— Thank you, Mallet – thanks Thiago, saying goodbye to the last city of the caravan to enthusiastic applause from everyone present.
He steps down from the makeshift platform accompanied by his entire team who also applaud him, including Aline who smiles proudly. Everyone leaves the place and goes straight to the hotel bar, where they are staying in the town of Mallet. As soon as Thiago arrives at the bar, everyone applauds. After some time, Thiago raises his hand, asking to speak:
— I just have to thank all of you who were part of all this with me. Thanking Vera that she couldn't be here, but that everyone knows, she gave her blood for us to get here. Aline who brought us this beautiful project. From the people handing out the flyers to the editor–in–chief of all my speeches, thank you very much. Each of you were amazing and I feel grateful to be supported by each one of you... Thank you – thanks Thiago receiving more applause — But I don't think words are enough to prove my thanks, so in honor of all of you, the drink will be on me. Enjoy!
The entire team applauds and whistles madly at this brief speech as the candidate walks towards Aline who smiles holding two beer bottles. She offers one to Thiago, who accepts, opening it with his teeth:
— A toast – proposes Thiago, tapping his bottle with Aline's. He drinks the beer from the bottleneck, being watched with surprise by Aline — What is it?
— Anything. I just didn't expect the illustrious candidate to know how to open a beer like that – replies Aline, taking a sip.
— I have many hidden abilities – comments Thiago, making Aline laugh.
— And even? – asks Aline, laughing — And what other "hidden" skills do you have?
— I'm an expert in Beer Pong, Penguin, Swedish... – quotes Thiago the types of drinking games he learned in college — I Never...
— No one is an expert on Never Me, Aline retorts seriously.
— But I am – retorts Thiago, drinking another sip.
— I doubt it – teases Aline.
— Do you want to bet? – asks Thiago turning towards the counter and asks the bartender — ten shots of Tequila.
— Only ten? – Aline asks — Are you that weak?
— We haven't eaten yet, I think it's good not to exaggerate – explains Thiago.
— Dust, dust, dust, dust – Aline imitates a chicken.
— ten shots – reinforces Thiago — And if you're still standing... we'll increase it, okay?
— Just to refresh your memory… I used to be a bartender – remembers Aline smiling — ten shots are nothing.
— That's what we'll see… – retorts Thiago, watching the bartender serve the shots . — First, the ladies.
— I've never had a threesome – says Aline, taking a drink in a row while Thiago just observes — Don't judge me.
—I'm not – Thiago comments — I've never smoked a cigarette – Aline turns her glass over.
— I've never run around naked – says Aline.
— In my defense, I was playing truth and dare – explains Thiago before drinking — I was never handcuffed – Aline turns her glass, serious.
—I've never kissed a woman.
— It's a good thing I don't need to drink a dose for each one – answers Thiago, relieved turning around — I've never pissed my pants – the two saw.
— I've never been to Disneyland – comments Aline. Thiago turns.
— I've never used drugs – Thiago shoots, he takes it and waits for Aline.
— Yeah, you really are an expert – comments Aline, holding her tequila shot. She sets the tequila shot on the table — But I'm so much more.
— Congratulations – congratulates Thiago — Do you want any more?
— No, I think it's better to stop while I'm winning – Aline replies cringing from the cold — I'm cold and we have a long day tomorrow...
— I'll accompany you to your room – suggests Thiago, taking off his suit and handing it to Aline, who puts it on over the navy blue dress she wears.
—Wow, that means you're a gentleman too. – Aline comments as they walk toward the elevator.
—Yeah, I wasn't always this serious, handsome guy in a suit and tie. I mean, I've always been handsome – comments Thiago making Aline laugh.
— And convinced too – mocks Aline.
— It's a family gift – jokes Thiago as he calls the elevator.
—You know, it was nice to work with you – comments Aline, stopping next to Thiago
— It was also nice to work with you, Aline – answers Thiago, stepping into the elevator — I've been thinking about you, our agreement... If I'm elected...
— Yea? – asks Aline, curious.
—I'd like you to stay with us. I mean, in the remotest possibility that Malú chooses me... I want you to stay close to us. You are an amazing person and you are very good for Malú... and for me.
