2021-05-21 19:20:04Josias gets tense, expectant. Here is the moment for him to know if she will like what she sees or if she will reject him because he is working on a construction site.
Melissa, however, does not seem to disapprove or belittle him. Instead, she is nodding, looking around. Of course, she couldn't help noticing the fact that Josias was still shirtless and wearing the same sweatpants. “Josias, what are you doing here? Did you get a job as a helper?”
“Yes, Melissa, I did it today. I was needing.” Josias speaks, still looking forward to her approval.
“Congratulations.” She smiles, “If we were going to date, you would have already earned points with my dad.”
Uélton looks at Josias with surprise. Josias smiles satisfied with what he hears. “Thank you very much, Melissa. It is not being easy, but it is what we have.”
“You go a long way, Josias, and you look like a smart boy. Well, let me go to school before I'm late. See you later!”
Melissa waves goodbye and goes on her way. Josias watches her for a moment and then goes back to work. He tries to go back because Uélton won't let him.
“Hey!” Uélton slaps Josias on the shoulder, who complains of pain because of the sun. “How come you don't even introduce me to her? How do you know her? She didn't even look at me!”
Josias looks at Uélton. His ears are bigger than conceived and he has a habit of narrowing his eyes as if he needs glasses, but he doesn't use them to look more “handsome”. Josias smiles, “I don't think she's interested in your beauty.”
“Ah, okay, soap opera heartthrob!” Uélton chuckles, “You have an easier time conquering girls because of your physique, you don't come with a shirt on purpose.”
Josias takes a deep breath. If everyone knew that he ran away from home with only the clothes on his back, they would not be bothered about his clothes (or lack thereof).
And there is also the fact that Uélton and Romualdo will have to get used to sweatpants because he will not wear new clothes to work in the construction.
Meanwhile, Melissa is approaching the school that is in the next neighborhood, as the favela only has a small school that works only as a nursery and classes from the first to the fourth year of elementary school. She smiles when she meets two friends in her class.
“Hello, girls!” The three embrace.
One of them notices the hair. “Hey, did you happen to buy that shampoo we recommend?”
Melissa, remembering the shampoo, also remembers Josias and smiles, looking distant for a few seconds. Then she comes back to them and replies, “Yes, I bought it at the pharmacy over there. And you don’t know the biggest: I thought I took all the money, but no, it was R$ 2.00 missing. Then a guy behind me offered to pay for what was missing. Girls...”
“Was he a kitten?” One of the friends risked asking.
Melissa's eyes widen. “Kitten? Big cat, hunky! The guy lives without a shirt, he's 18 years old and he's not lazy, I just saw him working in a house under construction near where we live.”
Incredibly, the girls' admiration diminished when Melissa informed the last part. The second friend says, “Oh, dear, mason? Worse still, he must be a bricklayer assistant. Not worth it.”
Melissa frowns at her friends. “What do you mean, are you crazy? If you only knew him...”
“We already know enough,” The first friend interrupts her, “handsome, but poor. Girl, if you want to leave Happiness Slum, like us, you need to meet someone worthwhile. Someone who is not accommodating and wants to give you a future you deserve.”
Melissa continues to surprise her friends by saying that kind of thing. “You are judging Josias without even knowing him. Something tells me that he will not stay long as a bricklayer. Not that there is anything wrong with the profession, but he will climb the steps to success.”
The first, more incisive friend interrupts her by pulling her by the uniform blouse. “Okay, Melissa, but you better not wait for him to climb the stairs of success and look for someone who is already at the top, to take you along.”
“You talk as if you know that someone.” Melissa lets go of the tug.
“Not yet.” The first friend has a twinkle in her eye as she continues, “But, I know something that can help us. My older sister is going to do a party, and she said that there will be a lot of handsome guys.” She makes the gesture of “a lot of” with her hand, “And of course you will go to my house.”
