Rhodia River - In the stream of love

Chapter 3 Good and bad neighbours (1)

GRANJA SQUARE - DAY

Cássio is kicking a soccer ball by himself. He trains to juggle, kicks into the goal, and celebrates alone. Without him noticing, behind him, Sandra, 18, his girlfriend, approaches him. She smiles at Cassio for having fun.

"Good morning, future national champion!"

Cassio turns to her, "Sandra!"

Cássio interrupts the move, approaches her, and the two kiss briefly. Sandra feels his stench.

"The worst part of it all is the olfactory result."

"Ofal—, what?"

"Oh, dear, if you are not going to solve the hygiene issue, at least solve your studies. We aren’t going to perpetuate the idea that a soccer player is dumb."

"I'm not a donkey, but what is 'perpetuate'?"

Sandra holds out a laugh, "It's like, letting that legend that I told you perpetuate. Soccer players should have at least the basic education."

"But, we have the basic education. It turns out that soccer is played with the ball and not with books."

"Yeah, we have completed high school—"

Cassio raises his hands to the skies, "Thanks to Gooood!"

"But, which college do you plan to attend?"

Cassio immediately put his arms down, "Do I have to go to college to be a soccer player?"

"You have to be smart enough TO KNOW you don't have to. That's why I worry about your future, honey. If your dream of being a soccer player doesn't work out, what do you intend to do?"

Cássio is taken aback by the question, but he does not want to give in, "Nooo, dear Sandra! We are not going to throw negativity into my plans. Of course, I will succeed. Rhodia River will have a famous soccer player to call his own."

"And where will the necessary training come from? Here?"

Sandra and Cássio look around: the general view of the field and the square itself is without a lawn, a rusty beam, without a grandstand, without any attraction for soccer games, just amateur matches like what Cassio is used to.

Cassio understands, "Yes, with this structure it will be impossible. The best players train in the best clubs, with everything pretty equipped. And I barely have boots as the script says."

Cássio turns to Sandra, hopeful, "Well, don't worry! Célio said he's going to work at the Residents' Association. He's going to see this for me!"

Sandra reacts incredulously and freezes.

THE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Célio is facing Tito Nunes Aguiar, 50, mustache and chubby, one of the first residents of the district and the current mayor of the neighborhood. Célio receives from Tito several posters on A4 sheets and glue to stick throughout the neighborhood.

"Look, son, you know that our neighborhood and our Resident’ Association are starting to compare themselves with Tangamandápio and Canongas. Therefore, our resources are still limited."

"I got it, Tito."

"So for now, we are going to be satisfied with posters to spread the good news and announcements for our neighbors to find out what's going on."

"I don't want to be rude, mayor, but... The neighborhood is big, will these posters be enough?"

"Stick them on Rhodia Avenue."

Célio is frustrated.

Tito goes on, "Always leave one of these at the Malthus Snack Bar and Cascais Bakery in special. Something tells me that these two stores will be the reference in the neighborhood."

"Seu Aurélio is a very good guy."

MONICA’S LIVING ROOM

Monica opens the door and enters. She's tired, long morning. She collapses on the sofa and takes off her shoes. Monica's living room is graceful, with simple furniture, but, in good taste, her parents were kind to help. There's nothing flashy or miserable, second-hand. Monica rests for a while until there is a knock at the door.

"Come in!"

The door opens, and Carina Souza appears. She is the right-hand neighbor, 21, beautiful with her long, brown, and curly hair. Her presence fills the room with an aura of freshness. Monica likes Carina, she is simple and humble.

"How was it, friend?"

"Oh, friend, it was tough. It looks like I wasn't going to arrive."

"What happened?"

"I was robbed as soon as the bus was arriving. A damned thief took my purse and ran. The luck is that there was a police vehicle that saw and ran away, detaining the abuser. Is it possible, girl? Brand new neighborhood and we already have these problems of civilization."

"Yes, Mayor Tito was right to ask the government for a mini police station here in the neighborhood for us."

Monica laughs with respect, "Oh, dear, you don't have to be so formal. It's just Tito; nobody calls him 'mayor'."

"I don't want to be rude to an authority. I think I would want the same thing if it were me."

"Ah, but you WILL HAVE authority in the arts, girl."

Monica points to one of the walls of the room. There is a well-crafted picture, oil painting, mix, and texture worthy of a professional, it looks like Monet. Carina reacts very modestly.

"Oh, stop, Monica, I am not one of those braggy. You know what they say: don't go too high for the fall to be uglier"

"The point, dear, is that you weren't born for the fall. When my book is published and I earn a few bucks, I'll take a look at your studio. My parents bought it to help you; the next one will be me."

"Thanks—"

The scene is interrupted by HYSTERICAL SCREAMS coming from outside.

"Hey, Monica!!"

Monica rolls her eyes, "Jesus Christ, what does this creature want?"