Sixty-two-seventyone

July 16, 2010 at 3:26 pm | Posted in betty la fea | Leave a comment
Tags: Yo soy bety la fea

Telenovela:  Yo soy Betty la Fea, or I am Ugly Betty.  Was created  and written by: Fernando Gaitan and Liliana  Hernandez.  This version is the first, it’s from Colombia and aired in 2000. This English translation, was done by me.  For entertainment purposes, no copyright infringement is implied.

Fun Facts: The animal that represents Colombia, is the Condor. The majestic Andean Condor.

Sixty-two-seventy-one

Freddy arrives singing, he tells them. “Hello lovely group.” With Aura Maria he asks, “Aura Maria how are you today. So tell me, did you enjoy your delicious meals from La Correntazo?” Aura Maria tells him, “yes Freddy thank you very much.” Freddy asks, “well tell me when you were drinking that delicious blackberry juice. Were you thinking of me?” Aura Maria tells him, “yes.” Freddy then asks, “did you have a splendid memory. When you were savoring, your rice with lentals.” The ladies just laugh, and watch. Aura Maria tells him, “yes of course I thought of you all the time. Especially when I had to pay the bill.” The girls laugh even harder. Freddy tells her, “oh don’t worry about the money. Your transportation, also has been paid for this evening. With this chest, this heart and my motor-bike is waiting for you.” Aura Maria tells him, “oh you’re so divine Freddy thank you.” He then looks at the ladies, calls them. “Gossipy.” Then takes off singing, while the girls laugh. Mariana utters, “oh he’s so fresh.” Ines asks, “oh Aura Maria so tonight will you be going out with him. Or are you just fooling with him, so he can give you more money.” Aura Maria tells her, “oh Inesita I don’t want to talk about that now. Later on, I will figure that out.” Sandra utters, “oh really.” Bertha tells her, “Aura Maria you have to stop this. Quite frankly you’re making him, have illusions with you and that’s just wrong.” Mariana utters, “unbelievable.” The girls are ready to get in that elevator, when the phone rings. It’s Aura Maria’s new boytoy, she answers. “Eco Moda oh my life.” Mariana asks, “who is she talking too?” Aura Maria tells him, “how are you this morning? Of course I love you, I haven’t stop thinking about you. You are so beautiful, my hot guy.” The girls have heard enough, and go inside the elevator.

Betty arrives at Armando’s office, and leaves him a lollypop on his desk. Then she heads to her office with a smile.

Hugo tells his models, “girls today you’re not going to be paid again.” One of them tells him, “again come on they can’t do this to us.” The other asks, “can’t you do something?” Hugo tells them, “what more can I do. I am not the owner of this company, I am not the one that gives out the money. Nor the one that distributes it. I am one of the  people, that just get a salary. A great artist but one that gets a salary. I also suffer for not having money, I have the same problems you have. Creams, lotions, gifts for my boyfriend. I am in the same boat as you.” One model tells him, “but you get a good wage. We on the other hand, get paid for just the shows. We have no family near us, that helps with our costs.” Hugo tells them, “you know what the solution to life really is. Do what that one did, steal another woman’s man. That will make you forget all your problems, that is what she did. Jenny doesn’t like this talk but keeps quiet. Now then don’t get yourself, a stupid man either get a working man. That way you’re not stuck taking care of him. This one what she did, this chicken romanced a man named cheque he gives her everything. Yes she has a great body, and that man didn’t have a chance. He didn’t know what he was doing, and before he knew it. He left his home, leaving behind a wife a witch that works here. Look among all of you, she’s not worried about money she’s happy.” Jenny tells him, “no that’s not true Don Hugo. My sweet love doesn’t maintain me, I buy my own things.”

The three start laughing, Ines arrives and tells them. “Hello what are you doing wearing my measuring tape. Then she says hello to the models, then looks over at Jenny. So what have you been up too? Now forget brushing your hair, come over here and start working over here.” Hugo tells them, “now this one. She got married, and he got bored of her and dumped her. She is now going to have to work here till she dies.” Ines tells him, “oh no your mistaken I was bored of him.” Hugo tells her, “then don’t get bored.” Ines tells him, “respect sir.” One of the models asks, “Hugeto don’t tell me you can’t do anything?” Hugo tells them, “I already tried to do something. I talked I insisted and nothing. You know how difficult Armando is, and that face he puts whenever you enter that office. He tells me, oh we don’t have any money. The thing is complicated. I don’t have the attributes physical to insist, so oranges for us.” The model asks, “why don’t we try something?” The other girl tells him, “yes that sounds like a good idea.” Hugo tells them, “yes go try with those bodies. How can he resist kiss kiss.” Then they both fix themselves up. While Hugo argues with Ines, over where his measuring tape is.

Armando is walking by, and looks over towards Bertha. He then utters, “oh my god Bertha. Bertha has a chocolate sponge cake in her mouth. Oh the horror, what are you doing?” Bertha utters with her mouth full. “Nothing sir.” Armando tells her, “nothing sir nothing your eating again.” Bertha tells him, “it’s just this time I had the munchies.” Armando tells her, “you know how much I detest people eating in the corridors. What are we going to do?” Bertha tells him, “sir I promise on behalf of my mom, my husband, kids. That I won’t do this again, care for some popcorn?” Armando tells her, “no.” Bertha tells him. “What ever you want to know, I will tell you. You be quiet, nobody will find out about this.” Armando utters, “Bertha Bertha.” He heads to his office, while she finishes her snack.

Armando enters his office, and gets his paperwork and doesn’t even see the candy. Betty comes by and asks. “So did you enjoy your meal?” Armando mumbles, “yes.” She takes the paper and starts discussing numbers, that’s when he sees the candy. Betty tells him, “I need your signature on this. This confirms the money, your parents will be receiving. He signs it and coldly throws it too her. Betty just utters, thank you sir. Oh I have great news for you, the report on sales plus with the money from Mario Calderon. We will be able to pay our debt, and pay everyone tomorrow.” Armando doesn’t even look at her. Armando then coldly tells her, “yes what great news Beatriz.” Betty knows something’s up, and her smile disappears. She tells him, “I knew you would like that news. She’s ready to go to her office, and stops. Sir may I ask one question? Armando just mumbles. Betty asks, are you angry with me?” Armando tells her, “what is this? If I am angry at you. No, I am not angry at you Beatriz. I am not angry that you’re screaming to the world. That you have a rich boyfriend. That doesn’t bother me.” Betty utters, “me?” Armando tells her, “no me he screams. Beatriz you’re telling everyone, you have a rich boyfriend. Patricia is telling everyone.” Betty tells him, “sir I’ve never said a thing.” Armando tells her, “what did I tell you. Am I the one telling everyone, I’m the rich boyfriend. Beatriz you are lying to me, he picks up the lolly and begins pointing it at her. What I hate more than anything are lies?”

(Unbelievable and he’s lying to her, what a cynic.)

“You told Patricia Fernandez, and the girls. That you have a rich boyfriend. I asked you as a favour, not to say anything. Something that is going on between the two of us, our relationship. Has to be kept secret. You know that we must keep this quiet, but no you’re telling everyone. You betrayed me, you betrayed me. You lied to me.” He throws the candy on the floor, Betty is distraught. Betty tells him, “but sir I swear to you I never told anybody. I will try to explain things, we were by the elevators waiting for it to come. I told them, I would invite them for lunch. Since they don’t have any money. I took 70 from Terra Mode, petty cash to help them out. At this moment, Patricia Fernandez overhear us talking she began attacking me. Saying I was stealing from Eco Moda. The girls defended me, they said. I didn’t have any need to steal, and that I made good money. That I was a great administrator, and that’s when Bertha told her. I had a rich boyfriend. I have explained to you sir, she has always bothered me over Nicholas Mora.” Armando tells her, “oh did you tell everyone that you’re dating Nicholas Mora. Or what is going on Beatriz?” Betty tells him, “oh no sir how could you think such things. I never mention this to anybody. Bertha did it to mortify Patricia, sir once again I am repeating sir. I have nothing to do with Nicholas Mora. We have a nice clean friendship, and a working relationship.” She timidly smiles, but he just looks at her coldly.

(I hate that she’s always the one, apologizing.)

Armando tells her, “look this isn’t right. I do not like people speculating, manipulating things. Nobody should have mentioned this, Bertha or anybody. I do not want our relationship to be burned. Especially when there’s mention, of a rich man around you. I do not like it, understand.” Betty tells him, “yes yes sir look I have talked to them. They promised me, they won’t bother me anymore with the talk of Nicholas Mora. They promised me, they would keep quiet. Anyway, I have nothing to do with Nicholas. Well sir, I am sorry about everything. I am telling you, I give you my word. I will die if it’s not completed. I will never betray you sir, I am just not capable of doing so. This relationship is so sacred for me. You believe me sir?” Armando tells her, “yes I believe you.” Betty tells him, “sir please it’s important for you to believe me.” Armando tells her, “yes I believe you.” Betty asks, “do you promise me?” Armando tells her, “I promise you, I promise you I swear it.” Betty tells him, “thank you sir.” Mario then comes in, and utters. “Armando oh sorry, I guess I interrupted something.” Betty glances at Armando, then goes to her office.

Armando takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. Mario asks, “what happened did you two fight?” Armando tells him, “don’t be stupid Calderon.” Mario then asks, “sorry did you to reconcile?” Armando tells him, “she explained everything it was just a mistake.” Mario tells him, “sorry for interrupting your intimate life of a couple. Come here, I need to show you something close the door please. Armando heads to the board room, closes the door.” Mario brings out bags, and Armando asks. “What is this?” Mario tells him, “these are known by women as details. You have heard mention of the word.” Armando tells him, “yes.” Mario tells him, “you have heard women mention the word details. For example: he arrived at 4am, and brought me a serenade. Or he was gone for 9 days, but he brought me some flowers and a card it’s divine. Can I forgive him? These women forgive them, a woman will forgive anything. All accept, that there not detailers. You can be a cheater, even caught in the act but if you’re a detailer. The women will think that you love her. Let resume this conversation, ladies love a detail man. It makes them have a great ego, it touches their heart strings.” Armando tells him, “fine show me all your details.”

(I know now, that I will be pretty suspicious if someone gives me gifts of this sort.)

Mario tells him, “we are now going to enter tacky ville.” Armando tells him, “let the magic begin.” Mario then tells him, “here are cards for anniversaries, birthdays, dating for weeks, apologizes, forgiveness, all sorts of cards.” Armando tells him, “oh how tasteless.” Mario takes out chocolate hearts, “this continues to work guarantee.” Armando asks, “can I eat some?” Mario tells him, “no you can’t. Here are bottles, little pigs, oh look at this candy stick oh how sweet.” Armando tells him, “oh yes of course.” Mario tells him, “be careful not to throw up. Now here are stencils of hearts, you will kill an ugly with these ones.” Armando tells him, “this is going too far. I will not be giving any women any of these.” Mario tells him, “you’re not the one that’s going to be writing it. I will do the honours, I am your poet. I am your Cyrano Bergerac of Eco Moda. My cards, will be so like Freddy sappy and so tacky.” Armando asks, “where will you get the inspiration?” Mario takes out a small book, “it will come from this. I bought this one, poetries short quotes. Plus all these will inspire me, and the last touch of class. Is this tiny flower, put in every little card. Oh isn’t it divine.” He then reads from one book.

“Oh every day that passes, he loves me more than ever. It’s a day missing from my life. Oh dear lord don’t let this day go by or else I will die. If I haven’t given him one kiss. Armando burst out laughing, Mario continues. Oh this junk will make her melt brother. Now if this poetry doesn’t work. I have the perfect solution, songs and ballads of love.” Armando tells him, “oh no not this I can’t believe this. Then they sing a song. Armando tells him, not beautiful or divine Calderon.” Then he plays with a plastic heart. Mario tells him, “I know this will break Betty’s heart. He begins to sing, and dance. Oh these old women, go crazy for this crap. They literally begin to cry, you don’t like here’s another one. Maybe this one, she will identify with.” They begin to sing and dance. Armando then, “shhs” him. Mario tells him, “you can use that, when you dump her.”

(The songs quoted are: Linda by Spain singer Miguel Bosé. Amor divino from Argentine singer de Leo Dan. Siempre en mi mente y Yo no nací para amar, are from my dad’s favorite singer Juan Gabriel of Mexico.)

Armando then gets serious, “Calderon Calderon. Wait one minute, but let’s get serious. I love the songs, but I won’t be singing that to Betty.” Mario puts on his game face, “Armando this is serious. You might think, this is the tackiest thing we’ve ever done but. This junk touches a lot of women’s hearts. Million of ugly women adore this crap.” Armando tells him, “fine this plastic heart that says I love you. The stickers, the chocolates. What is this garbage, doing here it’s just a candy wrapper. I don’t understand.” Mario tells him, “garbage you are saying something so sacred. This is details, you know nothing of the sort. Armando remember, this is the first candy that she gave you.” Armando utters, “oh no.” Mario tells him, “this you must keep.” Armando asks, “where did you find this?” Mario tells him, “as a reminder. You must keep this, where she will find it from time to time. This signifies, that you’re important to her. That you’re her center of the world.” Armando takes it, and looks at it and tells him. “Fine I’ll put it someplace.” Mario takes it away, “look I will do it. I will put this in a place strategically meant for her to see it. Sir this is like a doctor administrating medicines. This will be a daily routine, we must administrate the doses slowly every day. Look I will begin this, I will continue with this romance. You will probably mess this up.” Armando tells him, “why if doing this I will feel very ridiculous. If you are in charge of this romance.” Mario sits down, “tell me who doesn’t look like a fool when they fall in love. At this point in time, at this point in our lives. Begins the dozes we need, of romance. Whether you like it or not.”

Armando tells him, “Calderon you stop right there. What are you going to do with my name?” Mario tells him, “she gave you the first detail. Showing him the wrapper, today you had your first fight. You must now get back together, the reconcile has to begin. Today and tonight you must reconcile. Armando is ready to say something, but Mario stops him. Mario tells him, you haven’t heard, the saying. After the fight, people who live together the best thing is to getting back together.” Armando just thinking about it and is disgusted. Mario tells him, “today we will call it reconcile day. Look this card here, is perfect. We will leave this on her desk today.” Armando utters, “no.” Mario tells him, “no I will do it you’d probably screw this up. You know what must be done.” Armando tells him, “oh no I have plans tonight. I will not do this, you can’t make me.” Mario asks, “what were you late last night, with Marcela or what. Did you make out with Betty last night?” Armando tells him, “I was doing my job nothing else.” Mario tells him, “you do know about that other job right and nothing more.” Armando takes off his glasses, and pretends to cry. While Mario just laughs.

Daniel arrives at Eco Moda, he goes straight to Patricia. He tells her, “good morning  or is it not a good day for you. Have they paid you yet?” Patricia utters, “no.” Daniel asks, “or have you found a lover, or boyfriend to use and maintain you? Or would you like to use me, until they pay you.” Patricia just stares at him then tells him, “I have never had any lovers Daniel.” Daniel asks, “or how about boyfriends? Patricia your situation in life is deplorable. What make it worse, is that you have great ambitions but you need clarity. You need to accept your reality.” Patricia asks, “now what reality is that.” Daniel tells her, “you’re only good for sex. Of course that won’t last you your entire life. You are going to waste.” Patricia tells him, “Daniel you will not insult me further.” Daniel tells her, “but I am not insulting you. It’s an advice from a close friend. An ex-lover, a man that remembers exactly what your body looks like. Who has enjoyed having sex with you. You are just confused, accept good advice and don’t take it as a criticisum. You better get on board, or else that boat will sail without you. You are wasting your time, working as a secretary. With only 6 wasteful months at university of finance. If you do look at yourself in the mirror, you will notice. You still look good, you’re still attractive. Great legs, fantastic breasts, an attractive face. You can still take advantage of getting yourself a lover. That will value what you have, who will take you out of your agony and misery.” Patricia tells him, “I really do thank you Daniel. For your great advice, but you are so mistaken. I know what I want, and my projections.”

Daniel tells her, “yes of course you did think a lot. With that pregnancy scare you used, yes that was nicely played but of course it failed. You almost left town, with 5000 to Miami.” Patricia tells him, “look Daniel enough I will no longer discuss my private life with you. I assure you, I do not need any lover to survive. I also don’t have to live using my body, to resolve my life.” Daniel tells her, “Patricia really thinks this through. Tomorrow will come, and you will be a dying flower. That would be such a shame, a woman without any offers. You’ll end up an old woman, full of debts.” Patricia tells him, “oh Daniel I still have a few good years left.” Daniel tells her, “ah yes that is what Elizabeth Taylor said when she got to 70.” Patricia tells her, “oh Daniel let me see if I understand this. Those advices, and those suggestions. Why are you taking such an interest, with your time and such. To tell me all of this?” Daniel asks, “tell me why don’t you tell me yourself?” Patricia tells him, “that you want to be that lover. That you want a relationship with me?” Daniel tells her, “tsk tsk no I am not asking for myself. I have this friend, that wants a lover.” Patricia tells him, “Daniel I hate you and can’t stand you. You will never insult me ever again. I will never be one of your friend’s lovers, for any money in the world.” Daniel tells her, “ok forget about the money what do you want?” Patricia tells him, “nothing I want you to disappear from my sight.” Daniel tells her, “Patricia when you repent your decision call me. Advise me, and I will introduce you to my friend.”

Armando tells Mario, who by now is reading one of the books. “Calderon I can’t continue going out every night with Betty. Take that out of your head, look we talked about. Making Beatriz fall in love with me, not that we were going to start dating. That’s not what we discussed, you know very well Calderon. I have a suffocating relationship with Marcela, I can’t have a girlfriend. Especially with that vampire.” Mario tells him, “do you really think what you already did to Betty was enough to fix the problem.” Armando tells him, “no look I fully understand that I have to still work at this. I will do this calmly, I will ask her to go out with me for another night and that’s that.” Mario tells him, “another night yeah so now everything will cool down once again. Fine she will think that this romance, was just for 2 days. While our friend Nicholas Mora, will be waiting in the wings for her. Rubbing his greedy little hands, and waiting for Betty to return to him. I thought I was dealing, with an expert here not an amateur. What is wrong with you?”

Armando tells him, “you are mistaken Calderon. I am an expert in women, the problem is I am not an expert dealing with ugly women. This is the first time, I am dating an ugly woman.” Mario tells him, “look Casanova. It doesn’t matter, here we are trying to cement a relationship. That’s supposed to be serious, we have to do this quickly. With intensity, not just with one night. Various nights must be attempted, no sir we must cement this romance you understand. It’s like raging fire its starts with a spark, we give it some more wood and a fire burns brightly. It last for a long time.” Armando asks, “oh you are such a poet my dear Jose Louis Bergerac Calderon.” Mario tells him, “that I didn’t read from any old book. Pablo Medula Mendoza. I am saying this quite seriously, you must work at this pretty hard. You must make sure that Betty, is so in love with you. You must take the temptation, of that idiot out of her mind. You know why, because women if they are in love are patience. That is the only way, we will turn down the intensity. The women, they are satisfied with the bits of pieces of an illusion. That the world will be the same, but before that happens. You must solidity that romance.” Armando tells him, “yes I understand but I will end up in a lot of trouble with Marcela.” Mario tells him, “oh come on Armando you are an expert in tormenting that woman. You are a guru in cheating on her. It will be a lot more work, kissing Betty than doing that to Marcela.” That’s when Daniel, enters the boardroom.

Daniel tells them, “well good afternoon.” Armando tells him, “oh what a pleasure it is too see you Daniel Valencia. So what brings you here, to our humble offices. Mario quickly moves towards the table. Oh I really do want to congratulate you on that suit. You look great as a funeral director.” Daniel tells him, “it suits me fine coming to a place like this. Oh maybe I’ll get some capital out of it.” Armando tells him, “Mr. Calderon sit down he wishes to start a meeting.” Daniel tells him, “I have been checking out my bank balance. I cannot find the cheque for this month, so what happened. Are we bankrupt?” Armando ask, “oh really do you know anything about this Calderon.” Mario tells him, “no I have no idea. I haven’t been put up to speed.” Armando tells him, “oh that’s a shame Calderon. Look I have an idea what might have happened. I think tomorrow, you will be getting that money.” Daniel tells him, “oh a guess. Fine could someone in this building. Give me more of a better explanation on this matter.” Armando tells him, “but of course Danielito. Talk to the one, that is in charge of the company’s finances. Her name is Beatriz Pinzon Solano my assistant.” Daniel tells him, “oh you mean that computer with glasses that you put in that closet.” Armando tells him, “yes correct.” Daniel looks at the table.

“Oh how lovely, so who does all this belong too?” Armando points towards Mario and tells him. “It’s all Mario Calderon’s.” Mario utters, “it’s a right….” Daniel goes, “oh how sweet. I didn’t know you were that romantic, oh how lovely these stencils. Oh a book on love, no this detail. One that loves, oh before I loved you nothing was mine. I have searched the streets it didn’t matter, for none of them had names. The world was just air that I waited. So where is a handkerchief, to wipe away these tears. Oh sensible, oh how charming Mario. Oh how impressive, oh look at this music. Oh how exquisite, oh Leo Don Erick Eleno, Juan Gabriel, Myra Hernandez. Leto Ortega. Oh Mario please what a collection of music, it’s so delicious. What a selection, maybe one day you can lend me one. So I can record them. Mario oh how tender, oh definately your one of the last romantics in the world you naughty boy.” Then he leaves, Armando burst out laughing. Mario hits his head on the table, he’s furious and embarrassed. “I can’t believe this, that it’s Daniel Valencia who discovered this. I just can’t believe this, oh thank you very much Mr. President. For saying all this stuff was mine, oh how kind.” Armando laughing recites a quote, “oh your tenderness and comprehension and caring have filled my life fully. Armando  continues laughing. What did you expect me to say? Tell him, all this stuff is so I can romance Betty. Yes tell my brother in law that. He continues to laugh, that’s why I said it was yours.” Mario quickly begins by picking everything up. “I can’t believe this, I’ve never felt so embarrassed.” Armando tells him, “I am glad you feel this way Calderon. That is what I feel, every time I have to romance that vampire.” Mario tells him, “this isn’t done.” Armando laughs once more.

Betty is working when Daniel arrives, he tells her. “Good afternoon.” Betty gets up, and tells him. “Good afternoon sir, how are you doing today.” Daniel tells her, “you always have that scared face every time you see me. Or is that a characteristic of yours, that you look at me that way.” Betty tells him, “I’m guessing it’s an involuntary reaction to your appearance. It happens to me all the time, when I see horror movies. She laughs, please sit down.” Daniel tells her, “oh you enjoy scary movies. Oh they are quite reasonable, may I ask why you are afraid of me. I too can give you some details, as to why  I am also scared of you.” Betty tells him, “I didn’t know the feeling was mutual sir.” Daniel tells her, “yes of course. I can image that you are afraid, if I search that computer I would discover the true files regarding the company. The losses from that failed collection, the bad business deals, and the audit I could ask. Would that scare you, is that why you’re always supporting Armando’s back. It’s understandable.” Betty tells him, “no it’s not because I take care of Don Armando’s back. Or that Eco Moda’s computer has tons of information. It’s just that every time, you come its always bad news.”

Daniel tells her, “so I bring the bad news. Or is it that, you’re the ones that give them too me. Tell me Betty what news, have you told me for you to say that too me.” Betty gets up, and gets a binder. “Every time we are told your coming, bad news bad news Daniel Valencia is coming. We all get prepared, like were expecting a death of someone. I guess that is why, when I think of you I think of bad news. It’s always so little good news, since you never have friendly gestures sir.” Daniel tells him, “it surprises me how sincere you are Betty. Considering, you shouldn’t say those things with an investor being next to you.” Betty tells him, “yes I would also think about it as well. If you didn’t doubt my honesty all the time.” Daniel tells her, “yes I will be giving you bad news. I want you to give me my cheque today. You know what kind of mood I get, if you don’t comply.” Betty tells him, “yes sir but sorry to say I also have bad news to give you. No not today, we haven’t been able to pay our investors, our employees. Plus the banks because no money has come in. We are over extended with the banks, until that is paid there is no money to give anybody.” Daniel tells her, “let me be clear. I have a large capital investment in this company. A capital unfortunately, Armando is in charge of the money and he has you as an accomplice. The last thing I want to hear, is that you can’t give me my money. I don’t care if your overextend with the banks. Before you deal with the banks, make sure you give the investors their share first. The owners of the company.” Betty tells him, “well sorry sir you are correct but. We must take care of the banks, for in the future we won’t be able to help out the investors. You know how the banks work, well in any case I do have good news. We can pay you tomorrow afternoon.” Daniel tells her, “how kind of you Betty. Now you can take away, that face of terror I am leaving.” Betty tells him, “sir well if you do leave that feeling will go away.” Daniel utters, “your ugliness no.”

(If Betty wasn’t ugly, he would be very attracted to her. For her intelligence alone, he does enjoy their conversations don’t you think.)

He leaves and Mario and Armando bump into him. “Have nice afternoon gentlemen.” Armando tells him, “oh the afternoon has already been ruined by your presence.” Daniel tells him, “oh Mario you never fail to surprise me.” He hits his chest, and walks away. Mario says, “bygones bygones.” Then Armando asks, “what was he doing inside with Betty?” He wants to barge in Mario stops him. Mario tells him, “enough with your jealousy nothing happened control control.” Armando angrily heads inside, “control you idiot what jealously. He opens the door, he asks. Betty what was Daniel doing in here?” Betty tells him, “he came by to ask why we didn’t give him his cheque.” Armando tells her, “no no no he didn’t come here for that. He doesn’t need that money. Someone must have told him, that payroll hadn’t been paid. He came by fishing for information.” Betty tells him, “be calm sir I was able to control him. I told him, we would pay him tomorrow afternoon.” Armando tells her, “good Beatriz thank you. Do you have the list of people, that must be paid first.” Betty tells him, “I will go ask Sophia she might have them excuse me.” Both men watch her leave, then both get moving. Mario tells him, “this stays here while this goes over here.” Armando tells him, “that’s perfect.” Mario tells him, “don’t move it now the details are monumental. Armando picks it up. Mario asks, what are you doing?” Armando opens the letter, and says. “At least I should know what this says. I don’t know anything about poetry, I would never write that.” Mario takes it away, and says. “Give me that, it doesn’t matter it has to be tacky to work. Now then you messed it up.” Armando tells him, “hurry up she’s coming.” Then both come out of Betty’s office.

Daniel heads over to see Marcela, she tells him. “Oh Daniel the role of victim doesn’t suit you. Well just because, we didn’t give you your cheque of the month. You must have money coming in from other avenues.” Daniel tells her, “yes I am an advisor to the state.” Marcela tells him, “yes but you live on your own. You should have saved all the money, we have given you from here. It has to be saved somewhere, you only came here to mortify Armando.” Daniel tells her, “Marcela oh I enjoy mortifying Armando as a natural insticts. Like a dog bothers the cat. I didn’t come just for that, truthfully I need that money. I have no money saved, I am not that stupid to just leave it in the bank. I invested in a project, that devours a lot of money. Marcela I am in debt with the banks, this project consumes a lot of money. If I don’t pay, they will take me out of the project. I’m at risk, of losing all my money.”

(I got to thinking, what if at one point Daniel was a friend with Armando. They run in the same circle of friends, did the company really tear their friendship apart. Just a thought.)

“Marcela I am your brother, I hardly live on with what you give me as an investor.” Marcela tells him, “I am glad at last you treat me like a sister. It’s just a coincidence, that we haven’t given you your cheque of the month. I will fix this detail. Like a sister, I will order that thing over there to pay you your cheque tomorrow.” Daniel tells her, “when you refer about that thing. Are you referring to Armando’s assistant?” Marcela tells her, “yes.” Daniel asks, “do you have that power to guarantee. That she will give me my cheque?” Marcela asks, “what are you trying to tell me? What that she is on top of me?” Daniel tells her, “I don’t want to say anything. I am telling you.” Marcela tells him, “if she doesn’t obey me. I will clean the floors of Eco Moda with her.” Daniel tells her, “well good luck with that. If you do that, Armando will do that too you. He goes and kisses her cheek. He will throw you out of the company and his life.” He then leaves, Marcela just angrily stares at the door.

(It’s like Daniel knows, that without Betty Armando would be lost.)

Daniel before leaving, head straight to see Patricia once more. ‘So Patricia have you thought things through. Should I contact my friend?” Patricia tells him, “look Daniel Valencia. You are looking to be slapped.” Daniel tells her, “oh women pay that way for favors. With slaps on the face, I will give you a better offer Patricia. I can image soon, that you thought I was that lover who would want to maintain you. If you like it so bad, I suppose I can make that dream a reality but by half.” Patricia tells him, “that doesn’t interest me.” Daniel tells her, “you will continue working here. I will not maintain you, anytime I want I will go visit you at your apartment. We make love, but please Patricia without saying one word. I arrive you take off your clothes, and that’s that. For every visit, I will pay you something extra. Plus with this job, it will help pay your debts.” Patricia tells him, “under no circumstance will I accept that money. To sleep with you once again, I am not a whore forget it.” Daniel picks up her bills, “oh my they will turn off your cell phone. Problems with your credit cards, this now will become a justice’s problem. They will embargo you.” He then leaves, Patricia just stares at him.

Betty tells Armando, “here is the list all the people we have to pay back. She gives it too him,  Armando just smiles and accepts the folder. Then Betty heads to her office, he nervously waits while Betty finds the card and trinket on her desk. She reads the letter:

“Oh all the evidence and misunderstandings, and all the problems we have had lately. I just want to show you that I do love you. Attentive Armando.”

Betty holds it dearly to her heart, and sees the chocolates and also takes it. She utters, “oh Don Armando, I also love you.” The models arrive, and close the doors behind them. Both of them tell him, “hello.” Armando asks, “well what are you two doing in here?” One of the them says, “it’s been such a long time since we haven’t seen you.” The other says, “we are very sad today.” The other says, “we haven’t been paid.” Armando goes towards them, “look I am truly sorry but yes nobody has been paid. It’s shameful of us, we’ve had a few problems with the banks. That causes us not to be able to pay the payroll.” One model says, “you can do two exceptions.” The other says, “from two women that adore you and dreams about you.” The other one says, “we admire you.”

Armando tells them, “girls it doesn’t depend on me. He moves close to them. We really do have problems, in paying the payroll. No money is coming in.” Betty goes to the door and overhears them. One of the models asks, “oh are you sure?” The other says, “you have it here come over here.” The women begin tickling him, and Betty opens the door. They stop, and he glances at Betty. Armando straightens his jacket and tells them. “I am the president,  ladies like everyone here must wait till tomorrow to get paid. Wait only 24 hours.” One of them says, “oh come on.” The other one asks, “what’s wrong?” Armando tells them, “I’m serious this isn’t a game. Then he takes both of them by the hand, and takes them out of the office. Yes ladies, I am telling you the truth.” One of them asks, “what is wrong with you?” He then closes the doors, and looks her way. “Look at that Betty, did you see that. They wanted to play with me, what no respect. I am the president of this company, they were tickling me looking for money. I am furious with them, furious. Betty nervously fixes her glasses, what is wrong Beatriz?” Betty tells him, “no nothing sir. She shows him the gifts, thank you sir.” Armando smiles, and she attempts to wink at him. Then she closes the door, and he is left puzzled. Betty sighs and nods happily.

Night has fallen, Mario comes around. “So did Betty come around? Did she see the gifts you gave her? Armando just nods, Mario continues. “So what did she say?” Armando tells him, “nothing she just winked at me. Like I was Doctor Motrin, then she thanked me.” Mario asks, “so will you take her out tonight?” Armando tells him, “Calderon you know damn well I can’t. Marcela will kill me, just to go out with that.” Mario tells him, “look one minute no nerves let’s see what cocktails I can send you tonight. Let’s see, what event is going on tonight.” Armando tells him, “Calderon I can’t go anywhere tonight with her.” Mario tells him, “don’t be an idiot. It’s not to take her, it’s so you can tell Marcela where you will be. What your love is making you an idiot. Posh La Amor, what do you think?” Armando tells him, “I will tell Marcela I am going to a cocktail party she will want to join me. That won’t help me out.” Mario asks, “how about this Color Inn she can’t stand the place. It’s perfect, Marcela can’t stand Jorge Monteja.” Armando tells him, “alone are you kidding with my luck she will want to go with me.” Mario tells him, “fine we will do one thing. Tell her, I am going with you and my date is Maritza she can’t stand her. We will have no problem.” Armando tells him, “that’s not bad but it’s risky.” Mario tells him, “of course it’s risky but only if you get nervous about it. Remember your self esteem, you won’t get caught. Tell Marcela, I am going to a cocktail party at Color Inn. With Mario and Maritza Vajanera, and Jorge Manteja it’s not that hard.” Armando repeats it, and stops when Marcela comes in.

“Oh hi dear how are you, oh I got this invitation from Color Inn. There’s a party for their new merchandise, do you care to come with.” Marcela asks, “will Jorge Manteja be there?” Armando tells her, “yes he’ll be there. Mario will be coming as well with Maritza Vajanera.” Mariana utters, “oh with that woman. Oh I can just hear, Marcela Valencia don’t you dare show up there.” Armando tells her, “oh come on love lets go so what no.” Marcela tells him, “no that’s probably going to finish at 10 p.m. What will you do later?” Armando tells her, “that I don’t know when it’s done.” Marcela asks, “what do you mean you don’t know how long that will take?” Marcela asks, “what do you have other plans? Will you be going out with somebody else or what?” Armando tells her, “again with the suspicious questioning. What is wrong with you? This is exhausting.” Marcela tells her, “oh you have a great time.” She leaves, as he calls out. “Marcela Marcela. Then he happily jumps up, it worked.” Betty comes out of her office, “sir I would like to know. If I can go home, or do you need me for anything else?” Armando tells her, “I will take you home Betty.” Betty asks, “don’t you have plans sir?” Armando tells her, “you are leaving with me tonight ok Betty.” Betty tells him, “ok sir.” Armando tells her, “Beatriz don’t call me that. Don’t look at me that way, this isn’t an order. Don’t interpret it that way.” Betty tells him, “yes sir like you order. Don’t worry, relax.” Armando tells her, “Beatriz look right now I am not your boss I’m you’re….” Betty tells him, “look you don’t have to force yourself by saying so.” She smiles, and he tells her. “I have to do some things, and then later on we can go out alright.” Betty tells him, “I will be in my office just tell me.” Armando tells her, “I will tell you.” Then she heads to her office, with a big grin on her face.

The first commercial valentine greeting cards produced in the United States were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland.

SIXTY-THREE

Marcela goes by Patricia quite angrily, Patricia calls out to her. “Marcee are you alright?” Marcela tells her, “no” and goes towards her office. Patricia follows and asks, “what is happening?” Marcela tells her, “no I don’t want to talk about it. All I want to do is leave here.” Patricia tells her, “did that Betty do something?” Marcela tells her, “no her existence here in this company is a mistake. Having her here, is an insult towards me. Beatriz isn’t the problem tonight.” Patricia tells her, “the way you’re talking there is one thing infidelity.” Marcela tells her, “I told you I don’t want to talk about this.” Patricia tells her, “its infidelity Marcee. No you shouldn’t have to deal with this on your own. It hurts us both, you for not releasing it and for me for not being able to help you. How am I supposed to leave to my place, with you like this. You have it so inside you, you’re going to explode. How am I supposed to sleep? Tell me something, give me a name. Give me a name, how long has he been cheating on you?” Marcela tells her, “you know what don’t get all anxious. This isn’t a movie, you know very well. I don’t like sharing my private life.” Patricia asks, “so then what is going on? Marcee you have it, you have it. It’s at the tip of your tongue.” Marcela tells her, “Armando has plans to go with someone tonight.”

Patricia asks, “with whom?’ Marcela tells her, “you know with whom. If I knew, I wouldn’t be this worried.” Patricia tells her, “well then let’s use our intelligence. Let’s follow him.” Marcela tells her, “oh really that’s all I needed. To become a detective.” Patricia tells her, “well it’s not that complicated. I do have some experience in this, you remember when I was stuck. Having to follow my ex-Mauricio. Well what we could do, is get a car that he wouldn’t recognize. I would drive, I made sure to know his routine. Then what I did was… ” Marcela tells her, “stop right there. Stop stop stop right there. I will not do your plan, I will not follow Armando. You know why, what I have and you don’t have is dignity.” Patricia tells her, “then what. You want him to go, and someone will steal him. Will you give him away, like a gift. It has taken you years to trap him, he has only one foot in before you two marry. Marcela I just can’t believe this, I just can’t believe this. Tomorrow you’ll wake up, oh what pain. Patricia makes horns on her head with her fingers. Oh what is happening, what is on my head.” Marcela tells her, “just because I don’t want to follow him in a car. Doesn’t signify I am crossing my arms in defeat. Understand I have a good plan, so I can find out what he did. I do not want to discuss this further. I do not want to talk about this, I don’t want to hear this from you. I am leaving.” She takes off, Patricia utters. “Oh Marcee wait, you haven’t given me money I need to pay the gas.”

Armando tells Mario, “I am going to get in trouble with Marcela. She is starting to get suspicious, she knows that I’m going out with someone.” Mario tells him, “does she know who it is?” He laughs like Betty, Armando tells him. “Oh come on she will never guess that.” Mario tells him, “yes a question that stupid. Can you image, anybody thinking that you’re going to escape with Betty is a complete moron.” Armando tells him, “Calderon we shouldn’t continue with this. Marcela will find out, that I am not going to that Color launch Inn.” Mario tells him, “but you will be there at the launch.” Armando tells him, “with Betty Betty oh no not in a million years.” Mario tells him, “no without Betty.” Meanwhile Betty is fixing her hair, using her small mirror. She stops when she sees Armando, he tells her. “Well then let’s go Beatriz then.” Betty just nods and gets her things. While Armando is having second thoughts, and all he can smell is her perfume.

Patricia is counting her change, and says in her head. “Damn I hardly have enough to pay for gas. I will be dumped someplace, wait I could take the bus. No way, I would rather be dumped someplace without no gas than take a disgusting bus. Oh who could I ask, who can I asks for money.” Mario comes by, and says “hello.” Patricia tells him, “hello Mario look how about you take me..” Mario stops her right there, and gets on the cell phone. He utters, “tonight yes” and he walks away. Patricia utters, “you bastard Mario who will I ask for money? She sees the ladies getting ready to leave. Patricia utters in her head, I’d rather die than ask them for money. Or walk home, before I beg for money from them.” She then stares at Armando walking by. Sophia asks Betty, “will you be coming with us?” Betty tells them, “no.” Sandra asks, “then how will you get home?” Betty glances at Armando, and Armando tells them. “Well I will drop her off, since it’s close to a cocktail party I have to attend.” The elevator opens, Ines tells him. “Go ahead sir.” Mariana tells him, “you can go first.” Armando tells them, “you all go in then.” One by one they go in, and utter “thanks sir.” They are all grinning, and staring at Betty. Sophia teases Betty, until Armando glances over at her. While Patricia counts her change once more.

Aura Maria is on the phone, “yes its logical were going out again tonight. No don’t be silly, if I asks permission at home. They won’t give it to me, look tonight if I do go out I can’t stay out too late. She hears Freddy, and tells him. I’ll see you there.” Quickly Aura Maria, picks up her things she goes past Wilson. Who utters, “hello.” She goes “shhh” and takes off. Freddy comes by singing, and sees Wilson. “Wilson excuse me.” Wilson utters, “yes sir.” Freddy asks, “have you seen the lovely receptionist that usually sits here.” Wilson drinks his coffee, “brother your lovely lady went running out of here a few minutes ago.” Freddy tells him, “well that is impossible. She told me, that she would wait for me. I was going to take her home.” Wilson tells him, “brother as soon as she heard you coming she took off. Between the two of us, Aura Maria is cheating on you.” Furiously he grabs Wilson’s barrett. He utters, “no brother no brother. No that can’t be happening. No woman, has ever cheated on Freddy Contreras. Especially my queen, this can’t be happening. No it won’t happen.”

The group come out of the elevator, everyone says “goodbye see you tomorrow” to Armando. Armando tells Wilson, “Wilson head to the garage and open it please.” Wilson tells him, “yes sir following your orders.” He takes off, Betty just waves and the door closes. The group sees a very upset Freddy Ines asks. “So where is Aura Maria?” Freddy asks, “what happened to Aura Maria? She told me to wait, and look she’s gone. He picks up the chair, its empty.” Mariana tells him, “sorry Freddy but we have no idea where she went out too.” Freddy tells them, “ladies please I am starting to get worried. What if she’s all alone, waiting for the bus. She’s wearing that small mini-dress showing off her long legs. Those are mine, I die for her. I am going to look for her.” Ines tells him, “no Freddy don’t go.” Freddy tells her, “Inesita its a question of morality.” Ines tells her, “no son don’t bother going. She’s not worth it.”

Armando gets to the car, Betty follows behind him. Then she stands beside the car, he utters. “Go in, then stops and says. Wait you naughty girl, I’ll open that door.” Betty just smiles and says, “thank you sir and enters. Then when he enters, she tells him. Sir just drop me off, I’ll find a way home. You go to that cocktail party at Color Inn, you know it’s not even near my place. Drop me off in a corner, I’ll get a taxi.” Armando tells her, “no I will take you home Betty.” Betty tells him, “but you’ll be late for your party.” Armando repeats, “I will take you home.” Betty tells him, “sir you’re going to waste gasoline.” Then Armando screams, “I will take you home Beatriz alright. Permit me, he calms down I will take you home. Betty then shuts up, and looks away. Look I am sorry, but I want us to be together for a while.” Betty tells him, “yes sir.” Armando tells her, “I am not ordering you Beatriz. This relationship we have, we do have feeling for one another. We need to be together, for just a few minutes.”

Betty once again smiles and asks, “so where are we going?” Armando tells her, “I don’t know we’ll find a place.” Betty tells him, “no one can see us together.” Armando tells her, “yes nobody can see us. We will go and find a nice place, that both of us like then we can be alone.” Betty laughs and says, “yes sir.” Armando tells her, “we do have one problem. I told Marcela I had to go, to that cocktail at Color Inn. That was an excuse, so we could both meet up later on. If I don’t make an appearance, Marcela will get suspicious. Someone might tell Marcela, that I didn’t show up. I will get into big trouble, this is what were going to do. I will drop you off at a location, that we both like of course. Then I’ll  leave you alone there, and go to Color Inn stay for say a bit. Then come back ok, then we can enjoy being together all night. I know that it’s strange but, it’s the only reason for us to be together. You know how Marcela gets.” Betty tells him, “oh sir don’t worry about me. I understand, I know your tricks.” Then she laughs, and he taps her lightly. “I am doing it for the two of us.” Betty tells him, “sir I will wait for you.” Armando tells her, “if I could kiss you right here I would but I can’t.” Betty tells him, “oh sir there’s Wilson we should get going from here.” Armando tells her, “yes we should go before I do something crazy.” Betty just laughs and smiles. Wilson yells out, “till tomorrow sir.” Then he shuts the garage doors.

At the lobby Freddy tells the ladies, “between my lady and I. I know that there’s a nice friendship, she told me this this very morning very primitively. She told me, Freddy between the two of us. We are only friends, the word friend just doesn’t fill me up. It doesn’t work with me, I know that I am not the man of her life but love is full of battle scars. I am going to fight, and make sure she knows that I am that man of her dreams. Even though she doesn’t dream about me.” Ines tells him, “Freddy my dear son.” Freddy tells her, “Inesita one minute don’t ruin this inspirational moment. I know that you might want to tell me, Freddy that woman doesn’t want you. What stress and worry. That woman doesn’t even pay any attention to you. Oh what stress, what agony, it’s like a flame has gone out.”

(For some reason, when Freddy starts up with his poetry he reminds me of poet smurf.)

Sophia tells him, “you gave up your meal so she could eat.” Sandra tells him, “Freddy stop wasting your time. Waiting for her, every night like an idiot.” Mariana tells him, “yes what stress I am feeling anguish for you.” Bertha tells him, “stop it stop being such an…” Ines stops her, “Bertha Bertha.” Freddy tells them, “I know all of you are saying the same thing. I know that my conscious is screaming, but the beating of my heart is stronger. Sometimes that makes me deaf, I will continue fighting. I will try to bend her heart, with my words, with my class of flirting. With her attitudes, that so fascinate me. My life without her, has no meaning. If this seat is empty this object stops being the throne, and will transforms into the electric chair.” Ines tells him, “Freddy please listen to us.” Freddy tells her, “no Inesita I will continue fighting for her. The road is empty, at least I am not competing with anybody. Everyone looks away. Or is there someone else?” Sandra tells them, “we better go ladies.” Mariana tells him, “take care Freddy.” Freddy screams out, “wait ladies is there another prince taking my spot.”

(Why doesn’t Freddy have a better job, he’s an intelligent well spoken guy. Why is he just a delivery guy?)

Armando and Betty, arrive at a club called the Discovery. “Now you go inside the discotheque and pick a nice spot. While I will head to Color Inn, for that cocktail party. I will try to be quick.” Betty tells him, “yes sir don’t worry I will wait for you.” Armando tells her, “I won’t be long.” Betty utters, “alright sir.” Then she closes her eyes, and waits for a kiss. Armando quickly kisses her, and she leaves the car. He utters, “oh without a drink these kisses are horrible.” Then he waves, as does Betty and then she enter the club while he leaves.

