She was on the centre stage, singing and strumming her guitar amidst the cheering of the big crowd with arms lifting high up in the air and dancing to her music. She was having a fun time. Then a voice from nowhere brought her back to earth. 'Juana, wake up, you'll be late for school'.

She opened her eyes and sat on the bed. She looked at the alarm clock on the bedside table which didn't go off. 'Drat, now I'm late' she muttered under her breath. An old woman in her early sixties holding a basin in her hand was still grumbling about having to wake her up every morning, she said, 'It did go off but you had suppressed it'.

Juana Perez, a pleasant looking young girl of seventeen of medium height with auburn hair and quite on the plump side, looked on the next bed to where her mother was sleeping, seemingly still in dreamland. Juana sprang to her feet calling 'Mama, mama'. Mama didn't budge. Juana pulled the bed sheet away from her mother, almost dragging the older woman off the bed, 'mama wake up, we're going to be late for school'.

In another house somewhere near the city of Caracas, a man in his mid twenties was sweating it out on an electronic jogger, and at the same time was also watching a TV which was installed some five feet away. A female voice off screen asked when he wants his breakfast to be served, he said in another 20 minutes. 'In the front garden?' asked the woman again. 'Yes' he said. 'You want boiled eggs?' 'Si, boiled for 3 minutes' said the jogger, who we later came to know as Mauricio De La Vega, owner of a successful Magazine Publishing House in Caracas city.

In the Perez kitchen, Ana Maria Perez, a nice looking, medium built woman in her late thirties with a vile temper asked her daughter if she wants scrambled eggs. Juana didn't answer, instead went on talking forty words per second, complaining that they are late and she has literature test that morning, and 'also I'll be playing soccer with those arrogant girls at school' to which her grandmother, Azucena chimed in 'aiyaya why do you have to play soccer, girls don't play that game'. Juana explained 'Soccer is not an exclusive sport for men anymore, times have changed grandma, women take parts in everything nowadays'. Ana Maria reminded her daughter that she has an appointment with the physician that afternoon due to her erratic reproduction of hormone cell. Juana complained that she doesn't like any stranger touching her there. Mama said don't say things like that, he is not just anybody. He is a doctor and a specialist.

As they were talking, a man came down the stairs, still reading a book; he put the book down, smiled and joined them at the breakfast table and in with the talk. He was Manuel, Ana Maria's little brother, 27 years of age. He helped bringing up Juana, much like a father to her, the father that she didn't have. Without a steady job, Manuel helped earning the family's bread by doing some repair jobs on technical items and gadgets in the neighbourhood. Azucena was saying to Ana Maria that she knows she is seeing a married man secretly, and it will make a bad impression on her daughter and will be the talk of the neighbourhood if the gossip mongers find out. Ana Maria said Alfonso the man she is seeing is not just another man, they love each other and they'll marry as soon as he divorces his wife. A heated argument ensues and thus began a normal morning at the Perez home.

At De la Vega's home Mauricio was having breakfast in the patio in grand style entertained by his wife, a beautiful ravaging beauty with blonde hair, whom later we know as Carlota. She was telling him that she had spoken to the interior decorator to have their home decorated oriental style for the coming Magazine anniversary party. Mauricio said he'll leave everything to Carlota as he knows she has good taste. She smiled and kissed him lovingly and said she knows the party is meaningful to Mauricio and before she goes to her boutique she'll see the decorator again to finalize things. Mauricio told her to do what she sees fit, and he said before he go to the office he is going to see his friend Dr Ricardo about the artificial insemination, it seems he has found a fertile woman to be the surrogate mother and he'd like to see her first before the procedure takes place. Carlota looked uneasy when the subject was brought up, and said 'a woman like that shouldn't be trusted. We do not know who she was and where she came from'. Mauricio said what is important is that she is healthy and can bear my son. Carlota obviously wouldn't like to contradict Mauricio's points of view, concurred and said 'Si... si, you're right. But I want you to remember that we can always adopt a son'. Mauricio agreed but he said he'd like it better if he has a son of his own flesh and blood. Carlota said she understands, ever since he got back on his feet after the cancer which almost took his life, he always talk about having a son to carry on with De la Vega's name. It really hurts Carlota that she is unable to conceive his child. Mauricio said Carlota will be as much the mother as he is the father once the child is born. But Carlota wasn't enthusiastic. The talk went on rumbling, but it was very clear from the start that she was very unsupportive of his intention to have another woman impregnated with his sperm.

