At the clinic, lying on the couch looking so innocent, Juana seemed to be carried away in thought. Then the doctor straightened up from what he was doing between her open legs and announced everything was done, and he had to leave for the operating theatre (OT) immediately; the nurse will come in a moment. Juana said thanks, incredulous that the process was fast and simple. She thought it was going to be painful but no, she didn’t feel a thing and laughed to herself.

In his office Mauricio told Armando and David that he has fully recuperated from the cancer and that God is giving him second chance in life. Armando said Mauricio should make the most out of it, enjoy life, and go out with women. Mauricio said he has had enough encounters with women and now that he is married; his other dream is to have a son and that will make his life complete.

Juana was still lying resting on the couch wondering when the nurse is going to come in. In the meantime Rosa Andrade the surrogate mother for Mauricio’s child was already on the couch in the other treatment room with both of her legs opened. Dr Pesate adjusted his gloves and said that he understands this is her first visit; it won’t take long as he’ll only take a sample of her hormone. Rosa asked him if he is taking over from Dr Ricardo. No said the doc, he is a gynaecology specialist. Rosa said ‘there’s some mistake, I’m here for artificial insemination. Dr Pesate looked at nurse A inquiringly and the nurse looked at the doctor and then at Rosa, the horrible is finally beginning to dawn on her. She rushed out towards Juana’s treatment room. Juana was already sitting on the couch; the nurse asked her where Dr Michelena was. Juana said didn’t he go to the OT to handle the emergency operation. ‘And you?’ asked the nurse. Juana said she wants to go home. The nurse looked inside the waste can and covered her mouth in horror. She looked at Juana and in a state of shock scrambled out of the door not heeding Juana’s call to come back. Juana was annoyed, and said she couldn’t wait no more, she put on her dress wondering why the nurse was looking so frightened and concluded that it couldn’t have been anything to do with her as the doctor was only taking samples. At the desk Juana asked how much she has to pay. The nurse asked which doctor was she seeing, she said Dr Pesate. The nurse acknowledged and gave her the bill.

Nurse A was panic-stricken looking for Dr Michelena, and found him in the OT. Dr Michelena asked her what the matter was, and she told him the horrible truth. Both gaped in disbelieve and horror.

In Mauricio’s office Mauricio’s lecture on artificial insemination came to an end, everyone excused himself and Armando said he is going to see the people at Global Editorial. Mauricio said he likes to know who the culprit is that is out to harm the magazine. He said they should identify the enemy real quick and destroy him.

Rogelio and Carlota were treating Francisco and his wife to lunch. Rogelio was saying he had known Desiree since she was small, going to school with Carlota, and now she has grown into a beautiful woman. Clearly Francisco wasn’t in the mood for small talks, the couple excused themselves and left. Carlota asked her father if he noticed Francisco was behaving strangely, Rogelio said no. Later Carlota confided to her father at that very moment there’s a woman in the city that is going be pregnant with Mauricio’s sperm. As Carlota said that, the scene switched to Juana at the car park beside Pitusa taking of her jacket leaving her in a red T-shirt and putting on a helmet. Rogelio told Carlota not to worry too much, as Mauricio only wants an heir; he won’t leave Carlota and marry that woman just because she is carrying his child. Carlota was annoyed with her father’s remark and said she can have as many children as she wants, but the problem is with Mauricio and their incompatibility toward each other, and added she’d be a happier woman if only Mauricio could change his craze from having a son to breeding a dog, and it’s unfair that the dog they have at home is pregnant and she is not.

The short walk from the lunch table to their car showed Francisco arguing with his wife. Apparently Francisco had warned his wife not to contact Carlota until he said so. Desiree countered the she doesn’t need his approval to see her friend. Francisco said it’s because he wanted to see Mauricio first before they see Carlota. Exchanged of words went back and forth bitterly, Francisco got in the car and left Desiree on the sidewalk. In the Magazine Office Mauricio asked Ines, his secretary if she had contacted Francisco? Ines said no, she had called the hotel where he and his wife stayed but both weren’t there. Mauricio told her to keep trying.

Desiree sat on a stone by the roadside nursing her feet, holding her broken shoe in one hand. She promised Francisco will pay for every insult he threw on her. A chauffeur driven car came to a halt. Rogelio rolled down the window and asked if he could be of help. Desiree sighed in relief and said she is grateful.

At the clinic nurse A was worried that if the clinic finds out, she’ll be sacked and she can’t afford that as she is the sole breadwinner for her family. And Dr Michelena was blaming himself; he said he should’ve been really positive that it was artificial insemination she wanted, since she was so young. Both agreed the truth shouldn’t leak to anyone or anywhere lest they’ll lose their job and the clinic will be sued for damage. Thus they destroyed all evidence that shows Juana had been to the clinic. Dr Michelena told the nurse to get on with her chore and he proceeds to administer another artificial insemination to the other woman (Rosa).