(Betty hasn’t even been to a club on her own, how could he just leave her like that.)

Wilson is with Freddy, “brother what is wrong you look worried.” Freddy utters, “brother I don’t know I just don’t feel well. I am very anguish, I invested badly that money.” Wilson asks, “what money the money I lent you. Or that money you gave so Aura Maria, could go eat something. Why are you saying, you invested badly. Wasn’t that money for her anyway?” Freddy tells him, “brother I think I am helping her out just so she can be with another.” Wilson utters, “oh another lizard got her.” More people come down, and Mario asks Wilson. “Where are my car keys?” Wilson tells him, “I left them on the switch.” Mario tells him, “go open the gates to the garage.” Wilson tells him, “right away sir” and he leaves. Freddy utters, “oh Santa Barbara. Please don’t let this be true.”

Mario is singing away and heads to his car. He enters, and then pow. Patricia screams, “my love and gives him a big kiss. He screams and pushes the car horn. She utters, it’s your love Patricia.” She then begins kissing his ears, Mario asks. “Oh Patty what are you doing in here?” Patricia tells him, “I was waiting for you my love. I am going to kidnap you tonight.” He then jumps up nervously. “Patty you can’t kidnap me, I have a cocktail party to go too at Color Inn.” Patricia tells him, “well then let’s both go to that cocktail party. Then we can go to my apartment, I will give you a massage that’s delicious.”

(This scene was hilarious. I busted a gut laughing, oh that Patricia.)

Mario tells her, “no I will not take you to that cocktail party. Armando will fire me, you know that you’re not his favorite person.” Patricia kisses him once more, “ok fine then take me home tomorrow you can pick me up ok.” Mario tells her, “no Patty in 10 minutes I have to be at that cocktail party. Or else Armando will kill me, and chop me into small pieces. Look I’ll figure out what to do tomorrow. Will make something up, and he gets out of the car. Patricia I don’t have that much time. He takes her out as well, now you be a good girl.” Patricia tells him, “but Mario.” Mario tells her, “go and don’t do what I wouldn’t do.” Patricia tells him, “Mario please Mario.” Mario utters, “oh Patty I’m in a hurry.” Patricia utters, “I need you to give me money for gas for my car.” Mario by this point in his car, and drives away. She screams his name. Wilson screams, “have a great time Don Mario.”Wilson asks, “are you leaving as well Dona Patricia?” Patricia tells him, “I have been trying to do so for a half an hour.” Patricia utters, “so Wilson.” Wilson asks, “yes Dona Patricia.” Patricia twirls her hair and asks. “You don’t happen, to have money you can lend me?” Wilson utters, “me lend you money. Oh Dona Patricia, don’t fool around with my economic status. It’s like a bank asking me, for money to pay a loan.” Patricia tells him, “I need 5000 to get gas for my car.” Wilson tells her, “you need 5000, you need 5000.” Patricia tells him, “yes I need money do you have them or not.” Wilson tells her, “fine Dona Patricia I will lend you 5000 but it has to be return tomorrow morning. It’s the last that I got. He gives her the money, she takes it and walks away. He utters, definitely its best to be rich pointing to himself than poor pointing to her.”

Nicholas is at home, and on the phone with Antonio.

ADDITIONAL SCENE

(He tells him, “yes Mr. Sanchez we have your money. Oh don’t you worry we can even give you an advance. Remember I am the vice president and financial advisor here at Eco Moda. Where do you want me to take it?”)

“Oh I’ll be there with your money, and thank you for the invitation.” He hangs up, “oh Mr. Sanchez you’re like a bohemians.” The phone rings once more. Hermes comes running in. “I’ll get it, I’ll get it.” Nicholas gets too it first and he answers. “Oh hi Betty, where are you?” Betty tells him, “I am here with my boss. Give me to my dad.” Nicholas utters, “what do you mean you’re going to be late again?” Betty tells him, “oh Nicholas what it to you it doesn’t bother you.” Nicholas tells her, “don’t say that what do you mean it doesn’t matter to me. We are both worried, if you come home late. Mr. Sanchez asked for his money, I told him we would give it to him by half. One with a cheque, the other with real money. I’m stuck having to go, because he says he can’t afford to come all the way for it understand. I’ll give the phone to your dad, he’s ready to explode. His face is red, his nostrils flaring. Call me on my cell, I will have it on just in case you might need me call me.” Hermes grabs the phone, and glares at him.

Nicholas tells him, “start the torment and screaming.” Hermes tells her, “hi dear what do you mean the senorita is going to be late? Where are you, what is with that music? Where are you Betty?” Betty tells him, “I am here with my boss and some other executives at an event.” Hermes tells her, “again out all night.” Betty tells him, “oh dad I am at a meeting for work.” Hermes tells her, “fine I will pick you up tell me the name and address.” Betty tells him, “but dad Don Armando will be taking me home.” Hermes tells her, “once again your boss. Oh what is with him, and his friendly ways dear.” Betty tells him, “well the thing is were dating.” Hermes tells her, “don’t say that I am not in the mood for jokes. Nicholas overhears and laughs. Hermes asks, so what time will you be coming home?” Betty tells him, “I am going to be late after midnight. I will call you back to advise you.”

At the cocktail party, Mario tells a person. “Oh the collection has been a complete success, the clients and investors are thrilled. The only place, that has been a bit of a problem has been palm beach. Wait just to mention it, we will one day head over there maybe you two lovely ladies could come with me.” The models utters, “oh really.” Mario tells her, “the only thing that is holding us back is of course a bit of financial problem.” Armando shows up, and gets kissed by the models. He shakes a guy’s hand. Mario then excuses himself, and goes over to a corner with Armando. “So tell me where did you leave the monster?” Armando tells him, “that monster is over at the discotheque you recommended.” Mario asks, “so have you kissed her without booze?” Armando tells him, “yes a small peck of goodbye. That should keep her happy, before I arrive. Now Calderon I have 20 minutes, for me to get super drunk than I’ll head over there. Get me a whiskey right now.” Mario tells him, “I’ll get that right away. Sir over here, recognize this face he only came here to drink.” Armando takes a drink, and then says. “Alright I’ll do my president duties, shake a few hands and then take off.” Mario tells him, “you can’t leave that girl alone at the discotheque. What if she gets picked up by someone.” Both start laughing.

At Discovery Betty waits, and a server comes by. She orders an orange juice, the guy says. “If you want a table, you’re going to get at least two liquor bottle. Or else you have to leave the table.” Betty then asks, “I’ll have then two bottles of whiskeys and my orange juice please is that all right.” The guy utters, “that’s fine” and he takes off.

At the cocktail party, Armando is ready to go. “Ok I’m heading over to see Betty, she’s waiting for me. I have to complete my mission.” Mario tells him, “yes go you look so worried for her especially leaving her all alone. Ok have your inspiration, and he takes out a picture of Adriana Arboleda. Now you’ve had your whiskeys son, you have a great job ahead of you. One two three, you’re ready.” Armando smiles then tells him, “bye.” He turns and there is Marcela. “Well hello love.” The smile erases from his face, Mario watches in disbelief and Armando asks. “My love what are you doing in here?” Marcela tells him, “what is strange. At the office you invited me to come.” Armando tells him, “yes but you said you would rather be in jail instead of coming in here.” Marcela tells him, “well I changed my mind my love. She laughs and Armando laughs as well. I didn’t want to disappoint you. I know that if you invited me, that you needed me to be by your side.” Armando tells her, “yes of course.” Marcela tells him, “just because I can’t stand Ricardo Monteja. Or for that matter, your best friends and his girlfriend doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be here. I said to myself, Armando is never selfish with me. So this time I won’t be, so that’s why I am here. That is alright?” Armando tells him, “yes that’s divine like a queen.” Mario comes next to Armando, “oh hello it’s great that you were able to make it.” Marcela tells him, “oh all that flattery will end up costing you one year extra in hell when you die. So where is Maritza?” Mario tells them, “she hasn’t arrived yet. I’m waiting for her, she should arrive soon.” She glances over to the models. “What is up with those two, I see you already have replaced Maritza. So which one is yours Mario, and Armando?”

Armando tells her, “those two came with Mario.” Mario tells her, “oh no one minute they were already here when I arrive.” Mario tells him, “why are making me look bad in front of Marcela.” Marcela tells him, “what image? On the contrary, you are a solid friend to Armando. You were so kind as to get a date, and bring one for him as well.” Armando tells her, “they did not come with me Marcela. Don’t start this again?” Marcela tells him, “I know that they didn’t come with you. They were waiting for you here.” Armando tells her, “oh yes is that what you think come with me.” He takes her to the girls. Marcela doesn’t want to go, but he drags her to the girls. “Excuse me ladies, which of you two came with me. One asks, excuse me.” Marcela utters, “enough.” Armando tells her, “listen to make things clear. Did Mario here, talk to you and bring you here for me.” One girl asks Mario, “what is he talking about?” The other asks Mario, “was is this all about?” Mario is holding them, and says. “It’s just a little misunderstanding. Don’t you two worry about it?” Marcela tells him, “thanks a lot I now look like fool.” Armando tells them, “ladies thank you.”

Marcela heads to the table, Armando tells her. “What are you now satisfied? Do you still have a doubt? Or do you have any more questions to ask me? Or any other curious notions, let’s go right now.” He grabs her yet again, and she pushes him aside. “Don’t you dare do this to me Armando Mendoza. If we need to argue, we will leave this place.” Armando tells her, “why should I leave all these guests. Who I have to talk too, just so I can go outside with you to argue no.” Marcela tells him, “oh really then I wasn’t waiting for nothing from you. At least you’re not embarrassing me in front of the entire world. You are creating a show.” Armando tells her, “I am creating a show. He laughs and repeats, I am doing a show really.” Marcela tells him, “I will wait out there.” She leaves and he goes straight to Mario. “Calderon come here, we need to talk. I have to go to a corner, and ended up fighting with Marcela. Think of something quick, I have to meet Betty.” He leaves, Mario thinks of a plan.

At Discovery, Betty asks the server. “Sir may I get another glass of juice.” The server asks, “aren’t you drinking the bottles?” Betty tells him, “no there not for me but I am waiting for someone to arrive. They should be here soon.” The server tells her, “alright I’ll get you your juice.” Betty utters, “if he decides to come.”

At the cocktail party, Armando tells Marcela. “You have never truly trusted me in years.” Marcela tells him, “yes this sir you bring me here full of obstacles. First you invited me to this place that is so nice and elegant. Dealing with these kinds of people, plus to deal with Ricardo Monteja. Then you put on a show, and finally your friend Mario told me he would come with that Maritza woman.” Armando tells her, “the woman’s name is Maritza Vejanita.” Marcela repeats the name, “now then to mention this that woman still hasn’t arrived.” Armando tells her, “is that why you’re so upset and suspicious thinking that I’m cheating on you Marcela.” Marcela tells him, “give me one reason for me to confide in you. Just tell me one, in my life.” Armando tells her, “yes Marcela that’s fine. I now know, why you bothered to show up to this event. To see what I was up too, to see if you would find me with another woman. Fine Marcela, so this event was just a part of your espionage night. I will help you along with your adventure. We will now ask, every single one of these women. Asks them, what am I doing in here. Let’s go asks, and solve all your doubts. You are driving me crazy, with all these doubts.” He grabs her, and she pulls away.

A guy watches, and goes to Marcela aid and calmly tells her. “Hello, and kisses Marcela’s cheek. Remember me, Ricardo Monteja.” Marcela tells him, “oh yes Ricardo you are unforgettable.” Ricardo tells her, “oh yes thank you Marcee. I am truly surprised that your here. You are always welcome in these parts.” Marcela asks, “what you thought I wouldn’t be coming or what.” Ricardo tells her, “I always wait for you to arrive and you never come to any of my events. I don’t know why you hate me, what did I ever do too you.” Marcela tells him, “oh no let me remind you. Lorena Sarmento.” Armando tells him, “oh I’m truly sorry Richardo for this. You see Marcela thought. That I was cheating on her, with your public relations agent. That you managed to fix together, isn’t that right dear.” Roberto utters, “oh Marcela.” Marcela tells him, “yes Marcela the paranoid girlfriend. Everyone knew what went on, with you using your car. Your chauffeur took them to a fancy restaurant. Then her and this man here, went who knows where the entire night.” Armando tells her, “that’s not true.” Marcela tells him, “oh no.” Ricardo tells her, “oh do forgive me. The truth is, you have the wrong informant. There are tons of gossipers all over the place. Why don’t we sit down, and close the deal with that collection.” Armando tells him, “yes let’s do that right now. That is why I came, which is unbelievable to some people.” Roberto tells him, “let’s go to my office.” Armando asks, “will you be joining us?” Marcela tells him, “no I will wait here.” Armando tells her, “are you sure of that. I think it would be a good idea, that you do join us. That way you can see that Roberto, doesn’t have two blond woman up there waiting for me. Wearing both bikinis, well lets go.” Roberto tells her, “if you want to go it won’t bother me.” Marcela tells him, “no I will wait right here.” Armando tells her, “fine wait right here.” Both men leave and head to the office.

Inside the office, Roberto tells him. “Relax we won’t discuss business, Mario told me to rescue you from Marcela and that is what I did.” Armando smiles and laughs Roberto asks. “So tell me what is going on?” Armando tells him, “quite simple. Marcela has arrived unexpected, the thing is there’s another woman waiting for me someplace else.” Roberto tells him, “oh you dirty dog you. When are you going to learn? You made me fire Lorena Sarmento, one of the best public relations personal around. Just because of that stupid rumor. What kind of friend you are sir? Now once again, you’re using my events as an excuse. Now let’s see, who is the lucky girl tonight?” Armando tells him, “oh no it’s nobody you would know. Nor important.” Roberto tells him, “you’re acting all impatient she must be a very beautiful woman. Is she one of your models?” Armando tells him, “no.” Roberto asks, “how about and ex beauty?” Armando tells him, “no.” Roberto asks, “not one of the wives of our friends?” Armando tells him, “no no no.” Roberto asks, “are you sure?” Armando tells him, “yes I’m sure.” Roberto tells him, “fine I’ll let you go all I need is a description. She must be a bombi of a woman I image.” Armando bursts our laughing, “oh a bombi yes.” Roberto bursts out laughing, Marcela watches quite nervously. Then she heads towards them, Armando sees that. Roberto sits down, and they start talking business. She tells him, “Armando will you be long.” Armando tells her, “Marcela I just don’t know yet.” Marcela tells him, “fine we will talk later excuse me.” Armando tells her, “bye we will talk in your apartment.” Marcela slams the door, and Armando breaths a sign of relief.

“Thank you man, boy sometimes she’s so annoying.” Roberto tells him, “fine go on but next time you better bring me this woman. Present her too me, she must be quite the bonbon.” Armando laughs again and says. “Yes quite the bonbon bye.” Roberto gives him a thumbs up and Armando leaves the office. He scans the room for Marcela, he sees Mario. “Calderon Mario.” Mario tells the girls, “one minute I’ll be right back don’t leave. What’s up?” Armando tells him, ‘Marcela just left I am going straight to Betty.” Mario tells him, “be careful she could be waiting outside for you. Or she could follow you.” Armando tells him, “fine we talk tomorrow. Now I’ll go see Betty.” Mario tells him, “calm down the uglies won’t be bothered waiting. They have a lot of patience, it’s there only choice. Enough with the anguish, your acting all worried over Betty than Marcela brother.” Armando tells him, “don’t be such a jerk Calderon. Stop saying such stupid things, what we’re doing with that girl is wrong. What having that poor girl waiting, all by herself alone like an idiot is wrong.” Mario tells him, “you better be lucky she doesn’t leave or else you’re going to be in trouble tomorrow. Plus you will have to do a lot of apologizing.” Armando tells him, “shut that mouth of yours Calderon. Are you sure that place is discreet?” Mario tells him, “I am now getting paranoid. Brother brother, it’s so dark you won’t see one another. You can’t even see another couple, if you were talking to them. That is one of the favours when dating Betty. Good luck, and go to your Betty. He gives him a hug, may god be with you.” Armando utters, “go you” and leaves. Mario returns to the girls, “so ladies where were we. You ladies, care for a drink.”

At discovery, Armando finally arrives he asks the guy to park his car. He enters, and looks for Betty. He asks the waiter, “you haven’t seen a woman this tall, with big glasses, with braces and a moustache.” The waiter tells him, “fortunately I haven’t seen her sir.” Armando looks around, Betty sees him, and yells out his name. Betty holds him and says, “oh Don Armando I thought you wouldn’t be coming.” He sits down, while she’s still holding him. “How are you Betty? Sorry I was late, but I was ready to leave that cocktail. When Marcela arrived, I guess she thought. I had a date with a model or someone else. She showed up and we had this horrible fight.” Betty asks, “sorry sir so where did she go?”

(If it were me, I wouldn’t have waited. Like how she just screamed his name, so much for discretion.)

Armando tells her, “Marcela I don’t know I guess she went back to the apartment. She’s probably there furious.” Betty tells him, “I think its best you go to your apartment.” Armando tells her, “no I want to be here with you Betty.” Betty tells him, “its best you’re on good terms with her.” Armando tells her, “no I want to be here with you.” Betty tells him, “no sir don’t worry about me I’ll take a taxi.” Armando screams, “no I want to be with you don’t you understand. Look sorry for yelling at you, you are such a naughty girl. I wanted tonight to be special, I wanted to be alone with you. To enjoy our time together understand.” Betty tells him, “like you order sir.”

(Ricardo Montaner cachita, is the beat in the background. With different words attached.)

Armando tells her, “please stop calling me sir I am not ordering you. I want us to be alone together, so what is with the bottle of whiskey?” Betty tells him, “I ordered it for you I hope you like it.” Armando tells her, “oh thank you Betty and he pours himself a drink. I am like so nervous, with what Marcela did too me. This taste great.” Betty tells him, “yes sir drink up I know that you need it to make me look good. Then she just laughs, that’s a joke sir.” Armando tells her,  “I don’t like those kinds of jokes Beatriz. You know don’t insult yourself. This isn’t a game, I don’t need a drink to make you look good. Nor a lot of whiskeys to see you divine. Beatriz you must understand something, I see you, I see you. To me your are beautiful. Betty just laughs, I am drinking this whiskey because I am stressed and had that fight with Marcela. Not because of you ok, and don’t think of other excuses.” Betty tells him, “yes sir.” Armando tells her, “let’s have a toast to you.” Betty tells him, “yes a toast to you as well.” She closes her eyes and he takes a deep breath, and is ready to kiss her. When the cell rings, he pulls back. “It’s my cell.” Betty just laughs, then he angrily says. ‘Damn it, it’s Marcela. What do I do?”

Betty tells him, “don’t answer it here go outside and answer it.” Armando tells her, “no no I won’t get it.” Betty tells him, “answer it or else she will get more suspicious.” Armando asks, “what should I say.” Betty tells him, “you know what to say. Your good at lying, go.” He gets up and heads outside. Marcela utters “Armando Mendoza. So you don’t answer your cell. Very good.” Armando is outside, and asks. “What is going on?” Marcela tells him, “well finally your answer. I was calling to find out where you were, and what plans do you have. Will you be coming here, or going to your apartment. Or for that matter, are you going to party the night away.” Armando tells her, “I am on my way to my apartment.” Marcela tells him, “so that means you’re not coming here.” Armando tells her, “no.” Marcela tells him, “fine Armando Mendoza fine the only thing that you want is to make matters worse.” Armando tells her, “no Marcela you’re the one that started this. Look tomorrow, we can argue all day if you want.” Marcela asks, “where are you? Why is there so much noise, are you out of Color Inn?” Armando tells her, “I had to come outside to the street to answer the call.” Marcela asks, “outside?” Armando tells her, “what did you want me to answer it in there. On the cell at the cocktail, so we can start fighting and be listened on. So like you say continue the show.” Marcela tells him, “no I didn’t want the show to continue. The only thing I wanted is to know where you were sleeping tonight, are you coming home yes or no.” Armando tells her, “you already know the answer to that. I am heading straight to my apartment.” Marcela asks, “so what time will you be leaving?” Armando tells her, “I don’t know a couple of hours.” Marcela tells him, “fine do whatever you want.” She then hangs up, Armando utters. “I better turn this off or this woman is going to drive me crazy. Oh what a cross, now I have to go back in there and kiss Betty. Oh where are you, he takes out a picture of Adriana Arboleda and says. I am going to kiss Adriana Arboleda. Oh you are so lovely, I have to kiss her.”

Inside the club, Betty asks. “What happened?” What did she tells you? Do you have to leave again?” Armando tells her, “no I told her I was still at Color Inn and would go home later to my apartment. You see that place, has been abandon for months Beatriz.” Betty tells him, “yes I know sir.” Armando tells her, “you see I live there but I’m always stuck having to go to her place. If I don’t Marcela  throws a fit. It’s like were already married. Why do I have to marry, if I’m already living that life?” Betty tells him, “she probably wants a confirmation of your relationship. She wants it done officially, or legalizes what you guys have. In all accounts sir, I think what condemns a man to stay with a woman. It’s not marriage, nor the engagement its love.” Armando tells her, “love yes yes. In this case, love there isn’t that much. It just doesn’t exist you see, I have a serious engagement with Marcela, because of our two families. For our company, oh you know what let’s just change the subject. Let’s stop talking about me and Marcela. Lets discuss nicer things, were are together now. I just want to ask you one question, I haven’t asked you this until now. I would like the truth, I want to know. Does Nicholas know, what is going on between the two of us?” He touches her hand, she holds it tighter. “Oh sir, don’t you think about that. What is going on between the two of us. Only we two know, what’s occurring. Why are you asking me?” Armando tells her, “what just out of curiosity Beatriz. Just curiosity since you haven’t even mentioned Nicholas.” Betty tells him, “this secret is so sacred to me and my life. I don’t mention this to my pillow.” She laughs, and he asks. “What haven’t you thought, if Nicholas finds out about us what would he do.” Betty tells him, “no sir that would be terrible. The thing is Nicholas, knows that you’re my boss. That you are engaged, you will soon get married. He would criticize me.”

Armando tells her, “you Beatriz are you worried to tell him because he might break up with you.” Betty asks, “what are you talking about sir. Please you still think, there’s something with me and Nicholas.” Armando tells her, “Betty I want you to promise me. That is most sacred to me, I want you to promise me that you belong to me only.” She takes his hand, and lovelingly says. “I promise you sir. I am only yours sir, only yours. I will be yours forever.” She closes her eyes for a kiss he utters. “Oh that makes me feel a lot better.” Then they kiss, Armando continues but then opens his eyes in surprise.

Nicholas is with the two lawyers, who are both drinking. Nicholas tells him, “here is your cheque and the money I promised I would give you.” Antonio utters, “Jose you take care of this tomorrow. Thank you lord, this is like a present from heaven sir. He kisses the money and counts it. He screams, hey chino wash your hands and bring us an another bottle.” Nicholas tells them, “well then I have to leave. I have things to do tomorrow.” Antonio tells him, “don’t go yet my friend. Join us in this celebration stay for a while.” Nicholas tells them, “oh sorry but I have to get up early tomorrow. Lots of things I have to do.” Nicholas gets up, and Antonio stops him. “Sir, I will invite you for a drink.” Nicholas utters, “well then why not.” Antonio screams for another bottle. “So tell me, what happened with that Eco Moda company. It’s been way too long, they haven’t even sent me any lawyer to bother me yet. So we can arrange a deal or something. What is going to happen, with that deal.” Nicholas tells him, “they are confident in the arrangement. I think Miss Betty, made a deal or something with them.” Antonio asks, “wait one minute what deal. What is all this?” Jose lights his cigarette. Nicholas tells them, “they now have a great relationship between the two.” Antonio tells him, “so that means they are still. What’s the word”? Jose tells him, “in cahoots.” Nicholas repeats the word. Antonio screams for a glass, “hey chino a glass for this Mr. Mora.” The waiter tell him, “I’m on my way.” Antonio tells them, “this place is getting worse by the day. The waiter brings them two bottles. He pours them drinks, and says. Well then let’s make a toast. Then he screams for another glass. The waiter brings it, and is told he should cut his nails.” The drinking begins, Nicholas just laughs.

At Discovery, Betty and Armando are on the dance floor. They’re not really dancing, Betty is holding him tight and they just turn in circles. He tries to pull her away, she moves away for a bit then gets back to holding him tight. He just looks at the lights.

(The song is called Llorarás, is from singer Oscar D´León.)

Top night clubs in Colombia are:
1. Cafe Havana, 2. Donde Fidel Salsa Club, 3. Plaza de Toros Santamaría, 4. Teatro Colón 5. Beachfront Bars of El Rodadero, 6. Walking Calle 10, 7. Centro Andino, 8. Le Bon Cafe, 9. Orquesta Sinfonica de Colombia

SIXTY-FOUR

Marcela is pacing back and forth, she still trying to contact Armando. “Why isn’t he at the apartment yet? All she gets is the answering voice, from the cell and his home phone. She utters, no he turned off the cell phone. Where are you? Oh no you won’t get away with this. She sits by her dinning room table, then contacts Patricia. Patricia give me Mario’s phone number. Angrily she screams, what is it to you. All I’m asking, is for that number.”

(I’m wondering at this point, what time is it?)

Mario is still at Color Inn, trying to pick up that model. She tells him, “no I just want to go home.” Mario tells her, “Valeria my house is your house. She is waiting for you.” Valeria tells him, “no Mario forget it maybe another night. I have to work tomorrow.” Mario tells her, “yes I know I too have to have to get up early. We are going to my place to sleep, I will awaken you with my elbow. So what do you want for breakfast. She laughs, and he gets the cell phone. Then he utters, no dear me.” She asks, “what wrong?” Mario tells her, ‘I can’t answer this.” Valeria asks, “who is it? Your girlfriend?” Mario tells her, “worse than that. It’s Armando’s girlfriend, you remember that girl in the red dress. The one that insulted you.” Valeria tells him, “yes.” Mario tells her, “she thinks that Armando is with me that’s why she’s calling. Can you image it? He shuts off the phone, and puts it in his pocket. Now then let’s get back to our plan. I’ll tell you everything in the car.” Marcela is furious she utters. “Fine Armando Mendoza, I wonder what excuse you will tell me tomorrow. How will you take out of my head, that you’re not with another woman.”

At Discovery, Armando gets Betty to sit down. Betty asks, “do you see someone you know sir?” Armando tells her, “I don’t know I just have this feeling I’m being watched. Or some of them, try to say hello to me it’s just strange.” Betty tells him, “oh relax sir none of your crowd comes here.” Armando tells her, “yes I know Beatriz.” Armando tells her, “oh I’m just a bit paranoid because of that fight with Marcela. I am just nervous.” He takes another drink, Betty tells him. “If you’re relaxed, if you wanted we could leave.” Armando tells her, “no Beatriz don’t say that. In this corner, were like protected isn’t that right. I don’t know, maybe next time we should head to a nice restaurant. A quiet place where we can dance, and be alone together. I want you to feel comfortable, I want to take you places where I can take care of you understand but of course it’s dangerous.”

Betty tells him, “don’t worry sir I understand. The truth is where ever we are, is beautiful as long as I’m here with you. This place will be in my mind, a place that truly made me happy. Sir you can take me anywhere, I won’t feel uncomfortable. The most important to me is, that you are relaxed. That nothing is bothering you, nothing makes you nervous that we are at peace.” Armando tells her, “Betty you’re so special.” Then he kisses her. Then a spotlight shines on them as their kissing. Both stop kissing, and looks up. The announcer welcomes them to the Discovery. Everyone is clapping, Armando nervously fixes his hair. While Betty fixes her glasses. The announcer, tells them. “Ah this is the hour for lovers, at your favorite discotheque we are going to look around the room to see everyone. To pick out that favorite couple of the night, that enjoy our music and show so much affection for one another. They say, how much they love one another.” Armando nervously asks, “Beatriz what’s going on?” Betty tells him, “I don’t know I’ve never been here before.” The announcer tells them, “now then that couple must sing one song that identifies their love. Let’s look at the crowd.” Armando tells her, “Beatriz I think we should pay the bill and get out of here quickly. Before that announcer ruins our night ok.” The announcer tells us, “the couple of the night is.” Armando gets up then sits low, on his chair and the light shines on them.

Everyone claps, “congratulations your our first couple.” Armando tells him, “look were heading out were just going to pay the bill and go thanks.” The announcer tells him, “don’t worry well if you sing and win your drinks are free.” Armando gets up with Betty, and tells him. “No sir we are leaving, were not singing. I mean we’re terrible singers.” The announcer tells them, “you two can’t leave.” Armando tells them, “yes we can.” The announcers tells them, “everyone do you want these two to leave.” The crowd screams, “no oh the public just loves you two. Please stay and participate in the contest, let’s clear the ice why don’t you tell me your names.” Betty tells him, “Betty Pinzon.” The announcer tells them, “give her a hand.” Armando tells him, “Armando Manzanero.” The announcer tells him, “very funny man now you two what are you. Are you engaged, dating, husband and wife, oh their two people in love. Let’s give these two a hand. Now Betty, I will give you a sheet with a song. You sing for your love, look at him show him you love him with a look. Tell him by song, that you love him.” Betty laughing tells him, “ok.” The announcer tells her, “now dedicate this song to your love with all your heart.” Armando looks at her, and then she gets a card.  She begins singing, “si los dejan” very badly. The announcer tells him, “now you sir.” Armando looks over at Betty, then back at the announcer. Armando joins her, and Betty shows him the sheet. The announcer screams, “Armando doesn’t love Betty.” The crowd joins in, and Armando grabs the mike and begins singing. With Betty accompanying him.

Armando stops singing when the announcer, takes away the mike. “Brave Bravo, Betty and Armando. With all couples, may you respect one another and love one another. Desire one another, let’s finish this off with a kiss. Ladies and gentlemen join me, kiss kiss.” Armando looks at Betty then Betty, grabs him and kisses him. The crowd cheers, the announcer screams. “Another one, another one. Armando is frustrated, Betty just laughs. Once again, it’s Betty that does the kissing. The announcer tells them all, Betty and Armando have started this night of lovers. Now let’s look for more lovers. I see so many people happy, and they’re so in love.” Then the announcer moves to another couple. Armando and Betty go back to their seats. He tells her, “we better go I’ll pay the bill.” He takes out money, and puts it on the table. Betty tells him, “congratulations sir.” Armando asks, “Betty what?” Betty tells him, “I didn’t know you sang I guess that’s another facet of you. That I didn’t know you had.” Armando tells her, “oh come on lets go. What discrete site, this is all I needed.” Betty just starts laughing. As they are leaving, Betty sees Aura Maria coming with a guy. “Oh my god, there’s Aura Maria.” She grabs Armando and they head to a corner. Aura Maria is grabbing a guy, that doesn’t want to be there. She tells him, “oh please Estefan come on were going to have a great time here. Come on shy guy.” Armando asks, “do you think she saw us. Who is that guy?” Betty tells him, “she only had eyes for him. I guess that’s her new boyfriend.” Armando tells her, “we better go or else other employees from Eco Moda might show up.” Then they take off.

Nicholas is at the club, and drinking. Nicholas tells them, “I better get going I don’t feel well. I’m starting to see everything fuzzy.” Antonio just has another drink, and tells him. “Relax sir sit down, and enjoy the evening it’s just starting. We have finished one bottle, let’s get another one.” Nicholas tells them, “no thanks I have to get up early.” Antonio tells him, “stop there the night will get better. Two women come by, and kiss the two lawyers. See I told you.” One of them says, “Mr. Sanchez we haven’t seen you in quite a while.” Antonio tells him, “hello Lily I am here with a client. This gentleman is Mr. Mora, very prestigious fellow from Eco Moda.” Nicholas once again gives out his business cards. Lily tells him, “hello sir nice to meet you.” Nicholas just shakes her hand and smiles. Antonio asks, “would you like a drink?” Lily tells him, “if you’re buying sure.” Antonio tells her, “I have this cheque well sir aren’t you going to join us.” Lily tells him, “stay awhile you are so handsome.” Nicholas tells him, “thank you thank you.” Antonio tells her, “Mr. Morita has a brilliant future ahead of him. No doubt about it.” Nicholas calls the waiter, “hey there Mr. Sanchez has ordered another bottle. Put it on my tab.” Antonio tells Jose, “look at this good man our great client is buying us a round.” The woman go towards him, and begin caressing him. While the other goes in, between the two lawyers.

Nicholas tells them, “look I need to make a call I’ll be right back. I have to cancel a meeting, excuse me.” Antonio tells him, “go ahead don’t worry we understand.” Nicholas calls his mom, “look mom its Nicholas. I’m going to be late, could you leave the key on the mat. Don’t worry I am with good companions. He glances at a girl walking by, I will be a good boy. Ok mom, hang up I’m calling from my cell and the calls are expensive. If the boss sees it, she’ll kill me. I know you’re the only one, that’s allowed to hit me. Hang up hang up, bye see you later. Nicholas returns to the table, and pretends to be talking to someone important on the phone. Yes cancel that meeting, tell them I can’t make it. I’m at an important meeting here. I have other important matters to attend too. Yes yes, I will pay that bill relax. Cancel that meeting, Jorge follows my orders goodbye.” Antonio asks, “what happened?” Nicholas tells them, “you know an employee that doesn’t follow instructions.” Lily tells him, “oh this man is very nice why don’t you give him to me.” Antonio is pouring some drinks, and says. “Oh course he’s all yours.” Lily tells Nicholas, “but you’re so shy.” Nicholas tells her, “no not shy but difficult.” Lily begins kissing his neck. Antonio goes, “careful sir she’ll cost you. He’s difficult to pay.” The two lawyers start drinking again, Nicholas tells them. “I am very sincere as well.” Lily begins kissing him once more. Antonio screams, “toast again toast again. Oh this is delicious, have a drink.” Everyone plays around, and then all take a drink.

Armando now has taken Betty home, and they sit in the car. Betty tells him, “I guess my dad just went to bed. I better head in before he gets up, tomorrow we have to get up early.” She then laughs, Armando tells her. “Yes I understand.” Betty tells him, “sir thank you for everything it was a grand night.” She laughs once more, Armando looks away and just utters. “Yes of course.” Betty tells him, “I just hope that tomorrow you don’t get in trouble with Marcela.” Armando tells her, “oh don’t you worry about that Beatriz.” Then Betty closes her eyes, and waits for a kiss. Armando tells her, “we talk tomorrow. She waits, and in the end he kisses her once. See you tomorrow, Betty opens her eyes and smiles. See you tomorrow.” He repeats Betty laughs and tells him, “you have a good night sir.” Armando tells her, “you too.” Betty gets out of the car, and waves goodbye. Armando waves and leaves.

Betty quietly enters, and locks the door. Then to her surprise is her father, covered in a blanket and carrying a flashlight. “Oh you thought, you wouldn’t wake me.” Betty tells him, “dad you scared me.” Hermes tells her, “oh yes I am so happy waiting up for you. Do you know what time it is?” He takes out a watch. Betty tells him, “yes dad well I had to go with Don Armando to a meeting and it lasted more than I thought.” Hermes tells her, “doesn’t this man know you come from a good family. That you must come home at a decent time.” Betty tells him, “yes but dad I was working.” She then heads to the stairs, Hermes tells her. “At least they are paying you for those extra hours. The company I was working in, who still hasn’t given me my pension. Would pay extra if you worked late.” Betty tells him, “well no it’s not in my contract. I am an employee that is trusted, and confided in.” Hermes tells her, “more than working than being confided on. Tell me something Betty, isn’t that man engaged to an investor at Eco Moda.” Betty just nods, “so you were with her as well.” Betty shakes her head “no.” Hermes tells her, “oh Betty don’t you think this person might get you in trouble. If she finds out, that you’re going out with her boyfriend. Going here and there, late meetings after hours at late hours.” Betty tells him, “dad she knows I am his personal assistant. I have to join him, I don’t have problems with her.” Hermes tells her, “I need you to talk to Nicholas Betty. He got a call tonight, and ran off to meet this man. He left everything on the table, like this was his house. Who knows what his place looks like, where he lives he might have cockroaches at that bakery.” Betty tells him, “I will talk to him tomorrow.” Hermes tells her, “now go to bed don’t turn on the lights. It’s almost morning.”

Nicholas is ill by this point, Lily tells them. “We really should go out this weekend.” Both lawyers have closed their eyes. Antonio utters, “no trip thanks.” Lily begins caressing Nicholas, telling them. “I am going with this handsome man. Doesn’t that sound wonderful my love?” Nicholas pulls away, and tells her. “Yes yes, I have to check my appointment book and taps her hand. I’ll see if we can go out.” Lily utters, “you’re so divine.” The other girl asks, “could I borrow that cell for a minute.” Nicholas tells her, “sure here it is.” The girl makes a call. Lily asks, “so when will be going on that trip?” Nicholas tells her, “tomorrow.” The girl making the call, utters. “Hello oh I can’t hear nothing.” Then has to leave to hear the call, Lily asks. “So I can reach you through these numbers. Or do you have a secret girlfriend hiding out someplace?” Nicholas tells her, “no I am difficult to catch. Call me sometime, if I’m not home call my secretary Julia Pinzon. So where’s your friend, the one that I lent my cell phone.” By this point both lawyers are passed out. Lily tells him, “she went over there someplace.” Nicholas asks, “where.” Lily utters, “she’s someplace and takes his glasses. Oh that girl doesn’t know, where she’s going half the time.” Nicholas utters, “oh where is she going? Where’s my cell phone?” Lily tells him, “she’s coming back later tonight or tomorrow.” Nicholas tells her, “what tomorrow no.” He gets his glasses and gets up. Lily asks, “can I get another whiskey?” Nicholas doesn’t hear, and goes searching for his cell phone.

Betty writes in her diary:

“I don’t know what Armando thinks of Nicholas, he begins to get jealous and it flatters me. It makes me feel, like I am his. I’ve never had a man act all jealous on me before. I feel like a secure woman, so many men never bothered to really look at me but he sees me. Armando arrives home, and feeds his dog. Oh he’s a man so full of lovely details, with  chocolates and a card placed lovingly on my desk. Who would have thought, he was a man with details. Armando walks around his place, then heads to his bedroom. He seems so troubled, and lays down. Oh this man who gave me so much pleasure tonight. The best night in my entire life, he was worried about me. He didn’t want me to be there, and wanted me to be comfortable. I know that we should go, to places that nobody knows who we are. Of course we have other dangers, we have to go to places where his friends don’t frequent. Plus that grand part of his life, the employees of Eco Moda. Tonight we almost bumped into Aura Maria, and her new boy toy. She seemed so infatuated with this guy, I also suffer for Freddy. Aura Maria hasn’t wanted to tell him the truth, she hasn’t wanted to burst his illusion.”

Aura Maria is making out in the car with Estefan. When she tells him, “bye bye its way too late.” Estefan tells her, “no get back here.” Aura Maria tells him, “I have to work early tomorrow.” Freddy is watching by her house door. He screams, “leave her alone you scoundrel.” Aura Maria asks, “Freddy what are you doing in here?” Estefan grabs Aura Maria tighter, “who is this fool what does he want?” Freddy tries to jump over the fence, he can’t and goes to the gate. Aura Maria tells him, “he’s a friend from work.” Freddy asks, “what only an acquaintance. This morning I was your friend Aura Maria.” Estefan tells him, “I don’t care if you’re an acquaintance or a friend. Crazy I don’t want any problems.” Freddy tells him, “what problem? Are you threatening me?” Aura Maria tells him, “relax Freddy go home go.” Freddy tells her, “the problem is with this guy. Are you threatening me sir?” Estefan tells him, “no no no I am warning you. Crazy don’t get involved with me, leave us in peace. Or else she might end up with no friend.” Freddy tells him, “oh how scary.” Aura Maria tells him, “Freddy please just go home. Estefan wants to get out of the car, to beat up Freddy. Aura Maria stops him, let’s go instead or else my mom will throw me out.” Freddy tells her, “let him come out. Nobody is stopping him, I am ready to rumble. Come over here chungo. Estefan drives off, Freddy puts on his helmet. Aura Maria your mom is going to kill you love.” Freddy then cries by his bike.

Betty continues with her diary:

“I suffer for Freddy I just don’t want to be in his shoes. I would hate that one loves a person, and he loves another and that person doesn’t know. On the other hand I am happy, Don Armando has been very clear to me. He has told me, that he does not love Dona Marcela. The thing that touched me the most, the thing that made me so secure of our relationship was his attitude towards her. Don Armando is risking his life for me, I know how difficult that sacrifice will be for him. You see Marcela in her bed, still awake. Don Armando fought with her, he escaped from her. This time he chose me over her, he pushed her away. He sent her home, from a cocktail. Now she is sleeping alone, he is beginning to question why he is living with her. I just can’t believe, I am winning a battle with a woman like her. I am not saying a war, but a battle. I just don’t know if I will win this battle, or will I end up wounded. I just don’t know where all this is going, maybe it’s just too premature to see into the future. I am making illusions, and that scares me but I just don’t want to stop living this dream. Because this is the most beautiful life and dream I have ever lived through. Something that I have dreamed of, all my life.”

The next morning at Betty’s house, Julia is watching infomercials about bras. Julia asks, “mom do you still have that card. Where you friend owns a clothing store?” Julia tells her, “here its right here. Are you going to go shopping?” Betty tells her, “yes mom I’m starting to repeat my clothing too much. I don’t know, but I really want to change to buy new clothes. Today at last were going to be paid.” Julia tells her, “oh that’s great dear. Oh why don’t you buy something like that.” Betty asks, “but why mom?” Julia tells her, “that lifts up your breasts. You could get a full lift of your body.” Hermes comes in complaining, “oh yeah how beautiful you’re going to tell your daughter to buy that filth. So our daughter can go out on display on the streets.” Julia tells her, “it’s not exhibiting yourself. It’s so she look better, you know she winks looks better.” Hermes doesn’t get the hint, and tells her. “Oh no she won’t be exhibiting herself to others. Like this, and he pretends to have breasts. If she’s not exhibiting herself, what is it then.” Betty tells them, “well I better go I will call you later on.” Hermes tells her, “I better not see you wearing those kinds of clothes. Or else I will lose it. You what are you standing there for, go wash the dishes. Broom the floor, and turn off the tv. Stop watching temptations.” He grins his teeth and growls then leaves. Julia looks up for guidance.

(Julia is saying all this, so Betty will be able to attract a husband. Hermes just doesn’t get the point.)

Betty is ready to go until she sees Nicholas. “What’s up Nicholas? What’s wrong? Are you going to just stand there like a statue.” Nicholas tells her, “no Betty I was mediating.” Betty asks, “how did the talk with the lawyers go?” Nicholas tells her, “it went great Betty.” Betty asks, “are you sure Nicholas that you’re alright?” Nicholas tells her, “nothing is wrong.” Betty tells him, “ok we will talk later on. Oh Nicholas remember, when you’re done working clean up. My dad made a big fuss about you, leaving everything all over the place last night. Are you sure you’re alright?” Nicholas tells her, “I am fine.” Betty tells him, “well then bye.” Nicholas tells her, “bye.” When she’s gone, he grabs the phone. “Mr. Sanchez its Nicholas Mora, no my head is fine but look I got insomnia. Do you have news, regarding that woman friend of yours friend. No!” Then he hangs up.

At Eco Moda, Wilson is with a very sad and depressed Freddy. Freddy tells him, “it was so hard and difficult seeing her with another man. I just don’t understand this brother, I have class and  distinction. I’m attractive, but it wasn’t me that she was kissing. Those red lips, of Aura Maria they belonged to another. Oh you don’t have another handkerchief.” Wilson tells him, “no look brother. What you can’t do is become, a Maria Magdalena crying all over the place. No sir you’re a real man, you have to show her that it doesn’t hurt.” Freddy tells him, “yes I will act like a true man. I will be valiant, how does one do that brother?” Betty arrives, and asks. “Has Don Armando arrived yet?” Freddy tells her, “no Betty he hasn’t arrived yet.” Betty then heads to her office. Wilson goes back to his post, and sees that Marcela has arrives. As she’s about to enter the building. Patricia arrives, she beeps her car and screams. “Marcee Marcee.” Marcela screams, “what?” Patricia tells her, “oh my god last night I hardly slept thinking about you. Where you able to talk to Mario, or what?” Marcela tells her, “that Mario didn’t even answer his cell phone.” Patricia asks, “and why did you need him?” Marcela just looks away, Patricia tells her. “Oh yeah Armando, attempted to escape. So who did he go with?”