Breakfast was over.

Mother and daughter went outside to an antique bike Juana nicknamed 'La Pitusa'. It was a three wheeler with a passenger compartment built in, like the one the Nazi had in the Second World War, (or was it the First World War?). Ana Maria got on in the compartment seat and Juana kicked the starter. After 3 tries, the engine still refused to start. Juana wailed and begged the engine to go easy on her since she has to go to school and a test is coming up. But the old engine was stubborn. Both mother and daughter got out and pushed Pitusa some 15 meters down the road and the engine came to life. They got on the bike quickly and Juana gleefully stuck her tongue out and began the journey to school.

Mauricio was in his flashy red car ready to leave. He turned the ignition and backed out slowly, turned and roared down the road. They came from the opposite direction. At a narrow strip, the traffic crawled to a stop. Mauricio looked at her in fleeting seconds and then turned to look at something on his front seat, not taking much notice of her the first time. Mauricio's line was still not moving while hers gained some ground. Juana drew abreast with Mauricio. Mauricio looked at her and then lowered his sun glasses and looked again, scrutinizing her. Juana too looked at him and 'their music' began to play in the background for the first time. Mauricio gave his sweetest smile (the sweetest I've seen so far up to the 90th episode), and Juana looked at him with wonderment. They looked at each other for awhile, and then he lowered his sunglasses again and said 'Bonita - beautiful'. Juana gave the impression as if to ask 'what?' Mauricio said 'la motor' and drove away. Taken back by his answer, Juana managed to say 'Aha... Si... so it's the motor that is beautiful, huh?

Manuel was at home with Azucena. He washed the dishes and she baked meat pies to be peddled around the neighbourhood by Nicolas, a 10 year old Negro boy.

Juana and her mother arrived at school. Ana Maria was the school gym teacher. She looked grim at this time, Juana tried to make her smile, but she couldn't and wouldn't. Apparently she was still sore over what her mother had said regarding Alfonso, the married man she was having an affair with. Juana said probably grandma was right; Alfonso isn't the right man for her. Her mother wasn't at all please to hear that comment from Juana.

Mauricio was in Dr Ricardo's office listening to the doctor's explanation on artificial insemination, procedures and the outcome. Mauricio asked how much of his sperm are left in the laboratory. The doc chuckled and said enough to make a harem pregnant, and added Mauricio shouldn't worry too much, soon he'll have his dream of becoming a father comes true.

At her boutique Carlota met with an old school friend, Desiree a sexy dark skinned beauty, who married a supposedly rich man Francisco Rojas and had spent sometime in Europe. Desiree asked why Carlota is not capable of giving Mauricio a child. Carlota said it's a long story and Desiree has been abroad too long. Mauricio has had cancer and had to be treated with chemotherapy. Desiree said what a pity to have cancer when he is so young. Carlota explained that Mauricio is fully recuperated, but the treatment has affected his prostate gland and left him sterile. Desiree asked if that made him incapable in bed. Carlota smiled and said no, he is strong in that field, and Mauricio knows how to please a woman. His only problem is he cannot impregnate a woman, not in the old traditional way, but it can be done through artificial insemination. Desiree asked why Carlota hasn't tried that. Carlota said she had tried many times, but failed, her body couldn't accept Mauricio's sperm, as soon as the sperm was injected in her, and it dies. My body kills Mauricio's spermatozoid. Desiree said Carlota's story sounds like a fiction from a novel. Carlota said no it sounds like a nightmare. She confided to Desiree that Mauricio is trying to find a surrogate mother to carry his baby and that made her uneasy.

