Posted:
Hey....thanks Tina!!! I havent watched BLF so this is a real treat!!
And you are right, we can always imagine JandA in it!! đ
And you are right, we can always imagine JandA in it!! đ
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki: Episode Discussion Thread - 24
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 07 Aug 2025 EDT
SHIFTING BACK 6.8
GRUHA🏠PRAVESH 7.8
Dharma..what a downfall!!
Anupamaa 07 Aug 2025 Written Update & Daily Discussions Thread
She Ijj Bekkkkk?
100 Days of Shivansh Randhawa💞🔥...
War 2 shows in New Zealand removed due to ZERO bookings on 1st Day
What went wrong with Dhadak 2 in context with Anti-Nepo Supporters?
Dil Se or Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?
Which mihir you prefer
Legacy and Longing: Inspiring Leaders/Heroes You Want to See Back!
will kareena ever win natiinal award?
Ahaan's incredibly sweet insta post on the love he has gotten!!
I having problems updating the next part in the first post so I am posting it here in the 3rd page ......
sorry for the inconvenience
PART 6
INSIDE THE CROWDED BUS
Patricia is holding on to a pole, standing among the crowd when her cell phone rings.
Patricia-Marce, what do you want?
Marcela-I want to know why you haven't arrived yet! Where the devil are you?
Patricia- In hell, Marce, in hell!. But I'm almost there!
Marcela-You better, because nobody has arrived here, yet! (she hangs up.
Patricia-Hanging up, filled with anguish says outloud. It seems there is a shortage of gentlemen here!(looking at the men who are sitting)
A Man-A shortage of Gentlemen not, of seats! lol lol lol
Everybody laughs. A woman in front of Patricia gets up from her seat to leave and a man comes and grabs the seat before Patricia could. She looks at him in shock!
ECOMODA
The elevator opens Freddy walks out looking at his watch. He notices Sandra and Mariana are missing, he then sees Marcela sitting at Patricia's desk.
Freddy-Good morning Doa Marcela
Marcela-(upset)Where is everybody?
Freddy doesn't know. Marcela questions him further, and all he says is that they were out celebrating Betty's Presidency last night. Marcela then tried to get more information from Freddy who almost gave her more details just as Gutierrez comes to join them. He too is upset that Berta and Sofia are not in either. Gutierrez expresses to Marcela that he feels this is a lack of respect on the part of El Cuartel. She agrees and leaves angry. Freddy becomes very worried.
OUTSIDE ECOMODA
El Cuartel is walking very leisurely gossiping about Betty's version of what has been happening recently. They all think something more is going on. Berta goes as far as to imply that maybe there was a romance between Betty and Armando, because of the way they were treating each other last night. Inesita stops Berta from making such comments. While they are standing gossiping in front of Ecomnoda, Patricia tells the bus driver to stop in front of the building. When Patricia sees El Cuartel, she tells the bus driver to go on, that she's changed her mind. (Both, asking the driver to stop and them telling him to continue is a series of exchanges between Patricia and the bus driver, where they argue back and forth because Patricia is complaining and complaining about everything!. Inesita tells El Cuatel to stop speculating about things and that they need to get to work because it's late and they are going to get fired! Berta replies, "and who is going to fire us?" They all laugh as they go inside the building.
INSIDE THE BUS
Patricia is still arguing with the bus driver loudly as the bus is moving down a street. Now that they are not in front of Ecomoda, she wants him to stop to let her down. She yells at him (from the back of the bus) that she used to have a Mercedes, and assures him that she will never ride again on this trashy bus! The bus driver stops the bus and says, "Ciao Mamita I'll see you tomorrow!" and he thows her a kiss. "Dream about it!" Patricia yells back. You will never see me again!" and as she is getting off a hand holds her hand to help her down. When she sees that the hand belongs to a young man with a huge set of dreadlocks, she screams of fear! "Oh noooo!. Oh my God, I'm not meant to be poor!." She whines. As she walks on the sidewalk there is a close up of her legs and her hoses are full of runs!
ECOMODA
Freddy is trying to apeace Marcela and Gutierrez who are both standing by Patricia's desk waiting for El Cuartel! The elevator door opens, and you hear laughter! El Cuartel comes out laughing and Sofia is saying loudly (as she walks out of the elevator backwards, failing to see Gutierrez and Marcela)
Sofia-Who is going to dare to bother us, if last night we put in our pockets the President of this company!, besides, if they are going to fire us, they will have to fire her, and that's going to be difficult! (she laughs and as she turns around she bumps into Marcela who is very serious and has been listening to her)
Sofia is caught once again, and she tries to lighten things up by complimenting Marcela's clothes. Marcela is not happy at all and reprimands them for arriving at this hour. Aura Maria tries to promise that it won't happen again, and Marcela tells her that she is tired of hearing this same old story. Gutierrez then says that they already have two warnings and this being the third means they are all fired! Berta tries to explain that the reason they are late is because they were up late partying with The President! Marcela tells them that there are rules and guidelines that have to be observed and they go beyond any President!
You are going to fire us? Berta asks.
Aura Maria begins to beg and Marcela tells them that she can't stand them any more! The elevator doors open and it's Patricia. She walks in as if she were the President and stands next to Marcela as she says.
Patricia-And now what is happening with all these witches? What is the problem?
Marcela-That they are going to be given a letter of dismissal.
Patricia -(shows a happy face), oh, and why?
Marcela - For being late!
Patricia's face looses the smile and she excuses herself (quickly going to her desk). Inesita tries to reason with Marcela, pointing out that they are aware that they did wrong, but wonders if the punishment isn't a bit extreme! Marcela replies that it is them who have gone to the extreme! Marcela then goes on to point out that ever since Beatriz came to Ecomoda, and took liberties that Armando gave her, they (El Cuartel) took the same liberties with her. Marcela then tells them that what she had forgotten to point out to them is that Beatriz' Presidency is temporary, that she (Beatriz) continues to be an employee of the company and therefore, she too needs to follow the rules. She tells them that if they chose to go out partying the night before, that's their problem, but that the guidelines will not change during nor after the Presidency of Beatriz. Berta then tries to point out that they understand how stressed Marcela must be because of what is happening. Marcela says, yes I am stressed, but you mean to tell me that my stress has made me halucinate that you came in late today? Gutierrez then backs Marcela up. Sandra then asks, whether this rules apply to all! Yes, it does!, Marcela replies. They look Patricia's way, and Patricia begins to make a scene! Marcela leaves.
El Cuartel tells Patricia that as soon as Betty comes she will take care of her. Gutierrez tells El Cuartel to go to his office, and he leaves. El Cuartel then try to get Freddy to help them, and push him to go to talk to Gutierrez. Sofia begins to once again talk in a very assured manner, stating that she's not worried because as soon as Betty comes, she will fix everything. Patricia tells her that she's dreaming, that it seems as if they haven't heard a word of what Marcela said. She goes on to say that El GARFIO can not overide Marcela's decisions, and that EL GARFIO (the elevator door opens and it's Betty with Don Hermes and Nico. Betty hears Patricia and stops Hermes and Nico so she can continue hearing Patricia. Patricia, not knowing Betty is there, continues badmouthing her loudly)
Patricia...El GARFIO is nothing more than someone who just showed up and got lucky!
Sandra-(aware that Betty is listening) What GARFIO are you referring to? (she asks Patricia)
Patricia-WHAT GARFIO am I going to be talking about?. Betty!
at that moment, out of the elevator comes a Betty with a wide smile on her face saying
Betty:Good morning Patricia
Patricia is shocked!
Patricia-Good morning Betty! (with a little fear? on her tone)
Nicolas-Good morning (he waves at Patty)
Patricia-and what are you doing here?
Don Hermes-And why does this woman treat you so rudely!(asking Betty about Patricia), she is not an employee, she is an enemy!
Betty looks at him with an I'm not surprised kind of face.
Don Hermes-(continues getting a bit angry)I would't think twice to fire her!
Patricia-Nooooooo Nooooooo Don Hermes. Betty what is happening is that I am very agitated because these (pointing to El Cuartel) are taunting me to fight with them, and you know how I get, Betty, and they MAKE me say things that I wouldn't usually say!
El Cuartel-Ahhhhhhhhh
Betty-(very calmly, still smiling, and not affected at all by the scene)Well, I would like to communicate to all of you that Mr. Nicolas Mora is going to join us as of today.
Patricia-(with surprise on her voice) Oh yes?
Betty- He will be the new Financial Vice President!
Patricia-Magnificent!
Sandra-If you have any inconvinience peliteida, speak now, because since you say that Betty has no authority in this company...!
Patricia-Look Giraffe-Old Maid, stop making me look bad in front of Betty! Stop provoking.
Patricia begins to walk towards Marcela's office and she is stopped by Sofia who makes fun of her for having dirty hands! Patricia looks at her hands and they are in fact filthy! and worse, Sofia adds, "...and with runs in your hose!" Everybody laughs, and Don Hermes says "El Diablo es Puerco!" Patricia runs to Marcela's office screaming Nooooooo Noooooooo. Betty tells everybody
Betty-Please, please, don't speculate about decisions I haven't yet made. Unfortunately, I still haven't decided what I am going to do with Patricia.
Sofia then says, you may not know what you are going to do with Patricia, but as far as Gutierrez and Doa Marcela go, they do know what they are going to do with us... Berta finishes the sentence by saying "Betty, they fired us!"
MARCELA'S OFFICE
Patricia comes in complaining about Nicolas and how Don Hermes is also here. Marcela tells her to get used to them because Nicolas was one of Betty's conditions and Don Hermes works there too. Patricia can't believe it and she tries to put things in Marcela's head about what they are all saying outside about her. She is saying to Marcela that she allowed El Cuartel to influence her to give her (Patricia) a warning that now goes in her record. Marcela tells her "You deserved it!" How many times did I not call you this morning to tell you not to be late? Patricia then tells her that she has no idea ABOUT HER HUMAN DRAMA that she lived this morning!
Marcela-and what drama is that?
Patricia-Today I came by bus! Today I had to come by bus!
Marcela is not moved by her "human drama" and Patricia goes on to describe the experience. She shows Marcela her dirty hands, her torn hoses, and how she, Patricia Fernandez who has Seis Semestres en La San Marino and was married to Mauricio Brickman had to ride a bus. Marcela asks her about what she is going to do tomorrow? Patricia says. it's not going to be the same, because how can Marcela's best friend be riding buses? Marcela tells her to get used to it, because she is no longer going to be able to be her fairy godmother. She tells her that now things are also difficult for her financially and that if there is anyone who can help her now, it's going to have to be Betty! Patricia can't believe what she is hearing and she tells Marcela that Betty is outside with El Cuartel who is trying to convince Betty to fire her. She also says that they are outside saying that Marcela is "a nobody" now and that the only decisions that count are Betty's.
Meanwhile
Berta is telling Betty how Marcela told them that Beatriz is not the one who handles things and that her Presidency is temporary. Sandra adds that Marcela just wants to act superior. Aura Maria says, no, she just wants to humiliate you again, Betty! Inesita tries to calm them and asks them not to put things in Betty's head. The rest of El Cuartel don't agree and as they are trying to convince Betty of what happened as well as to what she ought to do, Gutierrez comes saying no no no, I don't need mediators (referring to Freddy). When he sees Betty who is sitting he greets her and says to excuse them, but that he has summoned a meeting with the ladies in his office.(el cuartel).
Aura Maria-Oh noo we are going to the slaughter house!
EL CUARTEL- Ayyyyyy Bettyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
Betty-(gets up) One moment Dr. Gutierrez, they have informed me what has happened, and I don't accept that decisions like this be taken without my consent!
Gutierrez-Excuse me, but hey broke the rules! and Doa Marcela...
Betty-(interrupting him) You heard me Dr.Gutierrez. Nothing will be done without my concent. We will take this up at the meeting today, and there it will be discussed with all the other board members, but before then, nothing will happen!
Gutierrez-As you wish, doctora.
Betty-(changing the subject tells Gutierrez) He is Nicolas Mora and he will begin today as Vice President.(they shake hands)and this is my father, Don Hermes Pinzon, and at the request of Mr. Roberto, he will do the accounting for Ecomoda.
as they shake hands.
Betty-(Talking to El Cuartel) Girl, I can't guarantee anything, but I will try.
Betty then tries to send Mariana to tell Marcela that the meeting should begin shortly, but Mariana politely tells her that until the situation is settled in the meeting, Marcela is not going to allow her in her office, as in her eyes, she is fired!
Betty-Don't worry.
(Betty sees Patricia coming back to her desk)
Betty-Patricia
Patricia-WHATTTT!. When she catches herself, she changes her tone and says, yes, Betty?
Betty-Please tell Doa Marcela that the meeting is starting shortly. Patricia with an attitude goes.
Betty-(to Gutierrez)-Dr.Gutierrez, we need to see their offices (pointing to Nicolas and Don Hermes) and mine.
Gutierrez-Of course, of course que yes! This way please.
He motions with his hand and Don Hermes and Nicolas go first. as Betty follows them, passing in front of Gutierrez, she quickly senses that Gutierrez is LOOKING at her in an inappropriate manner. She quickly stops, turns around catching him in the act, and says:
Betty-Dr. Gutierrez
Gutierrez-Yes Doctora?
Betty-Quiero pedirle un favor. deje de mirarme asi!
Betty-I want to request a favor-Stop looking at me that way!
Editorial-To me this was the best moment tonight! Betty being very assertive to a man who deserve to hear what she told him!
Gutierrez-(Surprised, but not really stopping what he was doing replies, as he is following after her) But of course Doctora!, but let me tell you that you are very very beautiful! (and a grin is seen on his face and then he shakes his head with admiration!