Marcela tells her, “no but I am going to find out. Armando is going out with some woman Patricia, that woman is going to steal him. She doesn’t know, what I am going to do with her when I discover her.” Patricia asks, “are you sure do you have say a clue. A physical description something, so we can at least know who it is.” Marcela tells her, “no but I just have this feeling.” Patricia tells her, “Marcee with just a feeling I would already have strangled her.” Marcela tells her, “I just don’t have that luxury Patricia. No matter I will find out who this woman is.” Patricia asks, “Marcee now are you going to use my surveillance skills to capture her.” Marcela tells her, “I tried that last night.” Patricia asks, “so how did it go?” Marcela tells her, “it was a disaster.” Patricia asks, “what happened did you catch him with someone or what tell me.” Marcela tells her, “what do you think I’m an idiot if I would have caught them. Do you think I’d be here, talking to you. No I was stuck talking to Ricardo Monteja.” Patricia tells her, “yuck.” Marcela tells her, “oh I created such a scandal. Armando probably wants to kill me. She turns and sees a crying Freddy. Wilson is standing next to him. Marcela asks, Freddy what’s wrong?” Freddy tells her, “I just have a cold that makes me cry.” Marcela asks, “so has Don Armando arrive yet.” Freddy tells her, “no he hasn’t shown up or called to report himself. Marcela grabs Patricia and they move away from them. See that who knows, where he slept last night. Or maybe he’s just getting home.” Patricia tells her, “maybe he didn’t even arrive at his apartment.” Marcela tells her, “last night I called him exactly what time he was suppose to arrive home. I just couldn’t continue, marking that phone all night for a man. I have my dignity understand, even if it’s Armando Mendoza. Marcela takes out money, from her purse and gives it to Freddy. Here do me a favor, buy yourself medicine for that cold and buy me a pill for my nerves.” Freddy tells her, “yes madam.” Then both head inside the company. Freddy utters, “goodbye my waterfall blond. Oh brother the only thing, that will get rid of this is a bottle.” Wilson tells him, “brother calm down and stop crying. You’re acting like a baby old man.” Freddy tells him, “no brother.”

They turn and Wilson tells him, “it’s Don Armando.” Freddy tells him, “go you snoop good morning Don Armando.” Armando tells him, “park my car.” Wilson tells him, “yes sir.” Armando asks, “Freddy has Mario Calderon arrive yet?” Freddy tells him, “yes sir he’s in production. He said, once you arrive your to go see him.” Armando asks, “has Marcela arrive?” Freddy tells him, “yes she arrived and went up with Patricia.” Wilson tells him, “yes and she was asking for you.” Armando asks, “and what did she say?” Wilson tells him, “she asks Freddy and found out that you hadn’t arrived. So that’s when she told Patricia, that you’re an idiot and  probably are just arriving home to sleep. Sir she was furious, I guess last night you were a bit naughty sir.” He pats his shoulder. Armando asks, “when you talk do you have to touch me?” Wilson utters, “no sir.” Then he salutes and splashes his coffee on his jacket. Freddy starts laughing, and Armando tells him. “That happens because you’re a meddler.” Wilson tells him, “yes sir.” Then Armando looks over at Freddy, “why are you laughing? So that was very funny?” Freddy tells him, “yes sir.” Armando asks, “what is with you today?” Freddy tells him, “I just have a cold it just makes me cry.” Armando asks, “where is Aura Maria?” Freddy tells him, “please don’t ask me about that woman. Look sir I just have a cold, that makes me cry.” Armando tells them, “I will be in production.”

Wilson utters, “yes sir yeah run away from your woman.” Armando overhears that and asks them, “what was that you said?” Wilson utters, “nothing sir I was talking nonsense to our delivery man.” Freddy hits him, and Armando tells him. “Really both taking nonsense, I guess you have nothing else to do. I want you to wash every single car of the company, then do the ones on this block please. Now Freddy, you are going to join him even though you’re sick you cry baby.” Then he enters the company. Wilson tells him, “see that what’s happens when I’m with you you idiot.” Freddy tells him, “you double towers you. Your aren’t the sharpest tool in the shed.” Wilson tells him, “pale face.”

Patricia and Marcela arrive at the bathroom. Patricia tells her, “I just don’t understand. You arrived by surprise at Color Inn, and you didn’t find him with anybody. So what is this feeling you have?” Marcela tells her, “I want you to call there and find out. What time that cocktail event ended, and what time Armando left and with whom.” Bertha is having her snacks in the bathroom, and overhearing the entire conversation. Patricia asks, “and what for?” Marcela tells her, “I need to confirm with the information you give to what he tells me.” Patricia asks, “and who am I suppose to contact there at Color Inn.” Marcela tells her, “I don’t know ask anybody but minus that Ricardo Manteja. Remember he’s Armando’s accomplice with Mario.” Patricia asks, “why and how will I get for this information?” Marcela tells her, “look Patricia just say you’re trying to find out. Where the president Armando Mendoza is, since he hasn’t arrived yet. Tell them, all you know was that he was at Color Inn. For a cocktail last night, and that you’re worried.” Bertha’s mouth is in awe, and both later leave.

Patricia tells her, “you don’t think you’re alarming yourself too soon. You haven’t even tried calling his cell nor his apartment.” Marcela tells her, “I haven’t wanted too because like I told you I tried calling there last night. At the exact time, he was supposed to arrive home. I didn’t find him,  that man hasn’t even bothered to call me. Nor has he appeared, call him.” Bertha quietly runs to her desk. Patricia tells her, “Marcee I will do what you ask but I don’t want to get in trouble with Armando. When I asks, if he’s disappeared Marcee. When I call I’m suppose to identify myself, and Armando will find out. You know what he will do, the one that will deal with the broken plates will be me. He will break it on my head, Marcee you do the calls and locate him please. Maybe in reality, something bad really happen to him. He’s usually here before I am.” Marcela tells her, “oh no what a shame you of all people concerned for Armando’s welfare.” Patricia tells him, “look Marcee what if he’s already arriving. Or if he’s asleep at some hotel, with that supposed woman. He won’t answer that phone, nor his cell phone number. Marcee please, just give it one more try please call him.” Marcela tells her, “fine you call the apartment and I’ll call his cell. They both hear the same message, satisfied call Color Inn.” Patricia makes the call.

Bertha goes to see Sophia, and tells her. “Oh Sophia I heard a conversation something so turbulence, between Marcela and that’s blond bimbo. If I don’t do something, it will ruin my diet.” Sophia asks, “well then tell me.” Bertha tells her, “well it seems the search is on for Armando. The thing is last night, he attended a cocktail event at Color Inn.” She wants Patricia, “to find out what time he left and with whom did he go with image that.” Sophia tells her, “so what if he does that that isn’t new news. He has done that before.” Bertha tells her, “no no no it goes beyond than that gossip. Dona Marcela joined with that blond bimbo catch him, with another woman than that’s that. No we have to warn Don Armando, he has been very kind to all of us oh no.” Sophia tells her, “well then what are you thinking about doing.” Bertha tells her, “let’s go see Betty.”

Betty is writing a love poem:

“My love last night was tragic, and like a sweet dream. Your key sang in my lock. Later the door opened, a shadow appeared. Your shadow was a spot of love of white flash. Everything was shone with light, with your eyes that were like diamonds. My cup was filled, your lips so fresh. It rested on my pillow, your sweet fragrance head. I loved your recklessness, I adore your craziness. Today I laugh when you laugh, I sing when you sing.”

She rolls it up, and puts a ribbon on it. With a happy heart, full of love she goes to his desk. She tries to find out where to put it, then find the wrapper. “It’s the first chocolate bar I gave him.” She quickly puts it back, when Bertha enters. “Betty where’s your boss?” Betty asks, “Don Armando?” Bertha tells her, “yes Don Armando or do you have a new one.” Betty nervously laughs, “no I don’t know where he is. Why?” Bertha closes the doors, and tells her. “What I am going to tell you is serious information. It might cost me my head. Dona Marcela and that blond bimbo are trying to find out, what Don Armando did last night.” Betty tells her, “but he was at that cocktail party at Color Inn.” Bertha tells her, “yes but later on he went someplace else. So Dona Marcela is trying to find out, what time the event ended. The time he left, and with whom he left with. I think its best, that you try to find out where he is.” She sits down, and asks. “Now Betty, who is this woman. That he’s cheating on, do you know her?”

Betty tells her, “no Bertha.” Bertha tells her, “what did I do.” Betty tells her, “it’s not my fault if Dona Marcela thinks that Don Armando has a lover.” Betty utters, “a lover?” Bertha tells her, “yes a lover why?” Betty tells her, “be more respectful Bertha.” Bertha asks, “what is wrong with you?” Betty tells her, “well I just don’t like that people are talking about Don Armando and his romances. The thing is a lover, is when a man is already married. Don Armando is still single, he doesn’t have a lover.” Bertha just smiles, and laughs and tells her. “What another girlfriend? I wonder if, he wants to dump Dona Marcela. We can call her, the other.” Betty tells her, “fine the other but she’s not his lover.” Bertha tells her, “well then Dona Marcela is becoming suspicious that Don Armando has another lover. She laughs once more, you don’t say.”

Armando is walking around the factory, and tells Mario. “Oh I really want to thank you, about that place that you chose. It was quite delicious, oh yeah really discreet. You know what happened last night? An announcer, with a big spotlight shone on the both of us. He was looking for lovers to interview.” Mario just starts laughing, “oh I can’t believe it. Look I swear the last time I was there, that never happened.” Armando tells him, “there he was looking for us to sing love songs.” Mario utters, “no.” Armando tells him, “yes.” Mario asks, “so does that mean you sang for Betty. What song was it?” Armando tells him, “I am not going to tell you.”

Mario tells him, “oh yes your favorite. Then he sings, and asks. So did Marcela show up to break up your romantic moment with Betty.” Armando tells him, “yes she interrupted she called my cell.” Mario goes, “really.” Armando tells him, “she was curious I told her I was at Color Inn. I hung up and shut the cell phone off. I just haven’t bothered turning it on.” Mario asks, “what time did she call?” Armando tells him, “I guess 10:30.” Mario tells him, “well she tried calling me as well but it was around 12.” Armando asks, “did you answer it.” Mario tells him, “how could you think that. Don’t be an idiot. I recognized her number, I imaged that she was looking for you like crazy. I knew you were probably, having a great time with Betty. Enjoying kissing those lips, with a moustache and braces. I told myself, I can’t interrupt these lovely moment so idyllic and romantic. Plus I didn’t know, what to say. So tell me, what happened last night. Mr. romance did you win her over, and ended up kissing her again.” Armando tells her, “yes I kissed her.” Mario tells him, “oh no be careful you’re going to start enjoying those kisses. Lately you haven’t been complaining or mentioning the terror, that those kisses Betty gives you.” Armando tells him, “this is like a boxing match. See you do this, and he does a boxing move. See the second time around, it hurts even more. By the end your face is just numb, the body full of anaesthesiology. You don’t feel a thing, nor you are alerted to it. The most important, in all of this boxing event is to be alive before you have to fight again.” Mario tells him, “yes unless your knockout first.” Armando tells him, “no the one that will knock me out is Marcela. If she called you at 12, that means the phone must have been ringing non-stop at my apartment. That woman is driving me crazy Mario, she’s going crazy.”

Patricia is on the phone, “thank you,no don’t worry I guess Armando will show up sooner or later. Well I’ll see you later.” Marcela asks, “so what did they say?” Patricia tells her, “now I talked to the lady that held the event. I told her, I was very worried. She told me, Armando left around 10 he left all by himself.” Marcela tells her, “but I left at 10.” Patricia tells her, “but he must have left after you Marcee. I’m not inventing nothing, that is what she told me. It seems to me that he must have left, not after you but going to someplace else.” Marcela tells her, “oh no I called him at 10:30 he told me he was still at Color Inn. Then he turned off the cell phone, and he didn’t answer his apartment phone. I don’t need any more proof do I.” Patricia tells her, “Marcee don’t say another word or else my mouth will salivate.” Marcela tells her, “if he decides to walk by here. You contact me, and she heads to her office.” Patricia tells her, “of course I will.”

Meanwhile Betty is trying to contact Armando, with the same luck. “No he doesn’t answer his phone at his place, nor his cell phone. The machines just pick up.” Bertha utters, “Betty I think that he’s with that woman right now. Who knows where he slept last night? Then she starts laughing. Who knows what bandida, he found last night. Betty is furious. She must be gorgeous, for him to be captured at this time of day.” Betty angrily tells her, “yes what kind of woman of class of bandida he ended up last night.”

Dr. Martin Cooper of Motorola, made the first US analogue mobile phone call on a larger prototype model in 1973.

SIXTY-FIVE

Wilson tells Freddy, “batteries ok Aura Maria will be arriving soon. Now then, you take care, be strong and cold, and be brave.” Aura Maria tells him, “hi Freddy. Freddy just looks at the mail. Look Freddy I just wanted to apologize, for what occurred last night.” Freddy bravely sings a song, and heads to the elevator. Aura Maria asks, “Freddy are you listing to me.” Freddy turns and asks, “excuse me miss are you talking to me.” Aura Maria tells her, “yes you idiot who else is here. You’re the only Freddy in the company.” Freddy tells her, “excuse me and forgive me miss we have nothing else to discuss. Unless it deals, with the business at hand. If you have anything to say to me, talk to my interpreter Wilson Zastoque our illustrious porter excuse me.” Aura Maria tells her, “oh no Freddy you’re not going to play idiot games with me today. Don’t be ridiculous.” Freddy tells her, “I would like you to be more respectful to me this humble delivery person. Plus take care in using the words idiot, ridiculous, stupid or any other insulting words against me.” Aura Maria tells him, “Freddy fine I won’t insult you further. Well the thing about last night… well… it wasn’t what you thought it was. He was just a friend.” Freddy tells her, “miss I am not asking you for explanations. Do you think that I need them? What you don’t think, what my eyes saw last night didn’t hurt. Well no, no! If you excuse me.” Then he sings once more and sees Wilson.

Freddy then screams, “Wilson.” Wilson approches and asks, “yes to serve you sir.” Freddy tells him, “raise your hand upon this moment. You will have a bigger role in this company, you will remain in the reception room. I would like to inform you, that between the receptionist and I has officially ended. Please what I need from you, is for you to be my interpreter. Between the two of us, regarding the company duties.” Wilson asks, “excuse me Freddy on who orders this?” Freddy tells him taking him to the side. “Come on brother, I really need your help. I just don’t want to talk to her.” Wilson tells him, “yes brother I will do this for you.” Aura Maria asks, “let’s talk ok.” Freddy asks, “what is she saying?” Wilson tells him, “she says she wants to talk.” Freddy tells him, “inform her that I am very busy right now.” Wilson repeats, “do you want to say anything to him.” Aura Maria tells him, “no none.” Wilson tells Freddy, “none.” Freddy tells him, “well then thank you see you later.” He then enters the elevator.

Armando screams, “wait wait Freddy hold the elevator.” He looks at Aura Maria, “it’s a pleasure having you here today.” Aura Maria tells him, “sorry sir but I had a bad night. I woke up late.” Armando tells her, “yes lately your nights have become very bad nights. You have been arriving here, late every morning this week Aura Maria.” Aura Maria tells him, “sir this is the last night this happens. I promise you.” Mario tells her, “its about time Aura Maria.” The three men, then get in the elevator. While Aura Maria is angry at herself. Upstairs the door opens, Armando looks around as does Mario. Before walking out, Freddy asks. “What game are we playing sirs?” Mario heads to his office, and Armando goes past Patricia. “Good morning.” Patricia watches him, Freddy drops off the mail and says. “Good morning Patty, how are you here. Here’s your mail, you look lovely today excuse me Patty.” Patricia then calls Marcela. “Marcee well guess who just arrived, Mr. disappear with that idiot Mario. He looks very restful, a face full of pleasure hello hello.”

Betty is on the phone, talking to Ricardo Monteja. “No sir Monteja, he hasn’t arrived yet. Yes I don’t know where he spent the night. Wait he just arrived, Bertha gets up. He seems alright, I will get him to call you sir goodbye.” Armando asks, “and who disappeared?” Betty tells him, “you sir.” Armando tells her, “well where did I come from?” Betty tells him, “well your here in your office.” Bertha tells her, “Betty I am going excuse me. I am happy that you’ve appeared quite well.” She gives him a smile, and takes off. She leaves Betty and closes the door behind her, and Armando sits down by his desk. “Beatriz what is going on, what is Bertha talking about? What is going on? Am I a ghost, are you trying to make me go crazy. Where did you think I would appear at?” Betty tells him, “sir everyone is searching for you like crazy. Dona Marcela has been asking around, about last night. Trying to find out where you were. What time you left, and with who from that Color Inn cocktail event.” Armando asks, “and what did they say?” Betty tells him, “I image someone mentioned what time you left. Plus that you left alone. A Ricardo Monteja called sounding all worried, he didn’t know what happened to you. I tried calling your cell, but you have it off. Your place just had the answering machine message. If you leave the apartment, just advice me sir.” Armando tells her, “what do you mean I didn’t sleep at my apartment Beatriz. So tell me, where did I sleep last night?”

Marcela enters, and both women have the same stance. “Bravo well at last you appeared.” Armando asks, “who appeared?” Marcela tells him, “Don Armando Mendoza. The man who left Color Inn cocktail at 10, at last you appear she glances over at Betty.” Armando tells her, “Marcela you are mistaken. Let’s not start this now.” Marcela looks over at Betty, “I wish to talk to my boyfriend alone. Betty looks at her, then at Armando then takes off her office. Marcela tells him, next time. If you go out with your women, or with your lovers, please inform your red muskrat over there about your whereabouts. So we can know, your fine so none of us get worried about you.” Armando asks, “what girlfriends. What lovers prove it? What are you talking about?” Betty begins to get worried. Marcela tells him, “oh poor man oh you’re a victim of circumstance. The man that has behaved, with such good moral behaviour. This time around Mr. Mendoza. You’re not going to get your way, you left that cocktail at 10. False.” Armando tells her, “true.” Marcela tells him, “well then I called you at 10:30 and you said you were still at Color Inn. False.” Armando tells her, “I was on the street.” Marcela tells him, “on the street by Color Inn. False.” Armando tells her, “I told you I was on the street Marcela.” Marcela tells him, “then you said you were heading straight to your apartment. False, you turned off your cell phone. False for at 1 am this morning, I once again called your phone at your apartment. You weren’t there. False.” Armando tells her, “no but.”

Marcela tells him, “I am not finished yet. I called your apartment, and you weren’t there. Even your cell phone was still off. What time did you get up, no no no sorry don’t answer that. Sorry what time did they wake you?” Armando tells her, “oh that is so ridiculous Marcela what are you inventing now. You are mistaken.” Marcela tells him, “I am not mistaken Armando. I have everything so clear, the only thing that I ask you next time is tell someone. I don’t want to go to hospital to hospital trying to locate you. Or police stations after police stations. Or be visiting every morgue to morgue in town. Or motels or hotels, trying to find out where you slept last night. Or going to apartment to apartment. Or search tons of thousands, of apartments of your girl friends looking for you. To find out, in which woman’s flat did you wake up in.” Betty is furious. Armando asks, “are you finished yet?” Marcela tells him, “yes I am now finished. Goodbye Armando Mendoza, oh enjoy your new lover.” Armando screams out, “no false you’re going to stay right here Marcela.” He goes towards her, “I have listened perfect to everything you’ve had to say.” Marcela tells him, “let me go I don’t have to listen to you again.” Armando tells her, “you are going to listen to me Betty Beatriz come out here.” Betty comes out, looking very angry but tells him. “Yes sir.” Armando tells her, “do me a favour please my apartment call this number right now.” She dials the numbers, put it in high voice. Marcela asks, “what are you doing?” Armando shhs her, and then he says listen.” A voice utters, “you have reached the Rosa apartments how may I help you?”

“Rubin how are you. Yes its Armando Mendoza here, please tell me at what time did I leave my apartment this morning.” Rubin tells him, “you left here at 7:30 sir. Tell me, did I leave alone or with someone.” Rubin tells him, “alone sir.” Armando asks, “how about last night who was at the door.” Rubin tells him, “Francisco.” Armando tells him, “please when he takes over tell him to call Marcela Valencia here at Eco Moda. Tell him to say, what time I arrived last night at my apartment.” Rubin tells him, “yes sir like you order.” Armando tells him, “thank you.” Marcela tells him, “don’t be ridiculous.” Armando tells her, “see like you heard Marcela I slept at my apartment. I am impeccably changed and dressed.” Marcela tells him, “no no it doesn’t matter if you changed your clothes. Or for that matter, how much money did you paid the porter.” Betty gets nervous, Marcela has her hands on the wrapper and the rolled up letter. Armando asks, “oh what is wrong with you today? Marcela you want a war you’ll get one.” Both women turn, and Armando calls out to the corridor. “Freddy Freddy get in here now.” Marcela tells him, “yes create a scandal. If you think, this is going to get me to stop thinking. That you were, without someone last night you’re mistaken. You were with your lover, and I’m not imaging it. Betty tries to figure out, how to get that letter then Marcela picks up the roll. Armando Mendoza I will prove it.” She then puts it down, Betty is relieved.

ADDITIONAL SCENE

(Freddy comes out of Gutierrez’s office, and asks the girls. “Excuse me girls, was it my idea or did I hear Don Armando calling my name?” Both women utter, “aha.” Freddy tells her, “yes my heart is broken but listening to that yell. Do you think I’m going to get fired?” Bertha tells him, “oh no don’t worry Don Armando needs your help. Dona Marcela is about to kill him go.” Freddy fixes his suit and utters, “just relax. Both woman push him forward, he moves back. No at these times, its the innocent parties that end up falling.” Sophia pushes him, “hurry it up find out what’s up?”)

Freddy enters, and asks. “You called me sir.” Armando tells him, “yes Freddy I would like you to tell Dona Marcela. What time did I arrive this morning to this company?” Freddy tells her, “yes of course sir. Dona Marcela are illustrious president, arrived exactly at 8 this morning. You had already arrived, and had entered the company. Oh taking note of this occasion, yes here are the pills of depression you asked me for.” Marcela grabs it from his hands. Armando tells her, “how interesting what a coincidence we almost bumped into one another.” Freddy tells him, “yes sir that’s right.” Armando asks, “why were you late what kept you up all night. That you arrived late.” Marcela tells him, “I am not going to support your jokes.” Armando tells Freddy, “Freddy one more question please.” Freddy tells him, “yes sir.” Armando asks, “now then tell her after I arrived what did I do next.” Freddy tells her, “yes well once you sir arrived you went straight to production to meet Mario Calderon.” Armando tells her, “then of course I arrived at my office at 8am like always. My dear Marcela, then headed to production. I was there just few moments ago, until I decided to return to my office. Now Freddy, one last question.” Freddy tells him, “yes sir.” Armando asks, “am I ordering you or threatening you to tell Marcela this yes or no.” Freddy tells him, “no sir you would never even think about doing this.” Armando with a smile tells him, “well thank you so very much you may go.” Freddy tells him, “thank you sir excuse me.”

Freddy goes out, and Sophia motions him over she asks. “So did they catch him in the act?” Bertha asks, “did Dona Marcela disfigure his face?” Freddy tells them, “no and that man is defending himself like a wounded lion. He has his witnesses, and that is why he will be free. That is why I admire Don Armando, he is my hero. He knows how to cheat, and not get killed.” Bertha tells him, “don’t say that.” Armando now gets up, and looks at her. “For your information, I did not arrange this talk with Freddy. We will now contact production, mark the number Beatriz mark the number. I have tons of witnesses, that saw me arrive early. Betty grabs the note, and puts it back on the table. Or do think that I bribe them as well.” Marcela grabs the phone and turns it off. Marcela tells him, “you will not embarrass me in front of our employees.” Armando tells her, “the ridiculous part in all this. Is the person who contacted Color Inn. To tell them, that I had disappeared who did that?” Marcela tells her, “but they said that you left at 10 while I call you at 10:30. By that point you disappeared.”

Armando tells her, “so your point is at what time did I leave Color Inn. That is very easy to find out Marcela, call Ricardo Monteja he saw me leave. Call Richard Monteja at Color Inn right now.” Betty eyes the note, and Marcela stops her from making the call. “Don’t bother calling.” Armando tells her, “oh come on he knows what time I left last night. If it was 10 or 10:30 mark the number please.” Betty is close to the table, when Marcela instead of grabbing the phone grabs the letter. She screams, “don’t call anybody.” Bertha and Sophia get up scared and jump up. Armando screams, “don’t yell at Betty no one is to scream at her.” Marcela tells him, “what know one screams at me. She turns angrily and glares at Betty. You why are you always here? Leave us in peace, you always have to get yourself involved in our personal life. Or do you also control his private life?” Betty utters, “excuse me” and goes to her office. Marcela throws the roll on the table, and notices the candy. Armando tells her, “if you don’t accept all this evidence. I’ve had it with your screaming, your hysterical rants, and your accusations.” Marcela asks, “why didn’t you answer your phone last night.” Armando tells her, “quite simply I fell profoundly asleep. Or am I not allowed to have a good night’s sleep. Is it so suspicious that I was so tired, I didn’t hear the phone ring. You could have called the porter of the apartment. He told you clearly, I left that apartment this morning at 7:30 this morning by myself. Or do you still think, I went out with a woman. My love have any more doubts.” Marcela tells him, “no no no don’t worry. Like always you think, you can erase what occurred last night. By having all this proof, and evidence that I have to believe you. Yes you always leave the scene, so beautifully clean like your desk. Until now, what is this? She grabs the candy wrapper. Since when do you like chocolates, can I throw it away.” Armando tells her, “go ahead throw this away.” Then she sees the roll of paper and opens it. Marcela tells him, “oh what a mess” she opens it and begins to read. Armando repeats, “throw that away as well.”

(Oh why didn’t Betty keep her note in her hand.)

“What is this?” Armando tells her, “oh it’s just a sheet of paper.” Betty covers her mouth in horror. “No, this isn’t just a simple piece of paper. My love last night was tragic, and like a sweet dream. Your key sang in my lock. Later the door opened, a shadow appeared. Your shadow was a spot of love of white flash. Everything was shone with light, with your eyes that were like diamonds. My cup was filled, your lips so fresh. Armando looks towards Betty’s office. It rested on my pillow, you sweet fragrance head. Armando again stares at that door. I loved your recklessness, I adore your craziness. Today I laugh when you laugh, I sing when you sing. Armando closes his eyes, waiting for the explosion then it falls. Marcela utters, it’s signed Delmira Agustini. Armando looks up in relief, so who is she?” Armando tells her, “how the hell do I know who this woman is.” Marcela tells him, “don’t tell me you don’t know who this woman is who wrote you this poem. Armando shakes his head. What by magic this letter, happen to be by your desk.” Armando tells her, “I don’t know who she is Marcela. Believe me I don’t know.” Marcela asks, “who is it!”

(Delmira Agustini is a poet from Uruguay (1886-1914)

Armando tells her, “I don’t know.” Marcela tells him, “oh you got to be kidding you don’t know. With such dictation, your eyes that were like diamonds. My cup was filled, your lips so fresh. It rested on my pillow, your sweet fragrance head. Know wonder you couldn’t get up. Today I laugh when you laugh, I sing when you sing. So did you two sing.” Armando is speechless. Marcela asks, “so what song did you sing her? Armando please, I can’t believe your nerve. What nerve that you don’t know who she is. This woman took the time to write this, to recreate what you two lived in this poem. You don’t even have, the courtesy to remember her name.” Armando tells her, “no but but I don’t even know who wrote that I don’t know Delmira.” Marcela tells him, “let me remind you, Delmira Agustini you know that the typical names that you like. Like for example: Silvia Vananeli, Karina Larson, now its Delmira Agustini. It has to be another model.” Armando tells her, “no look you have to believe me I just don’t know who put that there. My love I just don’t know, what’s happening. He looks over at Betty’s office. I just don’t know, what is going on in here.” Marcela tells him, “I know what’s going on. I am in total agreement when she writes. I loved your recklessness.” Then she throws the paper, and storms out of the office Armando screams. “Marcela Marcela. He tries to go after her, and stops when he sees Sophia and Bertha. Crouching by their desks pretending to work. Then he closes the door, and Bertha utters. “Oh my god, he got caught. With the bandida’s name and everything.” Sophia utters, “with this he won’t be saved.”

Armando screams out, “Betty Betty.” She sadly leaves the office, “yes sir.” Armando asks, “tell me one thing. Do you know, who put this poem on my desk.” Betty tells him, “I did sir.” He gets up angrily, “Betty don’t you know what problem you got me in. Didn’t you notice? Tell me, now how am I suppose to take that idea. Out of her crazy head, that I don’t have a lover. Didn’t you think about the consequences? How could you put this poem, on my desk.” Betty tells him, “Don Armando sir I just wanted to give you a surprise. I just wanted to give you one, since you gave me such a lovely card. Sorry sir, I think sir the best thing we can do is break up this romance.” Armando asks, “what what.” Betty tells him, “sir please I just can’t take this anymore. You have gotten yourself, in big trouble with Dona Marcela. For going out with me, now with the poem. I feel really bad.” Armando tells her, “but Betty no lets calm down. No you know how Marcela gets, she’s always very suspicious. She makes everything, look like a big scandal. No no no, think about this further.” Betty tells him, “yes sir you had affairs with other women but not with me. I just can’t do this to her, I just can’t destroy this relationship especially like this manner.” Armando tells her, “no no no Beatriz. What are you destroying? What? I mean does it look like, a harmoniously relationship with Marcela no. The harmony is what we have.” Betty tells him, “the thing is she loves you sir. She suffers for you, she wants to take care of you. She doesn’t want anybody to rob you, that’s why she acts that way with you. I understand her Don Armando, I am not useful in this. I just can’t be the other, or what other people say your lover. For my dad, my family, for my job, for you and your family. For the company and Dona Marcela. I think the best thing is we break up.” Armando tells her, “no no no Betty please let’s calm down.” Betty goes to him, and touches his hand. “Don Armando, it has been very beautiful what we lived. It has been the most wondrous nights of my life. I will always keep, these inside of me. From now on, we will go back to what we were. President of Eco Moda, and his assistant excuse me.” She heads to her office crying, while Armando utters. “No Betty come back please. Armando is left stunned, then he utters Delmira Agustini.”

Marcela is walking through productions, Patricia goes running after her. “Marcee Marcee Delmira.” Marcela repeats  “Delmira Agustini, Delmira Agustini.” Patricia asks, “who is this bandida.” Marcela tells her, “now that is what you have to find out.” Patricia asks, “and how?” Marcela tells her, “I think she’s a model, that’s where we start. That woman, won’t take him away from me even though he denies it. That poem was very explicit, they lived through something.” Patricia tells her, “or what their living now Marcee.” Marcela asks, “what do you mean living now. Where is that Hugo?” Armando heads to see Mario, who is working in production.” Armando grabs him, and tells him. “We need to talk.” Mario asks, “what happened?” Armando tells him, “Betty broke up with me.” Mario utters, “what.” Armando repeats, “the worse is she doesn’t want nothing to do with me.” He still holds the poem in his hands. Mario asks, “what why.” Armando just shrugs miserably.

Bertha is telling the girls, “that man caught him red handed. There was a poem written and everything, so what is her name again.” Sophia tells her, “it’s a weird name Delmira something. Do you guys know who it is. Everyone thinks, then all say. “No.” Sandra tells them, “the one that should know, is Betty she should know.” Mariana tells her, “why don’t we interrogate her right now?” Ines tells them, “no no no we shouldn’t get involved in this.” All of them say, “Inesita.” Bertha tells them, “girls are you going to be able to keep this under wraps.” All of them go, “oh no.” Ines tells them, “I have an idea. We should go eat, and that supplies us more than gossip.” All of them go, “Inesita.” Bertha tells them, “sorry dear but first things first or what.” Mariana tells her, “you know what they say a woman without gossip.” Sandra tells her, “is like a garden without flowers.” Sophia tells them, “were dangerous.” All of them laugh.

Betty is caressing Armando’s picture very sadly. “I have to let you go Don Armando, it’s better for the both of us. This isn’t going to go anywhere, it’s a useless dream.” Sandra screams out, “Betty Betty.” Betty quickly changes her photo, and wipes the tears away. Sophia tells Sandra, “you guard the door so the wolves don’t come in.” Mariana asks, “so tell us Betty tells us everything.” Betty asks, “what are you talking about?” Bertha tells her, “oh come on everyone in this company. Overheard the fight between, Don Armando and Dona Marcela. Tell us who is Don Armando’s lover?” Sophia asks, “is she from Argentina or Spain? That’s what the name sounds like.” Betty tells her, “no I don’t know her I’ve never seen her.” Sandra tells her, “oh come on spill the beans. Is she a model or someone’s wife, tell us they all say.” Betty tells her, “Don Armando doesn’t have a lover.”

Mariana asks, “then where did that poem come from?” Betty shrugs her shoulders, “I don’t have a clue where they got it.” Sophia tells them, “oh no she’s the black box of Don Armando. She has all the information, but you can’t decipher it.” Ines tells her, “yes she’s correct that’s why she’s called a secretary.” Mariana tells them, “oh no girls. I think we’re going to find out first, by Dona Marcela than from Betty. Who is Don Armando’s lover. Oh but I am telling you Dona Marcela once she’s discovered, she won’t stop until she finds out who she is.” Bertha tells her, “oh you can image what she’s going to do.” Sandra tells her, “that will be a prize.” Everyone laughs except Betty, she just tells them. “Maybe it was just a quick romance.” Mariana tells her, “she’s going to cook her and fry her up its better she dies. Dona Marcela is going to follow her all over the world if necessary. Remember Silvia Melanie, or Karina Larson. See those two disappeared from Colombia.” Sophia tells her, “they deserved it for they are bandidas.” Bertha tells her, “let’s go she’s not going to release a thing. She has no solidarity with her friends.” Sandra tells her, “Betty were going to eat see you there.” Mariana tells her, “oh what stress with you Betty.” Ines tells her, “no your doing the right thing keep it too yourself. Very well done.” They leave and Betty once again sees the photo. “I have to let you go forever Don Armando.” Armando tells Mario, “she’s serious about this she was very affected by this.” Mario tells him, “I can’t believe you let yourself be broken up with by an ugly woman. Oh what humiliation, look go get her back and dump her. Oh that would look so bad on your resume.” Armando tells him, “this isn’t a joke. She told me it’s the truth, it’s out of my hands. I lost it, when I found out she wrote that poem. I yelled and screamed at her, then she started crying.” Mario is reading the letter, “at least she signed it Delmira Agustini. What does that signify? What so she wouldn’t sound that ugly. What is that?”

They find Hugo, fixing up a jacket. He utters, “Delmira Agustini no I’ve never heard of her.” Marcela tells him, “I think it’s a model. Or do you think, it might be someone that he met.” Patricia tells him, “that name sounds Italian or from Argentina or from Uruguay. Maybe from those parts, they might know who she is.” Hugo tells them, “look I will try to find out who this person is. Under one condition, for who and what interest is it too you.” Marcela tells him, “just find out who she is.” Hugo tells her, “oh Marg I recognize that brilliance in your eyes for a while now. That brilliance appears in my eyes, when I have doubts with my boyfriends and I’m jealous. If I have that person face to face to face. I know that someone, is trying to steal someone’s man.” Marcela tells him, “yes someone is trying to rob him and I want to know who it is. Before I lose him for good. You know more than anybody, what it signifies to lose a man.” Hugo tells her, “yes I know and I pray to god that it doesn’t occur again. Look I will try to find out, who this person is and inform you ok.” Patricia asks, “weren’t you going to Milan.” Hugo tells her, “Patsy Pat with what money. In this company, the employees don’t get paid.  With no money, there’s no trip to Milan no.” Marcela tells him, “well I am waiting for a report of sales. To see if this afternoon, we will be able to pay everyone.” Patricia tells her, “oh Marcee really oh thank you thank you.” She gives her a big hug, Hugo tells her. “Marg since you are now the private investigator. Try this on, since you’re going to be inspector gadget.” He then sings the theme song and laughs.

(Cartoon Inspector Gadget was done in 1983-1986 )

Mario tells Armando, “you know man you look so depressed and down. The best thing you should do, is go up there to Betty and get on your hands and knees. Ask her to get back together with you.” Armando tells him, “don’t be an idiot Calderon this is serious. With Betty, we have to have a different approach. Be serious, I am very worried we need another strategy to work with Betty. Look were both in agreement, that this crazy stunt is finally over.” Mario tells him, “oh no one minute. Yes both of you, are going through a crisis. It happens to every couple, look were not talking about ending it with Betty. You told me she’s destroyed, when women like Betty act that way. They are very fragile and vulnerable, they can fall into anybody’s arms. Especially fall into the arms of Nicholas Mora eye.”

Meanwhile Nicholas is miserable, he misses his cell phone. Hermes makes a crack about him slurping away, and not doing any work. Then both run for the phone, when it rings. Hermes once again hits Nicholas with a newspaper. Hermes tells him, “I am waiting for a call.” Nicholas tells him, “yes me too.” Hermes tells him, “well then let them call you on your cell phone.” Nicholas covers his side and utters, “yeah right.” Hermes picks up the phone, and the woman who talked to Nicholas the previous night is on the line. “Excuse me, is Nicholas there?” Hermes asks, “who is calling?” The girl utters, “a friend.” Hermes tells her, “one moment please. Nichorats a friend is calling you.”

Nicholas tells him, “thank you Don Hermes.” Lily tells him, “hello Nicholas. You’re talking to a friend of Mr. Sanchez.” Nicholas asks, “oh good has your friend shown up with my cell phone?” Lily tells him, “oh darling I have it here in my hands. I’m using your cell, to make this call.” Nicholas tells her, “hang up its costing me a fortune. Hold on, where are you I can go pick it up? Fine I’m on my way bye.” Then he’s counts his change for the bus, Hermes asks. “Where are you going sir?” Nicholas tells him, “sorry to leave you all alone but I have a meeting.” Hermes tells him, “well it’s about time you got yourself a girlfriend. Now you go, and don’t look back.” Nicholas tells him, “well this one is a bit costly.” Hermes tells him, “well with a face like yours. You’re going to be dumped, on the streets pretty quickly.” Nicholas tells him, “I studied economics I don’t want a woman that exploits me. I know girls today, all they want to see is your bank balance and your wallet calculator. Well then enjoy your forced unemployment.” Hermes tells him, “laugh now but my daughter Betty is the one that works here. Or else, you’re going to be worse than me.”

Mariana calls out to Marcela, as she walks out. “Dona Marcela, here are the last numbers for the sales figures. That you asked for, make sure they’re all there.” Then she eyes Patricia and both women flip their hair back. Marcela heads to see Armando. Hugo calls asking Patricia, “so Patsy Pat do you know where Marg is?” Patricia tells him, “no she just walked by to the president’s office.” Hugo tells her, “tell her to call me for I have the information she asked for. I know who is Armando’s lover, that beast.” Patricia asks, “who is it?” Hugo tells her, “when you find out your going to die.” Patricia asks, “come on Hugeto tell me who is it?” Hugo tells her, “fine tell her to come down here. I will tell her personally.” Patricia utters, “Hugo.” Hugo tells her, “this only concerns the one that asked for the information. This isn’t something, that the whole company needs to know. She’s the one, that’s going through this not you. Bye Patsy Pat kiss.” Marcela tells Betty, “here you are Beatriz. The paperwork that you requested. See if they match well, so then we can pay payroll for this afternoon. Then Betty has no one of her fantasy.

Marcela is crying and asks. “Why Betty? Why did you do this to me? Why are you taking him away from me?” Betty tells her, “no Dona Marcela. I am not stealing him.” Marcela tells her, “it’s been a relationship of three years. This is the man, I chose to marry. I’ve waited for this all my life Beatriz. Please take pity on me.” Betty tells her, “Dona Marcela I am returning him to you today. I have given him up, I know how much you love him. I really do feel awful about this, even though I do love him. I have given him the best of me, but I know you’re his fiancée. You are going to marry him, today I give him back to you Dona Marcela but please. Treat him well, take good care of him. I know even though at times he’s tough, he needs a lot of love.” Marcela holds her head, and tells her. “Thank you, thank you Beatriz, I promise you that he will have a lot of affection. I have learned a lot from you, I have learned from my errors. Thank you for giving him back to me.” Betty tells her, “we are both in love with Armando. We have been sharing him, but only one will be going to the altar. It will be you Dona Marcela.” Marcela then gives her a big hug. The fantasy ends, with Marcela yelling at Betty. “Get your heads out of the clouds Beatriz. What is wrong with you? What did you fight with your boyfriend? Or did he push you away?” Betty tells her, “I have inputed the numbers in the computer. We will be allowed to make payroll.” Marcela tells her, “very good.” She turns and walks away. Almost bumping into Armando and Mario as they walk in. She doesn’t say a word, and just keeps walking.

Armando slowly caresses the door frame he asks. “Betty what was Marcela doing in here?” Betty tells him, “we were checking the number from the stores. We will be able to pay the bank of Montreal, and pay the payroll. He acts all shy and hurt, and tells her. Good you get started on the paperwork, and let’s pay everyone this afternoon.” Betty hardly looks at him, and tells him. “I will check the last of the numbers, and will get on that quickly.” Armando tells her, “well thanks.” Mario shakes his head and tells him, “both of you are suffering.” Armando tells him, “don’t be an idiot.” Betty calls Nicholas, “oh hi mom can I talk to Nicholas. No he’s not there, ok I’ll try his cell. I’ll call you later tonight. She then dials Nicholas’s number and reaches a girl. Betty asks, who is this?” Lily asks, “who are you looking for?” Betty tells her, “Nicholas.” Lily tells her, “no he’s not here would you like to leave a message.” Betty asks, “who is this?” Lily tells her, “a friend.” Betty tells her, “what girl friend.” Lily tells her, “you don’t know me. Let’s not waste any more time on this. Am I talking to his girlfriend or what?” Betty tells her, “I am not the girlfriend of Nicholas. I demand to know, what are you doing with Nicholas’s cell phone. Both men overhear the conversation, and look at one another. Who are you?” Lily tells her, “look if you’re not the girlfriend then forget about the interrogation. He should be coming soon, I am waiting for him. When he arrives I will tell him, that you called. What is your name?” Betty tells her, “I’m Betty and tell him I am waiting urgently for his call.” Betty then hangs up.

(That girl what kind of outfit is that. Its morning for Pete’s sake, wear something more decent.)

Armando calls Betty over, “Betty?” She goes to see him, “yes sir.” Armando asks, “have you done what I asked?” Betty tells him, “I am trying to locate Nicholas. He has the final data, and I haven’t been able to reach him. I will call the bank directly.” Armando utters, “thank you.” Mario tells him, “she seems upset but not at you but that call killed her.” Armando just stares at him.

Lily waits and Nicholas arrives. Nicholas tells her, “hi there how are you festival.” Lily wants a kiss he just waves “hello.” Nicholas tells her, “may I have the cell phone?” Lily tells him, “oh come on say hello or give me one kiss. What do I scare you or what?” Nicholas tells her, “me scared I don’t know the word. Then he approaches her, and gives her a peck on the cheek. Please may I have my cell phone.” Lily asks, “how did you get here. Where’s your car?” Nicholas tells her, “oh I dropped it about two blocks from her. I didn’t want the chauffer to bring it here. May I have my cell phone, I need it.” Lily asks, “who is Betty?” Nicholas asks, “Betty why?” Lily tells her, “because she called you.” Nicholas asks, “what you answered?” Lily tells him, “yes.” Nicholas asks, “you didn’t tell her that I lost my cell phone. That your friend had it all night.” Lily asks, “oh fresh come on who is she? Why do you look so afraid, is she your girlfriend. Your mother in law, what your wife?” Nicholas tells her, “all three no. What did she say?” Lily tells him, “she said that it was urgent that you contact her.” Nicholas asks, “can I have my cell phone now please I need it.” Lily asks, “where will you take me?” Nicholas tells her, “have you heard about a place called the Lenoir.” Lily tells him, “oh yes it’s for rich people. Are you going to take me there?” Nicholas tells her, “yes I have a reservation for us. There’s champagne cooling everything is set, now may I have my cell phone. I need it.” Lily tells him, “oh what elegance here find it.” He looks around her, and grabs it. Nicholas asks, “thanks so how many calls did your friends make on my cell.” Lily tells him, “I don’t know well it was a friend of a friend. Who gave me the cell, and told me to give it too you.” Nicholas tells her, “a friend oh boy excuse me. Oh hi Betty.”

Betty tells him, “Nicholas where have you been?” Nicholas tells her, “in the center doing some business.” Lily begins to kiss his neck, Betty asks. “Then who answered the phone?” Nicholas tells him, “a friend a friend.” Betty asks, “what friend?” Nicholas tells her, “you haven’t met her yet. Soon I will present her.” Betty asks, “why did she want your cell phone. I guess you don’t have an explanation.” Nicholas tells her, “Betty wait well last night. I had to go to the bathroom. I lent it to her, you know how I take care of this cell phone.” Betty tells him, “Nicholas are you lying to me? Why aren’t you telling me the truth. What is going on? Who is she?” Nicholas tells her, “a friend simply a friend. So why were you calling me?” Betty tells him, “I needed the numbers to begin making the cheques for the loan.  Since you’re not next to the computer, and it seems you’re so busy with this woman. I will contact the bank to consult.” Nicholas tells her, “no no Betty wait I have the numbers in my head. Now then, the bank of Montreal gave us 97000. Then he begins calculating, and if you want them to give us money. The end results turns up as 7732, do you understand.” Betty asks, “are you sure?” Nicholas sits down, and tells her. “Yes I am always sure. When haven’t I been sure on things? Then he stares at Lily’s legs. What is your opinion?” Betty tells him, “I will verify again, with the banks to confirm.” Nicholas tells her, “fine I will return to the company because I have two more meeting to attend.” Betty tells him, “look Nicholas we will talk at my place tonight. I don’t want to talk over the phone about nothing.” Nicholas tells her, “well yes look can’t talk about nothing. I am the vice president of Terra Moda bye.” Then Nicholas tells Lily, “I have to go. I am heading towards the chauffer.” Lily tells him, “fine I’ll go with you.” Nicholas tells her, “no it’s best you stay here. Safety reasons you know, the city is dangerous woo hoo I’ll be right back.” Lily tells him, “I’ll be waiting right here love don’t take too long.” Nicholas runs to the corner, and takes the bus.