Somewhere in the school ground, Juana descended down a stair and was joined by her very good friend Lily, a good looking girl with long curly hair flowing past her shoulder. She said even though Juana had tutored her much for this test, she thinks Prof Baiz is going to fail her and that she is going to see her and give her a piece of her mind. Juana said to reserve some of her temper for the football game that afternoon, one way or another they must win the game. Lili left for Prof Baiz office and Juana went to a nearby sink for a sip of tap water. Micky a tall blonde boy came from behind and put both his hands on her shoulder and said 'your beauty is enough to make any man lost his control', Juana eluded his grasp and said 'I can't stop you from talking over something you don't own'. Micky, apparently Juana's ex boyfriend said he is disappointed Juana talked that way since she knows how he feels towards her. Juana said they'll have to find his girlfriend and tell her that, to which Micky replied that girl only existed in Juana's mind because she refuse to except him. Micky grabbed her again and said he is puzzled and disappointed that in these modern days and age Juana is still reluctant to go all the way and asked what her problem was. Juana got out of his grasp again and told him not to disturb her. Micky, annoyed asked her if she wants to keep her virginity for the man she marries. That surprised and angered Juana and began to raise a ruckus. Juana asked in a very loud voice if he thinks men are that important to her life, and it's none of his business if she keeps or loses her virginity. Some of the students nearby began to gather around them, and that embarrassed Micky. He tried to calm her down but managed to anger her even more, 'Tranquila huh? Tranquila que? you spread rumours around the school that it's a waste of time going out with me and that I'm going to die an old virgin, huh?' Micky asked her to forget he said that. Juana countered which one should she forget, is it the one when he said she refused to have sex with him... or the girl will die an old virgin? Then Juana turned to the crowd and said she is disgusted with the rumours spread by Micky and she is there to say that she is still a virgin, but she is not a moralist, if she finds her prince charming she'll be happy to do it with him. She turned to Micky, looked him straight in the eyes and said 'do you understand'. Micky looked away from her, very red in the face.

In the Magazine House owned by Mauricio the employees were busy talking and working. Mauricio entered followed by Armando, he was asking the latter if he had contact the editor at Global, Armando said he had tried but failed. The staffs saw the boss came in and bade him good morning. Mauricio went to David desk shook hands and praised the new article he wrote and told him not to lose his inspiration and writing style. The latter beamed with delight and said on the contrary, he'll get better with every article. Mauricio laughed and said 'that's good, you hold on to that'. He joined Armando, he said on the way to the office he stopped at five news vendor and neither one of them have our magazine on display. They said all have been sold out as soon as they arrived at the stall, Armando grinned and said last month our readers have increased. When both were seated in Mauricio's office, Mauricio said he sensed something was not right to which Armando replied that Mauricio shouldn't worry too much as they are going to have that anniversary party at his house tomorrow night. Later Mauricio confided to Armando that he had met the woman who is going to be inseminated with his sperm, her name is Rosa Andrade and she is normal and quite beautiful. She is fertile and shouldn't have problem carrying his child. Armando asked if she had been given the injection, Mauricio replied it'll be in the evening. Mauricio was happy that finally something is being done to achieve his dream. He said life is too short and it'd be sad to leave this world without an heir. There was a knock on the door, and a beautiful woman in mid twenties stepped in, she was Enriqueta the boss in editing section. She asked if she is disturbing any important discussion. Armando who apparently adored Enriqueta stood up and said no, they were just discussing eternal love. Enriqueta didn't take much notice of that remark, but said to Mauricio that the office staffs have a surprise waiting for him. Mauricio asked 'why are they doing that?' Enriqueta asked him to step into the lounge and see. Mauricio obliged and they all went out. Mauricio saw all the desks and tables were vacant, and he said he hope they are not going to surprise him by resigning in numbers. Suddenly a popping sound was heard and they all rose from behind a counter and happily said 'happy anniversary'. Mauricio smiled and they clustered around and congratulated each other. Drinks were passed. They smiled and they talked.

On the school field, the football match was about to begin. Juana was with Lily talking about the argument she had with Micky when the coach told her the school dean wants to see her in his office something about a scholarship. That took the breath out of Juana and she hurriedly sprinted down the field towards the dean's office. Juana opened the door breathless and asked the dean if he wants to see her. The dean gave a serious face and told her to sit; he showed her a letter and told her, her application to study at the University of Los Angeles had been accepted, and she is going to get a scholarship. Juana couldn't believe her ears. The dean stood up and said Juana has secured that position due to her hard work, intelligence and merit, and he is so proud of her. He held out his hand and congratulated Juana. Juana shook his hand, overjoyed with the news and was closed to tears.

In the office lounge, they were still celebrating, and Mauricio proposed a toast, he said he believe they are going to have a successful future, and they all cheered. Alfredo whom we came to know later as Carlota's brother and a spy for father Rogelio, made his appearance and said 'Caramba... caramba... a party it seems, and we from personnel are not invited, to which Enriqueta replied we did not invite all sections because we don't publications to stop. Alfredo gave a short laugh and jokingly said he knows Creative department is always having a fiesta. It's a pity the Administration department has always been left out. La Bibi smilingly explained it isn't so and gave him a drink. Glass in hand Alfredo said to Mauricio that he has bad news for him, a big amount of past editions had been returned because the vendors were unable to sell them.

