1993“And IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII’ll always love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu....”That’s how four-year-old Caroline screamed at the top of her lungs the song “I’ll Always Love You”, a version by Whitney Houston, which indicated to take first place in the top 100 Brazil Year-End. There wasn't a Brazilian who hadn't heard about the song or the movie “The Bodyguard”.Melissa wouldn't mind if her daughter tried to sing the song at home. The problem is that Caroline is demonstrating her 'talent' on the sands of Sunset Village beach, amid countless beachgoers, in the middle of summer.Alan, now eight, threatens to turn off the portable radio, “Mom, tell Caroline to stop embarrassing us!”Melissa laughs. She sits on a beach chair, grabs sunscreen, and puts it over her singing daughter, “Caroline could be as famous as Whitney and Mariah in the future, son.”“With that voice, never!” Alan mocks and picks up a soccer ball.Reuben approaches him. Both boys are wearing pattern
Elsewhere on the beach, João Paulo, Benjamin, Frederick, and others were playing beach volleyball. They managed to tie a net between two poles that the City had put up for this very purpose.Jock was among them, and like Kelvin, the women drooled over the handsome, fit bodies of the two ex-country boys.The team where the mentioned characters were wins the match and everyone cheers with the victory.“Nice, man!” Frederick cheers, “Where did you learn to play like that?”“I don't know, the other day I came to the beach and learned from other people.” Jock shrugs.João Paulo approaches them, “It was very good, people. Now I will approach the rest of the group.”Jock decides to question Josias's half-brother, “João Paulo, are you the famous brother of Josias Rocha?”“With great pride!” João Paulo puts his teeth on the beach.“How is he?” Jock tries to ask casually, “We see on the news that another woman is living in the penthouse.”João Paulo breaks his smile, “She's one of the sluts who
The next day, Katherine invades Josias's office with the newspaper in her hand, open to the page of the society columns, and with an expression of indignation.“Josias, look at how your ex-wife behaves like a vulgar one!” Katherine tosses the newspaper over important documents Josias has been reading.Josias takes the newspaper and looks at it with a slight smile. In the photo, Melissa is laughing because of a joke told by Uélton. He, Flávia, and the children were registered in the photo. A familiar scenario.“There's nothing immoral here, Kate.” Josias returns the newspaper, “Don't bother me.”“Look again!” Katherine refuses to take the newspaper back.When Josias scrutinizes the photo, he finds the hottie Kelvin between Melissa and Alan as if he were the father and husband.Josias doesn't show the slightest bit of jealousy, “I repeat, Kate: there's nothing licentious about this photo. Let me work in peace.”Katherine seethes with rage and grabs the newspaper, almost tearing it.When
In Teodoro’s building, the lobby radio is playing “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, a version by UB40. Cristina and Diane talk with the newspaper open on the counter.“Looks like I can see you here in the corner of the picture, honey.” Cristina jokes while pointing to the photo.“It's me, Aunt Cris. I look ugly and dull while the other women wore sexy bikinis.” Diane ducks her head, “I don't even know how Daryl didn't dump me then and there for a hot blonde who was topless.”Cristina laughs, “It's because he respects you, honey. He chose you.”Diane lifts her head, “It's clear we've become great friends.”“All I need is for me to receive the wedding invitation!” Cristina laughs.Moacyr appears wheeling himself in the wheelchair, “What's so funny, honey?”“Diane thinks she's unlovable when in fact Daryl kisses the ground she walks on,” Cristina responds by being romantic.Moacyr gets in the mood, “Niece, you must prepare to be the future Mrs. Mountain and work at the restaurant.”“But, unc