(This numbers might be wrong, I’ve tried my best to get them right but if there wrong email me.)

Armando is sitting in the boardroom, looking miserable. Mario gives him a drink, “I don’t know about that call it sounded pretty strange.” Armando tells him, “and your point.” Mario tells him, “what conclusion am I getting. You heard all those accusations, regarding that friend of his. What is this, that she wants him to come visit. So they can talk personally? What business is it? Why doesn’t he just come here?” Armando asks, “what do you advice? What, do you think that she’s seeing Nicholas again. Is she playing us both?” Mario tells him, “no I am not going to kill your ego in that fashion. The thing is, it hasn’t been considered. What if now, she’s not really in love with him.” Armando tells him, “what more consideration can I do. I have been going out with her every night. I lost count, on how many times I’ve kissed her. Calderon tell me, what more do I have to do. Mario just raises his eye brows. Armando tells him, oh no not that. No way don’t give me that look, I am not going to sleep with Beatriz Pinzon Solano. She now doesn’t want nothing to do with me.”

Mario tells him, “she may have just started doubting. You may have screwed this up, but we have a lot of obstacles in our way. One you are engaged, soon you will be married. Your fiancée is an executive in this company. She watches you 24 hours a day. You might be the boss, and her the employee. You are rich and she is poor. In theory you’re rich, and she’s the poor one. I am saying that there are serious obstacles in your way. Look at Nicholas, he is single without any attachments. Without any social limitations, he is free. He must be very attractive, that she can’t resist him. All you have to do…” Armando asks, “what do I have to do?” Mario tells him, “get on your knees and beg her to come back to you.” Armando tells him, “I am making a huge historical mistake. I took her out of that closet. I began to seduce her, I made her fall, and I took her out to places. We danced, and in front of the world we kissed. What more do you want me to do?” Mario tells him, “count it as another mistake in your resume. Let’s look at this way, a president who gave away his company to his assistant. The assistant who’s boyfriend now owns the company. Do you want to run that risk?” Armando tells him, “you haven’t really thought about the consequences Calderon that may immerge out of doing all this. I can’t continue tricking her, it’s wrong and it hurts when I do so. Plus breathing down my neck is Marcela. She is spying on me, trying to find out where I am and with who I go out with. That my friend, is annoying.” Mario tells him, “a story of love is the story of a fight. You are so stubborn, first it’s your ego, next is your company. Tonight there will be a man who will talk to Betty. He will show his jealousy, they will fix their sentimental situation forever and that is annoying. Thank about it.” Armando then finishes his drink.

Hugo tells Marcela and Patricia, “I know who Delmira Agustini is. Both utter, who?”

The Bank of Montreal was founded, in 1817 in Montreal Quebec. Its first president was John Gray (1817 to 1820)

SIXTY-SIX

Hugo tells them, “I just found out.” Patricia tells him, “oh Hugeto.” Hugo tells them, “fine she’s a poet from Uruguay. She was quite the scandalous woman, for her theories regarding women. So ladies how does that grab you.” Marcela asks, “a poet from Uruguay.” Patricia asks, “was she pretty liberated?” Hugo tells her, “yes.” Patricia asks, “does she live here in Colombia? Has Armando already have her living in an apartment? Or maybe she’s staying at a hotel?” Marcela utters, “maybe.” Patricia asks, “so Hugeto do you know where she is?” Hugo tells them, “she’s been dead for years. Apparently she was killed by her husband, he shot her twice. She died in 1914, Marg I told you that would die with this news. You’re after a ghost, that doesn’t exist. If she did exist, she wouldn’t even look twice at that beast Armando Mendoza. Armando doesn’t deserve anybody writing a poem. Not even a ring ring. If I had to write a song for Armando, nothing would come out but boom. Marcela is quite curious, Hugo looks at his models and tells them. “Well my bombi’s lets go eat something delicious. The girls all race towards him, including Jenny. He tells her, no I meant bombi. A model takes her place and they leave. Ines enjoy your meal, he looks over at Jenny. You enjoy your tray.” They all laugh and take off.

Patricia tells her, “so this was all a false alarm.” Marcela tells him, “no someone left that poem there. I have this feeling, that Armando didn’t have a clue that was there.” Patricia asks, “what then?” Marcela tells her, “what do you mean what then. The person that wrote it or copied it. Is here, Armando didn’t bring it to the company. I think it’s someone, that came here or she works here. That’s the person, who put it on his desk.” Patricia asks, “Marcee do you have that letter is their proof there?” Marcela tells her, “no why?” Patricia tells her, “elementary my dear Marcee. That poem is hand written right.” Marcela tells her, “yes.” Patricia tells her, “well take it to an expert analysis they can decipher who wrote it. Plus they can say a lot, about that person. The physiology of that person, age etc. It’s at least a clue, as to who it might be. That bandida that’s after Armando, or that person that robbed him.” Marcela tells her, “I think Patricia your watching way too much tv. Forget about the handwriting analysis, or have that poem in my possession. I am telling you if that bandida is here, I will discover her.”

Betty stares at Armando’s photo again, when Sophia enters. “Come on were all ready to go eat. You coming with us?” Betty tells her, “yes I’ll meet you there.” Sophia asks, “oh Betty you seem strange. What is wrong?” Betty tells her, “oh it’s nothing nothing I’m on my way. Sophia leaves, and sadly Betty utters. Goodbye Don Armando, she turns off the computer. Betty goes to see Armando, who now is alone in the board room drinking. Don Armando I am heading for lunch, would you like anything?” Armando tells her, “no Beatriz.” Betty asks, “would you like me to order you something?” Armando tells her, “no.” Betty tells him, “excuse me sir. If you don’t eat anything, that whiskey will make you sick.” Armando tells her, “you know what Betty. Don’t worry about me, go eat calmly with your friends go.” Betty nods and closes the door, while he continues drinking.

Ines tells Aura Maria, “come on were hungry my stomach is grumbling.” Aura Maria tells them, “let me just fix this mail and we can go.” Freddy walks by, and heads straight to the elevator. Aura Maria calls out, “Freddy Freddy.” Freddy doesn’t move, so Ines tells him. “Freddy Aura Maria is talking to you.” Aura Maria tells her, “Inesita could you please tell Freddy to take this mail up.” Ines repeats what Aura Maria told her. Freddy tells her, “excuse me and forgive me sorry Inesita but you’re not the one that I have to follow orders from.” Ines asks, “what are you saying?” The girls utter, “what?” Aura Maria rolls her eyes, and calls Wilson. Wilson asks, “yes how may I help you?” Aura Maria tells him, “tell Mr. Freddy to take these upstairs and deliver it.” Wilson tells her, “with pleasure. Wilson tells him, you heard her Freddy.” Freddy asks, “heard who brother?” Wilson tells him, “from your ex.” Freddy tells him, “I don’t hear nothing.” Wilson tells him, “take this upstairs and delivery it.”  Freddy tells him, “yes I will.” Aura Maria tells Wilson, “tell him also that there are two important faxes that Don Armando is waiting for.” Wilson repeats it, and Freddy stares at it. Freddy asks, “what telegrams?” Wilson repeats, “what telegrams?” Aura Maria tells him, “the last two in the back.” Wilson tells him, “the last two.” The elevator opens and Betty comes out. “Are we going to eat?” Sandra tells her, “we have one problem. Well once again only two will be able to eat today.” Bertha tells her, “well that’s what you get when none of you want to do my diet.” Mariana tells her, “oh enough with that Bertha.” Betty tells them, “don’t worry I will lend the money to those that can’t afford it.” Everyone utters, “thank you.” Betty tells them, “well I have some great news. This afternoon, we can pay the payroll.” Wilson picks Betty up, everyone cheers and hugs begin. Freddy is about to hug Aura Maria, and stops and pushes her aside.  Wilson then tells Freddy, “remember you owe me money and have to pay up.” Freddy tells him angrily, “I know you had to ruin the party.” He picks up the mail and goes inside the elevator. Wilson then gets back to work.

Sophia asks, “Aura Maria what is going on? What up with Freddy and you?” Aura Maria tells her, “what you girls don’t know. Last night I arrived home, and Freddy was waiting he caught me saying goodbye to my boyfriend. He’s now cut all communications with me.” Mariana tells her, “with good reason.” Aura Maria tells them, “the joke is he put Wilson as the intermediate between the messenger and the receptionist.” She laughs, but the rest are quite cold towards her. Ines tells her, “I don’t see anything funny about this. You have hurt that poor boy Freddy immensely. I told you you were going to pay. It’s here or up there, didn’t anybody teach you that.” Aura Maria tells her, “yes Inesita yes I screwed up. The good girls go to heaven, the bad one go all over the place.” She’s the only one that laughs at her joke. Ines tells her, “well then that means your boots will go to heaven.” Aura Maria tells her, “oh no don’t all look at me that way. I didn’t kill a priest, I told Freddy from the start. That between the two of us, we would only be friends. Look at me awful if, I date a married man, or taking another woman’s man. I will go straight to hell in a sauce pan.” Betty listens and is quiet, and looks at all of them. Ines tells her, “ok let’s go eat.” Betty follows but lags behind.

Marcela tells Patricia, “oh no it has to be one of Hugo’s models who else.” Patricia tells her, “Marcee he didn’t go to that cocktail at Color Inn with her.” Marcela tells her, “no.” Patricia tells her, “I think I know what happened. What if they were supposed to go out? Or what if he left here with the girl, dropped her off some place. Then he heads to Color Inn, to attend that meeting. Later on, he return to see her. Marcee did you find out, who he left here with? Oh my god, what if it’s her?” Marcela tells her, “I am going to find out.” Wilson is on the phone, he tells a girl. “Don’t worry doll face I will ask Don Armando, he might have a job for you. See you precious, I will miss you.” Marcela comes down, and sees him. “I need to ask you a question, and it must stay between the two of us. Who did Armando leave with last night?” Wilson tells her, “no look Dona Marcela. I really don’t know, who’s going out with Don Armando. That is a part of his personal life, I am not a gossiper. I don’t go around asking people, what they do in their personal life.” Marcela asks, “that’s not what I’m asking about. I am asking who did he leave with, last night from Eco Moda. You opened the garage door, you must have seen who he left with.” Wilson tells her, “well that’s another thing Dona Marcela. Yes I saw him leave.” Marcela asks, “well then who did he leave with last night? Who was his companion?” Wilson tells her, “I understand your doubt but rest assured. Mr. Mendoza left last night, with Miss Betty Pinzon Solano. On that side, you can just relax.” Marcela tells him, “Wilson next time we talk. Don’t eat anything, in front of me its bad manners.”

Evening has fallen once more, and Armando still drinking by his desk. Mario comes by, and asks. “So what have you decided to do?” Armando tells him, “I haven’t decided a thing. I need more time to think.” Mario asks, “to think what. To think what?” Betty comes by, and tells him. “Sir everyone has been paid. The phone rings, and she goes and gets it. You have reached the president’s office of Eco Moda. Hi dad, no I am on my way home. Is Nicholas there? Tell him, to wait I am on my way. Yes dad, I’m promise see you soon.” Mario asks Armando, “are you going to let her go. Are you going to let her meet up with Nicholas? What have you given up?” Armando growls, “enough leave me alone Mario.” Mario utters, “fine like you ordered.” He leaves, while Betty gathers her things and goes to see Armando. “Sir I am heading home, do you need me for anything else.” Armando tells her, “yes Betty I need you. I don’t want to our relationship to end. Please permit me, to take you home. Yes we have much to discuss.” Betty tells him, “no sir.” Armando tells her, “what do you mean no.” Betty tells him, “please sir don’t do it. We can talk tomorrow, at the office. You have been drinking too much, Dona Marcela is really in a bad mood. It’s quite dangerous.” Armando tells her, “I need to talk to you understand. In fact I need to talk now, right now.” Hugo then comes in, “Armando we need to talk.” Armando tells him, “what do we possibly need to talk about what Hugo.” Hugo tells him, “we have lots to discuss. Like creams, style,  dating, calls. Oh how beautiful your assistant looks lately.” He then laughs.

Betty takes this opportunity to leave, Armando screams “Betty.” Hugo tells him, “oh were going to discuss the business at hand. For nothing else, really joins us.” Armando calls out, “Betty.” Hugo tells him, “oh stop screaming let her go. She is ugly and doesn’t hear noises. All she hears is big loud noises in her head. Big noises, that is why you always have to scream at her so she can understand.” Armando tells him, “what is so important that we have to discuss.” Hugo is on the couch, and he tells him. “Oh this is a delicious sofa, can I take this to my studio.”  Armando asks, “now what do you want?” Hugo tells him, “I have a cous cous this problem with the money has been stressed out. I don’t know what to design, nothing inspires me.” Armando finishes his drink, and he tells him. “Don’t worry about the money, that is being taken care of.  All are coming from different stores, continue designing like you always do. We will give you your money ok.” Hugo tells him, “fine then do it. I have a cold breeze go through me, I don’t know what to do. What should I design for, the poor. Yes yes the taste of the design, we can give it to your assistant. Betty hasn’t left she’s eavesdropping by the door. She knows how the poor dresses.” With that said, she leaves.

Patricia is overjoyed, and kisses her cheque. “I just can’t believe how happy I am Marcee. I have this in my hand I never felt this way. I don’t know, if I should cash it or bronze it.” She makes a cross and Marcela sees Betty by the elevator. Betty feels her stare, and tells her. “Have a good evening.” Marcela tells Patricia, “how shameless.” Patricia tells her, “hey Marcee you don’t think just because she left last night with him. That she’s his lover, I knew that he took her home last night. I never mentioned it, because I thought it wasn’t important. It’s just minuscule nothing really to say. Armando is probably really bitter, and neurotic than before. He’s probably drinking more than before, but I don’t think that his tastes have faltered. I don’t think he went to that extremes.” Marcela tells her, “that scarecrow isn’t his lover but she must know who is. She must hide everything, and she arranges all his meetings and their always talking.” Patricia tells her, “yes there is no doubts but unfortunately you can’t do nothing to her. You can’t fire her, or punish her, or for that matter talk to her.” Marcela tells her, “yes I know but it doesn’t mortify me,but Beatriz is the only one that take me too her.” Patricia tells her, “oh yes say oh hi give me that woman’s number and address. Oh yeah, she’ll give it too you right away.” Marcela tells her, “it’s not that idiot.” Patricia tells her, “Marcee.” Marcela tells her, “she is the only one that can lead me to that woman.” Patricia tells her, “oh yeah.”

Betty arrives downstairs, and sees everyone standing there. There all there eavesdropping on Aura Maria and her new boytoy. Betty asks, “can we go now?” Bertha tells her, “no not yet. We have to wait, till Aura Maria night shift ends.” Everyone laughs, Aura Maria tells him. “Look I am on my way out. I should be there in say a half an hour, you can pick me up there. Yes hold on for a moment.” Freddy is whistling and comes by. “Oh my interpreter.” Wilson says, “yes your majesty what can I do for you.” Freddy tells him, “tell that beautiful receptionist. Tell her to continue with her new romance on the phone. Don’t let me, by coming by stop her being with her evening beau. For it doesn’t matter to me, I hardly listen to her. It’s like I’m watching a silent film.” Wilson tells her, “keep talking he doesn’t care.” Freddy tells Wilson, “that isn’t what I said.” Wilson tells him, “look who’s going to remember all that. Look I just shortened it, but she gets the idea.” Freddy tells him, “how can I explain this. You’re missing the poet side, the elegance, the condensation.” Aura Maria tells the guy, “ok batteries look we will meet there. Well ladies lets go.” All of the them shake their heads, and utter. “Alright.” Wilson and Freddy walk to reception. Aura Maria tells them, “see you tomorrow.” Wilson tells her, “yes have a good night Aura Maria. Then he asks Freddy, “what did you say?” Freddy tells him, “nothing I am furious with her.” Wilson tells her, “no messages to report.” Aura Maria tells Betty, “finally your boss let you go early. Now you can come with us.” Betty tells them, “he doesn’t need me anymore.” Ines tells them, “well then let’s go.” All of them say goodbye to the men.

Freddy begins saying, “sayonara, arivaderchi, goodbye.” He then begins to cry, Wilson asks. “What wrong now you cry baby?” Freddy tells him, “oh brother she’s going to be with him. She’s going to be with him. Give me your revolver.” Wilson tells him, “you know I’m not allowed to carry one.” Freddy tells him, “don’t you get my meaning. You handsome idiot, oh take off that hat you extremist.” Wilson tells him, “you ungrateful.”

Armando tells Hugo, “do what ever you want with that material. I don’t care, use anything design anything.” Hugo tells him, “who listen to that gratitude Mendoza. What is up with you, or your eagerness to leave.” Armando tells him, “eagerness yes I want to get rid of you.” Hugo tells him, “oh do you have an intimate gathering to go too. With Marg I image.” Armando tells him, “Hugo when you came to my office. You wanted to talk to me, you mentioned with grand flare. That we didn’t have nothing to discuss, unless it regarding the company. I do believe that this conversation is now over. Now then, leave me in peace.” Mario comes by, and asks. “Have you calmed down now?” Hugo tells him, “Mario Calderon. I just found out, you going out with one of my bombi models.”

Mario tells him, “no and?” Hugo tells him, “don’t do that with your lips or I won’t respond. I warned both of you, that you’re not allowed to get involved with my girls. I don’t want any more shows, like Claudia Bosch or Karina Larson no more. Mario points no at him. Now then, I would like you to look at your schedule books. I’ve learned a lot of bandidas, ask for a lot of sexual favors. Armando just rolls his eyes. With my girls, don’t get involved with them. Are we clear?” Mario tells him, “hear that our mother in law of Eco Moda has spoken. Now we have to ask permission, our Dona Hugo if we can date the models.” Armando asks, “now Dona Hugo. Is it possible, I can talk to Mario alone please. Without your strong presence.” Hugo tells them, “oh Abbot and Costello continue enjoying yourselves. Dance like Cubans, drinking like Cossacks but stay away from my territory. Or no or else, go find yourself another Delmira Agustini.” He zzz them both and takes off. Mario quickly closes the doors saying. “Goodbye mother in law.” Armando tells him, “oh I can’t believe the whole company knows about that.” Mario asks, “what happened with Betty. So did you talk to her?” Armando tells him, “you can stop whispering she’s gone.” Mario asks, “and how did it end?” Armando tells him, “nothing she doesn’t want nothing with me. She flew away.” Mario tells him, “so you let her go to that guy and their meeting.” Armando asks, “well then what did you want me to do?” Mario asks, “what she pushed you away. Armando nods, and Mario goes caramba. Who does this girl think she is, the birds hitting the shotguns that’s incredible. You know what I’m thinking, that Nicholas Mora is better than you. Did it hurt, well now you know him.” Armando tells him, “he doesn’t interest me.” Mario tells him, “error the enemy you have to know him better. Look at him, and look at him in the eyes. Those are the eyes, that Betty will see when she complains he’s seeing another woman.”

Armando tells him, “you just don’t understand Mario. You don’t understand I am tired, I’m I’ve had it with everything. I am serious, I am telling you with all honesty. I’ve had it, I have to stop this or else Marcela is going to kill me. I just don’t have the heart to continue betraying poor Betty. She doesn’t deserve any of this, I don’t want to kiss her anymore. No more kisses, today I wanted to fix everything but she left. I just didn’t want to kiss her anymore. Understand me one thing, I am losing my valour. I don’t have any more.” Mario tells him, “fine it’s done. Let’s just leave everything like that, just forget it. Go home, rest and relax. Look just thinks, about what’s going to happen one year from now.” Armando tells him, “what do you pretend. That I go to her house tonight, is that what you want go to her place. To go on my knees, and give her a serenade.” Mario utters, “mariachi are nice.”

(The line “I don’t want to kiss her anymore.” Is it at this point, that Armando is really now becoming affected every time Betty kisses him. It’s no longer a game for Armando, even though he tells Mario. It’s as if he doesn’t want to let Betty in, but she’s already inside his heart.)

Armando tells him, “mariachis never Calderon.” Mario tells him, “fine mariachis no. Instead how about a surprise visit. Look just talk about your things, put the rules of the game. Look give her thing, this small detail his name is popey it’s for you.” Armando takes it and utters, “popey what now more kisses.” Mario tells him, “yes that detail you must give. Look your lips are already with anaesthesia, so what’s the problem. Frustrated he screams, Armando please its 50 million, it’s the future of the company. Of the families, Betty is going to be with this guy. This will end up fixing their relationship, like forever understand. Look your car is faster, than that buss that carries Betty. If you floor it, you will probably get there before she does.” Armando tells him, “this is the last time hear this Calderon. Suggestion that my conscience, will permit me to do so. I have never in my life, gone after a woman. I have never begged, or will go on my knees for a woman to take me back. Especially now, with a woman like Betty.” Mario tells him, “I know brother I know look believe me you have all my solidity. True this is an exceptional moment. The worst is over, you’ve already kissed her. Don’t worry about your ego, that disappeared when you kissed her that first time.” Armando tells him, “I can’t promise you that things will work out between the two of us. She was very cold towards me.” Mario tells him, “I will tell you something it’s not for the company. It’s for your dignity, if a woman as ugly as Betty pushes you away. Operate yourself or ask Marcela to lend you a dress. Or go in a monastery, for your career as a man is over. Armando puts on his jacket. It’s ruined, come on lets go to the ugly. Then Mario goes, come on for the champion ship. Do you have that picture of Adriana.” Armando tells him, “it’s in here.” Then they begin to box, and they head out.

Marcela is ready to go, when she sees Patricia leaving the office she asks. “Oh why are you so nervous? What were you doing in Mario’s office. Were you with him?” Patricia tells her, “no I was taking out some things I left behind.” Marcela asks, “are we going now?” Patricia tells her, “no Marcee I want to stay a bit longer.” Marcela asks, “what you’re going to wait for Mario?” Armando and Mario arrive by the elevator, Armando tells him. “Enough.” Then Mario heads to his office. Marcela asks, “so where is the cocktail?” Armando tells her, “there is no cocktail.” Marcela asks, “so what are you going now? If it’s not much trouble, since it’s not intimate.” Armando tells her, “don’t worry I will tell you I am going grocery shopping. I have no tomatoes in my fridge. Later I will be going to my apartment, it’s not a intimate act for the grocery store will be filled with people. Do you want to know anything else?” Marcela tells him, “no nothing else. I guess because of today, I have no more rights to get involved in your life.” Armando tells her, “think whatever you want. I haven’t broken up with you, or even considered it.” Marcela tells him, “when you’re done your shopping. Why don’t you come to my place?” Armando utters, “yes.” Marcela tells him, “oh come on don’t make that face. You probably have more important plans to do.” Armando tells her, “we will see one another at your apartment Marcee.” Patricia tells her, “oh did you believe that story of him going to the grocery store.” Marcela tells her, “and what do you want me to do about it.” Patricia tells her, “that story about the grocery store or else that store is someplace else. We should follow him.” Marcela asks, “well do you want to take my car or yours. What you want me, to make a fool out of myself again.” Patricia tells her, “we really should get another unmarked car just in case. For I don’t believe that story, about the grocery store. Are you going to question him at your apartment?” Marcela tells her, “I am not that stupid Patricia. If someone wants to take him away from me, I won’t cause a fire for Armando. I have other means to punish him with.”

Mario starts calling Sandra, and sees Patricia instead. Patricia tells him, “she left a long time ago. What’s wrong?” Mario tells her, “I can’t find my car keys.” Patricia asks, “did you look carefully.” Mario tells her, “yes I looked all over my office it’s not there. I even went downstairs, to see if it was placed on the ring and it’s not there either.” Patricia tells him, “oh it’s not that important look tomorrow they will show up. I am heading out, if you want I can take you home.” Mario tells her, “oh no thanks love. I don’t want to bother you with this. I’ll just take a taxi.” Patricia tells him, “no it’s no bother. On the contary, it will be quite the pleasure.” Mario tells her, “look Patty I am going really far. It would be too dangerous, for you to be travelling back so far.” Patricia tells him, “well we can go back together.” She sits down, and crosses her long legs. A model comes by and tells him. “Hello.” Mario asks, “hello are you ready?” Mario tells her, “yes no we have a slight problem. I can’t find my keys.” The model tells him, “oh that’s ok I have my mine downstairs in the garage.” She grabs his hand, and guides him to the elevator. Mario tells Patricia, “thanks for the offer but maybe next time.” Patricia is heartbroken, and sits down in shock. She utters, “you bastard.”

(I’m surprised by this point, hasn’t Patricia realized that he doesn’t want nothing to do with her.)

At Betty’s house, Nicholas touches the photo of Patricia. Julia enters and asks Nicholas. “Nicholas may I serve the dinner now.” Nicholas tells her, “yes yes my food or our food. I will clean up the table.” Betty arrives home, “hi everyone.” Nicholas is ready to do their dance, but she’s not in the mood. Julia tells her, “please tell your vice president of Terra Moda. To clean up so we can have our Pinzon table back, so I can serve dinner dear.” Betty tells Nicholas, “look I’ll help you Nicholas.” Nicholas tells her, “thank you boss thank you.” Betty sees the picture of Patricia on the table. “What is this doing here?” Nicholas tells her, “she’s my inspiration. I don’t have flowers, and so I use her.” Betty tells him, “oh no I don’t want a picture of that woman here in my home. Why don’t you put it back in your wallet.” Nicholas tells her, “but it’s a copy for my office. The original is right here, he shows her his wallet. It’s close to my heart.” Betty asks, “so where is that cell phone?” Nicholas tells her, “its right here are you going to call me or what. Betty when are you coming.” Betty tells him, “look Nicholas I have to be very clear with you. When you wanted a cell phone. I didn’t object, because it was going to be used for business of Terra Moda. You have to remember, that were using Don Armando’s money.” Nicholas tells her, “oh no were working hard now using our brains don’t you forget it Betty.” Betty tells him, “well then don’t lend it out to your so call girl friends. You’re not going to seduce them that way.” Nicholas tells her, “I am not seducing anybody. I haven’t lent my cell to anybody.” The phone rings, Hermes runs to get it and then he says. “Hi dear.” Betty tells him, “hi dad.” Hermes tells her, “maybe this is the news about my pension money.” Hermes gets the phone, “one moment please. Dear it for you, it’s your boss.” Betty tells him, “my boss. She answers it and tells him, “hello.”

“Hi its Armando calling, is it possible we can talk.” Betty tells him, “well the thing sir I just arrived home.” Armando tells him, “well I am parked in the front of your house. Could you come out for a minute.” Betty asks, “you’re out front.” Nicholas tells her, “just let him in. Let’s ask him to dinner, right Don Hermes.” Armando asks, “who is there who are you talking too?” Betty tells him, “my dad and Nicholas.” Armando asks, “sorry that I’m interrupting something.” Betty tells him, “no no no you’re not interrupting nothing.” Hermes tells her, “tell him he’s invited to dinner.” Betty tells him, “no he’s in a hurry.” She hangs up, and goes to the door. Hermes asks, “what’s going on?” Betty tells him, “dad he just wants some disks I brought home. He needs them urgently.” Hermes tells her, “fine give it to him and come straight back.” Betty tells him, “well Don Armando wants to give me. Some extra information he forgets at work.” Hermes tells her, “listen to me Betty. I don’t want you, going in a stranger’s car. What will the neighbors think? Then of course it ends up in the sofa, now then if he wants to visit bring him in. We can invite him to have some dinner. Julia what’s for dinner.” Nicholas tells him, “it sure smells good add more water.” Hermes utters, “add more water.”

Outside Armando is staring at Adriana Arboleda photo. Betty comes out, and Armando has a drink from his flask. “Hello sir, how may I help you sir.” Armando tells her, “get in the car for a moment.” Betty tells him, “I can’t sir… well the thing is sir…” Armando tells her, “get in the car.” Betty utters, “ok sir” and gets in. Hermes is watching through the window. Armando asks, “Betty why are you askew with me?” Betty tells him, “sir what I told you at the office is real. I think we have nothing more to discuss, between the two of us nothing has occurred. Its best we continue like we were.” Armando tells her, “why are you telling me this you’re so cold? What you don’t have a heart? What you want me to forget everything. Plus pretend that nothing happened, between the two of us. What are you even listening to me?”

Betty meanwhile, is looking at the window of her house. Betty tells him, “yes sir I am listening.” Armando angrily tells her, “it doesn’t seem like it. It seems you’re worried, over what occurring inside your house than with me. You keep on looking over there. What you’re angry that Nicholas, is going to see us or what?” Betty tells him, “well no the thing is my dad told me that I couldn’t stay outside for too long. If you wanted to talk, we could go in and do a proper visit.” Armando tells her, “what do you expect me to sit in your house. To talk about our relationship in front of your father and Nicholas. Is that what you want?” Betty tells him, “no no sir its best we go from here.” Armando tells her, “are you sure. Its only because, you’re afraid of Nicholas might think?” Betty tells him, “no it’s my dad sir. Nicholas knows, that we are talking.” Armando asks, “so what did he say?” Betty tells him, “nothing we were discussing other matters before you arrived.” Armando asks, “is he waiting?” Betty tells him, “yes but it’s not important. Why don’t we get away from here sir.” Armando drives off, while inside the house Hermes tells Julia. “They left, Betty left with her boss.” Nicholas tells him, “unfortunately.” He grabs another potato, Hermes tells him. “Who asked for your opinion sir?” Julia tells him, “oh come on she probably went with him to get some cigarettes just relax.” Hermes tells him, “its best that she doesn’t take too long. I don’t want to be obligate to go.”

Armando drives around the block. “Now then Betty over here, do you feel more comfortable. Now we can concentrate on our conversation. Betty nods he continues. Now then, why don’t we begin. How can I say this, you are so cold. How am I going to forget, everything that occurred. That it’s over and done with. Beatriz we were touching, the heaven with our hands. Now it’s all gone to pieces, on the floor in the fire. What happened?” Betty tells him, “sir don’t say that for me it’s just not simple for me to forget.  I too touched heaven with my hand sir. I swam in my dreams, and lived the best nights of my life. Armando rolls his eyes, before looking back at her. I know that I won’t be living like that again, but I am also touching hell. When I see Dona Marcela, I feel things I condemn myself because I am ripping apart something. I am betraying so many people. No sir, I really do feel awful. I can’t carry this burden any longer.” Armando asks, “but what Beatriz what is stronger. The burden you’re carrying, or what you feel for me and what we have lived together?” Betty tells him, “of course it what I feel for you its superior than anything sir.” Armando asks, “and then why don’t we live it Betty. We touched heaven with our hands, if we are swimming in the ocean, let’s climb that mountain Beatriz. Why should we deny it, we can be happy. Why can’t we feel it, tell me Beatriz. Don’t you want to continue, enjoying these nights we have been living.” Betty lovingly stares at him, and utters. “Oh yes sir, but…” Armando tells her, “no let’s live it. Really let’s live it for real Beatriz. I want to continue living it, every single night of my life. Next to you, you..” He moves closer, Betty utters. “Oh sir.” Armando tells her, “what.” Then they kiss, Betty once again falls.

Roman and his gang are walking around, when they see the car. They peak in, and one tells Roman. “Man that guy is eating her up.” Roman asks, “do you know who it is? It must be one hell of a woman.” Roman tells them, “respect and why don’t we go and say hello.” It’s Betty after a few minutes, stops Armando from kissing her. “Sir please, we have to stop this we can’t continue this crazy thing. We can’t fall once again.” Armando tells her, “Betty this isn’t about breaking this up. It’s marvellous, we had to cool it we were going crazy. Here I am going crazy, wanting you and escaping to every little place. Or wanting to take you on my office desk, that can’t be happening. That isn’t what we should be doing.” Betty tells him, “yes sir I know.” Armando tells her, “Betty looks Betty I want to spend all my nights with you. It will be a bit difficult, because Marcela is now very suspicious and thinks I am seeing someone. You know more than anybody, the consequences if she were to find out.” Betty touches his lips, “you don’t have to tell me sir. That is what scares me the most.” Armando tells her, “look I can’t just break up with Marcela just like that. It will take me some time.”

Betty tells him, “yes sir I understand. You don’t have to tell me nothing.” Armando tells her, and caresses her cheek. “I want to tell you, Beatriz the thing is for you to fully understand. I can’t break up with Marcela, if the company is in this state. I have to do it when, the economic situation is more stable. When all those loans have been paid off. In other words, when the company is once again back in my hands. When I am once again, the president of Eco Moda. If I were to break up with Marcela right now. She will hate me, and will want vengeance. She will try to fragment the company, she would want her share. Then of course, I would be stuck showing her the real bank balance of the company. That would be terrible.” Betty tells him, “of course that would catastrophic sir. I understand, that is why we should break this up. Sir you shouldn’t risk so much especially for me.” Armando angrily tells her, “you want to still break up with me Beatriz.  I am telling you, we should just be careful. Let’s continue like this.” Betty tells him, “its best we break up now before it gets worse.” He caresses her face, “Beatriz don’t leave me. Betty don’t leave me. Please don’t leave me.” Then he’s the one that kisses her. Roman hits the car, and he screams. “Oh go to a motel? who is in here? Oh my god it’s Betty! Yuck!” The guys make vomiting noises. Betty and Armando stop kissing, and it’s Armando that asks. “What is wrong with you?” Betty screams, “sir don’t get out of the car.” Roman asks, “you were kissing that.” Armando asks, “what’s the problem?” Armando gets out of the car. “I said, what is your problem?” Roman tells him, “oh but you were kissing that thing.” Armando tells him, “so what?” Roman tells him, “but you were kissing the ugly girl of the barrio. See definately I told you lot, someone from another part of town. Had to come around, to take our Betty.” One guy asks, “and what about Nicholas? He now has competition.” They all laugh, and make fun. Armando takes off his glasses, and goes towards them. “You lot are so funny.” The guys utter, “booo.” Betty gets out of the car, “Don Armando don’t pay them any attention. Let’s just go ok, leave us in peace Roman.” Roman tells her, “but were not bothering you on the contrary. He extends his hand I just wanted to congratulate you, your my hero. So Betty, how did you manage to win this lottery. Look at this expensive car, look at how he’s dressed.”

Roman touches Armando’s suit. Armando is standing acting very cool. A girl screams out, “give me your formula.” Armando tells Roman, “let go of my jacket.” Roman tells him, “oh what aggression. Tell us Betty, how did you end up with this lottery. What did she put something in your soup? Or did she put witchcraft on you? Come on tell me the name, of the witch that cast the spell. Are you seeing her as divine?” One goes, “she’s nauseating.” Armando has had enough, he grabs Roman and pushes him to the side. Roman screams, “oh a defender of the uglies.” Armando punches his stomach, and hits his face. Roman is down, and then he comes back up and gives Armando a huge punch on the face. Armando falls back on his car. Betty screams, “Don Armando!” Armando does another punch, and grabs him. He screams out, “you will respect her!” Then punches him over and over. The guys of the gang, all gang up on Armando and grab him. Roman then begins punching Armando. The girl begins to stop the fight, “oh my god look how you left him.”

Back at the house Hermes tells Julia. “Oh my god, Betty has left with her boss.” Julia utters, “oh dear.” Nicholas tells them, “you should have a job as 007 spy.” Hermes tells them, “no I am going to find her.” Julia tells him, “but Hermes. Oh he goes crazy after Betty.” Nicholas tells her, “if he acts that way if she’s ugly can you image if she were beautiful.” Then he laughs, Julia’s not laughing and begins cleaning the table.

The fight continues, Betty screaming. “No more Don Armando please, no more.” Hermes screams, “what is going on here?” Betty tells him, “oh dad there bothering Don Armando.” Roman tells him, “well the thing is Don Hermes well.” Hermes tells him, “you are a delinquent and a bully.” Then Don Hermes begins to hit Roman, with his karate punch. Roman tells him, “but Don Hermes don’t get all aggressive.” Hermes utters, “oh you delinquent.” Roman tells him, “oh another defender this time for the boyfriend.” One guy says, “he’s her prince charming.” Hermes screams, “what prince charming you buffoon. Go on, the lot of you go.” Then Roman gang, eventually take off. Hermes screams, “antisocials go and find a job.” Armando is by the floor coughing up blood. Hermes asks, “are you alright sir?” Armando tells him, “he hit my face but I’m fine.” Hermes asks, “what happened?” Betty tells him, “well dad I accompanied Don Armando to the store for a package of cigarettes.” Hermes tells him, “boy sir you do smoke a lot.” Armando tells him, “yes two pack a day.” Hermes tells him, “well it’s time to end that tobacco is bad for your health.” Armando utters, “yes.” Betty tells him, “dad they got in the way and started that fight. You know how they get.” Hermes asks, “what they say?” Betty tells him, “that’s not important you know that they like to bother me.”  Armando tells him, “they were insulting Betty. I couldn’t permit that, so I got out of the car. That’s when the fight started.” Hermes asks, “what exactly did they say?”

Betty tells him, “oh dad you know they always bother me because I’m ugly.” Armando tells him, “Don Hermes I wasn’t going to permit that. They have to respect Betty, no matter what people will have to respect her you understand.” Hermes tells Armando, “how embarrassing sir. What an embarrassment, you fighting with these hooligans in this barrio. That’s why I told you, to have this man inside our house. So then this wouldn’t be happening.” Armando tells him, “well I was just passing through it wasn’t Betty’s fault.” Hermes tells him, “Betty knows firsthand that I have prohibited her going out late in the streets. This isn’t the first time, we’ve had fights with these people. Just the other day, Nicholas was also fighting with them.” Armando asks, “oh Nicholas as well.” Hermes tells them, “yes I’m always at it too. I just want to go running after them.” Armando tells him, “no sir.” Betty tells Hermes, “dad please let’s leave it like this. I don’t want any problems.” Hermes tells him, “now look at you sir. Did you hear that, your Betty’s boyfriend how embarrassing.” Betty starts laughing, Armando looks away. Hermes tells them, “oh when they want to start a fight. They scream out a whole bunch of things.” Armando tells him, “oh Don Hermes just forget all about it it’s now over. Now let’s go back to the house. My wife will fix your wounds please.” Armando tells him, “sir what I’ll do is drives both of you back. Then I’ll head home.” Hermes tells him, “yes I guess your fiancée is waiting for you.” Armando tells him, “yes.” Betty gets in the car, Hermes tells him. “Sir please don’t mention, that you were here what will that distinguished lady think of us.” Armando tells him, “don’t worry about that sir. She will never find out about this.” Hermes gets in the car, and tells him.  “Thank you sir.” Then Armando touches his face, and grabs his glasses.

The earliest evidence, for fist fighting with any kind of gloves can be found on Minoan Crete.  (c. 1500–900 BC)  Boxing was first accepted, as an Olympic sport in 688 BC. It was called Pygme or Pygmachia.

SIXTY-SEVEN

They reach the house, Armando tells Hermes. “Don Hermes thanks for everything, we will talk again.” Hermes tells him, “no no thanks necessary sir. Are you sure, you don’t want to come in and let my wife fix you up. She’s not a nurse, but she can heal wounds with herbs and stuff. She can get rid of those bruises quick. Right dear?” Betty tells him, “that’s right dad.” Armando tells him, “Don Hermes thank you for your concern and your invitation but. That hit in the face I think its swelling, its best I go home and put ice on it and head to bed.” Hermes shakes his hand, “sorry sir for this inconvenience.” Armando utters, “ow my hand.” Hermes tells him, “next time come in we can eat and have a few drinks. We can listen to old music as well, I have a great tango collection to die for.” Armando tells him, “yes ouch my ear.” Hermes tells him, “well then let go dear.” Betty tells him, “I’ll be right in dad.” Hermes tells him, “oh no you’re not staying alone with him. You don’t want to start more problems. Betty doesn’t say a word, and just gets in the car in the front seat. Bye sir.” Hermes heads inside, Armando tells him. “See you later sir.”

Betty asks, “really sir are you don’t want to come in. I just don’t want you leaving like this.” Armando takes off his tie, Armando tells her. “I don’t want too Betty.” Betty tells him, “oh sir you shouldn’t started fighting for me. I’m not worth it.” Armando tells her, “what do you mean please it’s not worth it. I just couldn’t control myself I lost it. How could they say all that garbage, how could they laugh at you. I don’t know what occurred, I’ve never done that before. I just couldn’t contain myself, and I had to make them respect you. Betty smiles lovingly towards him. So did Nicholas defend your honor too.” Betty tells him, “yes once.” Armando tells him, “oh I guess Nicholas has competition that guy said. That you used to go everywhere with Nicholas, and that you are his.” Betty tells him, “no just forget that they just say that to mortify and play.” Armando tells her, “right so I guess he’s still in there.” Betty tells him, “I guess so he shouldn’t be that long to come out. He leaves early.” Armando tells her, “I see that’s fine. I am going then.”

Betty asks, “are you sure you’re ok?” Armando tells her, “no I’m not ok. How am I going to be fine Beatriz. I came here to talk to you, I was pretty worried. I wanted us to get back together, I wanted what we had back. I didn’t want to lose you, we can be together. Look what I ended up with, my hands empty and my face completly brusied.” Betty tells him, “sir you won’t leave empty handed. I don’t want to let you go either. We have to be more careful now, we can’t go out so much. We should pull back a bit.” Armando tells her, “oh Betty I feel so happy oh it’s wonderful. What you’re saying, Betty soon we will have time for us alone just the two of us.” Betty tells him, “yes sir because I’m just scared that one day Dona Marcela will find out. Sir do you really not like Nicholas. The thing is I’ve noticed that you, don’t like it when I talk about him so much. Or when he’s name is mentioned.” Armando tells her, “Beatriz if you say there’s nothing between the two of you I won’t feel bad. Oh this is making me so happy. He caresses her cheek. Well then, this is what were going to do Beatriz. Now from now on, you are going to tell everyone. That your boyfriend’s name is Nicholas Mora. Yes yes, now don’t roll your eyes at me. Look its simple, we can’t continue making everyone suspicious all over the place. Marcela is breathing down my neck, if you say that Nicholas is your boyfriend than she will calm down and not be so wary. Just like the girls at the office, they won’t know the difference. That way we can kill that fire, so if people do see us. We have that story about Nicholas. Is that alright Beatriz?” Betty tells him, “yes sir.” Armando tells her, “I would kiss you but your dad might notice the blood on your face.” Betty tells him, “yes sir. She laughs, she then tells him. Well then we can talk tomorrow.” She kisses his cheek and leaves the car. “Goodbye sir see you tomorrow.” He touches his face, where she kissed him then she enters the house.

Inside Hermes is re-enacting the heroine experience, “I managed to scare them and Roman’s gang took off.” Betty tells her, “oh Betty my love how embarrassing oh that poor man.” Betty tells them, “at least it wasn’t worse.” Nicholas takes off his jacket, “you should have called me. How many men were there?” Betty tells him, “there were six.” He puts back his jacket, “well then it’s over right.” Hermes tells him, “yes they went running.” Nicholas tells him, “it’s a good thing I wasn’t there they saved themselves. Or else we would have, massacred them all right Don Hermes.” Hermes tells him, “I don’t doubt it Nichorats that I don’t doubt.” Hermes glances once again at the door. Julia tells Betty, “oh how embarrassing what will his friends think. When they sees him all banged up. What will his girlfriend think dear?”

Armando arrives at the house, and goes and gets a drink by the bar. Marcela tells him, “oh hi love I thought you would be grocery shopping for a life time. She is shocked when he turns around, oh my god love. What happened to you ? Dear lord where did you go?” Armando tells her, “oh nothing happened love. Nothing’s wrong love.” He takes another drink of his whiskey. Marcela touches him, and utters. “Oh what do you mean, nothing happened. Look what they did to your face? Where did you go?” Armando tells him, “well the thing is a taxi driver cut me off. We had words, then we got to a traffic light the guy flipped out. So he got out of his car and we fought.” Marcela asks, “so does that mean, you fought with that taxi driver by punches.” Armando tells her, “well there was more than one.” Marcela asks, “oh so you fought the taxi driver?” Armando tells her, “well the thing is I hid in the car as long as I could. Then the guy started hitting the car, I had to stop it and got out of the car. So where fighting, and then his pals came by they must have thought I was killing him. I had no choice I fought with all of them. I gave they gave.” Marcela touches his face, and he flinches. “Oh my lord they could have killed you. I will get you some ice, I’ll be back in a minute.” Armando looks up and then sits down.

Betty writes:

“Yes I have to admit. That he does have a relationship with Dona Marcela. I know that he doesn’t love her, I know that he has to be with her. I will follow Don Armando’s orders, for our evenings out. I will treasure the time he can give me. I will be discrete like he asks, tonight he did something I thought would never happen. He showed me how he truly feels for me. This reality surpasses all my dreams. I know that he loves me so much, and likes what I look like. He defends me, I know that I have to change for him. I want to change for him, I need to change for him. I can’t continue asking him to fight with people every night. If someone calls me ugly, or for those people that make fun of me. I don’t want to bother him, starting tomorrow. I will become another woman. I will change for him, I just hope I’m not the usual Betty as always. Ugly Betty.”

