Aline moves away from the door, allowing them to enter, but ends up being grabbed by Maria Luísa. Thiago carefully observes the room and the box with the things Aline brought from work. He sits on one of the sofas, watching the moment of affection between Malú and Aline. The woman turns towards the candidate while hugging Malú:
— I'll talk to Malú in my room for a few moments, then I'll come back to talk to you.
— Make yourself comfortable – answers Thiago, taking a photograph of Anna from the box, receiving a cross–eyed look from Aline — I have all the time in the world.
— Great – retorts Aline walking with Malú to her room.
— How are you, my love? How are things? – asks Aline sitting on her bed.
Malú takes out the tablet and starts writing an answer. Then the girl hands the device to her aunt. Aline drops Malú's tablet on the bed. For a few moments he regrets the way he treated her. He realizes he lost a lot while looking for a lawyer. She fixes her hair and holds Malú's hand, saying:
— I'm so sorry. I didn't know all this had happened to you... I should have managed to go there, but now I'm going to make up for it all, Malú. I promise you.
Malú wipes her tear–covered face and hugs her aunt. I had no idea how much I missed her... and everything she stands for. Just remembering, her crying increases, being caressed by Aline. She hides her face in her aunt's neck.
—I know, my love – Aline consoles her — It's also been difficult for me. We both lost our best friend... – she pushes Malú away and touching the young woman's face — But we need to be strong... We need to live one day at a time... And I know it's hard to let go of the past, but you need malu. You're not this shy girl, scared of everything, sad... You're strong, fearless and you're such a brave girl. Use your strength, the one your mother taught you to have and fight for your voice. Don't make it permanent... And I'll always be by your side to help you not weaken. But the rest is up to you, understand?
Malú slowly shakes her head, stating that she understood her aunt's words. She smiles, squeezing her aunt's hand. It really is time for me to rise...
—Well, do you have any idea what your father wants with me? – Aline asks, getting a no with Malú's head. The beautiful brown haired woman smiles — Did he give up and decide to bring you back to me? Whatever it is, I'll find out now. Stay here and pray that Thiago understands once and for all that this is his home.
***
Aline walks with Malú to the door of the house, being watched by Thiago who doesn't seem to worry. She kisses the young woman's forehead and asks the girl to see her mother's garden while having the conversation her father said he wants to have with her.
— Hard day? – Asks Thiago, pointing to the box, as soon as Aline returns to the room.
— What did Thiago come here to do, get tired of playing with being the father of a sixteen–year–old girl and come to give her back? – asks Aline, ironically. —Did you realize it's not easy to raise a teenager?
—Will you listen to me and have the opportunity to live with Malú again, or do you prefer to live selling your things until you get a job and thus pay a lawyer to dispute Malú's custody? If you choose this second option, know that you will lose. – Warn Thiago
—How do you know I need to get a job? – asks Aline, curious.
—Because all your stuff is inside that box, it was more of a deduction. – Thiago mind holding.
— Get straight to the point – demands Aline, impatiently, crossing her arms — What do you want?
— I want you to come with me to Curitiba – he informs, heading towards her — I want you to help me with Malú.
—Why do you think I would do that? – Aline asks, moving away — Weren't you the one who played the big daddy, hitting my house here, saying terrible things and taking her away without even asking if she wanted that?
— I know I did it… You have no idea how hard it was for me to come here and ask you to go to Curitiba. – Reveals Thiago being sincere.
—You're desperate… I like that. – Aline snaps with a satisfied smile.
— Yes I am. I am because Malú refuses to do the sessions that would make her speak again, there is no speech therapy... And if she continues like this... Her condition could become irreversible. I don't want you to live there forever, I just need you to convince her to have the treatment.
— I think it's unlikely... Malú has a very difficult temper... – alleges Aline.
—She's wasting away, Aline. I see her sad and it's getting worse... I need you – says Thiago,
— What is your condition? – asks Aline, suspiciously.
— Condition? – asks Thiago, confused.
— Yes, you didn't come here just to ask me to take care of Malú, because I will always do that. So it's all too easy.
— My only condition is that you live with us in Curitiba. – Reveals Thiago receiving an irate look from Aline.
—Get out of my house now. – Orders Aline, enraged — I will NEVER live under the same roof as you, forget it.
'Not even for Malú?' – asks Thiago.