MARCELA'S OFFICE
Patricia-(exagerating the truth) Marcee, Dra. Pinzon send me to inform you that she has arrived and to get ready for a meeting and that it is an ORDER!
Marcela-smiling Ha ha, it's an order?
Patricia-Yes Marce, and I say that by the tone she used!
Marcela-And where are the Cuartel?
Patricia-Betty ordered them to return to their places to work.
Marcela surprised
Patricia-You see, I told you, I told you!. She is not going to allow that they get fired. She is going to go over you like a tractor that flattens things!
MARCELA IS LEFT WITH HER MOUTH HALF OPENED.
Betty, Guiterrez, Don Hermes and Nicolas are in Nicolas' new office, Olarte's old office. Nicolas is concerned about the changes that need to be made to his office and whether or not he will have a secretary. Don Hermes tells him to stop worry about temptations and to worry about his work.
On their way to Betty's office Sophia asks if Nicolas is going to be her new boss. Betty informs her that the personnel needs to be reviewed and that no decisions have been made. While they are speaking Hugo comes shouting for Inesita. He ignores Betty and her father and begins speaking to Bertha. He wants to know if the contracts for the models have been prepared. When Betty tries to inform him about the meeting, he puts his finger in his ear as if to clean it out. He asks Sophia and Bertha for Marcela. Betty's father is a bit irritated with him ignoring Betty and begins to hit him on the arm with his file folder.
Hugo turns to look at him and Don Hermes wants to know if he doesn't realize that the President of Eco Moda is speaking to him. Hugo answers Don Hermes by saying that he realizes that he is there working under the request of Don Roberto, but he needs to realize one thing, "I am my own boss". He goes on to tell him that he takes orders for no one and if they don't like it they can fire him. As he walks away he gives Don Hermes his famous "zzzzzzz".
After Hugo walks away, Don Hermes wants to know who he is and Betty tells him that he is the designer and not to worry about him because he is "loco". Don Hermes says, "loco, no loca". Don Hermes tells Betty that she needs to stand up for herself and make people respect her. Betty reminds him that she warned him that this would not be easy. She tells him that while she has great friends there, looking at Sophia and Bertha, she also has many enemies. She tells him that the company is hard to manage and that she is just beginning, but for him not to worry that she does not plan on being the same embezzle that she was before. She tells those listening at the moment that there are going to be many changes for herself and for everyone that works there.
Betty, Guiterrez and Don Hermes walk into Armando's old office. Betty sits at the president's desk and swivels the chair and ends up looking at Armando and Marcela's portrait. She hurriedly gets up and asks when Armando will be removing his personal items. Guiterrez tells her that as soon as he can he will tell Armando to remove his belongings.
Don Hermes heads back to Betty's old office followed by Guiterrez. Betty has sat down on the coach. Guiterrez tells Betty that the only available office at the moment for her father is Mario's. Betty tells him not to touch that office. Betty's father comes up with the idea that instead of time being used to locate an office for himself, that her old office will suit him just fine. Don Hermes does not realize that he is in the doorway of Betty's old office. He wants to know where it is located. Betty tells him that Marcela gave her old office to someone else.
Don Hermes asks who worked in that closet, meaning Betty's old office. After making some other comments about the office Betty confesses that it belonged to her. He wants to know how she could allow that to happen after all the money that he spent on her school. Betty tells him that it wasn't that bad. It was only meant to be a temporary thing and that it got to the point where Armando needed her at his side all the time. Betty takes her father into her old office and gives him the tour. She explains how the computer is connected to the company's network and all information is accessible on the computer. Her father wants to know how it works. Betty calls for Sophia to come explain the computer system to Don Hermes. While they are waiting for Sophia, Don Hermes wants to know why he wouldn't let Guiterrez touch Mario's office. Betty explains that she made an agreement with Armando for him and Mario to use that office. Her father looks surprised.
Armando and Mario walk into Mario's office and Mario comments that Betty must not hate them that much for her to allow them to share an office. Armando tells him that it is not about hate, but that he believes that Betty thought it was too excessive not to let him have an office in his own company. Mario makes the comment that it doesn't matter because the "Tiger" is back. Armando tells him to forget. Betty told him that she didn't want the story between them to repeat itself. Armando tells him how he has tried to get close to her, but that Betty will not allow it. She believes that he is only doing it in order to keep an eye on the company. Mario tells him not to worry that eventually they will be able to speak to each other little by little. Armando says that he doesn't know what to do. Mario offers to speak to her. Armando tells him not to be a clown. Mario tells him that if he can't make her believe that she loved her before then he needs to let her know that he is in love with her now. He tells him "attack, attack, attack".
Armando, his voice getting a little higher, tells him that it is not that easy. He tells him that she is a wounded woman. He tells him about the conversation between himself and Betty the previous evening. Armando says that Betty has no confidence in him. He doesn't know how to tell her what he has been feeling since she has been gone. Mario asks if he really thinks that Betty's feelings for him has changed. He asks, "How long does it take a man to get a rid of a woman that is in love with him.?" Armando answers that with everything that he has done it was sufficient. He says that while she was gone all he could think about was how to get her back and all that she did was forget him.
Mario tells Armando that he feels very deceived by him. He believed that Armando knew how a woman worked. Mario says that when a woman has been hurt by a woman, she loves that man more. He says when they cry, they live, they are revived and feel like women. They call their friends to tell them how depressed they are, they don't eat, drink, work or sleep. The woman finally admits that they are in love with that man. Mario asks, "How many times have you seen a woman cry due to happiness". Armando shakes his head no. Mario says, "That only happens in the telenovelas". Mario goes on to say that someone that has been hurt as bad as Betty doesn't stop loving from one day to the next. Armando wants to know if that is true why didn't Betty marry the first guy that hurt her. Mario answers that it is due to the fact that he caused her more hurt than the first guy. "The more suffering the more love."
Armando says that on he would like to be the voice of the town and tell him what they all want to tell him and that is that he is nothing but a rat. Mario laughs. Mario asks if he really believes that Marcela is in love with him because he is the most wonderful person on the earth. He goes on and says that they have been together for more than three years and she has been suffering like a crazy. He assures him that he if were to propose to her right now she would accept. Armando won't look him in the eye. Mario asks if they have not spoken about marriage, or is he incorrect. Armando says that he is wrong. He has not caused Marcela half the amount of pain that he has caused Betty. He tells him that he does not know Betty, but that he does. She is not a conventional woman. He tells Mario that he can go on believing as he does, but for him when a woman makes a radical decision it is made. Unfortunately, Betty has decided against him.
Mario continues and says that when a woman says no she means maybe and maybe means yes. Armando gets a little frustrated and tells him that Betty has come back as a different woman. Mario tells him to do something, "did you tell her that you love her". Armando says that he did and as they were talking his telephone rang and guess who it was, Marcela. Mario recounts the conversation that he and Betty had outside of the restaurant. He tells him that the only thing that he has accomplished is her allowing them to use Mario's office. Mario reminds him that it will be for six months which leads Armando to explain that Betty wants the company solvent half of that time. Armando, himself, is also hoping for the same. They began discussing their shared office space and Armando tells him to have his boxes removed as they will need the extra space. Mario asks if he has removed his items from his office. Armando shrugs and says not that he still has to and then there is a look as though he just remembered something.
Betty is watching from the door of her old office as Sophia explains the network system to Don Hermes. She goes back into her new office and glances at Armando and Marcela's photo. She then begins to open drawers to a desk stand and finds the gifts that Armando had given her. Guiterrez walks in to inform her that he has found an office for her father. Don Hermes decides to stay in her old office. If she were capable of working those long hours in there, then he can. Betty tells him no. He sends that he prefers to stay that way he can have her close by. Betty tells him to do what he wants and picks up the telephone to arrange her meeting with the executives. Patricia picks up her telephone with Betty on the other end. Betty request that she ask Marcela to join her in the board room so that they can meet alone before everyone joins them. Betty also requests that she track down Armando. Right before she hangs up Patricia makes a face to the telephone.
Patricia goes and informs Marcela that Betty wants to meet with her. However, Patricia has translated the manner that seems as though Betty is ordering for Marcela to meet with her. Marcela gets upset and informs Patricia that Betty does not order her. On her way to the meeting, Patricia tells her to put an end to Betty and if she is not able to take care of her position. Otherwise her debt to Marcela will be internal.
Betty exits her office and finds Aura Maria standing behind Bertha's desk. Betty tells her that she should be down in the reception area and that she should not be looking for anymore problems. Aura Maria says that is exactly her reason for being there. She explains to them that Freddy is downstairs, upset, accusing her of being unfaithful. Aura Maria and Bertha inform Betty that they are worried about their jobs. Betty asks Bertha for a report that list all of the administrative personnel. Marcela comes around the corner with an attitude, "You needed me"? Betty explains to her that she does need to speak to her and Marcela asks why didn't she go into her office instead of sending orders to her. Betty tells her that the meeting will be held in executive conference room. Marcela tells her that she had heard that Betty wanted to speak to her alone. Betty nods yes and informs her that their meeting alone is part of the executive meeting. As Marcela enters the meeting room she says, "Come in and let's see what you want". Aura Maria, Bertha and Sandra don't like the way that Marcela is treating Betty. Bertha tells Betty that Marcela is sweeping the floor with her and making it seems as though Betty being the president is a lie. Sandra is rubbing Betty's shoulders and telling her to go in their and be done with her. Betty nods in agreement.
Betty enters and Marcela is sitting at the head of the table, in Armando's old chair. She points to a chair beside her and tells her to sit down. Betty goes to the other end of the table and sits at the head chair. Marcela wants to know what she would like to talk about. Betty answers that the company, of course. Marcela answers "of course". Betty begins to talk and tells Marcela that she asked to meet with her. At this point Marcela interrupts and tells her that she wants to make it clear that Betty does not give her orders. She tells her that she may be president, but that she has a long way to go before she is above her. Betty asks why doesn't she assume the presidency so that no one can tell her what to do, she can do as she pleases and they won't have to worry about possible confrontations. Marcela asks if she's threatening that she is going to resign. Betty answers no and that all she is doing is leaving the road open for her to do as she pleases. Betty gets up to leave.
Marcela points a finger at her and tells her "Look, you can't resign. However, if you want my head why don't you ask me for it?" Betty says that all she wants is for Marcela to respect her. Betty tells her that they put her as president to save the company, but if they believe that they will be able to continue to treat her as before, they are mistaken. Betty tells her that she won't allow them to continue to humiliate her. Marcela tells her that she expects the same from her. She goes on to say that she will not allow Betty to come in from one day to the next with her friends and family and change the company routine. She also won't allow her friends to come in at any time that they wish and disobey her orders because their friend is the president. Betty goes on to say that she is not going to allow her to get fire the Cuartel. Betty also gives examples of what each one is living through at the moment and the time that they have put into Eco Moda. Marcela just shakes her head back and forth. Betty tells her that she is in agreement that they can not continue to come in late. Marcela tells her that it is obvious that they will never agree and that they need to come up with a solution to this problem.
Betty tells her that she is correct. Neither of them want to be there, but they are both pressured to be there. She goes on to say that Marcela never had intentions of firing the Cuartel. She tells her that Marcela has always defended them and they see her a just person. She realizes that she is not upset for the tardiness, but for the simple reason that she is upset that they were out celebrating her presidency. Had she been upset with the lateness of their arrival then Patricia would also have to be fired because she arrived later as always. Marcela tells her that she realizes this is a game of if the Cuartel gets fired so does Patricia. If Patricia stays, so does the Cuartel. Betty tells her no. She says that the company can not continue to be managed in the same manner as previously and in order to put a stop to it they will need to communicate directly. Betty says that Marcela has said some strong words about her and that the versions that they are both receiving are not the most reliable. Betty tells her that a war is being rage outside those doors and that their relationship is about to explode by itself without them being able to talk to each other directly.
Marcela asks if she is suggesting that they forget what happened with the Cuartel and to allow them to continue arriving late. Betty says no. She suggests that they are giving a warning, deduct a day of pay, put a copy of the warning in their file and informing them that they will be fired the next time. Marcela asks if this is only for the Cuartel. Betty says that it also applies to Patricia. Marcela rolls her eyes. Betty tells her that they cannot continue to play favorites or things will never change between them. She reminds her that Marcela said that the law is the law and Betty says that it should apply to everyone. Marcela wants to know what her plans are for Patricia. Betty says that she would like to review all of the secretaries situations. Betty puts her head down and begins to review her report. Marcela has a surprised look and stares at her.
Sophia comes around the corner and catches Bertha, Aura Maria and Sandra trying to listen to the conversation behind the closed doors. Sophia wants an update, but Bertha has not been able to hear anything. Patricia comes around the corner and threatens to go in and tell on them. The Cuartel leads her to believe that she will be the one getting fired. Patricia tells them that it won't happen to her. Sandra says that she is correct especially since she and Betty get along so well. As Patricia begins to walk away Sophia starts giving her hard time about hose. After Patricia leaves, Sophia says that she doesn't want to hear that the are the ones that get fired and Patricia stays. Aura Maria tells Sophia that they torment her until they find out what is going to happen. Patricia returns to her desk where she continuously repeats, "They fired me. They fired me."
Betty calls Patricia and asks they she inform the remaining executives to join the meeting. Betty can tell that something is wrong and Patricia tells her that she knows that Betty has fired her. Betty wants to know who said it. Patricia tells her the Cuartel. Betty tells her that they will inform everyone of the decisions that are being made. Marcela wants to know what is happening and Betty tells her. Marcela then mentions that she was not aware that Armando would be attending the meeting. Betty tells her that she believed Armando would have told her. Marcela answers "no". Betty informs Marcela about Armando having a plan that he wants to propose to them and that he requested the use of Mario's office. This part surprises Marcela. She was not aware that he planned on working at Eco Moda. Betty assures her that she is keeping her part of her promise to her. However, if Marcela does not like the idea of Armando working there then that is something that she will need to discuss with Armando. Marcela gives her a look that says I don't believe you.