Armando is in bed, Marcela is nursing his wounds. Marcela tells him, “I just don’t understand you. No what you did, is more than fighting with that taxi driver. Something is changing inside you, she touches his heart. What is it love? Is it that you’re drinking more, and that’s making you crazy?” Armando tells her, “no you’re driving me crazy.” Marcela tells him, “so that means I am making you go crazy. The one that’s driving me crazy is you.” Armando tells her, “love I will find you a lover and I will not spy on you. I don’t find you women, nor secret rendezvous. I am not following you day and night. Creating scandals, you know something. I wouldn’t do that you.” Marcela tells him, “I know I know that love but you have to admit that it’s not easy confiding in me.” Armando tells her, “fine my love don’t confide in me at all. Let me drink as much whiskey’s as I want. Or fight a whole bunch, of taxi drivers if I wanted too ok.” Marcela tells him, “fine ok my love. Fine I went too far, but lately a lot of strange things are occurring. She kisses him, let not continue arguing. If someone wants to steal you, they’re going to have to do so much more. Than write those poems, and give you chocolates. I am not going to lose you that easy.” Armando tells her, “the point is that nobody is trying to steal me. The thing is that I want, someone to rob me understand that. I don’t want that to happen, I just want to be by your side.” Marcela tells him, “I will confide in you. I just hope that I don’t regret it.” She kisses him, and he just stares at her with a puzzled look.

The next day Betty goes to her dad. “Oh dad here’s my cheque from work you can consign.” Hermes tells her, “that’s great because I haven’t heard nothing about my pension. We are going to have to sit down and check our accounts.” Julia is once again watching infomercials about bras. Betty tells him, “I can’t today but I am going to use a bit of money. I will be using it today.” Hermes asks, “what ever for?” Betty smiles and says, “I am going to buy clothes.” Julia tells her, “good go to Rosita Cavel you can get a discount.” Betty tells her, “no mom I won’t be going in there.” Julia asks, “no then where are you going?” Betty tells her, “you don’t know the store.” Hermes tells her, “now don’t go crazy and waste all your money on clothes.” Betty tells him, “don’t worry dad.” Hermes tells her, “we will see.” He leaves, Julia just shakes her head then Betty sits down. “Oh Mom the truth is, I just want to get a whole bunch of clothes. That will cost me.” Julia tells her, “oh dear you deserve it. Forget about what your father thinks. He’s a lot of work dear. The important thing is, you’re important now. Your boss now, is calling you and coming by and dropping you off.” Betty tells her, “oh mom it’s just more than change my clothes but my hair as well. I want to change my look too.” Julia asks concern, “change how?” Betty tells her, “I was thinking changing my hair style. Maybe putting on make-up. Starting today, I want to be a new Betty.” Julia tells her, “oh dear that sounds great. You my dear deserve it, do you want me to go with you?” Betty tells her, “no mom relax I’ll go by myself.” Julia asks, “so that means you’re not going to work?” Betty tells her, “I’ll call and ask for permission.”

At the apartments, Marcela tells Armando. “Oh your face looks a lot better, than last night. Would you like me to put on some make-up?” Armando tells her, “are you crazy I am not putting on make-up at the office. Hugo will be after me.” Marcela tells him, “don’t be an idiot. You can’t show up looking like that, full of bruises.” The phone rings, he looks at it. “Oh I don’t know this number.” Marcela asks curiously, “aren’t you going to answer it?” Armando tells her, “fine I know exactly what you’re thinking so I’ll get it hello.” Betty calls, “hello Don Armando sir it’s me Betty.” Nicholas walks by eating. Armando says loudly, “hello Betty Betty and looks over at Marcela. How are you?” Betty tells him, “sir first off I just wanted to ask you. How are you this morning?” Armando tells her, “I am fine.” Betty tells him, “the second is I wanted to ask your permission. Since I really don’t have much to do this morning. I will be needed some hours off. I have some personal matters to attend too.” Armando asks, “around what time will you be coming.” Betty tells him, “I’ll be there around 11 sir.” Armando tells her, “you better get there on time.” Marcela tells him, “oh love remind her please to have Daniel’s cheque ready today.” Armando tells her, “oh Betty how about doing a favor give that torment of Daniel Valencia’s cheque please.” Betty tells him, “yes sir sir I want to ask you one question. Are you at Dona Marcela’s apartment?” Armando tells her, “yes I slept over here I am at Marcela’s place.” Armando asks, “where are you calling from?” Betty tells him, “I am using Nicholas’s cell phone.” Armando tells her, “fine then I will see you at 11 you be well.” Marcela asks, “oh my you have to report your whereabouts on where you spent the night. What you now have to ask her, for permission or what?” Armando tells her, “oh no don’t start that again.” Marcela tells her, “well then does that mean she reports to someone else your whereabouts.” Armando asks, “with whom?” Marcela touches his chin and tells him, “let’s not fight today.” Armando tells her, “ouch that hurts.” Marcela tells him, “I am going to get my make-up case.”

Nicholas tells her, “oh no eye that call lasted more than two minutes. When the bill comes, don’t begin screaming at the top of your lungs. Watch that bill.” Betty tells him, “don’t worry when it comes we will both check every call. There should only be three calls, or am I mistaken.” Nicholas tells her, “don’t worry I will pay for that bill.” Betty just laughs, Nicholas asks. “So what is all that important business, that you have to do?” Betty tells him, “I’m going to change my look.” Nicholas tells her, “your look Betty but isn’t that dangerous. Now really consult your doctor and the surgical team. Then talk to the anaesthesiologists, we don’t want you coming out beautiful and cold and petrified.” Betty tells him, “oh don’t be an idiot Nicholas. I am not going to get an operation. I’m just going to change my hair, put on make-up and buy some clothes.” Nicholas tells her, “oh is that all you’re not going to be that different. You’ll never end up like this beautiful thing. He shows her a picture of Patricia, Betty tells him. “We are both different people, different types of women.” Nicholas tells her, “oh that obvious one is very beautiful the other very different. Go on your surgeon is waiting, I mean the make-up guy.” Betty tells him, “look at me this is the last time you’ll see me like this.” Nicholas tells her, “oh that’s a horrible memory.” He makes a monster claw and both laugh. Then he kisses Patricia’s photo and laughs.

At Eco Moda, Patricia arrives. Wilson tells her, “good morning.” Freddy tells her, “oh hello my lovely doll face.” Wilson laughs and then shuts up, he’s eating once more. Patricia asks, “so where is our receptionist where is she?” Freddy tells her, “oh Aura Maria is on her way here.” Patricia tells him, “don’t say that she’s going to arriving. She should already be here, look at the time and she still hasn’t arrived yet. Lately she has been arriving late, what she arrives at 9 and leaves at 11. That doesn’t work.” Freddy tells her, “excuse me Patty I think…” Patricia angrily tells him, “Patricia.” Freddy tells her, “Patricia first thing you may continue to call me Freddy. With complete confidence number two.” Patricia asks, “then what is your full name?” Freddy tells her, “my full name is Freddy Stewart.” Patricia smiles and says, “so Freddy Stewart.” Freddy tells her, “number two like I was saying. Since you don’t know me that much, so that means you don’t remember me. Third it’s none of your business, what time our lovely receptionist arrives. Aura Maria will arrive at the time, she is designated to arrive but since we move in different circles. You haven’t noticed.” Patricia tells him, “oh really Freddy Stewart let see if it isn’t just my problems.” She heads inside the elevator. Wilson tells Freddy, “oh brother that blond bimbo looks that her dream will come true. To see forever that Aura Maria, gets kicked out of this company. I wonder where is she at this time?” Freddy tells him, “oh brother please don’t let me image. Where that monkey is, it will kill me.” Wilson tells him, “fine continue suffering sir.” Freddy tells him, “brother stop calling me sir. Fine call me sir, with more significant.”

Gutierrez is walking around, screaming at his walky-talky. About rats eating the cheese, or the guy eating the cheese. Patricia screams, “Gutierrez Gutierrez.” He stops, “yes my lady.” Patricia tells him, “oh do you know where are receptionist is?” Gutierrez tells her, “I suppose she’s in the area of reception. That is her location to work.” Patricia tells him, “well for your information she hasn’t been arriving on time all week. In fact Aura Maria shows up around lunchtime.” Gutierrez is shocked, he tells her. “Senorita Patricia Fernandez, are you sure you know what you’re talking about.” Patricia tells him, “I would love it if you accompany me to the first floor. So you can assure yourself personally.” Gutierrez follows her saying, “yes immediately.” Marcela and Armando arrive, “good morning.” Wilson and Freddy utter, “good morning.” Marcela asks, “where is Aura Maria? You’re not going to tell me, she’s in the bathroom again.” Freddy tells her, “well no but it’s like she is.” Gutierrez arrives down with Patricia, “see see I told you she hasn’t arrived yet. Hello I was just showing Gutierrez, that our receptionist has yet to arrive. She is leaving the reception area neglected.” Armando tells her, “for one thing one has to arrive early to the company. Something you never do.” Patricia tells them, “ok sometimes I am late. Well she must have an important reason, as to why she isn’t here. Sometimes if I do arrive late, she’s never at her reception desk. That is some nerve.” Gutierrez tells them, “from the rules of the company I will have to do the ultimate punishment of them all. To fire Aura Maria. Bye Bye Aura Maria see you later.” Freddy is shocked, and yells. “No no sir.” Marcela tells him, “we have tolerated her lateness for far too long Freddy. When she arrives, tell her to see Gutierrez if she happens to arrive.” Freddy runs to Armando, “please sir give her one more opportunity.” Marcela tells him, “the opportunities have expired. This has now reached my nerve.”

Freddy and Wilson both pray, “please sir one last opportunity. I will personally make sure that she’s never late again.” Armando tells him, “look Betty I mean cosito look sometimes things are out of my hands. Unfortunately this is one of those times.” Freddy asks, “sorry sir but are you putting on make-up?” Wilson asks, “yes you seem weird today.” Freddy tells him, “call him sir sir.” Armando tells him, “strange strange the weird one is you. You’re the weird one, you’re the strange one. I am going to tell you one thing, I am not wearing make-up. Do I look like I’m wearing make-up?” Freddy utters, “no sir.” Armando tells him, “look that way.” Both men look over to a corner, and Armando has gotten inside the elevator. Wilson tells him, “you don’t think that Don Armando is going funny. Maybe he’s going out with Hugo Lombardi. Look I’m sorry that they fired your woman, but the truth was she was becoming your torment. They did you a favor by firing her or no.” Freddy tells him, “no Aura Maria can’t leave this company. My life without her has no meaning. I need her here, even if it’s to ignore her brother.”

Armando gets out of the elevator first. Marcela tells Gutierrez , “I just hope when she arrives. You better have that letter ready to be signed. I don’t even want to see her.” Gutierrez tells her, “yes madam.” Patricia tells her, “oh what a relief. Sandra and Mariana are listening intently. I guess now we need a new receptionist. One that comes early and works, she must be decent.” Armando tells her, “mmmm I have a candidate for you.” Patricia asks, “oh really who.” Armando tells her, “Patricia.” Everyone laughs even Patricia. Armando she says, then stops smiling when she sees that he’s serious. “Armando don’t play.” She looks over to Marcela, Armando tells her. “I am not playing Patsy Pat. You do like to work right.” Patricia utters, “yes.” Armando asks, “you like to come here early right.” Patricia tells him, “right.” Armando asks, “you are decent right?” Patricia tells him, “yes obviously.” Armando tells her, “Mr. Gutierrez I would like you to find a replacement. For Patricia Fernandez, secretary of the presidency. That now Patricia Fernandez, will now work for reception at Eco Moda.” Gutierrez tells her, “like you ordered sir.” Patricia is mortified.

Marcela smiles, and head to her office. Patricia runs towards Armando, “please don’t do this to me. Armando why are you doing this to me.” Armando tells her, “numerous reasons my dear Patty. First place, you’re the one that started all this. You’re the one that got Aura Maria fired.” Gutierrez  tells him, “yes correct.” Armando tells her, “second Patricia you only described a woman with your characteristics.” Gutierrez  tells him, “that’s correct.” Armando tells her, “third I can’t leave the reception area empty. I have to fill that void, and you’re the one that’s going to help me.” Gutierrez  tells him, “absolutely correct.” Patricia is now in tears, “Armando you might think I’m repetitive. I did not attend 6 months of finances at the San Marino. To end up as the receptionist, I accepted to be your secretary of the president because I was trying to help you. It’s a downturn becoming a receptionist.” Armando tells her, “its only one floor.” Gutierrez  just laughs, Patricia tells him. “Armando respect my contract, that I signed it was for a secretary job.” Armando warms his hands, “give me your hands come on with confidence. She reluctantly gives her hands, I am going to ask you one question. Remember when you read that contract. Patsy there was a clause in your contract. In it you were supposed, to make your boss happy. He has to be satisfied with your work, you have to follow his orders.” Patricia utters, “yes.” Armando screams, “you have never followed my orders. You Patricia Fernandez, go straight to reception.” Patricia cries, “Armando please. Armando what do you have, under that make-up?”  Gutierrez  looks as well, Armando flicks his head. Armando tells her, “nothing Patricia. I ate a clown soup for breakfast that’s why I look like this. I don’t have nothing.” Patricia tells him, “oh Armando Armando please.” Armando utters, “shhhh he looks over at Gutierrez  who’s copying him. Are you going to continue with me to hell? Do I have to support your shadow as well?” Gutierrez  tells him, “no sir.” Armando tells her, “go to reception.”

ADDITIONAL SCENE

(Hugo is walking with one of his girls. He sees Armando, and looks at him carefully. “Well Armani I was looking at some materials. Wait Armando what is that on your face? Oh what type of make-up are you wearing?” Armando tells him, “I don’t know Marcela put it on this morning. I don’t know what its called.” Hugo tells her, “well it doesn’t matter the mark. Oh you look very bombi, come on girl accompany me to the washroom bye.” Then he start laughing, Armando glances at Bertha. Goes into his office, then comes back out.)

Then Armando asks Bertha, “look I was wondering how women take off make-up. What is the product?” Bertha smiles and says, “yes sir face cream and a tissue.” Armando tells her, “yes do you have some can I borrow some.” Bertha tells him, “ah yes sir of course.” He looks around and takes it. Patricia is complaining to Marcela. “Marcee you can’t permit that Armando, do this for me Marcee.” Marcela tells her, “well what do you want me to do about it. You’re the one that started the ball rolling, with firing Aura Maria. As an investor and president of the company, he can order you that transfer.” Patricia tells her, “but Marcela this isn’t a transfer. It’s a degradation I will finish my days in this company, stuck at the cafeteria. Armando can’t do this, as an investor or president Marcee. I’m a friend of the family, you can’t do this to me. Especially since I am his finance’s best friend.” Marcela tells her, “look Patricia first thing he doesn’t look at you as a friend. Second he can’t stand you, and he doesn’t care if you are my best friend. The possibilities are, you can’t cancel that transfer its null.” Hugo comes by, saying “hello Marg.”

ADDITIONAL SCENE

(“Look Marg becareful your boyfriend is starting to use your make-up kit. You know how expensive it is. Then the three start laughing, oh the stamp latino of Armando. Oh he looks so high bombi, it even makes pancake rise.” The four start laughing at his joke. Marcela tells him, “oh Hugo.” Hugo tells her, “oh soon he will want me to introduce him to some friends of mine.” Marcela tells him, “please don’t bother him about the make-up please. I am just begging you.” Hugo utters, “all right.”)

Then Mario arrives with model in tow, hand in hand. Hugo asks, look at the time where have you been? What bad steps have you been taught? First you’re late, and badly accompanied.” The model tells him, “I am truly sorry Don Hugo.” Mario tells him, “she is sick and can’t talk. Now before yelling at her, she did me a favor. I lost my car keys, and she picked me up in her car.” Hugo asks, “you left naked from your palace?” Mario coughs as well. Hugo tells him, “sneeze over there. What you now exchanged viruses or what? Look Mario Calderon you macho bleep, not only did you lose your keys but honor and value. Ethic and morals, my dear Calderon.” Mario tells him, “enough don’t be an idiot didn’t you understand. She did me a favor, she was a good girl now back to work.” He caresses her hair, and the model goes next to Hugo. He tells her, “don’t you dare touch me or talk to me.”

Mario smiles, and then looks over at Patricia. “Sandra you didn’t find my keys, I couldn’t find it anywhere.” Sandra tells him, “the last time I saw them. Was in your office, I don’t know where else it could be.” Mario tells her, “fine call a locksmith to open my car get me a duplicate. Oh this is going to cost me a fortune.” Patricia utters, “bastard.” Marcela stands next to Patricia, “that’s the model that taking Mario away from me. She’s not doing him a favour their dating.” Marcela asks, “oh really so what are you going to do?” Patricia tells her, “the same thing you’re going to do. With Armando’s lover, fight her for him.” Armando is in his office, with a small mirror taking off the make-up. Mario arrives, and asks. “What are you doing? Putting on make-up? Since when?” Armando tells him, “oh don’t you start bothering me now not now Calderon.” Mario then looks closer. “What the hell. He sits down, what happened to you?” Armando continues taking off the make-up. “Oh I got into a fight with some guys.” Mario tells him, “wait a minute what guys. I didn’t know that Marcela, would hit that hard she almost killed you.” Armando tells him, “I told you it was some guys. It wasn’t Marcela, you idiot Calderon. I got into a fight with Betty’s neighbours.”

Mario asks, “what do you mean what neighbours what happened. Oh come on do tell relax.” Armando tells him, “now don’t make fun.” Mario utters, “I promise.” Armando tells him, “well I was kissing Betty. Mario starts laughing. Armando continues, I was kissing Betty then these guys. Began hitting the car, then they began screaming that I should take her to a hotel.” Mario asks, “were you two steaming up the windows.” Armando tells him, “nothing was going on Calderon. I told you not to make jokes. Mario backs off and is quiet once more. They began screaming, I got out of my car I just needed them to respect her. I feel really bad so I ask them, what’s your problem.” Mario goes, “really.” Armando continues, “well then they began to insult her and they were yelling at her and calling her names. I couldn’t stand it anymore, and I gave it to them.” Mario tells him, “I was wondering what were they calling her. I’m serious, what were they saying.” Armando tells him, “oh the poor thing they were calling her the ugly of the barrio. Of the world and planet.” Mario cracks up, and asks. “What did you lose your lights? What business, what is it of your? It’s as if, I would fight with someone for calling me Mario Calderon. Is she in there?” Armando tells him, “no she asked for permission today she had some personal business to take care of.”

Meanwhile Betty goes to a store, and picks out an outfit, she’s a bit self conscious and asks the sales girl for help. “I got this dress, and want to see if it would fit me.” The lady takes her by the mirror, and shows someone else wearing the same outfit. It’s of course a skinny model, and the lady says. “I’ll take it.” Betty in the end doesn’t, and leaves the store all together.

ADDITIONAL SCENE

(Mario tells him, “oh galant of you so are you two back together.” Armando tells him, “yes but Betty accepted that we don’t see one another too much. Plus I also convinced her, to tell the girls. That her real boyfriend is Nicholas Mora. Do you undestand, if they do find it a bit suspicious. It elements it once and for all.” Mario tells him, “oh yes because nobody would even think that your dating her. Not even thinking your under the covers. Plus it makes things more comfortable.”)

Mario tells Armando, “ok now do another detail.” Armando asks, “what detail now?” Mario tells him, “I need to know how did things ended up last night. The topic is, I need to know the melody and rhythm and he sings a song.” Freddy is talking to himself, and waiting for Aura Maria. “Could it be, or not to be.” Wilson tells him, “I just think she just slept in.” Freddy finally sees her, and says. “Lovely time of arriving interpret.” Wilson repeats, “lovely time of arriving.” Aura Maria tells him, “Freddy I just wanted well..” Wilson repeats, Freddy tells her. “I don’t want to hear it, inform her that she has been fired from the company.” Aura Maria frantically screams, “what!” Wilson repeats, “you’ve been fired.” Aura Maria tells him, “but they can’t do this to me.” Wilson cries and repeats, “they can’t do this to me.” Aura Maria tells him, “look Freddy I need a favor.” Wilson repeats, and then Aura Maria looks over towards the door. “Jimmy please come here. A small boy enters, she tells them. I was thrown out of my house.” Wilson repeats it. Freddy does a dance, the boy copies and says. “Hello Freddy.” Freddy tells her, “Aura Maria Mr. Gutierrez is waiting for you upstairs. Wilson is ready to repeat, but Freddy stops him. Enough with the translation.” Aura Maria asks, “can I ask for one more favor.” Wilson repeats, “could you take care of Jimmy here while I head upstairs.” Wilson once again repeats. The boy goes to see Freddy, and he holds him. Freddy tells him, “brother I can’t let them fire her. Have you eaten today?” Jimmy tells him, “no.” Freddy tells Wilson, “go to the cafeteria and get something.” Wilson tells him, “right away.” Jimmy tells him, “something with honey.”

Aura Maria heads upstairs, Sandra and Mariana are working. Mariana asks Sandra, “would you check this to make sure I did this right.” When Aura Maria arrives, Patricia screams. “It’s about time you showed up. Go straight to Gutierrez, they are going to fire you.” Aura Maria crying tells her, “leave me in peace you witch blond bimbo.” Patricia tells her, “shut up it doesn’t make me happy that they are firing you. You wretched you got me in trouble as well.” Aura Maria takes off, Mariana tells Patricia. “You snoop.” Then Sandra follows and they head to see Sophia. Marcela comes out, and asks for Mariana. Patricia tells her, “Mariana is busy. Aura Maria showed up, and at this moment she is crying to the girls. Their probably drying her eyes.” Marcela happily tells her, “so she showed up.” Aura Maria tells the group, “I showed up this morning around 7am. My mother without mercy, or remorse had my suitcase and my son waiting for me at the door. I cried and cried, and begged her not to throw me away. That I wouldn’t do it again, no she threw me out. Plus I arrive here, and I’m thrown out as well.” Sophia and Bertha glance at one another not very surprised. Sophia tells her, “my dear I’m sorry but what did you expect her to do. You served yourself as a banquet. Plus today that blond bimbo, was on the rampage and you were the victim.” Mariana tells her, “look Sophia enough with the venom. Aura Maria has a huge problem, we have to help her we can’t leave her here all alone or what.” Bertha tells her, “no one is going to help her here. Name one person. He already told me, to write that resignation letter. Aura Maria cries even harder, Gutierrez is waiting for you to show up so she can be fired. Tell me, what more can we do.” Sandra asks, “what about Betty? Betty’s the only one, that can help us out. Where is she?” Sophia tells her, “but she hasn’t arrived yet and I don’t know where she is.” Frustrated Aura Maria screams, “what do I do now? What do I do?” Everyone tells her, “calm down.”

(The ladies are relying on Betty more than ever, notice that.)

Meanwhile Betty arrives at a local salon, that cuts men’s and women’s hair. She tells the guy, “hi Sammy.” He asks, “hello what can I do to help you out?” Betty tells him, “I would like to change my look. I want to be a different woman. Different than the one, looking at me.” Sammy looks at her and thinks.

Over at Eco Moda, Ines has joined in the conversation. Ines tells her, “now stop crying and calm down this is what you should do. Don’t dare go in that office, until we can think of something.” Bertha tells her, “well how and with who. Everyone got together, and agreed to fire Aura Maria.” Sandra tells her, “Aura Maria now then go to them tell them. That you were kicked out of your house. With your kid and everything. It would be impossible, if that doesn’t move them.” Sophia tells her, “yes do that and how will you explain. The other numerous times she’s been late. She’s going to have to tell them, about the guy she’s been seeing at night. Aura Maria, are you sure you’re not pregnant? That’s the only excuse you can say, for them not to fire you.” Aura Maria tells her, “like that one oh no.” Mariana tells her, “oh Sophia. Lovely Inesita, since Betty has disappeared. Only you can you do anything, please see if you can help her out. See if you can talk to Don Armando, d Mario Calderon or Dona Marcela. Please see, if you can do something.” Ines thinks about it, then tells her. “Now don’t push me, yes I will try talking to Don Armando and Dona Marcela. But you my dear, stay away from that office. Hide from Gutierrez hears that.” Gutierrez  comes out, with a big smile. “Well hello Aura Maria, I have been waiting for you. Now then have the gentleness of coming into my office. I have something to say to you.” Bertha asks, “what Aura Maria are you talking about?” Gutierrez  says stupidly, “I don’t see her either. Bertha I am looking at her right now. What you haven’t gone, to that exercise place? Now get in here now.” Ines tells him, “please sir wait one minute. This girl won’t enter your office, not until I speak personally to Dona Marcela and Don Armando.” Gutierrez tells her, “no no no there’s nothing for you to discuss with them Inesita.”

Gutierrez tells her, “Inesita the decision has been made all of them were in full agreement. There’s nothing more to be done nothing, now Aura Maria get in here right now.” Mariana tells her, “please wait one more minute. I want to tell you something the thing is. You see Aura Maria has been kicked out of her house, and with her young son without pity.” The women utter, “oh poor thing.” Gutierrez  tells her, “no.” Mariana continues, “yes sir can you image it.” Gutierrez  utters, “oh my god. Oh I am truly sorry, or what has occurred to you but now you will be starting a new life. A new house, and a new job please come in here please.” Sandra tells him, “she’s not going in there and you can’t force her.” Gutierrez  tells her, “fine then it’s already been said. He comes out with a letter, this is your waking papers.” The women begin to complain. Marcela hears the commotion, and comes towards them. “Now what is going on in here?” Gutierrez  tells her, “Dona Marcela these ladies here. Are refusing Aura Maria, to accept this her letter.” Ines grabs her hand, and tells her. “Please listen, I would like to talk to you please.” Marcela tells her, “Inesita I am sorry but Aura Maria we have given her a lot of opportunities. How long do we have to support, her arriving late every morning. You were warned, were you not.” Aura Maria crying tells her, “please Dona Marcela please listen.” Marcela tells her, “accept that letter of Gutierrez.” Everyone utters, “Dona Marcela.” She screams, “you heard me.” Aura Maria between her tears tells them. “Fresh fresh girls, thank you all for trying to help. She has no choice and grabs the letter, Marcela excuses herself. Aura Maria and Gutierrez  are still holding on, it falls on the floor. Both grab it, and Aura Maria picks it up and puts it in her purse. Thanks a lot you dirty old man.” Then she walks away, and heads to the elevator. The girls all scream, “Aura Maria Aura Maria.” Gutierrez  screams, “right ladies back to work.”

Ines tells him, “stop screaming.” Sandra goes to him, and says. “You’re a vulture.” Gutierrez asks, “what?” Sandra standing tall and firm hits him. “You’re a vulture.” Gutierrez  tells him, “I thought you said something else.” Patricia asks, “so did they fire you?” Aura Maria enters the elevator, “yes you can be pleased with that.” Patricia tells her, “I’m not happy but I’m not happy. I’m not happy Aura Maria. Talk to Marcela or Armando, do something to fix this.” Aura Maria tells her, “what are you crazy or something you blond bimbo.” Patricia utters, “I am going straight to hell I am going straight to hell. But why me? Why me?” Wilson is with Freddy and Jimmy, Freddy is combing his hair. He says to Wilson, “this was my first occupation.” Then he pretends to be gay. Wilson calls him, “crazy.” Freddy turns and sees her, “so how did it go?” Wilson repeat, “so how did it go?” Aura Maria shows the letter, and goes to the phone. “She didn’t answer Freddy.” Freddy asks her, “so what are you going to do?” Wilson repeat, “so what are you going to do now?” Freddy tells him. “No it’s over, I will talk to her personally. So what are you going to do now?” Wilson tells him, “you should have told me before.” Aura Maria tells them, “please could you leave me alone for a minute.” The three sit down in the chairs.

Aura Maria calls her boytoy Jorge, “hi my black darling.” Freddy holds his hands on the boy’s ears. “Cover my ears too.” Wilson does so and they watch. Aura Maria tells him, “oh no no its awful here I got here and they had my red card. I got my walking papers ready, now look they also kicked me out of my house. I’m with Jimmy and I don’t know where to go. Or where we’re going to sleep? Why don’t we all go someplace, and be together with my son. What trip to Sofics where is that? Greece oh that so far away, but you never told me nothing. Oh it happened today, so when do you come back? Well no fresh, no don’t worry. We’re going to be fine thanks, and you have a good life too.” Aura Maria is devastated, Wilson takes his hands away from Freddy’s ear. “It’s over, what did he say.” Wilson tells him, “but you said you didn’t want to listen.” Freddy tells him, “she asked her boyfriend to come pick her up. You know what, the guy told her that he couldn’t help her. Plus he’s leaving the country, and going pretty far.” Freddy tells him, “that means the guy cleaned his hands of them and dumped them both.” Freddy tells him, “I can’t let them be thrown out into the street. He holds Jimmy closer. Then he tells Wilson, stop breathing in my ear.”

Armando is walking away from his office, Bertha and Sophia go after him. “Don Armando Don Armando.” Bertha tells him, “we really need to talk to you.” Armando tells them, “please stop insisting it’s now impossible. I have saved Aura Maria on numerous occasions, but this time it’s impossible for her to be saved. I would like to say, it really does hurt me a lot.” Sophia utters, “Don Armando.” Armando tells her, “Sophia please stop insisting it out of my hands now stop insisting.” Sophia tells him, “it’s not about Aura Maria I just wanted, to ask one question what happened to your face. You look kinda funny.” Armando tells her, “so I look funny eh? You mean that man over there, oh he’s so funny.” Sophia tells him, “it’s quite tragic.” Armando asks, “tragic yes I was in a fight. Now stop with the faces Bertha.” Bertha tells her, “my bet is Dona Marcela must have hit him pretty hard.” Sophia asks, “Dona Marcela, you saw his face. Armando returns, and overhears the conversation. Wow she must have been hit pretty hard.” Armando tells them, “it wasn’t Marcela both women jump up and turn. What am I going to do, with both of you? It wasn’t Marcela, now can I go walking to the bathroom in peace. In peace.” Sophia tells him, “yes sir go on ahead.” Armando tells them, “fine then excuse me.” Bertha tells her, “yes that man is a true gentleman. He will never let it be know, that it was Dona Marcela. I heard I saw, and smell it my dear. Your telling me my dear.” Sophia burst out laughing.

Patricia is complaining to Marcela, “come on give her another chance Marcee.” Marcela tells her, “who understand you Patricia. You’re the one that started this, you’re the one that went against her even you got Gutierrez involved. Now you want another opportunity, for her and now it’s now too late.” Armando sees them both, “so what are you still doing here. Why haven’t you gotten your belongings down to reception.”

The origin of the red and white barber pole, is associated with the service of bloodletting. It was historically representation, of bloody bandages wrapped around a pole.

SIXTY-EIGHT

Patricia turns and holds onto Marcela and tells him. “Please Armando, I am begging you Armando. Marcela please.” Both Sandra and Mariana watch. Armando tells her, “be very careful Marcela fine. This is an order, I am giving. Ok I accept that Aura Maria, I feel for her but really she screwed up way too many times. But no, this is an order of the company.” Marcela tells him, “I haven’t said a word.” Armando tells her, “what you want a written invitation to head downstairs Miss Fernandez. To be at reception, oh you two call Gutierrez.” Sandra tells him, “sir we just need to tell you one little thing.” Armando screams, “doesn’t anybody here follow my orders.” Mariana tells him, “well we just need just a few minutes of your time. If you would be so kind.” Ines goes to him as well, “please sir could we talk for just a minute sir.” Bertha and Sophia are now standing next to him. Freddy has gone by them and utters, “excuse me excuse me.” He then stands by the corner.

Marcela tells her, “Inesita I told you over there. That no, you won’t go by me. I am not painted on the wall, I also make the rules.” Armando tells her, “yes that’s correct. Now stop staring at me like a crazy person, get your things and go downstairs to reception.” Patricia tells him, “oh Armando come on cancel it.” Armando tells her, “cancel what respect me.” Patricia tells him, “listen to them. Give Aura Maria another opportunity, where are you going to find another receptionist better than her Armando. Yes she has had her errors, so have I. Everyone stares at her curiously. I have been her worst critic. I know with the scare were giving her, she will straighten up. She won’t ever come to work late ever again.” Freddy tells them all, “well everyone thank you all for being here all together. Don Armando I would like to talk to you. Man to man, human to human.” Armando tells him, “Freddy listen to me, if it deals with the topic of Aura Maria I can’t do nothing. Look what happened, she screwed up. No I won’t listen anymore, to you or anybody. This topic is now over.” Freddy tells Marcela, “Dona Marcela please its necessary I would like to you man to woman. Delivery person, to head of sales.” Marcela tells him, “in what language are we talking. Look were not going to do nothing please.” Freddy tells them, “please just give me five minutes of your time.” He presses the elevator Marcela asks, “what are you going to do now?” Freddy tells her, “we are going to look at a picture.” The door opens, and there is Aura Maria with her son.

“Here is Aura Maria, and her son.” Freddy does the dance again. Marcela asks, “what is the boy doing here?” Freddy tells her, “that is a good question a very good question. Why is this boy here?” Freddy tells them, “they are looking for a home. A refuge, a home.” Armando tells him, “please Freddy.” Freddy tells them, “Aura Maria’s family did something quite cruel and it doesn’t mean to be repeated. Her family, threw both of them out of her house. That is why our lovely receptionist was late this morning, but what happens when she arrives here to her second home. The support that maintains her son, nothing for all she gets is a letter. She has now been fired, now they are saying she must now leave. From her other home, the grand family that is Eco Moda.” Bertha crying, tells him. “Enough Freddy no more.” Freddy tells them, “its not the worst thing my dear Bertha. Who else did get fired? Mariana and Sandra goes next to Bertha, while Armando heads over to Marcela. Freddy continues, this woman who counted on this company financially. For her and her son, does she have another job no. Does she have other investments, or income coming in no. Does she have a friendly hand of friendship never.” Bertha crying tells him, “but she can count on us.” Sophia tells her, “we won’t leave her alone.” Mariana tells her, “Aura Maria you can come live with any of us.” Sandra tells her, “we can help you out with taking care of you son.” Ines tells her, “we will see what we can do.” Freddy tells her, “Aura Maria you can depend on all of us. I also have to say, that stupid boyfriend she had has dumped her.” Aura Maria hits him, “enough Freddy.” Armando tells Marcela, “my love I really feel miserable now.” Marcela tells Freddy, “Freddy you’re in charge of the boy. Aura Maria come to my office.” Aura Maria tells her, “yes madam.” Freddy then takes Jimmy, downstairs to the reception area.

Armando tells everyone, “back to work please everyone. Patico you are on standby.” Patricia tells him, “Armando Armando.” Armando asks, “what?” Patricia asks, “what is with all the bruises?” Ines asks, “Don Armando did they hit you?” Armando tells her, “back to work everyone.” Ines tells him, “yes sir.” Then goes towards Sandra, and touches her cheek. Jenny comes out of the studio, and says. “Hello Don Armando.” Who just goes towards the office. Jenny sees Sophia and tells her. “Dona Sophia, may we speak for a minute Dona Sophia. I need to talk to you about something.” Sophia asks, “so what do you want.” Jenny tells her, “well it’s about my cell phone. The thing is you said, you would pay it but I haven’t received any money.” Bertha looks over at Sophia. “I need it urgently Dona Sophia, my sweet love is furious and anxious that he can’t reach me. You know how he gets with security and all. I leave here all alone, and he doesn’t know if I’m alright or not. Or if something, is going to happen to me he’s like this. The poor thing.” Sophia tells her, “well then why don’t you since nobody is watching go out with another guy. Go and betray Elfrain.” Jenny tells her, “I wouldn’t dare do that to my sweet love. You are insulting me.” Sophia tells her, “but you didn’t mind stealing another woman’s man.” Jenny tells her, “well no Dona Sophia I wanted to talk all nice with you about this. I have been patient with you, I understand your circumstances. Now no I have to talk to Mr. Gutierrez, to discuss the matter again. We had an arrangement, I am truly sorry Dona Sophia. You don’t know the word decency.” Sophia tells her, “if you recall we have to be paid first before I can pay you. I have asked for a loan, which Dona Marcela has offered. I can’t do anything, until I talk to her.” Jenny tells her,  “alright I will give you another opportunity because I really do feel sorry for you. Don’t worry, I will wait for the money excuse me.” Bertha is doing everything to hold back Sophia. Sophia utters, “what a slut.”

(Unbelievable what a cynica!)

Inside Marcela’s office, Marcela begins pacing. Marcela tells Aura Maria, “I know that your life is a bit difficult but. Today you have been thrown from your home. That doesn’t mean you can come here, expecting us to take care of your problems. You didn’t do your job, in fact you have been late on various occasions.” Aura Maria is crying once more. “Yes Dona Marcela I know.” Marcela asks, “why did they kick you out of the house?” Aura Maria is quiet, Marcela tells her. “Well if you don’t want to talk that’s fine then. I don’t want to talk anymore, leave my office now.” Aura Maria tells her, “no Dona Marcela the thing is I arrived home a couple of times really late.” Marcela tells her, “but how late you finish work around 7pm. Are we talking mornings? Aura Maria just shakes her head,  Marcela ask. Do you have a fiancée?” Aura Maria tells her, “yes Dona Marcela. Well now I don’t know, I called him today and told him nicely. What was occurring, in my home and here. If he could come pick me up, he said he was going out of the country.” Marcela tells her, “well then he wasn’t your boyfriend then. I guess you were just being used.” Marcela tells her, “look it’s none of my business what occurs in you private life. With all this mess, you have brought us all into your private life. I am going to ask you, a very serious question. What do you want out of this life? I understand, this isn’t the first time this has occurred. You have been looking for men, to stabilize your situation in life. So that man can take care of your son, but what has it accomplished. On the contrary, none of these men have been serious with you.”

(Why is that tv on, it’s a serious part why doesn’t she just shut it off.)

Aura Maria tells her, “no no Dona Marcela.” Marcela asks, “why don’t you find a serious man to be with. Enough with dating these fools. Do you really think, these men take you seriously.” Aura Maria tells her, “look Dona Marcela I know I am not perfect, I know that these men treat me differently. See I have a mother, who takes care of my son. The father doesn’t want a thing to do with the boy. Never once, has he given us any money. I hardly can afford to pay his school tuition. I have always dreamed, of having an apartment for the two of us. So we can live together, but Dona Marcela I will never have much money to get one. That’s why, I am looking for a man who will maintain both of us. So we can both live well comfortable.” Marcela tells her, “you will never have that. The truth is you now have, no home nor a job. Try to have a serious relationship with someone for real. What about Freddy? He is really in love with you, look just today everything that he has done for you.” Aura Maria laughs, and says. “Oh come on Freddy no, Dona Marcela you see I make more money than he does. Plus he helps out his mother, and has to ask for a loan to buy his clothes here. He is so vain, no Dona Marcela I am beautiful. Men ask me out, so we can go out. These men aren’t delivery men.” Marcela tells her, “oh yes just like Mario Calderon. These men are quite serious and…” Aura Maria tells her, “Dona Marcela look it may sound pretty cruel. For what I’m about to say but. I really do care about Freddy, but I want something better. I know that one day, I will get someone better. Can you image the life, that Freddy will be able to give me and my son. Can you image it?” Marcela tells her, “you know what I imaged. I see a serious relationship, a concrete relationship. A relationship with affection, not a relationship that you’re looking for. Not the relationship were men call you a dog, Aura Maria haven’t you thought. Freddy really wants to be a delivery guy. That he doesn’t have someone by his side, that pushes him to be somebody. To make him find another way of life, haven’t you thought Aura Maria. That you might be the woman that he needs.”

Outside Mariana and Patricia are pacing, while Sandra just prays. Then all sit down, and cross their legs at once. They see Marcela coming out with Aura Maria she tells Mariana. “Call Gutierrez right now.” Mariana tells her, “yes right away.” Patricia asks, “Marcee what decision did you choose.” Marcela tells her, “we are going to give her another opportunity.” Patricia jumps up for joy, and hugs Marcela. Sandra screams, “thank you Dona Marcela. She runs towards Sophia and Bertha. Girls girls Aura Maria gets to stay, she’s staying.” Sandra and Mariana hug Aura Maria. Patricia tells Aura Maria, “I am happy that you’re sticking around. I am overjoyed, but don’t screw this up alright.” Aura Maria utters, “only if you stop being a snitch.” Sophia goes over to her, and hugs her telling her. “Aura Maria congratulations dear. You’re now going to be a good girl.” Bertha tells Marcela, “Dona Marcela don’t worry we will make sure she’s always on time.” Marcela tells them, “this is the last opportunity she knows quite clearly. Remember the one, that you have to thank is Freddy heared me.” Patricia head back to her desk. Sophia asks, “Dona Marcela could I have a moment?” Marcela tells her, “come to my office.”

Downstairs Wilson asks Freddy, “what do you think if they really do throw her out. With you take care of her and the boy. Jimmy meanwhile is playing with the flashlight. If you don’t help them out, and if she has no family or place to live. Are you up too taking care of both of them?” Freddy tells him, “I don’t know. Stop playing with that flashlight, or you’ll find out who your daddy. No I can’t let them be on their own.” Aura Maria comes out, and Freddy asks. “So what happened? Did they throw you out, or are you staying?” Aura Maria tells him, “guess what they are going to be giving me another opportunity. She goes and hugs Freddy, and kisses his cheek. Thank you Freddy you are so divine, if you hadn’t have talked to Dona Marcela. She wouldn’t have given me another opportunity. Oh the girls, have given me their homes so I will have a place to stay with Jimmy. Everything has fixed itself. Freddy just stands there, and she asks. Freddy doesn’t that make you happy or what?” Freddy tells Wilson, “Wilson.” Wilson tells him, “yes how may I serve you.” Freddy tells him, “please inform this woman. That we are still at war I only talked to her, because it was a state of emergency and a state of solidarity. Now that her situation is fixed, our war still continues.” Aura Maria tells him, “oh come on Freddy.” Freddy handshakes Jimmy, and tells Wilson. “Now then Wilson inform this lady, that I have to go to the street. To get that folder, that’s in the moto.” Aura Maria tells him, “oh Freddy please oh Freddy.” Freddy tells her, “I can’t hear you.” Aura Maria repeats, “Freddy Freddy Freddy.”

(In real life, when you get fired. Nobody comes to your aid, you’re on your own. Plus those so called friends, never contact you or even want to talk to you.)

Once again we see the someone coming into Eco Moda. Freddy says, “well hello how may I help you.” Betty tells him, “oh come on Freddy it’s me.” Aura Maria and Wilson come closer. Betty tells him again, “it’s me Freddy Betty.” Aura Maria asks, “Betty what is with the new look?” Happily Betty laughs and tells her, “it’s my new look Aura Maria.” Freddy is stunned, and just stares at her. The three stare at her, as Betty heads upstairs. Sophia tells Marcela, “I am here about the loan you see. Jenny is asking about money, to pay her cell phone. Since you said Dona Marcela, I could have the loan that’s why I’m here.” Marcela tells her, “alright I’ll get Betty to sign the document. Then you can get your money.” Sophia tells her, “well the thing is Betty hasn’t arrived yet.” Marcela tells her, “oh yes she asked for some time off. She should already be here by now.”

Patricia is dropping off paperwork, the elevator opens. Patricia utters, “Betty?” Betty tells her, “hi good morning. Betty tells the girls, hi girls.” Sandra and Mariana are left speechless then utter. “Betty.” One by one everyone stares at her, Betty arrives by Bertha. Bertha asks, “how may I help you… Betty.” Betty tells her, “hi Bertha”. A lady comes by and smiles, then Betty enters Armando’s office. “Hello Don Armando.” He’s looking at forms, then utters. “Hi Betty, could you…” He looks up and drops his pen. Then he slants to smile, and utters. “Betty.” Betty tells him, “oh sir I hope I didn’t take too long.” Armando asks, “what did you do?” Betty tells him, and laughs. “I was at a salon.” Then you see Betty, she’s wearing a long brown skirt with a orange striped top. Her hair tied back and curled, she wears a lot of make-up. Armando has a strange look on his face, and doesn’t say a word. Betty smiling tells him, “excuse me sir I’ll go put my things away in my office.” She enters and he takes off his glasses and says. “Oh how ghastly? What did this old woman do? How horrible.” Betty sits down, and find more chocolates, a gift and a card. The card reads, “being able to return to you. It’s like life, returning to me. It’s only when I am in your arms, and kisses your lips. I feel alive, Armando.” Betty just smiles.

(I think it would have been better, if she would have gone with her mom. It seems Julia doesn’t get out much.)

Mariana and Sandra are talking, “oh my god she changed her entire look oh how bizarre.” Sophia comes out and Sandra asks. “Oh Sophia have you seen Betty?” Sophia asks, “did she arrive?” Mariana tells her, “yes prepare yourself because she’s transformed. Complete change, go and see for yourself.” Sophia tells her, “yes I’ll go see her. I have to get her to sign the loan.” Mariana and Sandra follow Bertha, while Bertha is telling Ines. “Oh Inesita I swear to you she arrived completely changed.” Ines tells her, “I have to see her.” Bertha tells her, “oh my god it’s unprecedented.” Sophia asks, “where is Betty?” Bertha tells her, “she’s in the president’s office have you seen her.” Sandra and Mariana utters, “yes.” Sophia tells her, “I need to see her.” Bertha tells her, “me too I didn’t quite get a good look.” Ines tells them, “curiosity is so great I’ll come too.” The girls knock on the door, Sophia asks. “Sir may I speak to Betty?” Armando tells her, “fine. Then all head inside, Armando tells them. Hey hey what is with this parade in my office?” Bertha tells him, “sir we want to see Betty.” Armando tells her, “Sophia I didn’t know that you had to have all of your friends with you.” Sophia tells him, “well sir were just all taking this opportunity to say hello.” Ines tells him, “sorry sir.” Armando utters, “go ahead.” They open the door to get a closer look.