—By no one. I take care of Malú, but here in Minas Gerais. – Aline proposes pointing to the floor.
— Never. Malú will never come back here. – Thiago rebuts, annoyed.
— Then find another aunt who can help him – Aline retorts opening the door — Out.
— So you'd rather Malú stay aphonic for the rest of her life than live in the house where she is? Really, people who say they are generous are the most selfish – concludes Thiago, indignantly. He walks towards Aline and stops close to her face, saying — Thank you for clarifying the way you raised Malú. I just hope she understands when I tell her exactly what she said to me.
—You can threaten me all you want, just don't forget to tell her that you were selfish too and said she's never going back to her Hometown. And that he will continue to be the usual absent father and let her languish until there is nothing more to be done. So, say that the remorse of not having done anything will fill your mind, but nothing will help, because it's too late – reacts Aline.
— Malú – calls Thiago, ignoring Aline's words. As soon as his daughter approaches he turns towards the woman — In case you change your mind...
—I won't change…– Aline counters, irritated.
—Anyway, we're staying at your old job. My flight leaves in four hours and I have a ticket reserved for you. So think about it... And reconsider.
—Then you have four hours to change your mind and leave Malú to me. – It provokes Aline. She moves away from Thiago and points out of the house — Have a good time.
—And may the best man win. – Finishes Thiago, walking out the door accompanied by Malú, who looks at his aunt, surprised.
Aline closes it with all her strength and goes towards the sofa, relieving her rage with punches. How does he manage to get me off so easily?
***
Thiago walks calmly through the campus of the federal university, alongside Malú, who doesn't understand why he had taken her back to Belo Horizonte, because apparently staying with her aunt wasn't really an option. He looks at the beautiful lawn in front of one of the units and sits admiring the view. It's a blue sky day with few clouds. He holds Malú's shoulder and squeezes while smiling.
— It was here… Here I met your mother – he reveals, holding back his emotion. —This is where I met the woman of my life.
Malú looks at the lawn, trying to imagine what that first meeting had been like.
—Would you like to hear my story with Anna? – asks Thiago with fear.
Slowly, Malú tilts her head saying she wants to know that story never before told by anyone, not even her mother.
***
Belo Horizonte, October 1997
Thiago walks hurriedly towards his block, he couldn't believe he had forgotten to deliver the report to his teacher. Finally, he arrives at the professor who disregards his report, after all, the deadline has passed. He then sits on one of the cement benches, thinking about how he would tell his father that he was out of criminal law. He looks ahead and on the grass a beautiful young woman with blond hair catches his eye.
She is lying down reading, oblivious to the world around her, so peaceful, she looks like a painting in a painting, so harmonious is her presence with the scenery. But what attracts Thiago to the young woman is the book she is reading: Pride and Prejudice, one of her mother's favorite books. Which leads to believe that it can only be a sign to talk to the young woman, making him approach and stop in front of her.
— Hi… Good morning – greets Thiago, nervous. The young woman takes the book out of her face, staring at the boy with blue eyes as vivid as she's ever seen them before.
— Hi… – he replies with a huge smile, leaving Thiago breathless. — All right?
—Yes... You're reading... You're reading Pride and Prejudice, right? – Asks Silly Thiago, receiving a positive nod from the young woman — I would like you to know that this book is my mother's favorite... So, I believe it is an action of fate, cosmos, I don't know to come here and meet you .
—Is this some joke? – Asks the young woman sitting down and looking around. —Who hired you to pull this prank?
—No… I'm serious. – Thiago explains, nervous — I was going through the worst morning of my life... Until I saw you here... Enjoying this beautiful sunny morning... With your book. You gave me the peace and tranquility I was needing – declares Thiago, with a startled look from Anna in response. —I'm terrible at this… So what's your name?
—Anna and yours?
— Thiago. – Answers Thiago. The two stare in silence for a few seconds, then Anna opens her book again, turning her attention back to it. Thiago scratches his chin and then points to Anna. —Would it be too cheeky if I asked you out now?
— Hmm… It would be, because I have to finish my book – Anna replies pointing to Pride and Prejudice — I have a file to do about it.
—I have fought in vain. I will not resist. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and... love you. – Thiago quotes an excerpt from the book to Anna's astonishment.
'When did you start to love her?' – asks Anna, referring to the main character.
