Maria Luísa quietly drinks her coffee, watching the photo of Malú kissing with Benjamin on the front page of the newspaper, under Adelaide's worried gaze. She then turns to the housekeeper and asks:
— Do you have something to tell me?
— They look very beautiful together – Adelaide replies, receiving a serious look from Maria — Ah, both the landlady Maria Luísa and Mrs. Aline are already coming down.
— Thank you – thanks Maria, waving to Adelaide, who leaves. She takes another look at the photo and smiles, agreeing with the housekeeper.
— Wow, that girl's dress was really ugly – comments Aline, smiling with Malú. But the smile disappears when she sees Maria staring at them with a frown. — What's wrong, Malú Vó?
— Malú Ma? What nonsense is this?– Maria asks, seriously while Malú puts her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing at the matriarch's new nickname. She puts the newspaper on the table.
— Oh what is it? She complains when I call Shrew Major and now for affectionately calling her Malú Grandma. Make up your mind, woman. – Answers Aline crossing her arms approaching. Until he pays attention to the cover of the newspaper and then holds it reading the headline — Love is in the air... Oh My God, it's Malú!
Malú practically runs to see what was about her in the newspaper when she comes across her picture kissing Benjamin in front of the gate.
— Her photo is printed in all the newspapers in the state, including this one, Thiago's favorite – comments Maria.
—Are you telling me that...? – asks Aline.
—Knowing my son, he must have seen it and not liked it at all. – Answers Mary.
— And now? – Aline asks, nervous — There's no way to call those girls and ask them to talk to Thiago and we can clarify things.
— Thiago is already on his way, Aline. Now we just have to wait – Maria replies — Aline, could you please let me talk to my granddaughter alone?
— Because? What do you need to talk to her about? – asks Aline, curious.
—It's none of your business. – Maria replied, harshly. Then she takes a deep breath when she notices that Malú didn't like that at all —But there's nothing stopping Malú from telling you... Later.
— Alright, I'll have my coffee in the pantry – says Aline, walking away slowly.
— Sit down, Maria Luisa – orders Maria — We need to talk, young lady.
Malú sits in one of the chairs next to her grandmother. He had never seen his grandmother so serious, especially not with her. The young woman holds the newspaper in her hands as she waits for what her grandmother has to say.
— Maria Luisa, look at me – orders the matriarch making her granddaughter face her — Due to last night's episode, I need to talk to you, it's of paramount importance. I will have the same conversation with you that my mother had with me, that my grandmother had with my mother, and as with all previous generations: what it's like to be an Almeida.
Starting with the fact that an Almeida should never be caught in situations that put her reputation in doubt... and even less with someone who isn't in a serious relationship. In fact, the person you will be involved with must be well selected and from the same circle as yours so that there is no conflict between his principles and those of his family.
First of all, our family is the highest priority for us. This means that we must take care of our conduct so that it does not affect our name and embarrass our family members. Our function is to beautify and make the lives of the men in our family useful and pleasant. We are good listeners, but we have no voice. I mean, we don't have a voice, but we can advise if asked. Otherwise, we just need to fulfill our role as a kind person interested in the affairs of the men in our family. And of course, organized. Our biggest role is to take care of our home and make it a paradise, a refuge for your husband. Understand that your future husband has needs and you should always be ready to meet them... And never confront him, or question him, even if you think you're right. You need to be understanding of his choices. Don't be selfish, an Almeida puts everyone ahead of their own desires. Above all, make sacrifices.
So, as you are the next to represent the women in our family, I want you to promise me: Do not pass these teachings on to the next generation. – Maria with teary eyes, holds the hands of her granddaughter who looks at her in surprise — If you can promise me that, know that you will have an ally in me for everything you want. Don't let our family name be greater than your desire to be Maria Luísa. Can you promise me this?
Malú cries and then shakes her head confirming that she will promise. Maria then walks away, wiping the tears from her face:
— Where have you seen me, Maria Luísa Assunção de Almeida, cry like that – Maria mutters. She smiles at her granddaughter — You'll need to give me a few lessons in Libras before the guy asks you for a date. But in the meantime, why don't you go upstairs and grab your tablet? – asks the matriarch to her granddaughter — I want you to tell me everything about him.
Malú gives her grandmother a kiss on the cheek and goes up to the room being watched by the matriarch who finishes cleaning around her eyes stained by makeup.
— You can leave now, Aline – orders Maria, seriously surprising Malú's aunt, who was hiding listening to everything.
— Wow… I thought… – Aline starts sniffing her nose.
— What? That you alone sacrificed your life for the name of your family? – Maria asks getting up — We are the same, Aline. But unlike you, I learned to face the consequences of my actions. I hope one day you do the same. Now I will go upstairs and talk to my granddaughter which is the consequence of a decision I made many years ago.
Maria walks towards the stairs being accompanied by Aline, when Thiago appears in the middle of the Hall.