Frederick doesn't understand why Benjamin keeps asking about Jock. The two remain talking next to the dumpster.“I have no idea of ulterior motives, Ben.” Frederick admits with a shrug, “Maybe he wanted to know like every person who moves here. You know, in the country we don't have Maggiezine to read.”“You mean the guy was just curious?” Benjamin crosses his arms to confirm.“Yes, he is working at Rocha Constructions.” Frederick smiles, “See how nice the hotel is turning out? He must be working alongside his ex-father-in-law and Uélton Freire, Josias's best friend.”“If Jock wants to know about Josias, it's Uélton he should ask questions.” Benjamin scoffs, “The two have known each other for 13 years. Well, let's get back to work, this garbage is more fetid than before.”The two boys go back inside Crystal Blue using the back door.******At Simeon's house, Dora is sweeping the living room with the radio on playing “Walking in My Shoes” by Depeche Mode. Ironically, Melissa appears
Bernardo approaches the bar and strikes up a conversation with Daryl after Kelvin goes to his post at the entrance to Crystal Blue.Daryl is impressed by his brother-in-law's visit, “Bernie, how are you?”“I'm in big trouble, Daryl. I was wondering if you and Kelvin can help me.” Bernardo looks both ways, fearing that Shirley is nearby, “I want to know what this is all about that your mother is in love with me.”Daryl drops a crystal goblet to the floor. All employees turn their heads to what happened.Frederick approaches with a broom and dustpan, “Don't worry sir, I'll clean it up.”Daryl walks away and nervously leads Bernardo to the office.When the two gentlemen enter, Daryl closes the door. He's tense and worried, “Bernie, where did you get that idea?”Bernardo narrows his eyes as he analyzes Daryl. Is this an 'idea'? Why so much nervousness?“It doesn’t just sound like an old wives’ tale to me.” Bernardo correctly observes, “Maggie keeps accusing her mother of this, and Shirley
“I'm warning you, Caio: if next time your father goes to the beach with us, we'll bury him in the beach sand and we'll 'forget' his location!”At school, Alan warns Caio about William behaving hatefully towards his nephews and sister.The cousins eat their lunch on one of the benches in the schoolyard. Around them, other colleagues who have already eaten are playing and running.“My dad is a pain in the ass.” Caio responds without explaining where he learned this verbal expression from, “He won't stop complaining about your father for a second.”“The bad thing is you didn't go to the beach with us.” Alan regrets.“Did you call? Dad forbade me to answer the phone.” Caio responds, leaving Alan intrigued.“And how are you?” Alan asks before biting the ham sandwich.“My dad's been taking some girls to our home and I can't even sleep with the laughter and screaming the girls do. It feels like they are being assaulted by my father, but they beg for more.”The kids continue to talk without
Melissa returns home. Simeon, Dora, Carlos, and Alan are waiting anxiously. Caroline continues playing with dolls on the living room rug.“And then, daughter?” Dora anxiously asks, “Are you going to replace Nadine on 'Love Just Happens'?”Melissa bursts out laughing as she closes the door, “You guys are hilarious. No, I told Mr. Oliveira that I would start from the bottom.”“And that means?” Carlos asks, “Mr. Oliveira is one of the executives?”“Nothing, just the dramaturgy director.” Melissa sits on the couch and hugs her son, “How was school, son?”“Caio is complaining that Uncle Will is bringing women to their house and Caio can't sleep,” Alan speaks innocently.However, the adults got the message and are embarrassed. William is always perverted when he lives alone! But now he has his son!Melissa returns to the subject, “Anyway, I'm going to stay by Isabel and Flávia's side for guidance. Mr. Oliveira hinted that I could participate in acting, but I have no talent.”Simeon grins, “