On the way home Juana was happy on her Pitusa, she saw a plane soaring above and she waved saying that soon she’ll be on a plane too going to Los Angeles. Juana stopped at stall to get some refreshment, and then her phone rang. Her good friend Brandy who was working with Mauricio asked her where she was. Juana asked if she wants her to fetch her at work, Brandy said no, its too far, Juana said its ok she’ll come anyway.

At the office David handed Mauricio his article and left, Mauricio said to himself this time he hope the artificial insemination is going to be successful, and ‘soon you’ll be by my side mi hijo – my son’ He then subconsciously turned to the window and looked down on the tarmac some 50 feet below. A girl in red T-shirt riding a red three wheeler bike had just pulled up in front of the office building. What a coincidence he said to himself ‘isn’t that the same girl I saw this morning on the driveway… what is she doing here?’ then he saw Brandy coming out of the office and gave the girl a hug, and he added ‘hmm... so she is a friend of Brandy’

Juana told Brandy to have a guess. Brandy said what? Juana said this Miss Perez is going to the USA soon. Brandy was jubilant, and said ‘has that offer come through?’ Yes replied Juana. Brandy jumped with joy. No… no said Juana, she isn’t going to the moon. No replied Brandy, ‘but you’re the first girl from the neighbourhood that has scholarship going the America. Juana said she is so happy, ever since she was informed of the news she had been on cloud nine. A red car halted to a stop and Francisco Rojas came out. ‘At last he is here’ Brandy commented’ ‘who’ asked Juana. ‘One of the shareholders, my boss had been trying to talk to him all day’ replied Brandy. Francisco met and talked with David at the entrance of the building. Brandy was out of control with delight when she saw David and confided to Juana that David is her co-worker and she had been trying to get his attention for quite some time. David walked past by where the girls were standing, David stopped and approached them and said to Juana ‘there’s nothing prettier than your smile’ then he noticed the three wheeler ‘ah fantastic’ he exclaimed, ‘is it yours’ ‘yes’ said Juana. ‘How did you get to own this beautiful machine?’ Juana said ‘a man came one day and asked my uncle to repair it, and never came to reclaim since. ‘Can you ride it? Asked David. ‘Of course, that’s how I came here’ replied Juana. David held out his hand, ‘David, my name is David. Juana took his hand, ‘I’m Juana’. Brandy looked at their faces in turn and at their clasped hands, she realized that David had not looked at her at all.

Mauricio was with Armando when Enriqueta came and asked if Mauricio is coming down with them. Mauricio said no as he saw Francisco was coming up to see him. Enriqueta gave Mauricio a kiss on the cheek and left with Armando. A little later Francisco came in and hugged Mauricio Latino style.

Down at the park David was looking at Juana’s helmet, he said it’s one of a kind but beautiful. Brandy felt she was being left out; couldn't take it much longer, picked the other helmet and hinted ‘aah mi amor, if I call a taxi I would be home by now. Juana took the cue and put on her helmet. David asked Juana if she always come to the office to take Brandy home, to which Brandy replied only once in a long while and this would be the last time since Juana is going to study in the USA soon. David asked what subject she is taking and where. Juana laughed ‘photography in Los Angeles University’. David was very interested ‘I studied in Los Angeles’ ‘that’s a coincidence’ said Juana. Brandy was very displeased at how things are and urged Juana to hurry, she said if her boss comes down probably she’ll hand her extra work to do at home. Juana kicked the starter and David asked her if he’ll be seeing her again before she leaves, Juana replied if chance has it. Soon they were off on La Pitusa leaving David on the sidewalk looking after her with his eyes gleaming like a boy looking at lovely toy in a toyshop. Armando came with Enriqueta and tapped David on the shoulder and asked what was going on. David said he just met the girl of his dream. Armando and Enriqueta laughed and they left in a car together. David went to his jeep, opened the door and said as if in a trance ‘Juana… Juana and David, David and Juana’

In his office Mauricio told Francisco the magazine is going to be successful but he sensed that Global is trying to sabotage them. Just then Francisco phone rang and Rogelio who was in his car with Desiree told him that everything had been arranged, they’ll see his lawyer tomorrow, and Francisco can’t back out now as that’d leave Rogelio in trouble. Francisco answered uneasily ‘Si… si’ and hung up. Mauricio saw Francisco was fidgeting in his chair and asked if he was okay and went on to continue that the magazine belongs to Francisco as much as his. They should strive harder to make it a great success as they didn’t have much turn over to work with. What he need is full support from Francisco. Francisco felt ill at ease and couldn’t hide his guilty look.