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Building My Life Chapter 20 Let's Go to the Party
Melissa has a jolt. “Aren't you inviting me to a party like this that we see in the movies? Where will be drinks, drugs, and sex?”The two friends look at Melissa for a few seconds, as if they don't know what to do, or what to lie to her.Finally, the two smile and assure her, “No! None of that, dear friend, what is it! It’s a safe party. There will be residents of Rainbow Garden and Saint Gabriel, it's a good start.”Melissa smiles in excitement. They're not guys from Europe Garden, but it's worth it. The school bell is sounded and the three enter the rest of the students with the class.Meanwhile, Uélton approaches Josias; the two have already finished the job and are being released by Romualdo."Rest for tomorrow, young people," He says this and walks away to join the adult masons.Uélton is washing his hands with water coming out of a hose. "Anyway, the job is over. Are you up for a party today
Building My Life Chapter 21 Meeting at the Party
Uélton says goodbye to his parents and leaves the house with Josias, somewhat embarrassed to know that his friend is leaving for a public place without underwear. But, Josias is not at all embarrassed. He would even wear the same brief, but Uélton said it would not be appropriate... if Uélton kept his mouth shut...Uélton and Josias go to a part of the Happiness Slum where Josias has not yet met. They passed in the direction pointed by Melissa where her house is. So, the chances of meeting her at the party are big, which encourages Josias.They arrive at a two-story house and a terrace. From a distance, you can already see the crowd on the terrace and the sound of loud music = “Off the Wall”, by Michael Jackson. Uélton goes in and greets everyone his age, the boy looks like the son of a politician, he is so well known. And for each friend greeted, Josias is introduced.What Uélton did not realize was that, wi
Building My Life Chapter 22 Let My Friend Alone
Melissa decides to praise Jonas for eating barbecue with a fork while everyone grabs the meat with their hands. “You know what, good thing Josias prefers the fork; it's a lot more hygienic.” Josias smiles in thanks. “That's what I thought. And by the way, I see the owner of the house slicing a steak. Shall we, Melissa?” “Only if it's now,” Melissa smiles at Josias, and the two move away from the others. Pamela sits down again, pursing her lips in annoyance. She calls Uélton. “Hey, you...” “Uélton, miss.” Uélton tries to be as kind as his friend. “Uélton, what do you know about this guy?” Pamela tilts her chin towards Josias. “He showed up at the construction site where I am, demonstrating excellent skill with the hoe, while I was failing, and Seu Romualdo hired him.” “He is the bricklayer assistant,” The second friend comments, “But, Pamela, let's be fair and acknowledge that he is cute.” “It doesn't matter if he's cute
Building My Life Chapter 23 Waking Up From the Enchantment
Josias does not understand how a person who barely knows him can afford to express such a negative opinion about him. "Excuse me, miss, but you don't know me well enough for such a heavy and cruel judgment.""And is there anything more interesting for me to know?" The question comes out of Pamela's mouth laden with disdain.Josias, faced with the situation, decides to shut up. He looks over Pamela's shoulder and sees Uélton talking to Melissa and Pamela's other friend. Uélton "cleans" his hands in the shorts he's wearing and then with the same "clean" hand takes more slices of meat to eat.Josias narrows his view, considering that if Pamela knows about the few clothes he has, it was thanks to Uélton. Why did Uélton tell this despicable girl that he had nothing to wear to come here? Would it have been unintentionally, or on purpose?Upset, and unable to say goodbye to Melissa (she is well involved in the conversation, and the bo
Building My Life Chapter 24 Josias Is Upset
The next day, Josias wakes up, stretching in bed, covered by the thin sheet from the waist down. He looks at Uélton's brother's jeans and T-shirt and gives a smile that says “I'm smiling so I don't cry”. Josias hopes that Uélton has not thrown his clothes away; otherwise he will have to work on the construction site with his brother's clothes!After putting on his clothes and going down to brush his teeth, Josias goes to breakfast in Teodoro's kitchen. He's just finished straining the coffee. Teodoro gets distracted by Josias's clothes and misses the strainer, leaving coffee spilling on the table.“Oops!” Teodoro realizes the error and returns to concentrate. “Good morning, son! How was the party? They let you borrow their clothes.”“I was the one who left mine at Uélton's. I hope he didn't throw it out of anger.”Teodoro finishes straining the coffee and closes the thermos. He takes it
Building My Life Chapter 25 A Action of Gentleness
Uélton puts both hands on Josias's wrist, wanting to get away from him. Josias still presses his friend's body against the wall without plastering it, with a force he thought he didn't have.“Let go of me, man, this wall is scratching my back,” Uélton asks.“Answer my question, man.” Josias is tough and domineering.“No, I didn't want to make you look bad.” Uélton is practically whining, “I spoke without thinking. If Pamela was making a conspiracy to get you away from Melissa, I'm not part of this. Let me go, man; I thought we were friends.”Josias lets go of Uélton's shoulder and he relieves himself. He was already thinking he was going to get punched by Josias.“Thanks, buddy. And I'm sorry for the fail.”Romualdo appears after listening to the last lines. “Guys, good morning. Is everything okay here?”“It's okay, Seu Romualdo.&