— It's very good to hear that from you, Thiago – replies Aline as she exits the elevator. They walk for a while in silence to the door of Malú's aunt's room, who then reveals — I want you to know that if Malú chooses me, you will also be very welcome... I believe you will be a great father. In fact, you are already a great father and you turned out to be a great person...
— It's good to know that I'm making the second chance you gave me worth it – thanks Thiago, stopping in front of Aline.
— I believe that everyone deserves a second chance – comments Aline.
—Even a cocky guy like me? – asks Thiago pointing to himself.
— Yes, even a cocky guy like you – Aline replies, laughing, taking off her suit.
She pushes the suit lightly against Thiago's chest, who doesn't move away. The candidate holds him, but she doesn't let go. He moves closer, touching Aline's chin, bringing her face closer to his, sealing the night with a kiss.
***
Aline's lips open allowing the kiss to become more intense. The suit falls from Thiago's hands, who now wrap around the brunette's waist, pulling her closer with one, while the other caresses her face. Malú's aunt's hands rest on the candidate's chest, following the panting rhythm of his breathing.
His hands want to hold her, entirely, at the same time. Aline's nostrils want to remember Thiago's scent and her mouth wants to decorate the texture of her lips. And despite being in his arms, she still doesn't believe how this could be happening. Aline also doesn't believe how she feels totally trapped by him, by him. All you want is to put out that fire inside you. Reality then returns to his thoughts and the two mutually walk away.
— That shouldn't have happened – alleges Aline leaning against the door. She turns around, opening it.
— Excuse me – whispers Thiago running his hand through his hair while Aline enters the room — I'm sorry...
— Good night, Thiago – Aline says goodbye, closing the door.
Aline leans against the door, sliding to the floor as she lets her tears run down her face. Wonder what the hell is happening to you. Do you feel that you love Ícaro, but why did you kiss Thiago? She touches his lips, remembering the kiss. For a moment, all the hurt, pain and the past disappeared... Only the good things they felt, the passionate purity, the innocence... a peace.
Peace, Thiago couldn't feel this with anyone for a long time and now the person who makes him feel it is on the other side of the door where he has his head leaning. He needs to feel guilty, for his brother, for Anna, for Malú, but his racing heart says otherwise. He walks away promising himself that this will never happen again.
***
Malú goes down the stairs running over the maids until she reaches the music room, where Maria is fixing the scores.
— Miss Malú, Mr. Benjamin has arrived – warns Adelaide, receiving a huge smile from the young woman who turns to her grandmother.
— Go on, Malú – authorizes Maria, receiving an affectionate kiss from her granddaughter — But we still have a lot to rehearse, okay?
Malú smiles at her grandmother and gets up running, but not before giving Adelaide a kiss on the cheek.
— Ah, these young people – sighs Adelaide — give this house so much life.
— Yes, this house has been in need of freshness for a long time – agrees Maria, arranging the piano.
—It will be a shame when they leave. – the housekeeper says sadly.
—It's the law of life, Adelaide. – Maria says seriously.
— But what about Mrs. Aline? I know you don't beat the saints with her, but I'll miss her a lot too. She is so powerful – comments Adelaide excitedly. Then she turns to Maria and asks — Will you miss her?
—Aline is not part of our family – Maria replies, keeping the score without its proper place — Now, go back to your chores, or the house will not be ready for when Thiago arrives with Aline.
—Yes, ma'am. – Adelaide replies, leaving.
— Adelaide – Maria calls making the housekeeper return — We will all miss her. Now go.
Adelaide leaves happier, drawing a smile from Maria, who soon disappears thinking about everything she knows about Aline . Poor girl. You've suffered so much in the clutches of your family... thinks Maria leaving the music room.
***
Benjamin admires the huge picture in the living room made up of a man with almost red hair, a woman with black hair tied in a bun who is sure to be Malú's grandmother and two boys: one is Malú's father, almost 18 years old, apparently and an older one, to whom the boy has no idea who he might be. He's entertained to the point where he just feels two gentle hands on his eyes.
He removes them slowly letting them fall on his shoulder and then turns towards Malú who watches him, hands him a lily, making her smile. Benjamin then approaches the young woman's face and gives her a kiss.
"Oi, fluffy" greets Malú "What were you doing?"
"Looking at the picture in the living room. I know the woman is her grandmother, and that boy in front of her is her father. The older man is therefore her grandfather. But who is the boy in front of him? ?"