Sophia utters, “hi Betty.” Betty says, “hello Inesita good morning.” All of them stare with surprise and pity. Sandra asks, “what is with the new look?” Betty tells her, “when we have our lunch I will tell you all about it.” Mariana tells them, “I think this change is all about Nicholas Mora or no Betty.” Mariana picks up the gift and card, “oh look at this nice card.” Betty tells her, “Mariana please give that back.” Ines tells her, “don’t be so noisy Mariana.” Mariana tells her, “that is purely Nicholas Mora isn’t that right.” Betty tells her, “I’ll tell you later.” Sophia tells her, “now Betty then I wanted to know. If I can have the document signed for that loan. So I can pay that scoundrel, I need to pay her today. Well could you do that?” Betty tells her, “fine I will do that right away. Then I’ll sign it, and then Dona Marcela will sign it.” Sophia tells her, “thank you Betty.” There all are quiet, and then Mariana tells her. “Now at lunch, you tell us everything.” Betty tells them, “yes of course.” Ines tells her, “come girls we’ll see you later.” Betty tells them, “could you please close the door please.” Mariana utters, “goodbye Betty.” Slowly they stare at her and leave. Betty touches the card, and holds it next to her and smiles.

Sophia asks, “and what did you think? The truth?” Sandra tells her, “I want that blasted stylist name and address so we can go kill him.” Ines tells her, “oh the poor girl where does she buy her clothes. Why didn’t she ask someone, that knows about these things poor little thing. We didn’t say nothing about her look.” Mariana tells her, “oh girls I consider myself a good friend of Betty and I just can’t lie to her. What stress.” Sophia tells her, “that’s why I kept quiet.” Bertha tells her, “we can’t leave her like that.” Mariana tells her, “what if someone sees her she could get fired.” Armando tells them, “now then would you like. Let me explain this, would you like to have your meetings here or in the bathroom.” Ines tells him, “sorry sir Don Armando. They they all apologize and Ines asks. Sir what really happened to your face?” Armando tells her, “it’s was accident. I am working thank you.” All of them utter, “excuse us Don Armando.” Bertha tells them, “well Inesita don’t be so imprudent. Last night there was a huge fight. Dona Marcela beat up on Don Armando.” Ines asks, “so does that mean Dona Marcela hit him?” Bertha asks, “then who?” Ines utters, “oh dear lord.” Armando coughs and Bertha, closes the door and they scatter.

Patricia is cracking up, and tells Marcela about Betty’s new look. “You have to look at her, she looks hilarious.” Marcela asks, “so she arrived at the office.” Patricia tells her, “oh yes she thought she was all that.” Patricia then impersonates Betty. “Hi girls.” Marcela laughs and tells her, “I’ll go see her now I need to talk to her.” Patricia stops her, “oh my god look at Armando’s face man you really hit him hard. That must have been some strong fight.” Marcela asks, “what are you talking about?” Patricia tells her, “the bruises he has on his face. Since you told me, that you were going to fight with him last night. I thought…” Marcela angrily tells her, “what a gossiper you are. How could you even think, that I would do something like that.” Marcela takes off, and Patricia utters. “Oh yes how could I have thought something like that. Oh these rich people.” She flips her hair and sits back down.

Marcela arrives and finds Armando working. “Hi love, why did you take off the make-up I put on this morning. All your bruises are being shown.” Armando tells her, “my love its better this way. People were looking at me strange. I prefer they know, I fought with a taxi driver than me going out with Hugo Lombardi.” Marcela tells him, “well people don’t know you were hit by some taxi drivers. Patricia told me, she thought I beat you up.” Armando tells her, “what a coincidence it seems everyone is saying. It seems the uglies ladies, think that you beat me up as well.” Marcela tells him, “how can they be saying that.” Armando tells her, “well my life don’t be surprise that is your reputation.” Marcela asks, “oh my love how can you even think I would do that.” He shakes his head no, then utters. “Yes.” Marcela tells him, “my life.” Armando tells her, “everyone knows that you treat me badly.” Marcela goes close to him, and smiles. “No I don’t treat you badly, no rationally I wouldn’t be capable of doing such a thing. It would be like this, then she begin to kiss him. Now you have been very smart, with you countless infidelities. Never have I been able to catch you, with another woman. The day that I catch you, you will end up worse than this. I will remove your lips, she kisses his neck, and then your ears. Then your tongue, and they kiss once more.” Betty comes out of her office, Armando is furious, and curses and moves away. Betty covers her mouth in shock, “sorry sir.” Armando asks, “Betty what do you want? What do you want?”

Marcela looks at her, and wants to crack up from laughter she keeps it in. Marcela tells him, “calm down and covers her mouth.” Armando tells her, “fine sorry everyone.” Betty tells him, “the truth is I just wanted to ask permission to go see Dona Marcela.” Marcela asks, “so what can I do for you?” She can’t even look at Betty, she grabs the paper and sign it. Betty tells her, “it’s for Sophia’s loan.” Betty tells her, “thank you Dona Marcela I will now give it to Sophia so she can signs it. Then she can get her cheque.” Marcela is starting to laugh, Armando just stares at Marcela. Betty utters, “excuse me my love.” She leaves and Marcela screams with laughter. “Oh dear, who hates her so much. That hair stylists combed her hair, with a rack and all his enemies.” Armando tells her, “don’t make fun of my assistant.” Marcela tells her, “oh my love but that guy should have made her bolts. He put her finger in the light switch. She continues to laugh, Armando just stares at her. Oh come on don’t be so angry my love. What it’s a step forward, that I am laughing at your assistant.” She laughs once more. Armando returns to his computer. Sophia tells Betty, “oh Sophia just sign here for that loan.” Sophia signs it, and Betty stares back at the door. Sophia tells her, “oh thank you Betty. I was wondering, when will we get the money. I am just dying to give it that woman, just to get her off my back.” Betty tells her, “I will tell them immediately to give you your cheque.” Betty stares at the door once more. Bertha asks, “Betty are you alright?” Betty tells her, “oh its nothing.” Betty heads away, and Bertha asks Sophia. “What do you think is wrong with her?” Sophia tells her, “she just probably looked at the mirror.” Bertha utters, “ahhee.” Jenny comes by once more. “Dona Sophia, how are you. I am just wondering, what happened to my cell phone?” Sophia tells her, “you know what calm down. They’re going to give me my money.” Jenny tells her, “are you sure for my sweet love is very anxious.”

Marcela tells her, “they are going to give you your money dear.” Jenny bows and says. “Oh Dona Marcela how are you?” Marcela tells her, “fine.” Jenny tells her, “Dona Sophia I will be waiting for that money ok.” She bows once more, and tells her. “Excuse me.” Then takes off, Sophia utters. “Oh that slut, she runs after money.” Bertha tells her, “shh.” Marcela asks Sophia, “have you talked to that lawyer.” Sophia tells her, “yes Dona Marcela and thank you we will have began doing the procedures. We will meet, so we can divide the object of the house. Then of course the divorce.” Marcela asks, “just now why didn’t you do that before. That man already has a mistress, why wait so long. Or are you waiting for him, to come back to you.” Sophia tells her, “well no Dona Marcela the thing is he said in these cases things take time. It would take time.” Marcela asks, “what did the lawyer say.” Sophia tells her, “the lawyer told me the first step that I have to do is grant a meeting.” Then you see Elfrain, flirting with his secretary. Then she gives him papers, all he asks. “When will we go out again? When she leaves he opens it. It’s a court appointed paper, that says. See you in court for a meeting,of the parties with Sophia.”

Marcela tells Patricia, “oh my god I saw her. I can just image her saying, to the hair stylist I need a change of look a hairdo so they can fire me.” Patricia laughs and tells her, “oh and that dress. Nobody will want to takes off her dress.” Marcela tells her, “oh what optimisum with that who wants to take off her clothes. They both laugh once more, Beatriz might say when she goes to the gynecologist. May I take off my clothes. He says, no keep your clothes on. I can see you from here.” Patricia tells her, “sir should I take off my clothes. Armando comes by and overhears their conversation. He tells him, no no please keep your clothes back on. I am begging you.” Armando walks away, and then stops. Patricia tells her, “can you image how she is with her boyfriend.” Marcela tells her, “oh poor man. I bet he just looks at her, and bolts.” Armando tells them, “still making jokes on Betty’s behalf.” Marcela tells him, “no not of Betty her boyfriend. Can you image, what he is going to say when he see her.” Both laugh hysterically. Armando tells them, “he might have already seen her.” Marcela utters, “poor man.” Betty comes by, with Sophia’s money. Going by Marcela and Patricia who are still laughing. Hugo comes by with the model. “Oh my god who is this specter? The madam of Betty?” Patricia tells him, “no that’s the real Betty just a different version.” Marcela tells him, “she went to an enemy who helped her get dolled up and dressed up.” Hugo tells them, “oh poor hair stylist. Oh it’s not only thunder and lightning bolts.” He zz’s them and takes off. Armando just listens, and shakes his head then goes to see Mario. Marcela and Patricia just break up laughing.

Betty is used to the laughs, and just goes to Sophia’s desk. “Now then Sophia, here’s your money it will be taken out through four payments.” Sophia signs it and says, “oh Betty thank you very much.” Freddy singing comes by, and drops off the mail. Betty smiles and heads back to her office. Freddy waits and utters, “eek oh that’s scary. Ladies explain to me, why a woman like Betty. Does what she did? Why? A complex, no boyfriend, no engagement, no lover.” Sophia tells him, “you know what Freddy that is none of your business. Now go see that scoundrel, and tells her I have the money for the cell phone.” Freddy sings and leaves. Sophia tells her, “unbelieveable. What I am going to do, is have a receipt for her to sign. That way she’ll know that I paid her.” Bertha tells her, “its better security than the police.” Jenny is trying on clothes and utters, “oh no.” Ines tells her, “you gained weight you’re going to have to lose it.” Jenny tells her, “oh no Inesita but I only had water this morning.” Freddy pretends to knock on the door, “excuse me Inesita but I need to talk to Jenny. Can I rob a few minutes of your time, you imitation of a cow.” Ines tells her, “go ahead. Ines tells the other model you can change now.” Freddy tells Jenny, “I am the delivery of very good news for you. Dona Sophia finally has the money, to pay for your cell phone that she destroyed. Jenny is happy, oh Freddy is it true.” Freddy tells her, “I wouldn’t play with your emotions my life.” Jenny tells him, “you shouldn’t talk to me that way. So many things have happened, I am going to buy a cell phone we will talk later.” Freddy asks, “so do you have someone that will take you.” Jenny puts on her jacket, “no why?” Freddy tells her, “I’ll take you we can go on my bike. We would talk of you, and me. Your life, your cell phones so many things we can discuss. What happened that night, that stupid stunt of Aura Maria. It can’t ruin such a harmonious relationship. That we had you and me, we can’t have our destiny go in different ways. Senorita Garcia, we should save our friendship. This bridge that unites us, our souls together.” Jenny tells him, “enough Freddy fine you can take me. I’m wondering, how do you manage to remember all those words.” Freddy tells her, “it happens because you give me everything with your sweet injections.” Jenny tells him, “wait for me in a minute. Inesita I am going for lunch, and buy my cell phone.” Ines tells her, “yes where in the era of the cellulitake go on.”

ADDITIONAL SCENE

(Armando enters the boardroom with Mario. “I am very bothered, they have no right.  The only thing that people have been doing is laugh at poor Betty.” Mario asks, “tell me that you didn’t participate with those jokes?” Armando tells him, “absolutely not I hate it that they are making fun of her. With that new look of hers, if you can call it a look.” Mario asks, “so is that monster there?” Armando just nods, inside the office Betty is looking at a small mirror and touching her curls. She puts it down when Mario shows up.)

While Mario goes to see Betty, and tells her. “I need the numbers of the sales please.” Betty tells him, “right away sir I’ll give it to you.” Mario utters, “thank you and closes the door. He makes a funny face, and goes next to Armando. He then starts laughing, I just can’t believe it. You’re going to have to kiss that one.” Armando tells him, “great it would be like kissing another ugly woman.” Mario tells him, “it’s not the stylist’s fault her problem is the surgical problem. So did you say something, about her new look. What you didn’t say a word, you beast you animal. You’re a poor ignorant, there is nothing worse than stepping on her, and not fueling her ego. Than the love of a man, that disappears. Come on you have to say, something regarding her new look.” Armando tells him, “say four words on that her hair of hers.” Mario tells him, “she’s not the first woman that this has happen too dear lord. Most woman, when they change their looks are a complete disaster. You have to say something, about her new look its very simple. Look when a woman, changes her look. A) for one, husband 2)two her lover and we only have one god. So my dear god, say something nice about her new look.” Armando tells him, “Calderon no she just won’t believe you. Everyone has made fun of her today, she’s going to think that I am consoling her and telling her falsehoods. I can’t continue making fun of her, like the others. It will be worse.” Mario tells him, “look it’s the time when you have to be serious. You must tell her, your love is more than physical. The dress, the shoes, hair, glasses, the eyes that are cross eyed, the moustache. The bad breath, the braces, the bad taste. Oh the list is long, you know what. If that were me. I would make love to her just the way she is. Armando just stares at him. That would prove that you love her, and desire her.” Armando tells him, “be very careful. Just thinking about kissing her, with that look I am paying the price in life than death. I want to tell you something, I am never going to do that. Even thinking about it, gives me chills.” Mario tells him, “you better prepare yourself. Where is the picture of Adriana Arboleda?” Armando tells him, “what good is it now look how she’s dressed.” Mario tells him, “oh this woman is gorgeous no matter what she puts on.” They put the photo on the table ,when Betty comes by. “Sir here is your report on the final sales figures.” Mario takes it, and tells her. “Thanks Betty.”

Betty sees the picture of Adriana Arboleda. Armando tells her, “oh she’s a model.” Betty tells them, “she’s very lovely. Is she from Colombia?” Armando tells her, “yes just like you and me.” Betty asks, “so will she be working with us?” Armando tells her, “oh I if god wants it. Well what I meant is, that woman of her caliber are able to work with us. It would be great, if she did work with this. Well I’ve never met her, or been near her.” Betty tells him, “oh I see yes she is very beautiful. Sir do you need me for anything else, or may I go for lunch.” Armando tells her smiling , “go eat my naughty girl.” Betty utters, “thank you sir.” Then she just stares at the photo and walks away. Mario tells him, “did you see that? The brilliance in her eyes disappeared.” Armando tells him, “are you kidding anybody will lose their eye sight looking at that fine woman. Betty overhears, one day if that woman happens to step in this office. I will drop everything, and go on my knees and marry this woman. I will whisk her away.” Betty then goes to Sophia’s.

Sophia is telling Jenny, “now then I want you to count every single dollar in front of me. I don’t want any problems with you.” Jenny tells her, “oh of course not. I trust you Dona Sophia.” Sophia tells her, “fine then just sign this paper then. This states that you’ve received the money for the cell phone.” Jenny utters, “but of course Dona Sophia.” She signs it, Betty asks. “Are we going to eat?” Sophia tells her, “wait till Bertha makes sure that that’s the same signature.” Bertha tells her, “fine I’ll check on the contract if it’s the same.” Jenny tells her, “oh come on Dona Sophia stop being so untrustworthy. It’s as if, I did something wrong. Come on Freddy.” Freddy tells her, “before you my princess.” Sophia asks, “where are you going?” Freddy tells her, “I am going to heaven and glory and far beyond that.” He begins to sing, and Jenny and Betty start laughing.

(Apparently this scene, had to be shot twice. For the woman who plays Inesita, burst out laughing and couldn’t stop. It’s in the deleted scenes on you tube.)

Bertha tells her, “what is up with him. He’s once again. becoming the energizer bunny after that bandida.” Sophia tells her, “good.” Bertha utters, “what?” Ines tells them, “let’s go eat ladies. It’s going to get late.” Armando and Mario come out, and Armando asks. “So where are we going to eat?” Mario tells him, “let’s go to Fish Paradise the best place for aphrodisiac. Oh stop bothering me, or let’s go to Le Noir or someplace else. Oh stop bothering me so.” Mario tells him, “my only interest is that you shouldn’t lose your lust. One never knows, when one will need to go into action.” Downstairs in the lobby, Wilson is playing horsey with Jimmy. Aura Maria tells him, “oh come on Jimmy behave yourself. Oh come on Jimmy my love, do you want me to get fired again. Please calm down, and look at you Wilson. So tall and acting like an idiot. Here take this coffee away.” Freddy is flirting with Jenny, as they get out of the elevator. “Excuse me for one moment. Aura Maria just watches. Wilson please my jacket and helmet quickly. Wilson hands it too him, which Freddy gives one flap to Jenny. Wilson please inform reception, that I will absent for the afternoon.” Aura Maria asks, “and Freddy where are you going?” Freddy is quiet, and ignores her completely. Jenny just watches as Aura Maria, asks Wilson the same question. Freddy answers, “inform her that I have other duties to attend too of a more personal intimate nature. He sprays his mouth, and Jenny smiles. Bye Jimmy.” Jimmy says, “bye Freddy.” Then both take off, Aura Maria looks stunned.

(Aura Maria shouldn’t be cross with Wilson, he’s the one looking after her kid and letting her work. Where’s the gratitude.)

The girls arrive downstairs, Sandra tells her. “Aura Maria its best we go eat now.” Aura Maria just nods, and gets her things. Ines tells her, “now come on bring Jimmy Alexander with us.” Aura Maria tells him, “come on babe.” Jimmy tells her, “I want to stay with Wilson.” Aura Maria kisses him and tells him. “Well alright then, I will bring you something to eat.” Mariana tells Betty, “alright you my dear have lots of gossip to tell us. She now has a boyfriend, and that other one lost hers.” Aura Maria looks at them coldly. Bertha tells them, “oh she not only lost the only boyfriend but the only man who wanted her. Oh no Aura Maria.” She just gives them an upset look. Outside Jenny tells Freddy, “why aren’t you two talking? It’s what I noticed.” Freddy tells her, “we have decided not to have a relationship anymore.” Jenny asks, “but why you two looked so happy.” Freddy tells her, “well then lets look at it this perspective. There are women, that just don’t acknowledge a good thing when they have it. The details, the bouquet, the quality that a good man has. It’s best that I stay away, I think the best thing that could be done. It’s just now a working relationship, and it should have stayed that way. I’m delivery and she’s the receptionist, nothing will go between that. Words yes that are cold, but necessary. Freddy takes Jenny’s hand, we won’t even touch or flirt. Not even a kiss, will get me back. Freddy then takes the opportunity to kiss Jenny’s hand. We just say hello, and goodbye and that’s that.” Jenny tells him, “oh Freddy I really do think. That it’s best this way. I always thought, that Aura Maria just wasn’t your type.  You Freddy really do deserve something better.” Freddy tells her, “I am getting all excited with your attitude. Now then, hop on board the motorbike. I am already lit on fire.” Jenny holds onto him, Freddy caresses her leg. He makes a joke, while she laughs. Wilson just watches them leave.

(That cow outfit was made famous by the late Selena.)

Aura Maria comes out running and screaming. “You idiot slut.” Sandra grabs her saying, “don’t look at them.” Mariana tells her, “enough.” Betty just watches, Ines asks. “What is wrong with you?” Mariana tells them, “oh dear isn’t it that she’s jealous. Now Betty you’re going to tell us everything, what is it with you and Nicholas.” Wilson overhears and smiles. Aura Maria squeals oh her and Nicholas. Sophia tells them, “oh come of course that’s why she changed her look.” Aura Maria asks, “so when did this happen?” Betty blushes and smiles, and utters. “Last night.” Everyone sequels with delight and all clap hands. Mariana asks, “at last.” Aura Maria asks, “so Betty Betty. Did you two really work everything out. So are you officially dating?” Betty walks and blushes, everyone ask. “Oh come on do tell.” Betty just nods, and they squeal some more. They cross the street, and kiss her cheek. Aura Maria tells her, “let’s go celebrate.” Armando is in the car with Mario. Mario asks, “what is with all the chicken squealing.” Armando tells him, “all the chickens by this point Betty is telling everyone. That she is official dating Nicholas Mora.” Armando glances back at the mirror and smiles. Mario asks, “what I guess it worked. They all seem so happy, so that means they believed everything. Oh and look how happy your area. Armando stops looking. Mario tells him, oh that look.” Armando then tells him, “oh that look will kill me. It’s horrible, and killing me.”

Sandra tells her, “now you must really take good care of him. You know how difficult it is, so you can have a boyfriend now a days.” Mariana tells him, “now remember batteries take care of him and never lose sight of him. Don’t let him go by himself, even if it’s to go grocery shopping or walking by the streets.” All the girls laugh, Bertha tells her. “I have to tell you something, oh I am just thrilled with this news. Has he already, asked for your hand in marriage.” Mariana asks, “yes or no.” Betty tells them, “marriage no.” Bertha and Mariana are shocked. Aura Maria tells them, “oh leave the poor girl alone. Look it’s just the start of their long engagement. Now Betty you must work him, I will explain it further. So give us more details please, and explain how did it go.” Betty tells them, “first he said he wanted to talk to me. Last night he came to my house, and we talked he told me. That he really like me a lot, he told me he wanted to official start dating me.” All the women scream, Mariana tells her. “Oh Betty that’s wonderful.” Aura Maria is disappointed. Betty tells them, “so I accepted.” Aura Maria asks, “just like that? No caresses or kisses no touch?” Ines tells her, “Aura Maria why do you always have to bring that stupid stuff up.” Aura Maria tells her, “oh Inesita it’s not interesting if you don’t talk about the intimate parts.” Ines tells her, “well that’s how my relationship began with the man. Who in the end, turned out to become my husband. Oh it was delicious.” Everyone squeals, and utter. “Oh Inesita.” Then they  head forward, and Aura Maria keeps Betty back.

Aura Maria asks, “come come over here. I won’t tell a soul, did you sleep with him.” Betty tells her, “no.” Aura Maria asks, “I won’t believe that story. That you two just talked, and you two touched hands. No I know, that you desire that man. He must be quite a galan, women are always after him. He has tons of money, no these men don’t just drop just like that. Unless that woman, is a model. Then she looks at Betty, and utters. Well you do look nice, with your new clothes but a knock out no.” Betty tells her, “you don’t have to force things to explain things Aura Maria.” Aura Maria asks, “so when will you two you know?” Betty asks, “what you know?” Aura Maria tells her, “when are you going to sleep with him.” Betty tells her, “me.” Aura Maria tells her, “if you want I can take your place. Of course you. Betty gives her a nervous look, and she goes. Oh girl, what is with that look? What don’t tell me, you never want to sleep with him. Don’t be an idiot dear.”

America’s relationship expert, Myreah Moore. Tells people, if you been dating for a while. You know that person is the one, then a  minimum of nine months. Is a good length of time, before engagement should enter someone’s mind. While Clinical psychologist Dr. James E. Savage, believes that people should wait nearly five years before getting engaged. Dr. Drew Pinsky, co-host of MTV’s “Loveline. Observes that men and women, have different mind-sets when it comes to being ready to stroll down the aisle. Men wait for the right time to get married, while women wait for the right partner.

SIXTY-NINE

Armando and Mario are having lunch. Armando tells him, “Calderon you know what. Stop tormenting me. I want to say this, so you can really understand. This will be explicit as possible, I will never touch Beatriz never. Did you get that.” Mario tells him, “I have heard it coming from your lips and now it has reached my ears. You didn’t want to kiss her, in the first place but you did. Look you love kissing her, see you almost killed yourself for her.” Armando tells him, “Calderon I for one do not have that vivid imagination that you have. For making love to Betty, just look it this way. If I have to kiss her, I have a drink of whiskey. If I have to touch her further, I have physiological prepare myself. I have to look at that photo of Adriana Arboleda. To even touch her hand, now one more thing, She has never insinuating that we sleep together.”

Betty tells Aura Maria, “well in our plans no we have never really discussed sleeping together. Nor the act of sex, he just doesn’t want to yet. Or go to that territory yet.” She laughs nervously, Aura Maria is stunned and just glances at her. “Oh no Betty, why hasn’t he said, Come on girl lets go someplace, where I can teach you something.” Betty tells her, “no.” Aura Maria tells her, “then you two won’t do nothing at all.” Betty tells her, “you don’t understand Aura Maria. This is a different type of a relationship. It’s a relationship, that starts with books, poetry and economics. A shared interest in various topics.” Aura Maria shakes her head, “no no no. Oh do be quiet Betty, what kind of relationship are you having. No so intellectual, no kisses, no touching of the hands no other little things.” Betty laughs, “oh no their are kisses.” Aura Maria tells her, “only with kisses for the rest of your life. It’s just tiring.”

Mario tells Armando, “so that means for one full year. You won’t have nothing, except giving her little kisses. You really think, that Betty being so ugly doesn’t want sex. Eye she might be very shy and timid, in that small spot that you put her. She could be a volcano of passion, and when it explodes you could be covered in lava boom. Relax you can just wash it off.” He just pats his arm.

Aura Maria asks, “Betty what don’t you desire him?”

ADDITIONAL SCENE

(Aura Maria continues talking. “Doesn’t it make your mouth water? Don’t you have tickles up and down, your body everytime you see him?” Betty tells her, “well no Aura Maria.” Aura Maria tells her, “man you are pretty weird I think you should go see a physiatrist.”)

Betty tells her, “yes I desire him I just don’t want to force things. I am quite timid Aura Maria.” Aura Maria tells her, “oh Betty look you don’t have to force things. If you like him, and he likes you it should come naturally. One day before you know it, he will be all naked and you can do a lot of marvelous things to him.” Betty tells her, “well no it seems he’s not one of those men. He’s a man of calm, romantic, a talker.” Aura Maria tells her, “oh no dear then batteries it will be up too you then. One night, that he comes next to you really jump him.” Betty just utters, “jump him.” Aura Maria tells him, “yes look get him drunk a bit and take off his clothes. Then pow you attack.” Betty just stares at her in disbelief.

Armando asks Mario, “Calderon you don’t think that one day she will want too. Jump on me?” Mario tells him, “oh brother she is crazy for you. What will you do if she does? Will you go out running, will you push her away. Look that is, what I am telling you this might happen one never knows.” Armando tells him, “but but the thing is she’s a different woman Calderon. I don’t think that you’re going to believe this, I am going to tell you something. We have a different type of relationship, we are doing other things not even thinking about sex.”

Betty tells Aura Maria, “well sex isn’t everything in a proper relationship. It’s not our number one priority.” Aura Maria tells her, “Betty it might not be for you but what about him. You must put on your battery, what if another gives him what you don’t want to give.” Mario tells Armando, “look when one has a lover one doesn’t discuss politics. No sir Mr. Mendoza, when one gets a lover you have a lot of sex and lots of it.” Armando tells him, “that is why I have Marcela. We have a crazy relationship, that’s the only thing that keeps us together its super. Now with Betty, it’s very different. Ours is a cerebral relationship.” Mario tells him, “cerebral you say but it’s not one that’s my favorite.”

(The roles are reversed, Marcela is the lover and the wife is Betty. Funny isn’t that what he’s trying to say.)

Aura Maria tells Betty, “remember forget about cerebral relationships or intellectual relationship. Yes a relationship is full of intelligence, but you must maintain him in the bedroom as well. What if someone else has him, and gives him more than you do. Then he will be gone, and you’ll be left with nothing.” Betty tells her, “Aura Maria the thing is I believe that he admires me for who I am. For my intellect, for my career but I don’t think he desires me.” Aura Maria looks at her bizarrely, “oh Betty put on batteries dear. If by now nothing manifests sexually dump him, it’s only for two reasons. One that he’s gay, or you just don’t interest him Betty.” Betty really starts to think.

Mario tells Armando, “would you like her to think that you’re gay? That you don’t desire her, sex is the only way to truly love a woman. It shows her that you desire her, and are crazy for her.” Armando tells him, “I don’t desire her I am not crazy for her. Especially with that new look of hers, she look really scary.” Mario agrees, “oh that poor girl. Why hasn’t anybody taken pity on her and  told her the truth. First she’s ugly, now she’s horrendous.” Armando tells him, “the ladies might tell her. They noticed, and they didn’t have the heart to say anything.”

Bertha and the others stop, and wait for Betty and Aura Maria. Bertha tells them, “we really have to tell her that look is awful. That’s why were her friends.” Mariana tells them, “yes girls.” Sandra asks, “fine who will tell her?” Mariana tells her, “Sophia she’s always saying things bluntly. She has no compassion.” Bertha tells them, “yes that’s true.” Sophia tells them, “oh no how can you say that to me. No no no, she’s liable to go into the street and get run over by a car. Let’s look at credibility, the experience and respect that is Ines.” Ines tells them, “oh no no senorita I don’t want to get involved.” All of them go, “Inesita.” Ines tells them, “no but we are all going to say it together.” Sandra tells them, “now we just have to bring up the topic.” Sophia tells them, “shh she’s coming. Look Betty, tell us where did you buy your clothes? Who is the hair stylist that did your hair?” Sandra tells her, “it’s a stylist.” Sophia utters, “that is no stylist but a criminal. Oh come on give us the information.” Betty smiling says, “well first I went to Mollin.”

Sophia asks, “is that what they’re selling?” Mariana asks, “are you sure this is Mollin.” Betty tells them, “well no I did go there first but in the end I didn’t like the clothes. They were for clothes, for models. You know tall, thin, sexy, classy beautiful women. So I ended up, going to a friend of my mother’s she buy all her dresses there. I found a lot of new and exclusive dresses.” Sophia tells Sandra, “yes exclusive for ugly people.” Betty asks, “what?” Ines gives her a look, then Sophia asks. “And your hair?” Betty tells her, “oh I went to the local salon at my barrio.” Bertha asks, “was it for women and men.” Betty tells them, “oh it was for men and women. Or did you think, it was just for women.” Sandra tells her, “no no no.” Betty tells them, “well I went and told him. I would like a new look, he gave me a lot of magazines. It was full of a lot of hairdos, and we decided on this one.” Aura Maria touches her hair and shrugs. Mariana is just stunned, Bertha keeps her mouth shut. Poor Betty smiling away. Sophia asks, “from which magazine came that hairdo from.” Betty tells them, “it’s like my dresses. The women in the magazines, had different facial characteristics.” Sandra tells her, “so he just experimented on you.” Betty smiling tells them, “well yes and this hairdo came about. Don’t you think it’s more my style?” Mariana tells her, “yes you loo beautiful.” Sophia looks down at the floor, “yes you do look nice.” Aura Maria pats her arm, and takes her to the restaurant. Sophia tells Bertha, “I just don’t have the heart to break her heart.” Bertha tells her, “oh she’s going to die.” Ines tells her, “that is going to be her problem.” Sandra tells them, “oh that poor boyfriend of hers.”

The meal finally arrives, and Mario tells Armando. “I have the solution, give Betty some money.” Armando tells him, “what are you trying to imply. That I should buy Betty clothes, send her to Marcela’s stylist oh come on.” Mario tells her, “oh no cool water won’t solve that. What we need is a surgeon, fine you go to a surgeon go with an international magazine. Tell him I want that one, and he will make her look like that. Then you’ll have someone, you really want to kiss and make love as many times as you want. You heard that story, that man who had such an ugly girlfriend everyone thought she was his wife. Armando just laughs. So what about that idea? A lover that’s natural for a year eh. Armando considers that, well it seems you like that.” Armando tells him, “Calderon the man that knows everything. The guru of the women, the magician Merlin of the female species. Tell me something, how am I going to approach that subject. With a woman and say, I want you to get operated on. So she can become another woman.” Mario tells him, “well my dear Armando we will start by parts. The truth is Betty is ugly, we are talking about an ugly woman. The best gift one could give her, is for her to get cosmetic surgery. No apartment, no car, no house, jewels etc. Get her cosmetic surgery brother, it’s the best thing for her. Think about it,  to think about her dedication, your loyalty and love all of that.” Armando tells him, “fine then another question. That surgical procedure, how will it change Betty. How transformed could she get.” Mario tells him, “were talking about a surgeon not a magician.”

Mario tells him, “why not tell her she could look like Aura Maria.” Armando laughs and tells him, “so Aura Maria. Aura Maria oh you are really exaggerating, oh you’re so naive. Don’t you understand, Betty would have to be made completely. Plus I’m really afraid that Marcela finds out, that I paid for her surgery. That money isn’t going to be, coming out of Eco Moda. It would come out of my pocket.” Mario asks, “how will she find out does she look at your credit accounts?” Armando tells him, “oh come on I thought you knew Marcela.” Mario tells him, “well with those bruises. She has to stop having paranoia, with you looking like that.” Armando tells him, “I really hope so.”

Marcela and Patricia at still at Eco Moda. Marcela tells her, “I am now fine with Armando but I am not going to lose my focus. I know that there’s a woman after him. The poem didn’t come from thin air, no senora there’s a woman behind him.” The phone rings at Armando’s office. Patricia tells her, “oh Marcee you know those phones constantly ring. That idiot woman, still hasn’t arrived.” Marcela tells her, “well get it then.” Patricia asks, “me why?” Marcela tells her, “hurry up and get it find out who it is.” Patricia tells her, “but it’s not Armando’s phone its Betty’s.” Marcela tells her, “well get it then.” Patricia asks, “what you want me to get the Garfield’s phone?” Marcela tells her, “don’t you understand with her not here. We might find out, about that lover of Armando’s. I am sure that woman, who’s after him is calling through her phone. Especially Betty’s I know for a fact, that she’s the one hiding every single one of those calls.” Patricia reluctantly answers the call, and Marcela discovers the photo of Adriana Arboleda.

Patricia answers the phone, “hello presidency of Eco Moda.” Nicholas is on the line, “yes hello please is Betty Solano there?” Patricia tells him, “she’s not here yet who is it?” Nicholas tells her, “it’s from Nicholas Mora. Can I leave a message for her?” Patricia tells him, “fine yes.” Nicholas asks, “excuse me but whom am I talking too?” Patricia tells him, “Patricia Fernandez.” Nicholas quickly turns and looks over that her photo. Patricia utters, “hello hello.” Nicholas tells her, “wait one minute. One minute. He takes a drink of his juice, hello.” Patricia asks, “and what is the message sir you wanted to leave?” Nicholas tells her, “oh Patty could you tell her to contact the office of Terra Moda.” Patricia repeats, “Terra Moda.” Nicholas tells her, “yes yes I am the vice president. We have important business to discuss. The thing is, I am heading out to another meeting. Could you please give her the message. Tell her to call me through my car phone, or my cell. Oh do you have a pen, give her this message. Hermes overhears his lies, and tries to hit him with the paper. Wait one minute. Then Patricia overhears, Nicholas screaming. You there, is my car warmed up. Julia where is my coffee? You over there, where’s my correspondence? Julia where are my calls? Hermes please give me, the cheques I have to sign.” Hermes asks, “what the hell are you talking about you fool?”

Nicholas tells him, “oh the 5000 I will mail out. Patricia’s eyes light up like dollar signs. Hurry up, it has to be sent to Miami hello.” Patricia tells Nicholas very sweetly, “yes sir I am listening.” Nicholas tells her, “sorry Patricia with all my screams. Oh yeah what was I talking about, please tell Betty to call my cell alright.” Patricia tells him, “yes fine I’ll do that. I will give her the message.” Nicholas tells her, “Patty is was a pleasure talking to you.” Patricia tells him, “like wise bye.” She just stares that the message, while Nicholas is jumping for joy. “Oh my god she talked to me, she talked to me.” Hermes asks, “who?” Nicholas tells him, “oh this beautiful woman in this photo talked to me.” He kisses the picture and wants a hug. Hermes pushes him away. “Nicholas tell me something, did you lose a bolt in your head. Don’t you dare, tell me that your taking drugs of some sort. At that bakery your poor mother’s owns? What moved inside?” Nicholas tells him, “Don Hermes this woman drives me coco crazy. From this moment on, I am never going to wash this ear ever again. Oh that phone is going to be bronzed, and placed as a museum piece. That call reached my ear, and went through my head. Now is going all over my body, straight back to my heart.” Hermes tells him, “wash that face of yours and away that maniac face of yours. Nicholas ignores him and hugs the picture close to his heart. Hermes tells him, your a fanatic, and susceptible.” Hermes takes off and Nicholas, just kisses the photo once more.

Marcela is still looking at the picture and ask. “Who was it?” Patricia tells her, “oh it’s a Nicholas Mora from a company called Terra Moda. Do you recognize this company?” Marcela utters, “no it doesn’t ring a bell. So what did he want?” Patricia tells her, “he wanted to talk to Betty. Something to do with a business transaction with Terra Moda. So who are you looking at?” Marcela asks, “is this Adriana Arboleda?” Patricia sees the photo and tells her, “yes this is Adriana Arboleda Marcee. What is this picture doing in here?” Marcela tells her, “that’s a good question. She puts it back on the table. Come on before were discovered.” Patricia stops her, “hey Marcee you don’t think. That’s the one that’s after Armando?” Marcela raises her eyebrow and  tells her, “maybe.” Then they leave the office.

Wilson is playing around with Jimmy. The girls come back, and Aura Maria tells her. “Forget about wasting your money on clothes, just get yourself a good plastic surgeon. Then she tells Wilson, give this to Jimmy.” Wilson tells her, “ok with pleasure.” Aura Maria tells Betty, “now make your boobs bigger. Then get a big ass, you know the one that stops traffic. Then take off a bit on the waist, you’ll look spectacular. Then you get big lips, blue eyes of course then color your hair blond. Oh with that look, your liable to wake up the dead.” Ines just rolls her eyes, then Aura Maria burst out laughing the others join in. Betty tells her, “oh Aura Maria that’s for woman who likes all that attention. I am a bit discreet.” Sophia utters, “looking like that you look very discrete.” She looks away, Betty just laughs while Wilson begins eating Jimmy’s food. Aura Maria asks, “where is Freddy?” Wilson talks with his mouth full, Aura Maria hits his hand. “That’s for the boy.” Sophia tells her, “oh that Freddy is probably someplace with that woman.”

Over at the cell phone store. The girl tells Jenny, “this will be better for you and quite practical.” Freddy asks, “so is it safe from office accidents. Oh my lovely representative, of digital objects. You see if a crazy secretary were too break it.” Jenny screams out, “no.” Freddy continues and says, “relax my dear is there like a warranty against witches and ex husbands.” Jenny asks, “may I use it now I need to contact my sweet love.” Freddy asks, “and it has to happen now.” Jenny asks, “why?” Freddy tells her,  “we can go eat someplace. At a restaurant, and talk about clothes modeling etc. Jenny doesn’t care she just stares, at the box containing her new cell phone. You know what, we used to talk about. When we were alone before.” Jenny tells him, “oh that was fun.” Freddy tells her, “would you like to repeat it.” Jenny tells him, “ok and the girl hands her a gift bag. Oh thank you. She looks over at Freddy, look you have really been nice to me here have this. So you will always remember me.” Freddy tells her, “not only do I remember you in my heart but in my soul. In my head, and my motorbike. Then he sings her a song, she tells the girl. “Thank you.” Jenny then takes off, Freddy tells the sales girl. “Don’t be jealous I see that you’re very lovely. Here’s my card, my name is Freddy Contreras. I’ll come around, to get a cell phone and to see you once again.” He kisses the girls hand, she stares and him as he leaves.

(The sales girl reminds me of, Myrka Dellanos former host of Primer Impacto of Univision from 1994. She once dated singer Luis Miguel.)

The girls head upstairs, and Patricia is waiting for them. “Oh lovely time to return from lunch, why didn’t you just stay in that humble you call a restaurant.” Sandra tells her, “well they don’t have bed so we can have our naps. But here we can sleep, see seeing you all day sleeping and not doing anything makes one sleepy. What do you have a problem or what?” Patricia tells them, “no oh just relax all of you. Relax and enjoy your meal, I will answer all your calls. Then of course I will do your job.” Bertha flicks her hair like Patricia, “yes and what kind of job are you doing doll face. One by one they sit down. So what calls are you answering?” Patricia tells her, “well the president’s phone rang nonstop. It drove me so crazy it rang so much, I was stuck having to answer it.” Mariana tells her, “oh how stressful. Oh my dear, aren’t you the president security and isn’t that your job.” Patricia tells them, “yes I may be the secretary of the president but not the assistant of the president. I had to answer your phone calls.” Betty asks, “yes and who was it?” Patricia says sarcastically, “sorry miss but I’ll get the information too you right away. Betty smile slowly disappears, when she hears. Apparently it was a president of a company named Terra Moda. He told me he was going into a meeting, and for you to call his cell. Then he said, he was going to a club and a bunch of other things. A man named Nicholas Mora.” The girls go crazy, and scream his name. Patricia asks, “who is this guy?” All say, “that’s Betty’s boyfriend.” Sandra tells him, “oh you better hurry he must be anxiously awaiting your call.” Mariana tells her, “oh Betty forget the cell call him at the club.” Bertha tells her, “no an important executive like your boyfriend. He might not like it that you’re bothering him.” Mariana tells her, “since he’s so in love with you.”

Sophia tells her, “don’t bother him but call his cell. For it seems, he wants Betty to chase him isn’t that what he said. To call his cell phone.” Patricia tells them, “well I gave the message. Let me get back to work please, I am not here to receive, the calls from your boyfriend.” Sandra tells her, oh how jealous you are. Oh you’re not even hiding your envy.” Patricia angrily goes over to Sandra and asks, “what envy and jealousy. What envy you ridiculous woman?” Sandra tells her, “envy my dear. Betty now has a rich boyfriend, and you don’t. Now then, faint or die of a heart attack let me see it.” All of them laugh, even Patricia. She tells her, “enough with the extravagant display I am not envious in the least. It just makes me laugh, poor devil.” Sophia laughs and tells her, “oh so many people would love a poor boyfriend like that. Especially someone who’s always crying, over every monthly statement. Or one that’s always dumped by her car without gas.” Everyone burst out laughing. Patricia tells them, “I don’t need an idiot like that.” Bertha tells him, “oh what a shame deary it just that you can’t get one.” Everyone starts laughing again. Patricia tells her, “what was that again? What did you say?” Bertha tells her, “maybe Betty can give you some pointers. Maybe then, you’ll be able to get a rich boyfriend my dear.” Betty tells her, “whenever you need advice Patricia I will help you out.” Then all burst out laughing, Patricia tells them. “Listen you, you’re on going to give me lessons on how to land a man. Oh I can get a guy like that, she snaps her fingers. Plus I have a great body, style, class, modeling class, and 6 semesters at the San Marino. Plus the phone numbers, of every rich bachelor in this country.” Everyone utters, “oh really.” Daniel arrives and hears her speech and utters. “Really?” Patricia calms down, and utters. “Oh hello Daniel, oh how are you I didn’t hear you come in.” Daniel tells her, “of course you didn’t hear me. I come in and end up hearing you, squealing and screaming at the top of your vocal cords. The topic sounds very interesting, so do you really have the list of the most eligible bachelor in town. So like this, you can land a man.”

All the ladies giggle, and Patricia tells him. “I will explain Daniel, I have a book with a lot of important people on it. You do know that, on that sheet is a list of men.” Daniel asks, “so does that mean my name and phone number are on that sheet?” Patricia asks, “yes and why?” Daniel tells her, “so when I snap my fingers you can get me.” The girls starts laughing, Patricia tells him. “Look Daniel, this is a conversation between women. These women here, were all glorifying Betty because she now has a boyfriend. Can you image it, they are now all shoving it in my face. Don’t you know, they are saying that she’s better than me. She has a boyfriend and I don’t. Betty begins to get nervous. You can image, the ridiculous discussion were having.” Betty tells her, “that’s not it at all Patricia.” Daniel tells her, “don’t worry senorita. I would have put it publicly in a newspaper that you now have a boyfriend. It will be top news, and it would be free. All the girls are silent. Now then, it’s true it’s quite silly. That she has a boyfriend, and you Patricia will become a spinster. The girl laugh once more, Daniel asks. Is Marcela in her office?” Patricia tells him, “yes Daniel.” Then he takes off, Sandra snaps her fingers Daniel turns around. Everyone points to Patricia, in unision they utter. “It was her.” He stares at Patricia, then takes off. Everyone laughs, and Patricia utters. “Bastards.” Sandra tells her, “your the bastard you’re going to become the single one now. You heard Mr. Daniel Valencia, spinster.” Bertha tells her, “yes Monica you need to take a class from Betty.” Patricia plays around with her hair and tells her. “Yes she could do just that, for she’s properly using witch craft to land a guy that wealthy.” Sandra angrily goes to her, “repeat that repeat that.”

Ines comes between them and breaks up the fight. “Ladies enough, enough for today back to work.” Sandra tells Patricia, “after work you and me. She puts up her hands in fists. Wait after work, keep her over there.” Patricia does the same, “oh I am so scared. You scare me more than Betty.” Mariana tells her, “oh poor thing a spinster and so bitter.” Bertha tells her, “and a witch too.” Sophia comes next to her, and snaps her fingers. “Lets see if a boyfriend comes around, we will see if we believe you.” Bertha tells her, “now get him the right way just like Betty Monica. Or sort of the same.” Patricia tells her, “you’ll see you bastards you’ll see.” Betty smiling goes by her, and heads to Sophia’s desk. Mariana tells Patricia, “oh Patico if it’s that easy my friend. Bring him here, and present him.” Patricia tells him,  “I haven’t done so because I haven’t felt like it.” She flicks her hair and sits down. Sandra tells her, “oh you Rio De Janeiro.” Mariana tells her, “oh poor thing.” Then she laughs, then they get back to work while Patricia stares at the number.