Building My Life Chapter 26 More Purchases and Visions
Josias returns to Teodoro's building very satisfied with the first payment. It wasn't much, but it was enough for a few purchases that he intended to do today.When he told Teodoro, the landlord was thrilled with the younger man. “Now, set sail for the Downtown and buy some clothes, my boy. I don't know how you haven't caught the flu yet.”Josias believed that the fact that he was shirtless only strengthened his resistance to the cold. It was all a matter of habit, even the fact that he slept naked.So, when he was in Downtown, he thought twice about whether he bought or not some underwear. He decided to buy it because you never know. Better not to scandalize people unnecessarily.Josias bought a simpler T-shirt and shorts to stay at home (or in the bedroom) so he wouldn't have to wear sweatpants; this was “promoted” to the status of “just to work”. The black shirt and jeans donated by Uélton's mother will be use
Building My Life Chapter 27 Clarifying Misunderstood
Josias gets into Teodoro's building smiling. The landlord is at the counter listening to news of the afternoon, but when he sees the happy boy he decides to ask, “Is this happiness because of shopping?”“No.” Josias places the bags on the counter. While Teodoro checks out the purchases, he replies, “Happiness for getting it right with Melissa.”“I said she chose you. Stop worrying.” Teodoro takes the underwear package out of one of the plastic bags, “Ah, now yes!”Josias chuckles shaking his head, “Yeah; and now I'm going to have to wash them constantly so they don't get dirty.”“I will teach you how to use one of the washing machines.” Teodoro puts the package in the bag and gives it back to Josias.“Do you believe that I almost met Everaldo again?” Josias changes the subject, “Apparently he is a human being; he missed the bus like anybody else.&r
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Chapter 3200 Watch Out for a Certain Investor
The night wore on, and so did the party at the Mountain Penthouse. There was now more food around, and everyone was conversing, sharing stories and reminiscing about moments from 2011.Felipe had arrived, bringing Suzy with him.“Suzy, come closer! Oh, where are your uncle and brother?” Diane asked kindly.“They didn’t feel worthy of attending,” Suzy replied humbly, also feeling out of place in the luxurious penthouse.Daryl shook his head. “Nonsense. Call them and tell them they are welcome.”“They’ll manage at Crystal Blue along with other hotel members.” Suzy sat down in the spot indicated by Kelvin.Felipe sat next to Suzy. “Well, dear. You already know they will be welcome next year.”Karen joked, “Maybe next year, Suzy will be completely integrated into the family.”Everyone laughed and applauded, leaving Suzy blushing but happy.Yes, that is what she wants – to
Chapter 3199 A Gift That Made William Sad
At the Rocha Mansion, Dora and Simeon were talking to William in a corner of the living room about Stacy Moreira, now Stacy Bento.“Son, do you still miss Stacy?” Simeon asked, surprised.“I don’t know, Dad.” William sighed, still holding the package. “I didn’t expect to receive a gift from her after all these years...”“Well, she seems to harbor no grudges. Neither she nor her husband,” Dora commented.“I don’t even know if I should open the gift. I’ll decide tomorrow.” William finally got up and placed the package under the tree.Simeon and Dora exchanged worried glances. Melissa approached them.“Dad, Mom, what happened?”“Sweetheart, Will received a gift from Stacy.” Simeon added ironically, “Do you remember her?”“I remember, unfortunately.” Melissa pouted. “Isn’t she happy and married to Igor in Victoria?”“Yes, but she decided to mess with my boy’s emotions.” D
Chapter 3198 Humiliated in a Crowded Store
Josias wants the family gathered to celebrate the end-of-year holidays, but Alan is more worried about the integrity of the gifts in case João Paulo and Luís stomp on them during a potential fight.“Alan, don’t think about that. There won’t be a fight,” Josias responded confidently.“The only way you can guarantee that is by not inviting one of them. And I know you wouldn’t leave Uncle João Paulo out,” Alan asserted, noticing that his computer had shut down.“I don’t want the family incomplete this time,” Josias replied emotionally. “Carol is still in Rio. David has become a pain and isn’t answering my calls. I only have you and J.J. as my children.”Alan frowned. “It saddens me to know that you considered inviting David. Wasn’t it you who fiercely reprimanded David months ago?”“Yes, and he has been behaving since then,” Josias replied, unaware that his son was causing a scene at Angel’s store at that moment. “In fact
Chapter 3197 Don’t Worry About the Gifts
At the Rocha Mansion, in addition to the Christmas spirit, everyone was eagerly awaiting the Great Phone Call from Everaldo. “Mom, is today the day that Prophet Everaldo is going to call Uncle Josias?” Mary sweetly asked as she hung ornaments on the Christmas tree in the living room. “Maybe, dear,” Melissa replied, checking her phone. “He usually does it between Christmas and New Year1s.” Simeon and Dora entered, also checking their phones. “There are no messages on my phone,” Simeon commented. “Not even on mine,” Dora said as she sat down on the couch. “And I still can’t believe that last year, the call ended up at the Mountain Penthouse.” “What a miracle they behaved this year, huh?” Simeon joked. William, who was organizing the gifts on the carpet, suddenly stopped, feeling guilt weigh on him. Not only did Daryl NOT behave, but he was also part of the mischief! William resumed what he was doing, convincing himself that it was for a good cause. Ignacio noticed the pause. “