—I can't fix the time or place. This was a long time ago. I was already in the middle and still didn't know I had started. – Declaims Thiago.
—You did your homework... – Ana says, smiling. — Very good.
—Like I told you, this is my mother's favorite book. – Thiago explains, embarrassed, smiling. He bites his lips — If you want, I can help you. What do you think?
— All right. – Anna agrees with a suspicious look — But what is the condition?
—Well, when do you have to deliver the file and when will you know the note? – asks Thiago back.
—Tomorrow. – Anna replies nervously. —And the note won't be until next week.
— Great, if you get a ten, you'll agree to have a beer with me at the bar on the corner – proposes Thiago. — In celebration of the excellent result.
—Right. –Anna says, smiling. She bites her bottom lip and then asks, —What if I don't get an A?
—Well, that option doesn't exist – alleges Thiago.
— Overbearing – accuses Anna — But what if I don't get an A?
—Then, will you agree to have a beer with me at the bar on the corner – suggests Thiago — to vent your frustration. So, do you agree?
—Sit down here, young man. – Anna replies, patting the grass. —And we'll see what he's capable of.
***
A week later...
— One more cold beer for the boss – informs the waiter putting another beer for Thiago who drinks directly from the bottle, as well as the other beer before that one. —Take it easy, boss, or else the girl will find you drunk.
—If she comes at all. – Thiago mutters, taking another sip.
He can't believe Anna gave him a cake after that afternoon. Thiago closes his eyes remembering the moments they had, how much she laughed at his attempts to play Mr. Darcy, he made her dance like that time so that the proud young woman's feelings for her prejudiced lover would surface. After so much spinning, she ended up falling into his arms getting close enough to his face for a kiss to happen, but it didn't happen. She grabbed all her things in a hurry, thanking her nervously for the help and left, not responding to Thiago's screams, who asked if she would come to the bar next week at eight. Perhaps that had been his mistake.
— Thiago – Anna calls after him, who turns around in surprise. In your hands the registration they made together. She turns the sheet over slowly showing the big A she took. — Congratulations!
— Wow! – exclaims Thiago, standing up and taking the sheet in his hands. He hugs Anna — Congratulations.
'Thank you,' thanks Anna, shyly, her face flushed. They slowly back away — But I owe it to you. If you hadn't shown up that afternoon...
— None of that, I just gave you a hand – claims Thiago, awkwardly. He pulls out a chair for Anna— Come, sit down.
— A huge help – Anna argues, smiling and sitting in the chair that Thiago pulled out for her — Thank you.
— I thank you. I'll order you a drink... What do you like? – asks Thiago.
—A beer is fine for me – Anna replies, tapping her fingers on the table while Thiago calls the waiter. As soon as Thiago finishes the request Anna tucks her hair behind her ear and faces the boy — Can I ask you a question?
—Of course, I do. – Thiago replies, smiling.
—Are you sure you're on the right course? – Anna asks, receiving a surprised look from Thiago — Don't get me wrong, it may seem like my impression, but maybe letters are your area... And not Law. It was you who chose this course... Or...?
—My father is Alexandre de Almeida – reveals Thiago, receiving a confused look from Anna, showing that he does not understand the relationship between the answer and her question — My father is a judge there in Curitiba, so...
—I understand you're doing it for your family – completes Anna, taking her bottle and turning the bottle over to Thiago's pleasant surprise — Interesting, Mr. Darcy.
— Mr. Darcy? – asks Thiago, angry — I'm not Mr. Darcy, I make some decisions regarding my life that don't concern them.
— Name one – challenges Anna, staring at Thiago.
— I chose to go to college here than there – reveals Thiago.
—The girl you're dating, is she rich? – asks Anna.
—How do you know I'm dating? – asks Thiago, surprised.
—The ring mark on your right hand revealed that. By the way, he told you that you've been together for many years.
— Yes, she's rich, but… – Thiago begins.
—I'm right. – Anna concludes. —Admit it, Mr. Darcy.
— Our families have known each other for some time, which makes it perfectly normal for us to have a relationship – claims Thiago, nervous while Anna laughs — Are you going to tell me that you weren't influenced by your parents to make lyrics?
— Probably, if they were alive, they would like to have a medical daughter – confesses Anna a little saddened.
—I'm sorry – Thiago sympathizes, touching Anna's hand.
—Okay, it's been a while, so… No problem. – Anna replies. —As long as you don't talk about your perfect childhood in Curitiba.