On a golf course somewhere Rogelio was telling Francisco that he doesn't want to list the magazine on the market, which will only jeopardize Global Editorial business plan. Francisco asked if Mauricio knows that Rogelio is a big share holder in Global Editorial to which Rogelio replied that he holds many shares in many companies including in the building business, and he wanted to be known that way. Francisco said 'but Mauricio is your daughter's husband?' Rogelio said it was a joke made by destiny; plans were already being made before they met, and he wasn't in favour of their marriage.

Back in office Mauricio was very frustrated with Alfredo's news, and Armando tried to calm him down, and said there may be some truth in it. Mauricio said 'didn't I tell you on all the five stalls I checked this morning not a single issue of our magazine was there, all had been sold out'. Alfredo who wasn't far behind them said, 'hasn't it occurred to you that our magazine may have not reached the stalls, we might be being sabotaged. Grim faced Mauricio said if they are going to save the magazine they must put their foot down and make a decision there and then. Alfredo curled his lips, adjusted his tie and said nothing.

On the field, the match was on. The home team was playing without Juana who was still on her way from the dean's office. As soon as she arrived and about to join in the game, Juana's mother who was there caught Juana's hand and asked why the dean wanted to see her, is it about the scholarship to Los Angeles. The male coach yes, but Ana Maria wanted to know if she gets it. The male coach pushed Juana towards the field and said plays first and talk later much to the annoyance of Ana Maria. Juana joined the game and Lily passed the ball to her, Juana ran up field with the ball past three or four defenders and sent a first timer into the opponent's net. The crowd jumped for joys, it was a goal. Team mates crowded around Juana and hugged her, smiling faces everywhere, suddenly without warning Juana fell to the ground, Ana Maria rushed to her side deeply concerned.

Later, in one of the teacher's office, Juana was telling her mother that she is alright and wants to continue with the game. The teacher said it wasn't the first time something like that happens to Juana. Ana Maria insisted Juana see a doctor right away, but Juana convinced her that she has appointment with the 'hormone specialist' that afternoon, as for now she just wants to continue with the game. Before she left for the field she happily broke the good news to mother about the offer from Los Angeles University. She said just imagine in a few years time she'll come back with a diploma, have a successful life and finds a man who will love her and gives her many children. Ana Maria was happy for her daughter and said if Juana does the 'falling act' again she'll have to bury her (Ana) first. Juana said to her mother that she loves her very much, kissed her and left for the field. The teacher said to Ana Maria 'Los Angeles is so far away, and she'll be alone there, it's rather frightening isn't it?' Ana Maria looked at her and said nothing, but clearly she wasn't too happy about it.

In the office boardroom, Mauricio told Armando and Enriqueta that they have to convince the share holder it's time they venture into the printing business; they just can't depend on Global Editorial anymore. Armando said he knows Rogelio is Mauricio's father in-law, but he doesn't think he'll be supportive of the idea. Enriqueta said Francisco's vote will be the decider; Mauricio's share and his share are enough to swing things in their favour. Armando asked Mauricio 'didn't you say Francisco is coming back from Europe today?' Mauricio said 'si he should have but it's strange he hasn't contact me yet'.

On the golf course Rogelio said to Francisco that everything is settled, he'll take him to see his lawyer soon. They were soon joined by Carlota and Desiree. Carlota said she didn't know her father was coming to the club. Rogelio explained he came to play golf and bumped into Francisco. Carlota and Francisco hailed each other, then Rogelio's hp rang, he excused himself. Alfredo was on the line saying he had received packages of past magazine issues that was supposed to have been returned back by the vendors. Rogelio grinned and asked how Mauricio took it, Alfredo said he is still with his plan to have a printing business, and Rogelio said to let him dream on. Alfredo asked if he has seen Francisco Rojas to which Rogelio said all is going according to plan and he glanced to Francisco's direction who was talking to Carlota and his wife. Francisco looked back at him suspiciously.

At the Perez home Manuel was working with his solder iron when Ana Maria came in. She was sullen. Manuel sensed everything was not right and asked her why and where is Juana. She said Juana went to see the specialist. Manuel told Ana Maria no to worry, Juana was only experiencing hormone disorder. Ana Maria said it's not that, it's because Juana's application to study in Los Angeles University has been approved, she is going away soon.