Armando and Mario arrive, Wilson has been playing with the boy while Aura Maria was working. Armando tells her, “I fully understand your situation but the reception isn’t a place where children play. Especially with the doorman of the company, put him someplace else understand me.” The boy lights a light in his face, and he hits the boy in the head. Aura Maria tells him, “I understand sir well he will soon be picked up.” Armando tells her, “thank you very much. You. Wilson salutes. Stop playing with the boy, you electric donkey.” Aura Maria tells Jimmy, “come over here my love.”

Upstairs Bertha tells them, “we have that blond bimbo exactly where we want her. She is so envious of our betty, she’s ready to explode. It’s better than food.” She begins describing a delicious meal. Sophia and Betty crack up. Sophia tells her, “now we have a reason to come to work.” Betty tells them, “yes but stop tormenting her. I don’t want that witch spreading to everyone, Nicholas’s name and company left and right all over the corridors.” Bertha asks, “but you silly why. If it were me, I would get a humungous photo and put it right here. Have his name on it, and his bank statement written on the bottom. Lastly his job title, it could be the executive or president anything.” Sophia asks, “isn’t he vice president what’s that company called again. Yes Terra Moda.” Betty just tells them, “he’s an executive of finances.” Sophia tells her, “you never mention he was a big shot of a big company. Terra Moda that name sounds so familiar. Aren’t they doing business with us?” Betty gets serious, and tells her. “Yes a few business deals, that’s why I don’t want him mentioned so much. To that blond bimbo just to torment her. You know her, and what she is capable of doing. She could invent anything, in front of Dona Marcela or Don Armando. I don’t want nothing of the sort. Please treat this information with the discretion.” Sophia tells her, “you should have told us sooner Betty. Oh don’t worry we will be very discrete.” Betty smiles and heads to her office, while Bertha takes Sophia to systems.

Betty arrives back inside the office, and looks at the photo of Adriana Arboleda. She remembers what Armando said to Mario. “Are you kidding anybody, will lose their eye sight looking at that fine woman. One day if that woman happens to step in this office. I will drop everything, and go on my knees and marry this woman. I will whisk her away.” Daniel enters and coughs, Betty puts back the photo on the table. Daniel takes a good look at her, and Betty asks. “Sir how are you?” Daniel tells her, “I am worried, disgusted, surprised. We made an agreement senorita, that said quite clearly. That when money entered, I would get paid. I have checked my account, and the money hasn’t been put there.” Betty tells him, “oh sorry sir I am truly sorry we had to pay payroll first. Tomorrow morning, you will get your money and she smiles. You have my word.” Daniel tells her, “is your word as serious than your look. That attire, make-up, and hair. Instead of being a assistant of a president, you look more like a assistant to a clown.” Betty utters, “excuse me.” Daniel tells her, “I know that Armando is a clown. This company is a complete joke, but you shouldn’t be dressed as a clown. You should have more discretion.” Betty tells him, “excuse me sir you are insulting me.”

Daniel tells her, “the one that offending this company is you. What were you thinking, when you put on those clothes. What went into that head of yours, when you combed your hair. Do you think you look divine or what? No senorita you look worse. Armando has arrived and is furious. More worse.” Betty tells him, “sir you will respect me. You are getting involved in personal territory.” Daniel tells her, “tsk tsk I am getting involved in this issue because of the image of this company its part my company. Come to work like a decent person, just because you have a boyfriend. You can’t come here like that, you’re mistaken. You disrupt the routine of the employees, please take heed of the humanity.” Armando angrily utters, “Daniel Valencia. Get the hell out of my office this instant.” Daniel tells him, “oh hello Armando.” Armando tells him, “hello nothing get the hell out of this office. Stop insulting my assistant.” Daniel tells him, “the one disrespecting this company is her. She doesn’t respect the aesthetics, of this company nor the routine. Someone who has an important role in this company. A person that practically runs this company, because our president and his inept ways of running things. Someone who has an important company, regarding style, fashion, design, color. Can’t be dressed like that.” Armando tells him, “maybe you didn’t understand Daniel Valencia. Get the hell out of here. He then grabs him, and screams get out of here get out.” Daniel screams, “I am no clown that you can scream at nor boss around. You may never, put your hands on me ever on my jacket nor push me.” Armando utters, “oh no didn’t like that.” Betty grabs him and screams, “please sir leave him alone.” Armando tells him, “get out.” Daniel cool and collected tells him, “I understand why you’re defending that economiest but its bad taste. He looks at them both, oh if isn’t Tarzan and Cheetah.” Then he takes off.

Armando turns, and touches her face. “Relax Betty, I don’t want nobody messing with you. Or bothering you, or making fun of you you understand me.” Betty tells him, “no sir don’t worry about it because he’s right.” Armando tells her, “no he’s not right.” She then heads straight to her office. Armando utters, “Beatriz Beatriz please.” Armando then just sits down, and stares at the door. Patricia is telling Marcela, “like I said Marcee that executive of Terra Moda  is Betty’s boyfriend. Oh those bastards, saying that I am jealous that Betty has a boyfriend. That I am incapable of landing a rich boyfriend. Can you believe those bold, ignorant, rag dolls, fools.” Marcela just works away, and then says. “Leave them alone, don’t pay them any attention.” Patricia tells her, “what do you mean Marcee don’t pay them any attention. That was a huge offence.” Marcela tells her, “fine then do something. Find yourself another rich boyfriend, it will be good for everybody.” Patricia tells her, “yes laugh about it. Another one of the ladies, she takes away her pen. I swear to you Marcee, that Garfield will pay for this.” Marcela ask, “how what are you thinking about?” Patricia tells her, “they are gloating me on that man is too much for her.”

( I don’t know why she calls Betty, “Garfield” he’s cute and fuzzy.)

Marcela tells her, “are you trying to say. That you’re going to steal Betty’s boyfriend away.” Patricia tells her, “oh not only will I take him away. I will steal him away from Betty. Please what battle can Beatriz win?” Marcela burst out laughing, “you aren’t serious Patricia are you. No no no this can’t be happening. She laughs some more. What you are going to fight for a poor boyfriend of Beatriz?” Patricia tells her, “no Marcee he’s not poor he’s an executive of Terra Moda. He deals with a lot of money, I heard him over the phone. He has a car with a chauffeur, is part of club, a big executive that can fix someone’s life.” Marcela tells her, “oh not only will you fight for Beatriz boyfriend. Then you will solve all your problems. Please Patricia, what movie are you planning to star in. You just don’t know, what kind of man he really is. If he’s Betty’s boyfriend, please what kind of person are we talking about?  He can be a big executive, he could own a company, he could have a chauffeur and car. Everything that you dream of, if he went after Beatriz. You can image the class of beauty, that man really has. Please don’t make illusions about this guy.” Patricia stares at the number, “I am not saying I am going to do it but if they continue bothering me. Or tormenting me, I will show them clearly how to steal a boyfriend from an ugly woman. Just like that.” She then snaps her fingers.

Armando enters, and tells Betty. “I just want to tell you, you shouldn’t be so affected over what Daniel told you.” Betty crying tells him, “sir it wouldn’t affect me so much that I have a speculation but yes he is correct.” Armando tells her, “no he’s not correct. That look looks alright, its ok that look relax.” Betty asks, “really sir?” Armando tells her, “yes.” Betty smiling says, “I did it for you only for you. I just wanted you to see me distinctly.” She laughs and smiles, Armando tells her. “Betty.” Betty tells him, “sir I did it for you. I don’t care if anybody else doesn’t like it. I just don’t care what they think. Only if you like it.” Armando tells her, “oh Betty I really do like your look truthfully it fascinates me but. To be more honest, I liked you more before. I know what I’m about to say sounds weird, I look at you he closes his eyes. I look and look. I ask myself, where is that Betty? That Betty that spectacular, the one that obsesses me. Later I ask myself again, where is the Betty that captivates my heart. The one that entered that first day at Eco Moda. He turns and thinks of that first meeting. With that hair and outfit, that innocent laugh. With that charisma, that so fascinates me. Oh where is she?” Betty tells him, “sir so what you’re trying to say is that you want me like I was.” Armando tells her, “I just want to see the Betty that’s in here. Like a simple picture.”

Betty tells him, “I thought you didn’t like my appearance before.” Armando tells her, “please close your mouth. Betty when I first saw you, you know first meetings are always so cold. But in time, days, you grew on me.” Betty tells him, “yes sir I understand you fully.” Armando tells her, “but I’m not done yet. Then came the magic, the magic. Then I discovered that woman, the one that captivates me. A woman that is filled, with marvellous qualities that now a days is something that I would miss.” Betty tells him, “sir I will be your Betty like before. The same Betty.” Armando tells her, “that’s right.” Betty tells him, “the Betty that dies for you.” Armando utters, “yes.” Betty comes closer, he tells her. “The door, I’ll get the door.” Betty tells him, “no sir don’t do it. It’s dangerous, its caution.” Armando rolls his eyes out of relief then tells her. “Oh I almost did something crazy. I just can’t hold myself back any longer. Look tonight, we won’t be able to see one another. Not tomorrow either, but next week yes we will see one another.” He touches her chin a couple of times, and Betty moves away then says. “Don’t worry sir, we decided to do that arrangement. When you can go, we will go out. I will wait for you.” Armando tells her, “that’s why I love you my naughty girl. He kisses his fingers, and taps it on her nose. Betty shyly smiles, I am going to tell you one thing. You look divine, whatever people say you are divine. But before you were my crazy.” He taps her nose once more and then leaves. Betty grins from ear to ear. Armando closes the door, and has a disgusted look on his face.

Wilson is playing around with Jimmy. Aura Maria tells Ines over the phone.

ADDITIONAL SCENE

(“Oh Inesita, please take Jimmy for a little while. No Inesita the others can’t take him, plus Don Armando and Mr. Valencia already told me he can’t stay in the reception area. You know him he’s very shy and quiet. Please take him, since Don Hugo hasn’t returned yet. Oh your so beautiful thank you.”)

“Oh thanks I will send him up there.” Jenny and Freddy arrive back, both smiling and grinning. Freddy tells her, “oh go forth my lovely female species.” Jenny tells him, “oh you’re always so poetic.” Aura Maria asks, “so did you guys gets stuck in blankets or what? So Freddy they’ve been looking for you.” Freddy ignores her, and tells Jenny. “I will press the button, so we can go up to heaven.” Wilson tells him, “oh Freddy look at this time buddy. They were looking for you.” Freddy tells him, “oh who is complaining you.” Wilson tells him, “I am just translating a message from Aura Maria.” Freddy tells him, “that is a comment made out of context. I was using my lunch hour, I was with this gracious lady at an exquisite restaurant.” Jenny tells him, “oh yes Freddy that meal was delicious. Thank you very much, I owe you an invitation.” Freddy tells her, “it can be used tomorrow morning.” Jenny tells him, “oh Freddy you’re so persistent ok let’s go eat tomorrow.” Aura Maria tells Jimmy, “now Jimmy Freddy will take you up. So you can see Inesita at her studio. If he doesn’t mind, or it isn’t quite the bother.” Freddy tells him, “Jimmy you know something. I will show you and take you to see Inesita’s studio its divine. Jimmy follows and Freddy tells him, now come here and look at this lovely bottom to the very top. It teaches you early, the luck of man.” The elevator door closes, Aura Maria looks over at Wilson and tells him. “What are you looking at? You frog eating bone head.” Wilson just takes Freddy’s belongings, and puts them on the back counter.

Patricia once again, is complaining about money. She tells someone over the phone, “listen sir what do you mean by harassing me again. What does embargo mean? No no, look I will be getting money next month. So I can give it to you, yes including with paid interest.”

ADDITIONAL SCENE

(Patricia tells him, “I spent six semesters of finance at the San Marino. So you can know who you are talking too. I’m not a beast, yes sir I am telling you.”)

Freddy, Jenny and Jimmy arrive on the floor. “I swear that I will pay it. Jimmy comes around, then plays with Patricia’s hair. Patricia utters, what stop that? Freddy grabs Jimmy, and takes him away. Both Sandra and Mariana crack up. Patricia tells the guy, yes I swear it. I am giving you my word, I know that I’ve said it a couple of time but this is definite. This is the truth sir, please take pity on us poor people. We will talk later. Marcela comes by, Marcee Marcee Marcee the lawyers credit card company want to embarg me.” Marcela tells her, “that isn’t new news Patricia.” Patricia tells her, “Marcee I need you to help me. They are going to take away my car.” Marcela tells her, “well then sell your car and pay off your debts.” Patricia tells her, “oh Marcee please. I can’t live without my car. I would like Eco Moda to give me a loan.” Marcela asks, “another loan?” Patricia tells her, “oh Marcee help out a poor friend. Marcee please please please.” Marcela tells her, “talk to Armando.” Then Sandra and Marina snap their fingers. Patricia tells them, “you idiot what is up with you.” Sandra asks, “come on my dear where is the rich boyfriend?” Mariana tells her, “yes Patico you better get him quick before they seize everything.” Patricia turns and tries to think of something. Sandra tells her, “oh the poor thing.” The girls both start laughing again.

Over that Betty’s house, Nicholas is still jumpy. Hermes is annoyed, and they both jump when the phone rings. Hermes tells him, “stop being a snake.” Nicholas tells him, “I will get that phone Don Hermes.” Hermes tells him, “you better not break that phone.” Nicholas utters, “hello oh hi Betty.” Betty tells him, “oh hi Nicholas. Oh did you call me here?” Nicholas tells her “yes this morning, I sent you all the information you needed through the internet. Plus the information with the Bank Of Montreal.” Betty tells him, “why in the hell did you give the message to Patricia Fernandez?” Nicholas tells her, “oh don’t even mention it. Oh what a beauty, what a goddess we talked one on one Betty. Oh I am so emotional that I don’t mind that Dona Julia stop cooking, and there’s no empanadas in this house for this executive. Oh that woman has a beautiful voice, from all the way here I could smell her perfume Betty.” Betty tells him, “enough Nicholas stop that what you did was crazy. How could you call, and say you’re an executive of Terra Moda especially to her.” Nicholas tells her, “what’s wrong with that. Oh I can’t find my resignation letter, I can’t find it so where did you put it.” Betty tells him, “don’t be an idiot Nicholas. Simply don’t leave message to my enemies, saying that an executive from Terra Moda. Called me, was coming out of a meeting. That later on, you were going to a club.”

“Nicholas you don’t know, how dangerous it is to mention that name. Especially here in this company, and coming out of the mouth of Patricia Fernandez.” Nicholas tells her, “oh her mouth I calculated that we have the same mouth. Oh I have to learn how to kiss, is there a correspondence class on can take. Oh has she asked about me? Is she interested in talking to me further?” Betty tells him, “enough Nicholas.” Nicholas tells her, “oh Betty stop exaggerating what’s the tragedy. Yes I know mentioning the company, is bad but Terra Moda is an official company. They can check all the paperwork, and receipts that they want. What is the mystery? Don’t tell me you’re so jealous, of that beautiful Fernandez woman.” Betty tells him, “no it’s not only that but you can’t be calling saying. You’re an executive of Terra Moda, and that you’re going to a club. What would Don Armando, think if he heard this?” Nicholas tells her, “oh Don Armando can look at our books and account records. He can see its all lies, it was just to impress that gorgeous woman. Tell me Betty, was she impacted hearing from me.  What’s up Betty? Why aren’t you talking? Tell me?” Betty tells him, “we will talk at home.” Nicholas tells her, “no no tell me now what’s wrong?” Betty tells him, “the thing is I am the official girlfriend of Tera Moda executive.” Nicholas gets up,  “oh what your my girlfriend no. What when did this happen. What is this? Explain it to me.” Betty tells him, “yes Nicholas you are my boyfriend.” She then hangs up, Nicholas tells her. “Don’t hang up on me Betty.”

Apparently Waltor Yeo, a British soldier is the first person known. To get plastic surgery, it was a skin graft and it was performed by Sir Harold Gillies in 1917.

Although India practiced the craft in 2000 BC.

SEVENTY

Nicholas utters, “this is all I needed. Or is it that Betty, has falling in love with me as well. He laughs, and says. I guess that when one comes, and the others follow. He laughs again, I guess I have to wait till tonight. You my dear no jealousy.” He then kisses Patricia’s picture.

It night time once again, Patricia goes racing towards Mario. “Oh Mario dear, Mario Mario could I talk with you for a minute.” Mario tells her, “oh I really have to leave.” He looks at his watch. Patricia tells him, “only for a minute not for your entire life.” He utters, “tell me and presses the elevator door.” Patricia tells him, “well the thing is between the two of us theirs now nothing.” Mario tells her, “yes that’s true.” Patricia tells him, “well I image it between the two of us I guess their is a friendship.” Mario tells her, “yes that’s true.” Patricia tells him, “like a friend I would like to ask you a favour.” Mario asks, “now tell me?” Patricia tells him, “I need you to lend me 5000 so they won’t embargo my car.” Mario utters, “oh Patty how about 10000.” Patricia tells him, “oh Mario I know that you have it.” Mario tells him, “I don’t have that money I would have to sell my car and my apartment. Sell my shares in this company, I don’t have 5000 resting in a bank somewhere. What makes you think that?” Patricia tells him, “oh yeah rich people like yourself in this country. Never have cash in your pockets, oh Mario at least you can do is see if you can get it for me.” Mario pauses, then says. “Ok I will help you, tonight I will call some friends and see how much I can get you. How does that sound?” Patricia utters, “that’s fine.” Mario tells her, “I will tell a lot of people.” Patricia just utters, “yes.” Then he enters the elevator, and bumps into Hugo. They both zzz.

Hugo tells Patricia, “oh I would love to join him he is divine.” He walks away and Patricia screams his name. “Hugeto, Hugeto please and you can’t deny me. I need a big favor from you, lend me 5000 dollars.” Hugo just starts laughing, “zzzzzz five.” Patricia tells him, “oh Hugeto they are going to take away my car. Hugeto I promise I will pay you back next month I promise you.” Hugo tells her, “no you don’t have to promise me nothing. Where am I going to get, that amount of money. I don’t have that, five five no.” Patricia tells him, “Hugeto please I know that you have it. You make a good living, you never spend any.” Patricia tells him, “you don’t have great expenses.” Hugo tells her, “oh no oh no oh how funny. Do you think, I have a man to maintain me. I have a lot of tastes, all my extravagant object. What do you think, they don’t cost me my dear. At this point in time, I am creating a new apartment with my boyfriend. We are now ruined in money, but we are rich on love. Plus I will never give woman money, what if you never pay me back. I will end up all scratched up, and in complete failure economically. At this moment, the only thing I want from a woman. Is money, I am not interested in sleeping with a woman. My dear Patsy Pat, asks a rich man among them they’re few. I am going to confide in you, the real reason I can’t lend you money. I maintain my mother, don’t cry don’t cry.” He then leaves, Patricia is left miserable.

Betty comes out of her office, and stares at Armando. “Sir I am going.” Armando tells her, “Betty tonight I can’t take you home.” Betty tells him, “don’t worry sir. Our arrangement stands, everything is clear.” She just smiles at him, and then Marcela enters. Marcela ignores her completely, “so love are you ready to go home with me. Or do you have other plans, with your other acquaintances.” Armando looks over at Betty, before talking. “No yes, well the thing is. What I wanted to say is, I am coming with you.” Marcela asks, “fine then I thought you were going to have my bath ready?” Armando asks, “what bathtub?” Marcela tells him, “with lots of bubbles, oils and all that good stuff we add and like. A bubble bath of aphrodisiac.” Armando tells her, “I don’t know what you’re talking about my love.” Betty tells them, “excuse me.” Marcela asks, “what is wrong? Why did you get so nervous?” Armando tells her, “what are you going to invent now. That I have something to do, with Betty or what. Are you suspicious of everyone, its tiring.” Marcela tells him, “I am not being suspicious of anybody. I think that you’re nervous, that she has to report to somebody. Our intimate affairs.” Armando tells her, “look Marcela I am really tired tonight. I am not into games tonight, let’s just going to that blasted bathtub.” Marcela’s smile disappears, and she just nods. Armando closes the door, and Marcela tells him. “Hey if you don’t want to join me in the bathtub, you don’t have to come in.” Armando closes the door and tells her, “my love look lets go to the apartment. I will go into that bathtub, with the bubbles and everything.”

Hugo comes out of his studio, “excuse me and forgive me but who put this mini Freddy in my studio.” Ines tells him, “oh come on Don Hugo please.” Hugo tells her, “what have I told you. I don’t want kids in my studio. No kids in my life, even a destroyer that’s near my exclusive designs.” Ines tells him, “Don Hugo it’s only for today.” Hugo tells her, “I have told you the only child I will support. Is the one that I adopt with my boyfriend. That is the one, that I will hold tight in my heart. I have told you million of times, no kids, no gossips, nor uglies in my studio.” Ines asks, “oh Don Hugo. What will you tell that boy, you adopt to call you. Mapa or pama?” Hugo just laughs, “don’t lose that funny humour of yours.” Ines and the others just laugh. Freddy tells him, “bye Hugita.” Hugo curses and goes back to his studio.

Marcela lovingly tells Armando, “why don’t we tonight in that bathtub have a child.” Armando tells her, “oh that will be wonderful. We will have a swimmer, and name it aqua man.” Marcela doesn’t like his tone, and the smile disappears on her face. Patricia goes to Armando, “Armando I need to talk to you.” Armando tells her, “I don’t need to talk to you.” Patricia tells him, “you have to listen to me Armando.” Armando tells her, “I don’t feel like it Patty.” Patricia tells him, “I need 5000.” Marcela just breaks up laughing, Armando tells her. “Ok who’s the one, that gave her a drink.” Patricia tells him, “I will pay you next week.” Armando tells Marcela, “Marg explain it to this woman. That under no circumstances, can employees be drinking on the job. You alcoholic.” He goes to the elevator, Marcela tells him,. “Oh dear I forgot something in my office.” Patricia goes and sits down, she says to herself. “They are forcing me, to end up in Daniel Valencia’s arms once again.”

Betty asks Aura Maria, “I was wondering where are you going to spend the night tonight with Jimmy?” Aura Maria tells her, “well tonight were going to stay with Sophia. While we wait for an apartment to open up, maybe to share with someone.” Aura Maria looks over at Freddy, who is ignoring her. Freddy tells Betty, “in the newspaper there our ads where people are looking for roommates. A lot of them.” Aura Maria tells her, “well the thing is Betty. It would be great, sharing the place with a work friend.” Ines comes down, “now then Aura Maria here is Jimmy safe and sound. Come ladies lets go.” Aura Maria says aloud, “yes it is really late to get transportation.” Freddy ignores her again and gets the phone. Freddy is on the phone with Jenny, “how dear how are you? Jenny I thought that maybe, we could talk about our experiences and enjoy our time together. Before you have to go home. Fine I’ll wait for you at reception, and remember forgive me and involve me.” Everyone gasps, and Aura Maria angrily tells them. “Well then let’s go then. Jimmy my love, come on let’s get our suitcases.” Sandra tells her, “Aura Maria just forget it. You and Freddy are finished. That is what you get, for going after someone else. You deserve this.” Aura Maria tells her, “don’t get involved in my personal affairs you you snoop.” Freddy just stares at them sadly, and sits down.

Daniel is in his office, when he gets a call. “Yes I’ll take the call. So were you snapping your fingers?” Patricia tells him, “Daniel Valencia I will tell you without no round around. I need without fail 5000, what do I have to do. Will you be able to get it for me?” Daniel tells her, “5000 ok let’s take into the value of tonight. He gets his calculator, and tells her. It would come out to one hundred nights, it will be very difficult. I would have to sleep with you, for one hundred nights. That would boar me immensely. Wait I could talk to some friends, and maybe we can make a deal.” Patricia tells him angrily, “you bastard!” She hangs up the phone.

(What did she expect, she’s basically prostituting herself to Daniel.)

Nicholas is cleaning up the table, and Julia tells him. “Hurry up I am going to serve the meal.” Nicholas tells her, “yes Dona Julia that’s what I’m going to do. Oh careful my love.” He takes the photo of Patricia away. Hermes tells him, “you’re a fool. The food is going to get cold.” Nicholas tells Julia, “you have me on a diet Dona Julia.” Betty enters and Hermes, Julia and Nicholas stare at her. Hermes tells her, “Oh my dear how may I help you? Then he looks more clearly. Oh is that you Betty, is that you? What is with that outfit and hair, I told you not to dress like that. With that make-up and all you look like a clown.” Julia tells him, “oh Hermes stop yelling at our girl. She just wanted to change her look, and smiles lovingly at her. You look lovely.” Nicholas plays with her curls, and asks. “So where’s the costume party? Do you want me to dress up as well? Ding dong ding dong.” Betty tells him, “shut up Nicholas. Or else no food for you, look dad tomorrow I will be myself once more. Mom can you comb my hair, like always tomorrow.” Julia smiling says, “why dear you look so divine.” Betty tells her, “we have a problem you and I. Only the two of us like how were dressed. This was a failed look, the public of Eco Moda hated it. I just don’t want to eat, excuse me.” Hermes tells her, “but dear.” Nicholas tells her, “wait Betty.” Julia tells Nicholas, “don’t you dare torment her. Look at her she’s miserable.” Nicholas tells her, “oh relax Dona Julia relax she scares herself.” He laughs and leaves, Hermes asks. “Why are you just standing there serve our meal.” Julia starts crying and heads to the kitchen.

Betty arrives in her room and throws the things on the floor. Betty lies on the bed, and tells Nicholas. “No commentaries.” Nicholas tells her, “we won’t talk about that outfit. Explain to me, why I’m your boyfriend since when?” Betty tells him, “since last night.” Nicholas asks, “you mean last night you and me.” Betty tells him, “yes last night we began dating.” Nicholas tells her, “when did this happen. At what time did it happen? When I was asleep? You aren’t using me, while I sleep are you. So how long, have you had the hots for me tell me?” Betty tells him, “that’s what I told the girls. That we are now going steady, so from now on I need you to pretend you’re my boyfriend.” Nicholas is speechless, “oh come on Betty what do you mean? Are you telling everyone, at Eco Moda that were dating?” Betty asks, “and what’s the problem?” Nicholas tells her, “what do you mean by doing this. It will ruin my image, what will the ladies of Eco Moda say. Especially all those models, oh no. Don’t tell me, that Patricia Fernandez overheard that conversation that we’re dating.”

Betty tells him, “she was the first to find out.” Nicholas tells her, “no Betty how could you do this to me. I will be unreachable for her, how could you do this to me.” Betty tells him, “Nicholas I had to do it. I’ve had it that everyone, was making fun of me for not having a boyfriend.” Nicholas sees Betty going towards him, he utters. “No kisses please. No romance, no they won’t laugh at you but of me. He then lies on the bed. No no no this can’t be happening. Did you say, we were very much in love.” Betty smiling tells him, “yes and that you’re crazy in love with me.” Nicholas utters, “no.” Betty tells him, “I told them that you did so many things to romance me. You begged me, you cried for me, they know that I am too much woman for you to handle.” She starts laughing once more, Nicholas utters. “But why?” Betty laughs again and tells him. “Ah it’s all lies, I just wanted to mortify you. They just think that we just like one another, were attracted to one another. But were not in love yet.” Nicholas tells her, “so that means I am not that in love with you.” Betty tells him, “no not yet. That’s why you can’t call, and leave messages with my enemies like Patricia Fernandez. She’s also the best friend of Dona Marcela. They have heard before the name of Terra Moda. They know that were dating, can you image what they will think. What kind of business, I am getting involved with. No it’s just too dangerous, with a stupid mistake like that. They might figure out, what’s going on between the two of us understand.” Nicholas tells her, “yes I understand but with this new role do I have to hug you and kiss you in public.” Betty tells him, “no we’re not going to do that. They burst up laughing, relax you can retain that image of yours.” Nicholas tells her, “oh just look at us both. We are the prize of beauty. They should do a portrait of us in Hola magazine. Oh my god why am I laughing, now you have ruined my relationship with Patricia Fernandez.” Betty tells him, “come on that woman isn’t for you. Just leave that woman in those photos, nothing more. No more leaving messages with her, nor having any conversations. It’s pretty dangerous.” Nicholas tells her, “fine fine message received. I guess I have to forget her. She will have to forget about me. Betty this is going to be quite hard, very hard very hard and he hits his head on the door. Well we will talk tomorrow.” Betty shakes her head, and smiles.

Nicholas returns to the table, Julia tells him. “Sit down and eat, its ready.” Nicholas is miserable, and tells them. “Tonight I won’t eat.” Hermes starts choking, “oh enough with that story sit down.” Nicholas tells him, “I am not playing Don Hermes. Not everything is a game, he goes to the picture. Goodbye my love, rest up and he kisses the picture. I will one day return to you, and he hides the picture in the drawer. Goodbye everyone.” Julia asks, Nicholas “are you alright are you sick son?” Nicholas tells her, “only disillusioned. Oh my dear Hermes, love is such a complicated thing. A really complicated thing, well then till tomorrow. Well not to disappoint you Dona Julia, I’ll take these for the road. Well then till tomorrow. Don’t worry, I’ll be better tomorrow and will be having breakfast with you two once again.” Julia tells him, “your eggs will be ready.” Nicholas tells her, “two eggs please. Or maybe four Dona Julia.” He leaves Hermes tells her, “at least he’s depressed if he wasn’t he would eat both of our plates as well. ”

“Betty writes in her diary:

“Today I failed at being a different woman. I screwed up with the new look in trying to change my appearance. Even though nobody wanted to tell me, I knew it was a disaster. Unfortunately Don Armando, loves me just the way I am. The same one that he fell in love with, that makes me a bit uneasy. Is it that he feel more about me, that goes beyond the admiration that he says he feels for me. What is his obsession over me? Does he desire me? I know that is me just dreaming. You see Armando and Marcela making out. He has a lot of women, like Dona Marcela. Like the models, does he have a bit of desire for me. Aura Maria told me, if he really wanted me. If he’s with me, that means he might desires me. It’s something natural between a couple, that there’s an attraction. That they love one another, but I feel Don Armando doesn’t have those feeling for me. It’s just impossible for me, to find this out Don Armando is my love. But I can’t help watch that he’s a bit distant. Like he doesn’t really belong to me totally. Especially now for security reasons, that we shouldn’t see so much of one another. That will be very difficult for me, not only because I love him but I desire him as well. I want to be with him always. I want to caress him, give him kisses, because sometimes when I am by his side. I feel like I lose control, that I might do something crazy with him. Aura Maria told me, if a man doesn’t take the incentive than one has to do it. But I just can’t get myself to make the first move. To explore, to dig, to go after him. For one thing, I don’t have any experience in this. The second is, I don’t have that temperament nor the audacity to do it.”

DAYS LATER

Armando takes Betty to a club, they dance and Betty holds him tight. Not wanting him to leave her side. When the song is over, Armando slowly removes her hands off him and says. “Let’s go sit down, and he takes her to a table. He gets a drink, and Betty stares at him lovingly. Armando asks, what’s wrong? Betty continues to stare. Armando asks, Betty why are you staring at me like that?” Betty tells him, “no nothing sir.” The staring continues, Armando asks. “Are you sure nothing is wrong? I feel something is wrong.” Betty smiles and laughs, “excuse me sir. I was contemplating  you.” She shyly looks away, Armando tells her. “No I am not annoyed at you, but I was just asking nothing else.” Betty tells him, “relax sir your right. I am a bit prudent just staring at you so intently and for so long.” Armando holds her near, and she’s in heaven. “Come here my naughty girl, don’t get that way. It’s not prudent that you look at me, it’s just that it’s flattering.”

Betty tells him, “sir I just want you to know that it’s been so long since we weren’t alone together. That I wasn’t with you. That I couldn’t look at you, that I couldn’t touch you. She touches his nose, and laughs. Oh I have missed you so much sir. I have missed our time together.” She closes her eyes waiting for a kiss. Armando smiles and tells her, “Betty Betty Betty. Me too you don’t know how much, I have missed you as well. Oh I have tons of truth to share, I am just missing your caresses, your nearness, your kisses.” Betty smiles and laughs, “oh sir I have been counting the days, hours, the minutes, so I can be with you. I know after this night, we will be apart again but I will wait for the time we are alone together once more.” Armando tells her, “oh how incredible we are in sync. Oh I also feel the same way, oh we have the same anxiousness.” She laughs, and goes for a kiss. Armando looks around, then kisses her tenderly. Betty tells him, “I love you sir I love you.” The kissing continues, and overwhelms Armando. He stops her, and then smiles and looks at the watch. “Oh what time is it? Betty utters, it 12:30 sir.” Armando tells her, “good morning Betty.”

She just breaks up laughing. “Well it best we go, Betty is disappointed. Yes of course, I image that that Dona Marcela is waiting for you.” Armando tells her, “yes she’s waiting for me. I have to go to Marcela’s apartment, for me to leave her. I had to tell her that, I would sleep over there. Betty doesn’t like the idea, and she is sad. Armando tells her, now don’t think that we do… ” Betty tells him, “don’t worry sir you don’t have to give me a lot of explanations.” Armando tells her, “I don’t mind all the questions because your my friend my accomplice everything. At the office, were arm and arm. We’re more than that boom.” He then touches her nose, they both laugh then they get up and leave the club. They arrive at Betty’s house, and she tells him. “Sir please don’t stop here.” Armando asks, “but why?” Betty tells him, “but I don’t want to say goodbye to you here. You know that my dad, is probably spying through the window. Go a little bit forward. Armando does what she asks. Here is fine sir.” Armando tells her, “well then.” Betty tells him, “sir thank you very much this night has been so marvelous like always. Then she laughs, and shyly looks down. I will wait for the next night, that were going to alone together once again. Well we can be enjoy, what we have. Your words, your caresses, I will wait anxiously.” Armando tells her, “oh Betty I will be adding that these nights go very quickly.” Then he takes off his glasses, Betty is exuberate and kisses him passionately.

After a few minutes, Armando stops her and tells her. “Oh Betty please stop.” Betty tells him, “oh I am truly sorry sir.” Armando tells her, “no no no don’t apologize or be embarrassed relax. That thing is we have to control ourselves, we shouldn’t lose our horizontal. Remember the last time, we got carried away and your neighbors jumped us. Now your father, might start walking at night. What if he catches us? I am crazy for you my lovely, but we have to control ourselves. We have to behave like adults.” Betty tells him, “yes sir you are correct. If you like reverse the car, and drop me off at my house. I have already said goodbye to you.” She smiles and laughs. Armando tells her, “Betty we will be together soon again alone.” Betty tells him, “yes sir. He goes back and then she says, well sir we will talk tomorrow.” Armando tells her, “yes Betty we will talk tomorrow. I hope that you don’t get into trouble tonight.” Betty tells him, “I don’t think that they will be angry tonight.” Betty gets out and Armando utters, “what aphrodisiac did this woman take during dinner?”

Betty enters her house, and Hermes is waiting once again with a blanket over him. “Hey do you live here?” Betty tells him, “hi dad good evening.” Hermes tells her, “well good evening my dear to you as well. Look at the time, your late once again. Keep this up, I am going to take away that key of yours.” Julia comes down and says. “Now don’t start harassing our girl. Oh dear, it’s past twelve. Happy Birthday my darling. Let god protect you, and take good care of you. Keep you looking so lovely, and may you be in good health.” She hugs Betty and gives her a kiss on the cheek. Betty tells her, “thank you mom.” Hermes gives her a hug, and tells her. “Yes my dear happy birthday, may you always remain here in the loving bosom of your family.” Betty tells him, “thank you dad.” Julia asks, “so how was that cocktail with your boss.” Betty tells her, “fine well it went really long but he was nice to bring me here.” Julia asks, “did your boss congratulate you exactly at 12.”

Betty tells her, “well no he didn’t know it was my birthday.” Julia asks, “why didn’t he know?” Betty tells her, “how could I tell everyone. That today was going to be my birthday its embarrassing.” Hermes tells her, “yes its better that you didn’t say a thing. He’d probably thinks, that you want a present or something. You know that those people, deal with a lot of money. They would have too, you know give you a costly present. It was the proper thing to do, you didn’t get a present but you became queen congratulation. You acted like a true Pinzon.” Julia tells her, “but still it would have been nice if he would have least congratulated her and remembered the date. Since our girl is very important to him.” Betty tells her, “Don Armando is a very busy man. With tons of things on his mind, that he wouldn’t even remember my birthday.” Hermes tells her, “yes Julia an important man like that doesn’t have the time to remember all that.” Julia tells him, “looks who’s talking. Your father used to know, every secretaries birthdays.” Hermes tells her, “don’t start that again come on walk to bed.” Julia tells Betty, “he wouldn’t forget any one of the secretaries birthday. He would get up early and get ready, leave the house smelling like a lot of cologne. He knew the dates by heart.” Betty smiles with her mom, Hermes tells her.” Oh enough now the two of you, off to bed. Come on let the girl go to bed.” Julia tells her, “alright I’m coming. Anyway it would have been nice. If Don Armando, would have remembered your birthday my love yes or no.” Betty says sadly, “I wish he had.” Hermes comes back, “come on off to bed.” Julia tells him, “I’m coming I’m coming goodnight dear.” Betty just sighs.

Armando arrives home, and find Marcela waiting up and drinking. He tells her, “hello love.” Marcela asks, “why is it really late?” Armando gets a drink. Marcela tells him, “you were supposed to come home early.” Armando tells her, “oh come on its only 1 am.” Marcela tells him, “its 1:30.” Armando tells her, “ok its 1:30.” Marcela asks, “and how did things go?” Armando tells her, “fine we closed a really good deal. We were able to save 25% off.” He sits down, Marcela tells him. “Oh thanks to Beatriz.” Armando tells her, “no not only because of Beatriz. Thanks to the deal we did together.” Marcela tells him, “oh a meeting that lasted it 1 in the morning.” Armando tells her, “well it wasn’t easy you know. Or did you think I was with another woman.” Marcela tells him, “no no no I know I know that your reason is pretty entertaining. Oh you’ll say, I was with another woman Marcela. Wth Betty, ha ha ha.” Armando tells her, “you know what no. After the meeting ended, I drove Betty home. Then I left to go to my lover’s house.” Marcela laughs and tells him, “I am so glad that you’re able to return to her.” She puts down her glass angrily, and gets up and Armando angrily follows.

He grabs her, “you know what love. I can’t go back, see everything is closed. I come here, because it’s always open for me. At your house, Marcela laugh and wants to leave he keeps her. I haven’t finished yet Marcee, I haven’t finished yet. You know why I always come here. This house is always, open for me that’s what I love.” Marcela pulls away, and she says. “I don’t want to hear another word.” He goes after her, Armando grabs her once again and tells her. “Tell me one thing, you who knows so much about infidelity. Why don’t you tell me, if a man comes from a lover’s house. Would he want to kiss her like this.” He passionately kisses her, Marcela tells him. “You yes.” Armando tells her, “oh yes he takes off his jacket you will eat your words Marcela Valencia. I will make you eat them.” He takes off his tie next, Marcela asks. “What are you going to do?” Armando tells her, “give you a lesson tonight that is what I’m going to do. He then unbuttons his shirt, and takes off his glasses. A lesson you will never forget in your life. Your body will always want to remember.” He greedily kisses her, Marcela tells him. “Calm down.” Armando tells her, “I can’t calm down. I won’t calm down, not until you tell me her name. That you tell me, where a man that just came from a lover is capable of doing. Everything that I am going to do tonight.” They kiss some more, and she stops and he continues. Then they head to the bedroom.

(Oh Mr. Calente, I guess Betty really did turn him on. He’s just using Marcela, to release his sexual prowess. You’ve seen before, she was always the instigator now she was just the substitute.)

The next morning at Eco Moda, Mariana gives Sandra the paperwork for the week. Sophia arrives, with a new hairstyle. She says, “hello” to everyone. Mariana tells her, “oowee Sophia. Sandra asks, why the elegance?” Sophia tells them, “it’s for my meeting with the lawyer with Elfrain.” Mariana tells her, “oh my god you’re not going to get back with Elfrain.” Sophia tells her, “of course not. I have to see that lawyer, so we can continue with the divorce procedures.” Bertha tells her, “it’s the last chance for them to fix things between the two of them. If they want to separate.” Marian asks, “so Sophia you don’t think. That you might want, to get back together with the cheque.” Sophia tells them, “get back together with Elfrain. No I don’t think so.” Mariana asks, “and then why all so elegant?” Sophia tells her, “oh no I am not going to look like the ugly wife. Like a Magdalena, the battered wife. No sir, I want him to see me. He will see, what he is losing.” Mariana tells her, “yes that’s correct.” Bertha tells her, “yes that’s correct.” Patricia grins, and tells her. “Oh yes, he should look clearer so he can rectify that he made the right decision. Oh Sophia, oh in that hair does birds come out.” Sandra angrily goes to her, Mariana tries to stop her. “Who the hell told you, to open your mouth?” Mario enters, and Sandra stops. “Hey what conversation is this?” Patricia asks, “Mario Mario and do you have my money? Have you talked to your friends? So are you going to give the loan Mario?” You can’t keep on telling me, oh tomorrow tomorrow the day is today.” Mario tells her, “oh yeah well nobody has called me but look. I still need to make some calls. I’ll go right now.” He goes to his office, Patricia doesn’t believe him, and turns and goes to her desk. Sandra tells Sophia, “hey Sophia have you talked to Elfrain. How do you know, he will show up to that hearing?” She just laughs.

ADDITIONAL SCENES

(Elfrain is talking with Jenny in his car. “Listen my dear its an order by the courts I have to go.” Jenny tells him, “but what if you get back with Dona Sophia. What then will happen to me, your going to dump me my sweet love.” Elfrain bursts out laughing, “me go back with her ha ha ha. Why would I do a beastly thing like that. Oh my sweet love, no dear heart. Look its just a meeting, I’ll go we talk, then I’ll make up something to the lawyer. Then we argue, and try to kill one another.”)

Elfrain is outside in the car with Jenny, “look once this is over I’ll come straight home. My love I will be in contact with you. Keep your cell phone on love. Now my beautiful sky you go on, and get to work.” Jenny tells him, “now my love you better call me.” Elfrain tells her, “yes I will call you my dear heart.” Then they kiss, Jenny turns and utters. “Oh dear the bosses have arrived.” Elfrain tells her, “hurry dear.” Jenny gets out of the car, and walks by and tells them. “Good morning.” As Marcela and Armando get out of the car. Wilson is flirting with some models, and Armando tells him. “Oh the king of paradise, park my car.” Wilson salutes and the models enter.

Upstairs Sophia goes to her desk, the girls follow and Ines joins them. “Oh Inesita is it possible if I can borrow some clothes.” Ines tells her, “but of course my dear come to the studio. I’ll find you something to put on.” Sophia tells her, “thank you.” Mariana tells her, “you’re divine.” Sophia utters, “guess who arrived.” Everyone acts busy, when they see Armando. Mariana tells Bertha, “oh I need the folder.” They all say, “good morning” at the same time. Armando tells them, “oh what a lovely chorus get me Mario Calderon.” They all say, “yes sir.” Mariana and Sandra go back to their desks. Jenny comes walking by, and says “good morning.” Sophia smiling and say politely, “yes good morning Jenny.” Ines tells her, “see you later.” Sophia tells Bertha, “oh that wretched one will suffer.”

Armando is by his desk, Mario arrives. “Mr. President, hello. So has the monster arrived.” Armando tells him, “no the monster hasn’t arrived yet.” Mario tells him, “well then I need the complete report from last night. That and your fight with Marcela. What was the magnitude, was their shooting deaths, blood everything.” Armando tells him, “everything went fine thank god. Marcela is very relaxed, everything is fine. What’s wrong is, yes there is something that bothers me. Betty.” Mario asks, “why are you seeing her divine?” Armando tells him, “no not divine no it’s not that. Well the thing is, last night we were kissing and then I felt a weird form of energy. It’s like she went crazy. The next thing I know, she screamed out I love you. I love you what.” Mario tells him, “no.” Armando tells him, “yes.” Mario’s eyes bulge, and he says. “That’s great, that great. Ha ha you won her over brother. He pats him on the shoulders. Oh you’re my hero, that’s great.” Armando tells him, “enough that isn’t what else bothers me. There are worse things that bother me. I felt her last night, more enthusiastic you understand juicier. Well the thing is I had to stop her three times. I had to explain to her, that we couldn’t lose our horizontal. To do that, and more crazy things.” Mario asks, “are you saying that she was passionate? Do you think she wanted to make love?” Armando tells him, “I think so.”

Mario tells him, “well my dear president. I have some bad news to tell you, you’re going to have to make love to her. Take her to bed.” Armando tells him, “Calderon I told you from the very beginning when we started. That I was never going to sleep with her. That never was I going to take Betty to bed. On a chair or anyplace else, you’re morbid.” Mario tells him, “look let’s take into account everything. Are you or are you not, Betty’s boyfriend. You have been working her for months now. Last night she said she loved you. Now you have her at the penalty box, just a few steps inside punishment. Where are you going, to go running. Look brother, we are going through a very delicate position in all this relationship.” Armando tells him, “please Calderon. All this relationship has been delicate, every little step.” Mario tells him, “this moment is the delicate part. We are talking about the maximum of the ego. I am not saying it, but Freud and Darwin and Nietzsche.” He begins to sing, una ventura.