"This is my uncle, Ícaro. He practically raised me together with my mother and my aunt Aline" Malú replies, sniffing the lily, sadly.
"I thought you didn't know any of your family here," says Benjamin, confused.
"I didn't know he was my uncle... It's a long story" answers Malú, taking a deep breath. "So what are you doing here so early? I thought you said the little surprise party was just for the night"
"Yes, you said. But then, the longing hit and I was forced to come before" Benjamin replies kissing his girlfriend once more.
"I know" says Malú, suspiciously.
"Really..." says Benjamin smiling. "It's a lie... I came for another reason"
"And what would that reason be?" asks Malú, curious.
Benjamin pushes away Malú, who looks at him, confused. He kneels down slowly, while fiddling with one of his pockets, while Malú's eyes widen. From the pocket, a black box appears which the boy opens, letting two steel rings appear, making the young woman put her hands on her face, emotional.
Benjamin holds the box with one hand while with the other he points to Malú, then leaves the fingers in claw upwards pulling the hand against his body, then places the palmed hand forward and moves the lowered middle finger quickly and then points to himself, making Malú cry and nod yes. He gets up and puts the ring on Malú's finger, who also puts it on his and they kiss, passionately.
"You are very special to me, Malú" declares Benjamin.
"You are also very special to me, Benjamin" Malú replies.
"I only have one doubt..." confesses Benjamin.
"Which?" asks Malú, curious.
"Has your father learned Libras yet?"
"I don't know... what does Thiago know about Libras?" asks Malú without understanding.
"I'll have to ask him for your hand, remember?" recalls Benjamin.
— Don't worry – asks Maria, appearing in the room, scaring the young — After this beautiful scene, I make myself available to be your interpreter, Benjamin.
"Thank you" thanks Benjamin with a smile.
" In exchange" begins Maria in Libras " You will have to help us with the surprise presentation. We need an evaluator"
"It will be an honor for me" comments Benjamin.
—Then let's go to the music room. We have a lot to rehearse – asks Maria, going ahead.
Benjamin and Malú walk slowly hand in hand.
***
The Almeida family mansion is lit up, employees put the finishing touches on the dining table being supervised by Adelaide. Maria finishes putting on her pearl set. Meanwhile, Malú and Benjamin are in the room talking excitedly about the new members of Grupo de Libras. Until the noise of the car draws the attention of everyone who goes to the hall to wait for Aline and Thiago to enter.
In a few minutes, the candidate enters the mansion with a forced smile on his face, followed by Aline who struggles to pretend that everything is fine. But the truth was that since the night before, both she and Thiago had avoided any dialogue during the entire trip, acting like two strangers.
— Welcome – welcomes Maria, hugging her son. She holds Thiago's face in her hands, watching, worried —Are you okay? It looks so downcast.
— Yes, I am, mom – answers Thiago, avoiding looking at Aline who hugs Malú — I'm just tired.
— I hope you're not too tired – comments Maria, excited — I asked them to make your favorite dish.
— Thank you, mother – thanks Thiago with a slight smile. He goes towards Malú and hugs her tight. Then he approaches Benjamin, squeezing his right hand firmly. Then he notices the ring in the hand of the boy and his daughter —We'll talk about it...
— Later – Maria interrupts — Now, let's have dinner.
***
The dinner planned by Maria should be animated with everyone laughing, Thiago excitedly talking about the campaign, Aline making fun of her son... Quite different from the quiet and tense atmosphere that settled at her dinner table. She observes Aline who spent the dinner silent, the opposite of the haughty and chatty woman who echoes her voice in every corner of the house. Thiago has a wrinkle in the middle of his forehead and is monosyllabic. In addition to both avoiding each other.
—Am I missing something? – asks Maria, breaking the silence of the table — Did something happen on this trip, did the people not like the project...?
— No mother. The campaign was perfect, the population really liked the project. It was all right – answers Thiago — If you'll excuse me, I need to rest.
— Son, wait a little longer – asks Maria — We have a surprise for you.
— Surprise? – asks Aline, seriously.
—Yes – Maria replies, getting up — Let's all go to the music room, where Malú and I will perform for you.
