a lot!
ANA LAURA: A lot! I know a lot! Whats more, I am now going to give you
my first order! I dont want you talking to me in that disrespectful manner!
Okay?
-PEDRO LOOKS AT HER BUT DOESNT RESPOND. ANA LAURA BEGINS
TO WALK AWAY ANGRILY AND WITHOUT REALIZING IT, GOES STRAIGHT IN THE DIRECTION
OF THE HORSE.. SHES STARTLED TO SEE SHE ALMOST RAN INTO CHOCOLATE, AND
GOES AROUND AND AWAY FROM THE HORSE. PEDRO NOTICES THIS AND LAUGHS-
-MAGDA IS PASSING THROUGH THE LIVING ROOM, ON HER WAY TO THE KITCHEN. GUNTHER IS IN THE ROOM AND DETAINS HER-
GUNTHER: Stop!
MAGDA: Dont start with your orders, because today, Im not in the
mood to put up with them!
GUNTHER: No, its only a question. What do you think, is Gunther mean -HE
MAKES A GRIMACE- or is Gunther nice HE SMILES-
MAGDA: Hes very mean!
GUNTHER: No, no, no! Not mean! Hes nice! He only looks mean!
MAGDA: Then, if you know the answer, why do you bother asking?
-MAGDA PUSHES HIM OUT OF THE WAY, AND LEAVES THE ROOM. GUNTHER TALKS TO HIMSELF-
GUNTHER: Gunther is going to show them hes not wicked! Hell show
them!
-MARIANO ARRIVES AT THE STABLES ACCOMPANIED BY THE NEW TRAINER. HES COME TO MAKE THE INTRODUCTIONS AND HE SEEMS VERY PLEASED WITH HIMSELF WHEN HE INTRODUCES HIM TO PEDRO-
MARIANO: Ill introduce you to everyone. Julieta; hes Toti, a peon; and this is Pedro, Chocolates care taker.
-PEDRO SMILES AND NODS HIS HEAD-
MARIANO: This is Federico Mendibulo, Chocolates new trainer!
PEDRO: The trainer?
MARIANO: Ahum!
-PEDRO LOOKS SURPRISED-