Josias visits the Rocha Hotel since he didn’t have a day off for the staff. In the management room, Eugenio gathered David, Benjamin, and Sybil. “Why is that mere cook present at this meeting?” David asked disparagingly. “Because that’s how our boss ordered it,” Eugenio replied dryly. “I didn’t say anything and didn’t call this meeting, so if you’ll excuse me...” Benjamin and Sybil were horrified to see David leaving the meeting just like that. However, when he opened the door, David came face to face with his father. “David, where do you think you’re going?” “DAD!” David exclaimed, extremely surprised. “I didn’t know you were coming!” “Didn’t Eugenio tell you I was coming?” Josias asked with a scowl. David understood who the ‘boss’ was. Benjamin and Sybil felt vindicated. Josias sat down at the desk, taking Eugenio’s seat, while the manager remained humbly standing. “Very well,” Josias began the meeting in a formal tone, “I’m here just to make things crystal clear. First
Melissa and Mary visit the Mountain Café.“A guava juice for me, Mr. Mountain!” Mary requested, smiling sweetly.“Of course, my princess!” Rodrigo replied, thinking Mary was very adorable. “Neil will make a delicious cup for you.”“Thank you. But the princess is Carol,” Mary responded, striking a serious pose.Melissa and Rodrigo laughed heartily. Mary is something else...“Rod, how has it been managing the café in your father’s absence?” Melissa asked seriously.Rodrigo served a baked chicken pastry with ketchup to Mary. “I'm getting by, Melissa. Josias was here earlier, more concerned about my loss than his own, as always. Isn’t he supposed to be resting?”Melissa nodded. “My husband is like that: he only relaxes when all of us are relaxed.”“An impossible mission because of certain people.”Neilton approached with the glass. “Who ordered a guava juice?”“I DID!” Mary grabbed the glass and went to a table.Melissa leaned forward, “Neil, Rod, how are Daryl and Diane? Behaving?”“Cont
At João Paulo’s house, he and Josias were about to have a significant conversation.“Walter, do you want to go with your mom to the kitchen?” João Paulo asked, looking at Helen. “I think she made some walnut cake.”“It was carrot cake,” Sandra replied, already getting up from the couch.“You got it.” Helen appeared and picked up Walter in her arms. “Let’s let Dad and Uncle Josias talk.”“Bye, Uncle!” Walter waved goodbye to Josias.“Bye-bye, I want a piece later!” Josias chuckled.Once alone with João Paulo, Josias became serious. “Don’t let anything or anyone ruin this family scenario, little brother.”“I’m fine. No one wants to ruin anything,” João Paulo replied casually.“Well, I hope David hasn’t caused you any trouble.”“He probably doesn’t even know I exist, man.” João Paulo shrugged.“But I stopped by Café Montanha and found out that the Vasquez family has replaced the Mountain family as the ‘annoying people.’”João Paulo sighed in disappointment. “Yeah. They—”The doorbell ran
Josias visits Café Montanha for a coffee and finds Rodrigo there. “Rod, how have you been?” Rodrigo is taken aback. “How am I? You’re the one who suffered a horrific loss recently!” “But you also lost your father. We’re in the same situation,” Josias explained as he sat down on a stool. “I’m okay, Josias. Life has a way of cheering me up. For example, I’m back at the diner after Thierry decided to take his place at the supermarket.” Rodrigo smiled. “What about the photography studio?” Josias smiled back. “It’s still going to operate, and Thierry will make periodic visits. But he’s going to appoint one of the staff to manage the studio.” Rodrigo served a pizza pastry to Josias. “Thank you. Well, I hope everything is alright between you two. I need to visit Rosemary and meet Jean Luc — is that the name of the baby?” “Yes, the name of the supermarket heir. Meanwhile, Frank will be here or somewhere else.” Josias interjected, “If Frank wants to work at Rocha Constructions, count
At the Rocha Mansion, Josias receives a visit from Benjamin. “How have you been, Ben? Any news about your parents?” The two embrace. “Actually, that’s what I want to talk about.” Benjamin scratches the back of his neck. The embrace breaks. “Let’s go to my office.” The two gentlemen enter Josias’s imposing office. “Any problems with Adolfo?” Josias asks, becoming serious. “Not yet, but I hope not to have any,” Benjamin replies with some sadness. “You know, Josias, what happened with your father made me think about my family, about how important it is for all of us to be together in the final moments.” “That’s true. João Paulo can tell you that better than I can.” “I think you can say it too. Vernon was the father you never had.” Benjamin clears his throat. “So, I’ve been looking into some hotels and realized there’s a demand at the Rocha Hotel in Victoria.” Josias looks at Benjamin, understanding where he’s going with this. “You want to go to Victoria to be close to your pare