***
The young woman sits next to her grandmother who smiles, so they put on the sheet music that her granddaughter chose to surprise Aline and Thiago when they return. The two practiced for weeks and it was time to take on the challenge that Malú had set herself: singing in Libras.
Maria's hands travel over the piano notes in the same rhythm as Malú's, floating through the air with all feeling. The show moves the audience made up of Aline, Thiago, Benjamin and the house employees who admire the harmony of the two who don't seem to mind everyone's presence.
Maria e Malú continues, the presentation with the music of the young woman's favorite band, Birdy, they keep what was proposed in being watched by Aline and Thiago who are moved, not only with the performance, but also because the lyrics brought back memories of the exchanged kiss, even if they try to forget, they know that at some point they will need to talk about it.
Gradually the matriarch's fingers slow down the rhythm as Malú's hands return to her lap, watching her grandmother finish the song.
The presentation ends and from the door comes the sound of Vera Lúcia's clapping, who enters with the black folder under her arm.
— Angry! – shouts Vera, calling the attention of all those present — Glad I managed to arrive in time for this beautiful presentation.
— Welcome, Vera – greets Maria — This was just a surprise for you to come back from the campaign.
— A pity I didn't participate in the last day – comments Vera, approaching the piano.
— No? – asks Maria, confused.
— No, Vera's aunt passed away – answers Thiago, seriously.
— Actually, I lied – reveals Vera, smiling as she is watched by everyone.
— You lied? – asks Thiago, annoyed.
— But it was for a good reason – claims Vera — A good reason... I saved our campaign from fatal disaster.
— Did you save the campaign? – asks Maria, confused — I can't understand...
—Well, I'll stop beating around the bush,” Vera informs, smiling. This member came from a very rich and reputable family in the interior of São Paulo, where I was and talked to a family member who confessed to me... that his relative killed someone, in addition to having drug addictions, hanging out with dangerous, underhanded people and be capable of anything. This person was hospitalized several times and the last time she fled, until they were located in our campaign. This person's nature, if discovered, will destroy any chance of us winning.
—And who would that person be? – asks Thiago, shocked by the revelations — Who would that monster be?
— Aline Buarque de Melo – reveals Vera pointing to Aline who is paralyzed.
— What are you talking about, Vera? – asks Thiago, shocked. He looks at Aline who is paralyzed — What baseless accusations are these?
—Unfounded? No, Thiago. I have proof – Vera replies, extending the folder towards Malú — Watch, dear, what your aunt was able to do with her own brother.
Malú holds the folder in her trembling hands, being watched by everyone, including her grandmother who puts her hand, preventing her granddaughter from opening the folder.
— Don't do that – asks Maria, who gets up and walks towards Vera, who is not intimidated — What are you trying to do?
— Oh, Mary. I'm saving Thiago's campaign and your family... Can't you see that? – Vera asks, offended — Can't you see that she is extremely dangerous? Can't you see that she's not even trying to defend herself? Silence gives consent.
" Tia..." Malú says in pounds to Aline who is crying.
The young woman then decides to open the folder and finds the medical reports of all her aunt's hospitalizations, reports of the death of Eduardo Buarque de Melo, Aline's brother... her aunt's past... Aline's big secret. Malú raises her head looking at her aunt, her shocked expression now gives way to a blank look, because the person she trusted the most also lied to her. "Even you" says the young woman crying.
— Malú, let me explain – asks Aline, approaching her niece. Malú walks away and runs out of the room, being followed by Benjamin — Please let me explain. hell!
—Explain what, Aline? That you killed your brother because you were on drugs? Is that what you want to explain? – mocks Vera.
— Shut your mouth! You don't know anything, shut your mouth!– shouts Aline going over to Vera, being stopped by Thiago — Let me go, now!
— That's it, Thiago, let go. Let her show who she really is to everyone – says Vera.
—Very, stop. Why are you doing this? – asks Thiago holding Aline.
— Because? Why, Thiago, did you forget? You were the one who asked me to investigate Aline's life – reveals Vera making Aline face Thiago, shocked — That's right, cute, did you really think we would trust you? No, indeed, and we were both right to distrust you.
— That's true? – Aline asks, moving away from Thiago in shock — Did you order me to investigate?
— Of course I do – Vera answers — Even because you were our main suspect in the threats against Thiago... I mean, now that we know who you are, we're quite sure.
