Malú's bed gives the sensation of sleeping on a cloud, at least that's what Aline is feeling until she is touched on the shoulders by her niece. She turns and smiles at the blue–eyed young woman.
— Good morning – greets Aline. She sits up in bed and asks— Time to go to school?
"Yes" writes Malú. She picks up her backpack "I'll wait for the lady downstairs for breakfast."
Aline throws herself back on the bed, closing her eyes, trying to remember when was the last time she was in a place like this. Then he remembers and realizes that he is so bitter that he should remain in oblivion. She gets up and goes to get dressed, leaving the memories of her past behind.
***
The breakfast served would feed at least ten people, and the table had half of that, concludes Aline who goes to the pantry to call Adelaide to eat with them again, when she comes across Vera in the kitchen talking to the maid.
— So you know, if she comes here and asks you to sit at the table, refuse. Or else I'll tell Maria Luisa about your audacity yesterday. I'm sure she's not as generous as she seems.
—Coercing the maid? – asks Aline with irony.
—Just putting it in its proper place – Vera answers, turning around. She approaches — The same place you should be... Bartender.
—Have you been investigating me? – Aline asks, curious.
— Yes… I need to know the people who join our family – Vera answers, getting closer to Aline.
—Funny, you're not part of that family... –Aline claims petulantly.
— But I defend my client's interests – Vera retorts, irritated.
—Which makes it all that much more interesting... Since your client knows I bartended. I used to work as a maid. If you want, I can send you a list of all the jobs I've ever had. The only thing I'll never be is a leech. I pity those people who live more in their brother–in–law's house than in their own.
—Only those who are can recognize the other... – provokes Vera, cynical
—Well, I'm not an expert like you on this subject, so I'll have to believe so – Aline retorts. She looks at Adelaide — If you'd like to sit with us, I'd be grateful.
Aline leaves towards the dining room, finding Thiago, Graziela and Malú with wide eyes, showing that they had heard everything.
—Good morning, everyone. – greets Maria Luisa, appearing behind everyone. She stares at each one, curious — Why are you all standing here?
—Good morning, Maria – Vera answers, appearing — I came here to advise Adelaide about breakfast and Aline came to invite the maid to sit with us.
—Adelaide coming to have breakfast with us? – asks Maria, thoughtfully — For what reason?
—For what reason? – Aline repeats, irritated — Maybe because this breakfast serves almost a battalion!
—But Adelaide will be able to have this breakfast, after we finish – explains Maria — As well as all the other staff in the house, so the meals are superb... Do you have anything against them eating the same food as you?
—No – Aline answers — I just think…
—Darling, save your guesses for when you have your servants. My house, my rules. – Maria interrupts coldly. — Employees must have their meals in the pantry, right after ours. This is a rule for all employees.
— Great, then I'll have my meals in the pantry – reacts Aline staring at Maria.
— Aline, this is absurd, because you are my guest. This rule doesn't apply to you – explains Thiago, trying to lighten the situation — Isn't that right, mom?
—She can have breakfast, wherever she thinks she identifies with the most – replies Maria, challenging Aline with her gaze.
— Then excuse me – asks Aline entering the pantry.
— Back to the rabble – Vera lets out smiling, receiving an angry look from Malú, who didn't like what happened at all — What happened?
— What's right, is right – comments Graziela, holding on to Thiago's arm, who breaks away, indignant.
— That's not right – complains Thiago, upset — Mom, you need to do something.
— The choice came from her, Thiago – Maria claims. She stares at Vera — Not to mention that I've already made too many exceptions to your visits... If you'll excuse me, I need to have my breakfast without all this drama.
***
After the tension at breakfast time, Aline took Malú to school, where she waited until she could take her niece to the psychologist. As soon as they enter the room, they are greeted by Ariadne's smile.
— Hi, I'm Aline, Maria Luísa's aunt – Aline introduces herself, extending her hand — I'd like to know how her evolution is going.
— It's a pleasure to finally meet some of Malú's relatives. Please sit down – asks Ariadne, greeting Aline. She sits down and continues— Malú has not been cooperating during therapy and I fear that this could harm her condition. I understand that for her age this method may seem tedious. Because of this, I would suggest that she join a youth group that works with teaching pounds. A way to help you understand a little about your condition that can be permanent.
— What are the dates of the meetings? – asks Aline, excited by the possibility of including her niece.
— Today there's a meeting, if you want to participate to get a sense of what it's like, I'll take you, the meeting takes place at the end of the corridor. – Answers Ariadne, excited.
— So let's go – Aline answers for both of them.
Malú walks with the two against her will, because she would already be at home reading Madame Bovary from her secret library. Ariadne opens the door allowing the two to enter. The room is much bigger than it looks and had a circle with at least 15 people, including boys and girls who are in the same age group as Malú. Ariadne approaches, leaving Aline and her niece by the door.
She speaks in pounds with the boys who have her back to the door, Malú observes her silhouette, trying to remember who she looks like. Until he turns around giving the certainty that Malú was looking for in his thoughts: Benjamin.
***
Ariadne talks in Libras with Benjamin, who keeps his expression serious, avoiding looking at Aline and Malú, who are watching the boy, curious. Ariadne puts her hands on her hips, observing the signs of Benjamin who says something very nervous. After a while she walks towards the two with a terrible expression.
— I'm sorry, but Benjamin said he won't be able to accept Malú in the group – reveals Ariadne awkwardly.