—Can someone explain to me what's been going on around here? – asks Thiago, angrily — And how did Malú's face end up in all the newspapers in the state?
—Well, I think we'd better go to the office. We don't need an audience for the show you're trying to offer – suggests Maria.
— Me and you, Aline. Just me and you – determines Thiago seriously.
***
—So what's going on here? – asks Thiago, staring at Aline.
—Thiago, Malú gave Benjamin a kiss – begins Aline, calmly. —A normal thing for her idea.
—And why wasn't that in the reports I asked you to do? – asks Thiago, irritated. — Why did I have to know in the worst possible way that my daughter is kissing a guy on the streets of Curitiba… Without security?
— First, it wasn't on the streets of Curitiba, but in front of the front door. – Answers Aline — Second, the kiss was yesterday... Third, even if it was before... I didn't think it would be something relevant.
—Didn't you think it was relevant to tell me that my daughter had her homecoming dance? That my daughter danced her first waltz with some guy instead of dancing with her father? Didn't you find it relevant to want to know how important this was to me? How much did I want to be a part of each moment? But you just didn't think it was relevant... Because for you, I'm nothing... In fact, less than nothing. Do you know why you didn't find it relevant? Because maybe this was the chance to have a father–daughter moment and you would hate to have to see Malú sharing the affection she has for you, with me. You turned out to be worse than I imagined.
Thiago looks at Aline, seriously. She doesn't breathe, she had never seen Thiago so upset. Deep down, she feels guilty for not having told him, at least until that moment. Malú then goes down and goes to the writing, after hearing his father's altered voice.
—Malu, do you have something to say? – asks Thiago — Or are you going to leave it all to her?
Malú opens her hand and turns it as if turning off a faucet in the air. Then leave only the thumb and little finger open, palm facing inwards, touch your chin with the three middle fingers closed, a few times. And finally, he runs his hand over his chin, sliding as if he had an imaginary beard and closes it by placing the back of his hand over his lips. Thiago looks at her, not understanding anything she said.
— What is it? – asks Thiago, irritated. He looks at Aline — What are you doing with my daughter?
— Nothing, she just learned sign language.– Aline replies smiling at Malú in the face of what the young woman has just said. — She should be happy.
— Happy? She was supposed to talk again... And no... She wasn't supposed to accept this condition... – Thiago retorts nervously.
—That's not accepting the condition. – Aline retorts seriously. —It's just to improve her communication. The psychologist recommended it and Benjamin has done a great job.
—And who is Benjamin? – asks Thiago, staring at Aline.
— Benjamin is... Malú's instructor and... The boy in the photo.
— Great! – Thiago exclaims, throwing the newspaper on the table. He points to Malú and determines — You won't find this boy anymore and you won't leave the house to learn anymore... That's it. Now you will only go out with me. In fact, you will accompany me from today in the campaign. And you, Aline... Your actions will have consequences, have no doubt.
Malú, looks at her father, shocked. How dare he do that to her. He can't forbid her from seeing Benjamin, one of the few good things left. She shakes her head in denial.
— This is an order. Now you can go to your room – orders Thiago pointing to the door. Malú leaves the office, upset, passing by Maria.
Aline stares at Thiago in disbelief in what he said. He's passed all the limits of his patience and if it's war he wants, she's willing to give it. She bangs on the table, annoyed drawing his attention.
—Have you gone crazy? – Asks, angry — Do you have any idea what you just did?
—Yes , I'm protecting my daughter – Thiago replies, brusquely.
—No, you're pushing her away… Today you just lost your daughter –accuses Aline —For good.
— At least she's alive – retorts, Thiago, seriously.
— What you mean? – asks Aline.
—I received one more threat while I was gone. This newspaper was sent to me: Someone wants to kill Malú to get revenge on me, Aline. She may hate me, but at least she's safe and sound. – Reveals Thiago showing the threat in the newspaper.
***
— Threat? What are you talking about, Thiago? –Aline asks crossing her arms.
—Since I started the campaign, I've received threats, which is quite normal in the midst of politics. But after they found out about Malú, the threats got worse and so I put security guards to protect her. Only that last threat was worse. Do you have any idea what it's like for me to know my daughter might not be alive when I get back? And the worst, for the simple fact that no one has warned me that Malú is getting involved with someone? – asks Thiago, irritated — Aline, I asked you to tell me everything, precisely so that I could find a way to help my daughter. I bet you didn't even ask about his life.
— Thiago, I know I made a mistake and I apologize. But you didn't tell me she was being threatened. Why did you hide this from me? – asks Aline. — Why did you hide that Maria Luisa's life is at risk?
—Because it's all under control, or at least it was, if you did exactly what I asked. – Answers Thiago — A simple thing is to let me know about everything.
— And what would you do if I had warned you about their relationship?– asks Aline.
— Cut the evil in the bud, as I did just now.– explains Thiago — It's not safe for Malú to date, or leave the house...