The chauffeur-driven car drew to a stop at Desiree’s hotel. Inside Desiree thanked Rogelio and said he is a true gentleman, there are not many men like him anymore to which Rogelio smiled and asked for her broken shoe. He opened the door and she got out bare-footed, Rogelio followed with his eyes until she disappeared into the hotel lobby. Then he looked at the shoe in his hand and said it’s a size 37; he instructed his driver to throw the shoe away and buy another pair befitting a princess and send them to Desiree Lopez together with a bouquet.

In his office Mauricio was telling Francisco again that he needs his support when he submits his suggestion to the board. With his big shares it’s enough to win the votes hands down. Francisco was looking very distraught, and then he burst ‘haven’t you realized the fact yet..?’ Mauricio was surprise ‘what?’ ‘You really don’t know the man who is out to destroy us?’ ‘No’ said a confused Mauricio. Francisco clutched his head with both hands and looked out of the window. No wanting to bare the truth that may lead repercussion to him, he hinted that he might want to sell his shares; he would like to sell them to Mauricio though as they have been the best of friends since schooldays, but he knows Mauricio doesn’t have the money. Mauricio said he’ll try to get a loan from the bank, Francisco replied that Mauricio is already in so much debt with the bank. Mauricio said the least Francisco could do for him is to give him the option to buy first if he decides to sell. Francisco looked at Mauricio and gives the expression that he is sinking with his life buoy.

At the Perez home Manuel was decorating the living room for Juana’s farewell party. Azucena asked her son where his sister was. ‘She went out to buy things for the party’ said Manuel. Azucena chided if it was just a fantasy that Juana is going to America. Manuel convinced his mum it was not. ‘She is going to take photography at a University’ said Manuel, smiling, ‘all the things I taught her about photography has paid off’ Azucena found it hard to believe there are Universities offering that kind of opportunities. Manuel explained that Juana will also take journalism and photography is an added bonus. Azucena was enthusiastic; she said at last a member of her family is going to make it big. Manuel walked over to his mother; kissed her on the cheek and said ‘that’s a fact; our Juana is going to be someone that we’ll all be proud of’. The doorbell rang; Manuel went to open and a throng of Juana’s friend came in, obviously for the party.

In a shop somewhere Ana Maria was with her married suitor; Alfonso buying some bottles of liquor. Ana Maria was sobbing, Alfonso told her to please control herself. Ana Maria said her daughter is leaving her how could she control herself. Alfonso hugged her and asked if she could go out with him later. Ana Maria said no as she is entertaining Juana’s friend at home. Alfonso kissed her neck and tried to coax her to change her mind. Just then a voice from behind said ‘Papa’. They both turned. A girl of about fifteen stood there looking at them fully surprised to see her family loving papa with another woman. Ana Maria looked at her and then at Alfonso; embarrassed while the girl gave her a killing look.

On La Pitusa Brandy asked Juana if she was aware at the way David was looking at her. Juana said she did not. ‘But do you like him?’ ‘I don’t know’ replied Juana, ‘I have no time for that’. But what if he likes you’ Juana said if Brandy continued raving that way she won’t send her home. Who said she was going home said Brandy, ‘What’ inquired Juana. ‘I’m going to your house to see your family happy faces’ explained Brandy.

Alfonso sauntered to his daughter and told her to take it easy; ignoring him she went to Ana Maria and asked ‘who is this woman?’ Alfonso introduced Ana Maria. Ana Maria feigned a faint smile and said ‘AnAna Maria Perez’ the daughter looked at Ana Maria disdainfully and asked her father, ‘she is the woman why you always come home late, right?’ Alfonso told his daughter not to jump to conclusion, Ana Maria was just a friend at his office, and they worked together. The daughter asked Ana Maria which department she is working. Alfonso said in his new accountant office, and that he was accompanying her to buy some stuff before he sent her home. As an afterthought he asked ‘Now… are there anymore questions? Go explain to your mother what I said’. The daughter didn’t buy his story and said ‘it’s mama who waits for you every night with foods on the table…’ and she ran off not heeding her father’s call to come back. Ana Maria turned to Alfonso and said ‘so I’m the new accountant huh?’ ‘What do you expect me to do, tell her the truth?’ countered Alfonso. Ana Maria said why not, since he is going to get a divorce soon, and it’s about time his family gets to know the truth. Alfonso told her to calm down and that he is going to send her home.

Nighttime over Caracas, Juana entered her house followed by Brandy. The living room was dark, and Juana wondered why. She switched on the light, and Manuel with the others said ‘surprise…!’ everyone applauded and gathered around her. Juana was thrilled, hugged her uncle and thanks him.

At Mauricio’s house, he just came in and was saying to himself, ‘my life is changing and I’ve got to accept that’ he went to a drink cabinet and poured himself a drink, ‘when Francisco’s shares become mine, I won’t face opposition from the other shareholders.