Back in Mario's office Armando is telling Mario that he hasn't informed Marcela about his having an office at Eco Moda. He also says that if he has to tell her everything he is going to go crazy. Patricia opens the door and then knocks. She tells them that the Doctora Pinson is ready for them. Armando wants to know why she shows so much respect towards Betty. Patricia says that know that she has been named president is that the way she's suppose to be called. As she is heading out the door Mario and Armando laugh at the tear in her stockings. Mario blesses Armando before the leave his office.
Upon entering the meeting room Armando heads straight to Marcela to give her a kiss. Mario follows, but Marcela receives it coldly. While Armando sits Mario proceeds to Betty, places his hand on her shoulder and greets her. As he is heading back to his chair Betty stares at him. Mario is uncomfortable. After sitting down Betty gets out of her chair, yanks Mario out of his and throws him on the table. (Armando and Marcela are surprised. Marcela gets out of her chair.) She tells her that he better never touch her again. She has enough to deal with Armando's dirty looks. Armando looks at Marcela. Marcela stares at Armando and hits him on the shoulder. Mario tells Betty that he hasn't touched her. Betty tells him that she felt as though he had. She reminds him of all the cards that he wrote and that he makes her nausea. She throws him to the floor. BETTY'S DREAM IS OVER.
Armando and Mario are very uncomfortable and they ask at the same time where the rest of the people are and Marcela's answers that they are coming. Armando begins to explain to Marcela his reason for having an officer at Eco Moda. She tells him not to bother that Betty has explained it. As Armando continues to speak she cuts him off. Marcela says that she was not aware that he planned on working there. He gives her his reasons for having an office there. She tells him that she understands. She just thought it was odd that he didn't mention it.
PART 7
Patricia orders Bertha and Sophia to enough Guiterrez and Nicolas about the meeting. They remind her that she won't be there much longer and Patricia informs them that Betty already told her that she was staying. Patricia explains that she distributes the orders that are given to her . Sophia and Bertha still refuse to help. Patricia informs Guiterrez, but does not want to talk to Nicolas. Sophia refuses and she has no other choice.
Nicolas is in his office and talking to Patricia's picture. Patricia informs him that his girlfriend is ready for him to join the meeting. Nicolas explains that Betty is not his girlfriend and that he is now alone and single. Patricia tells him that it doesn't interest him. Patricia head s to Hugo's where he informs her that she doesn't take orders from anyone but Marge and he tells her to go tell her. On her way out, Hugo makes fun of her hose. Inesita tells Hugo that she believes that he should attend the meeting. Hugo tells her Betty can fire him as far as he is concerned. He can't believe that Betty has been named president and he cannot accept it.
Patricia goes to the meeting room and repeats what Hugo said. Betty says ok that they will meet without him. As Nicolas enters he bumps into Patricia and she tells him that she will never forgive him for what he did to her. Betty has Nicolas sit by him. Marcela gets up and rushes towards the telephone.
Hugo is in his office blowing bubbles with one of those soapy bubble kits. The telephone rings. Marcela yells at him and tells him to go to the meeting room. On his way out, he gets his sunglasses and a magazine to read during the meeting. Hugo is upset that she is yelling at him and tells her that he is glad that he is not her husband.
While they are waiting for Hugo, Guiterrez offers to get a drink for Betty. Once Hugo arrives he wants to know what Armando and Mario are doing there. Marcela orders him sit beside her. Hugo asks if he can be named president since there is no requirement. Marcela tells him that he is correct. She says that no qualities are required to become president. Nicolas glances at Betty. Armando gets a tad upset and asks if they should start the meeting. Betty tells them of her mission to put the company back in order in half the amount of time.
MISSING EPISODE
Betty informs the committee meeting that Eco Moda's international sales need to be strengthened, particularly at the unprofitable Palm Beach location. A belligerent Marcela objects. Betty, in a conciliatory tone, suggests adding a warehouse to handle additional volume, thus increasing their presence in the market. They could then supply additional boutiques in the area and increase sales. She gives the floor to Nicolas, who explains the advantages of adding a warehouse in the area, since the government is offering attractive export incentives.
Hugo bristles at this suggestion, claiming that his exclusive designs will be available on every street corner. "Exactly" replies Betty "Eco Moda can't have the luxury of only exclusive designs. We need to move volume".
Armando agrees and goes on to say that Betty's plan meshes well with the new strategy he and Mario have devised. His new strategy is to sell Eco Moda franchises all over Latin America. He states that despite its financial problems, Eco Moda's image is intact in the marketplace. He mentions that Eco Moda's distribution system is an integral part of being able to market itself internationally.
Marcela's hostility increases when Betty mentions that they also need to make fundamental changes in the way Eco Moda brands their product and in their advertising strategy. Marcela starts to object, but, at Armando's insistence, agrees to listen to what Betty has to say.
Meanwhile, Sandra tells Freddy to move some boxes out of Mario's office. Freddy is offended at having to do grunt work and claims the Cuartel is out to get him because he broke up with Aura Maria.
Back in the conference room, Betty is saying that, up to now, Eco Moda has been very conservative in the way it does business. Hugo huffily says that Eco Moda is what it is today only because of his designs. "You may have gotten rid of the glasses, shaved your mustache and murdered your old hairdresser, but that doesn't give you the right to teach ME about fashion! What? Now I'm going to have to design for ugly women?" he bristles.
"Yes, that's the idea" replies Betty calmly. "That's the new strategy."
Hugo pales, grabs at the chair and staggers against the blinds. "Get me a valerianaâŚ.It can't beâŚ.InesitaâŚ" He manages to sit down. Betty asks him point blank if he doesn't feel capable of designing for less than perfect women. After all, she proceeds to say, there are many more plain women in the world than there are beautiful women. Hugo replies that the sheer numbers of ugly women are what make his esthetic stand out and be so exceptional.
As Betty continues to expound her ideas, Marcela starts to look interested, in spite of herself. Mario and Armando look at Betty in admiration. Gutierrez nods off. Betty explains how Eco Moda must address the needs of the average woman by making designs that fit and look well on a less than perfect body. She suggests adding a fashion consulting service in their stores to help women choose the most becoming designs. This idea, she says, makes good business sense and will ultimately increase sales.
Hugo has calmed down and makes a valid point: that women are vain and will not purchase a dress unless it is modeled by a beautiful woman. He goes on to say that Betty can't change established fashion concepts overnight. Betty agrees, saying that she simply plans to target the average woman and meet their needs as consumers. Marcela asks if she's done a study to support this. Betty replies that it's based on the experience of thousands of women, herself included. She goes on to describe her own humiliating shopping experiences as an ugly woman. Her sad story doesn't seem to affect anyone except Armando, who looks as if Betty just sunk another dagger into him, by indirectly emphasizing his heartlessness and cruelty towards her.
As Betty finishes, Armando enthusiastically backs Betty's plans, stating that in conjunction with his franchise idea, Eco Moda now has a viable and attractive business plan.
Hugo is still offended, however, and continues to refuse to design for ugly women. Betty craftily pulls his strings by suggesting that he does not have the ability to rise to the task.
Hugo swallows the bait "Look, doctora, I have all the esthetic requirements to design for any woman!"
"Yes, I know you can. And Eco Moda must show the world that we can make an ugly woman look fashionable".
"And exactly how do you want me do this?" asks Hugo.
"By dressing the Cuartel de las Feas!" Betty answers, as jaws drop around the table.
Sofa and Bertha hear a strange sound emanating from the boardroom, like a high-pitched strangled yell, and speculate on what it could be ⌠they likely attribute it to Hugo Lombardi. Of course they are right ⌠Hugo has just reacted to Betty's plan to design for El Cuartel. Freddy and Sandra come by with the tall stack of boxes Freddy has removed from Mario's office [eating spinach lately, Freddy? :o)] and Sandra asks him to set them down in front of Bertha's desk while they await further direction on their permanent relocation. Out of the boardroom comes Hugo yelling for his tea (valeriana), and Inesita comes running to the rescue with a cup in hand. After taking a sip, Hugo goes back into the boardroom.
Hugo (disdainfully addressing Betty) â Very well, I won't resign and I'm going to show everyone of you what my genius is capable of producing. If I have to dress witches, I'll dress witches and leave them to you as an exposition, but I'll warn you that when this collection is over, I'll resign from this company!! But in order to work I have one condition, I want my fitting room model. What happened to the 'pupuchurra'? Did you hire her again?
Betty â Don't worry about that, Don Hugo, I'll take care of it.
Hugo (getting ready to leave) â Well then, I won't ask anyone's permission to leave because there's no one in this company from whom to ask permission. (Then he addresses Gutierrez). Excuse me, Guti-Gut!
After Hugo leaves with a flourish, Betty tells Gutierrez that she would like him to go over the restructuring of the stores with Nicols. Gutierrez asks her what Nicols' salary should be and about the expense account of the president. Betty responds that Nicols will earn the same salary that Olarte used to earn and as to her expense account ⌠she will assume all costs because the company is going through austere times and the president should set the example. Gutierrez would like to know one more thing: did they reach a decision regarding the employees that arrived late? Marcela tackles this question and tells Gutierrez that no one will be fired, some of the positions will be changed that's all. Mariana will become receptionist, Aura Maria will become her secretary, Sofa will be Dr. Mora's secretary, Sandra will be secretary to both Armando and Mario, and Bertha and Inesita will remain in their current positions. "And what about Patricia Fernndez?" Gutierrez asks. Marcela answers that Patricia will now be her secretary ⌠we see a sly smile illuminate Armando's face. :o) Gutierrez is further informed that each one of these employees, including Patricia, will be docked one day's pay for their tardiness and a corresponding comment will be included in their personnel files. Marcela then asks if the meeting is over and Betty informs them all that there will be a future meeting to approve the proposals laid out at this meeting. Marcela's reaction is, "To study the proposals, not to approve them!" Betty immediately disavows her of this notion and tells her, "To approve them. Otherwise, my remaining as president of this company makes no sense." After this is said, Betty tells them all that the meeting is officially over.
Betty walks into her old office, now Don Hermes' office, as her father is finishing up and getting ready to leave. He tells her that he's gone over all of the figures and they seem to be fine. Betty tells him that he doesn't have to be in such a hurry to do it all, but he reminds her that it's always better for everything to be clear. He asks Betty how everything went in the meeting, and Betty avoids an answer with specifics by just answering, "Fine, father." She accompanies Don Hermes out.
Outside in the hallway, El Cuartel is speculating about what took place at the meeting ⌠were they fired? At the same time, Patricia is on the phone with her father telling him the same thing ⌠that her future at EcoModa is uncertain. As Don Hermes and Betty come out and pass Patricia, Patty makes an effort to be nice to him and says a nice goodbye [she certainly knows where here bread is buttered :o)] As Don Hermes is about to walk into the elevator, he bumps into Jenny who is coming out of the elevator ⌠Don Hermes can't help but notice Jenny's attributes as she excuses herself. When he leaves, Jenny can't hold back her curiosity and asks Patricia about the identity of Hermes. Patricia tells her that that is Betty's father and Jenny smiles. She tells Patricia that she will wait to speak to Betty. What does she have up her sleeve?
Betty asks El Cuartel to come into her office to discuss what happened at the meeting. Once there, Betty tells them, to their great relief, that they weren't fired (smiles break out all around), but that they will receive a punishment: one day's pay will be docked from their paycheck. Some start to whine, but both Mariana and Inesita step up to bat and thank Betty for sticking up for them and saving their jobs. The rest have no alternative but to follow suit. Then Betty informs them that their jobs will change a little and informs them that Sandra will be Mario and Armando's secretary [Sandra comments that she will have to get earplugs to tune out Don Armando's screams :o)], Sofia will be Nicols' secretary (Sofia is happy at the news ⌠she seems to like Nicols), Aura Maria will become Betty's secretary, Mariana will move down to reception (but she is assured this is only a temporary move until a new division is created in the company for which she has Mariana in mind), and Inesita and Bertha will remain in their current jobs. Everyone will retain their same salary. As El Cuartel is heading out the door, Sandra asks Betty who will sit next to her if Mariana will move down to reception? They are sure that the Peliteida has been fired! But Betty explains that she was not, and that she will now be Doa Marcela's secretary and will occupy Mariana's spot. El Cuartel is shocked to hear this and Sandra can't believe that her worst enemy will be sitting next to her. I can only imagine the battles these two will have! Overall, though, El Cuartel is grateful and Inesita makes a special point of thanking Betty again as she closes the door. Betty asks Sofia to stay behind ⌠she has something she'd like to discuss with her.
In the meantime, Marcela tells Patricia that she will have a new job ⌠she will no longer be 'secretaria de presidencia', she will now be her secretary. Patricia, of course, is not happy with the move ⌠especially when she finds out that she will be sitting next to Sandra.
In Presidencia, Betty tells Sofa that that Jenny will come back to work at EcoModa ⌠Hugo Lombardi almost quit during the meeting and that was the only condition that he put to his staying. Betty asks Sofia for her understanding and cooperation because her hands are tied. Sofia, though extremely unhappy at the news, has no choice but to accept Betty's decision.
Out in the hallway right outside the boardroom, Gutierrez asks Armando to remove his things from Presidencia because Betty wants to start using the office right way. Armando tells him to get someone to remove them for him.
Jenny comes out of Betty's office and immediately heads over to Jenny, who is still waiting to see Betty, and tells her that Betty will see her now.