— You bitch! – shouts Aline going over to Vera, being prevented once again by Thiago who holds her by the waist.
— Enough, Vera – orders Thiago, facing Vera who makes a zipper in her mouth. He turns to Malú's aunt — Calm down, Aline.
— Calm? – Aline asks, letting go of Thiago's arms — You destroyed my life, once again! That was your plan, wasn't it? That was your game from the beginning...
— Aline, please – asks Thiago, approaching.
'Don't come near me!' – Aline explodes pushing Thiago. She runs a hand through her hair, upset— You brought me here… you already had everything set up. I believed in you... But you really have a gift, a gift from the Almeida family... Destroy the lives of everyone around you.
—Aline, you have to believe me. I didn't do it to destroy you – says Thiago.
—No, that wasn't your idea. In fact, I bet that idea came from you – accuses Aline, disgusted, looking at Maria Luísa. She approaches the matriarch who remains silent — You knew everything, didn't you? But as always playing on the sly... You guys suck! None of you... I should have known, after all. After what they did to Anna.
—Don't jump to conclusions, Aline. – Maria asks, getting up.
— Too late, Maria – answers Aline, who faces everyone, defeated — You won...
— Aline… – says Thiago, seeing Aline walk away towards the door.
— For the record – Vera begins, making Aline turn around — The person who gave me these documents did so under one condition: Aline needs to get out of the campaign... and out of this house as soon as possible.
— Don't worry, Vera… The campaign… Thiago… this family… all this will be left to you – replies Aline shrugs her shoulders. — But know that I don't give up on Malú.
—That's if she still wants to look at your face, huh, cute? – Vera comments.
Aline walks out of the music room leaving only Thiago, Maria and Vera who is gathering all the papers back into the folder.
—Vera – calls Thiago turning to the blonde who is staring at him — You're fired.
— I thought you were going to say that – Vera comments without being intimidated —However, if you fire me, this information will leak out tomorrow, all over the covers of newspapers... So, goodbye Aline, goodbye elections and goodbye Malú. And you don't want that, do you?
— No, Vera. You're right – answers Thiago approaching the blonde who smiles triumphantly.
— Very well, Thiago. I knew you would think better and see that everything I did was for our own good – comments Vera touching Thiago's face as he walks away.
— You are the one who will resign – determines Thiago, making public relations raise his eyebrows — Will you resign your position, or...
— Or what, Thiago? – Vera asks, mocking.
—Or I will see to it that all your family's property and your debts to my family are settled at once. Lucky for us, or for you, we are one of your father's biggest creditors. And I will gather every creditor that you have lent money to and I will bring them into various lawsuits against you. – Thiago answers calmly making Vera widen her eyes. He smiles and continues — And there's more, if any of this information "leaks", any paper, any gossip, or if anyone mentions Aline's name in any newspaper... I'll make sure to reveal all the evidence of the lawsuit filed against you regarding the purchase of votes by the state governor.
—You can't do that... You'll be breaking the confidentiality between lawyer and client – Vera answers seriously — You'll destroy your family's name
—Actually, our families. And know that I don't care the price I'll have to pay to see you behind bars – comments Thiago, disgusted.
— You wouldn't be able to do that… – Vera replies, upset. — You came after me… You know my potential.
—Have you forgotten that it was your sister who asked me to hire you? Only she is no longer here and I have no further obligation to you. But, I'll be benevolent: You will hand me this folder and any copy regarding Aline's life. After my speech tomorrow, you will resign and forget that my family exists – concludes Thiago, leaving.
— In exchange? What do I get in exchange? – Vera asks, holding back tears.
—A chance to get out of my house, unharmed. – Maria answers — Because, unlike my son, I'm not pious. Much less with those who threaten us.
—But I only did it for our own good…to get rid of this woman. You wanted that too Maria, I know. – claims Vera.
—You don't know anything about me, Vera. Hand over the folder and get out of here – orders Maria, watching Vera hand the folder to Adelaide — And the copies too.
—There are no copies, I didn't have time. –Vera comments.
— Are you sure? – asks Maria — Well, I'll send my security guards to search your car and a very interesting person to search your house.
—I didn't have time to do it… I came straight here – reinforces Vera, frustrated. She walks past Maria and threatens, —It won't stay that way.