— So you want Malú to become a vegetable, is that it? – asks Aline, annoyed, not believing Thiago's words — Have you gone crazy? She's a teenager, damn it! She needs to have a normal life and not live as a prisoner in this place. She needs to live each day of this wonderful phase, go crazy, smile, love... Put her hand on her conscience, Malú has already been through deprivation and suffering, enough for a lifetime. Let her live.
—And does that mean dating a guy who might be the one trying to kill you? – asks Thiago.
—You don't even know if he could be that person. – Aline argues.
— And you don't even know if he is – retorts Thiago — To avoid it, I want both of them away.
—Since you intend to do this, talk to her. Being a father is not just imposing your will. I feel like I'm more of her father than you are. No doubt I would make a different decision than the one you are making. In fact, I would make all the decisions different from the ones you are making.
— You're saying that because you want Malú for yourself. – Claims Thiago — And that's not going to happen.
—No, I'm saying this because you're a coward! – Aline screams.
— How it is ? – asks Thiago, annoyed. How dare Aline call him that.
— Coward, yes. Thiago, you haven't even bothered to talk to Malú since she arrived here. You've trapped her in this place and you don't even have the luxury of knowing if she's handling it well. You don't talk to her psychologist to see if the treatment is working... The only thing you do is ask me for reports, as if she were a wild animal, or a contagious person. She's your daughter, damn it! Treat her as she deserves... Don't miss the chance to meet Malú, because in a few years she will be an adult and the only thing she will want from you is distance.
— Do you think I like being that guy for Malú? Have you ever put yourself in my place? Until a few months ago, the only thing I was sure of was that my daughter was dead and Anna was living happily ever after with someone. Do you have any idea what it's like to spend sixteen years living a lie?
—Do I, or have you forgotten that I was involved in this too? – Aline counters.
—I lost my family. I lost the woman of my life and I didn't even have a chance to spend time with her... I gained a sixteen year old daughter to take care of without a mother, aphonic and who hates me. So, Aline, I'm sorry if I couldn't become the super dad you wanted me to be... I'm sorry if I spent sixteen years being a single guy, without kids and without even hearing from them.
—But now you can change that… Don't lean on the past to keep her away from you. You can now be Malú's father.– She runs her hands through her hair — You know, today for the first time Malú called you her father and you didn't even notice. He didn't even realize that... Not even how happy his daughter is. – Rebate Aline.
— Did Malú call me father? – asks Thiago, surprised.
— Father – says Aline, running her hand over her chin, sliding as if she has an imaginary beard and closes it by placing the back of her hand over her lips — You would know if you spent more time being Malú's father than the executioner. You have missed so many wonderful things that have happened to her and you don't even realize it. Because he stays there trying to keep her safe. Thiago, wake up, life is fragile and short... She can simply die in her sleep and you will be consumed by the “If's” that you didn't live with your daughter.
—You don't understand… I promised Anna I would protect our daughter. – explains Thiago.
—I also made that same promise. But Thiago, don't forget that Anna created her and Malú pulled a lot from her... Mainly about the benefit of the doubt. Don't forget that she defended you until the last days of her life, even when everything indicated that you were a big crook, asshole who disgraced her life and abandoned her. Although I still think that... Anyway, in that regard, your daughter is good, very good.
—I know, but I feel like I'm always failing her, leaving her exposed to so much evil, risking her life...
— Congratulations, Thiago, you have become a father. Now you need to understand that she is no longer a baby...
—And how do I keep from suffocating her? To protect her? – asks Thiago.
— Trust her. She was well raised by Anna – replies Aline — Children were created for the world... Malú needs to have her own experiences to know her limitations. What we have left is to support and show that we will always be here for her when she needs it. Our Maria Luísa has become a bird and we are the nest to which she can always return. Understood?
— Yes… – Thiago replies, wiping his face. He takes a deep breath — But where did that boy come from?
— Like I said. He is the coordinator of the Libras project. Thiago... If only you would stop being so stubborn... I'm sure you would like Benjamin and consider the project.
— If I did that, would I have a chance with Malú?
— Yes, but you need to allow her to go out, date, live...
— All right. Take me to the project, let's see if this guy can be trusted and if the project is all that you say so much.
—He's so good your mother already showed him to the Ladies Magistrate's Guild.
— My mom? – asks Thiago, surprised. —Even my mother is involved in this?
— Your mother is not a bad person, Thiago – he comments — In fact, she accepted Benjamin very well. I think you took after your father...
— Don't say that – asks Thiago — I will never be like my father... You have no idea what he was like...
— Then show that you're different – suggests Maria entering the office — Don't be an Alexandre in Malú's life. She doesn't deserve to have the life Ícaro had inside this house.
— Did you hear everything? – asks Thiago.
— Yes my son. Don't make me feel ashamed of you – Maria says — Meet the guy, meet the project and make it your flagship in the campaign. I'm sure you won't regret it.
— If you really want to conquer Malú, you need to meet him – warns Aline.
Thiago takes a deep breath and waves:
— If it's for Malú's good, I'll do it .