Gutierrez tells Freddy that Don Armando's things must be removed from Betty's office and to please tell someone from the technical department to remove Don Armando's computer and bring a new one for Dra. Beatriz. Freddy leaves to do as he's bid. Gutierrez then turns around and spies Nicols, who is standing around, and tells him that he will be at his service. When Gutierrez leaves, Nicols starts rubbing his stomach [it's obvious he misses Doa Julia's cooking :o)] and Bertha asks him if something is wrong. He answers that he's only a little hungry and asks Sofa to order him the following: jugo de mora, two buuelos and two empanadas. As he turns around to go back into his office, he tells Sofia to remember the order because that is his everyday snack. When Nicols leaves, Bertha remarks that it seems that Nicols eats more than she does ⌠how does he manage to remain so thin? :o)
In Presidencia, Betty tells an exhuberant Jenny that she has been rehired at EcoModa as a fitting room model for Don Hugo. As Sofa smiles and thanks her, Betty warns her not to bother Sofa and to make sure to leave her alone. Jenny rises to leave and Freddy and the technician [who's at eye level with Jenny's attributes and can't help but stare :o)] arrive. Betty asks Freddy to remove everything single belonging of Don Armando and she goes to sit on the couch while he starts the job. The technician advises her that he's also taking the computer away and will bring her a new one. Betty tells him that fine and continues making notes on the sofa. Meanwhile, Freddy has packed Armando's pictures, his oversized jacks, and a few files in a box. He tells Betty that he thinks he is done ⌠or is there anything else she can think of? Betty immediately rises from the couch and tells him that there is. She heads over to the file cabinet, opens the bottom drawer and takes out the black garbage bag. She hands it over to Freddy and tells him to get rid of it.
Armando and Mario are in Mario's office getting settled in. They are discussing Betty and how she seems to have come in with a great deal of confidence. Marcela comes into the office to see if Armando is leaving. He informs her that he and Mario have some errands to run. Just then, Freddy comes in with a box that contains Armando's belongings from his office and the infamous "black bag." Marcela sees the black bag and asks him why he stills has it. Armando informs her that she was the one who brought it to his office. After some more of Marcela's recriminations, Armando instructs Freddy to put the black bag in the trash! Marcela continues and tells Armando that she wasn't pleased with his agreement regarding all of Betty's propositions. Armando tells Marcela that she herself knows that Betty's ideas are good and they're just what they need.
Nicolas and Betty are in her office talking. Nicolas suggests that Betty make her mom the supervisor of the cafeteria in EcoModa. He misses her cooking. Betty dismisses the ides. Betty asks Nico to accompany her to buy a new car. This one she tells him will be more in accordance with the austerity program at EcoModa.
Aura Maria is moving all her things and complains about the lack of gentlemen to help. After some coaxing, Freddy comes to her aid. When Aura Maria arrives at Patricia's desk to put her things down, she notes that Patricia hasn't yet moved her things out. They get into a confrontation. The phone rings and Aura Maria and Patty fight over who should answer the call. Patty finally commandeers the phone and answers it. Patty gives the phone to Aura Maria. Betty is on the phone and wants her to get a hold of Catalina Angel.
Betty speaks to Cata and updates her on everything that has happened to her. Dona Catalina can't believe that Betty is the new president of EcoModa and promises her to go see for herself. Betty asks Cata to come help her with the launching of the new collection.
Yenny and Nicolas run into each other and Nicolas introduces himself as the new vice president of finance. Yenny is her usual flirtatious self. Patty is on the phone talking to her dad about her difficulty getting to work. She is trying to convince him to give her a lift to work each day. She sees Nicolas and tells her dad she's just seen the man who is responsible for all her troubles. She gets off the phone and gives him a lengthy discourse on how he lied and cheated her. Nicolas tells Patty that he still remembers her. Patty asks Nicolas to hold the box she is carrying. When he does she smacks him hard. Nicolas continues flirting with Patty and she asks him to hold the box againâbut this time Nico says no.
When Patty gets to her new desk, she and Sandra have a go at it. Sandra draws a line on the floor separating their work areas and tells Patty she best not step over it. They get into an altercation and start choking each other. Betty and Nicolas are walking toward the elevator and observe the exchange. Betty tells them that she will not permit this type of behavior. Both Sandra and Patty tell Betty that they are just welcoming each other. They smile and pretend to be hugging each other.
Nicolas and Betty leave to look at cars. Marcela walks out of her office and Patty runs toward her and asks her what's happening. Marcela tells Patty that she believes that Armando and Betty are going to meet each other somewhere.
AT THE ELEVATOR
Patricia and Marcela are continuing their conversation, in which, Marcela had asked where Betty had gone and then commented about her suspicions that Armando and Betty were planning on meeting outside of the office. Patricia doesn't understand what she is talking about, but Marcela tells her that she knows perfectly what she is talking about. Marcela, angry, takes off and as Patricia tries to follow she is stopped by Sandra.
IN FRONT OF PATRICIA'S NEW DESK AND SANDRA'S DESK
Sandra jumps out in front of Patricia and she halts her in her tracks. Sandra wants to know where they had left off . Aura Maria butts in, pokes Patricia on the arm and wants to know where they left off. Patricia turns around and pokes her on her chest, Aura Maria looks surprised, and tells her to be careful. She faces Sandra and informs her that she will return and they can continue their conversation. Sandra warns her not to delay.
IN MARCELA'S OFFICE
As Patricia bursts in, Marcela is watching a fashion show. (In the background Gwyneth Paltrow's and Huey Lewis' are singing their new song. The one that has the words, "If you want it, you got it, forever".) Patricia, with her speedy voice, demands to know if she believes that Armando and Betty have begun seeing each other again and if Betty has broken her promise. Patricia says that she would not find it strange if she broke the promise.
Marcela turns around from watching the television and admits that there are some strange things happening at Eco Moda. First, Betty allows Armando to have an office when she claimed that she wanted him as far away as possible. Second, Armando agreed and backed all of her reforms for marketing. (Patricia's eyes grow wide and you can see the white portions of her eyes.) Patricia is shocked the Betty has gone into Marcela's department. She asks Marcela, "Did she go into your area"? "Yesss", Marcela answers. Patricia wants to know if Marcela just sat there with her arms crossed. Marcela reminds her that she just informed her that Armando backed Betty's reform plans. Patricia asks who is Armando, he does not exist and he is not President. According to Patricia, he is just someone watching from the sidelines.
Patricia tells Marcela that she needs to do something. Marcela informs her that there is nothing that she can do, because Betty threatened to quit. Patricia tells her to let her. Marcela says that she doesn't understand, Betty can't leave. Patricia looks a little taken aback and tells Marcela that she can "capture and understand it". What she can also capture and understand is that Betty is trying to humiliate her, bore her, take her out of the company, but most of all she want's Armando back. Patricia gets up to leave but before doing so she says, "She's finished with you! She tore you into pieces! She buried you!" (Patricia does the sign of the cross as though blessing Marcela.) Marcela tells her to stop mortifying her. Patricia tells her that she is doing it to herself. Wasn't Marcela the one that just told her what Betty had done to her in the meeting, that Betty is not finished with her and her suspicions that Betty and Armando could be deceiving her again.
Patricia tells her that Mario left with Armando and Nicolas with Betty. Marcela says of course, Mario probably made the date for Armando and Nicolas is covering for Betty. He already admitted that he had previously done so. Patricia doesn't want to be reminded of Nicolas. Marcela tells the story of how Freddy was sent by Betty to Armando's office with the black trash bag full of the gifts that he had given Betty. She tells her that he instructed Freddy to throw it away. Patricia wants to know what she thinks of this act. Marcela thinks that it is a way to provoke him and then they both leave the office. She finds it all too strange.
ON A STREET IN BOGOTA
Betty and Nicolas are walking and Betty is explaining to Nicolas why she returned the bag to Armando. Nicolas asks her why she didn't she throw the bag away. She explains that those items were her life, she loved them and they were sacred to her. (Nicolas puts his arm out to help Betty down the curb and cross the street.) She tells him that it was a hard decision for her to make, that is why she decided to return them to him. Let him make the decision. (Nicolas again puts his arm out to help her up the curb.) Nicolas tells her that with Armando being at the office it is going to be very hard on her. Betty assures Nicolas that she did not permit Armando to stay at Eco Moda in order to have him close by. She had promised herself never to seek vengeance against him and not allowing him back into the office would kill him.
Nicolas tells her to that she needs to recognize that Armando, with a stubborn head acted like one of those "galans in the telenovelas" and backed her plan. She said that it benefits him to do so. She tells him that she doesn't want any of them to think that she is taking advantage of her position and that is why she wants to purchase the car with her own money. She wants to be able to move and escape Eco Moda whenever the need arises. They continue into the dealership's showroom and the salesman approaches them and Betty asks to see a certain car that she had previously viewed.
AT THE MINISTRY
(Armando and Mario are going down the stairs.) While Armando is telling Mario how hurt he was to have to throw away his gifts to Betty, Mario has turned around to look at a girl that has passed by him. Armando continues by saying that he realizes that the gifts meant nothing but deceit to Betty, but to him they were memories and had turned into honest things. Mario talks about how all his literature was thrown away. He gives Armando compliments on the cards that he wrote. Armando tells him to stop bothering him and that he can't stand the thought of having to give Betty up for the rest of his life. He is starting to second guess the decision of having an office at Eco Moda. Mario says that they are poor and Armando tells him that they need to spend the least possible time at the office.
Armando's telephone rings and he shows Mario that it is Marcela. Marcela begins asking all types of questions, where are you, who are you with and where do you plan on going next. Armando answers her questions, but wants to know why she wants this information. Marcela gets upset that he asks why. She says in order to organize her life. He tells her not to get angry. He tells her that if she has the right to ask him those questions, then he has the right to know why. He finally tells her that he is on his way to Eco Moda and then they can go to her apartment if that is what she wishes.
MARCELA'S OFFICE
Patricia wants to know what he said. Once she tells her, Patricia wants to know if she was able to prove what he was saying was true. Marcela is curious as to how she would be able to prove if he was lying or no. Patricia tells her that it is easy. She tells Armando that her battery is running low and then she needs to call him at a telephone at the Ministry's office. Marcela tells her that she is not going to play those games. Marcela sits down, frustrated and throws her hands to her head, she says that she can't take this hell anymore. She's tempted to take all her belongings and resign. Patricia says that if she resigns, she resigns and asks Marcela to take her with her and not to leave her there.
AT THE MINISTRY
Armando tells Mario that he doesn't know what Marcela wants or is planning. She also didn't ask that he and Mario be together. Mario reminds him that for Marcela that is not a guarantee and that he also isn't going to be with Betty, since she is at Eco Moda's.
PART 8
IN FRONT OF AURA MARIA'S NEW DESK
Aura Maria is telling her Freddy problems to Sandra. Patricia shows up and Sandra gets upset because she has crossed the line. Patricia becomes upset and begins to clean the line off the floor. While she is bending over, almost showing everything, two young male workers are staring at her butt from the elevator. Patricia notices and asks what they are looking at. They get into the elevator and leave.
Sandra becomes upset that Patricia is erasing the line and begins to redraw the line. Sandra warns her that she will kill her if she crosses the line. Patricia draws a second line and threatens her life. They begin to fight over the piece of chalk.
As they are fighting Marcela walks by and notices the line. She demands to know who drew it in order to sanction that individual, neither answer. Marcela threatens that if they are fighting and going to tear up the reception area she will impose a sanction and move them to different departments. Patricia tells her that they are not fighting. Sandra informs her that they are taking measurements in order to make both of them more comfortable. Marcela orders that they clean up the line.
BY THE ELEVATOR
As Marcela heads towards the elevator the doors open. Sophia, Bertha and Mariana are in the elevator laughing. As they come out they greet Marcela and Bertha notices the line and wants to know what happened. Marcela again orders for them to clean up the line.
Inesita comes calling for the Cuartel tells them that Hugo needs them in his workroom. They yell, "Us!". Marcela tells them to go. Patricia wants to know if she is required to go. Marcela says no and again orders them to clean up the line. After Marcela leaves, Patricia tells Sandra that she needs to clean it up. Sandra tells her she'd rather die first. Sandra informs her that by the time she returns from Hugo's she expects it to be cleaned up. Patricia tells her to keep dreaming and that she wasn't born to clean floors but that it fits Sandra
HUGO'S WORKROOM
Hugo is measuring Jenny and telling her how much he missed her. She then tells him that she missed him. Jenny grabs his cheeks to pinch them and he tells not to touch him because he is liable to poke her with the pin. He tells her that he is all nerves and she wants to know why. He says that he is having to do something that goes against his style.
The Cuartel walks in and Inesita informs him that the girls are there. "Girls", says Hugo, "my grandmother". He orders them to take off their jackets and shawls. (Sandra covers up with her jacket.) He tells them that he wants to see very little clothing on them. Bertha, with a big smile, wants to know what they are going to do to them. Hugo tells them that he wants to see them naked and laughs. (Jenny joins in his laughter.) He immediately tells them not to be crazy that he does want to end up blind. He orders Inesita to rapidly take their measurements. They want to know why. He tells them so that they can appear in National Geographic. (Hugo and Jenny laugh again.)
He tells them that he has taken on a job of the same magnitude as the Titanic. He is too dress them well. "What!", thet all say in unison. He says that he realizes that it is crazy and absurd, but he has to do it. He says that his imagination is going to be at its maximum. He asks Inesita to take the measurements because he doesn't want to touch them.