— Vera – Maria calls, making the blonde turn around — On second thought, there's no reason for me to be merciful to you – she says, slapping the blonde who is staring at her in surprise — Never threaten my family again, or the slap will be the least of your problems.
***
Aline finishes going up the stairs and finds Benjamin standing on Malú's door, knocking for the young woman to open it. She approaches the boy touching his shoulder.
"She locked the door" informs Benjamin.
—Okay, Benjamin. I think it's time for you to go – comments Aline who watches the boy walk away. Then she turns to the door and continues knocking — Malú, please open the door. I need to talk to you... I'm sorry if I haven't told you... Please let me explain... tell you the truth...
─ Aline – calls Thiago next to the stairs.
— Get out of here, Thiago. I need to talk to Malú. I need to clear things up...
—Aline, please. Let's talk – asks Thiago, approaching.
— To talk? Did you think about talking to me when you had my life investigated? – Asks Aline, annoyed.
—Would you tell me if I asked? – asks the candidate facing Aline —Be honest, would you tell me? Or rather, how many people have you told about your past?
—So you're confessing that you asked to investigate me? Great. – concludes Aline, annoyed.
— Yes, I asked Vera to investigate you. But that was before... Before I really knew you. – confesses Thiago touching Aline’s arm, which he avoids
—Oh yeah, but if I really did? – Aline asks — And if what Vera said is true? What happens?
— I don't care – answers Thiago, sincerely — You taught me that all people deserve a second chance. You gave me a... I don't care what you've done in the past, Aline. Neither of us... I meant no harm and my mother has nothing to do with it.
—Your mother already knew everything before – reveals Aline, wiping her tears — But I thought she knew the truth when she talked about Felipe...
— Who is Philip? And what truth is this? – asks Thiago, confused.
— About my past, Thiago. – Aline replies — But it's no use telling the truth, because it will only be my word against Vera's.
—I believe you, trust me. Regardless of what the truth is, I know it will only come out of your mouth – says Thiago holding Aline's hands — I'm willing to listen to you.
—Okay… It's high time I cleared all this up. I'm tired of carrying a burden, alone – says Aline crying.
***
Since I was a child I knew that being a Buarque de Melo was my highest priority. However, while Eduardo played the role of being a member of the family, I played the role of black sheep. I was always the problem and Eduardo the solution. We were yin Yang and so we balanced our family. He was my hero, my protector, my greatest example and we were very attached and knew everything about each other. Until he went to college...
I remember well the day that Edu finally came home, he was very different from that sweet, polite, loving young man I knew. He was cooler, looser, at the same time more impatient, more stressed and more secretive.
One day I went to his room to investigate what was happening and I found a different object under the bed, a wooden box... When I opened it I found syringes... marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy... crack. It wasn't large amounts, but it scared me and I was worried. If my mother saw it, she would have a heart attack, my father would be disappointed, and my brother would be kicked out of the house. Our family would fall into disrepair, so the first idea I had was to take it to my room and hide it. My mother didn't dare enter my demonic room, so I'm sure it would all be safe until I could confront my brother.
So he got home and went straight to his room. I was in mine and I could hear him throwing things around, looking desperately. So, I went to his room and said I wanted to talk to him, but Edu didn't listen to me until I said that the box was with me. To this day I remember his glazed look when I said that, a look of extreme need. He walked past me and went straight to my room and I followed him talking about how wrong this was all. The same speech we both listened to our entire childhood, but he didn't listen to me and only asked me about the box. I tried to bargain by saying that I would give one of the things in the box if he told me how it happened. I had one of his injections tucked away in my jacket and I showed it.
As soon as Eduardo saw it, he said that he started using some drugs to stay active during the tests and how good they were for his performance. But that wasn't to worry me, as he didn't use it all at once… He wasn't an addict and he had everything under control. It was then that my mother came in and saw me with the injection in my hands. She didn't even ask what was going on... She was accusing me, rummaging around the room and Eduardo helping to look for it... Then she found the box with everything inside. She confronted me and I looked at my brother, but he didn't do anything... he was staring at the box waiting for any excuse to get her back. He even made an excuse saying he was going to destroy everything so no one would know I was addicted. My mother said that she already expected that from me... She told my father that he wasn't surprised either. I was the sheep... And I thought, even if I went to rehab, my brother would see how positive it was for him and that he would get better...