At the clinic Juana was filling a form, there was quite a throng of patients waiting for their turn. The two nurses at the counter seemed to have their hands full trying to keep up with the appointments. 'If Dr Ricardo is busy who is going to treat his patients?' asked nurse A. Nurse B replied Dr Michelena will take over, and he is on his way. Nurse B noticed the other wasn't filing the papers right and set to rectify it saying 'this form shouldn't be in this file, all information pertaining to Dr Ricardo's patients should be in the green folder, and papers for Dr Pesate's are in the purple folder, please be careful, remember the last time you made mistake'. Nurse A said how could she forget, she was nearly fired. Then the phone rang, nurse B said she has to go, Dr Pesate wants to see her and added 'you're on your own now'. Juana came to the counter with her form and gave it to nurse A. Nurse A took it while answering the phone. She put down the phone and turned to Juana and said that day is so hectic. The phone rang again and she picked it up barking hello into the mouthpiece. Wrong number and she put it down, and then asked Juana if she has filled the form. She said she has. The nurse told her to sit down and wait for her name to be called. Juana was about to ask something when the phone rang again, the nurse picked it up and said 'can I help?' Juana gave up and went to join another woman standing by the window. The woman said there's not a seat vacant around. Juana told her she likes standing up, and then she asked if it was always this busy. 'Yes, always' replied the other. 'What are you here for?' She asked Juana. Juana said she is to see Dr Pesate. The woman asked if it was her annual check up, which she said no, it was her first, she is going to see the gynaecologist.

In the Perez home Manuel was jubilant to hear that Juana has been offered scholarship to study in the USA and he asked Ana Maria again and again as if he couldn't believe his ears. Ana Maria said without mirth 'yes, you heard right, please stop talking like a parrot' Manuel sensed something was wrong and asked Ana Maria if she is not happy Juana is going to study in a University. Ana Maria said 'You do not understand, how could I be happy, Juana is going to a foreign land, far away from home and alone, I'm going to lose her' and she began to cry. Manuel tried to calm her, but she won't have it and told him to leave her alone. She continued crying and said ever since Juana was born, she was never separated away from her and they shared the same bedroom. How do people expect her to be happy knowing she is going to leave the country? Then she went upstairs still crying. Manuel stood there shaking his head and said 'No Ana Maria, I think you're just being selfish, stop looking from your side of view and think of Juana for a change, think of all the opportunities she is going to have'

At the clinic nurse A called Juana's name, and Juana came forward. Nurse B gave the green folder to nurse A and told her to take Juana to the treatment room. Juana followed the nurse. The nurse walked along the corridor hurriedly looking at the papers in the folder and not to where she was going, around a corner she bumped into another nurse and the folder she was holding scattered to the floor. Both nurses bent and quickly picked up papers what they thought were theirs while Juana looked on.

In the magazine storeroom Mauricio was browsing through an issue of the previous edition. Around him were piles after piles of the same that had been returned. He was very disappointed at the turns of events. David and Armando came down the stairs and tried to cheer him up. Mauricio said all those times wasted and all the works put up by the staffs gone down the drain, and then he straightens up as if he just remembered something important. Armando asked what the matter was. Mauricio said looking at his watch 'the artificial insemination, it's about to take place now.

At the clinic, nurse A looked at her folder again and asked 'who is Juana Perez?' 'That's me' replied Juana. She said 'take off your clothes and put on this gown and come with me'. Mauricio, Armando and David were in the formers office. Mauricio was telling them his experience when Carlota was given artificial insemination.

Juana was lying on the couch looking at the nurse and then at Dr Michelena who was testing the needle. He was saying to himself quietly 'now it's time to give her the artificial insemination'. He turned to her and asked whether she has decided to go through with it. Juana said yes of course. Then nurse A told the doctor that he is required in the operating theatre immediately. Dr Michelena said he will as soon as he finishes with Juana. He put on his gloves and Juana said 'doctor whatever you do, don't tell me about it, this is my first time and I don't want to know all the details' The doctor said tranquila, the process is simple, science is pretty advance nowadays, and proceed to give her the injection.

In his office Mauricio was describing vividly to the other two, the process of artificial insemination, how his sperm goes in and make contact with the female's sperm, and form the foetus which is going to be his son. He smiled and said 'and from now on my life will be more meaningful, I am going to be a father. And at the clinic, lying on the couch Juana looked so innocent, seemed to be carried away in thought.

Continue to the next episode.

Posted on Jun 23, 2003, 12:21 AM

Web Design By:  Fara M