Sophia tells him to wait a minute. Is he saying that they are badly dressed. Each one of the Caurtel explains how she believes that she is dressed in style. (Hugo is laughing.) They are upset about his comment. Hugo says with a tone that is apologetic, "No, no, no, I have never said that you dressed bad." (This makes the Cuartel a bit happier.) Hugo continues, "You don't even get dressed. You just throw rags over yourselves to cover your bodies." (He and Jenny laugh.) He informs them that this is not his idea, but Betty's. Sophia wants to know what is going on with Betty and Bertha comments that Betty must know think that she comes from a better family. Inesita tells them not to misinterpret what Betty is doing and that the Company is going to dress them in nice clothing made by a famous designer. Hugo tells Inesita that she will also be dressed. "Me", say Inesita.
Hugo asks if they agree to accept. He tells them if they don't that would take away numerous problems away from him and he would be thankful. Sandra says that they accept, but that Betty will have to explain. Hugo asks for some large instrument in order to measure Bertha.
MARCELA'S OFFICE
Patricia walks in and wants to know why the Cuartel is meeting with Hugo. After Marcela explains, Patricia says that they can't do this to her. She says that it would have been easier to fire them and hire women that have more class. Marcela tells her to explain it to Betty. Patricia wants to know if they are going to dress her. Marcela explains that Betty does not believe that she is dressed badly and since Eco Moda's clothing is not her style. Patricia tells her that was another period and she is her best friend. Now she rides the bus, she's bankrupt and her hose are torn.
Patricia says that if Hugo dresses her, he will have to design outfits that are exclusively for her because she can't wear the same uniform as the rest of the Cuartel. Marcela tells her to tell Betty and see if she will include her in her plans. She asks her to leave her office so that she can work. She also tells her that the next time she sees her desk she expects that line to be wiped off of the floor. Patricia insulted, tells her that instead of asking Hugo to dress her why doesn't she ask Guiterrez for one of those aprons that they provide for the housekeeping crew. She leaves Marcela's office crying.
BY BERTHA'S DESK
Guiterrez is by her desk on his walkie talkie want to know what has happened with the rat poison.
The Cuartel is on their way back and Sandra is commenting on how they have to be careful with Hugo. Just as he is capable of making a woman beautiful, he is also capable of making her ugly.
Guiterrez yells to Bertha and demands to know why Mario's boxes have not been removed from in front of her desk. Bertha says that she didn't know what to do. Guiterrez then yells at Sandra and asks if he did not order her to review the boxes and throw away what was not needed.
Mariana is wondering if they will have to pay for their clothing. Sophia says that she can't afford it. Aura Maria says that if they plan on dressing them on a daily basis the Company will have to pay for it. Sophia asks Sandra her opinion (Sandra is reading some of Mario's documents with a strange look on her face.) Sophia continues to say that with Sandra being so tall, lots of material will be needed and that will cost the Company a great deal of money.
They ask her what she is reading. Sandra says that he doesn't understand but it is a budget from the last meeting. She is reading a letter from Mario to Armando, "My Dear President, Here are the instructions so that you can continue your routine of horror with Betty..........
In this folder also was the infamous letter from Mario Calderon advising Armando Mendoza on how to conduct his so-called "campaign of horror" to win and maintain the loyalty of the "ugly monster" that was his assistant and who had power to destroy Ecomoda and everyone that depended on the company. (Recall that when Betty spotted this same letter, she began her careening ride down a roller coaster that immediately plunged through a tunnel of horrors and illusions from which she can not yet see the light of day.) Prompted by Bertha, Sandra begins to read the letter out loud ...but just above a whisper ... to Bertha, Mariana, Sofia, and Aura Maria, who are gathered in front of her.
SANDRA: "My esteemed President, Here are the instructions so you can continue your horror routine with Betty ..."
SOFIA: "Qu es eso?"
AURA MARIA: "Qu ms dice?"
SANDRA, looking nervously about, continues: "Aqu, hay otra parte que dice..." ["Here is another part in which he says..."] "... writing these cards was harder than ever, because at least with the other ones you would tell me what had happened the night before. The pitiful kisses, the words when making the horror, I mean love, with her ..."
In shock, the others exclaim in unison: Ahhhhhaayyy!
AURA MARIA: Betty made love with Don Armando?
The others turn around and say: Shhhh, Aura Maria, for God's sake ...
Then they all turn back towards Sandra, and Bertha, reaching for the letter, says: This is TOP SECRET. Let me have it.
But Sandra turns away, clutching the folder with the letter to her chest, saying: This is confidential ... for MY boss.
SOFIA: What is confidential? Hold your tongue!
BERTHA: What was confidential that falls into the hands of the cuartel, now becomes public domain. And you, you can't be so "desgraciado" as to deny the rest of us the opportunity to feast on this delicious piece of gossip. Give it to me!
SANDRA, clutching the folder even tighter with her chin tucking it under: Nooo, I'm afraid.
Then, like piranhas, all of them turn on their friend.
SOFIA: Afraid of what? Get off of it, BOBA.
MARIANA: You have to be brave.
AURA MARIA: YES !!!
BERTHA: We [the cuartel of feas] are the strong ones. Do it!
BERTHA, SOFIA, and AURA MARIA: DO IT !!!
SANDRA: Yes, we have a lot guts. For that reason, I am not going to read any more.
GUITERREZ: What happened with the boxes?
All of the cuartel who are present SCREAM ... and Guiterrez jumps back while the others form a wall between Sandra and him.
GUITERREZ: Do me a favor and don't scare me by screaming all at once ! Don't you have work to do? Bertha, what about the boxes? [of files ]
BERTHA: We are taking care of it, Doctor, as you can see. ...
GUITERREZ: Um hmm. I am going down to production. When I return, I want this area to be absolutely clear?
CHORUS: Um hmm ...
Guiterrez walks by the "cuartel wall", which still shields Sandra, on the way to Production. Then suddenly, he spins around and says: Alright! And the cuartel screams again, but not so loud this time. Guiterrez departs.
The cuartel decides that the office is too public a place to discuss Top Secret information. Leaving the phones for Patty to answer, they retire to the Ladies Room.
Lorna Cepeda is an excellent actress. She makes her character, Patricia Fernndez, just abrasive enough to make everyone else look good, including Guiterrez, That is most obvious with her infamous expletive, desgraciados, which I hear pronounced not with an "e", but with a Hispanic "a", and with the "d"'s similar to the soft "th" we hear in the word "the". Phonetically, it sounds to me like : "thaaahs-graaaah-seeeeee-AAAH-thos " which I interpret to mean LOW-LIFE of whatever economic strata. Lorna is really describing PATTY herself, no es verdad?
With that commercial over, back to the story. As the cuartel proceed to the "sala de juntas de las feas," Patty pops out of the hallway and confronts them in her characteristic stance.
PATTY: Ah so! So there goes the ugly bunch. Do you think that I will answer your phones, or what?
AURA MARIA: Yes, yes! We are going to be very busy meeting ... concerning the vice-presidents of Ecomoda. My dear, cover the phone calls, please.
SOFIA: Yes, let's go.
PATTY, playing with her hair: What's with those "daaahsgraciiiiiados"?
In the Ladies Room, Sandra continues to read parts of the letter to the others.
SANDRA: ... Drink some whiskey and take her to a hotel apartment, and, if you can work yourself into it, take her to bed ... [ the cuartel all gasp in astonishment ] ... Yes, yes, yes, yes, I can just picture your pitiful face of the martyr as you read this ...
BERTHA: Hah... like the face we have ...
SANDRA, continuing: But you don't seem to be quite as horrified as before regarding your going to bed with her ...Apparently, you've been immunized so just do it tommorow and get it over with. She'll be happy, and you can get rid of her for a few days
AURA MARIA: Aye ... could it be ... did they go to bed several times?
BERTHA: But, aren't you listening? The "horror" that is happening is with her ...
[ then to Sandra: ] Let's see ... Go on !
SANDRA: But, it's that ... I won't let you use my apartment again ... no sir ... you've ruined my reputation ... Not just ruined it, you've torn it to shreds, ... even the doorman made fun ... how ugly the woman with you was.
MARIANA: Or it my be that he took her to the apartment of Don Mario ?
SOFIA: They lend their apartments for that ?
SANDRA: Don Mario did not call it an "apartment," instead "the center of executions."
SOFIA: Oh yes ! [then looking at Aura Maria] What kind of a place is this "apartment?"
AURA MARIA: Boba! And as if I were there?
MARIANA: Don't tell me that Don Mario hasn't taken you ...
AURA MARIA: Well ... no ... Perhaps you all believe everything you read ... That is a joke ... a piece of gossip ... You actually believe that Don Armando went to bed with Betty ??? Besides, she is described as Betty la fea that we once knew , not the beauty she is now...
[At this moment, the cuartel doesn't seem to have a clew about when this letter was written]
SANDRA: Girls, I don't think it is a joke. Instead, it just got into the folder of this report to the Board of Directors. [for the last meeting]
SOFIA: Oh ... about Betty ... when that happened ... she was going out with Nicholas Mora ... oh no !!!
BERTHA, grinning from ear to ear: Then, they [Armando and Betty] were both unfaithful ... like she really was ugly [when that took place] rather than beautiful ...Poor Nicholas !
MARIANA: Of course, that's it...
SOFIA: It is for that reason, they say that the beautiful wish for the luck of the ugly
AURA MARIA, sadly: Yeah ...
Meanwhile, Betty and Nicholas are at the new car dealership that sells Favias. The salesman takes them over to a red model.
SALESMAN: This Favia is European, unique in its class, listed as the car of the year in England, Germany, the Federal Republic of Czechoslovakia, in Austria, and in Colombia it is listed as the car surprise of the year.
BETTY: Yes, that is what I read in the magazine.
NICHOLAS: Come! Come! What kind of motor does this car have?
SALESMAN: That is a very good question. The motor for this car is 1.4 liters and sixteen valves with fuel injection.
BETTY: What does that mean?
NICHOLAS: I don't know, Betty. But it sounds good.
BETTY: It is a very good motor, right?
SALESMAN: Not only the motor, but the technology ... a combination of what is found in the Audi, Volkswagon, Lamborgini, Rolls Royce ...
NICHOLAS, excited: Rolls Royce! ... The car that I need and always deserved. You know? I will buy one someday, but when they have it in Colombia, not before ...
SALESMAN: "Seorita, por favor, siga. " [motioning for Betty to come over to the driver's side ... on the left ] [Do they drive on the right side of the roads in Colombia?]
Nichols directs Betty to go around the car to where the salesman is opening the door.
NICHOLAS: Go on, go on! Get in the car!
SALESMAN: Of course, this car comes with airbags, turn signals and hydraulic brakes as standard equipment, right? ... all the best safety features needed when driving at high speeds like the formula one cars. ...
The salesman helps Betty in, closes the door, and walks over to the passenger side where Nicholas is standing. Betty feels the steering wheel and the shift lever ...fastens her seat belt ...
NICHOLAS: You don't say. [then he squats down to stick his head in the window on the passenger side: ] Betty, be careful, careful ... You won't believe how fast the formula one cars accelerate ... before you know it, you're out of here ... before you know it you'll knock down or run over an old lady or something ... as if you were half blind ... [the salesman squats down and looks in next to Nicholas ...]
BETTY, doing her famous goose laugh: Niiicolaas! I will drive. It can't be that hard.
SALESMAN: But don't let it bother you. This car is equipped with intelligent brakes.
BETTY: What do you mean?
NICHOLAS: The car is intelligent like us. You don't have to press on the brakes. It brakes for you, understand? In addition, when you are about to hit something, it yells, "Look out! Look out! You're going to run over something."
SALESMAN: No, no, no, no! That isn't what an intelligent brake system does. Actually, it adjusts the pressure on the shoes against the drums or on the disc automatically for optimum braking.
BETTY: Um hum ... very interesting. What I really don't like is the color.
NICHOLAS: "Tranquila, Betty, that I understand perfectly. [speaking now to the salesman] But young man, this car comes in different colors to choose from, right?
SALESMAN: Of course! In addition, notice that the radio comes with four preset channels, and the steering wheel adjusts in two directions. [He stands up and comes around to the driver's side ...]
NICHOLAS: But that is serious, it only adjusts in two directions, that is a problem ...
SALESMAN: No, no, no, no! That's not what I mean. "Permteme, Seorita!"
The salesman opens the door for Betty to get out, and he slides in behind the wheel himself. Betty goes around the car and looks in over the shoulder of Nicholas.
SALESMAN, moving the steering wheel: What I mean, is that you can move the wheel up or down to accommodate the driver. In addition, the car can lock, unlock, and activate the security alarm ... all by the remote control in this key case. He hands it to Nicholas.
NICHOLAS: Now I see. Very good. [then walking with Betty toward the far side of the room] Betty, I'll show you how it works from a distance. Let's check this out. [he clicks the remote control first from his front, then like a player on a basketball court passing the ball, from around behind his back, from between his legs, all the time commenting:] ms o menos, ms o menos, ms o menos no? Finally he asks Betty what she thinks of the car.
BETTY, as they walk by the car: I like this car very much. It is just the right size for me. It has everything I want. What is your opinion?
NICHOLAS: Well, I still don't know. Let's check it out some more. Young man, can we try it out?
SALESMAN: Yes. Of course.
NICHOLAS, handing the keys to Betty: You are a new owner. Get in and start it, "Jefe". ... have to see how it works ... [Betty gets in and Nicholas, looking through the passenger's window says:] Start it ... start it ...
Betty starts the car and the motor idles quietly as a look of satisfaction and pleasure lightens up her face.
NICHOLAS: Okay, I will check this out as if I am standing at a red light ... you are driving ... keep your eyes straight ahead while I check this out from over there ... [ he goes over to the place from where he checked out the remote control , glances back at Betty in the car, looks away for a bit, then looks back again and returns to the car saying:] Wow, what a woman, yes? You look okay. [he gets in the car and closes the door] Some more tests ... Look to the front ... you are driving ... good afternoon ...