—My childhood wasn't as perfect as you think – claims Thiago — My parents fought a lot when my brother and I were little. To escape my parents' fury, my brother would take me to his room, do magic and disappear through the wall of his room... Then he would appear and give me a book for me to read... make me forget that my parents were at war. That's how I started to enjoy reading and know so much about books.
—Well, now I'm the one who owes you an apology. – Anna comments awkwardly.
— It is not necessary. Just the fact that you listen to me without making any judgment, is enough for me – Thiago claims smiling — And also accepting an invitation to dinner...
— So – Anna lets out, walking away — Look, it's not for nothing, but I don't go out with committed men... and even less that I've just met.
—But you did it, now – argues Thiago, confused.
—But I didn't know you were in a relationship – Anna claims awkwardly — Look, thank you very much for the invitation, but no.
—My relationship almost doesn't exist anymore.
—But you're still with her. – Shoots Anna — And I don't want to be part of this. Sorry if you got me wrong, but I'm not the kind of girl you're looking for.
—What kind of girl am I looking for?
—One night – Anna replies, getting up — Good night, Thiago. I have many things to do, see you around.
Anna walks out of the bar leaving Thiago with his heart broken.
***
Belo Horizonte, today
— A few weeks later I broke up with Graziela and asked her mother on a date. I don't know what prompted your mother to accept it, but she did. We spent those months getting to know each other. I discovered Anna's dreams, desires, happiness and sadness... And I fell in love with each one of them. Your mother was always a good, honest, sincere and passionate person. She made me discover more about myself than I have in my entire life... Our relationship practically flew by and when she told me she was pregnant... Wow... I would die to hear that again. When I left, I didn't abandon your mother, we just agreed like this... Then they told me that your mother had run away... That she lost the baby... Then my world collapsed nothing made sense... When I finally found out what happened. whereabouts of your mother, I felt alive again. Too bad it was just to say goodbye... Goodbye to the love of my life and all the other lives I have. – Finishes Thiago sitting on the same cement bench that day, next to Malú.
“Why are you telling me all this?” writes Malú, seriously trying not to cry.
—Because you need to know... You need to know that I loved your mother... That I'm not the scoundrel they say. I know I'm a terrible father, that I haven't helped you at all. But I want to ask you to give me a chance to try. This is all very new to me and no doubt to you. So let's come together and try to have a father–daughter relationship. I know it won't be overnight, but I want to make it work.
“You…I don't know why I should do this. Everything you can take from me, you take at the first opportunity” accuses Malú.
—Damn, I don't take it on purpose... It's just that they're adult things, you wouldn't understand. – explains Thiago.
“My mother would at least try to explain it to me”
Thiago takes a deep breath and then begins to tell everything that is happening, including their trip to Belo Horizonte and Aline's refusal, while Malú pays attention. She remembers her mother's request, as much as she is hurt, now she knows the reason. She takes a breath and starts writing, then shows it to Thiago.
"Alright, I'll give you this chance you asked for, Thiago."
— Thank you, Malu. – thanks Thiago, happy — I know it seems hasty, but I hope that one day you will call me father.
“One day…maybe. But not today. Today, you are only Thiago” concludes Malú, standing up.
Thiago still takes some time looking at the grass... Wishing to see that image of Anna one more time...
My affection remains unchanged; but a single word from you is enough to make me shut up forever, my Ana.
***
— Attention passengers of flight 1234, destination Curitiba, your boarding is taking place at gate 12, Attention passengers of flight 1234, destination Curitiba, your boarding is taking place at gate 12...
That's the third time they've been notified of Thiago and Malú's flight, who are sitting watching the airport's movement. He'd spent the last few hours thinking about what Aline had told him. She's right, it's time to create courage and let Malú be happy. It's decided, I'll leave Malú so she can have her life, thinks Thiago, getting up towards the departure gate. He hugs Malú and then pushes her away:
— Malú… I need you to understand that I'm not abandoning you – begins Thiago, taking his wallet out of his suit.
— Thiago, wait!
Thiago turns around and sees Aline running towards him with a blue suitcase. She approaches him panting.
— Why are you here? – asks Thiago, confused being observed by Malú.
—I will go with you… For Malú. Only for Malu. – Answers Aline pulling her niece by the arm towards the boarding gate .