Chapter 3196 Permission to Date
At Café Montanha, David was only served by another waiter since Neilton was deliberately attending to other customers. “Your supervisor lacks professionalism,” David said. But the helpers, also coming from the Uélton Freire Orphanage, just shook their heads, refusing to interact with David. He wanted coffee, they served coffee. Just that. Looking back at the table where Suzy and Felipe were interacting romantically, David felt a burning sensation in his stomach. He approached them again, holding a cup of cappuccino. “Feeling better, Suzy?” “I was much better before you approached,” Suzy replied, dissatisfied. Felipe huffed. “Dude, don’t you know when you’re not welcome in the conversation?” “I’m Josias Rocha’s son,” David replied arrogantly. “I don’t need to be ‘welcome’ in conversations. I approach and talk to whoever I want, as I please!” Suzy finished drinking her coffee, banging her cup on the saucer. “Are you done, dear? Come on, I need to stop by Vaztrans.” David narrow
Chapter 3195 Giving Advice to a Young Lady
David entered the Café Montanha and came face to face with Felipe and Suzy talking at a table while Neilton served their orders. “Don’t worry, Suzy. Now that we’re dating, those annoying people won’t bother us anymore,” Felipe said. Neilton commented, “It’s strange that Pete Reis behaved like that. He and his wife are nice people over at the building.” With just those two sentences, David understood the whole story. Seeing Suzy with tearful eyes felt like something was stabbing his heart. Unable to contain himself, he approached their table, shouting, “And who asked for your opinion, you lousy waiter? People from the favelas will always be people from the favelas, wrap your mind around that!” Neilton nearly dropped the tray in shock at the interruption. Felipe, with his back to David, frowned. Suzy was wiping her eyes with a tissue. “David, not you too.” David looked at Suzy with pleading eyes. “I didn’t come here to hurt you, Suzy. I came to defend you! What did Pete Reis say?
Chapter 3194 J.J.’s Choice
Leonardo nearly had a heart attack when he found out that J.J. chose Vasconcelos Fabrics to work. “No, no, this can’t happen.” He shook his head, no longer caring to hide what he really wanted. “Hey, what are you talking about, lawyer Borges?” Dylan asked sarcastically. “Did you not expect J.J. to finally decide where he would work? Well...” Leonardo stood up again. “I thought he would honor his family’s legacy – the Bezerra Farm!” “I am honoring it by appointing a representative to take care of matters like the accident that happened with the truck,” J.J. replied, studying Leonardo’s body language. “But my dad wants me at Vasconcelos to represent him since he is the majority partner.” The phrase ‘he is the majority partner’ hit Leonardo like a punch to the face. If his father heard that now... Then, to give no more clues, Leonardo smiled strangely. “Alright, J.J. Go to the office and inform my brother Reynaldo of your decision. I’m sure he’ll be relieved by your decision since
Chapter 3193 David Remembers Sarah
David appears at the Angel Store, critically observing the new arrangement, renovation, and decoration of Brendon’s office. As expected, the flashy pink wall was gone. Brendon notices his cousin’s critical gaze. “Come on, it’s like you’re an art and decoration analyst! Just tell me what you think!” “Were you expecting me to praise something?” David retorted, always the sour one in the family. “Sorry, but I can’t feel anything special.” “You JERK!” Brendon barked. “Anyway, what are you doing here?” David looked Brendon up and down as if he were an insect. “You didn’t really DREAM that I would let my mom’s stores—” “—and my mom, your aunt—” “—be managed by just you, did you?” David asked without flinching. “Yes, I dreamed. Not only did I dream, but I made it happen. I’m taking care of everything and trying to hire more staff.” Brendon smiled. “There was a cute girl who left her resume, but I couldn’t call her in time. She’s working as Kelvin Mountain’s secretary now.” “Isn’t th
Chapter 3192 The Lawyer Is Cross-Examined
At Damascene Lawyers, J.J. and Dylan had the same idea and went to Leonardo’s office to question him about what he told Theodore. The office of the most sought-after lawyer in the firm did not match his reputation: it was a mess. Leonardo was on a phone call, had spilled coffee on his desk, and the cleaning lady was trying to clean it up before the spilled coffee stained a pile of documents she was organizing before the accident happened. “I’m telling you, man: she’s going to accuse you of harassment again to get your money! Don’t forgive her, don’t be a doormat—” Leonardo pulled the phone away from his ear. “He hung up on me, that son of a—” “Lawyer Borges!” The cleaning lady noticed the presence of the visitors. Leonardo turned on his heels and saw them. “Excuse us.” The cleaning lady left, eager for a break. Dylan and J.J. marveled at the chaos. “We were going to suggest a cleaning, but it’s good you have someone.” Dylan quipped. “Did the gentlemen come to check the tidines