BETTY, chuckling softly: ; ; Aye, Nicholas, what a game ...
NICHOLAS: I still have to check out the back ...understand? Continue driving, looking straight ahead ... [as he gets out, she looks away into the audience with a slight frown. He gets into the back seat and says:] Wait, I'm in back. Okay, Betty, look ahead ... continue driving ... from here I can see you up front ... a Greek ["prefil" or perfil I can not make it out after listening to my tape almost a dozen times ... Anyway, Nicholas finally gives his approval and slides over behind Betty to exit the rear door on her side while she calls out to the the salesman ]
BETTY: WHAT DOES IT COST?
SALESMAN: 33,090,000 pesos. [Betty turns to Nicholas who is leaning in her window]
NICHOLAS: Betty, the car cost 15,000 dollars ... seems cheap enough to me ...it's a good buy ...
BETTY, to the salesman: &am p;nb sp; Do you have financing?
SALESMAN: Of course, come with me ...
As Betty gets out, Nicholas calls out to the salesman: After you, young man, please.
Meanwhile back in the Ladies room, Mariana and Sandra are sitting down next to each other and opposite Bertha, Sofia and Aura Maria who are staring solemnly at Sandra who continues to read Mario's letter.
SANDRA: "Keep up your routine of cards and gifts that I'm enclosing here, because Don Nicholas Mora is still after Betty and Ecomoda. I don't want to come back and hear the news that you failed to take care of her, and she fell in that guy's arms; because, that would be the same as giving him the company.
MARIANA: Aye, girls, why is he talking like that ... as if Nicholas was dying to get the business?
BERTHA: And in addition, ...he talks as though he didn't know ... Nicholas was already Betty's boyfriend. What a confusing letter.
AURA MARIA: For that reason, I don't believe that letter is serious. Continue, continue!
SANDRA: I hope that this week won't be as horrible as the ones you have already suffered with her, and keep repeating in your mind this mantra: "Kiss Betty so that you do not lose Ecomoda. Make love to Betty so that you do not lose Ecomoda." Imagine that with each kiss, with each tender carress you are assuring that Betty will not play a dirty trick on us.
MARIANA: Aye ! no !!
BERTHA: Does any one of you understand ...
SOFIA: The only thing that comes to mind for me is that they were performing some kind of financial balancing act with Betty ... very misterious ... In addition, Betty's strange exit [ resigning from Ecomoda] ... the dethroning of Don Armando from the presidency ... and the departure of Don Mario ... they were up to something tricky ...
SANDRA: Then ... yes, here it is. Listen to this: "... not only to ensure Ecomoda stays solvent, but because we have to force her to doctor the books for the upcoming board meeting. "
BERTHA, SOFIA, and AURA MARIA in chorus: AAH, THAT'S IT !!!
SANDRA: ... she has us where she wants us, and if you notice that she is the least hesitant to help us, close your eyes, drink a few more whiskeys, say a few sweet nothings in her ear, and take her to the nearest bed available. Because, let me tell you that there's no one happier than an ugly woman after making love."
BERTHA: That's for sure !
SOFIA: Aye, Bertha! Although that confirms it ... these guys signed something over to Betty and that is how they fell into her hands.
BERTHA: Precisely, that is the disaster they brought on the "junta" [board of directors] because if Betty wanted to remain at Ecomoda or demanded ... every one was losing their heads ...
AURA MARIA: Aye, "muchachas ," that would be why I saw the dwarf lawyers here again imposing their lien on Ecomoda.
MARINA: Of course, that is why they made her President .
SOFIA: That is why she made her "ex-novio" Vice President of Finance. [Recall that when Armando, as the fianc of Marcela, was having an affair with Betty, she asked Nicholas to pretend to be her fianc to decoy Marcela and the cuartel, who would suspect her euphoria, from discovering that the "other woman" was in reality Betty. It was really comical until the jealous Armando beat Nicholas up, who was blind without his glasses.]
BERTHA: "Muchachas" it's like Mission Impossible. We have a lot of work ahead of us.
SOFIA: Even so with all that, there is a lot of mystery surrounding the presidency of Betty, right?
BERTHA: As far as I am concerned, I have no interest in the part of this "chisme" that which pertains to the business. What interests me is the part about the romance between Armando and Betty. [ From the look on Bertha's face, it not only interests her, it delights her. ]
SOFIA: Romance, Bertha? For God's sake! But don't you realize that those two guys made love to poor Betty, just to save their own skins?
BERTHA: Oh yes! It was a dirty affair. You know ... was Betty aware of what they were doing? Because if not, we have to tell her.
AURA MARIA: Aye what a boba I am! That happened so long ago ... Betty quiting the company ... the cancellation of the wedding between Don Armando and Doa Marcela ...Betty trying to leave Ecomoda as they would say ... out the back door ... to say nothing of Betty right now behaving very strange toward Don Armando ... strange ... very strange .
MARIANA: "S, s" ...
AURA MARIA: Strange things are happening here, because ... why did Mario write this letter to Armando, Why?
SANDRA, with her eyes still glued to Mario's letter: YES, and why was this put in the folder for the General Financial Statement ... ?
Like a diving falcon with its wings folded, the new secretary of the Vice President of Finance, SOFIA, pounces on Sandra and grabs the folder off her lap with such force that Sandra rubs her knees.
SOFIA: Give it here !!!
BERTHA, to Sofia: Keep it with you, analyze it, and later we will call another meeting and then you can fill us in on all the financial gossip...
SOFIA: Yes, we will keep it for us all [ She puts one hand out to the center followed by each of the others joining in the center, the universal pledge of unity. You know the line, "One for all and all for one"]
SCENE: The cuartel are back in the office with the elevators in the background.
SOFIA: "Muchachas" this looks to me to be part of the historical [financial] record. I will get in touch as soon as I look it over and we can have another meeting soon. Until then, let's split.
A WOMAN IN A SHAWL, saying goodbye to a group of ladies: Okay, girls, we'll talk more later. Then she gets in the elevator. [kind of a walk-through scene with some "extras" ]
SANDRA, approaching the area shared with Patty, imitating some of Patty's body language : Hey, Peliteida, how como you haven't cleaned up the floor?
PATTY, who was sitting with her back to Sandra, halfway turns in her chair and says: Qu?
SANDRA: Why haven't you cleaned the floor?
PATTY: Because I'm waiting for you, Cinderella, so you can clean it.
SANDRA: Ha, ha, ha, ha! Like that I care, hear?
PATTY: Well, no problem then ... we'll both get sanctioned.
SANDRA: Hah, I didn't start this fight.
PATTY: Oh yah, neither do I own the chalk with which the lines were drawn on the floor.
SANDRA Okay, perfect. Then we'll both get thrown out.
MARCELA, calling from her office: Aura Maria!
Both Sandra and Patty jump up and stand shoulder-to-shoulder to hide the chalk lines they had previously drawn on the floor, and which Marcela had ordered to be cleaned up by both of them. Marcela breezes in and goes right to Aura Maria's desk.
MARCELA: Aura Maria!
AURA MARIA: S Doa Marcela.
MARCELA: Do you know if Mariana is downstairs? Because, I called her twice and got no answer.
Sandra and Patty both signal to Aura Maria to keep Marcela distracted while they grab a couple of red rags or sponges and scrub the chalk marks off the floor.
AURA MARIA: S, Doa Marcela, she just went downstairs and what happened is that Don Hugo had just turned us loose.
MARCELA: Hmmm .... Do me a favor and ask her if she has seen, or has [in her possesion], my color cards. It's that I can't find them, okay?
Marcela begins to turn around to return to her office and Aura Maria grabs the phone to call Mariana.
AURAMARIA: Aye, Doa Marcela. Doa Marcela, I'm calling her right now. Wait a little bit. ... [on the phone] Mariana? Aye, Mariana, do you have ... do you have ... What is it that you wanted, Doa Marcela?
MARCELA, a little peaved: My color cards, my color cards ...
AURA MARIA: The color cards ... The color cards, witch! Ah, Ah, Hmm, Ah, Okay.
Sandra and Patty have just finished scrubbing the chalk marks off the floor, and after putting away the cleaning materials, they give the all clear signal to Aura Maria.
AURA MARIA: Doa Marcela, she is going to look for it and let you know later.
MARCELA, mocking Aura Maria: Aaaaaah ...Aaaaaaaah
As Marcela turns to leave, she spots Patty and Sandra again standing shoulder-to-shoulder in front of where she saw chalk marks on the floor earlier.
MARCELA: Get away from there!
PATTY: Why, Marce? ha ha
MARCELA: Ha! Ha! Ha! ... I want to see the floor.
PATTY: The floor is fine, Marce. [Then Patty, followed by Sandra side step to their left (Marcela's right) to reveal a recently cleaned floor] Have a look, Marce.
MARCELA: And ... Armando ... has he arrived yet?
PATTY, walking up to a few inches from Marcela's face to speak more confidentially: He hasn't arrived yet, Marce.
MARCELA: And, Beatriz ?
PATTY: Neither has she ...
Marcela exits stage right and patty returns to her desk. Sandra appears to be looking through some papers on her own table. Then as Patty approaches, backs up so that her rump blocks the way to Patty's chair. Patty turns around and with her own rump bumps Sandra's hard enough to move her several feet.
SCENE: In the new car dealership, Betty is standing near the passenger door of a deep sky blue car. The salesman is on the driver's side and passes over to Betty a padded clipboard on which is one or more forms for her to fill out. Nicholas walks completely around the car examining everything he can see.
SALESMAN: Congratulations, seorita, you are getting an excellent car.
BETTY: Thank you very much, but the one you deliver to me will be this color, right?
SALESMAN: Of course ... we will deliver the same to you tomorrow.
BETTY: Oh, one question ... I want to ask you if you have a corporate plan for businesses
SALESMAN: Of course. Why?
BETTY: It's that eventually, I would be interested in acquiring cars on discount, with special financial arrangements for our employees. Therefore, I'd like to familiarize myself with your numbers and in general what you have to offer our business.
SALESMAN: Yes! Of course, if you like, I can let you have all the data you need. Do you have a business card? I will get all the information to you.
BETTY: Noooo [ She turns to Nicholas, who is standing next to her playing with the radio antenna . ]
Nicholas: &am p;nb sp; Me neither
BETTY, to the salesman: &am p;nb sp; I'll write down the address and you can get it to me there.
SALESMAN: Okay, that's fine.
NICHOLAS: I was going to talk to you , Betty, concerning us going around without business cards ... very serious. It's pathetic. Nobody believes what we are. If you wish, I will get some, okay?
BETTY: Um hum.
NICHOLAS: And another thing ... a very important business tool in today's world, is the cellular phone, right?
BETTY, handing the clipboard back over the roof to the salesman: "Gracias." Then, to her vice president, an exasperated : Aye! Nicolaaas !!!
The salesman hands the yellow copy back to her.
BETTY: "Gracias."
NICHOLAS: But ... it's that ... a president and her corresponding financial vice president ... and here we are in the street unable to communicate ... we use public phones or whatever that cost a hundred pesos ... No, no, no! And besides, I need it as part of my prestige, it's important. It's that ... when I returned my cellular, I lost my identity.
BETTY: Okay, okaaaaay, Nicholas, but under these circumstances, would it not be better if we get you a new car that you can pay for with your new salary?
NICHOLAS: Yes, yes, but no, no! I have ... a different car in mind.
BETTY: Oh Yes! Which one?
NICHOLAS: A car that was repossessed ... one that some lawyers have, and besides, if I speak with them, I can get it at a very good price, understand? ... A cheap car, a very good buy.
BETTY: What car are you talking to me about?
NICHOLAS: You will surely know it, Betty; "tranquila", you will see for sure.
Due to her perilous and ever-worsening financial condition, Patricia resorts to calling her ex-husband, Mauricio Briggman, to ask him for financial help. The call is answered by his secretary and Patricia asks her to tell Mr. Briggman that his "wife" is on the phone. It seems that the secretary tells Patricia that she cannot be his wife because Mr. Briggman is currently in a meeting with his wife ... judging by her reaction, the fact that her ex has remarried is obviously news to Patty. At Aura Mara's desk, Aura Mara and Sandra listen to Patricia's conversation and make fun of her situation. :o) Meanwhile, Patricia concedes to Mr. Briggman's secretary that she is the ex-wife. In response to whatever the secretary says, Patricia angrily answers, "What do you mean the witch?!?!" â it seems that that is Mr. Briggman's pet name for his ex-wife. :o) Patricia, now angry, barks out an order to the secretary to just put her through.
While Patricia is holding to speak to her ex, El Cuartel gathers in the corridor and they agree that it's time to go to their boardroom so that Sofa can give them a detailed analysis of the report rendered at the meeting. Once in the bathroom, Sofa informs them that it seems that Eco Moda owes Terra Moda the sum of 96 billion pesos. The girls instantly recognize the name of Terra Moda as being the company that Nicols used to manage and they wonder why such a rich man would now be working at Eco Moda.
Meanwhile, at her desk, Patricia finally gets put through to her ex-husband and demands that he help her out financially. She reminds him that when they got married it was "for better or for worse" and she explains that she's in dire need of financial help and he is still bound by those vows ... she claims that it was until death due them part and not divorce (she's really ingenious, isn't she?).
Betty and Nicols walk into a cell phone store ... apparently Betty has given in to Nicols' suggestion that they each need one. They ask the attendant to show them the various models of phones that they have available and Nico, of course, goes for the flashiest looking one ... a silver model. He asks the attendant to get out from behind her desk so that Betty can look at him with the phone and give her opinion (he's really only doing it so he can see the attendant's legs while she strolls the store waiting for him). Betty tells him he looks great with the phone and suggests that he buy that model. On the other hand, Betty chooses the most inexpensive model available. The attendant offers them various plans ... Betty goes with the least expensive one and Nicols is left with no choice but to follow suit.