(Una Ventura, I heard this song sung by the mexican group Garibaldi.)

Armando tells him, “no don’t be an idiot this is serious.” Mario tells him, “this is the best demonstration that says that you love her. This is serious, so my dear president. Hear this, prepare emotionally, physiologically, prophylactic because you will have to make love to that monster.” Armando tells him, “oh no no come on don’t do this to me. Don’t do this to me, come on give me a bit of solidarity. Even it’s for generosity. Look this poor Christian, will not make love to the evil creature of the forest.” Mario tells him, “but I’m not doing nothing. She will be doing everything, just tell Betty. Tell her, Betty don’t attack me or make love to me.” Armando seriously tells him, “if that an invitation what your saying is completely ridiculous from your part. I want you to know clearly, no I won’t make love to her.” Mario tells him, “you’re not making love to her you’re going to make horror with her.” Armando nervously, gets a drink of water and spills it.

Mario tells him, “fine tell her Betty do you want to do the horror with me. What you’re going to run away from her? Or are you going to have sex,  hormonal or by insemination.” Armando tells him, “be quiet. Quiet I still have something with Betty. I told her we couldn’t see one another every night. What about a distance between us? If I only see her once and awhile, that way things can cool down understand. The battle won’t be that strong and long. It could be that we can make this last for weeks.” Mario tells him, “brother I just don’t know this territory I’ve never entered. I don’t know how, a woman as ugly as Betty will be sexually. Look she has you naked, in her head and she will continue to insist. You who doesn’t even want to see her. One day I will enter, and you’ll be scratched and clawed and half naked. Crying that you lost your honour.” Armando tells him, “oh no stop looking at me that way. Close your eyes, if that’s going to happen fine how about I take her out every fifteen days. Until her temperature goes down anything.” Mario asks, “and do you think it will come down.” They hear singing, Armando utters. “What is that?”

Outside their singing “Happy Birthday.” The girls, Wilson and Freddy are singing to Betty. Mario tells him, “oh see its Betty’s birthday.” Armando tells him, “I didn’t know she never told me.” Mario tells him, “well then congratulate the girlfriend.” Everyone is hugging and kissing Betty. Mariana tells her, “oh Betty your so sweet.” Armando slowly walks towards them. Armando tells her, “Betty we didn’t know that today was your birthday.” Bertha tells him, “everyone knew except you.” Mario nods his head yes, and utters. “Yes we all knew.” Armando tells Betty very professionally, “Betty permit me. I congratulate you personally on your birthday. He gets near her, happy birthday.” Everyone claps kiss her kiss her. Armando looks over at Mario, takes a deep breath and kisses her cheek. It’s very awkward, and he kisses her head. Everyone just claps, Freddy tells Mario. “Now then let’s continue the celebration, Mr. Mario Calderon why don’t you kiss her as well.” Mario very casually tells her, “of course happy birthday Betty and be very happy.” He goes and kisses her cheek. Hugo and Marcela walk by.

Hugo tells Mario, “oh my god look at this macho Calderon. Have you gone deprived and charitable, what spectacular fright. What is going on in this company?” Ines tells him, “its Betty’s birthday we are just celebrating.” Hugo tells them, “well at last something that we can congratulate her for. Congratulations zzz.” They sing “kiss kiss” he utters. “I have a fire and walks towards Armando. Marcela follows, Hugo asks. So did you kiss Betty as well?” Armando tells him, “yes.” Hugo tells him, “be careful Marg the ugly virus is very contagious. It goes back and forth hitting everyone. Then he pinches both Armando and Mario he utters bye.” Everyone smiles Marcela utters, “congratulates Beatriz.” Betty utters, “thank you Dona Marcela.” Armando tells them, “why if you want. Don’t we get something for later, and celebrate tonight”. Bertha tells him, “don’t worry about it Don Armando. We will take care of it tonight.” Armando tells her, “excuse me well then happy birthday Betty.” Betty tells him, “yes thank you sir.” Mario tells her, “yes congratulations.” Betty tells him, “thank you sir.” Then he and Mario just stand there watching and overhearing their conversation.

Armando feels guilty, Sophia asks. “So what did your boyfriend give you?” Betty tells them, “nothing yet.” Mariana asks, “so did he at least call you early this morning to say happy birthday my love.” Betty tells them, “no.” Sandra asks, “well did he at least give you a lot of kisses.” Betty tells her,” no we haven’t talked yet.” Bertha tells her, “oh no that man he had nothing to give you. He doesn’t know nothing about romance.” Sophia tells her, “didn’t he know that it’s your birthday. Oh is he an idiot or what?” Mariana tells her, “enough Sophia relax they have just started dating. Let’s not ruin Betty’s birthday.” Sandra tells them, “it’s just so sad I just hope at least tonight he might give you something.” Aura Maria tells her, “oh no maybe its best you tell him yourself. Can you image having a boyfriend on your birthday. He has to at least give you something big. Well congratulations.” Mario gives Armando the look, you better give her something.

The melody of “Happy Birthday to You,” comes from the song “Good Morning to All.” Which was written and composed, by American siblings Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill in 1893.The combination of melody and lyrics, that are in “Happy Birthday to You.” First appeared in print in 1912.

SEVENTY-ONE

Mario tells Armando inside the office, “oh man your filth. Did you hear them, what a disappointed type of man you are. This is the only time, this poor woman has had a boyfriend. Her tender boyfriend, completely ignores her day not giving her a single gift.” Armando tells him, “ah man blasted Calderon  I didn’t know. I didn’t know it was her birthday. How am I supposed to know, I just can’t believe this. I was with her last night, and she never mentioned it.” Mario tells him, “but brother she’s a woman. Maybe she was hoping, that you would remember. Maybe she thought, that last night you were taking her out because you were going to celebrate her birthday. When midnight came around, nothing happened nothing. What might she be feeling and thinking? What she could be thinking about her love? That obsession for her.” Armando tells him, “enough stop criticizing me Calderon. Help me find a solution please.” Mario tells him, “now we must really celebrate this.” Armando tells him, “well then how.”

Mario has an idea, and demonstrates it to him. Mario sings “happy birthday to you” and pretends to strip. Armando tells him, “oh no what horror what horror. You know what Calderon, I prefer one of those details you have hiding in your office. A tacky card, and gift. That would be fine.” Mario tells him, “fine a card and gift. Yes and a handshake, and goodbye and  good luck.” Armando tells him, “well as Freddy says excuse me and forgive me but I don’t have nothing to offer to Betty.” Mario tells him, “how about a nice dinner tonight.” Armando tells him, “an invitation to eat. Blow off Marcela again, so what she can kill me again. Oh no considering how Betty is now oh no.” Mario tells him, “you guys went out and nothing happened. It was midnight, and you didn’t even celebrate. She probably felt like a princess, and you didn’t do absolutely nothing and ruined her night. How is she supposed to forgive you. With one tiny gift.” Armando tells him, “I told you what state Betty is now with that grip that she has of late. Then I’m going to take her out to say happy birthday. If I take her out tonight, I won’t be able to save myself tonight.”

Hugo is with Jenny, trying out a new design. “Ok turn around, Jenny turn around. Come on girl turn, what is wrong with you.  What you almost pushed me. He hits her ass, what is wrong? Jenny howls in pain, what is wrong did your cheque dump you. Wait a minute, someone else took your cheque. Ines excuse me but inspiration hasn’t arrived yet. The girl just isn’t concentrated, what am I going to do.” Ines tells her, “she’s been like that for days.” Hugo tells her, “you never do nothing.” Jenny tells him, “Don Hugo I am just tired.” Hugo tells her, “oh poor little thing. Lady Jenny is really tired. Oh you are young, and look fabulous with those legs. That perfect figure, now you’re tired. What because you’re stuck, just standing there like your ass. Now I am stressed girl. We are going to take 5 minutes recess, so our dame can rest.” Inesita where is Valeria?”  Ines tells him, “she’s by the rack.” Hugo goes to the rack, and tells the girls. “What is it with everyone, are they paralyzed or what.” Ines asks Jenny, “what is wrong with you. Do you want to ruin everything, you have achieved because of your stubbornness.”

Sophia comes by, “Inesita did he leave.” Ines tells her, “yes my dear and here are the clothes I picked they are quite lovely.” Sophia goes towards her with a smile. Ines asks, “how about this one?” Sophia tells her, “it’s just too crème.” Ines asks, “how about this one?” Sophia tells her, “no it has pants.” Ines tells her, “alright how about this one. You can’t say you don’t like this one.” Sophia tells her, “oh this is precious I’ll try it on.” Ines asks, “my dear what time is your meeting?” Sophia tells her, “oh around 12:30.” Ines asks, “what you’re not going to eat with us? We’re going to celebrate Betty’s birthday dear.” Sophia tells her, “no Inesita  I just can’t. I think I’m going to have to eat with Elfrain.” Ines looks over to a curious Jenny. Sophia asks, “how do I look?” Ines tells her, “lovely here’s the skirt.” Sophia tells her, “it’s a bit short.” Ines tells her, “but my dear you said you wanted to look gorgeous. So Elfrain would see you.” Jenny burst out laughing, and says. “This is just funny.” She shows them the magazine. Ines tells her, “take care.” Sophia tells her, “you know what Inesita. I will try it in the bathroom, because your woman might catch me and pull my hair. It’s very lovely.” Ines tells her, “alright and the color is precious its goes good with your skin.” Sophia takes the jacket, “thank you Inesita.” Ines glances over to Jenny, “keep on laughing.” Jenny tells her, “for not crying Inesita.” Ines utters, “yeah right.”

Mario tells him, “it’s your decision. You are touching, a very sensitive part of a woman. That is her soul, you are throwing away everything. That we have worked for thus far. She is probably going to be furious, and angry with you in due time.” He begins to clap, Betty enters he stops. Armando tells him, “do what I asked you to do.” Mario tells him, “I’ll do that right now.” Mario takes off, Betty heads to her office. Armando tells her, “Beatriz why why didn’t you say anything. Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you tell me, it was your birthday Betty. I really feel bad, I didn’t know.” Betty tells him, “oh sir I was embarrassed.” Armando asks, “why would you be embarrassed it’s your birthday Betty. For me it’s an important day. I wanted to share it with you.” Betty tells him, “oh sir I know you’re a person that’s very busy. Very problematic to have something so stupid than this.” She laughs, he tells her. “For me it’s not stupid, that date for me isn’t stupid Beatriz.” Betty tells him, “birthdays have never been a big deal for me sir.” Armando tells her, “for me it is it’s your birthday.” Betty tells him, “no its not.” Armando tells her, “yes it is.” Betty tells her, “no sir.” Then he yells out, “yes it is. Your birthday is very important to me. For me it is.” He then calms down.

Betty tells him, “yes sir.” Armando tells her, “look I’m sorry I yelled at you. Especially today that it’s your birthday. You’re making me nervous, you never even mentioned that it was your birthday.” Betty tells him, “sir if I say no but you shouldn’t feel guilty. The thing is, for me having a birthday really doesn’t mean nothing for me. So why would it mean anything to you.” Armando tells her, “what do you mean it doesn’t mean nothing for you. Explain it to me, I don’t understand.” Betty tells him, “sir when people have birthdays. There’s a big celebration, you invite friends to your house. Sing and dance, but I have never been that excited to do something like that. The only time I did celebrate my birthday, I had one because my parents wanted one. I was fifteen, and it was a complete disaster. It was just awful, after that. I swore never to have another, or to celebrate my birthday. She laughs, and says. Don’t worry about it sir.” She then heads to her office, he feels more guilty than ever.

Patricia is talking with her father over the phone. “But dad please, tell your friends I can pay them back. What is this 10% percent, that is disgraceful. That is a crime, how can I give my car as guarantee. With that little amount of money, but daddy please how am I supposed to go around in. Look dad, I know that you’re not loan shark. Please dad convince him please.” Sophia is heading to the washroom to try on the clothes. Catalina Angel arrives, she says. “Hello” to Sandra and Mariana. They say “good morning Dona Catalina.”  Patricia tells her father. “Oh dad thank you, I’ll call you back. She hangs up the phone, and goes to greet her. Oh Catta, how are you.” Catalina asks, “where is Marcela?” Patricia tells her, “she’s in her office.” Catalina tells her, “I’ll see you later.” Patricia asks, “Catta you don’t by chance have 5000 that you can lend me.” Catalina asks, “are you buying some shares?” Patricia nods, and Catalina tells her. “I have money, but it’s in my office. I was going to sell them, what do you need it right away. Is it really urgent?” Patricia tells her, “yes I promised to pay these people tomorrow. Can you believe they won’t receive a cent.” Catalina asks, “so you’re asking for 5000 right Patricia?” Patricia tells her, “yes.” Catalina tells her, “fine I’ll get someone from my office to get it for you.” She rings someone on her cell. Patricia is ecstatic, and kisses her cheek. “Oh Catta you don’t know how much you’re helping me out. You’re saving me.” Catalina tells her secretary, “Susie I need you to bring me money over to Eco Moda urgently with Jorge. Fast please thank you bye. She’s on her way.” Patricia tells her, “oh what a relief thank you.” She kisses her cheek, Catalina asks. “You do have a way to pay me back right?” Patricia tells her, “its office money I have to pay it back.” Patricia tells her, “why yes I’ll write you a cheque. You don’t think, I have that amount in my purse? What you don’t trust my cheque?” Catalina tells her, “no of course not look contact me. When my messenger arrives.” Patricia smiling tells her, “of course Catta.” She then heads to see Marcela, Patricia sits down and feels guilty for a moment. Then she utters, “I’ll worry about finding money for that cheque.”

(What a sinverguenza, oh this woman has no shame.)

Sophia comes out, and says. “Ladies what do you think?” Sophia does a turn, and the Sandra whistles. Mariana tells her, “oh you look divine Sophia.” Sandra goes “oh mamita.” Patricia turns around, and says. “Yes but you can’t compare yourself to Jenny.” Sandra tells her, “who told you to open your mouth.” Mariana calls her, “snoop.” Sandra tells her, “you better leave.”

Hugo is still fixing the dress on Jenny. Ines he yells out, “Inesita Inesita.” Ines tells him, “yes sir.” Hugo tells her, “I need bigger pins for I am cutting myself with these small ones.” Ines tells him, “I’ll get you some.” Hugo tells Jenny, “I hate small one.” Jenny asks, “Don Hugo do you lend people your clothes?” Hugo tells her, “what are you talking about girl?” Jenny tells him, “if I ever needed one of those outfits. Could I borrow it?” Hugo tells her, “what are you entering the world of drugs are you crazy. How could you say something, as ridiculous like that.” Jenny tells him, “well how come Dona Sophia was able to borrow one.” Hugo tells her, “for one that woman isn’t no Dona of anything. Second of all, which one.” Jenny tells him, “the pink one.” Hugo asks, “who again?” Jenny tells him, “Inesita gave it to her. But please don’t say it was me. I don’t want her to be angry with me. She will end up becoming my enemy. Besides I didn’t know it was forbidden.”

Hugo touches his chest, and Ines returns. Hugo tells her, “thank you these were what I needed. Oh Inesita one thing, oh what happened to that pink outfit. That I perfectly designed.” Ines glances over to Jenny. Ines tells him, “it’s in storage.” Hugo tells her, “really then bring it to me.” Ines glances once again, over to Jenny and tells him. “I lent it to Sophia.” Hugo tells her, “why?” Ines tells him, “she needed it and it wasn’t been used.” Hugo tells her, “well the things I create cannot leave my studio without my authorization. It doesn’t get lent out, too especially to a thing by the name Sophia. Fly fly go take it away, from her this instant.” Ines tells him, “no I won’t take it away from her.” Hugo tells her, “no do I sound boring what am I tiring you.” Ines tells her, “yes you are sir.” Hugo tells her, “oh I can’t believe this attitude this boldness. Oh when do birds shoot the hunter my dear. You stay and rest right here, I will do your job and strip her. Hopefully I won’t die, of fright when I see her.” He then takes off, with a boomerang in his hands. Ines turns to see Jenny. “Are you happy, you gossipy twit?” Jenny tells her, “I may be a lot of things but gossipy I am not.” Ines goes “ahh.” Hugo comes out furious, and finds the three models sitting down. He screams, “what are you bats doing here get back to work.” He goes towards the desks.

Hugo tells Sophia, “take off that dress immediately.” Sophia asks, “what?” Hugo tells her, “what are you deaf shorty? I told you to take off that outfit.” Sophia tells him, “first off it was lent to me. I did not rob it. Secondly I am not going, to strip in the corridor and put on a show just to satisfy you.” Hugo tells her, “yes you’re doing a good service to the community. You are not going to exhibit yourself. Ines comes out of the studio. Take off that outfit!” Ines tells him, “enough Don Hugo if you force this woman. To take off this outfit I will quit.” Hugo tells her, “oh see I’m shaking. What do you think, I’m really afraid of you leaving me.” Ines tells him, “yes.” Hugo tells her, “what you think I won’t be able to create. That I can’t create that magic, fantastical, beautiful person without you.” Ines tells him, “no right now I am leaving this place.” Hugo tells Sophia, “you take that dress to the cleaners and have them disenfect it. Return it to me tomorrow. He calms down and looks over at Ines. Now Madame, my lovely divine love. He kisses Ines’s forehead. Sorry forgive me, but I do lose control sometimes. I sometimes don’t know, who I design for. He looks over at Sophia, and utters. Yuck I am going to get some air, I’ll be right back.” Ines goes over to Sophia and Bertha. Ines goes, “yucky” and laughs. Sophia tells her, “oh thank you Inesita.”

Patricia is by her desk, when the messenger arrives. “Excuse me senorita. The guy asks, I would like to see Catalina Angel.” Patricia tells him, “great you’re the messenger I’ll call her. Marcee inform Catalina, that her messenger arrived.” Patricia tells him, “she’s on her way.” Catalina comes out with Marcela. Catalina tells Marcela, “now the museum would like all the employees to attend this event. This Picasso show, is suppose to be one of democracy. It’s just not for executives but for everyone.” Marcela tells her, “no problem I will give everyone this invitation.” Catta tells Jorge, “oh your here give the money to the senorita.” Patricia is overjoyed, Marcela is disgusted. Marcela asks, “what money?” Catalina tells her, “I gave her some money.” Patricia tells her, “well here is my cheque.” Marcela tells Patricia, “oh excuse me let me see. Oh 5000, Catta would you excuse me for just a second.” She takes Patricia to the side, and Hugo comes by. Catta tells him, “oh look at you Hugo Lombardi you ungrateful so and so.” Hugo gives her a big hug and tells her. “You’re so beautiful, oh I don’t know where to kiss you. I wouldn’t know, where to start. He makes a joke, and says oh it came out bombi.” Over in the corner, is Marcela and Patricia. Patricia is holding for dear life that package. Marcela tells her, “give Catta back that money this instant. You can’t give her a cheque, that will bounce.” Patricia tells her, “oh don’t be that way with me Marcee. I intend to pay her back.” Marcela tells her, “oh no how will you pay it back. I don’t want to have any problems, with Catalina Angel.” Patricia tells her, “Marcee I promise I will pay the money back to her. Including the interest, oh come on Marcee. I have the solution in my hands.”

Marcela tells her, “return that money right now or I am going to asks her. To make sure you have money in that account of yours. Fine you won’t do then, then I will. Oh Catta Catalina.” Patricia with a smiles screams out, “oh Catalina. What do you know, oh I don’t need the money now. She returns the package. Marcela will be getting it for me now.” Catalina tells them, “alright now then where are we going to eat?” Patricia tells her,” oh that sounds great I am starving.” Marcela tells her, “sorry you’re staying we have a lot of work to do. Why don’t you two go.” Hugo tells her, “you’re going to have to take me. I am without a cent.” Hugo tells her, “don’t worry about it I’ll invite you.” Patricia gives Marcela a dirty look. Catalina asks, “you must tell me how the next collection is going. It better be great as the last one.” Hugo tells her, “its getting there outetue in due time. Now how is Pablo doing? If I see him, I always think of Picasso.” Catalina tells him, “now I just dropped of a card of invitations with Marcela. There’s an exhibit being presented, everyone is invited you better show up now.”

ADDITIONAL SCENE

(Patricia is furious, that she wasn’t allowed to go with them. “What is the big thing that we have to do, especially at lunch time.” Marcela tells her, “look we will wait till Armando goes with that Garfield to eat. I am sure that she is going to call him. I have to get something, from those phones.” She returns the cheque, Patricia tells her. “You owe me so much more.” Marcela just smiles.)

(Marcela’s top looks nice, but when she walks. You can see straight through, not a flattering look. )

Ines and girls open the office doors, Ines tells him. “Sir we would like to take Betty for lunch. Would you please, let her go with us?” Armando tells them, “yes Betty Beatriz” he screams. Betty comes out, “yes sir.” Armando tells him, “they are looking for you.” Ines tells her, “dear were treating you for lunch.” Sandra tells her, “oh it’s going to be great were going to our favorite restaurant at the Correntazo.” Mariana asks, “unless that boyfriend of yours invited you someplace else.” Betty tells him, “no he hasn’t called.” Everyone goes “ohhhh.” Armando is overhearing the conversation. Sophia tells her, “oh he’s just a bastard.” Marina tells her, “oh don’t ruin her birthday. Come on Betty, we are inviting.” Betty tells them, “alright you go along I’ll get my things.” Sandra tells them, “hurry up.” Betty tells them, “I’ll be quick.” Then smiles, and Armando tells her. “Beatriz I just wanted, to ask for a favor from you. Don’t make any plans tonight, I want to celebrate your birthday together.” Betty asks, “really sir.” Armando tells her, “yes Betty that’s true.”

Betty tells him, “I just don’t want you getting in trouble. With Dona Marcela, we already went out last night.” Armando tells her, “don’t worry I will take care of Marcela.” Betty tells him, “oh sir I just don’t want you getting into trouble.” Armando tells her, “I am telling you no to relax well then how will we do this then. We are going out, you and I together. Or what, or do you have other plans.” Betty tells him, “oh no no no what makes you think that. We will see one another later tonight.” He touches his fingers to his lips, “oh Betty.” Betty does one of her winks, and enters her office. He opens his mouth, and then Mario pops his head. Mario asks, “where is she going?” Armando tells him, “she’s going to eat with the uglies.” They invited her for lunch, Mario asks. “What you let them invite her? Why didn’t you invite her yourself brother.” Armando tells her, “please be quiet for one minute. We are going out tonight.” Mario claps her hands, “very good very good.” Armando tells him. “Its not what you think, were going to eat at a normal restaurant.” Mario tells him, “a good quiet place.” Armando tells him, “no were going to an expensive open restaurant. No liquor involved, later I’ll drop her off at her place.” Mario just stares at him in disbelief. “Drop her off at her house.” Armando goes “yes.” Mario utters, “well I guess that’s fine.” Armando asks, “did you do me the favour did you get me something for Betty.” Mario tells him, “its going to arrive this afternoon relax.” Armando asks, “what is it?” Betty comes out, and says “excuse me.” Mario tells her, “yes go ahead Betty. It will be a surprise.” Armando tells him, “well then let’s go eat.”

Marcela asks Sophia, “Sophia isn’t this the day you have your meeting with the lawyers?” Sophia tells her, “yes I am going right now. I won’t be eating with them.” Jenny comes by and enters the elevator, and Marcela tells her loudly. “Good luck with your meeting.” Sophia tells her, “thank you Dona Marcela.” The girls don’t have the choice, and are stuck going in the same elevator. Bertha asks Betty, “what took you so long were starving.” Betty tells them, “sorry I got a call from Nicholas.” Everyone squeals. Bertha asks, “so what did he say?” Betty tells them, “oh tonight he’s taking me out so we can celebrate my birthday.” Everyone once again squeals. Jenny is pushed to the front. Patricia tells Marcela, “oh what a big fat deal.” The men come by, and Mario utters. “Oh Patty nobody has called me for that loan. I am anxiously waiting for that call.” Armando presses the button, she utters. “But of course.” Armando tells Marcela, “my love care to join us for our meal  it will only be the three of us.” She looks over at Patricia and she tells them. “No you two can go carefully, we have a lot of work to do.” Patricia just gives her the eye.

They get outside, and Ines asks. “So how will you get there?” Sophia tells her, “I’m going to take a taxi. You don’t mind waiting, while it gets here.” Everyone says, “alright.” Jenny calls Elfrain in front of the girls. “Oh where are you, ah are you just leaving there now. How long will you take doing that problem. Oh you don’t know. Ok ok love, don’t worry call me when your free. I will be eating alone someplace, we will talk later.” Sandra tells her, “I will feed that cell phone to you to shut you up mamita.” Freddy tells them, “oh hello my lovelies. Oh my charming Ines, sympatica Sophia, oh how lovely look at that hairdo bow wow. Beautiful Betty, sympatica Sandra you little giraffe I see you have found your partner. Wilson gives her the eye, Sandra gives him the cold shoulder. Spectacular Bertha, my delicious dark sugar Mariana, he skips Aura Maria and says. Jenny my marvellous natural wonder, how are you today my life.” Jenny tells him, “I am very hungry Freddy. Oh I’m starving, oh who are you eating with? Would you like to eat with me someplace.” Aura Maria is ready to explode, Mariana calms her down.

(Freddy mentions that Wilson is single, but previously Wilson mentioned he had a wife and kids.)

Freddy tells her, “my dear girl. A delicious meal awaits, now my lovely discotheque come over to my motorbike. Here’s your helmet and jacket. Your chair reserved as always. So tell me, will your sweet love be calling.” Jenny tells him, “don’t worry about my sweet love Freddy. My sweet love won’t be bothering us.” Freddy asks, “did you two shut off your cell phone. So that means will be alone you and I, with no more talk of your sweet love.” Jenny tells him, “yes Freddy.” Aura Maria is ready to ring her neck, Freddy tells them all. “My lovely uglies, arrivederci.” Aura Maria screams, “you clown you fool.” Sophia tells her, “leave them be. Let that woman find another fool, that way she can release Elfrain. Oh there’s my taxi, I’ll see you later.” Ines tells her, “see you later and good luck.” Bertha tells them, “ladies I am very worried about Sophia. She seems so excited, about that meeting. It’s as if she’s thinking, Elfrain might come back. We’re going to have to do something.” Ines tells them, “I just hope that god protect her.” Sandra tells them, “she’s silly if she thinks Jenny will let go of cheque.” Mariana tells her, “oh there you go spreading venom.” Aura Maria pulls Betty aside, “so are you going with your boyfriend tonight. Betty just nods, then Aura Maria tells her. Tell me did you go out, with your boyfriend last night right. So was there any action, oh I’m always having to tell you step by step. Did you sleep with one another last night?” Betty is shocked and tells her, “nothing of the sort happened.” Aura Maria tells her, “oh you should celebrate your birthday the way god indented. So you may never forget, now don’t let him take you home like that. Make sure something happens, I’ll tell you the instructions later come on.” Later they head to the restaurant.

(Sometimes I just want to slap Aura Maria, it’s like she’s pushing and pushing Betty when we all know that she’s not ready yet.)

At Betty’s house, “Julia tells Nicholas. Tonight is Betty’s birthday, you have to do something for her day.” Nicholas tells her, “I’ll call her in a minute. It seems you watch, is along that one. Here I am an executive, without a watch.” Julia tells him, “she’ll call here when she returns from her lunch.” Julia utters, “oh this boy” and she heads to the kitchen. Nicholas kisses Patricia’s photo once again. “Oh I just hope, that the miracle repeats itself again.”

At the office, Marcela is snooping around Armando’s office. Patricia tells her, “oh don’t be mean to me. You took from me 5000, you took away my salvation Marcee. For what exchange, for nothing. What you can do, is offer me another loan.” Marcela tells her, “oh no no zero more loans for you.” Patricia tells her, “then what am I going to do. Nobody wants to give me money, nobody helps me with nothing. I feel like I’m all alone in this world.” Marcela tells her, “sell the car and pay off your debts. Buy yourself a cheaper car.” Patricia tells her, “Marcee selling my car is like selling my dignity. It’s like selling my ego, it’s for me to accept that I am poor. Marcela just stares at her, Patricia tells her. Oh Marcee my car, makes me feel like I’m a millionaire again. So my crisis doesn’t show up that much. It’s always been me, and my car. With it, I might get myself a rich guy. What am I going to get, if I take the bus.” Marcela tells her, “one or the other you sell that blasted car or get a rich guy before they steal him. The phone rings, answer that phone.” Patricia tells her, “I can’t even image what Armando will do to me . If he sees me answering his phone.” Patricia gets the phone, and says. “Hello Eco Moda who is this, whom do you want to talk too?” Nicholas tells her, “hello my name is Nicholas Mora is Betty Pinzon there. Who am I talked too?” Patricia smiles shakes her hair and tells him. “Patricia Fernandez.” Nicholas tells her, “are you the same Patricia that talked to me the other day isn’t that right?” Patricia tells him, “yes.” Nicholas tells her, “oh hello how are you.” Patricia tells him, “well well and you.” Nicholas stares at the phone, “fine thank you. So tell me something, where is Betty?”

Patricia tells him, “I don’t know I think she went for lunch. Do you want to leave a message?” Nicholas tells her, “no hold on. He burst into the kitchen, scaring Julia. He screams, Julia why is my tea cold. Has the chauffeur, finished washing the cars yet.” Julia tells him, “Nicholas have you gone crazy.” Nicholas then tells Patricia, “oh Patricia do forgive me for yelling. I’m having a ton of problems with these employees. They never follow my orders.” Patricia tells him, “oh I can image it. Finding good employees, is very difficult.” Nicholas tells her, “yes yes you’re correct.” Then dead silent, both don’t say a word. Nicholas tries to think of something to say. Patricia asks again, “well any message of any sort. Would you like me to tell her, that you called.” Julia watches through the door. Nicholas tells her, “no no  no  I’ll just call her back.” Patricia tells him, “well ok then.” Nicholas tells him, “it was a pleasure talking to you Patricia.” Patricia tells him, “like wise Nicholas.” Nicholas tells her, “oh have a nice afternoon.” Patricia utters, “thank you Nicholas.” He hangs up and he squeals. “We talked, we had a conversation no woman has ever flirted with me.” Then he kisses Patricia’s photo. Julia comes out and asks, “what is going on Nicholas?” Nicholas tells her, “oh nothing I was just kissing my inspiration.” Julia asks, “did you call Betty?” Nicholas tells her, “yes but she went to eat.” Julia tells him, “see I told you. So who were you talking too?” Nicholas tells her, “a friend a girl friend I have many. We were joking around, so its it that time for empanadas.” Julia angrily stares at him, and heads back to the kitchen.

Marcela asks Patricia, “oh so who were you talking too?” Patricia tells her, “oh with Nicholas Mora.” Marcela thinks then utters, “oh Nicholas Mora ahh.” Patricia tells her, “Betty’s boyfriend.” Marcela asks, “so what did he you want. You two talked for a while.” Patricia tells her, “oh nothing special.” Marcela asks, “why then were you flirting with him.” Patricia tells her,  “I wasn’t flirting I was being polite. What did you want me to do, treat him like garbage.” Marcela tells her, “now Patricia the last time he talked you weren’t very friendly. Because you didn’t know that Betty’s boyfriend was rich, but now that you do know your voice changes. Be very careful Patricia, be careful I know you.” Patricia just smiles.

ADDITIONAL SCENES

(Patricia asks, “have you checked the back of the portrait?” Marcela tells her, “well no.” She checks and nods no.”)

The girls are returning from lunch, Sandra tells her. “Now take care of your man, the one that you call him papito, divino, papicito. That one no, the one you have to take care of is one with lots of money. Most women, don’t have any scruples going after men like that zzz. Oh no Aura Maria.” Aura Maria asks, “and why idiot asks me?” Sandra tells her, “if you don’t know who am I to ask. With Bertha here being the only married, we wouldn’t be called the group of uglies but group of spinsters.” Mariana tells her, “enough fresh Sandra. Everyone else laughs. Aura Maria, truly you really do have a lot of experience.” Aura Maria tells them, “yes your right you must take good care of these men. From losers, you must keep him happy ever single night.” Ines tells her, “oh please Aura Maria my dear.” Aura Maria tells her, “but it’s true. You know if you don’t take care of them, another comes along and will steal him away.” Bertha tells them, “that’s so true but nowadays it doesn’t matter if there rich or poor. Look at poor Sophia without even knowing it, she lost her husband just like that. A poor chick stole him.” Ines utters, “yes that’s right.” Mariana asks, “regarding Sophia I wonder how things went. Oh Wilson has Sophia shows up.” Wilson tells her, “no senora I haven’t seen her come in.” Aura Maria asks, “and Freddy.” Wilson tells her, “him either?’ Bertha tells them, “she’s taking advantage that the cheque is busy.” Ines tells them, “oh poor Sophia. I hope everything is going alright. Well everyone back to work again.”

Sophia and Elfrain are at the lawyers and their fighting once more. Sophia tells him, “fine I’ll reconcile and take you back if you dump that slut of yours.” Elfrain tells her, “oh no eye you better respect my Jenny. She isn’t a tramp, you will respect her she is a lady.” Sophia tells her, “a lady of what she’s always wearing those miniskirts. Look I just can’t believe, you being so old and you forgot what a great woman and a whore look like.” Elfrain tells the lawyer, “me an old man don’t make me laugh. I do sit up every morning, I go to the gym every weekend. Then he does push up on the table. Sophia starts laughing. Ok do you think I’m old, how old do you think I am. I must look 35 or 40 right.” The lawyer tells them, “you two calm down.” Elfrain tells her, “that is why this woman and I can’t talk. We don’t have nothing in common, I don’t know what civility are we discussing. She doesn’t even respect, my relationship with a good decent woman.” Sophia tells him, “what respect what respect. What senoria, because that witch isn’t with you she’s with someone else.” The lawyer tells her, “please calm down.” Sophia tells her, “I’m sorry madam.” She sits down, Elfrain tells her. “See how she attacks me.” Sophia tells her, “fine Elfrain use the cell phone. I was stuck paying for, and call that floozy. See where she is, she might not even answer.”

Elfrain tells her, “no Sophia you can’t poison my mind about her. You’ve tried that before, and you haven’t won. This time, you won’t win either.” Sophia tells him, “madam if this fool continues. To be the blinded, imbecile by that woman. I am a grand woman, then there’s nothing for me to do here. Elfrain points to her being crazy. Look he and I don’t want to reconcile. Now then let’s starts the divorce proceedings, and separation of objects. Now the house that I owe, was given to me by my parents. I inherited it, the other was a car that he took from me. Well Elfrain this is where it ends. All I want from you, is for you to help pay economically to our children. Oh you can continue dreaming, that you have a grand woman by your side. When you wake up, you’re going to be alone.” The lawyer calls, “senora senora please come back.” Sophia has left the building. Elfrain tells the lawyer, “I told you she doesn’t listen to reason. Oh excuse me oh this cell phone, is borrowed it’s not mine. Oh the phone is shut off.”  The lawyer just looks at him.

Jenny is with Freddy at a restaurant, and they begin to flirt. Jenny tells him, “oh this food is devious Freddy.” He tells her, “this place was big. Before they served caviar. Tell me something my beautiful fantasy, with the disco balls. Won’t the cheque, become angry that you turned off your cell phone?” Jenny tells him, “I am going to tell you the truth. I am depressed, I’m afraid my sweet love will leave me. That’s why I am eating so much, right now he’s in a meeting with Dona Sophia. To fix things, and see if they’re going to go back together. I would prefer to lose myself, than to leave him alone. You understand that Freddy.” He whistles, “yes as clear as you speak to me in Spanish. Tell me something, if Don cheque is planning to leave you for Sophia. What is going to happen, to you and him and me. Our intimate moments, where we see eye to eye.” Jenny tells him, “I don’t know Freddy. I just don’t know, what I’m going to do. Or where I am going to go, or who could I turn too.”

Freddy tells him, “you can count on me. You can hold on to this hand of friendship, he kisses her hand. With this humble servant, that has women like yourself are made to be loved.” Jenny tells him, “oh you’re so special with me. Oh you’re so beautiful, with you I feel so secure. Protected because, you are the only one that takes care of me if Elfrain leaves me. She then she kisses him, then stops and pushes him and apologizes. Oh Freddy I am so sorry. So very sorry, I am so confused.” Freddy tells her, “oh continue to confide in me. Oh part from me, but hug me. Distance yourself but kiss me, punish me but crush me.”  Jenny touches his face, “oh Freddy its best that we leave.” Freddy asks, “don’t you want to continue being confused. Jenny this mouth of mine is yours.” He sees the bill, “oh boy one week’s salary gone.” He pays it and calls out Jenny.

Armando and Mario arrive, “so how is going anything new?” Sandra tells him, “sir hello yes here are your calls. A closed package came for you, I left it in your office.” Mario takes Armando aside, “I think your girlfriend’s gift has arrived.” Armando tells him, “let’s do one thing bring it to me but discreetly. Discreetly to my office.” Armando heads to his office, and sees Bertha working he asks. “Where is Sophia?” Bertha tells him, “oh she had to go to her lawyer to meet up with the cheque. She should be back any minute now I swear it. She won’t be too long. What is your anxiousness?” Bertha tells him, “I’m not anxious for you sir but what you might do to Sophia.” Armando tells her, “oh I see tell me something Bertha. What kind of face do I have, do I have a face of a killer, or psychopath, executioner or what. So that is my face?” Bertha tells him, “I’m afraid to respond for security reasons.”  He moves closer, “so security reasons you know what Bertha. I have the feeling, I want to strangle you. Like you wouldn’t believe, but I’m holding myself back.” He then heads to his office, Bertha utters. “Well what did I do?”

He then looks at Betty’s door, and sits down. He begins to work, until he sees and hears something. Mario gift it’s a furby, and Mario utters. “Daddy daddy.” Armando tells him, to “shhh.” Mario tells him, “its divine is it not. It’s identical to Betty, You now have a set with Betty, and at night they can play together. They can scare one another, look at it.” Armando tells him, “as long as Betty like it. What it didn’t come with a card or nothing?” Mario tells him, “oh here’s your tacky card.” Armando tells him, “you wrote it.” He reads it and puts it down. Mario tells him, “the important thing is you’re in love with her. Imagination no.” Armando tells him, “oh this is so ridiculous. Oh do me a favour Calderon disappear.” Mario goes, “ah no let me see how you two kiss. Look I pay you, I’ll give you a ticket like they do in the circus.” Armando tells him, “get out.” Mario tells him,  “just a little one.” Armando tells him, “out leave.”  Mario goes “minuscule.” Armando tells him, “no.” Mario does a dance, and leaves. Armando tells him, “shhh.”

(Furbys was a must-have, robotic toy of 1998. Quite frankly I think their hideous)

Armando enters Betty’s office, Betty gets up. Armando tells her, “hello.” Betty tells him, “hello.” Armando tells her, “your gift was late but at last it arrived Beatriz.” He brings out the furby and presses the button. Betty is overjoyed, “ah sir it’s divine.” Armando tells her, “I knew that you’d like it. It’s more your taste.” Betty laughs when she presses it, and it says another saying. Betty tells him, “oh sir I would kiss you right now, but I can’t. I am going to save it for tonight.” Armando tells her, “well I will be anxiously waiting for tonight.” He blows her a kiss, she presses it once more and both laugh. Once he leaves the room, he rolls his eyes and looks annoyed. Betty smiles and reads the card. “This day is another year in your life, but the first that we will live together. Congratulations and Happy Birthday. Armando.”

Armando goes back to work, when Marcela arrives. She tells him, “hello my love.” Armando tells her, “hello.” Marcela tells him, “I received this invitation for a fashion show at Le Nou for tonight.” Armando asks, “what tonight?” Marcela tells him, “yes what’s up or do you have other plans.” Armando tells him, “yes.” Marcela asks, “with whom?” Armando tells her, “with clients my love. It’s very important clients.” Marcela tells him, “fine that’s enough. Next time think of something, more inventive if I take you by surprise.” She throws the invitation at him and storms off. Armando utters, “what an idiot.”

Marcela comes by and Patricia asks. “What’s wrong Marcee?” Marcela tells her, “Armando is making me do something I don’t want to do. He is going to escape tonight. I am sure that he’s going to be with her. We’re going to have to follow him.” Patricia tells her, “oh really. That’s great Marcee, you can count on me. So where is he going?” Marcela says angrily, “Patricia if I knew I wouldn’t have to follow him.” Patricia asks, “Marcee what exactly did he say? What are you being so suspicious, how do you know he’s going to see her?” Marcela tells her, “I invited him to a fashion show and he said no. He had plans, but he couldn’t give me more information. He didn’t give me names, or where he was going.” Patricia asks, “what you pressured him? Did you interrogate him?” Marcela tells her, “no it wasn’t necessary. With this doubt is enough.” Patricia tells her, “well Marcee two things. The first is make peace with him, you can’t warn him of things to come. Second is your going to have to spend money. Look we have to rent a car, or we ask someone to borrow a car.” Marcela utters, “a Fernando Guyton.” Patricia tells her, “that’s good.” Sophia arrives, very calm and collected. Sandra and Mariana, are working they stop and get up. Marcela tells her, “Sophia so how did it go with that lawyer?” Sophia begins to cry, and they all watch her as she heads to her desk.

Bertha asks, “what happened?” Sophia tells her, “everything was a complete disaster. A big disaster.” Bertha utters, “dear lord it’s time for a 911 at our office. Yes it’s me, Bertha from personal you idiot. We have a big 911 emergency. Hurry up it’s about spite, poor Sophia. Hurry up, right now to our office.” Bertha picks her up, and says. “Calm down, and lets go to intensive care dear heart. Breath in and out.” Sophia tells her, “no it’s not morally right. I gave that man my entire life. That bastard Elfrain.”

Betty’s in her office, and gets the phone. Sweet Nicholas sings her, “happy birthday.” Over the phone, and dances all over the house with a pot from the kitchen. Hermes just watches him disapprovingly. Betty tells him, “oh thank you so much Nicholas. I didn’t think, that you’d remember my birthday. It’s a beautiful gesture.” Armando overhears Nicholas’s name, and stops working. Nicholas tells her, “I never forget a friend’s birthday it’s written on my address book. Well since, you’re the only friend I got on my list. How can I resist.” Betty utters, “oh Nicholas.” Nicholas takes a drink, and then says. “Betty the birthday girl, and her executive of Tera Moda. Plus the entire council, want to take you out to a nice restaurant tonight to eat.”

Betty tells him, “oh Terra Moda”. Nicholas tells her, “well its coming from the vice president I mean it’s on my dime. We can’t go to someplace expensive, or else I’ll be ruined. If you want we can come back in a taxi, but it has to be nearby. So we don’t waste that much money. So what time are you coming home?” Betty tells him, “oh to eat tonight.” Nicholas tells him, “yes Betty don’t worry I’m paying don’t get so nervous.” Armando listens intently, Betty tells him. “Well it’s not that, it’s just that my work colleagues. Are taking me out tonight, to celebrate my birthday. I already said, I would go with them.” Nicholas tells her, “oh ok at least you saved me some money. Ok no problem, we can do it next year.” Betty tells him, “oh yes don’t worry about it Nicholas. Oh it’s the thought that counts, thank you so very much.” Nicholas tells her, “hey thanks for saving me some money. Oh it must be a lot of work, pushing a man away with an invitation. Julia gives him more juice. Because if it isn’t me, it’s your father this doesn’t happen all the time.” Betty tells him, “he’ll show up soon don’t you worry.” Nicholas tells her, “ok enjoy your party we will talk later. ”

He hangs up Hermes utters, “hey Nichorats. What is this about, an invitation to dinner tonight? You’ve haven’t asks for our permission.” Julia tells him, “it’s for Betty’s birthday.” Nicholas tells him, “relax you don’t have to thank me. I’m the only one, that invites Betty out to eat but I’m going to have to wait till next year.” Hermes asks, “why can’t she go?” Nicholas tells them, “the ladies at work invited her out to a club.” Hermes tells him, “what?” Nicholas tells him, “they invited her out.” Hermes tells him, “no she isn’t going anywhere Especially with those women.” Julia rolls her eyes, and looks upwards. She tells him, “they did it so they can celebrate.” Hermes tells them, “well then let’s celebrate here. In her proper home, that why she has a nice house. With her family, which is really important.” Julia again looks upward, Nicholas looks at an old fashion plate on the wall. He says, “is this you in the picture?” Hermes asks, “what?” Nicholas tells him,  “I didn’t know it was the eighteenth century.” Hermes tells him, “oh stop with the stupid jokes you baker.” Julia utters, “but Hermes?” Hermes tells her, “no more what I said is what were going to do. Call all her friends, and invite them here for a decent celebration. Invite everyone in the company, all the executives and her boss Don Armando if she wants. We will have some food, and some drinks. Some surprises, but she will enjoy herself here Julia in her home. My daughter won’t go out tonight.” Julia sadly returns to Nicholas. Nicholas sits down and tells her. “Relax Dona Julia, that castle gates is closed.  Well then I guess the fake pumpkins come out again.”

(That joke about the plate on the wall, priceless.)