Juana was taking photo of her family and friends grouped together. ‘It’ll be for future generation, only your mother wasn’t in the photo’ said Brandy. Azucena and Manuel exchanged uneasy look. Juana said her mother planned the party but she wasn’t around to which Azucena replied that her mother is a great disappearing artist and that Juana needn’t worry as nothing bad will happen to her. She stood up and announced she is going to bake pies and asked if there’s anyone who likes pie. They all said yes and Azucena left for the kitchen. A few of the girls went with her to help. Juana told Brandy and her uncle that she’d need some money to buy a bag and some clothes especially some thick jackets as it would be very cold in America. Brandy laughingly said she’ll contribute some, just then her phone rang. Offhandedly she said ‘call from my boss, she always find excuses to contact me and keep me busy with works’. While Brandy was talking on the phone Manuel told his niece he’ll help her to get everything she needs. Azucena and the girls came in from the kitchen with trays of baked pies. Everyone grabbed one. Brandy hung up and came to where Juana was standing; said to her ‘That was my boss on the phone, the owner of our magazine Senor Mauricio De La Vega is holding the magazine anniversary party at his house tomorrow night, and it so happened the temp photographer who works for us is not available, you could earn some money here if you’re willing’ Juana couldn’t hide her excitement and jumped with joy and hugged Brandy ‘of course I would… I’ll be there’

A green convertible pulled up outside. Ana Maria and Alfonso were in the car. Ana Maria was silent; it seemed she was still disturbed that Alfonso had not told his family he is going to leave them and marry her. Alfonso said it isn’t that simple, it’ll be a big blow to his two daughters even more so to the eldest who is pregnant. Ana Maria made as if she was about leave the car, Alfonso stopped her and said ‘I can’t let you go looking like this’. Ana Maria said it’s late and her daughter is having a party, but Alfonso pulled her close anyway and asked for a kiss. Ana Maria said ‘no, let me go’ ‘I’ll let you go if you let me kiss you’. Inside the house Azucena opened a window and looked out and saw the couple in the car. Ana Maria gave in to Alfonso’s smooth talk, and they kissed. Azucena was disgust at such scene going outside her house.

Juana was telling her uncle and friend Lily about the job offer at Mauricio’s. Lily said fantastic and Manuel said Juana should mark it on her calendar and remember it always as it is the first job offers she had in her life. Juana happily said she will put it in a frame it and hang it in her room in Los Angeles.

Outside the couple was still kissing. Azucena has had enough. She closed the window; her face grim with determination; and went to the front door. Manuel noticed something was afoot. Azucena stepped outside and stood near the fence. Ana Maria told Alfonso not to disappoint her and to hold on to his promises. Alfonso said he loves her and the tie is firmer than marriage itself. They kissed again. That did it. Azucena leaped into action, she stood in front of the car and unceremoniously shouted at the couple to stop at what they were doing. Ana Maria got out of the car and explained that Alfonso was only bringing her home, but mama wouldn’t have it, and a bitter argument ensues. Azucena said Ana Maria should know better than smooching in the car like a teenager. Ana Maria said she wasn’t smooching, and that Alfonso is the man she is to marry, and mama should treat him with respect. ‘Marry? Oh he is single then’ said mama. Ana Maria said he is not, but will soon be. ‘He has left his wife and filed for divorce I presume’. Alfonso tried to explain something to Azucena but she cut him off saying there’s nothing to talk between them. By then Manuel, Juana and the rest had gathered outside to see what the commotion was all about. Alfonso tried to make his escape but Ana Maria stopped him; she said she’s going to explain everything to her family. Azucena noticed Juana, Manuel and the rest were there; she said ‘ah good… now we have spectators’ Manuel and Juana were greatly embarrassed and asked for explanation. Azucena said she caught Ana Maria and Alfonso kissing in the car. Manuel asked her to say no more and he told Alfonso to go, but Ana Maria wouldn’t let him and said ‘why should you go, explain to them that you’re leaving your wife and we are going to marry soon’. He said its better that he goes now as things are getting chaotic. Juana tried persuading her mama to go in, but mama refused. Manuel shouted at Alfonso to go immediately. Ana Maria said if he goes she go too and tried to get in the car, but Alfonso has driven off. Azucena with hands on hip said sarcastically to Ana Maria what a fine present she is giving to her daughter as a farewell gift, what a shame. She then turned to Juana’s friend and said the party is over, and asked them to go away. Ana Maria said no… the party isn’t over, the party is for Juana and her mother isn’t going to spoil it. She showed them what she had bought and asked them to come back inside. They went with her leaving Juana with Manuel together. Juana looked at Manuel, she looked so sad at the turns of events. She put her arms around her uncle’s shoulder and he hugged her finding solace in each others arms.

Continue to 3rd episode.

Posted on Jun 26, 2003, 11:50 PM

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