Back at EcoModa, since it seems that Mr. Briggman is not willing to cooperate, Patricia tells him that she still uses his name and everyone knows that she's his ex-wife and it will make him look bad once she starts telling everyone the way he left her in misery. Apparently Mr. Briggman has heard enough because he hangs up on his darling ex-wife. :o) As Patty stares and yells indignantly at the phone, Betty and Nicols exit the elevator ... Betty asks Patricia what the matter is. Without realizing that Betty is the one asking the question, Patricia automatically begins to blab her story of woe, but she soon realizes who she's talking to and instead nicely answers, "I have problems, Betty, just problems." Noticing that no one seems to be around, Betty asks Patricia where El Cuartel is and Patricia is happy to oblige and tell her that they are in the bathroom and they have spent almost the entire day there in a meeting. Just then, a cleaning lady walks by carrying a black garbage bag ... Betty notices it and asks her if she's taking that to the dumpster and the cleaning lady answers affirmatively. Betty's face acquires a look of sadness ... Armando getting rid of the 'detalles' seems to be affecting her rather more than she thought it would. Patricia snaps Betty out of her thoughts by telling her that she needs to speak with her, but Betty tells her that she can't just at the moment and asks Patricia to send El Cuartel in to Presidencia. As Betty walks away, Nicols seizes the moment and tells Patricia that he would like to see her in his office later, he has to talk to her (Nicols seems to be holding something inside his trench coat). In response, Patricia looks at him with disdain.
When Betty is about to enter her office, Nicols catches up to her and asks her if the black garbage bag was the one with the 'detalles' (is that the only black garbage bag in EcoModa???). Betty assents and asks her if she expected Armando not to get rid of it. Betty responds that she expected him to get rid of it, but she still held out the slim hope that he'd want to keep it. :o(
In the bathroom, Sofa tells El Cuartel that Nicols is obviously not a rich man and she surmises that Armando and Mario somehow used Betty in some unethical moves and Betty brought in her boyfriend (Nicols) into the picture. While the girls are now seeing a more clear picture of what took place during the "upheaval days" of THE BOARD MEETING at EcoModa, they still don't have all of the facts and not everything makes sense to them ... they especially question how this letter came into Betty's hands. Sandra then remembers the blue bag that she found in Mario's office and which she gave to Betty, but which Betty brought back not much later and asked her not to say that she had ever seen the bag. It was after that, Sandra adds, that Betty started crying like Mary Magdalene. Mariana adds that she thinks she has the perfect way in which to go about getting the rest of the information out of Betty to complete the puzzle. What could it be ... another tarot card reading?
Marcela walks out of her office and, upon also noticing that no one seems to be at their desks, asks Patricia where El Cuartel is. Patricia immediately runs the bus on them and ironically tells her that they must not be feeling well because they've spent the entire day in the bathroom. Marcela immediately heads in the direction of the bathroom. As Marcela enters the bathroom, Sofa tells the rest of the girls, "Can you imagine Doa Marcela's face upon finding out that an ugly woman, a woman as ugly as Betty, stole her fiance?" Everyone burst out in laughter ... everyone, that is, except Marcela (whom the girls haven't seen yet). Sofa continues her jokes by imitating Marcela's looks, moves and voice when she finds out the horrible truth. Just then, Marcela makes her presence known and all of the girls totally freeze, not knowing what to say ... they've been cauth red-handed. Sofa comes to her senses first and assures Marcela that they weren't talking about her, but about a soap opera (what else?). However, Marcela doesn't buy the story and tells them that she knows she is the subject of gossip all over EcoModa and tells them that if they've got anything to say to her, they should say it to her face and not behind her back. The girls are all frightened out of their wits because their jobs could be on the line once again and they all say they've got nothing to say to her and, one by one, they start exiting the bathroom, leaving an angry Marcela staring after them.
Armando and Mario get off the elevator as El Cuartel comes out of the bathroom and they immediately start whispering to each other about what he did to Betty. Armando notices their whispering and when he asks if anything is wrong, they smile and say that there isn't and start to head toward their respective desks. But Patty stops them and tells them that Betty awaits them in Presidencia. As El Cuartel heads off in that direction, a surprised Armando asks Patricia whether Betty is back and Patricia confirms that she came back a while ago with Nicols. Marcela, who has just come out of her office to hear this last question made by Armando, cynically says, "As if you didn't know that already," and gives him a killer look. Armando, a little perturbed, answers, "No, I didn't know that. Caldern, let's get to work in your office." Mario and Armando walk away in the direction of their office. When they are alone once again, Marcela tells Patricia:
Marcela -- Patricia, I think that Beatriz has told all, El Cuartel knows everything that happened between Armando and her (referring to Betty).
Patricia -- Why did you trust her? Marce, did you know that the thief that we now have as vice president of finance asked me to come into his office. Why do you think that is?
Marcela -- Go ahead and find out. (Ironically) Maybe he'll give you a raise. Call me when El Cuartel comes out of Presidencia.
Patricia (referring to the possibility of a raise) -- Could it be?!? :o)
In her office, Betty discusses the clothes that Hugo will be designing for El Cuartel and asks them for their cooperation with the project since it implies a high cost to the company. She also tells them that she knows they've spent a lot of time in the bathroom today and asks them not to continue doing it because that will give Doa Marcela grounds to take action against them. She then asks what the reason for the meeting was, and they all look at each other and evasively answer that it was just gossip, regular run-of-the-mill gossip ...
In Mario's office, Mario tells Armando that he's going to have to start taking Marcela everywhere with him ... didn't he notice that she was acting angrily because she thought he was with Betty? Armando firmly answers that he will do no such thing, it's bad enough that he has to put up with her in the first place. He then looks down at the waste paper basket and notices that ... the black garbage bag is gone! He remarks to Mario that they took it and Mario responds that of course they did, that's what he gets for putting up such a valiant show in front of Marcela about throwing the bag away! Did he want to keep it? Isn't it better that it's finally in the trash? Armando gets up out of his chair and heads over to a corkboard on the wall and tells Mario that yes, it's better that they took it away, he didn't want to keep it (liar!!). Immediately after he says that, he nonchalantly asks Mario if he knows when the garbage truck comes by to pick up the garbage. Mario answers, "I don't know ... it's never come to pick me up. Why???" :o)
PART 9
PRESIDENCIA EARLY EVENING
Betty is sitting at her desk in deep thoughts while Miguel (the computer technician) installs her computer. When he finishes, he tells her so, but she is so deep in her thoughts that she doesn't hear him. Miguel taps her shoulder and tells her that he has finished. Betty thanks him and stares ahead again as he looks at her. Betty noticing thanks him again and he leaves.
As Miguel leaves, Aura Maria walks in with a bright smile. She is carrying Betty's agendas, and Aura Maria notifies Betty that she has finished transferring all the information to her computer, therefore she is ready to make any telephone call that Betty may need. Betty thanks her and as Aura Maria turns around getting ready to leave Betty stops her. She asks her whether she knows at what time the garbage truck comes to pick up the garbage at Ecomoda. Aura Maria says, I don't know, why? Betty says, no its nothing.
Aura Maria (full of enthusiasm) runs to Betty's desk and picks up the phone as she tells Betty she is going to find out. In her flirtatious manner Aura Maria asks at what time the garbage truck will come. At 7:00p.m. the person replies. Aura Maria tells Betty who says, "that means they are about to get here". Aura Maria asks her, "do you need anything?" "No no", Betty shakes her head, and Aura Maria says Ciao and leaves.
HALLWAY (RECEPTION AREA 2ND FLOOR) AT ECOMODA
Armando walks out of his new office and approaches the cleaning lady who is dusting the area behind Aura Maria's desk. (quietly and looking over his shoulder to make sure la peliteida nor Sandra over hear him) he too asks at what time is the garbage truck is coming, to which she replies, it is coming at any minute now, or maybe it's already come. Armando leaves in a hurry as the cleaning lady stares him as she bites her lower lip as if she is lusting after him.
As Armando leaves the phone at Sandra's desk rings; it is the call that Armando has been waiting for from Caracas, Venezuela. Sandra calls after Armando to tell him, but he ignores her and continues rushing towards the stairs.
Calderon overhears Sandra calling Armando several times, and he asks her (as he comes out of his office), what is the matter?.
Sandra explains, and Mario if he can receive the call.
No, Mario replies, because Armando is the one who is dealing with them and knows all the details; tell them to call back in ten minutes. (As this was happening, Patricia has been flipping her long blonde hair in front of Mario's face, almost slapping him with her hair).
Freddy arrives as the elevator doors open. Sandra asks him to go find Armando right away. She tells him to go find him anywhere he may be, whether it is in the second floor, or in another part of the building or somewhere in Bogota!. Freddy leaves singing. As he turns the corner, he stops singing as he sees Aura Maria who is returning to her desk (coming back from Betty's office). She has a big smile on her face, and asks him at what time he is going to take her home. Freddy replies that until he confirms that she does not have any kind of relationship with the guy she was dancing with at El Santuario, he is not going to be taking her anywhere. Sandra sees him chatting with Aura Maria and tells him to go and find Don Armando now! Aura Maria goes to her desk whining about how she is going to have to catch a bus to get home. Patricia makes fun of this fact and Aura Maria tells her that she was already used to having a 'motorized boyfriend" (something to that effect), to which Patricia tells her that she is going to have to get used to riding the bus again, something which has been created for people like her. and she (Patricia goes on to quote a song) adds, "as the song goes, if you want to get to know the people of Colombia, ride a bus". Sandra tells Patricia, I can't wait to see you on a bus, and I know that will be very soon. Never will your eyes see such a thing, Patricia replies.
SOFIA AND BERTA
Sofia and Berta are still gossiping about Betty and Armando.
Berta: I am sure something went on between them.
Sofia: Nothing surprises me anymore. (she moves her chair closer to Berta to whisper). Look, Betty had Nicolas as a boyfriend while at the same time she became Armando's lover, she ruined the marriage for Doa Marcela, and at the same time Nicolas was dating Doa Marcela's best friend, while he was Betty's boyfriend!. No, what promiscuity!
Berta: No!, what a good gossip!
They both laugh while you hear from his office Nicolas yelling Sofia's name asking her to go into his office.
Sofia: I'm going!
Sofia: (to Berta) he is more demanding than all the executives put together!) they laugh and she goes into his office.
NICOLAS' OFFICE
Sofia: Yes doctor
Nicolas: Sofia, how are you? Look give this to Gutierres
Sofia: Anything else?
Nicolas: Yes, call this cellular number and transfer it to me. (and he hands her a big envelope and a slip of paper with the cell number)
Sofia: Yes doctor (Sofia leaves and Nicolas removes a magazine that is covering Patricia's picture, he picks up the frame and kisses it)
Outside Sofia hands Berta the big envelope and tells her to give it to Gutierrez as soon as she sees him. Sofia then picks up the phone and dials the number Nicolas gave her. Nicolas is seen behind Sofia, (at his window opening with one hand the venetian blinds to look at Sofia as he holds his new cell phone with the other hand to his ear, as he says)
Nicolas: Hello!
Sofia: Yes sir, please hold a moment as I transfer you to Dr.Nicolas Mora.
Nicolas: I am Nicolas Mora!
Sofia: No, you are going to be talking with Nicolas Mora!
Nicolas comes out of his office and stands behind Sofia as he is still talking on his cell phone
Nicolas: No Sofia, you are talking to me, Nicolas Mora!
Sofia: I don't understand Doctor!
Nicolas: I am testing my new cell telephone, to see if it sounds good.
Sofia: Oh, so is it ok?
Nicolas: Yes, yes, it's perfect, you can hang up now. (he closes his phone and makes little circles in the air with it)
(Berta is staring at him with an incredulous look on her face)
Sofia: Doctor, do you need anything else?
Nicolas: No no no, oh! yes yes yes, why don't you call me that little girl; what's her name? the blonde one?, oh, Patricia Fernandez, to come to my office, just as I told her to do so a while ago; to come quickly!
Sofia: Yes of course Doctor, I will call the blonde, but little girl? Huh!
Nicolas smiles at her remark.
HALLWAY RECEPTION AREA (2nd FLOOR)
Sofia approaches Aura Maria's new desk and leaning against it she calls Patricia.
Sofia: Hey! ex-black haired, or better yet, peliteida, my boss says he called you to his office and that you haven't gone yet and he's waiting.
Patricia: What for?
Sofia: I don't know, you ask him!
NICOLAS' OFFICE
Nicolas closes the venetian blinds then he puts cologne under his arms and then splashes himself with it as Patricia walks in.
Patricia: Tell me what it is you need.
Nicolas: Yes, Patty, last time we spoke you blamed me for you loosing your car, and I feel very badly, although I don't agree with you; I do want to help you.
Patricia: You do? How are you going to help me? are you going to give me a raise or are you going to give me a loan? (she sits down crossing her legs and thus showing the big runs on her hoses)
Nicolas: No no no, I can't help you in that manner, but look what I bought for you. (he shows her a new pair of panty hoses) look they were recommended to me. Do you like them?
Patricia: Give them to me. (she grabs them)
Nicolas takes out of the little bag a receipt and adds:
Nicolas: yes Patty, and look, if they don't fit you (he hands her the receipt) you can exchange them.
She takes the receipts, thanks him and immediately begins to hit him with the packaged panty hoses several times as she says:
Patricia:DESGRRRRACIAAAAADO! You are not going to treat me like a poor person, did you hear me? What do you think I am, dying of hunger or something? Even if I were dying of hunger, I would not accept this from you! DESGRRRRRRRACIAAAAAAADO! I hate you Nicolas Mora! I hate you! She leaves the hoses.