Someone rings the doorbell at João Paulo’s house. The homeowner goes to answer after taking a shower and putting on clean clothes. But when he opened the door, João Paulo felt like slamming it in the visitor’s face. “Don’t be rude!” Erasmo exclaimed. “What do you want, you old bore?” João Paulo shot back. Erasmo barged into João Paulo’s foyer. “The mourning is over. Let’s pick up where we left off.” “Are you crazy? Who decides how long mourning lasts? We just got back from the trip!” “Not exactly, it’s been a day. Life goes on, my friend!” Erasmo replied mockingly. João Paulo remained serious. “But I don’t want to continue living this way, where fights and intrigues are the order of the day. Mr. Vasquez, you have a business to run, and I have a family to raise.” “But you found time to slap my son-in-law when he was here defending his family, didn’t you?” “Alan was extremely rude, but that was some time ago.” João Paulo frowned. “I don’t feel the same anger as before.” “So a
At the Vasquez Mansion, Alan could hardly believe that the people were thinking about more intrigues and disputes. “Guys, don’t you understand that I even forgot the reason I slapped Uncle João Paulo?” “Ridiculous!” Erasmo gestured. “You just maintained respect because it was a difficult occasion. But now, the mourning is OVER!” “Do you think João Paulo will rest, dear?” Sofia asked, sitting next to him. Alan shook his head. “If Uncle João Paulo doesn’t want to rest, then he is truly despicable. But my dad is back in town. He wouldn’t dare to do that.” The news should have been uplifting, but the members of the Vasquez family merely exchanged silent glances. With Josias present, it’s quite likely that he will put a stop to their fighting. Alan turned to Olivia. “In the meantime, we should celebrate the recovery of my dear mother-in-law!” Olivia and Sofia smiled awkwardly because of the secret they were keeping. “That’s right, let’s celebrate life!” Erasmo wrapped his arm arou
Josias Rocha and his family returned to Lagoon City. Those who were waiting for them stayed in the mansion and greeted them cheerfully in the foyer. “WELCOME BACK!” Melissa, crying, embraced her parents, William, and the twins fervently. Josias greeted them with a light smile. “Where’s João Paulo?” William asked. “He went straight to his house. His kids needed to rest from the trip.” Melissa wiped her tears with her fingers. “Alan went straight to his mansion. Especially now that his mother-in-law has woken up from the coma.” “That was a scare; I thought we’d have two funerals,” Simeon commented. Everyone headed to the living room. “Is Paris very beautiful, Mom?” Mary asked. “Yes, sweetheart, it’s stunning. We’ll go shopping together another time, okay?” “Do you have pictures?” Ignacio asked anxiously. “Yes, son, we took some pictures.” Melissa sat on the couch, pulling out a package from her bag. Josias sat in the armchair, taking a deep breath. William approached him.
At Café Montanha, Daryl walks in for a coffee and finds Rodrigo at the counter while Neilton serves the others. “Hey, are we back to the old tradition?” “Don’t be a clown, man.” Rodrigo laughs. “Yes, Thierry is at the supermarket, as we agreed.” “Hi, Neil. Can you make me a cappuccino while I enjoy a natural sandwich?” Daryl places his order. “Sure thing, Mr. Mountain.” Neilton heads to the back. Daryl sits on the stool. “So, how do you feel after getting back to your element?” “I don’t regret at all helping my dear wife at the supermarket, Daryl,” Rodrigo admitted while preparing the natural sandwich. “I’m not talking about regrets.” Daryl joked. “But it’s undeniable that after Uncle Francisco’s passing, you prefer to stay here, carrying on the legacy he left.” “Just like Crystal Blue.” Rodrigo smiled. “Hey, I’m aware that you’re looking to open another restaurant in Sunset Village. Do you think you can manage it? How’s the prospecting going?” Daryl picks up the sandwich but