I got this in my head the first time... the second time... the third time... fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh... The first time, he apologized to me and said he would never do that again . After a while it became routine and he started to blame me. He was sorry to see me in that situation, but the addiction was already bigger than anything. I was already stuck when my brother met Cristina and fell in love. Eduardo changed completely and I never found drugs in his room again. When he moved, I would always check for any signs of relapse, but finally my brother was fine.
I started to dedicate myself to my life, I went back to studies, to have friends and that phase of rehabilitation finally disappeared. Even Eduardo returned to the way he was and invited me to meet a friend of his, Lucas. I was madly in love with Lucas and he with me... We made plans to get married, how many children to have, where to live... I was really happy and thinking that my life was perfect.
Then one night, Lucas called me, he and my brother were on call. One of the patients, Felipe, a ten–year–old boy, something had gone wrong... he was having a breakdown. Eduardo was strange, according to my boyfriend. Electric, reckless, excited, it was all too much for him. My brother said they needed to operate on Felipe. Lucas tried to intervene, but my brother was impossible. I didn't quite understand how, but he took the boy to the operating room... But Felipe didn't leave. That ended with my brother who left the hospital and went inside the car where he was screaming my name.
I took a taxi and went to the hospital and found Eduardo inside the car with his head against the steering wheel. I knocked on the window and he opened the passenger door for me to get in. He said he couldn't take it anymore and decided he needed to feel better. That he had tried, but needed it, but that he wasn't using it, at least until that night. But with the contact he had, he became a drug dealer inside the hospital. He was earning some money, but the cost of his living was getting too high and he had lost control. And that night he'd decided to forget about all his troubles and used… a little bit according to him. I tried to talk, but he said that I needed to assume Felipe's death, as if it were when we were younger... But I couldn't assume something like that, I wasn't a doctor. Then he said I was useless and neither was he. He started the car and started driving... I asked him to pull over, but he didn't hear me, it was raining and then... everything happened. We crashed and when I woke up, my brother was... he was... he was dead. I saw that amount of drugs in his car, the fact that he used it... the boy's death... All that would end with my brother's name, with my parents. I couldn't let them destroy everyone's lives. So I set up the accident scene. I put Eduardo in the passenger seat, injected me with some drugs... And waited. It was the longest 47 minutes of my life. But when they finally arrived, it was even worse. But nobody cared about my brother's medical malpractice but me. The addicted sister who killed her own brother.
My parents admitted me right after the funeral... Once again in that place, alone. But I couldn't take it and ran away. I asked Lucas for help and left for Minas Gerais to start my life over... Every day I think about them... In everything that happened and every time I tell myself I would do it all over again, for my brother .
***
— I'm sorry – asks Thiago, hugging Aline — I can't imagine how hard this must have been for you.
— Then I met Anna... And wow how I wanted to tell her. As well as for Ícaro. Just as I wanted to tell you – Aline comments sobbing — But it's too late now.
— It's not too late – denies Thiago, wiping his face — Tomorrow we'll clarify all this for Malú. She will understand...
— You don't understand, I can't be here tomorrow... If I stay... Vera said this could be the end of you – Aline replies — The end of the project...
— I've already solved that, no need to worry – says Thiago.
— Of course, I should be worried, we're talking about Vera – alleges Aline, nervous — She'll be capable of anything and that involves Malú.
— Aline, we will protect Malú – explains Thiago.
— I can't risk it – says Aline walking away — My past will destroy you and I can't allow it... I need to leave.
—No, you don't. Even if Vera tries something and ends any chance of me being elected... We'll find a way to get the institute off the ground – Thiago clarifies — And make sure Malú hasn't already forgiven you... Stay Aline, we we will protect you.
— I'm sorry, but I can't... I can't accept it... after we've fought so hard, everything falls apart.
— Aline, I can accept being in the position of senator. I can invest heavily to make the Institute a reality. I can stand my daughter facing me. But Malú won't be able to live without you by her side... I won't be able to live without you Aline – declares Thiago who approaches — I'm in love with you.
— That's not right – refuses Aline crying.
— I know not – agrees Thiago — But I am. Don't run away, Aline. Please... let me take care of you
Without thinking twice, Thiago puts Aline in his arms and takes her to his room .