(Nicolas who has been protecting himself from her attack has a little smile on his face as she leaves his office).
Nicolas: Patty! (he calls after her as she slams the door) Uy! Nicolas, this is what happens to you for trying to be romantic! I wonder if they fit my mother, probably so. The color is perfect too, it will cover her varicose veins. Well, I will save them for her birthday!
HALLWAY
Patricia is walking back to her desk angry saying outloud:
Patricia: Imbecile!
Sofia: (to Berta)Ahhhh! She yelled at him again!
Berta: I think she even hit him!, ha ha This confirms for me that there was definitely something between those two. I think between them there was a Carnival mi hijita! ha ha
Sofia: ha ha ha
Patricia: (mumbling outloud to herself as she approaches her desk) This one is not going to humiliate me, no one is going to humiliate me!
Sandra: Hey Patico, what's wrong, tell me what is wrong?
Patricia: Are you crazy? Are you crazy? You are mad if you think I am going to tell you my problems.
Sandra: Uy no, you don't need to tell me, because you are always voicing them to the four winds. We already know your ex- husband has remarried, that he doesn't send you a penny, let's see, what other problem does little Patico have; tell me? (in the background there are two unknown employees standing by the elevator, laughing at what Sandra is saying).
Patricia: Look, giraffe, old maid, meddler, resentful, tall woman! Look, I have problems that you would never understand!, these are problems that only people of a certain class have, (as she says these words the elevator doors open and it's Daniel who steps behind Patricia without her knowledge, and listens to her words as he looks at her torn panty hoses). Patricia:...as I said, you would never understand these problems, so move it, move it!, let me get by. (Daniel is smiling as he was leaning down to look at Patricia's hoses closer and with a big sigh he says):
Daniel: Good Evening!
Patricia jumps of surprise and turns around to look at him, with her mouth opened! She quickly seats at her desk and says:
Patricia: Good evening Daniel.
Daniel: And Marcela, where is she?
Patricia: In her office.
Daniel facing Aura Maria:
Daniel: Aura Maria, what are you doing there?
Aura Maria stands up and smiling replies:
Aura Maria: It's because I am the new secretary to the President!
Daniel: Oh yes? How well, how well!, and Patricia, what are you now?
Patricia: I am Marcela's secretary.
Daniel: Soon we shall see you in the cafeteria, but of course this has it's advantages, for you can have a uniform that is so long that it will cover your torn hoses.
Patricia: (pretending to be innocent of the situation and laughing) Oh my God!, my hoses are torn? What a surprise!
Sandra: Doctor, since this morning when she arrived late, we told her about her hoses, but she has not done anything about them, what an embarrassment!
Patricia sits down serious playing with her hair and embarrased.
Daniel: Patricia, I could request for you a quick transfer to cafeteria. There you can wear a daily uniform that is provided to you by the company. This would solve a lot of your problems for you, because the uniforms includes shoes and hoses!
Patricia: Look, Daniel Valencia, you will not humiliate me because of a simple little accident that can happen to any woman!
Daniel: Yes, but any woman would have already solved the situation by buying herself a new pair of hoses. (he opens his jacket and takes out a bill from his pocket)
Daniel: Here, buy yourself a new pair of hoses.
Patricia: Look Daniel Valencia, I am not going to accept your money! Don't humiliate me!
Daniel: Don't get confused Patricia, this is mere charity to help you solve your problem!
Patricia: Well, you will see that I can solve this problems just like this! (and she snaps her fingers as she leaves her desk and goes towards Nicolas' office)
NICOLAS' OFFICE
Nicolas is working at his desk when he hears someone opening his door. He gets startled and stands up. The door is quickly opened by Patricia who closes the door behind her and quickly demands!
Patricia: Give me those hoses!
Nicolas: Which?
Patricia: The ones you offered me, Idiot!
Nicolas: You want to hit me on the face with them again, Patty?
Patricia: (She shakes her head in a no motion as she says) Give them to me because I need them.
Nicolas: No problem, please! and he hands them to her. Patricia grabs them and quickly.
Nicolas: Look, here's the receipt, just in case...
Patricia leaves slamming the door behind her as he is telling her as Nicolas is still saying
Nicolas:... you need to exchange them. Who understands them? Who understands them? (Then he looks up talking to God, and adds) Do you understand them? ha ha, You don't understand them!
RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR
Aura Maria (talking on the phone): ...but you can take me in your little car, right, ha ha. pause (in the background we see Patricia who is walking quickly coming from Nicolas' office with the panty hoses in hand. She goes into the bathroom)
Aura Maria:...what do you mean your car is broken?, well in that case, we'll have to go out another time. (and she hangs up looking upset)
Sandra: (answers a call) Vice Presidencia Comercial. (pause) Ah, yes, Doctora how embarrassing, Doctor Armando has not returned yet, it must be that he is solving a very important problem in the company.
GARBAGE DUMPSITE ECOMODA BACK ALLEY
Armando digging through the garbage.
Armando: Damn it, My God where did they hide the bag?
Two employees approach him.
Employee 1: Who is that?
Employee 2: It looks like Dr. Mendoza.
Employee 2. Excuse me Doctor, we've come for the garbage.
Armando: You two don't touch this garbage.
Employee 2: It's just that the garbage truck won't return again for two days.
Armando (loosing his patience and kind of yelling a little). Look Alirio, and you Parfan, big head!, didn't you understand me? I am going to have to send you a memo with a warning if you touch this garbage. Ciao, I don't want to see you here. Good- bye!
The two employees leave. Armando continues squeezing bags and now it is Freddy who approaches him.
Freddy: Doctor? Doctor don't tell me that you have reached such a bad economical situation now that you are having to dig through garbage! Are you getting involved with Patricia Fernandez?
Armando: Freddy! Don't be idiotic!
Freddy: As you command, doctor!, from this moment on, I shall cease being an idiot!. The thing is, that they are calling you from Caracas. Caracas, how I love that city!
Armando (who by now has climbed on top of the garbage looks up at Freddy) Caracas! , why now? Caracas! (he shakes his head and adds) This is more urgent (as he points to the trash).
Freddy: Each person has his priorities, right? Excuse me. He turns to leave and Armando says:
Armando: No no no no, Freddy, it's not that... what has happened is that I have some important papers that were thrown away accidentally by the cleaning lady, so I am having to find them. That's all!.
Freddy: (unbuttoning his jacket) Please doctor, don't soil your aristocratic hands, let me do it.
Armando: (screaming in a hurry) No, don't touch my garbage!
Freddy leaves both his hands in the air in shock as Armando adds:
Armando: This garbage is... mine!
Freddy: Doctor, I understand that everything in the company is yours, including the trash. Continue Doctor!
Armando: Could you leave me alone, Freddy? I want you to disappear, to leave, to go away!
Freddy: Of course Doctor, I understand that we all need times of thoughts, and of solitude.
Armando: Iron (flat) face, leave!
Freddy waves good-bye as Armando once again keeps digging.
He takes out of bag, which when he squeezes it, he hears the sound of the little gremlin, (the gift that he gave Betty for her birthday). ARMANDO HUGS THE BAG TIGHTLY AND A BIG SMILE COMES TO HIS FACE and he says: THANK YOU LORD! FOR HELPING ME FIND MY TRASH BAG!
RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR
Sandra is seen, as Marcela and Daniel walk in front of her.
Marcela:(talking to Daniel) Wait for me a moment, I have to go discuss two things.
Daniel: And I have to talk seriously with you, so please don't take too long.
Marcela goes towards Presidencia.
Aura Maria is sitting at her desk with a sad face.
Daniel who is looking at her says:
Daniel: Aura Maria,
Aura Maria: (standing up) Yes Sir?
Daniel:...allow me to congratulate you, this new position suits you very well!
Aura Maria smiles widely and thanks him and offers her assistance, should he need it.
Daniel: (smiling)We shall see!
In the background, Armando arrives from the stairway, holding the trash bag. He stops suddenly, as he sees Daniel.
Daniel: Don Armando!
Armando: Don Daniel! (hiding the bag behind his back)
Daniel... You finally found a position here that suits you! Garbage recycler!
Armando: What do you think?
Daniel: Congratulations!
Armando: Thank-You!
Sandra: Doctor (talking to Armando) they called you from Caracas, do you want me to get them on the phone?
Armando: No, Sandra, later! (and he walks away)
Daniel (walking towards Sandra asks her) Who is calling him from Caracas?
Sandra has a worried look, as the scene changes to Armando and Mario as they talk in the conference room. They both whisper to each other the following conversation:
Mario: Where have you been?, they are calling you from Venezuela!
Armando: I was at the garbage dumpsite.
Mario: I already smelled it!
Armando: Man, I found the bag, I found the bag!
Mario: That's Betty's bag? Man, you are crazy!, how can you walk around with the evidence in hand, please what will happen if she catches you!. put it in the office!
Armando: Calderon, if I put it in the office, everybody is going to notice, and they are going to tell Marcela that I got it from the dumpster!
Mario: So, then, what are you going to do?
Armando: (after a small pause) Hand it to it's owner!
Armando turns to leave, and Mario grabs him as he says (still whispering)
Mario: Are you crazy?
Armando: No, I'm not crazy!, I'm going to hand it to Betty!
Mario: Over my dead body!
PRESIDENCIA
Marcela is in Betty's office sitting in front of her desk.
Betty: Tell me, how can I be of service?
Marcela: I have to talk to you about two things: The first is about the meeting tomorrow, and the second- you went back on your word! Betty shows a puzzled look.
Marcela:...All the Cuartel already know about the beautiful story between you and Armando!
Betty: (very surprised!) No!, no no, no, that can not be possible! The double doors are opened and... IT'S ARMANDO! MARCELA AND BETTY ARE BOTH LEFT STARING AT HIM VERY SURPRISED!
BETTY'S OFFICE
After opening the doors to Betty's office without taking the precaution of knocking, Armando is surprised to see Marcela sitting in front of Betty. They all greet each other and he says that he came to talk. He doesn't make eye contact with either one so Marcela asks if he came to speak to her. "Not precisely", he says. This answer draws a sad look from Marcela. When Armando informs Betty that he came to discuss business, Marcela states that she is there for the same reason. She invites him in. He hurriedly says no and as he is saying no he's sliding the trash bag drop down to the floor.
After dropping the bag, he steps in and closes the doors just a tad in order to keep them from seeing the bag. Armando says, "After seeing you sitting there, I believe that it would be best that we talk at the meeting tomorrow. Marcela rises from her chair and offers to leave them alone. Armando says that it won't be necessary that they will talk tomorrow and closes the door on his way out. Marcela asks Betty if she had interrupted something, Betty answers no.
IN THE HALLWAY
Heading towards his office, Armando grabs his head in a gesture that quickly states, "That was close". On his journey, he is approached by Bertha and Sophia who offer to take the bag. He answers no. After rounding the corner and speaking to Sandra about the telephone call that is waiting for him, he is approached by Aura Maria. While offering to take the trash she tries to take it from him. He angrily says no and clings it tighter to his body. (He clings to the bag the way a running back on a football team hugs a football in order to protect it from being punched out of his hands.)
ARMANDO AND MARIO'S TEMPORARY OFFICE
Mario asks if Betty didn't receive the trash bag. Armando informs him that Marcela was there and that it was a disaster. Mario makes believe that his computer is a keyboard and begins to sing, "I'm a little trash bag. I'm a little trash bag." Armando gives him one of his mad looks where he looks at a person through the corner of his eyes.
BETTY'S OFFICE
Betty is telling Marcela that if she is not happy with the numbers that Nicolas presents she is more than welcome to refute them and propose other alternatives. Marcela answers, "Very nice", not meaning it.
Betty, taking the conversation back to what the Cuartel may know about her romance, says that she doesn't know where they would have obtained the information. She does not want the story to come out. She goes on, "It is not something to be proud about and it is very painful." She informs Marcela that she has put it in her past. Marcela asks if she has forgotten about it. Betty answers, "It's something that I left in the past". Betty promises to speak to the Cuartel to find out what they know.
Marcela believes it's a good idea, because they have very precise information. The Cuartel, as Marcela informs her, is going around saying that she called off the wedding due to Betty. Betty was not aware that it had been called off due to her. Marcela wants to know what she expected after Betty showed her the bag and Mario's letter. Betty reminds her that she did not want to show her the contents of the bag. Marcela had obligated her to do it. She goes on to remind her that she, Betty, was the one that wanted the bag opened in privacy.
Again, Marcela states that the Cuartel knows something. Betty promises to find out what it is and to put an end to the rumors. Marcela in an angry tone, "That's perfect", gets up and walks out.
After Marcela walks out of her office, Betty sighs and seems a bit nervous and states to herself, "That damn black bag".
I do watch it sometimes just to see where they are .....will def catch up when bety returns after makeover
personally buffie,I prefer the original version more coz it had a lot more passion and romance . it would have been great if t&d had followed the original script and come up with th sequel just like the original.
read the entire script,U would be surprised at the intensity and passion from arman's side and the avoidance and distance though not willingly from betty 's side
the diary scenes ,the trash can scenes were one of the best parts of the story
i read it when i first got fascinated with jassi.... and came to know that is we a remake of another serial. i have downloaded the summaries from the net and put order in them and all.
you can imagine my disgust when they deviated from the original script. and never seemed to get the same intensity in their version. sometimes they seemed to write the episode on a daily basis and often seemed to change their story according to the popular demand. no wonder i stopped watching it long before it ended. just hung to the story through the updates on the forum.đ
now i feel they are doing the same to the elas story. must be a sony specialityđ
CID
Bigg Boss 19