—Wow... Did he say why? – Asks Aline, surprised
—No. – Ariadne replies nervously. Malú observes the psychologist, knows she is lying. The psychologist smiles — But don't worry, I'll talk to him later.
—Was he the one who created this project? – asks Aline.
— No, but he was the first to participate and now coordinates the project. – Answers Ariadne looking at Benjamin, happy.
—And is there already a politician or someone investing in this project? I found it very interesting – says Aline, excited — Maybe I can even get a candidate for senator.
—Gee, that would be great help. – Ariadne says happily.
Malú watches Benjamim sit down with the people again. She knows the boy's reasons for refusing her. If it were before, Malú would leave without getting any satisfaction. But that was the other Malú, the one she promised she would never be for her aunt again. The young woman takes a deep breath and takes her cell phone out of her backpack, walking towards the boy.
As soon as she arrives at Benjamin's side, she shows him her visor, which reads:
“I know you didn't want to accept me because of what happened at the flower shop! Only you should be more mature and realize I didn't say anything about it. You can refuse me, but I will join this group whether you like it or not, and you will have to swallow me every day until you realize that the world doesn't turn the way you want."
She turns and walks towards Aline who stares at her, surprised. She takes her aunt's hand and practically pulls her out of the room, heading towards the parking lot. Gets in the car, angry with Benjamin. If he thinks he's going to stay like this, but he really isn't...
— Want to talk? – asks Aline, sitting in the driver's seat.
Malú closes her lips and shakes her head negatively. Talking is the last thing she wants right now.
— Alright – accepts Aline, putting on her belt. She starts the car and mutters, —That boy really messed with you.
***
Vera and Thiago are working out the last details for the final stretch of the campaign at the office. He analyzes the not–so–favorable numbers of readers in his chair, while Vera sits across the table analyzing possible cities for the victory caravan. It would be great if Malú participated, but with that little guard dog it's going to be very difficult . We need to win... Think Vera, think. Hmm... Maybe it will work... She drops the tablet on the table and looks at Thiago, who is distracted:
—Don't you think it's strange that the threat letters stopped coming? – Vera asks thoughtfully.
— No… Maybe the person got tired of sending letters, since we completely ignore them – Thiago replies, looking at Vera. He senses that she has something to say — Why this question now?
—You know I don't believe in coincidence... The letters stopped just when you went to Minas... Maybe I'm being hasty. – Vera comments, slowly. —But I think Aline might be involved in this.
— Aline? Where did you get this absurd thing from? –Thiago asks, smiling surprised — What would Aline gain from that? Really, Vera, this time you were too quick.
—The only person who declares mortal hatred for this family is Aline. Besides, she may have thought that you would leave Malú with her after the threats – explains Vera. She adjusts herself in her chair. — Yes, no... I think it would be interesting to investigate her.
— For what? – asks Thiago, confused.
—To know her real intentions. What does she gain by staying with her daughter? She has no kinship with Malú... So what does she want? – Vera asks without waiting for an answer — I think we should investigate her.
—I think you're overreacting just for breakfast. Leave her alone, Vera. – asks Thiago.
—Of course not, I'm mature enough not to be motivated by nitpicking. Just don't say after I didn't warn you when she shows what she came for – Vera warns.
The noise of the car used by Aline makes Thiago ignore the warning. He goes to the window and watches Aline and Malú enter the house very relaxed and even playing with each other. He feels a pang of sadness knowing he doesn't have that contact with his own daughter.
— Vera, call Aline. I need a complete report – orders Thiago.
Vera leaves and finds Aline walking up the stairs with Malú, distracted.
— Aline, Thiago wants to talk to you. He is waiting in the office – warns Vera.
'Tell him I'll be there soon.' – Answers Aline playing with Malú.
—He said now. –Reinforces Vera, seriously.
— And I said in a little while – reinforces Aline going up the stairs, hugging Malú.
Vera returns to the office, her face red with rage. Look at Thiago:
—She had the audacity to say she'll come later! How can she be so petulant?
— Alright – Thiago replies with a smile on his lips. He remembers one person who was exactly like that: Anna.
***
After half an hour, Aline enters the office wearing jean shorts, a white T–shirt and with her hair down. She takes a deep breath, bored, and asks with a bow:
—What do you want, noble lord?
— Good afternoon Aline – Thiago replies, getting up — I would like the report on Malú's day.
—Well, I took her to school and then she went to the psychologist. She will participate in a learning group in Libras – says Aline. Then she remembers the conversation she had with Ariadne — Which, by the way, I find very interesting. They include people who can't afford it and it would be great if you invested, I don't know, approve the project... I think it would be great for your campaign.
—Excuse me, dear, but who said you can suggest anything for the campaign? – Vera asks, irritated. — I don't care what you do with Malú, so don't come up with such a ridiculous idea.
— You are excused. Even because I thought he was going to be a politician who accepts opinions, but apparently he's just another... Manipulated to complete – Aline pins looking at Thiago, annoyed, being completely ignored by the candidate. She takes a deep breath — I'm going. I have more important things to do.
She leaves the office being followed by Vera who holds her arm at the foot of the stairs.
—You know, I find your petulant attitude very interesting. –Vera comments, squeezing Aline's arm — But you know what, this just makes me more excited about the end of the campaign. When we will all leave for Brasília, including Malú and you will return to the gutter where you came from.
—Who said you're going to Brasilia? –Aline asks, letting go of Vera.
— You really don't understand anything about politics... When Thiago is elected, he has to live there and Malú will go with him. Now, where are you going, Aline?